Playmaker
Playmaker
Independent (2007)
Throwing their gauntlet down with their multitudes of contemporaries comes Playmaker, a straight up, and authentic, Brit-rock band by way of the greater Toronto Area. While that might seem slightly paradoxical, Chris Barry, the front of the trio, is quick to let you know where his origins lie with his strongly accented vocals seeping infectiously through the speakers from the … Read more
Please Inform the Captain, This Is A Hijack
Please Inform the Captain This Is A Hijack
Empire (2003)
Hardcore is a genre that is known to be stifled in it's own mediocrity. Creativity is frowned upon, in fact, in the hardcore scene it seems as if everything is backwards. Mediocre, stagnant bands are often regarded as the best in the genre, and creative bands that take risks are usually scorned. With that in mind, it's great to see … Read more
Plosivs
Plosivs
Swami (2022)
Plosivs are a new band with a lot of familiar faces. And, consequently, familiar voices too. Comprised of John Reis (Hot Snakes/Rocket From The Crypt/Drive Like Jehu), Rob Crow (Pinback), Atom Willard (Against Me!) and Jordan Clark (Mrs. Magician), it delivers almost exactly what you’d expect. It has Reis’ entrenched rock ‘n’ roll sensibility and surf-tinged, hook-driven, punked-up power-pop with … Read more
Plow United
Marching Band
Jump Start (2013)
After a run from 1992-1998, Plow United reformed in 2011 and they return with new material in the form of Marching Band (Jump Start Records). Plow United hasn’t just re-formed, they’ve written the best 1990s record of the 2010s. Brian McKee’s voice has matured with the years and the songs are tighter and more polished than their early output. Some … Read more
Pohgoh
Du Und Ich
Spartan Records (2022)
Well, it's nice to know that this year so many of my favorite bands put out new records and one of them is Pohgoh. Pohgoh is a band that is known for contributing to a legendary emo compilation called Emo Diary. The comp is an influential artifact for emo scenes, containing many notable bands, such as Jimmy Eat World, Planes … Read more
Poison Idea
Latest Will and Testament
Farewell (2006)
The latest Poison Idea record, from the first impression left by the packaging, seems like a somber album rooted in tragedy. Originally dedicated to a recently deceased fan, Poison Idea was struck the heaviest blow of all - guitarist Pig Champion died of health complications. Latest Will and Testament explains itself - this record arrives as a way to remember … Read more
Poison The Well
Peace In Place
Sharptone (2026)
There’s no way to talk about Peace In Place without acknowledging the shadow it steps out from. Poison the Well isn’t just another reunited band dusting off an old name. They’re literally architects of the genre. The Opposite of December… A Season of Separation didn’t just help define metalcore, it rewired how heaviness and vulnerability could coexist. And honestly, is … Read more
Polar Bear Club
Chasing Hamburg
Bridge Nine (2009)
Polar Bear Club is essentially the musical version of the story, The Little Engine that Could. Here we have a band, that started out merely four years ago, playing shows wherever they could when the mood struck them to do so. With their debut EP, there was great promise; everyone that heard it realized it. But it really didn't click … Read more
Polar Bear Club
Clash Battle Guilt Pride
Bridge Nine (2011)
Clash Battle Guilt Pride is Polar Bear Club’s third release and second on Bridge Nine. The veteran band sets their tone early with “Pawner,” a sparse, sprawling song with big hitting moments where vocalist Jimmy Stadt runs the gamut of emotions. While the tempo lulls are a bit under spoken for the heavy-minded group, the emotive bursts of “I gotta … Read more
Polar Bear Club
Sometimes Things Just Disappear
Red Leader (2008)
Every once in awhile a new band comes down the pike and reaffirms your love for music. A couple years ago it was Crime in Stereo before they decided to become Brand New. This year's candidate is Rochester, NY's Polar Bear Club. It's not that Sometimes Things Just Disappear is an adventure into new musical landscapes as Polar Bear Club … Read more
Police & Thieves
Amor Y Guerra
Youngblood (2008)
It must have been two or three years ago now that I received Police & Thieves demo in the mail. I think it came with record I ordered from Youngblood actually; I can't remember. Anyway, that demo was pretty darn good; I was actually more impressed with it than the members' previous outings - Worn Thin, among others. Well the … Read more
Police & Thieves
Amor Y Guerra (Reissue)
Youngblood (2008)
Michael already reviewed the 7" version of this. The only thing that's different is that the CD version has the demo tacked on for good measure. Anyhow, Police & Thieves is ex-members of Worn Thin and play aggressive melodic hardcore that you can tell that Police & Thieves is from the nation's capitol. If you like Dag Nasty or the … Read more
Pomegranate Tiger
Entities
Independent (2013)
Canadian musicians Pomegranate Tiger are quite hard to pigeonhole. On the surface, they play an intensely confusing variety of proggy instrumetal that takes technicality to epic-length proportions, quite reminiscent of bands like Electro Quarterstaff or Canvas Solaris. But going a bit deeper, they also have a propensity for writing soaring, triumphal melodies that should sound familiar to fans of Scale … Read more
Pontius Pirate
Pterodactyl Island LP
Backwoods Butcher (2015)
Every so often I go through a phase where I’m listening to a lot of pre-Independent Wormhole Saloon era Butthole Surfers. Such was the case when this 17-song slab-o-wax landed in my mailbox via Food Fortunata, the genius behind Ear of Corn fanzine. I promptly ripped this to MP3s so that I could listen to it while riding my bicycle. … Read more
Pop Icons
Prelude
Independent (2020)
The slack jawed audio sample that begins this EP sets a tone like many other humorous pop punk groups, a promising sign. Southern Arizona’s Pop Icons instantly launch into a full throttle punk sound that reminds me of many things I’ve heard before. Catchy lyrics and sharp chords played on distorted guitars sounds very normal and competent. Two vocalists trade … Read more
Poppy Ackroyd
Feathers
Denovali (2014)
Classically trained musician and collaborator of Hidden Orchestra, Poppy Ackroyd, follows the neoclassical path that started off with her debut album, Escapement. In her first full-length Ackroyd was bringing piano and violin on the spotlight and creating tremendous atmospheric music with her melodic ideas. Her collaboration with visual artist Lumen, who created bespoke films for her live performances, led to … Read more
Population Reduction
Each Birth a New Crime
Tankcrimes (2008)
Like weed? What about beer? Okay, here's the clincher: what about loud as shit cynicism rammed into your sloping skull at diarrhea speed? Yeah? Check out Each Birth a New Disaster, the first album by Population Reduction, a two man grind band from San Francisco that drills your eardrums with blast beats, the blackest of thrash riffs, and death metal … Read more
Porcupine Tree
Fear of a Blank Planet
Atlantic (2007)
I've been hoodwinked. Hornswaggled, if you will. Lied to for years. About what, you ask? Well, I'll tell you, you nosey sons of bitches. Porcupine Tree. For years I've had people tell me "Dude, (yes, dude is their preferred nomenclature) you need to check out Porcupine Tree. I know you hate prog, but check these guys out". Prog. Pfffft. You … Read more
