Audacity
Butter Knife
Suicide Squeeze (2013)
It didn’t take long for Mellow Cruisers to appeal. Butter Knives, the follow-up from California’s Audacity, though, seems to be more of a grower.A band quick-summed-up as power-pop (though that description lacks), the new record seems to miss that one-two punch, earworm aspect. Instead, the songs are a bit more complex, less predictable, and more varied from starter “Couldn’t Hold a Candle” through … Read more
Coathangers
Larceny & Old Lace
Suicide Squeeze (2011)
For a city its size, I know next to nothing about the Atlanta, GA scene. For some reason I think of Nashville Pussy-styled sleaze rock, Athens indie, and dirty South hiphop—none of which remotely apply to the Coathangers. Instead, the Coathangers take a post-punk, No Wave sound and run with it, adding in more contemporary influences such as Riot Grrl … Read more
Coathangers
Nosebleed Weekend
Suicide Squeeze (2016)
A lot of the bands I listen to have gotten older and slowed their productivity so it’s nice to realize that The Coathangers are already releasing their fifth album even it’s already been a decade for the Atlanta-formed trio. On Nosebleed Weekend the band takes a bit of a curve toward a cleaner, less challenging sound, even if it’s just … Read more
Coathangers
Suck My Shirt
Suicide Squeeze (2014)
This Atlanta trio caught my attention with Larceny & Old Lace a couple of years ago, and Suck My Shirt is a continuation of that sound. It shifts into hypnotic, rhythmic patterns and eschews melodies at times, instead just shouting their fury over the beat while discordant guitars clash away. It’s not noise rock—there’s still a firm focus on structure and tonal pleasantries—instead, it’s … Read more
Coathangers
The Devil You Know
Suicide Squeeze (2019)
Much of what I listen to on the regular is of the three-chord punk variety. While I want the bands in that field to switch up their sound, to develop and grow, the differences are usually pretty subtle in that world. The Coathangers, though, are something else and for some reason I’m always surprised when I put on each new … Read more
Death Valley Girls
Darkness Rains
Suicide Squeeze (2018)
Of all the phrases ever used to describe Ramones, “re-inventing the wheel” was most certainly not one of them. Some took this as disparaging, but what they did was take the design of the wheel and perfected it. There’s nothing wrong with this. We need bands like Ramones, and in this case, Death Valley Girls to provide that firm foundation of … Read more
Hella
Bitches Ain't Shit But Good People
Suicide Squeeze (2003)
Hella is less a band that be thought of in terms of "good" and "bad" as they are a band that you either like, or you don't. Their sound is either captivating and enthralling to you, or you think it's just a load of disjointed, self-indulgant noise by two guys who're showcasing their chops. In reality, the truth is actually … Read more
Minus the Bear
Menos el Oso
Suicide Squeeze (2005)
Let's play a game. It's called 'name a better band than Minus the Bear.' Ready, go! Wrong! Ok, you might be right. But let's see you start a review in a more exciting way. You asshole. This is only the second full-length from Minus the Bear. Or as Michael affectionately calls them, 'Amazing' the Bear, nyuk nyuk nyuk. Although, they … Read more
Minus the Bear
Planet of Ice
Suicide Squeeze (2007)
Despite much argument, Planet of Ice is a good album. It's debated flaw however, is that it doesn't sound like any of the other Minus the Bear releases. As a music lover and reviewer, however, it's something I can respect. Unlike most of the previous albums, the band has spent a lot of time on the vocal sessions, blending them … Read more
Minus the Bear
Planet of Ice
Suicide Squeeze (2007)
Continuing on from 2005's Menos El Oso, Minus the Bear's Planet of Ice breaks away from the band's previous shtick of long song names and extended album titles. As the record name may suggest, this album is slightly colder and less forgiving than previous releases. To drag that analogy just one metaphor further, we can also hear a slightly more … Read more
Minus the Bear
Planet of Ice
Suicide Squeeze (2007)
Here's where I am: I'm standing on a beach, four time zones away from "home." It's March, but here it feels like July. The Pacific Ocean is blue and ethereally tinged equal parts grey and white. It's mid to late afternoon and the sun burns low in the sky, doggedly sinking towards the horizon. The air tastes salty and good. … Read more
Nü Sensae
Sundowning
Suicide Squeeze (2012)
Whether it is rap music, hardcore or pop punk, it seems the ‘90s are forcing their way back into our unsuspecting eardrums thanks to a handful of well-versed history-appreciating up ‘n’ comers. And with that sentiment arrives Sundowning, the second album by Vancouver, BC’s Nü Sensae, a band leading the small charge of current alt-core revivalists. Now a three piece—with … Read more
Past Lives
Strange Symmetry
Suicide Squeeze (2008)
The hiatus and eventual breakup of The Blood Brothers in 2007 left many of their fans heartbroken. But honestly, with as many musical outlets as the members have had over the years - Head Wound City, Neon Blonde, Jaguar Love, etc - I didn't really expect them to last that much longer. After the demise of the group, members Jordan … Read more
Russian Circles
Station
Suicide Squeeze (2008)
Russian Circles' Enter was practically a life-changing album for me. Never had I heard a heavy instrumental band with such a fluid, narrative style before. There was also a dash of technical prowess (but not too much) and the whole thing was wrapped up with a certain flair only Russian Circles could provide. The Upper Ninety/Re-Enter 7" got me even … Read more
sBACH
sBACH
Suicide Squeeze (2008)
Like his Hella counterpart Zach Hill - well, his original counterpart prior to the band's recent additions - Spencer Seim has recently ventured out on his own. Working under the moniker sBACH, Seim offers up his first compilation of solo recordings. As one listens through sBACH it becomes rather apparent that Seim has either played a major role in the … Read more
Six Parts Seven
Casually Smashed to Pieces
Suicide Squeeze (2007)
I'm having real trouble introducing this band. How could I set up a band that's been covered by Isaac Brock and is still humbly putting out albums like they want to? I kind of feel weak for trying. In an almost too basic description, Six Parts Seven are an epically beautiful down-tempo instrumental group. I know you're thinking, "Another instrumental … Read more
These Arms Are Snakes
Tail Swallower & Dove
Suicide Squeeze (2008)
Once again I come into a new full-length from These Arms are Snakes filled with expectations. And while I am filled with hope for repeated greatness, I am also open-minded to any twists and turns that the band may throw at me over the course of these ten songs. Tail Swallower & Dove is only two years removed from Easter, … Read more
