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Reviews

Spanish Love Songs – Brave Faces Everyone

Posted June 2, 2020, 3:10 a.m.

I’ve known of Spanish Love Songs for a few years and I’ve liked what I heard in passing without diving in. When I saw them ... read more

Reviews

Spells – Stimulants & Sedatives

Posted May 25, 2020, 10:53 p.m.

Spells are party punk, pure and simple. And I’m not talking songs about beer and friendship, a la early Pkew Pkew Pkew or Andrew WK. ... read more

Reviews

Worriers – You or Someone You Know

Posted May 19, 2020, 7:16 a.m.

If it weren’t for playing in a certain scene, Worriers would likely be branded as a pop band instead of punk. The band is DIY ... read more

Reviews

Drakulas – Terminal Amusements

Posted May 19, 2020, 7:11 a.m.

Pre-album press releases for the latest Drakulas album pushed the “art-punk” label. Based on Drakulas’ earlier work, I got it – but I also thought ... read more

Reviews

Ditches – Ditches

Posted May 5, 2020, 8:35 a.m.

Am I going to be able to review this record without comparing Ditches to Marked Men? Clearly not, but I made it 14 words. This debut ... read more

Reviews

Talk Me Off – Cursed

Posted May 5, 2020, 8:32 a.m.

There’s a lot to like on Cursed, the debut full-length by Richmond, VA’s Talk Me Off. But as much as I enjoy the structures, the vocal ... read more

Reviews

Guerilla Poubelle – L’Ennui

Posted April 28, 2020, 3:59 a.m.

One of the big appeals of punk is its community. So it’s nice to listen to a record where you don’t know what the hell ... read more

Reviews

Smut – First Kiss

Posted April 21, 2020, 8:06 a.m.

Punk rock, man. Sometimes a band just does it right. Iron Lung released First Kiss on February 28 and it’s a doozy. There are only 8 songs ... read more

Reviews

Alien Nosejob – Suddenly Everything Is Twice As Loud

Posted April 13, 2020, 8:20 p.m.

With a name like Alien Nosejob I was expecting something a little more spacey or out there than what you get on Suddenly Everything Is Twice ... read more

Reviews

The Eradicator – Peak Eradicator

Posted March 23, 2020, 10:27 p.m.

Hoo boy! What am I really supposed to say to introduce The Eradicator. The concept is based on a Kids in the Hall sketch, and it definitely ... read more

Reviews

Wolf-Face – Still Golden

Posted March 2, 2020, 9:46 p.m.

Teen Wolf itself is goofy but with some surprisingly poignant metaphors. Wolf-Face is the same, straddling its own bizarro stance between cartoonish monsters, high school, adolescence, ... read more

Reviews

Bad Year – My Escape

Posted Feb. 24, 2020, 8:42 p.m.

Snappy Little Numbers make some snappy packaging. Cover art, one-sided vinyl and specialty colors shouldn’t drive musical decision-making but, let’s face it, in the digital ... read more

Reviews

Black Lips – …Sing In a World That’s Falling Apart

Posted Feb. 18, 2020, 1:49 a.m.

In an era of heart-on-sleeve Americana, the Black Lips are up to something else on …Sing In a World That’s Falling Apart. Black Lips approach Americana ... read more

Reviews

Personality Cult – New Arrows

Posted Feb. 10, 2020, 10:46 p.m.

I like to find new bands. One of the challenges as I get older is exactly that. I listen to a lot of music, but ... read more

Reviews

MakeWar – Get It Together

Posted Feb. 3, 2020, 5:15 p.m.

MakeWar aren’t like most of the other punk bands out there. They play what I call midtempo punk. It’s not built on anthems, choruses or ... read more

Reviews

Jumpstarted Plowhards – Round One

Posted Jan. 27, 2020, 10:48 p.m.

I’m going to jump right into the thick of it and admit I’m not well-versed in Mike Watt’s catalog. In my defense, the man is ... read more

Reviews

Rivers Edge – The Runaround

Posted Jan. 7, 2020, 1:45 a.m.

Runaround is the third release I’ve heard from Rivers Edge, and besides feeling like a nice metaphoric album title for the band’s style – accessible DIY ... read more

Reviews

Rational Anthem – It’s Only Permanent

Posted Dec. 24, 2019, 1:57 a.m.

It’s been a long time since the last Rational Anthem record, Emotionally Unavailable in 2014. The band is still similar but what jumps out the most to ... read more

Reviews

The Hussy – Looming

Posted Dec. 17, 2019, 1:37 a.m.

It’s been fun watching The Hussy grow. All those scuzzy, dirty licks and rough-and-tumble beats of their early work is still present, but on Looming the now-trio ... read more

Reviews

Fleshies – Introducing The Fleshies

Posted Nov. 26, 2019, 12:33 a.m.

Sure, I know of Fleshies but I don’t really know them. I’ve heard the hits over the years, but I’m coming at Introducing The Fleshies from a ... read more

Reviews

DIÄT – Positive Disintegration

Posted Nov. 18, 2019, 7:06 p.m.

Positive Disintegration is an ideal name for this album, the follow-up to Positive Energy, which DIÄT released in 2015. The record is dreary post-punk with a lot ... read more

Reviews

Full Sun – Thinkin’ About It

Posted Oct. 29, 2019, 1:08 a.m.

There are certain musical styles where I struggle as a reviewer to offer you my deep thoughts beyond yay or nay. Power-pop is definitely one ... read more

Reviews

Petty Larcenists – Stolen Chords and Lifted Riffs

Posted Sept. 30, 2019, 8:12 p.m.

You’ve heard of no depression music? I’m coining a new term here: depression punk.Opening song “Loud and Ugly” might be a good description of vocalist ... read more

Reviews

Kira Jari – Spooky Freaky EP

Posted Aug. 13, 2019, 1:25 a.m.

Spooky Freaky is a good debut from an intriguing new-ish band from Texas. Even if the EP name makes me think of “Werewolf Bar Mitzvah” each ... read more

Reviews

Billy Liar – Some Legacy

Posted Aug. 5, 2019, 1:51 p.m.

I don’t know much about Billy Liar, but Red Scare has rarely turned out a bad release so I picked Some Legacy out of the pile with ... read more

Reviews

Reunions – Winter Heart, Summer Skin

Posted July 29, 2019, 10:07 p.m.

I must have slowed down over the years. At least I hope my recent interest in bands like Reunions or Nightmarathons reflects my now 40 years-old perspective ... read more

Reviews

Charger – Charger

Posted July 23, 2019, 2:11 a.m.

The debut from Charger finds that gray area between punk and metal that’s hard to pigeonhole to a specific genre. You’ll see more than one Motorhead reference ... read more

Reviews

Evening Standards – World’s End

Posted July 15, 2019, 10:54 p.m.

It’s a dramatic understatement to say that music has changed since I first discovered DIY in the 1990s. But in many ways, one of the ... read more

Reviews

BlackDots – Everything Has Gotta Change

Posted July 9, 2019, 3:05 a.m.

Some albums just hit you right away. I was vaguely aware of BlackDots – some friends saw them at The Fest last year and said ... read more

Reviews

Howardian – The Silly Shit You Say

Posted June 24, 2019, 10:32 p.m.

While the title of Howardian’s fourth LP, The Silly Shit You Say, imparts a whimsical, spontaneous first impression, the record itself feels complete. This isn’t some ... read more

Reviews

Batshit Crazy – Batshit Crazy

Posted June 11, 2019, 1:46 a.m.

I didn’t even realize how much I’ve stigmatized horrorcore until Batshit Crazy showed up in my mailbox and made me question my way of thinking. ... read more

Reviews

Dead Bars – Regulars

Posted June 4, 2019, 10:50 a.m.

Dead Bars are one of those bands that’s somehow both fun and super depressing. The lyricism is what you’ll normally read about with this band ... read more

Reviews

Pandemix – In Condemnation

Posted May 20, 2019, 8:36 p.m.

Pandemix are new to me, and they’re difficult to sum up in just a few words. That’s a complement. It’s punk by genre, but a ... read more

Reviews

Big Eyes – Streets Of The Lost

Posted May 14, 2019, 1:38 a.m.

In the past I’ve described Big Eyes as half-punk, half-classic rock in a Cheap Trick vein. It’s concise and punchy like punk, but the energy relies on ... read more

Reviews

Rivers Edge – New Hope for the Dead

Posted April 29, 2019, 10:02 p.m.

As a record reviewer, sometimes I find it hard to review different works by the same artists. There comes a point when I just say ... read more

Reviews

Nadir – Collecting Misery

Posted April 15, 2019, 7:56 p.m.

From the start of Collecting Misery it’s clear that Nadir is one of those bands fronted by someone who is usually on a different instrument. ... read more

Reviews

Coathangers – The Devil You Know

Posted April 8, 2019, 10:12 p.m.

Much of what I listen to on the regular is of the three-chord punk variety. While I want the bands in that field to switch ... read more

Reviews

Nightmarathons – Missing Parts

Posted April 1, 2019, 5:39 p.m.

Nightmarathons are a tough band to pin down. Sure, they fit somewhere under that ever-widening punk umbrella, but it pulls from different areas without fitting ... read more

Reviews

Various Artists – The Bananas/Rivers Edge - split

Posted April 1, 2019, 5:30 p.m.

It had been a long time since I’d listened to The Bananas – and I have to ask myself why. It’s that peppy, poppy, yet ... read more

Reviews

Landfill Crew – Landfill Crew

Posted March 25, 2019, 5:56 p.m.

I’m sure fictitious bands are a fun concept for the musicians writing the material, but I could care less if it's Tim Armstrong behind the ... read more

Reviews

Basement Benders – Shrapnel Songs

Posted March 18, 2019, 6:33 p.m.

I recently wrote about Future Virgins, stating that the band tempers their anger, choosing more subtle reflection in their songwriting to express that always important human ... read more

Reviews

The Bouncing Souls – Crucial Moments EP

Posted March 11, 2019, 7:40 p.m.

This is the 30th year of The Bouncing Souls, which seems crazy in many ways – including that I’ve been listening to them for nearly ... read more

Reviews

Good Shade – Way Out

Posted March 5, 2019, 9:59 a.m.

