Stay Sharp
Four Songs
Monkey Wrench (2008)
I remember lurking various bands Myspaces and coming across this Philadelphia band. I remember liking it, I also remember saying something about how Stay Sharp sounded like Lifetime. What's not to love? Well now this four-song EP is rocking in my boombox and now Stay Sharp remind of Holding On's Question What You Live For album. Yes, it's more fast … Read more
Steamachine
City of Death
Records Workshop (2023)
City Of Death is the third album from Polish noise makers Steamachine. Having dabbled in a few metal styles over their career, City Of Death has a heavy carnival influence to it which I have to say I really like. It's interesting just how much more sinister things sound when you pump eerie, jingly circus sounds amongst very dark, heavy, … Read more
Stebmo
Stebmo
Southern Lord (2008)
This is the first solo record from Steve Moore; no this is not the same Steve Moore that is half of the soundscape group Zombi, but rather this is the multi instrumentalist that one can hear and see with Earth since their "comeback" album Hex: Or Printing in the Infernal Method. Stebmo is Steve Moore's first solo album after working … Read more
Steel Nation / Crucified
Split
Double or Nothing (2009)
Two very promising bands take on each other with this split 7": Steel Nation hailing from Pittsburgh while Crucified call the Bay Area home. Both offer menacing metallic hardcore that is not to be passed over. Steel Nation delivers two brand new tracks, their first since parting ways with their vocalist and having the remaining members share the vocals. In … Read more
Steel Trap
Cold.Dead.Broke.
This Blessing, This Curse (2006)
Steel Trap is the latest export from the highly talented Bay Area scene. This five-piece group serves up volatile hardcore that no doubt gets the dance floor moving. The 7" kicks off with your typical intro track of building guitars and a sing-along, this one is "T-S-M!" - not to sure on the meaning of that though, must be an … Read more
Stella Dawes
Contrasts
Independent (2008)
Stella Dawes sent us a promo of Contrasts with a press sheet on which they wrote too much about themselves. In all honestly, it turned me off to their album before I even listened to the twelve songs. They say their influences are "Poison the Well, Underoath" and "'screamo' bands." Thankfully, the music isn't exactly what I anticipated. The vocals … Read more
Stella Research Committee
A Proposed Method for Determining Sanding Fitness
Independent (2021)
Labels like Amphetamine Reptile and Skin Graft Records and the “now wave” and noise rock avalanche they launched has served as an immense source of inspiration for a myriad of bands. Listening to Stella Research Committee’s fifth LP, they do not only seem to be overly familiar with the output of the aforementioned label rosters, but have channelled those influences … Read more
Stencil
The Dead Lie Golden
Independent (2007)
Hailing from Seattle, Stencil comes with their debut album The Dead Lie Golden. They have touted themselves as an orchestral indie band which draws stylistically from established artists such as Elliott Smith, Sufjan Stevens, and Neutral Milk Hotel. Really now, if your band could successfully draw from all those artists, your band would be a musical juggernaut, maybe even revolutionary … Read more
Step Forward
10 Song EP
Painkiller (2007)
I know it may be news to some people out there, but Mental broke edge. However, not all members did as Dance Floor Justin drums for yet another Boston straight edge hardcore band. Fast and (10 songs, no shit?) furious 80's styled hardcore that will bring as many circle pits as it will mosh pits. Every song seems to have … Read more
Stereotyperider
Songs in the Keys of F & U
Suburban Home (2009)
I've had a long-standing career of completely ignoring Stereotyperider even though friends have made valiant attempts to reassure me that I would like this band. I kept hearing whispers of Samiam, Seaweed, and other great rock bands from the 90's. So when I saw a promo for Songs in the Keys of F & U was available for review I … Read more
Steve Adamyk Band
Dial Tone
Dirtnap (2014)
This is Dirtnap Records.Not to pigeonhole anybody, but man does Steve Adamyk Band hit on that pop structure, garage chaos element that defines the label.Dial Tone is the fourth full-length out of Canada’s Steve Adamyk Band and I reviewed Third a while back. This time around, the band continues their well-crafted, energetic and generally positive vibes in the same fashion. … Read more
Steve Adamyk Band
Third
Dirtnap (2013)
Sometimes calling something the “[insert record label]” sound is meant in a derisive way. Before the clichés came home, however, it was also used to complement a label’s stable for having some unique defining qualities. That’s where Steve Adamyk Band fits with their Dirtnap Records home. The general style that SAB plays can be summed up in a few distinct … Read more
Steve Hackett
Genesis Revisited II
Inside Out (2012)
This (entirely too long) review is part of my coverage of the 2013 Progressive Music Awards, on 3 September. I fully admit, before I even listened to this album, I actively disliked it. For one, musical sequels are rarely as good as the original (as I've mentioned before). For another, it's a covers album--and we at Scene Point Blank are … Read more
Steve Kilbey
Painkiller
Second Motion (2009)
The first solo record from The Church frontman in seven years, Kilbey handles all the instruments here except drums. Thankfully it does not sound like a Paul McCartney record. Tim Powles, drummer from The Church covers the sticks and production duties. But there's still a strong guitar presence on this one. "Outbound" features a flowing bassline, while 'Wolfe" seems to … Read more
Steve Reich
WTC 9/11
Nonesuch (2011)
Steve Reich occupies a weird place in modern music. He's one of the most-respected modern classical composers and right on the cusp of the avant-garde, winning prestigious accolades like a Pulitzer and a Grammy. Yet at the same time, he's something of a rock star in the classical world. He writes pieces that successfully connect with a younger generation of … Read more
Steve Von Till
A Grave is a Grim Horse
Neurot (2008)
For those who do not know who Steve Von Till is, Von Till is a guitarist and vocalist in the seminal outfit Neurosis. And while that band is one of the heaviest bands on the planet, Von Till's solo records are dark, folk-esque experiences which are stark portraits into a different side of the man that produces them. His solo … Read more
Steve Von Till
A Life Unto Itself
Neurot Recordings (2015)
I had always found it amazing how both Scott Kelly and Steve Von Till were able to separate the different musical modes that defined. Obviously at the top of the pyramid, for both guys, stands Neurosis, being the focal point of the experimental mindset. But both Kelly and Von Till had other projects throughout the years that would allow them … Read more
Steven Wilson
Grace For Drowning
Kscope (2011)
It's pretty easy to get inside Steven Wilson's head. It's abundantly clear from his works with Porcupine Tree that the man has a fetish for 1970s era progressive rock à la Pink Floyd, Yes and King Crimson. Sure, Porcupine Tree has also picked up influences from modern extreme metal, but nobody can deny that the roots of Steven Wilson's pet … Read more
