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Massacre of the Umbilical Cord / Control

Split
Magic Bullet (2007)

Having never been exposed to Massacre of the Umbilical Cord, I find myself wondering exactly what to expect from half of this split album. Control, on the other hand, I am familiar with what they do and am excited by their contribution to this record. Control is one of a slew of newer bands that are utilizing sounds brought to … Read more

Ultra Dolphins

Mar
Robotic Empire (2006)

Opening up with an old-time accordion intro, you could be forgiven for expecting Ultra Dolphins to play Iron & Wine-esque 'American gothic' folk rock. However, forgiving is probably the last word you could use to describe Richmond's Ultra Dolphins, who play a kind of post-hardcore noise over the thirty minutes Mar lasts. Kicking off properly with "Town Goat," we get … Read more

Balboa / Rosetta

Project Mercury
Level Plane (2007)

Project Mercury is the latest output of material from two of Philadelphia's underground sensations: Balboa and Rosetta. The split features original material from each band as well as a collaborative piece - much like the Harkonen and These Arms are Snakes split put out a couple of years back. Project Mercury is a dynamic adventure in music, much like that … Read more

Calico System

Outside are the Vultures
Eulogy (2007)

Sadly it seems that this review took a little too long to finish and the band that was to be reviewed has called it quits. But Calico System have arguably left an impression and their LP Outside are the Vultures is a must listen for those who like run-of-the-mill music. This review will start with the bands mission statement explaining … Read more

Multiple Authors

Blaqk Audio

CexCells
Interscope (2007)

I wanted to hate this. I really did. Don't mistake me for an elitist music journalist; A.F.I. is the band responsible for this webzine's founding. But A.F.I. or no A.F.I., I was determined not to like this record. Not being a listener of electronic or synth-based music, and being too embarrassed to ask what "EBM" stood for, I was a … Read more

Multiple Authors

Blaqk Audio

CexCells
Interscope (2007)

As a rock band who have become progressively more electronic throughout their career, A.F.I. might have gone some way to introducing their fan base to the influential artists that have inspired CexCells and may have even converted some of them over to the dark(wave) side. If I was feeling optimistic, I'd say that Blaqk Audio the much anticipated side-project of … Read more

Modern Life Is War

Midnight in America
Equal Vision (2007)

Modern Life is War are flirting with a backlash. Plenty of people hated Witness despite the fact that it upped the ante on My Love. My Way. like a gambler splashing the pot, with songs that stood taller, lingered in your head longer, and cut like a Bowie knife (i.e. through human flesh). But still we hear the same old … Read more

Dearly Departed

What Awaits Us
Black Tide (2007)

For a group that went on hiatus almost directly after the release of their debut full-length, Believing in Ghosts, it's unexpected that Dearly Departed would be back so soon with thirteen (twelve not counting "The Masquerade") new songs to gift onto the music landscape. After all, it has barely been three years. Keep in mind that What Awaits Us comes … Read more

Verona Grove

Verona Grove
Pat’s Record Company (2007)

So I got my wisdom teeth out today and have nothing to do but sit around at home on painkillers and eat Top Ramen. So I figured, what better time than now to give this promotional album a real listen? I have the free time and attention needed to really review a CD, and it's a band I know nothing … Read more

Multiple Authors

Minus the Bear

Planet of Ice
Suicide Squeeze (2007)

Despite much argument, Planet of Ice is a good album. It's debated flaw however, is that it doesn't sound like any of the other Minus the Bear releases. As a music lover and reviewer, however, it's something I can respect. Unlike most of the previous albums, the band has spent a lot of time on the vocal sessions, blending them … Read more

Multiple Authors

Minus the Bear

Planet of Ice
Suicide Squeeze (2007)

Continuing on from 2005's Menos El Oso, Minus the Bear's Planet of Ice breaks away from the band's previous shtick of long song names and extended album titles. As the record name may suggest, this album is slightly colder and less forgiving than previous releases. To drag that analogy just one metaphor further, we can also hear a slightly more … Read more

Multiple Authors

Minus the Bear

Planet of Ice
Suicide Squeeze (2007)

Here's where I am: I'm standing on a beach, four time zones away from "home." It's March, but here it feels like July. The Pacific Ocean is blue and ethereally tinged equal parts grey and white. It's mid to late afternoon and the sun burns low in the sky, doggedly sinking towards the horizon. The air tastes salty and good. … Read more

Nekromantix

Life is a Grave and I Dig It!
Hellcat (2007)

Sometimes a joke can go too far. You know what I mean - like that puny kid at school who you gave a horrible name to so that by the end of year everyone was calling him it and then by the end of the next year he was found hanging in the toilets to stop the abuse. The Nekromantix … Read more

Sleepytime Gorilla Museum

In Glorious Times
The End (2007)

If you've never seen Sleepytime Gorilla Museum live, do yourself the favor the next time they come to your town, berg or hamlet. They might not necessarily become your new favorite band, but I guarantee you won't regret having gone. The flip side to being such a great live act is the music can often fail to live up to … Read more

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