Dirtnap is a fascinating label in how they’ve developed a certain sound to their releases, regardless of what part of the world or what particular ... read more

Reviews

Pkew Pkew Pkew – Optimal Lifestyles

Posted March 5, 2019, 9:23 a.m.

There’s a lot I want to say about this album, but I’m torn because I try to keep things more positive. I’ve given it a ... read more

Reviews

Vandoliers – Forever

Posted Feb. 18, 2019, 9:02 p.m.

There’s a lot to like on Forever, the third album from Vandoliers. They play a hybrid country-punk that’s a bit too upbeat for No Depression and ... read more

Reviews

American Steel – State of Grace

Posted Feb. 11, 2019, 5:26 p.m.

American Steel always felt a bit under the radar, despite releasing albums on Lookout and Fat Wreck. While they’ve been on well-known labels, they don’t ... read more

Reviews

Dark/Light – Dark Slash Light

Posted Feb. 4, 2019, 7:31 p.m.

Portland’s Dark/Light pronounces their name phonetically, including the punctuation. They’re doubling down on that element by naming this 7”, released this past June, Dark Slash Light. ... read more

Reviews

Hot Snakes – Jericho Sirens

Posted Jan. 28, 2019, 8:15 p.m.

Hot Snakes first formed in 1999 and ran until 2005. They re-formed in 2011 for some tours and finally bring the rock in the new ... read more

Reviews

Neighborhood Brats – Claw Marks

Posted Jan. 21, 2019, 10:15 p.m.

I’ve always liked Neighborhood Brats, but I don’t remember the band having so much variation in sound. Over 11 songs, this record maintains their melodic ... read more

Reviews

Character Actor – Character Actor

Posted Jan. 14, 2019, 10:34 p.m.

At SPB, we like to write longer reviews. Reviews that go into depth and give you a reason to read and think about a record ... read more

Reviews

Clown Sounds – Preacher Maker

Posted Jan. 14, 2019, 10:23 p.m.

I was going to review this when it came out, but I like my statements to be accurate, so I went to the source and ... read more

Reviews

Future Virgins – Doomsday Raga

Posted Dec. 25, 2018, 12:44 p.m.

I was excited about this record 3 seconds in. To put it directly, I’m a big fan of everything Future Virgins has done so I ... read more

Reviews

Brendan Kelly & The Wandering Birds – Keep Walkin’ Pal

Posted Dec. 3, 2018, 5:10 p.m.

Does the world really need a ska-tinged surf song about waterboarding? How you answer that question will probably answer how you feel about this record ... read more

Reviews

Bad Sports – Constant Stimulation

Posted Nov. 26, 2018, 9:17 p.m.

With Bad Sports, the songs are often about the hooks. The band utilizes traditional rock structures with song titles embedded in the chorus and predictable ... read more

Reviews

Future Girls – Motivation Problems

Posted Nov. 19, 2018, 8:34 p.m.

Future Girls’ debut full-length is one I’m going to have a tough time describing. Motivation Problems fits well within the Dirt Cult Records catalog. It’s ... read more

Reviews

Reunions – Aching Waits

Posted Nov. 5, 2018, 8:19 p.m.

You know how once you get an idea in your head, you can’t shake it no matter what else comes up? That’s happened to me ... read more

Reviews

Night Birds – Roll Credits

Posted Oct. 29, 2018, 7:26 p.m.

Roll Credits is an 8-song “mini-album” homage to the classics. Night Birds--the now veteran band of 10 years--says it was made thinking of short-play classics like ... read more

Reviews

Maniac – Dead Dance Club

Posted Oct. 15, 2018, 8:48 p.m.

Across the board Maniac reminds me of several bands. The vocal timbre of lead vocalist Zache Davis recalls Mark Ryan (Marked Men) and so does ... read more

Reviews

Four Fists – 6666

Posted Oct. 8, 2018, 7:30 p.m.

Four sixes, four fists, two rappers and some punchy production that’s equally space age and heavy hitting. It’s my own interpretation here, but the group ... read more

Reviews

Chain Whip – Chain Whip

Posted Sept. 24, 2018, 10:28 p.m.

There’s angry music that’s angry in tone, and there’s angry by trope. Chain Whip is just plum angry. When Josh shouts, the first instinct is ... read more

Reviews

La Armada – Anti-Colonial Vol. 1

Posted Sept. 18, 2018, 11:01 p.m.

I usually lean more melodic than heavy in my daily listening. But there’s a time and place for everything, and La Armada definitely hit that ... read more

Reviews

Trappist – Ancient Brewing Tactics

Posted Sept. 10, 2018, 9:22 p.m.

I could write way too many words about this album, but instead I’ll keep it short and mostly to the point. Ancient Brewing Tactics from Trappist is ... read more

Reviews

William Elliott Whitmore – Kilonova

Posted Sept. 3, 2018, 10:34 p.m.

William Elliott Whitmore’s raspy folk pulls from diverse influences that are on full display over the span of 10 covers on Kilonova that don’t really sound like ... read more

Reviews

Proud Parents – Proud Parents

Posted Sept. 3, 2018, 10:29 p.m.

With three singers among the four familiar faces of Proud Parents, isn’t no surprise that the record succeeds on the band members’ ability to meet ... read more

Reviews

Era Bleak – Demo 2018

Posted Aug. 27, 2018, 11:03 p.m.

Dirt Cult is one of the labels where I’ll check out a band based solely on the label’s history of releasing quality stuff that’s in ... read more

Reviews

Red City Radio – SkyTigers EP

Posted Aug. 27, 2018, 10:17 p.m.

Today’s story about wrong first impressions will be about Red City Radio, a some-kind-of-hyphen-punk band from OKC. I’ll admit I’m already behind on first listening ... read more

Reviews

Vacation – Mouth Sounds #2699

Posted Aug. 20, 2018, 6:36 p.m.

For running with the DIY punk scene, Vacation are surprisingly diverse (not to mention prolific). The band’s latest is the 12-song Mouth Sounds #2699 and its 26-minute ... read more

Reviews

The Brokedowns – Sick of Space

Posted July 30, 2018, 7:40 p.m.

When I stop and look at the discogs, The Brokedowns have been doing what they do for a long time now. What is that, exactly? ... read more

Reviews

The Bils – Past Masters: Volume 1

Posted July 16, 2018, 6:38 p.m.

The Bils are Bil and Michelle Bilson, a husband-wife duo that play laid back rock schooled by classic duets. Depending which paragraph of their press ... read more

Reviews

Elway – For the Sake of the Bit

Posted July 9, 2018, 11:48 p.m.

Elway kick off their latest with “Inches,” a middle finger at those of us listening to and writing about their music. So, well, I’m not ... read more

Reviews

Chain Cult – Demo 2018

Posted July 2, 2018, 6:41 p.m.

I don’t know much about Chain Cult – and sometimes that’s a good thing coming into a band. Instead of a bio, the review might ... read more

Reviews

Pinned In Place – Rubbernecking at the Gates of Hell

Posted June 18, 2018, 7:31 p.m.

I’ve been debating how to describe this one for a while. Pinned in Place aren’t exactly happy campers, but compared to most of what I’ve ... read more

Reviews

DeeCracks don’t reinvent anything, but they don’t regurgitate it either. There’s a lot of Ramones behind the experienced Austrian band, but they utilize familiar techniques like harmonies, ... read more

Reviews

The Lawrence Arms – We Are the Champions of the World (A Retrospectus)

Posted May 21, 2018, 11:44 p.m.

The excitement of We Are the Champions of the Word (Retrospectus) is supposed to be the five new songs at the end of the 29-song collection. It ... read more

Reviews

Raging Nathans – Cheap Fame

Posted May 17, 2018, 5:03 p.m.

This what pop-punk used to mean. On the record it’s clean and melodic, while the live show feels more aggressive and forceful. Think of those ... read more

Reviews

Marriage Material – Making the Worry Worth It

Posted May 9, 2018, 11:08 p.m.

I like this Making the Worry Worth It record. That should be all a review needs, right? I say that in part because this 9-minute EP is all ... read more

Reviews

Kitten Forever – Semi-Permanent

Posted April 30, 2018, 11:35 p.m.

Kitten Forever are staples of the Twin Cities DIY scene. They also tour nationally and have received a good share of recognition for their unique ... read more

Reviews

Cheap Tissue – Cheap Tissue

Posted April 23, 2018, 3:27 p.m.

LA’s Cheap Tissue bill themselves as rough around the edges garage punk, namedropping melodic yet understated groups like Radioactivity. While the general sound isn’t too far ... read more

Reviews

High Priests – Spinning

Posted April 16, 2018, 8:20 p.m.

When I first saw High Priests 3 or 4 years ago, I would have labeled them as stoner punk. While their press photos certainly still ... read more

Reviews

Shame – Songs of Praise

Posted April 9, 2018, 11:45 p.m.

Shame seems to have captured some buzz. They’ve had several clips in big UK publications and their debut was issued on Dead Oceans here in ... read more

Reviews

Dean Ween Group – Rock 2

Posted April 2, 2018, 10:46 p.m.

I generally shy away from track-by-track reviews, because they get long, boring and kind of miss the point of an album as a whole anyway. ... read more

Reviews

Royal Brat – Eyesore

Posted March 12, 2018, 10:53 p.m.

Royal Brat follow an intriguing trend I see in a lot of queer punk: taking direct and heavy subject matter and addressing it with vitriol, ... read more

Reviews

Chiller – Chiller

Posted March 5, 2018, 6:23 p.m.

I’ll admit to coming into this one with a clean slate. I don’t know Feral Trash, who predate Chiller and share members Ilisha and Eric. The ... read more

Reviews

Loud Boyz – Party In The USA

Posted Feb. 26, 2018, 5:42 p.m.

You know, I’ve never knowingly listened to Miley Cyrus, but I’m pretty sure this record is named tongue-in-cheek and doesn’t include a cover. Full disclosure, ... read more

Reviews

Mind Spiders – Furies

Posted Feb. 12, 2018, 6:03 p.m.

While I’ve always enjoyed Mind Spiders, they’ve kind of felt like a side project, an idea that hadn’t really grown into a full-fledged band yet. ... read more

Reviews

The Dwarves – Take Back the Night

Posted Jan. 29, 2018, 6:06 p.m.

