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Our latest album reviews, featuring the records we've most enjoyed (or not) over the past few weeks.

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Browse our album reviews according to score: Highest (9.5/10 or more) or Lowest (2/10 or less)

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Positive Hardcore
Independent (2008)

This CD is a three song demo of 90's hardcore on the posi tip (obviously). It sounds like a cross between Mouthpiece and Undertow. So you probably already tell I like this. It's a complete throwback to when I got into hardcore and not breaking any new ground but for three tracks you really can't complain. It's heavy with simple riffs that sometimes pick up the pace. Every song has a part where everyone else stops playing besides the bass player. That's the part when you stage dive. If you like 90's hardcore like me, I'd urge to get this. Contact this band on their Myspace and I'm sure you can still snag one of these if you want. Read more

200 Words Or Less

Mi Barrio

Good Job
Panda Empire (2008)

I'm stoked that bands out there are gluttons for punishment and seek me out to do a review of their … Read more

200 Words Or Less

All for Nothing

Solitary
WTF (2008)

More hardcore from across the pond. This time it's The Netherlands. Neat. All for Nothing sound like they want to … Read more

200 Words Or Less

Smoking Popes

Stay Down
Appeal (2008)

Can't say that I was too familiar with this band's music. But after seeing them at a recent intimate club … Read more

200 Words Or Less

Springhouse

From Now to OK
IPR (2008)

This is the third release from these Brooklyn shoe gaze popsters. Twelve songs full of rich textures and somber moods … Read more

200 Words Or Less

Satellite State

Satellite State
Independent (2008)

Four-song EP from this U.K. band that will be sure to make waves across the globe. Imagine yourself driving down … Read more

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One from the archives

Porcupine Tree

Fear of a Blank Planet
Atlantic (2007)

I've been hoodwinked. Hornswaggled, if you will. Lied to for years. About what, you ask? Well, I'll tell you, you nosey sons of bitches. Porcupine Tree. For years I've had people tell me "Dude, (yes, dude is their preferred nomenclature) you need to check out Porcupine Tree. I know you hate prog, but check these guys out". Prog. Pfffft. You stupid, ignorant bastards. You call them prog and expect me to want to "check them out?" Fools. Prog is for arrogant scenesters. Prog is for the twee and lovers thereof. Prog is the musical juxtaposition of the self-indulgent and ostentatious. Prog is stupid and wrong and stupid. Well, I stand before you, humbled. I stand before you, my elitest ignorance exposed for the world to see. I was wrong. Dead … Read more

More album reviews

Lords

Fuck All Y'all Motherfuckers
Black Market Activities (2008)

It's been an interesting road for Lords since their formation by Chris Owens about five years ago. Initially boasting members of underrated The National Acrobat and other notable Louisville groups, from the get-go the band delivered an unrelenting concoction of noisy hardcore that the city's scene is often noted for. Along the way members have come and gone, most recently … Read more

Mischief Brew / Joe Jack Talcum

Photographs from the Shoebox
Fistolo (2008)

Photographs From the Shoebox is a split between two Philadelphia artists that mean a lot to punk music. Mischief Brew are technically a band, but it seems safe to say all elements of their music are merely an extension of guitarist and songwriter Erik Petersen. Petersen also runs Fistolo Records, so this is a self-release in a way. Joe Jack … Read more

Swingin' Utters

Hatest Grits: B-Sides and Bullshit
Fat Wreck Chords (2008)

If the name isn't clear enough for you, the Swingin' Utters' new record, Hatest Grits: B-Sides and Bullshit, does not contain new material. It also does not contain greatest hits, which is a little less clear. Instead, there are (surprise!) b-sides, demos, three Cock Sparrer songs, and other unreleased odds and ends. If you're new to the band, they've been … Read more

Energy

Invasions of the Mind
Bridge Nine (2008)

Massachusetts' Energy is a band that showed great promise with the 2007 EP Punch the Clock. The band's fusion of the classic punk sounds of The Misfits and Ramones with that of more modern punk and hardcore outfits like A.F.I. and Ignite brought them a lot of attention. But with that initial success came high expectations that would be tough … Read more

