Grumpster
Fever Dream
Pure Noise (2022)
Grumpster are a relatively young band from Oakland. They released a debut on Asian Man and jumped to Pure Noise for its follow-up, Fever Dream. While 2019’s Underwhelmed caught attention, they’ve taken the leap on their second LP. The band play DIY punk with a wide range of melodic influences. It’s singalong punk, but the 10 songs on this record all mix it … Read more
Rotting Out
Ronin
Pure Noise (2020)
Back in March, I attended a stop on the American Nightmare "reunion" tour, celebrating twenty years since they self-booked their first show at a church in Maine. While I still remain loyal to my wheelhouse of early- to mid-2000s hardcore, I hadn’t been to a show in nearly a decade. What I found there was somewhat expected yet still disheartening -- the … Read more
Spanish Love Songs
Brave Faces Everyone
Pure Noise (2020)
I’ve known of Spanish Love Songs for a few years and I’ve liked what I heard in passing without diving in. When I saw them at Fest 18 last year and saw the crowd response, it confirmed it was time to pay closer attention. The band is familiar in style, something like The Gaslight Anthem or The Menzingers, with touches of The Hold Steady and … Read more
Spanish Love Songs
No Joy
Pure Noise (2023)
I saw Spanish Love Songs before I ever dove into their catalog. And it was immediately clear they’re the type of band where fans really connect, singing along to every word, not just the choruses. In truth, the band doesn’t really use choruses much, but that’s not really the point here. Their sound is rooted in melodic and emotional midtempo … Read more
Terror
Total Retaliation
Pure Noise (2018)
I first saw Terror live in a garage with about 30 other people on New Year's Eve in 2002. I remember the day because I was blown away by the band's passion, intensity and musicianship, flowing seamlessly from fast verses to chorus breakdowns, peppered with perfectly-timed two-steps and singalongs. I still distinctly remember drummer Nick Jett's blistering snare fills cutting … Read more
The Bar Stool Preachers
Above the Static
Pure Noise (2023)
I first discovered The Bar Stool Preachers back in 2018 when they released their amazing record, Grazie Governo. The comfort and familiarity in the songs and singer TJ McFaull's voice truly released some endorphines in my soul. After some research, I figured it out. That's the son of the singer of Cock Sparrer! There are definitely some elements of Cock Sparrer here, as well … Read more
Troubled Coast
I've Been Thinking About Leaving You
Pure Noise (2012)
I'll say, Troubled Coast are turning into one of the most steadfast bands I've heard. Their music has been on a consistent incline of musical quality since their debut EP in 2010, and 2012's I've Been Thinking About Leaving You in no way disappoints: it's without a doubt their most mature offering to date.I recall mentioning on my review of … Read more