Take Back The Night isn’t one of those experiment Dwarves records, like the industrio-tinge of Come Clean. On their latest offering, the long-running band alternates styles consistently ... read more

Reviews

City Mouse – Get Right

Posted Jan. 22, 2018, 5:40 p.m.

The Fest is a pretty cool event. The first time or two I went, I went to see the headliners on the big stages, packing ... read more

Reviews

Ann Beretta – Old Scars, New Blood

Posted Jan. 15, 2018, 5:48 p.m.

There’s a lot of analysis when listening to Old Scars, New Blood. When singer Rob Huddleston sings, “Nothing ever changes/ Nothing ever stays the same” in ... read more

Reviews

Kid You Not – Never A Dull Movement

Posted Jan. 8, 2018, 5:46 p.m.

Kid You Not has some pretty clear influences behind their melodic pop-punk sound. With semi-coarse vocals that lead to big sing-along choruses, Iron Chic and Red City Radio shine ... read more

Reviews

Iron Chic – You Can't Stay Here

Posted Dec. 11, 2017, 6:36 p.m.

Iron Chic has its own kind of poetry. It’s not quite the Off With Their Heads level of self-hatred, but it’s highly self-deprecating to the point of ... read more

Reviews

Tim Barry – High On 95

Posted Dec. 4, 2017, 5:51 p.m.

Nobody can doubt Tim Barry’s heart. He’s worn it on his sleeve since he began his solo career with a 2005 demo. Depending how you ... read more

Reviews

Hard Girls – Floating Now

Posted Nov. 27, 2017, 7:38 p.m.

Hard Girls are a complex band – or maybe they’re not. They sing about hard life choices, serious moments, and buying candy and cigarettes. A ... read more

Reviews

Sciatic Nerve – Sciatic Nerve

Posted Nov. 6, 2017, 10:41 p.m.

Sciatic Nerve is a band that doesn’t care what you think. They don’t have “band sound,” or so the press release claims. To get all ... read more

Reviews

The Capitalist Kids – Brand Damage

Posted Oct. 31, 2017, 8:45 a.m.

Even with a name like Capitalist Kids, the Austin band has always been more about love songs in the vein of Mr. T Experience and Lookout Records ... read more

Reviews

Worriers – Survival Pop

Posted Oct. 16, 2017, 6:07 p.m.

It seems like Worriers nailed down their sound on day one, when they rose from the ashes of The Measure S.A.. The Lauren Denitzio-fronted group plays ... read more

Reviews

The Mons – Trust No One

Posted Oct. 9, 2017, 8:36 p.m.

Trust No One, The Mons’ second album isn’t subtle. But what do you expect of a band using that name? This is aggressive, 1980s-inspired hardcore ... read more

Reviews

The Slow Death – Punishers

Posted Sept. 25, 2017, 6:05 p.m.

Punishers is the third LP from The Slow Death, fronted by ex-Pretty Boy Thorson & the Falling Angels mouthpiece Jesse Swan Thorson and backed by a rotating ... read more

Reviews

Lost Balloons – Hey Summer

Posted Sept. 4, 2017, 5:19 p.m.

By now it feels like hitting repeat, but for the uninitiated, Lost Balloons has to be introduced through the Marked Men timeline. The beloved Texas garage-punk band ... read more

Reviews

Rancid – Trouble Maker

Posted Aug. 21, 2017, 5:32 p.m.

It’s strange to me to realize that Rancid just released their ninth album. It’s a mark of age, not to mention that they haven’t been ... read more

Reviews

Whiskey & Co. – Ripped Together, Torn Apart

Posted Aug. 7, 2017, 5:47 p.m.

Whiskey & Co. are something of an outlier on the No Idea Records roster, but it’s still a cultural fit. Their boozy, swaying country may ... read more

Reviews

P.O.S. – Chill, Dummy

Posted July 24, 2017, 9:17 p.m.

A new kidney hasn’t made P.O.S soft and introspective. On his return to action album Chill, Dummy, he’s as angry and pointed as ever. The album ... read more

Reviews

Needles//Pins – Goodnight, Tomorrow

Posted July 17, 2017, 10:09 p.m.

Needles//Pins are one of those hard bands to pin down. They just sound like what rock ‘n’ roll is supposed to be, you know? It’s ... read more

Reviews

Cayetana – New Kind Of Normal

Posted July 10, 2017, 5:08 p.m.

Normally when I hear obvious shades of the 1990s, my first thought is straight from an ad campaign of the era: been there, done that. ... read more

Reviews

Nothington – In the End

Posted July 4, 2017, 10:16 a.m.

Few things are stable in this topsy-turvy world. One constant has been Nothington. With the release of In the End, the San Francisco band’s fifth ... read more

Reviews

Naïve Sense – Self Titled EP (2017)

Posted June 19, 2017, 10:42 p.m.

“If I am unable to transform you into a Naïve Sense fan, then I have not done my job.”So begins “Win a Trip to Vegas: ... read more

Reviews

Caves – Always Why

Posted June 12, 2017, 6:31 p.m.

Generally speaking, I’ve spent a lot of time the past half-decade (or maybe decade) listening to two subsets of DIY punk: gruff melodic three-chord arrangements, ... read more

Reviews

MakeWar – Developing A Theory of Integrity

Posted June 5, 2017, 7:23 p.m.

One of the reasons I gravitate toward the pop-end of the punk spectrum is because it lacks pretention. The structures are straightforward and honest, often ... read more

Reviews

The Dopamines – Tales of Interest

Posted May 29, 2017, 6:13 p.m.

It’s been a while since Ohio’s The Dopamines released a new record –2012 by the looks of things, and I honestly missed that one, so ... read more

Reviews

STNNNG – Veterans of Pleasure

Posted May 22, 2017, 6:26 p.m.

STNNNG have slowed down their output but it doesn’t seem that age is catching up to them. If anything, their anger seems more pronounced than ... read more

Reviews

Great Cynics – Posi

Posted May 15, 2017, 6:17 p.m.

Calling their fourth record Posi is an interesting statement about Great Cynic’s vibe across the 11-song, half-hour record. From lyrics about being the clouds and ... read more

Reviews

Western Addiction – Tremulous

Posted May 8, 2017, 7:38 p.m.

Has it really been 12 years since Cognicide? Well, Western Addiction are back with another single word, make-you-think album title in Tremulous. They may have ... read more

Reviews

Jim and the French Vanilla – Afraid of the House

Posted May 1, 2017, 5:25 p.m.

Jim and the French Vanilla is the solo moniker for Jim Blaha, guitarist in The Blind Shake, a band with have several of their own ... read more

Reviews

The Tossers – Smash the Windows

Posted April 24, 2017, 7:11 p.m.

The term “Irish punk” sprung up in the late ‘90s around the time Flogging Molly jumped into the spotlight and in the waning days of ... read more

Reviews

Good Friend – Ride The Storm

Posted April 17, 2017, 5:36 p.m.

I’m a fan of a select little niche of pop punk. The cleaner the voices, the more I tend to dislike it or just not ... read more

Reviews

Mystery Date – Love Collector

Posted April 10, 2017, 6:14 p.m.

Mystery Date fit that classic mod-power pop sound, with an ear for well-tuned guitars, a hint of fuzz, and more focus on melody than “lead” ... read more

Reviews

Hellmouth – Oblivion

Posted April 3, 2017, 7:17 p.m.

When I heard my first Hellmouth record—which I’ve since learned was their second release (Gravestone Skylines, 2010)—it was more of a curiosity than something that ... read more

Reviews

Dead Bars – Dream Gig

Posted March 13, 2017, 7:32 p.m.

Reading that Dead Bars never meant to be a band explains a lot of things. They started as a one-off project to go on a ... read more

Reviews

Strange Relations – Going Out EP

Posted March 6, 2017, 6:12 p.m.

Admittedly, I’m a little leery of a press kit that features more band photos than songs. Then again, this is an EP, so it’s probably ... read more

Reviews

Career Suicide – Machine Response

Posted Feb. 20, 2017, 5:24 p.m.

Sometimes I love the predictable unpredictability of punk. You hear the name Career Suicide and think a certain sound and, well, they’re right in line ... read more

Reviews

Mind Spiders – Prosthesis

Posted Feb. 13, 2017, 5:34 p.m.

Mind Spiders continues to be a very accurate name as the sound evolves.The one-time “solo” Mark Ryan project was to be his creative space for ... read more

Reviews

Civil War Rust – Help Wanted

Posted Feb. 6, 2017, 9:36 p.m.

With Help Wanted, California’s Civil War Rust aren’t inventing any new sounds but they’re delivering heartfelt, direct punk rock in a familiar and comforting tone. ... read more

Reviews

Various Artists – Wonk Unit/Raging Nathans - split

Posted Jan. 30, 2017, 5:12 p.m.

This split 7” from a US band and a UK band carries a surprisingly unified sound over its four songs, two from each band. The ... read more

Reviews

Pears – Green Star

Posted Jan. 23, 2017, 7:09 p.m.

It’s been a while since I thought about the Fat Wreck effect, where a band signs to the San Francisco label and then releases a ... read more

Reviews

Bad Sports – Living with Secrets

Posted Jan. 16, 2017, 6 p.m.

Bad Sports are coming into their own. They’ve always been a solid Denton, TX hyphen-rock band but on their new EP, Dirtnap’s Living With Secrets, ... read more

Reviews

NOFX – First Ditch Effort

Posted Jan. 9, 2017, 5:49 p.m.

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 ... read more

Reviews

Mark Sultan – BBQ

Posted Jan. 9, 2017, 5:34 p.m.

Mark Sultan has long gone by two stage names: his own, and BBQ (of King Khan & The BBQ Show). Most solo work has been ... read more

Reviews

Hannahband – Quitting Will Improve Your Health

Posted Jan. 2, 2017, 5:39 p.m.

If you asked me how I feel about two-piece bands, I’d say I’m not really a fan. But there’s some disconnect as I find myself ... read more

Reviews

Hakan – Hakan II

Posted Dec. 26, 2016, 8:29 p.m.

