Review / 200 Words Or Less
Scream Poet, Scream
Illegitimate Descendent of a Pope

Independent (2006) — Tohm

Scream Poet, Scream – Illegitimate Descendent of a Pope cover artwork
Scream Poet, Scream – Illegitimate Descendent of a Pope — Independent, 2006

Out of Chicago, Illinois, Scream Poet, Scream play energetic punk. Some songs, like "Trainwwreck," are harsh and dissonant while others - see "I Have Decided to Starve" - have pop sensibilities. They remind me of an opening band... not a specific band, just one of those groups you find yourself paying some attention to as you wait for the other bands to perform. This music is mildly entertaining, but it's nothing sensational. I'd call it a weird combination of old My Chemical Romance with a hint of Bear Vs. Shark.

3.8 / 10 — Tohm • December 31, 2007

Scream Poet, Scream – Illegitimate Descendent of a Pope cover artwork
Scream Poet, Scream – Illegitimate Descendent of a Pope — Independent, 2006

Recently-posted album reviews

Roky Erickson And The Aliens

The Evil One (deluxe edition)
Fire Records (2026)

I feel very fortunate to have seen Roky Erickson perform live at SXSW backed by Okkervil River in 2010 or 2011. Erickson passed away in 2019 at the age of 71. For those of you who aren’t already disciples, Roky Erickson was the lead vocalist of legendary Texas psych rockers 13th Floor Elevators. Recorded after the breakup of the Elevators … Read more

Mike D

Thank You
Capitol (2026)

Beastie Boys were a huge part of my transition from teenager into adulthood. An album for every stage of their growth musically matched the many chapters of my own personal development. Ad-Rock, MCA, and Mike D were like cherished friends for my earholes. The world mourned together when we lost Adam Yauch to cancer in 2012 and were heartbroken knowing … Read more

Softjaw

Love Can't Kill You
Bachelor Records, Dandy Boy Records (2026)

I already wrote about these dudes in my mid-year top 5 since Oakland’s Dandy Boy Records released a compilation of their early digital singles back in April, and here they are following it up with a 12-song album of all new material! This second release proves Long Beach’s Softjaw have a masters in powerpop from the school of rock. I’m … Read more