O Pioneers!!!
Neon Creeps
Asian Man (2009)
With their Asian Man debut, Neon Creeps, O Pioneers!!! is trying to make a name for themselves while upping the ante on stupid punctuation in band names. What I hear is a sloppy three-piece punk band with hints at a more minimal and sometimes folk-punk style. I call them a three-piece, but the band is clearly Eric Solomon's baby, as there has been a rotating rhythm section since the band's inception in 2004, with turnover as recently as the recording of this record. My first thoughts on the opener, "Saved by the Bell Was a Super Good Show," was a sloppy, No Idea beard punk. At times, Solomon's voice reminds me of North Lincoln with a bit less vocal melody to it. However, the record quickly slows down and simplifies. After some guitars that remind me of Trail of Dead on "The Architect of Disney World," things shift with "Dead City Sound." The song sounds like The Riot Before, including its name, but it loses a lot of energy on the breakdowns. Where it differs from The Riot Before is that when the band turns toward a minimal sound there is a focus on the bass and drums, whereas the … Read more
Liquid Limbs
Orquid
Sound Study (2008)
I've never understood the concept of two-piece rock bands. Okay, smartasses, I get it; it's two people in a band. … Read more
Matt and Kim
Grand
Fader (2009)
Today's pop music is severely lacking in fun. We have over-hyped pseudo celebrities running around with no pants, actors with … Read more