Hakan is an Italian garage-punk band in the vein of The Marked Men. Like, really in the vein of The Marked Men—MM’s Jeff Burke (also ... read more

Reviews

Real Numbers – Wordless Wonder

Posted Dec. 26, 2016, 8:17 p.m.

There are a lot of traps in music journalism. Some, like genre, are the same traps that artists fall into. Because of the constrained vocabulary ... read more

Reviews

Sex Stains – Sex Stains

Posted Dec. 19, 2016, 5:14 p.m.

Sex Stains put it all out front on the opening “Countdown to…” which is as much a confrontational statement of purpose as it is a ... read more

Reviews

Drakulas – Raw Wave

Posted Dec. 12, 2016, 7:10 p.m.

At this point Riverboat Gamblers have enough side projects that there’s almost an expectation of sound before listening, that unifying factor between all the different ... read more

Reviews

Attention – !Attention!

Posted Dec. 12, 2016, 6:58 p.m.

Do you like long song titles that are loosely related to the subject matter, along with gruff vocal singalong punk? If so, !Attention! is right ... read more

Reviews

Bullnettle – Bullnettle

Posted Dec. 5, 2016, 6:07 p.m.

I discovered This Is My Fist at the tail end of the band’s run, which was unfortunate in that I didn’t get to experience new ... read more

Reviews

Shallow Cuts – Empty Beach Town

Posted Dec. 5, 2016, 5:58 p.m.

Sometimes I want to add a lot of back story, my own perspective coming into a record. While that certainly shapes the experience, sometimes you ... read more

Reviews

Coathangers – Nosebleed Weekend

Posted Nov. 28, 2016, 11:17 p.m.

A lot of the bands I listen to have gotten older and slowed their productivity so it’s nice to realize that The Coathangers are already ... read more

Reviews

Arms Aloft – What a Time to Be Barely Alive

Posted Nov. 21, 2016, 7:22 p.m.

Midtempo punk sounds like such a boring idea.And sometimes it really is.But when it works, it’s hard to top. The chords are still powerful and ... read more

Reviews

The Blind Shake – Celebrate Your Worth

Posted Nov. 14, 2016, 8 p.m.

I’ve covered The Blind Shake for most of their career so far. Over that time it’s been a steady growth often focused on syncopated and ... read more

Reviews

Big Eyes – Stake My Claim

Posted Nov. 14, 2016, 7:50 p.m.

As much I knew I’d like this record after spending some time with Almost Famous and seeing the band live a few times, I was ... read more

Reviews

Pinned In Place – Ghostwritten By

Posted Nov. 7, 2016, 6:12 p.m.

One (of many) differences between indie rock and punk is generally the sense of humor as it relates to self-awareness. Considering that other reviews namedrop ... read more

Reviews

Toys That Kill – Sentimental Ward

Posted Nov. 7, 2016, 6:02 p.m.

It’s nice when your favorite bands surprise you. It took six years for Fambly 42), so I wasn’t ready for Sentimental Ward yet (though apparently ... read more

Reviews

Sims – More Than Ever

Posted Oct. 31, 2016, 5:23 p.m.

Sims is something of a firebrand on his early work, spitting political vitriol and pointing fingers outward and in on records like Lights Out Paris ... read more

Reviews

Dean Ween Group – The Deaner Record

Posted Oct. 24, 2016, 8:36 p.m.

I’ve never met Aaron Freeman and Mickey Melchiondo, the two-headed songwriting duo of Ween, but I have my own speculation about who contributes what based ... read more

Reviews

Various Artists – Dead Bars/The Tim Version - split 7"

Posted Oct. 17, 2016, 5:45 p.m.

A limited edition split of two not-super-active bands that are Fest staples for this writer, this EP from No Idea Records combines Seattle’s Dead Bars ... read more

Reviews

Low Culture – Places To Hide

Posted Oct. 10, 2016, 10:03 p.m.

Screens, (2013) was damn near perfect. So what does Low Culture have in store with their second LP? It’s not disappointment, that’s for sure. Places ... read more

Reviews

The Hussy – The Volar EP

Posted Oct. 3, 2016, 7:43 p.m.

The Hussy keeps changing on me. That’s cool, though. Bands are like babies: they grow and change and…eventually abandon you in the old folks’ home. ... read more

Reviews

Spokenest – Gone, Gone, Gone

Posted Sept. 26, 2016, 5 p.m.

I have a type, and it’s short and fast. I’m partial to it and probably less picky. It fills a need that my constantly fidgeting ... read more

Reviews

Mikey Erg – Tentative Decisions

Posted Sept. 12, 2016, 5:07 p.m.

It took all of three seconds into Tentative Decisions, about 10 seconds before his unmistakable voice, to ID the record as being made by Mikey ... read more

Reviews

Crybaby – Drag Me Under

Posted Aug. 15, 2016, 9:17 p.m.

Crybaby are one of those punk bands where you could fill a review with subgenre tags and namedrops and every review would pick a different ... read more

Reviews

The Falcon – Gather Up the Chaps

Posted April 26, 2016, 8:24 a.m.

The Falcon are a curious band: a collection of rogue Chicagoans (now with Dave Hause as well), lead vocalist Brendan Kelly (The Lawrence Arms) seems ... read more

Reviews

Various Artists – Crab Legs/Not Half Bad - Dorks/Nerds

Posted March 28, 2016, 9:52 p.m.

Spanning the country’s geography north and south, this split from Fargo, ND’s Crab Legs and Fort Worth, TX’s Not Half Bad is a snippet of ... read more

Reviews

Various Artists – Radon/Worthwhile Way - split 7"

Posted March 14, 2016, 8:29 a.m.

Radon has never really done a lot for me. The melodies are nice but it really never strikes a chord one way or the other. ... read more

Reviews

Shadow in the Cracks – Shadow in the Cracks

Posted Feb. 29, 2016, 5:39 p.m.

What does it mean when a three-piece band has a spin-off two-piece? While the premonition is that drama is afoot for member number three, that’s ... read more

Reviews

The Hussy – Galore

Posted Feb. 1, 2016, 8:26 a.m.

Why have children when I can just listen to my music and watch the bands change and grow instead? First they learned to stumble, then ... read more

Reviews

Tymon Dogg – Made Of Light

Posted Jan. 4, 2016, 10:48 p.m.

Sometimes you follow a musician for years, only to learn something that should have stood out at the start. Today’s lesson is Tymon Dogg, related ... read more

Reviews

Loud Boyz – Tough Love, Hard Feelings

Posted Dec. 22, 2015, 8:47 a.m.

Before I get started I’m going to dish out a rare complement. Loud Boyz have a good, fitting name. Even the record title, Tough Love, ... read more

Reviews

Basement Benders – Lydiad

Posted Nov. 30, 2015, 10 p.m.

Side projects aren’t supposed to invite other band comparisons, they’re supposed to separate, to show artisticrange. Who are we kidding here? Basement Benders is a ... read more

Reviews

Night Birds – Mutiny at Muscle Beach

Posted Nov. 23, 2015, 8:08 a.m.

It’s getting tough to find new things to say about Night Birds. They’re as great as ever with third LP Mutiny at Muscle Beach, it’s ... read more

Reviews

The Blind Shake – Fly Right EP

Posted Nov. 2, 2015, 8:19 a.m.

The Blind Shake have honed their sound over the years, always identifiable yet always moving it forward and with a keen difference between records. It’s ... read more

Reviews

Worriers – Imaginary Life

Posted Oct. 19, 2015, 5:59 p.m.

I’ve reviewed a lot of records now from Lauren Denitzio’s bands. First, The Measure [SA], and then Cruel Optimist, her current band’s first release. Over ... read more

Reviews

Bangers – Bird

Posted Oct. 5, 2015, 11:44 p.m.

Bird is the Bangers record I wanted in 2013. Crazy Fucking Dreams is a good record, it was just a little less direct than I ... read more

Reviews

Tit – Tit

Posted Sept. 28, 2015, 8:30 a.m.

So I’m a fan of The Hussy. People who read this site have (hopefully) picked up on that. Well, TIT is a two piece with ... read more

Reviews

Radioactivity – Silent Kill

Posted Aug. 31, 2015, 10:54 p.m.

These guys know how to start off a record, with the rapid fire “Battered” pummeling with riffage for the first minute and then Jeff Burke’s ... read more

Reviews

Boilerman – Boilerman

Posted Aug. 17, 2015, 11:01 p.m.

It took me 8 minutes to listen, so it should 8 minutes to write it too. Or, something. Really that’s just a bad Futurama reference ... read more

Reviews

Great Cynics – I Feel Weird

Posted July 27, 2015, 7:46 p.m.

Naming a record I Feel Weird is a statement about the psyche of Great Cynics, and an applicable one at that (for the band, not ... read more

Reviews

The Splits – II

Posted July 13, 2015, 8:01 p.m.

I really like Dirtnap Records, but they can’t all be winners. The Splits start off II with a really positive vibe in “Rotten Me,” with ... read more

Reviews

Underground Railroad To Candyland – The People Are Home

Posted June 22, 2015, 6:48 p.m.

I wasn’t sure what to make of Underground Railroad to Candyland when I first saw them. They were a very new band, but the style ... read more

Reviews

Red Dons & TV Smith – A Vote For the Unknown

Posted June 15, 2015, 10:22 p.m.

Red Dons are a band I’ve meant to check out for some time. As a reviewer, perhaps I’m supposed to go check out the whole ... read more

Reviews

Birthday Suits – Adult Party: Spin the Bottle

Posted June 8, 2015, 5:50 p.m.

Birthday Suits always surprise me on record. Live, it’s fierce and reckless; sweaty mayhem and cathartic rock ‘n’ roll. On record, it’s more calculated, with ... read more

Reviews

Hannahband – Retirement

Posted June 1, 2015, 9:32 p.m.

Calling it folk-punk isn’t right, but I’m not sure I agree with the post-punk tag slapped on their onesheet either. Hannahband, from Sydney, Australia, have ... read more

Reviews

Timeshares – Already Dead

Posted May 25, 2015, 5:39 p.m.

This isn’t what I expected—there’s way more country punk twang than when I caught a short pre-Fest show from Timeshares last year. On Already Dead, ... read more

Reviews

Powernap – Oreosmith EP

Posted May 18, 2015, 8:07 a.m.

