It seems like Worriers nailed down their sound on day one, when they rose from the ashes of The Measure S.A.. The Lauren Denitzio-fronted group plays a melodic and quirky style of indie-poppish-punk. On Survival Pop, that sound takes a stronger pop turn, with ear-pleasing hooks paired to politically-charged and empowering lyricism. In many ways, this record is a call of solidarity for those trying to find their voice, something akin to Transgender Dysphoria Blues .Worriers has their own clear identity throughout, from sing-along “The Possibility” to standout “Future Me,” always looking forward and sharing positive vibes amid personal turmoil. Survival Pop rings with shades of Against Me! more than once on this album, though, as mentioned earlier. “Not Your Type” reminds me of “Paralytic States,” (off Transgender Dysphoria Blues) and the emphatic beat and enunciation in “WTF Is Sleep,” is reminiscent of Laura Jane Grace’s songwriting as well. A major difference between the bands is in aggression, though. Where Against Me! aims at confrontation and forceful beats, Worriers takes a melodic, figurative deep breath, contemplating the troubles of the world with an inward look.But throwing comparisons into the wind really doesn’t describe the Worriers melodic touch. Denitzio’s presence has … Read more
Black Metal as a musical genre is not known for it's subtlety. The pendulum will usually swing between low-fi heavily … Read more
Beady Eye was not a bad band. Au contraire. If you harbour a weak spot for Oasis, aim at an … Read more
Choose a year to view reviews of albums released in that year.
750 reviews
42 reviews
25 reviews
300 reviews
4938 reviews
19 reviews
It’s getting tough to find new things to say about Night Birds. They’re as great as ever with third LP Mutiny at Muscle Beach, it’s just that the sound hasn’t changed all that dramatically from day one. Album #3 is supposed to be when they go all avant on us.Their career has filled out nicely, with textural differences and a bunch of nuance from start to now, but the core remains the same: ‘80s SoCal hardcore fused with a horror-movie theme. It’s paranoid, highly anxious energy that keeps pummeling over a subtle fear of the unknown—in this case, that unknown is slowing down. Mutiny is twelve songs and 25-minutes long. That’s not to say it never lets up, rather that whenever the songs turn toward a melodic wind-down there’s an … Read more
Trust No One, The Mons’ second album isn’t subtle. But what do you expect of a band using that name? This is aggressive, 1980s-inspired hardcore with a penchant for fast songs and straight shooting ‘tude. The opening ripper “This Is Why” is a declaration statement with a minute-long intro before it rages for a whopping 17 seconds. To pull a … Read more
One thing becomes abundantly clear about 28 seconds into "T-Shirt", the first track off Foo Fighters' ninth studio album Concrete and Gold - this will not be your typical Foo Fighters album.What's different about it? Well for starters, the way it was made. After recording 2011's Wasting Light in Grohl's house and garage, then writing and recording Sonic Highways in … Read more
French extreme/post metal outfit Celeste have been on a path of destruction since their inception back in 2005. Their introduction to the scene was made by the release of their debut EP, Pessimiste(s), a work that showcased their unique blend of sounds. Ranging from black metal and sludge, to post-hardcore, the music of Celeste kept coming with conviction and purpose … Read more
Grave Pleasures is the evolution and continuation of Beastmilk. Back in 2013, the project led by Mat “Kvohst” McNerney, released Climax, a record combining the post-punk nostalgia, the darkwave influence along with a pop-induced sensitivity. The record was filled with hits, stunning hooks and explosive tracks. Unfortunately Beastmilk could not continue in the same form, so lo and behold Grave … Read more
The Grave Pleasures story is one that began many moons ago in 2010; beginning life as Beastmilk and led by black metal legend Mat McNerney the band were soon on the radar of the black metal scene despite their sound sitting firmly in the post punk aspect of the musical world. Annihilation has no bounds and the outsider genre welcomed … Read more
I love music that expands as it moves as if it is pushing glaciers, building worlds, or splitting atoms. Music that is not meant for Sunday drives, lullabies, or backyard barbeques. Music that is meant to be listened too fully, as a whole, not in 2 minute pop biscuits, albeit I love that type of music as well. However, that … Read more
Punishers is the third LP from The Slow Death, fronted by ex-Pretty Boy Thorson & the Falling Angels mouthpiece Jesse Swan Thorson and backed by a rotating cast that includes Falling Angel Dave Strait, Dillinger Four’s Paddy Costello, The Ergs! Mike Yannich, and a slew of others depending on availability any given night. It’s also a natural extension of Pretty … Read more
So long, 1979. D.F.A. are back without the tag and without the chronological baggage that came along with their previous album, 2014's The Physical World. A ten year gap between that and their debut album was a hard thing to overcome, expectations wise. And Physical, while a very welcome return just felt slightly underwhelming, despite burners like "Right On, Frankenstein!" … Read more
Jarboe has been known for her numerous and diverse collaborations. The former Swans member has gone to perform with an impressive array of musicians, ranging from post-metal legends Neurosis, industrial mastermind Justin Broadrick, to experimental cellist Helen Money, and has also appeared as a guest in the works of Puscifer, Lustmord, A Perfect Circle and Oxbow among many more. For … Read more
Before dwelling into the extreme metal scene, Amalie Bruun was known from a few indie releases, which merged an alternative pop style with elements of traditional folk music. A self-defined black metal girl at heart, Bruun started moving away from her mellow side, and begun transforming into Myrkur, her black metal alter ego. Her project caused a turmoil in the … Read more
Crutches strike again by doing what they do best. Playing d-takt, mangel or crust or whatever you want to call it. 2015 saw the release of FörlOrAD getting praised for its rawness whilst not forgetting to write actual songs. After that Eddie joined the band on guitar, but this didn’t really change the sound. Never change a winning team they … Read more
More killer punk from everybody’s favorite French Oi! perfectionists. Baptême Du Feu (which translates to Baptism by Fire) is the third Rixe 7” now and they show no signs of fatigue. They’re as urgent and powerful as ever – a gruff and spirited sound that pushes adrenaline into overdrive. “Paris-Est” is a standout track. It starts off with a killer … Read more
Neil Young is cool as shit... there I got that out of the way. He has been an inspiration to numerous bands over his 50+ year career working with Buffalo Springfield, CSNY, and his solo work. Young has played with musicians as diverse as Rick James in their first band together in the 60s dubbed The Mynah Birds, to Pearl … Read more
Nicole Hummel aka Zola Jesus, is one of the most enticing singer/songwriters of the current scene. By incorporating elements of electronica and industrial alongside a darkwave tone and with classical leanings, she has released a series of great records highlighting her intricate sound. From the extreme days of her debut, The Spoils, in 2009, Zola Jesus has been projecting an … Read more
Looking for the SPB logo? You can download it in a range of styles and colours here:
Click anywhere outside this dialog to close it, or press escape.