Agent
Awake in Their World
Run for Cover (2009)
Run Cover for Cover's label head Jeff and I like to go back and forth over his bastardization of the phrase "pop-punk" but the kid has a lot of heart and does a good job with his label. However, even though we will go tit for tat over our endless Screeching Weasel vs. Fireworks to everyone else's eye rolling disgust … Read more
Daylight
The Difference Between Good and Bad Dreams
Run for Cover (2012)
Daylight is one of those pop punk bands that run in the same vein as Run for Cover label mates Basement and genre heavyweights Title Fight, characterized by upbeat melodies and catchy riffs while retaining a clean sound. The Difference Between Good and Bad Dreams is the band’s latest release and follows their acoustic EP. The four songs come to … Read more
Fireworks
We are Everywhere
Run for Cover (2006)
Say hello to your new favorite band. Well, that is, of course, if you enjoy a band that blends upbeat punk, infectious pop hooks, and even a dash of melodic hardcore flavoring. Fireworks hail from the unlikely location of Detroit, Michigan and, while they are not everywhere yet, with their new EP, We are Everywhere, in hand, the band is … Read more
Modern Baseball
Sports
Run for Cover (2013)
There are a select few records in my collection that I can always count on to produce an unbridled sense of nostalgia. A classic to turn to when in need of some youthful energy, that little rush of euphoria when singing along with a favorite group-chorus, or that story to remind us of when life was much simpler. Emo and … Read more
Modern Baseball
You're Gonna Miss it All
Run for Cover (2014)
If I were to label the music of Modern Baseball, genre would not be the most adequate descriptor. It fits with some difficulty into the category of pop punk or emo, but even that requires a bit of beating them into a mold. As pretentious as it sounds, a better characterization of the four man band from Philadelphia would probably … Read more
These Days
Death Sentence
Run for Cover (2004)
Before we begin I'd like to officially admit that I have a problem. I have an obsession with the Nor Cal hardcore scene. So if this review seems a little biased, it really isn't my fault. Especially since the Bay Area and surrounding areas have the most promising scene in hardcore. The latest rising star to come out of the … Read more
This is Hell
This is Hell (Demo)
Run for Cover (2004)
Essentially, there are two types of hardcore bands. The first gravitates towards kids who are really into hardcore. The second is enjoyed by casual hardcore fans. Then there are the bands that fit in both categories (Terror, American Nightmare, etc.) Although this is This Is Hell's first release, a demo/EP, all the ingredients are present for This Is Hell to … Read more
This Time Next Year
The Longest Way Home
Run for Cover (2008)
So many thoughts come to mind when I think of this California-based pop-punk group. This Time Next Year is a band that not only captured my ear, but also my heart when their demo recording landed in my mailbox. I was so infatuated with their sound that I literally put my money where my mouth was when I released A … Read more
Tigers Jaw
Two Worlds
Run for Cover (2010)
Tigers Jaw are an indie rock band with heavy emo influences based out of Pennsylvania. Think early Weezer meets The Get Up Kids. Having already released two LPs, an EP, and a split with Balance and Composure, Two Worlds, their newest release on Run For Cover Records, finds them maturing their sound and producing one of the best releases of … Read more
Title Fight
The Last Thing You Forget
Run for Cover (2009)
Pennsylvania natives Title Fight return with a collection of new and old on The Last Thing You Forget. This 7" contains three brand new cuts that build on their melodic hardcore background; a CD version contains a bonus fourth song from the recording session as well as their Kingston 7" and songs from their first release, a split with The … Read more
Transit
Stay Home
Run for Cover (2009)
Just as a clock comes full circle, so does the music world. Every couple of years the music cycle rotates back around from a previous time as it highlights a specific style, sound, or message of influence. Transit is part of the new wave of melodic punk bands that draw heavily from the 90's emo scene. Imagine tidbits pulled from … Read more
Young Statues
Self Titled
Run for Cover (2012)
Young Statues are a newly formed, Philadelphia indie rock band that arose from the coming together of long time friends. Their debut self-titled full-length is full of catchy riffs and appealing melodies and comes together to form a great overall “easy listening” feel. In short, your girlfriend will like this from the get-go and, if you give it a real … Read more
