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200 Words Or Less

My Heart to Joy at the Same Tone

Virgin Sails
Triumph of Life (2008)

I'm not too sure about the band's namesake, but you can't always judge a book by its cover. So, I went into the new 7" from My Heart to Joy at the Same Tone, Virgin Sails, blind. This Connecticut four-piece offer up three songs on their newest EP. Their sound is a mash up of punk, indie rock, emo, and … Read more

200 Words Or Less

Brainworms / Tubers

Split
Dead Tank (2008)

Brainworms continue their progression with each release. With numerous recordings under their belts by now, the band has finally come to a point where they're finding their own identity. The band offers up "Jay's Big Date," equal parts punk ethos and indie rock, comparable at times to that of Minus the Bear's work on Menos el Oso. They follow it … Read more

200 Words Or Less

Inert

Inert
Our Pride (2008)

Inert is an ex-members of band from Los Angeles. This 7" is the band's debut offering and boasts six tracks of metallic, groove-laden hardcore. Musically this reminds me of No Warning and Cold World but not as good, and I don't even like either of those bands. If that's what you're into, then you'll probably enjoy what these guys have … Read more

Pygmy Lush

Mount Hope
Lovitt (2008)

The metamorphosis is complete. Where Bitter River combined harsh and acoustic tracks, Mount Hope excludes the 'harsh.' In this way, one can view Pygmy Lush's roots, the seminal Pg. 99 and City of Caterpillar, as the larva, or caterpillar, if you will. Pygmy Lush's first release, Bitter River, then serves as the cocoon transition between musicians' prior work into the … Read more

Ratatat

LP3
XL Recordings (2008)

Even if you haven't heard of Ratatat, you've heard them. They boast an impressive list of their songs featured in endless commercials and movies. Ratatat is everywhere. Beginning in 2004 as simply a guitar and synth, they recorded their entire debut album on a laptop. With their fortunate connections they released Ratatat in the U.S. and the U.K., and quickly … Read more

Skin Like Iron

Skin Like Iron
Independent (2008)

I can't help but wonder what the music world would be like without experimentation. Sure, the first to try something different is often shunned, but their willingness to try something different is what makes them so great. While perhaps not a genre-defining move, the direction that Skin Like Iron have taken with their music is one breath of fresh air … Read more

Trees

Lights Bane
Crucial Blast (2008)

A monolithic drone keeps you on guard. You're waiting for whatever is coming, but you don't know that "what" is. The artwork of Trees' Lights Bane hints at something intense, but there's an ambiguity that accompanies it. The album, the Portland quartet's debut, has only two tracks listed, and each of them are over twelve minutes in length. Lights Bane... … Read more

Off With Their Heads

From the Bottom
No Idea (2008)

Remember when the Dropkick Murphy's were good, when they were still a bunch of drunken rabble-rousers instead of highbrow hooligans cashing in on the idea that if you give any goon a Guinness or Smitwicks, it'll make them Irish? Can't remember that far back? It's been a few years. Want a refresher on what good, rowdy, bar friendly punk rock … Read more

Lizzy Borden

An Appointment With Death
Metal Blade (2008)

Lizzy Borden are only one of very many grizzly old metal bands that have either picked up the sticks again and decided to have one last shot at glory or that have ultimately experienced a revival of sorts and made their sound more in sync with the modern times. This new attention to their music and the other musicians' new … Read more

Elvis Costello

Momofuku
Lost Highway (2008)

It can be kind of intimidating to just jump into the oeuvre of an artist like Elvis Costello. It's like playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey, but the wonderful old donkey has magic powers that let him move from one decade to the next - he's hard to get a handle on. Honestly, record reviews don't always help that … Read more

Racebannon

Acid or Blood
Southern (2008)

My first thought when I look at Racebannon's Myspace profile is that their vocalist, Mike Anderson, has a bit of the curly-haired Ween look to him. That thought is quickly replaced as I scroll down at the four long-hairs, with dark symbols on their foreheads and doused with blood. The lasting impression is that Racebannon are some theatrical dudes who … Read more

The Cool Kids

The Bake Sale
C.A.K.E. (2008)

When hip-hop exploded in the 1980's it was characterized by flashy outfits, breakdancing, and of course, ghetto blasters. The music was primarily comprised of ridiculously big bass, rather simplistic beats, and free-flowing rhymes. Over the years hip-hop has been repeatedly flipped on its end and repackaged for all to enjoy. Many might just see Chicago-based duo The Cool Kids as … Read more

Deerhunter

Microcastle
Kranky (2008)

Dear 1992, Wow. It's really been a long time. I bet you're kind of surprised I'm writing to you at all. We didn't really know each other when you were around. But I was pretty busy. I had that gig taping firecrackers to GI Joes and that other one where I kept buying six soft tacos, no cheese, at taco … Read more

Alkaline Trio

Agony & Irony
Epic (2008)

Dear Matt Skiba, I recently picked up your band's latest release in the cut out bin at my favorite used CD store. After your last official long player, Crimson, which by the way sucked, I have given up all hope that your Alkaline Trio would ever release anything worth my time. Now here we are, Matt, with your first major … Read more

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