Immortal Technique

The 3rd World
Viper (2008)

With the likes of T-Pain and Lil Jon being the pop music representatives of hip-hop, it seems that the narcissistic materialist is officially the new standard. Fighting the power is just not all that cool. The average kid today associates rap with the glamor of Lil Wayne and Soulja Boy rather than the fury of Ice-T and NWA. Meanwhile, Ice … Read more

Ladyfinger (ne)

Dusk
Saddle Creek (2009)

I thought rock was a dead scene. The radio repeatedly fed me the term since my early teens, pushing different versions of the same band on the airways. Everything sounded like a watered down rendition of some seventies ideal I never cared about. Nothing I'd ever heard described as rock had any heart, let alone any balls. Ladyfinger (ne) are … Read more

Static Radio (NJ)

An Evening of Bad Decisions...
Black Numbers (2008)

Here's another band that's right up my alley. I know.. I love fellow SPB writer Zach and how he pigeonholes himself with review after review of singer-songwriter types that used be in punk rock type bands - and those bands usually have beards. Nice well groomed beards of awe and lore. I have a beard. One time I was sitting … Read more

The Constellation Branch

The Dream Life, The Real Life, The Empty Glass
Independent (2008)

"To sleep, perchance to dream - ay, there's the rub." Hamlet (III, i, 65-68) Man's relationship to his dreams has been the subject of his art forever. Nothing else seems so beyond our realm of control yet so integrally personal - it is us but outside of us. And so, myriad records have been made in reflection of that ponderous … Read more

The Acacia Strain

Continent
Prosthetic (2008)

Oh, the wasted potential. Sweet, sweet potential, flushed away like nothing. The Acacia Strain has been building a name by pummeling faces with their relentless breakdowns and searing guitar leads, appealing to the scuzzy kids you see at shows who have their hoodies up and can't wait to do a spinkick right into your innocent crotch. Except they found a … Read more

Protestant

The Hate. The Hollow.
Halo of Flies/Rust and Machine (2008)

Sometimes bands lose sight of what they originally set out to accomplish. They get whipped up in their popularity and compromise themselves, and in turn can pander to a wider audience for fear of losing their reputation. Protestant is not likely to be one of those bands. This Milwaukee hardcore crossover outfit promotes their DIY roots, and they have no … Read more

200 Words Or Less

Sakes Alive!!

Act I
Barrett (2008)

Rochester, NY hardcore/punk outfit follow-up their impressive debut EP/demo with a series of 7" releases. Act I is the first in said series and features three brand new tracks. Led by guitarist/vocalist Chris Vandeviver, Sakes Alive!! deliver the goods yet again with these three songs. "I'm Religious" is jamming punk rock anthem filled with driving rhythms and sweet guitar riffings. … Read more

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Bitter End

Bitter End
Malfunction (2008)

Texas hardcore powerhouse Bitter End return with a brand new 7" EP. You get two brand new cuts of punishing New York-flavored hardcore on this limited vinyl release. Following a short intro track "Purgatory" slams you in face like an unexpected punch. You get clobbered with searing riffs and throaty yells. It's a slamming grove that doesn't stop, save for … Read more

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Like Wolves

Like Wolves
Independent (2008)

Like Wolves is the latest product from the upstate regions of New York - Rochester/Buffalo/Syracuse. This record is the band's demo recording pressed on a limited silk-screened 7". What you get from Like Wolves is fast and aggressive hardcore with metal-tinged accents. The music is somewhat gritty and the production is raw; this suits Like Wolves' sound perfectly. And then … Read more

200 Words Or Less

Eyes Averted

Eyes Averted
Independent (2009)

Eyes Averted return with a four-song EP that the band is once again self-releasing, something they're used to after self-releasing their debut album back in 2006. These four songs continue the band's display of technical abilities but with a slightly different approach than what was displayed on their debut. The four songs still boast a technical hardcore sound akin to … Read more

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