Oreosmith, whatever the hell that title means, is the first release from Powernap and it’s familiar and powerful, leaving curious signs of where the band ... read more

Reviews

The Lookouts – Spy Rock Road (And Other Stories)

Posted May 4, 2015, 8:08 a.m.

I was apprehensive about reviewing this record. When hear “music by teenagers,” it tends to mean preachy and rather one-sided political rants that are well ... read more

Reviews

Built To Spill – Untethered Moon

Posted April 27, 2015, 8:27 a.m.

Calling Untethered Moon guitar rock is somewhere to start. While the band takes their chops from the 1990s alternative boom, the defining moments of their ... read more

Reviews

Summer Cannibals – Show Us Your Mind

Posted April 20, 2015, 7:28 p.m.

I know I’d already read the band’s bio, but I think I would have guessed Pacific Northwest anyway. There’s just something dreary and with a ... read more

Reviews

Western Settings – Yes It Is

Posted April 13, 2015, 8:14 a.m.

When listening to a band you’ve never heard of, it’s a lot easier to make all those “sounds like” comments. Whether that’s why I think ... read more

Reviews

Pears – Go To Prison

Posted April 6, 2015, 5:50 p.m.

Naming an album is something of a branding concept. Yes, it’s also artistic, but occasionally those two worlds collide, even if we don’t want to ... read more

Reviews

Swingin' Utters – Fistful of Hollow

Posted April 6, 2015, 5:47 p.m.

If Fistful of Hollow seemed fast, well it is. Swingin’ Utters released Poorly Formed in 2013 and Here, Under Protest in 2011. With another one ... read more

Reviews

Swami John & The Blind Shake – Modern Surf Classics

Posted March 30, 2015, 8:11 p.m.

When it was announced that John Reis (Night Marchers, Rocket From the Crypt, Hot Snakes) was collaborating with The Blind Shake, it was expected that ... read more

Reviews

Chokecherry – The Future Was a Long Time Ago

Posted March 23, 2015, 10:20 p.m.

Expect adjectives. Adjectives and hyphens. For, you see, Chokecherry are a punk band that doesn’t play punk songs. I guess folk-punk is the subgenre tag ... read more

Reviews

The Dwarves – Gentleman Blag

Posted March 16, 2015, 5:52 p.m.

I know what you’re thinking? Why has it already been five months without a new Dwarves release? Never fear, the long-running goodtime smutlovers are back, ... read more

Reviews

The Capitalist Kids – At A Loss

Posted March 9, 2015, 9:15 p.m.

The sound comparisons are undeniable when it comes to talking about The Capitalist Kids and their affinity for 1980s-era Lookout Records pop-punk. But the Austin, ... read more

Reviews

Various Artists – GC Records 15 Year Anniversary Comp: A Snapshot of the 2014 Las Vegas Music Scene

Posted March 2, 2015, 10:59 p.m.

GC Records 15 Year Anniversary Comp: A Snapshot of the 2014 Las Vegas Music Scene is two things: it’s homage to 15 years of success ... read more

Reviews

Gang Of Four – What Happens Next

Posted Feb. 23, 2015, 6:52 p.m.

I haven’t listened to Gang of Four in a long time, and I tend to stick to the classic Entertainment!, released in 1979, when I ... read more

Reviews

Sergio Mendes – Magic

Posted Feb. 16, 2015, 8:36 a.m.

Sergio Mendes is a Brazilian legend. His name might not be a big draw here at Scene Point Blank, where the focus is on punk, ... read more

Reviews

Treasure Fleet – The Sun Machine

Posted Feb. 9, 2015, 8:33 a.m.

You can’t have your middle finger in the air all the time. As such, Isaac Thotz (The Arrivals) has stepped away from his punk-leaning project ... read more

Reviews

The Blind Shake – Breakfast of Failures

Posted Feb. 3, 2015, 12:51 a.m.

The Blind Shake have been consistently banging out juicy, syncopatic jams for the better part of a decade now. Breakfast of Failures is their fifth ... read more

Reviews

Rancid – Honor Is All We Know

Posted Jan. 26, 2015, 11:26 p.m.

For years I was the biggest Rancid fan. The first record I didn’t buy on its release date was B-Sides & C-Sides, and that’s because ... read more

Reviews

The Brokedowns – Life Is a Breeze

Posted Jan. 19, 2015, 5:42 p.m.

The Brokedowns have come a long way. That’s not to say they were torchbearers of suckitude earlier, but early reviews of the band were festivals ... read more

Reviews

The Dead Milkmen – Pretty Music for Pretty People

Posted Jan. 12, 2015, 9:50 p.m.

The Dead Milkmen were always an idea band. A band who sparkled or fizzled depending on that idea, with some songs brilliant and others that ... read more

Reviews

Eureka California – Crunch

Posted Jan. 6, 2015, 12:25 a.m.

When I hear the phrase “indie rock,” I think of about 4-5 things: Pavement, The Pixies, maybe Weezer, glasses, skinny guys, and bizarre instrumentation or ... read more

Reviews

The Murder City Devils – The White Ghost Has Blood on Its Hands Again

Posted Dec. 31, 2014, 9:52 a.m.

Reunited bands have a tendency to disappoint. Maybe their hearts aren’t in it the second time around, maybe they’ve changed as artists and individuals, or ... read more

Reviews

Rational Anthem – Emotionally Unavailable

Posted Dec. 22, 2014, 9:18 p.m.

I can’t figure out just who The Rational Anthem remind me of, but it’s poppy on the clean and crisp side, with a lot of ... read more

Reviews

The Smith Street Band – Throw Me in the River

Posted Dec. 8, 2014, 8:29 p.m.

Summarizing The Smith Street Band is a bit difficult. While I want to lump them in with folk-punk, that’s only true in song structure. There’s ... read more

Reviews

The Tim Version – Ordinary Life

Posted Nov. 24, 2014, 6:54 p.m.

The Tim Version’s set at Fest 12 was slower. The songs were drawn out—still loud, and angry—but they were a notch slower, going for expansive ... read more

Reviews

The Copyrights – Report

Posted Nov. 18, 2014, 1:53 a.m.

I like most of my music to have a pop bent. Yes, I like it rough around the edges and only mildly repetitive, which often ... read more

Reviews

Neighborhood Brats – Recovery

Posted Nov. 10, 2014, 9:18 p.m.

Reading Scene Point Blank can pay off. A year or so ago we streamed No Sun No Tan, which was the first I’d heard of ... read more

Reviews

Shallow Cuts – Storm Watch

Posted Nov. 3, 2014, 9:16 p.m.

Shallow Cuts are a group of friends. Oh, they’re a group of musicians too. Some people call that a band. They’re a three piece, with ... read more

Reviews

Various Artists – Low Culture-Needles//Pins - split 7"

Posted Nov. 3, 2014, 9:08 p.m.

I’ve probably said this before for those 3 people who read all of my reviews, but I feel that the 7” is one of the ... read more

Reviews

Quintron and Miss Pussycat – Spellcaster II: Death in Space

Posted Oct. 27, 2014, 10:38 p.m.

Quintron and Miss Pussycat have never been known as a vocal group, but Spellcaster II: Death in Space takes that to a new level, waiting ... read more

Reviews

Total Control – Typical System

Posted Oct. 27, 2014, 10:27 p.m.

Sometimes you get stuck on a review. Sure, I meant to delve outside my comfort zone a bit in grabbing this record, but I’ve been ... read more

Reviews

Shitty Weekend – Shit Week

Posted Oct. 20, 2014, 8:03 p.m.

This thing is all over the map, from freak-out jazz-punk one minute (“Geneva”) to a track of haunting old man ghost noises laid atop a ... read more

Reviews

Needles//Pins – Shamebirds

Posted Oct. 13, 2014, 8:59 p.m.

Needles//Pins are something different in the punk rock realm. Well, that’s not true. They’re entirely familiar and warm, yet they have that pizzazz—that’s what the ... read more

Reviews

Devo – The Complete Truth About De-Evolution

Posted Oct. 6, 2014, 8:52 p.m.

I’ve long felt there are fewer lesser art forms than the music video. It turns out I was wrong—or, at least pre-1990 it was another ... read more

Reviews

Steve Adamyk Band – Dial Tone

Posted Sept. 29, 2014, 10:19 p.m.

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 ... read more

Reviews

Flagpolers – Arse Ways EP

Posted Sept. 22, 2014, 2:56 p.m.

Sometimes the RIYL doesn’t lie. When Vancouver punks Flagpolers list Tiltwheel as an influence, it comes across clearly on the four song EP Arse Ways. ... read more

Reviews

The Dwarves – Invented Rock & Roll

Posted Sept. 15, 2014, 11:49 a.m.

I won’t say anything as hyperbolic as that the Dwarves invented rock ‘n’ roll, but I’ll still give them another borderline statement that fits on ... read more

Reviews

Joyce Manor – Never Hungover Again

Posted Sept. 8, 2014, 11:20 p.m.

This one took a while to stand out, which I didn’t expect given the accolades Joyce Manor has been ringing up with their three releases. ... read more

Reviews

Ex Friends – Rules for Making Up Words

Posted Sept. 1, 2014, 10:54 p.m.

Ex Friends are a group of Philly area punks, recognized from their work in other bands. The band features Joel Tannenbaum (Plow United), JP Flexner ... read more

Reviews

The Hold Steady – Teeth Dreams

Posted Aug. 25, 2014, 9:44 p.m.

The Hold Steady has been on quite a ride. They went from “New York bar band” to critical and indie darlings to, now, wavering somewhere ... read more

Reviews

Astpai – Burden Calls

Posted Aug. 18, 2014, 8:45 p.m.

I’m not sure what this says about me, but I like Astpai’s Burden Calls just fine but it takes until they pull a sample from Teenage Mutant Ninja ... read more

Reviews

The Sands – Hotel & Casino

Posted Aug. 11, 2014, 7:32 p.m.

Say what you will about the old “don’t judge a book by its cover” metaphor, but it’s got some credence in the music world too. ... read more

Reviews

Low Forms – Low Forms EP

Posted July 28, 2014, 7:35 p.m.

