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E. Town Concrete

Made for War
Ironbound (2004)

Let me start off by saying that E. Town Concrete is the only band I know of that can mix hip hop and hardcore and not come out looking like idiots. Their last release, Renaissance was a solid release, equal parts rap with equal parts hardcore. Made for War, on the other hand, leans more towards the hardcore genre and … Read more

The Joy Circuit

EP1
Independent (2005)

The Joy Circuit formed out of a unique situation; they were the backing band Ken Andrews hired on for his most recent space/indie/rock outfit Year of the Rabbit. Despite releasing what I considered to be two quality releases, the band fell into shambles. But rather than go their separate ways, drummer Tim Down, bassist Solomon Snyder, and guitarist Jeff Garber … Read more

Bonnie "Prince" Billy & Matt Sweeney

Superwolf
Drag City (2005)

What an album cover! It's the kind that would fit perfectly with the whole music sounding like album cover mantra that makes for a great last resort when you can't really come up with a good description of the music within on your own. With enough embellishing, it can work for almost every album ever created. But alas, Will Oldham … Read more

Repercussion

And the Winner is...
Spook City (2004)

While this album has been out for a little while now, it's somewhat coincidental that I am reviewing it as television is graced with The Contender. Just like the 16 boxing contestants that are competing for a chance at a lump sum to change their life, Repercussion is completing with the ever-increasing number of tough-guy hardcore bands fighting for our … Read more

Comadre

The Youth
Bloodtown (2005)

Whoever said there's only so many different ways to say you like something lied. Actually, I don't remember anybody ever saying that. But here we are, and I get to attempt to convey to you why I think this album is worth your time to listen to because I like it. Not only do I like it, but it has … Read more

Bright Eyes

Digital Ash in a Digital Urn
Saddle Creek (2005)

Digital Ash in a Digital Urn appears to be out of character for Conor Oberst. He incorporates heavy beats and samples that force his signature acoustic guitar into the closet. The initial shock caused me to put the album away for a month, because I thought it was such an immense departure from his previous albums. I pulled it out … Read more

M83

Before the Dawn Heals Us
Mute (2005)

I don't know why I used to assume that following up an amazing album is hard to pull off. Listening to this release, you wouldn't think that at all. M83's second release, Dead Cities, Red Seas and Lost Ghosts gave My Bloody Valentine an electronic makeover, but with enough character of its own to avoid being dismissed as some sort … Read more

Dead Hearts

Dead Hearts
State of Mind (2004)

The melding of hardcore and rock-n-roll seems to be quite the rave as of late. So when you have a sudden influx of bands taking aim at a new look of an established genre, you are going to get the full spectrum. That is to say you'll get everything from fantastic to downright horrible. With their self-titled release, Dead Hearts … Read more

New Idea Society

You Are Awake Or Asleep
Magic Bullet (2005)

Cave In has been on hiatus for a couple months now and Stephen Brodsky has decided to not sit still. Rumor has it he is working on a new solo album, there is a video being worked on for his solo stuff, and he finally got around to putting out a New Idea Society full length, a follow-up to their … Read more

The Mars Volta

Frances the Mute
Universal (2005)

Have you seen the Frances The Mute cover art yet? Cast your eyes to the right, it's on display there. Two guys, both blindfolded, and oblivious to the world around them. Or maybe they just don't care what else is going on. It's all about them, driving their vehicle, with their own rules and their own vision. That painfully obvious … Read more

Red Sparowes

At The Soundless Dawn
Neurot Recordings (2005)

Even though Red Sparowes is a new project, they didn't have much difficulty making a name for themselves. Neurosis visual-effects man Josh Graham and Isis members Bryant Clifford Meyer and Jeff Caxide were members of the band at the time of recording. But if you weren't sold on the band based solely on its members previous projects, perhaps this description … Read more

Comeback Kid

Wake the Dead
Victory (2005)

This has been one of the hardest reviews I have ever written simply because I do not like this album whatsoever, yet I still feel compelled to review it. Instead of writing a wordy explanation let me draw out a Comeback Kid timeline for you. 2003: Turn It Around is released on Christian label Facedown Records. Record is embraced by … Read more

Sugar Eater

American Idle
Eyephat (2005)

Remember when "pop-punk" wasn't a dirty word or condescending insult to a band's integrity? Remember when it meant simple, memorable songs combining infectious hooks with raw energy? Remember when it referred to bands like the Ramones, the Buzzcocks, the Descendents, and Husker Du? Remember when it had nothing to do with MTV, Hot Topic, or the mall? Well, even if … Read more

Fordirelifesake

Dance.Pretend.Forget.Defend
Thorp (2004)

Henry Rollins had this to say about being in a band in his book Do I Come Here Often: Black Coffee Blues Pt. 2: "I see now that it's a lot more than just the music that got them [Janes Addiction] where they are. There's a lot of planning and wise moves made. Timing is a key element... I just … Read more

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