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Matmos

Rat Relocation Program
Locust (2004)

Usually when bands have "concept albums" I'm sort of hesitant on getting into it. I don't really know what the problem is, but most of the time I see them as being somewhat silly, over-ambitious, or pretentious. I guess you can say they're one of my pet-peeves when it comes to music. While not by basic standards a concept album, … Read more

Silent Drive

Love Is Worth It
Equal Vision (2004)

In my circle of friends, I am the only one who doesn't find anything remotely interesting about Bane. So what does that have to do with this review? A lot actually since two members of Silent Drive are in Bane. That really doesn't impress me, what did grab me is that two members were in Drowningman. I have been awaiting … Read more

Die Young

The Message
Immigrant Sun (2004)

Back in the mid 1990's, there was one place to turn to for hardcore, and that was the thriving mecca of New York City. There was a plethora of talented and hard working bands coming from the NYHC scene. Today that work ethic can be rivaled by very few. Die Young are the latest export from Texas, the great state … Read more

Ben Kweller

On My Way
ATO (2005)

Why do we like this guy so much? He is a horrible songwriter, he has a mediocre voice, and the instrumentation on his albums is decent at best. After a few agonizing hours of thinking, while sitting uncomfortably cramped in the seat of plane, I came up with this conclusion: Ben Kweller reminds us of someone we know- he is … Read more

Ratatat

Ratatat
XL Recordings (2004)

The hype machine works in interesting ways. It can make or break a band even if the wind changes direction. Music critics go from band to band and suck every little ounce of creativity and humanity they had left inside of them like the leeches they are, then they move on to the next wave of hyped bands. Bear in … Read more

TV on the Radio

Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
Touch & Go (2004)

Young Liars was one of the most exceptional releases that I have heard in recent years. It caught me completely off guard. Based on the descriptions I was given prior, I anticipated to be extremely bored. Despite the warnings of others, I went forward and purchased the album blindly. I don't regret it for a moment. Now a year later, … Read more

The Von Bondies

Pawn Shoppe Heart
Warner Bros. (2004)

Prior to listening to Pawn Shoppe Heart, my exposure to The Von Bondies had been rather lacking, and the only reason I was even slightly familiar with their name was the same reason anyone else was: Jack White. If you don't know what I'm referring to, it is best it stays that way and let The Von Bondies music speaks … Read more

Vitamin X

Bad Trip
Havoc (2004)

Whoa. Thrash. Yes, it still exists, and very much so in the DIY punk community which seems to have to go further and further underground as loads of shitty boy bands with Mohawks cater to the needs of pre-pubescent boys and girls watching MTV. Strangely enough, it would seem that as the top crust of punk music (Fat Wreck, Epitaph, … Read more

McLusky

Difference Between Me and You is That I'm Not on Fire
Too Pure (2004)

Super producer of such illustrious bands as McLusky, Nirvana, and Bush, (SERIOUSLY STEVE WTF?) Steve Albini recently said that McLusky is the best band working in England right now. Yeah, that may be his characteristic bravado and showmanship, but it also may be pretty close to the truth. On their third full length, The Difference Between Me and You is … Read more

Carina Round

The Disconnection
Interscope (2004)

Carina Round is too late for the Riot Grrrl movement, the only recent explosion of female artists. Although lo-fi indie princess Liz Phair and crazy Courtney Love of the now-defunct Hole were not considered true riot grrrls, they still benefited from the epiphany that females can rock. The movement has been strangled to death now that Liz Phair has gone … Read more

Bright Eyes & Neva Dinova

One Jug of Wine, Two Vessels
Crank (2004)

Pop quiz hotshot: You re in a mediocre rock band from Omaha whose fan base does not exceed the city limits. You have glorious dreams of standing on stage with brilliant lights illuminating your pale face. The idea of having awestruck roadies set up your equipment while you sip on Heineken's backstage makes you quiver. You have the drive, you … Read more

Dissolute

Demo 2004
Independent (2004)

Every city has that one local band that should be signed to a label and off touring Europe because they are that phenomenal. For Cleveland, that band is a three-piece metal outfit named Dissolute. Previously, the band was restricted by the members additional projects, but with those endeavors out of the way, Dissolute can finally evolve into the musical juggernaut … Read more

Still Crossed

Love and Betrayal
Indecision (2004)

Growing up in Cleveland I was more than spoiled when it came to hardcore bands: Integrity, The Spudmonsters, Committed, Ringworm, and countless others. I always found it odd that I rarely heard of hardcore bands from other cities in Ohio. Those that I did hear about were few and far between, not to mention they usually broke up by the … Read more

Psyopus

Ideas of Reference
Black Market Activities (2004)

If legendary musicians were born today, what would they pursue? Would Buddy Rich attempt to create the fastest blast beats, rivaling even those of drum machines? Would Jimi Hendrix attempt to front a metal band and shred like none other? Would Bach sit behind a computer composing epic masterpieces for ravers to "roll" to? Most "musical legends" had no problem … Read more

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