Neon Shudder
Ghost Process
Independent (2015)
Covering much of the same ground as a group like Perturbator, Philadelphia’s neon shudder makes dark electronic music inspired by the world of cyberpunk – a genre of sci-fi that’s often described as “future noir” and includes works like Blade Runner and Shadowrun. Though I didn’t say as much in my review of it, Áine O'Dwyer’s Music for Church Cleaners … Read more
Nero di Marte
Self Titled
Prosthetic (2013)
I'm eternally grateful to a close friend of mine for telling me to check out a little Italian quartet called Nero di Marte. If he hadn't persuaded me that not listening to this album was akin to metal blasphemy, I would never have given them a second thought. So when I purchased this album completely on faith in my friend, … Read more
Neshamah
Communicating in Heartbeats
Witchdoctor (2005)
If you ask me, there's no musical genre more ripe to be picked from the tree of potential and placed into the basket of commercial acceptance than South African Christian Hardcore (SACH). Yes, a bold and untapped market is just waiting for us to shell out our Krugerrands and spread the joys of Jesus. What's that you say? You're not … Read more
Nestter Donuts
Flamenco Trash
Voodoo Rhythm (2022)
It is believed that the first insulin-pumping bloated, exploding vein party pop a balloon tragedy was when The Dutch brought over their oil cakes in the 1700s to North American soil. Thus creating a nation of obese, scooter riding, Walmart-loving, toothless flag-waving donut lovers. Sickly sugary death coma slithering in the puddles of pop-rock misfortune. If it is good enough … Read more
Neurosis
Fires Within Fires
Neurot Recordings (2016)
The experimental and extreme music scenes today would be completely different, probably for the worse, if it was not for the influence that Neurosis have had on numerous bands through the late '90s and early '00s. Starting off as a hardcore punk band in the late '80s, Neurosis went through a perpetual evolution, acquiring additional elements, revealing a plethora of … Read more
Neurosis
Given to the Rising
Neurot Recordings (2007)
This is a Neurosis record through and through. Given to the Rising ultimately destroys any notion that this long running, innovative band are getting soft. Recorded in a very brief six days with long time recording collaborator Steve Albini, this album is an experiment of sorts for the band. Neurosis continues to take steps forward in the evolution of their … Read more
Neurosis
The Eye of Every Storm
Neurot Recordings (2004)
Over the years, and it has been years for them, Neurosis have slowly developed from the melodic death metal juggernaut that graced us with the masterpiece Through Silver in Blood into a post-rock metal hybrid. Despite twenty years of being a band under their belt, Neurosis continues to remain a relevant force in today's music world. The Eye of Every … Read more
Neutral Snap
I Hardly Know Her
Independent (2025)
Let’s get formally introduced to the underground and independent band Neutral Snap. They are an upcoming pop punk/emo band from New Orleans that have been around since 2018. Or maybe you’ve heard of them from their viral, first show where Shaquille O’Neal jumped on stage to sing with them. Either way, they have just offered up their latest EP, I … Read more
Never Enough
Dead Set on Destruction
Organized Crime (2005)
I first heard about this band in the summer of 2003. I was buying a 7" from a band on tour when their merch guy told me about his band, Never Enough. He said they were a cross between Negative Approach and American Nightmare. He gave me a demo CD-R. Never Enough was just the sort of thing I wanted … Read more
Never Looking Back
Fragile Hearts
Detonate (2007)
Here we go again. Once again we have yet another young hardcore band, this time hailing from Tacoma, WA, playing overly sincere emotional overcharged hardcore. If you have heard Modern Life is War, Comeback Kid, or maybe Shai Hulud you get the gist of what Never Looking Back is trying to accomplish. If you can sense my boredom right now, … Read more
Nevermen
Nevermen
Ipecac (2016)
The list of people that Mike Patton has collaborated with over the years is as long as it is diverse. Not so diverse however, that any of the co-conspirators were a surprise, be they Dan the Automator, Melt Banana, Rahzel or untold others.So when the Nevermen album was announced, featuring Patton, Anticon founder Adam ‘Deosone’ Drucker and Tunde Adebimpe from … Read more
New Bruises
Chock Full of Misery
Kiss of Death (2012)
Chock Full of Misery as a title sets a bleak tone for a group best labeled as pop-punk. Yet, New Bruises don’t let the downer subject matter override their energetic and singalong anthems. In song titles past and present, the group has namedropped both Kurt Vonnegut and Johnny Cash—and both are apt examples for New Bruises common tone of frustration, … Read more
New Bruises
Transmit! Transmit!
Kiss of Death (2005)
I don't think there's anyone on Scene Point Blank's staff that remembers Mid Carson July besides me and maybe Bob, but I'm grasping at straws there. Mid Carson July was mid-tempo emo band from Pennsylvania that went on to be a mid-tempo melodic punk band from Florida. I owned a couple of CD's from Mid Carson July but never thought … Read more
New Dialogue
Teach Me How to Feel EP
RED Music (2019)
New Dialogue's Facebook bio states that the Los Angeles-based quintet "speaks for the moment", and with their band name they "assume an important responsibility" -- bold claims from a band who only recently released their debut EP, but it shows that there is no shortage of confidence or ambition among the band members. Ela Kitapci and Taylor Morrow share vocals … Read more
New Electric
New Electric
The Perpetual Motion Machine (2005)
In 2005 we saw the amount of instrumental bands coming out rise significantly. Most of these bands either sounded too soft and sparkly (resembling Explosions in the Sky too much) or too over the top and heavy (sharing too much in common with the likes of Isis and Pelican). The Brooklyn quartet, New Electric has found a medium between the … Read more
New Found Glory
Coming Home
Geffen (2006)
CAUTION: This review was written by someone who DID NOT agree with the Scene Point Blank reviews of New Found Glory's previous album Catalyst. I am all about New Found Glory's discography, start to finish. With that being said, here is the review. You have been warned! When I was younger and up until I listened to this album, I … Read more
New Found Glory
From the Screen to Your Stereo Pt. 2
Drive-Thru (2007)
Last year I interviewed New Found Glory drummer Cyrus Bolooki about the possibility of another cover album in similar fashion to the band's From the Screen to Your Stereo. He stated that it was a possibility... Well here we are a year removed from said interview and sitting before me is From the Screen to Your Stereo Pt. 2 And … Read more
New Found Glory
Not Without a Fight
Epitaph (2009)
Over their twelve years together as a band New Found Glory has pretty much encountered it all. They started at the beginning on a fledgling indie label just playing shows wherever they could and enjoying the fact that they got to play music. Then came the glory and the fame, the major label deal and the huge touring opportunities. This … Read more
