Various Artists
Godspeed... A Tribute to Pierre Kezdy
Independent (2023)
It’s probably been 30 years since I heard my first tribute album and I’m not sure my opinion has changed. There are usually 1-2 really good covers, some mediocrity, and an unfocused tone. They’re often underwhelming, but the exceptions to this rule keep you coming back to the format. Fortunately, Godspeed is one of those exceptions. This record is from … Read more
Various Artists
Talk Show Host/Cluttered - Enemy Us
Independent (2022)
First off, I’m not going to bother comparing this EP of Enemy You covers to the originals. Why? Because that’s not the point. A covers record that’s only about the originals is a novelty record that you play for a lark. I’m interested in records that hold up on their own merit. Lucky for us, Cluttered and Talk Show Host … Read more
Vestiges
The Descent Of Man
Independent (2011)
The D.I.Y. ethic has long been a tremendous ideal that has always appealed to my often times ridiculous sensibilities, but what can I say besides that there is just something to a band putting their blood sweat and tears into a project from the first inkling of inspiration to breaking open that box of records from the record plant; the … Read more
Vietnam Werewolf
Ohio's City
Independent (2008)
Ever listen to a band and just know if you lived in the same city as them that you would be good friends with them? Vietnam Werewolf comes off to me as one of those types of bands. They are comprised of four nerdy, scruffy looking Nerf-Herder type guys that like their beer and probably wouldn't annoy the living shit … Read more
Vultress
Distance
Independent (2013)
Don't be fooled by the naïvely inconspicuous visage; Vultress are the real deal, and their debut release Distance has emerged out of nowhere to become one of the most surprisingly proficient progressive albums this year.Actually, what's most remarkable about Distance is just how unremarkable it is. For an album that leaves an unforgettably positive impression, it's surprising to realize that … Read more
Wait in Vain
Demo
Independent (2005)
Wait in Vain was a band that featured ex-members of Trial and Champion who released a four-song demo back in 2005. A substantial buzz grew over this band and the band planned to release a full-length in 2006 with State of Mind Recordings. Sadly Wait in Vain ran into a problem that plagues many bands; they couldn't secure a drummer. … Read more
Wall Of Water
Promo 2015
Independent (2015)
The deliciously gloomy album art on Wall of Water's two-track Promo 2015 features what seems to be a long-abandoned roller coaster rotting away in the elements, an image that seems to jive with the downbeat but arresting style of music played by band members Cullen Toner (multi-instrumentalist and vocalist) and Shawn Eldridge (drummer). Keyboard adds to the occasionally almost theatrical … Read more
We're Doomed
Like A Machine
Independent (2011)
Despite what they may want you to think, We're Doomed don't sound like the end of the world. They sound more like Muse took some Adderall and borrowed whatever illegal-drug-based songwriting method I highly suspect that Battles uses. If their debut EP Like a Machine is the apocalypse, it's certainly the most enjoyable one since we on Earth failed to … Read more
We're Doomed
Like A Machine
Independent (2011)
Despite what they may want you to think, We're Doomed don't sound like the end of the world. They sound more like Muse took some Adderall and borrowed whatever illegal-drug-based songwriting method I highly suspect that Battles uses. If their debut EP Like a Machine is the apocalypse, it's certainly the most enjoyable one since we on Earth failed to … Read more
What's Fluffy
Happy B-Day Mike
Independent (2013)
On Happy B-Day Mike, the latest self-release from math rockin’ boys What’s Fluffy, the Bloomfield, NJ quartet fires out six sonic anecdotes of hypnotic guitar lines, swaying time signatures, sparkling saxophonic blows, and never-ending feelings.The EP, running at just over 18 minutes, opens up with “I Really Hate Cats”. The track isn’t something PETA should be worried about: it’s meant … Read more
Where the Land Meets the Sea
Listen for the Gulls
Independent (2009)
It surely takes balls to release your own record nowadays (not that it didn't back in the day), but some bands do believe in what they are doing enough to take such a plunge. Where the Land Meets the Sea offer Listen for the Gulls as proof that some bands, be it punk or not, still breath some life into … Read more
Wolverines / The Sibling Project
Split
Independent (2006)
Wolverines, you ponder. Wolverines remind you of X-Men - of retractable claws - of deep, absonant snarls. "But what about siblings?" you ask yourself. Siblings bring to mind petty arguments, worthless rivalries, and sharing menial house chores. You rack your mind for any comprehensible link between a carnivorous mammal of the North and your sister. "Ay, there's the connection!" you … Read more
Wolves & Thieves
Demo
Independent (2008)
Wolves & Thieves play melodic rock n' roll-inspired hardcore seeping with East Bay flavor. In the same way The Suicide File and Hour of the Wolf play music definitively rooted in hardcore punk, albeit with a heavy rock n' roll influence, Wolves & Thieves unquestionably sound like a hardcore punk band. They simply refuse to be fettered with the frustrating … Read more
World Narcosis
Self Titled
Independent (2011)
World Narcosis is a relatively new band as this is their debut EP. The band's style relies on a slightly crusty version of grind hearkening back to early Brutal Truth with all the rage and politics intact. That is not to say they are solely raging against the machine as it were but the anger is most certainly palpable and … Read more
Wunami
Pointless
Independent (2009)
Wunami is a fairly young group from southern California. While I mostly associate this region with it's volatile hardcore history, Wunami is about the furthest thing from it that a band could be. Pointless is the band's demo recording featuring three songs. The four-piece offers up melancholic post-rock over the course of a half-hour, beginning with "Pointless." The song starts … Read more
Xingfoo&Roy
Green Around The Gills
Independent (2022)
It's always nice to know one of your friends and favorite bands is doing good stuff and this example goes to a Singaporean band called Xingfoo&Roy. I met them initially 6 years ago. Me and some friends in our tiny town arranged a gig for the band. They're super nice and I think I've been in love since they put … Read more
You Lose!
All In
Independent (2008)
I guarantee of two things after you listen to All In from You Lose! First off, you'll never guess this band is from France. Secondly, you'll be amped up and ready to take on anything. This five-piece delivers six songs in just less than nine minutes of crunchy and thundering hardcore with a metal edge. The songs remind me of … Read more
Znous
Znousland 3 EP
Independent (2021)
It took Znous exactly one year to release a new EP. You will not hear me complaining about this. Avid readers of this site will remember I was very fond of Znousland 2, which I discovered half a year after its release. I described the sound of this Tunisian band as a mix of modern metal bands (Sepultura and Ministry … Read more
