Review / 200 Words Or Less
Apiary
Lost In Focus

Ironclad/Metal Blade (2006) Kevin Fitzpatrick

Apiary – Lost In Focus cover artwork
Apiary – Lost In Focus — Ironclad/Metal Blade, 2006

Lost in Focus is the debut release from a Southern California five-piece know as Apiary. I listen to a lot of music, and have jaded fucking ears that just don't prick up the way they used to. It takes a good shot of aural Viagra to get my attention. My attention was grabbed not long into "Pain Is The Reason" when I realized that this was probably the best drum sound I've heard in a long, long time - something that's sorely lacking with a lot of today's heavy music. Not to mention, when you have a drummer as good as Adam Elliot behind the kit - this is always a good plan. What came to my mind halfway through "Extract", the third song on the album is that these guys are fucking brutal. In the good sense. In short, Apiary is wicked good. To summarize for the lazy reader: ...think God Forbid meets Dillinger Escape Plan. A great heavy album that makes you want to drive into a wall, steal another car and then do it all over again. Buy this album.

Apiary – Lost In Focus cover artwork
Apiary – Lost In Focus — Ironclad/Metal Blade, 2006

Recently-posted album reviews

Kyle Burnett

Glory Days
Syrup Moose Records (2026)

There’s a form of folk punk that treats every song like a drunken campfire confession with all its ragged shouting and romanticized self-destruction. Then there’s the version that feels mature and more reflective. It’s less interested in glorifying collapse and more concerned with figuring out what comes after it. Kyle Burnett’s Glory Days firmly belongs to the latter category. Best … Read more

Rufio

From The Outside
Double Felix Records, Double Helix Records (2026)

“Rufio?! Like from back in the day Rufio?” Those were the words out of my mouth while claiming my next review. I wore out Perhaps, I Suppose as a teenager and my curiosity piqued. It has been 25 years since that album was released and 16 years since we have heard from Rufio at all. Regardless of these facts, we … Read more

Oddfellows

Oddfellows
Dirtnap, Wild Honey Records (2026)

The self-titled album from Oddfellows was a long time coming. As in, the band formed in 1994. Now in 2026, they return with founding members Chris Pulliam, Mark Ryan, and Mike Throneberry, plus new addition Peter Salisbury to release their debut album just 32 years later. This lineup means you're going to get a Marked Men reference right away, but … Read more