Low Forms self-titled 7” is a six minute blast of power-pop defined by clean guitars, rhythmic chops, and traditional format rock ’n’ roll. While it’s ... read more

Reviews

Versus You – Moving On

Posted July 22, 2014, 1:04 a.m.

Despite a confrontational name, Versus You are every bit positive punx with songs praising friendship, relationships, and the like. It’s not that they play bubbly ... read more

Reviews

Pujol – Kludge

Posted July 15, 2014, 12:11 a.m.

Daniel Pujol is prolific and ever changing. The leader of Pujol continues to release records at a rapid pace, successfully switching up his backing sounds ... read more

Reviews

Pixies – Indie Cindy

Posted July 8, 2014, 12:55 a.m.

Indie Cindy is the first new Pixies full-length since 1991 (Trompe le Monde). After the band reunited a few years back for the tour circuit the ... read more

Reviews

Rabbit Holes – Rabbit Holes EP

Posted July 1, 2014, 1 a.m.

Big Action Records doesn’t pump out a ton of releases and, when they do, they run the geographical gamut. The label is based in St. ... read more

Reviews

Street Eaters – Blood::Muscles::Bones

Posted June 23, 2014, 10:44 p.m.

Bands are seemingly judged differently on their sophomore outings: where does it change, does it meet expectation, does it show growth, and the like. Well, ... read more

Reviews

White Lung – Deep Fantasy

Posted June 16, 2014, 10:10 p.m.

Deep Fantasy is pissed off, but it could still use a good angry howl every so often.The record, the third from Vancouver’s White Lung, is their ... read more

Reviews

Off! – Wasted Years

Posted June 9, 2014, 8:33 p.m.

I generally hate punctuation in a band name, but it’s uncommonly fitting with Off!. Sure, they only included it to keep the pesticide theme going, ... read more

Reviews

Chuck Ragan – Till Midnight

Posted June 2, 2014, 6:46 p.m.

It’s almost at the point where Chuck Ragan has reinvented himself. Sure, he’s always had the voice and he’s done the countrified thing in the ... read more

Reviews

Moonlit Sailor – We Come From Exploding Stars

Posted May 26, 2014, 6:07 p.m.

A post-rock review is always a challenge. If you think it’s tough to capture the attention of an audience and carry them on your journey, ... read more

Reviews

Tweens – Tweens

Posted May 19, 2014, 8:40 p.m.

I heard about Tweens as a Vacation side project. Well, they’ve dwarfed that band’s popularity already, so it’s the last I’ll use that term. The Cincinnati three-piece ... read more

Reviews

Banner Pilot – Souvenir

Posted May 12, 2014, 8:24 p.m.

Often when a critic writes of a band not changing its sound it’s meant in the negative light: art should be about exploring new boundaries ... read more

Reviews

Various Artists – Crybaby/Casual - Split EP

Posted May 5, 2014, 10:11 p.m.

I hate to simplify the role of the split 7”—they’re about way more than this, in truth—but one of the greatest purposes the split 7” ... read more

Reviews

Signals Midwest – Light On The Lake

Posted April 28, 2014, 9:39 p.m.

I’ve sat on this review for a while, waiting for that easy-to-describe-it moment to hit me. With Signals Midwest, I don’t know if that’s going ... read more

Reviews

Tiny Empires – Weird Headspace

Posted April 21, 2014, 11 p.m.

Tiny Empires seek to build something new; something powerful, significant, and memorable, just as the name suggests. With their debut record Weird Headspace they’re doing just that. ... read more

Reviews

Various Artists – Capitalist Kids/Tight Bros. - split 7"

Posted April 14, 2014, 8:49 p.m.

If sweet and easy pop punk is your thing, this is the split for you. Capitalist Kids take Side A, fresh after releasing Lessons on Love, ... read more

Reviews

Brain F? – Empty Set

Posted April 7, 2014, 8:45 p.m.

Apparently this band is called “Brain Flannel.” I don’t know what that means, but as somebody capable of reading the English language, I’m pretty sure ... read more

Reviews

Epic Problem – Lines

Posted March 31, 2014, 7:58 p.m.

You’ve heard it before a hundred times. You’ve thought it yourself.Punk rock is a safe genre.While I generally hate on talk like this, promoting genre ... read more

Reviews

Coathangers – Suck My Shirt

Posted March 24, 2014, 11:19 p.m.

This Atlanta trio caught my attention with Larceny & Old Lace a couple of years ago, and Suck My Shirt is a continuation of that sound. It shifts into ... read more

Reviews

Bad Sports – Bras

Posted March 18, 2014, 12:44 a.m.

Bad Sports want you to turn it up. They play loud rock, rooted in the elements, but not tied to rollicking times or anti-authority volume, ... read more

Reviews

Tim Timebomb & Friends – Mixtape

Posted March 10, 2014, 7:55 p.m.

Tim Armstrong (Rancid) has spent over a year releasing a song a day on YouTube under the moniker Tim Timebomb. While astute fans can pull his work ... read more

Reviews

Dead Mechanical – OK Night

Posted March 3, 2014, 10:06 p.m.

Dead Mechanical is one of those mid-tempo punk bands, built on life’s grimy surfaces and reflecting that tone of rough-and-tumble, down-and-out luck. The music fits ... read more

Reviews

The Lawrence Arms – Metropole

Posted Feb. 24, 2014, 8:40 p.m.

When The Lawrence Arms released Oh Calcutta! back in 2006, it was billed by the band as a collection of songs utilizing the back-and-forth, high octane punk ... read more

Reviews

The Obits – Bed & Bugs

Posted Feb. 24, 2014, 8:24 p.m.

Obits don’t offer many surprises on Bed & Bugs, but that’s never really been the expectation. In a long lineage of bands, Rick Froberg has defined ... read more

Reviews

Pretty Boy Thorson & the Falling Angels – An Uneasy Peace

Posted Feb. 17, 2014, 8:45 p.m.

Have things finally turned around for Jesse Thorson, making the country-punk band sing a new song of joy and celebration? Of course not.Previously, the band didn’t ... read more

Reviews

Audacity – Butter Knife

Posted Feb. 10, 2014, 8:17 p.m.

It didn’t take long for Mellow Cruisers to appeal. Butter Knives, the follow-up from California’s Audacity, though, seems to be more of a grower.A band quick-summed-up as power-pop ... read more

Reviews

Moistboyz – V

Posted Feb. 3, 2014, 9:16 p.m.

Moistboyz aren’t a particularly active group. The band, based around the duo of vocalist Guy Heller and multi-instrumentalist Mickey Melchiondo (aka Dean Ween), has only released ... read more

Reviews

The Dwarves – Younger & Even Better Looking

Posted Jan. 28, 2014, 12:31 a.m.

Age makes fools of us all. First it was In Utero releasing all of my hard-found rarities on a single disc, and now comes The Dwarves Are Younger ... read more

Reviews

King Khan & the Shrines – Idle No More

Posted Jan. 20, 2014, 8 p.m.

In King Khan & the Shrines, King Khan goes big band. Not in the jazz sense, but in a horn-laden variety a la Memphis rock ... read more

Reviews

Mind Spiders – Inhumanistic

Posted Jan. 13, 2014, 8:51 p.m.

Maybe Minnesota is just a long way from Texas, but it seems that Mind Spiders are more of a studio band, releasing a record a ... read more

Reviews

Direct Hit! – Brainless God

Posted Jan. 6, 2014, 7:03 p.m.

Direct Hit! get filed in the Midwest pop-punk scene and, while they deviate throughout the course of Brainless God, that’s definitely a fair starting point. While ... read more

Reviews

Various Artists – Brokedowns / Vacation Bible School split

Posted Dec. 30, 2013, 6:52 p.m.

Taking Side A on the Elgin, IL focused 7” are The Brokedowns, who last released Species Bender in 2010. After a slew of splits in their career ... read more

Reviews

Iron Chic – The Constant One

Posted Dec. 24, 2013, 1:17 a.m.

If ever a band was created for an epic singalong, it was Iron Chic. There’s that big feeling at the core of their soaring melodies ... read more

Reviews

The Julie Ruin – Run Fast

Posted Dec. 16, 2013, 10:19 p.m.

The onesheet drops the term “subversive pop.” While the term may apply lyrically, musically The Julie Ruin is more ‘80s pop in sound. Keyboards lead ... read more

Reviews

Kitten Forever – Pressure

Posted Dec. 9, 2013, 10:49 p.m.

Pressure is a party. The three-piece band Kitten Forever trade off vocals constantly throughout, and even swap instruments while they’re at it. It starts off with ... read more

Reviews

Caves – Betterment

Posted Dec. 2, 2013, 10:35 p.m.

I’d call Caves frantic punk rock, if not for the title track on Betterment actually being a casual acoustic affair. Other than that song, though, the eleven ... read more

Reviews

Future Virgins – Late Republic

Posted Nov. 26, 2013, 12:14 a.m.

After how hard Western Problems hit, it would be hard for Future Virgins to deliver another punch-out of similar quality. Or would it? With a new record, Late ... read more

Reviews

Worriers – Cruel Optimist

Posted Nov. 25, 2013, 11:56 p.m.

Worriers are yet another Brooklyn band to note, made up of former members of some higher profile DIY punk bands from the area. Most noteworthy ... read more

Reviews

Radioactivity – Radioactivity

Posted Nov. 20, 2013, 8:08 a.m.

Each time I write the phrase “garage-punk” I like it less and less. Still, how else to describe a band that blends pop-punk and garage ... read more

Reviews

Steve Adamyk Band – Third

Posted Nov. 19, 2013, 10:59 p.m.

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 ... read more

Reviews

Bangers – Crazy Fucking Dreams

Posted Nov. 11, 2013, 7:33 p.m.

Bangers are a punk band from Cornwall, but they don’t play to expectations in their second full-length Crazy Fucking Dreams. Instead, the record starts with the ... read more

Reviews

Nirvana – In Utero (20th Anniversary Reissue)

Posted Oct. 29, 2013, 2:16 a.m.

It’s easy to read a posthumous reissue as a mining of a band’s demos and outtakes. Nirvana saw the deluxe treatment of Nevermind a few years back ... read more

Reviews

Rations – Martyrs and Prisoners

Posted Oct. 21, 2013, 6:32 p.m.

