NOFX
First Ditch Effort
Fat Wreck Chords (2016)
It’s probably been a decade (maybe two) since anyone reviewed a NOFX record without starting out by talking about “knowing what to expect.” The band has their sound down pat and I’ll spare them the skatepunk adjectives except to say that new LP First Ditch Effort doesn’t change it up. The only shift here, if it is one, is that … Read more
NOFX
Self Entitled
Fat Wreck Chords (2012)
NOFX haven’t mixed it up a whole lot over the years. In twelve albums they’ve remained consistently inconsistent, with a few records that have risen above the rest. Generally, they have a few real standouts on each release, paired with a few stinkers. After skipping Coaster completely, Self Entitled seemed like it was time to check back in to see … Read more
NOFX
Single Album
Fat Wreck Chords (2021)
This record is honestly kind of painful. It’s meant to be, too. It’s about depression, drug abuse, death and all kinds of dark material. And it works on that level, but it’s also painful because the NOFX sound puts Fat Mike’s vocals so front-and-center in everything: It’s like watching somebody standing under a spotlight while hitting rock bottom. The lyrics … Read more
NOFX
They've Actually Gotten Worse Live!
Fat Wreck Chords (2007)
"Ever done something you regret while drunk like...recorded a live album?" the press sheet states. As NOFX open the CD and Fat Mike announces, "Oh, shit, we have to go to work," the tone is set. Within five minutes, the president has been insulted and you're told that, if you believe in God, you're wrong. There are also a number … Read more
Noise By Numbers
Over Leavitt
Jump Start (2011)
Noise By Numbers are a group of Chicago punk veterans, and Over Leavitt gives a nice first impression. The sepia-tinged sunset photo of an industrial district gives a relatable, down to earth feel. On the flipside there’s a photo of the band playing a house show. Sure, they’ve put their sweat equity into the scene, but there’s no sense of … Read more
Noisem
Agony Defined
A389 (2013)
For all of the hype and bluster that was the so called "thrash revival" a few years later few bands can make a viable claim that they remain, let alone stick out (save for Municipal Waste). Even the standard bearers (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer) have clearly lost the energy the once had (Slayer) or lost the plot entirely (Metallica and Megadeth). … Read more
Noises We Make When No One Is Around
the black box contained nothing but our deaths
Independent (2014)
Recorded under the name of the noises we make when no one is around (a name that aside from being wordy, seems quite appropriate), the music of Briton Craig Taylor-Broad reminds me not just slightly of the depressing folk-like music of American project Giles Corey. Though I could point out that Taylor-Broad’s material is rather downbeat however, I’d be more … Read more
None More Black
File Under Black
Fat Wreck Chords (2003)
Somewhere around the turn of the millennium, Fat Wreck Chords decided it wanted to be the best punk label around. File Under Black, None More Black's first full length offering is a perfect example of how Fat has come to be just that. The band is fronted by longtime scenester, Jason Shevchuk, front man of the legendary melodic hardcore band … Read more
None More Black
This is Satire
Fat Wreck Chords (2006)
Have you ever heard a record for the first time and immediately received a feeling of comfort that you would normally get from an album you've been listening to for years? Every so often, you find an album that just "clicks" with you so well that you cannot deny it, and you know you will still be listening to it … Read more
Nonhorse
Haraam, Circle of Flame
Release the Bats (2006)
Someone beats on sheet metal. A phone rings? White noise and feedback. Sounds from a long lost sci-fi B movie I think. Someone recorded the sounds from an alien spaceship's motherboard. A saxophone goes completely fucking berserk. An eerie, unrelenting din pervades everything. This is what I hear as I sit down to review Nonhorse's compact disc. Enter Haraam, Circle … Read more
Nopes
Djörk
Magnetic Eye Records (2021)
Nopes play that brand of melodic noise rock that pummels its listener in the face. It’s aggressive and abrasive, with big riffs, lots of feedback and barked vocals. The aggression sets the tone, but the nuance underneath the noise is what sets it apart from influences like The Jesus Lizard or Am Rep, with a base of Hot Snakes.While noise … Read more
Nordic Nomadic
Worldwide Skyline
Tee Pee (2011)
Nordic Nomadic resides as generally a solo project. This project taken on by the lead singer of Ontario based psych metal band Quest For Fire as a way of creating songs that are more plaintive and slightly more psychedelic than his main project. So it doesn't seem too surprising that Tee Pee records would be the label releasing this record. … Read more
Nordra
Nordra
Sige (2017)
Hailing from Seattle Washington, Monika Khot produces music under the Nordra moniker and is now releasing her self-titled debut album. Coming out from SIGE records, her record encompass a diverse set of elements, which while at first glance might appear inhumane and mechanical, under the surface contain moving moments and a lot of emotion. The album was initially released last … Read more
Nordra
Pylon II
Sige (2018)
Monika Khot has been exploring the realm of experimental music both as one half of the avant noise/prog duo Zen Mother, but also with her solo project Nordra. Just last year, Khot released her self-titled record through SIGE, displaying her adventurous ethic towards electronic music. Now SIGE turns back the clock and presents Nordra's first work in Pylon II, originally … Read more
North
The Great Silence
Cavity (2012)
I have to say, this one particular album took a while to grow on me. But it soon struck me that the new release from Tuscon, Arizona-based and strangely antithetically named post-metallers North was more than just another Isis or Cult of Luna styled sludge metal album. The Great Silence, I had to admit, was strikingly beautiful and deeply satisfying … Read more
North Lincoln
Midwestern Blood
No Idea (2009)
Most bands that are signed to No Idea Records have a sound that's usually expected from them. That, of course, being raw punk rock with gruff vocals and catchy melodies. North Lincoln are another band to add to that long list as they fit into this style almost perfectly. This album has been in the making since 2007 but recording … Read more
North of America
Brothers, Sisters
Level Plane (2003)
There's an alternate universe somewhere out there, one in which Steve Albini moved to Guelph, Ontario, hooked up with members of the Rapture and Hot Cross, and made some intense, danceable, abrasive rock music. Unfortunately, we do not live in that universe, but we may have one up on that equation, as we have North of America, another band that … Read more
Northeast Regional
Brand Managers of the Mid-Atlantic
Tor Johnson Records (2023)
Brand Managers of the Mid-Atlantic is a lot to digest. And not just because of its lengthy title. The album itself has 23 tracks and was recorded over many years (2015-2022). The final six tracks are covers, and it’s more a discography feel than a standalone album, at least to me. The main sound of the record is post-hardcore with … Read more
