The Acacia Strain
Continent
Prosthetic (2008)
Oh, the wasted potential. Sweet, sweet potential, flushed away like nothing. The Acacia Strain has been building a name by pummeling faces with their relentless breakdowns and searing guitar leads, appealing to the scuzzy kids you see at shows who have their hoodies up and can't wait to do a spinkick right into your innocent crotch. Except they found a … Read more
The Academy Is...
Santi
Atlantic (2007)
Something I've always had trouble imagining is five grown men sitting in a room, writing music that directly appeals to fourteen-year-old girls, and being totally happy with themselves. Maybe it's my own musical snobbery, but I can't believe that these bands go to sleep at night, creatively satisfied, and legitimately thinking that the music they write is worth anything. They … Read more
The Ackleys
Forget Forget, Derive Derive
House of Love (2006)
It has to be considered near unforgivable to include the words "They're certainly not the first to write songsââ¬Â¦ and they probably won't be the last - but infectious, rock-solid indie pop will never go out of style" in a press sheet when one's aim is to try and sell a band, not make prospective listeners sigh with disappointment before … Read more
The Advantage
Elf Titled
5 Rue Christine (2006)
Unlike movies, video game sequels eclipse their predecessors. The graphics are better, the gameplay is tightened, and the quantity of visible buttocks is increased. For The Advantage, a band that only plays video game covers, their second full-length has to be better than the first. For all the gamers in the house, warm up your thumbs and say goodbye to … Read more
The Advantage
The Advantage
5 Rue Christine (2004)
From my childhood there are some very specific things that I can recall: the first time I had sex (in preschool I thought it was lying on top of girls and licking them), when I realized there was no Santa Clause (sorry if I ruined that for any of you), and when I received my NES (Nintendo Entertainment System). The … Read more
The Aggrolites
Reggae Hit L.A.
Hellcat (2007)
Since about the year 2000, Tim Armstrong, Lars Frederickson and pretty much that has anything to do with Rancid has pretty much been a horrible venture, looking your way The Viking, Transplants and the last Rancid album. Prior to listening to this album the only conation I had about The Aggrolites was that they were Tim Armstrong's backing band for … Read more
The Alphabetical Order
I am Magically Happening!
Independent (2007)
I get a lot of albums in the mail, a lot. Every one of them comes with one-sheet containing information and descriptions that suggest that they are the albums for me. And while most of them are filled with bombastic and over exaggerated wordage, every once in a while you come across one that lives up to the expectations developed … Read more
The Anomalys
Down The Hole
Slovenly (2024)
If I have to give the elevator pitch, I’ll call The Anomalys garage rock with an ear for surf and psyche rock -- turned up to 11 and blasted through blown out speakers in an old 1980s sedan. It’s high-energy, no-frills rock ‘n’ roll with attitude. While it’s short, loud and fast, there’s also quite a bit of nuance and … Read more
The Anomalys
Glitch
Slovenly (2022)
The first song I listed to from Glitch was the single “Anomalys Rise,” which is an instrumental garage-surf burner. It’s definitely emblematic of the band’s sound and the record overall, yet I’m mildly surprised at the full-length because the vocals play such a role in the overall experience. Not a knock, but it feels like a curious single to release … Read more
The Appleseed Cast
Peregrine
The Militia Group (2006)
Rising from the wreckage of a failed record label and the departure of their drummer, The Appleseed Cast makes their return with Peregrine. This record marks their first with Casket Lottery drummer, Nathan "Nate Jr." Richardson. This band has many expectations to live up to on this record, especially considering the mixed reactions that their last album, Two Conversations, received. … Read more
The Appleseed Cast
Sagarmatha
Vagrant (2009)
It's been almost three years since we were last graced with an album from The Appleseed Cast, 2006's much more straightforward Peregrine. This is the second album lacking original drummer Josh Baruth, being replaced by former The Casket Lottery member Nate Richardson. Anyone who had the privilege of seeing The Appleseed Cast live with Baruth on percussion understands the raw … Read more
The Appleseed Cast
Two Conversations
Tiger Style (2003)
Not looking to rest on their laurels of having three of my favorite CD's ever(LLO 1 & 2, Mare Vitalis), The Appleseed Cast defected to Tiger Style records for their newest effort, Two Conversations. The concept of Two Conversations is one of broken hearts and rekindled love. The first five songs of the record are about a relationship that is … Read more
The Arcade Fire
Funeral
Merge (2004)
Hating to love something is a complicated and frustrating emotion. When it comes to music, I prefer one of the following: to love an album unconditionally and make it a part of my life, despise it with a scorching passion, or just entirely forget about it altogether. Conflicting emotions and any sort of middle ground or grey area regarding an … Read more
The Arcade Fire
Neon Bible
Merge (2007)
On Arcade Fire's likeable, but dark new album, Neon Bible, there are many things that differ from their critically acclaimed debut, Funeral. The Montreal based indie rockers have a lot more money behind them and you can immediately tell by the sound quality of their recordings. That said, the songs still have their haunting lyrics and feel. "Black Mirror" recalls … Read more
The Architects
Vice
Anodyne (2008)
You know that Less Than Jake song, "All My Best Friends Are Metalheads?" Well, just keep that in mind for a minute. On The Architects' third release, Vice, there are catchy, group-sung choruses that spring images of dudes in leather jackets walking in synch down a dark street. This, however, is not an ironic project. The Kansas City group features … Read more
The Armed Forces
Modern Gospel for Modern Men and Women
Goldtooth (2008)
wannabe [won-uh-bee, waw-nuh ] noun. Informal. One who aspires, often vainly, to emulate another's success or attain eminence in some area. The Armed Forces are a Nashville, Tennessee quartet that purports to be cool. They have shaggy dark hair ala The Strokes (or the Ramones if you're keeping it old-school) and consider themselves 'power pop." Believe me when I say, … Read more
The Arrivals
Volatile Molotov
Recess (2010)
When it comes to overlooked bands, Chicago’s Arrivals should be right near the top. The band has never been overly prolific, releasing only four records since the mid ‘90s. Yet here we are, in 2010, and the band has released another solid record in Volatile Molotov.The Genre Monster would call the Arrivals pop-punk. They play accessible, melodic songs with a … Read more
The Assailant
Colera
Rome Plow (2006)
A couple of weeks ago, I received a promo package in the mail from the beloved head of staff at Scene Point Blank. The description for this recently released album on Rome Plow Records mentioned Seattle, Washington's late Botch. Needless to say, I jumped at the opportunity to listen to a free, Botch-influenced album, and review it. The Assailant is … Read more