Released on 86’d Records, I came to Rations with a blank slate. Thirty seconds of research tells me the band is a four-piece from Long ... read more

Reviews

Galactic Cannibal – We're Fucked

Posted Oct. 15, 2013, 12:44 a.m.

Goddamn, these are some brutally hoarse vocals. Like the kind that makes my voice hurt just thinking about singing along, and I mean that in ... read more

Reviews

The Octopus Project – Fever Forms

Posted Sept. 16, 2013, 11:20 p.m.

When did the Octopus Project add vocals? Well, it’s not exactly a lead singer—think more along the lines of Black Moth Super Rainbow (with whom they released ... read more

Reviews

The Wild – Dreams Are Maps

Posted Sept. 16, 2013, 11:12 p.m.

Maybe Defiance, Ohio are the height I hold the folk-punk genre to, maybe it’s just that they’re the first such band to really click with me. Regardless, ... read more

Reviews

The Blind Shake – Key to a False Door

Posted Sept. 16, 2013, 11:03 p.m.

It’s no secret to long-time site readers that I’m a fan of The Blind Shake. The Minneapolis trio has released a run of albums now, ... read more

Reviews

Eddie Spaghetti – The Value of Nothing

Posted Sept. 2, 2013, 11:22 p.m.

For Eddie Spaghetti’s third solo LP, he’s taken a moment to quiet it down and get introspective while seeking answers to life’s big questions: meaty ... read more

Reviews

Rumspringer – Stay Afloat

Posted Aug. 26, 2013, 11:30 p.m.

Every so often bands live up to their buzz. Rumspringer popped onto my radar through the defunct Dangerous Intersections series of 4-way splits from Traffic Street Records. I ... read more

Reviews

The Transplants – In A Warzone

Posted Aug. 26, 2013, 11:11 p.m.

I grew up on Rancid and they introduced me, eventually, to a much wider world of punk rock than what I caught on late night Headbangers Ball and 120 Minutes episodes. ... read more

Reviews

What-A-Nights – Self Titled

Posted Aug. 26, 2013, 10:45 p.m.

What-A-Nights are a Japanese four-piece punk group, mostly falling on the pop-punk side of the spectrum, with some tight Buzzcocks sensibility seeping in. Their self-titled full-length, first ... read more

Reviews

Vacation – Candy Waves

Posted Aug. 19, 2013, 10:56 p.m.

Here at Scene Point Blank we don’t give titles to our work. If I titled my Vacation review, though, it would be named after track ... read more

Reviews

Frozen Teens – Oakland Footsteps

Posted Aug. 12, 2013, 10:57 p.m.

Frozen Teens are tough sound to pin down exactly. It’s not because it’s 100% out there, it’s because it subtly pulls from different arenas, coming ... read more

Reviews

Mixtapes – Ordinary Silence

Posted Aug. 5, 2013, 9:24 p.m.

It’s still a bit hard to grasp what grabs me about Even on the Worst Nights. It finally clicked, though, as I drove through rural Minnesota ... read more

Reviews

Sundowners – The Larger Half of Wisdom

Posted Aug. 5, 2013, 9:18 p.m.

It’s been a couple years of seeing Sundowners’ name pop up on show listings around town. Still, I’ve missed them every time. Well, the band ... read more

Reviews

Pissed Jeans – Honeys

Posted July 29, 2013, 11:09 p.m.

I enjoyed King of Jeans. It wasn’t great and it didn’t break much ground, but it was a solid play that I still throw on from ... read more

Reviews

Civil War Rust – The Fun and the Lonely

Posted July 29, 2013, 11:06 p.m.

In case you’re missing the old Alkaline Trio, the East Bay’s Civil War Rust is calling your name. Not to say the band is strictly derivative ... read more

Reviews

Epic Problem – All Broken

Posted July 23, 2013, 12:24 a.m.

I wasn’t expecting this one to hit like it does. It’s raw, forceful, and honest; personal but socially conscious, and it blends street punk energy ... read more

Reviews

Night Birds – Born To Die In Suburbia

Posted July 22, 2013, 11:55 p.m.

Releasing the 7” teaser Maimed for the Masses certainly helped introduce the increasingly prominent surf guitar in Night Birds. Still, the opener “Escape from New York” is ... read more

Reviews

Night Birds – Maimed for the Masses

Posted July 15, 2013, 8:53 p.m.

For how active a band Night Birds is, they still only have one studio full-length to their name. Instead of releasing the long-players, the band ... read more

Reviews

Elway – Leavetaking

Posted July 15, 2013, 8:51 p.m.

Listening to Elway’s debut Delusions there was a lot of promise. It’s a solid record, nice songwriting, big hooks and memorable choruses. It’s modern Midwestern punk but ... read more

Reviews

Various Artists – Toys That Kill/Future Virgins - split

Posted July 1, 2013, 9:18 p.m.

Pairing Toys That Kill and Future Virgins in a single record, this Drunker Sailor 7” teams up bands that have released some of my favorite ... read more

Reviews

Plow United – Marching Band

Posted June 24, 2013, 10:51 p.m.

After a run from 1992-1998, Plow United reformed in 2011 and they return with new material in the form of Marching Band (Jump Start Records). Plow United ... read more

Reviews

Shell Shag – Forever

Posted June 24, 2013, 10:31 p.m.

Shell Shag put it all on the line in opener “Face to Face.” It’s an autobiographical song, about the two-piece band, their y-shaped microphone, and ... read more

Reviews

The Replacements – Color Me Obsessed

Posted June 17, 2013, 7:19 p.m.

There are really only a couple of formulas that music documentaries take: the overdone Behind the Music drama style and the self-serving rehashing-our-glory-days/let’s-sell-some-soundtracks docs. Director/producer Gorman Bechard ... read more

Reviews

Spokenest – We Move

Posted June 11, 2013, 1:13 a.m.

Two piece bands seem to be gaining in popularity again, and it’s easy to see why from a musician’s perspective. The fewer people involved, the ... read more

Reviews

Gateway District – Old Wild Hearts

Posted June 4, 2013, 12:39 a.m.

“We’re going to break you down this Saturday night,” sings The Gateway District in “Break You Down,” off their new LP, Old Wild Hearts. It’s as ... read more

Reviews

Street Eaters – Self Titled

Posted May 28, 2013, 5:36 p.m.

There are a few formats I almost go out of my way to avoid, namely cassettes and digital EPs. However, I’ll make an exception for ... read more

Reviews

LVMRKS – Pale Fairytale

Posted May 27, 2013, 11:01 p.m.

For a band whose onesheet opens with the pointed “[includes former] member of …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead during that band’s peak,” ... read more

Reviews

Big Eyes – Almost Famous

Posted May 20, 2013, 9:52 p.m.

Seattle is made out to be such a dreary place. Big Eyes released a largely positive-sounding debut in Hard Life and the reviews basically talked about the ... read more

Reviews

Off With Their Heads – Home

Posted May 20, 2013, 9:37 p.m.

Maybe it’s because I caught Off With Their Heads live recently and maybe it’s because on Home, their third official full-length, the theme is something that ... read more

Reviews

Worthwhile Way – Love Is All

Posted May 14, 2013, 12:59 a.m.

Worthwhile Way play positive punk. No bones about it, the title Love Is All isn’t some ironic statement, the band brings an upbeat, happy sound that’s typically ... read more

Reviews

They Might Be Giants – Nanobots

Posted May 6, 2013, 11:47 p.m.

When I first heard these guys in the late ‘80s or early ‘90s, there wasn’t really a name for this. Now, I guess it would ... read more

Reviews

The Tossers – The Emerald City

Posted April 30, 2013, 12:46 a.m.

The Tossers top out my list of Celtic punk bands. Dropkick Murphys turned into cartoons long ago and I’ve just never been that big a fan of ... read more

Reviews

The Spits – V

Posted April 22, 2013, 10:43 p.m.

Dirty, spacey punk rawk—in a nutshell, that’s what The Spits are bringing. We could talk costumes, we could talks subgenres, and we could talk recording quality (and ... read more

Reviews

Thee Oh Sees – Floating Coffin

Posted April 15, 2013, 11:56 p.m.

As a critic there are certain things I’m supposed to keep up with. Fact of the matter is that’s not always possible and, once you ... read more

Reviews

Restorations – LP2

Posted April 9, 2013, 12:48 a.m.

Is classic rock punk now a genre? I don’t have a whole lot of background with Restorations, other than catching half a set at Fest ... read more

Reviews

Low Culture – Evil

Posted April 9, 2013, 12:37 a.m.

This EP runs all of 4:59, featuring two new cuts from Low Culture. The band just released a full-length earlier this year on Dirtnap Records, Screens, ... read more

Reviews

Swingin' Utters – Poorly Formed

Posted April 1, 2013, 11:43 p.m.

First things first, Poorly Formed packs some nice verbiage. With word drops like “crumb bums” and “rigmarole” the Swingin’ Utters have incorporated some lively language into their ... read more

Reviews

Various Artists – So Cow/Squarehead - Out of Season

Posted March 25, 2013, 11:28 p.m.

Out of Season is a two-band split 12” from Inflated Records that presents two Irish Groups, So Cow on Side A and Squarehead on Side B. ... read more

Reviews

The Capitalist Kids – Lessons on Love, Sharing, and Hygiene

Posted March 25, 2013, 11:19 p.m.

Holy Lookout Records! The Capitalist Kids’ Lessons on Love, Sharing, and Hygiene bears some stark similarities to the output of seminal 1980s-1990s East Bay pop-punk label. With ... read more

Reviews

Low Culture – Screens

Posted March 12, 2013, 1:45 a.m.

Low Culture packs a punch. Not an angry punch, but one that, upon hearing it, your foot taps and your head bobs. The band, bringing ... read more

Reviews

Wayne Hancock – Ride

Posted March 4, 2013, 11:25 p.m.

Wayne “The Train” Hancock doesn’t play music to pump you up for a Saturday night on the town. Instead, Hancock’s old-school flavored country is more ... read more

Reviews

STNNNG – Empire Inward

Posted Feb. 26, 2013, 12:31 a.m.

