Vicious Dreams
Turn Off My Brain
Brassneck Records, Dirt Cult, GC Records, Swamp Cabbage Records (2024)
Poppy punk from Florida, Vicious Dreams is a dual vocal trio who recently released Turn Off My Brain. This record follows the tried and true garage to rock to punk evolution of 4/4 songs with catchy choruses. What makes the group stand out is the way the two vocalists split duties and songwriting. It’s very clear when the songwriter changes, but not so much that it’s jarring. And sometimes the two styles come together and leave you dreaming of what’s to come. Honestly my least favorite song on the record is the first song, “Too Tough.” But things get moving right after that, with “Deep End,” and keep building. It’s upbeat and peppy, while most of the lyrics hit on topics that are more downer and depressing. It all works, though, because the topics are broad and relatable. To keep using “Deep End” as the example, we all know people who have gone off the deep end, be it on conspiracy theories, at work or in school. “T.O.M.B. (Turn Off My Brain)” (which is about ADHD) might be up there for song of the year. It’s seemingly simple pop that hits in just the right spot. While it’s about life’s … Read more
Stoke Signals
Make Dying Fun
Independent (2024)
Stoke Signals are an emo-punk hybrid. The band bears most of the marks of the midtempo, singalong gruff-vocal punk I … Read more
Assistert Sjølmord
Assistert Sjølmord
Static Shock Records (2024)
They say love is a universal language. But this eponymous EP by Norway’s Assistert Sjølmord is downright angry, so maybe … Read more
Geneviève Beaulieu
Augury
Union Finale Records (2024)
There is no doubt that Menace Ruine is a pioneering force in the extreme music space. The Quebec-based duo of … Read more