When frontman Chris Besinger laments, “I’m howling/ Can you hear me?” at the start of “Ballad of the Drunken Word,” it all comes home. Empire Inward is ... read more

Reviews

The Night Marchers – Allez Allez

Posted Feb. 4, 2013, 11:44 p.m.

Sophomore records tend to bring a unique level of apprehension: has the artist changed; can s/he maintain the momentum from the first release; etc. Night ... read more

Reviews

Anchors – Lost At The Bottom Of The World

Posted Jan. 21, 2013, 3:43 p.m.

Anchors are a five piece from Melbourne, Australia who play melodic hardcore in the vein of Strike Anywhere. While a few more comparisons might pop ... read more

Reviews

Mixtapes – Even On The Worst Nights

Posted Jan. 21, 2013, 3:36 p.m.

Even on the Worst Nights beams with positivity. Sure, a closer listen will reveal a lot of sarcasm in the sugar-pop sound, but the first ... read more

Reviews

...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead – Lost Songs

Posted Jan. 14, 2013, 9:37 p.m.

The past decade has been an artistic whirlwind for the Austin, TX …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead. After hitting a ... read more

Reviews

The Magnificent – Bad Lucky

Posted Jan. 7, 2013, 3:23 p.m.

As I’ve gotten older, there are punk scenes I shy away from. Among those topping the list is street punk—not to totally write off the ... read more

Reviews

Brother Ali – Mourning In America And Dreaming In Color

Posted Jan. 7, 2013, 3:20 p.m.

Brother Ali is one of RhymeSayers’ and Minneapolis’ premiere rappers, and his career trajectory has been on the up-and-up with each release. Still, for whatever ... read more

Reviews

Ty Segall – Twins

Posted Dec. 10, 2012, 3:25 p.m.

Ty Segall is in constant motion. This year alone, he’s released a collection LP, a collaboration with White Fence, and now a solo record—all while ... read more

Reviews

Dan Padilla – Sports Fans

Posted Dec. 10, 2012, 3:21 p.m.

Considering the amount of time it took for Dan Padilla to drop their second full-length, last year’s As the Ox Plows, it’s surprising they’re back ... read more

Reviews

Arms Aloft – Sawdust City

Posted Dec. 3, 2012, 6:47 p.m.

When I speak of a “Kiss of Death” sound, I don’t mean it derisively. What I do mean is poppy song structures with powerfully belted ... read more

Reviews

Audacity – Mellow Cruisers

Posted Nov. 26, 2012, 3:40 p.m.

It’s not very often I’ll say a song belongs on the radio and mean that in a good way. With the whispered beginnings to “Garza” ... read more

Reviews

Grabass Charlestons – Dale & the Careeners

Posted Nov. 19, 2012, 3:53 p.m.

Is this the same band that released Ask Mark Twain? Well, kind of. Dale & the Careeners is the first Grabass Charlestons full-length since 2005, ... read more

Reviews

Future of the Left – The Plot Against Common Sense

Posted Nov. 5, 2012, 12:47 p.m.

The Future of the Left may have released their third full-length in The Plot Against Common Sense but little has changed in terms of band ... read more

Reviews

Legendary Wings – Making Paper Roses

Posted Oct. 29, 2012, 2:02 p.m.

Dirtnap Records picked up Kalamazoo, MI’s Legendary Wings based on an unsolicited demo. Seeing that the label gave them a blind shot, why not try ... read more

Reviews

NOFX – Self Entitled

Posted Oct. 29, 2012, 1:45 p.m.

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 ... read more

Reviews

God Equals Genocide – Rattled Minds

Posted Oct. 22, 2012, 11:45 a.m.

I’ve listened to a pretty solid variety of new records this year, but it’s always nice to come back to something from the DIY punk ... read more

Reviews

Luther – Let's Get You Somewhere Else

Posted Oct. 22, 2012, 11:39 a.m.

Philadelphia’s Luther have been quick to grab attention. The band, formed just two years ago, has played on some high profile tours and just signed ... read more

Reviews

Cadette – Flesh Without Hunting

Posted Oct. 1, 2012, 2:36 p.m.

If first impressions are what make or break an artist, Cadette is a whole bunch of angry. The Minneapolis, MN trio’s debut release Flesh Without ... read more

Reviews

Ace High Cutthroats – Black Fire

Posted Sept. 24, 2012, 3:20 p.m.

With a name like Ace High Cutthroats, it doesn’t take a lot of imagination to determine what the band is about. On their debut Black ... read more

Reviews

Plastic Cross – Grayscale Rainbows

Posted Sept. 16, 2012, 9:48 p.m.

Hub City Hardcore may not be on par with Greek mythology in terms of their incestuous relations, but with the debut of Plastic Cross, the ... read more

Reviews

Two Gallants – The Bloom And The Blight

Posted Sept. 10, 2012, 2:44 p.m.

2012 sees Two Gallants coming back from a 5-year hiatus with their new release The Bloom and the Blight. How have the ensuing years treated ... read more

Reviews

Young Guv & the Scuzz – A Love Too Strong

Posted Sept. 3, 2012, 1:05 p.m.

Young Guv, aka Ben Cook, has been keeping himself busy. Besides his full-time gig with the mammoth hardcore band Fucked Up, he’s released 11 singles ... read more

Reviews

The Riverboat Gamblers – The Wolf You Feed

Posted Sept. 3, 2012, 1:04 p.m.

The Riverboat Gamblers are an established band. So much so that it surprised me to see that The Wolf You Feed is just their fifth ... read more

Reviews

Aesop Rock – Skelethon

Posted Aug. 27, 2012, 1:25 p.m.

The big complaint since Aesop Rock’s breakthrough, Labor Days, seems to be that he hasn’t had the memorable singles. At this point, it should be ... read more

Reviews

New Bruises – Chock Full of Misery

Posted Aug. 27, 2012, 1:16 p.m.

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 ... read more

Reviews

Teenage Bottlerocket – Freak Out!

Posted Aug. 20, 2012, 1:07 p.m.

I’ve been hearing about the new wave of pop-punk for a while—how bands like Menzingers and Teenage Bottlerocket are reshaping the genre, building off predecessors ... read more

Reviews

Adam Widener – Cola Kids Hanging Out in the Bubble Dome

Posted Aug. 17, 2012, 12:12 a.m.

There are a few red flags that make me avoid records or, if you will, to judge a book by its cover. First, solo records ... read more

Reviews

Aaron Freeman – Marvelous Clouds

Posted Aug. 6, 2012, 1:38 p.m.

Rolling Stone didn’t do Aaron Freeman any favors in running their interview that announces the end of Ween before I got my hands on this ... read more

Reviews

Jimmy Cliff – Rebirth

Posted July 30, 2012, 3:54 p.m.

It’s always curious to see a veteran musician team up with their junior. Last year Jimmy Cliff joined with producer Tim Armstrong (Rancid) for the ... read more

Reviews

Cadence Weapon – Hope In Dirt City

Posted July 23, 2012, 1:53 p.m.

Hope in Dirt City is the third release from Edmonton, Alberta’s Cadence Weapon. With a smooth flow and an ear for wordplay, Cadence Weapon creates ... read more

Reviews

Royal Headache – Self Titled

Posted July 23, 2012, 1:49 p.m.

Royal Headache has been gathering some hype lately. Their self-titled record is a twelve track piece of high energy garage-punk, blazing past in twenty-six minutes. ... read more

Reviews

Bird Sounds – New

Posted July 19, 2012, 9:06 a.m.

This is the first physical release from Bird Sounds and the four years it took them to put together a 7” has given them time ... read more

Reviews

Sick Sick Birds – Gates Of Home

Posted July 2, 2012, 4:19 p.m.

A lot of bands are waving their 90s flags these days. And I don’t blame them. A) they grew up with the stuff and, B) ... read more

Reviews

Pujol – United States Of Being

Posted June 18, 2012, 3:12 p.m.

Pujol seemed like an odd pairing with Saddle Creek when I first heard of the signing last year. In 2011, the band released X File ... read more

Reviews

Craig Finn – Clear Heart/Full Eyes

Posted June 11, 2012, 2:39 p.m.

Clear Heart Full Eyes starts off curiously. Sure, “Apollo Bay” establishes that Finn’s solo debut is a separate project compared with The Hold Steady, but ... read more

Reviews

Toys That Kill – Fambly 42

Posted June 4, 2012, 5:07 p.m.

It may have been six years since Toys That Kill put out a full-length, but Fambly 42 sounds like it could have been released immediately ... read more

Reviews

Sharon Van Etten – Tramp

Posted May 21, 2012, noon

I’m not going to lie. I’m reaching a bit out of my comfort zone on reviewing this one. And, yes, the rating system is a ... read more

Reviews

Off! – Self Titled

Posted May 17, 2012, 9:45 a.m.

This record is way too long. Nah, with 16 songs in 17 minutes, it’s shorter than a heart attack. And, hopefully, that will be my ... read more

Reviews

Vacation – Self Titled

Posted May 14, 2012, 2:31 p.m.

First off, forgive me if at some point I wander off and say something about Summer Vacation or Vacation Bible School, and I keep mixing ... read more

Reviews

Brendan Kelly & The Wandering Birds – I'd Rather Die Than Live Forever

Posted April 30, 2012, 12:22 p.m.

I’ve never thought of Brendan Kelly as much of a singer. Sure, I’ve followed his career—hell, Slapstick played at the first real DIY show I ... read more

Reviews

L'Assassins – 7 PM Go!!!

Posted April 23, 2012, 9:48 a.m.

Big Action Records’ latest release, 7pm Go!!! from L’Assassins is definitely in line with their recent catalog. Instead of throwback garage, however, L’Assassins have a ... read more

Reviews

Tenement – Blind Wink

Posted April 9, 2012, 2:14 p.m.

Appleton, WI’s Tenement are a busy beast. The two-plus-piece band (featuring numerous guest musicians) released Napalm Dream in 2011, which I gave a heavy Replacements ... read more

Reviews

The Hussy – Weed Seizure

Posted April 9, 2012, 2:12 p.m.

Just a year ago I was writing about Cement Tomb Mind Control. Here we are in 2012, and the Madison, WI two-piece is already dropping ... read more

Reviews

John K. Samson – Provincial

Posted April 2, 2012, 10:33 a.m.

It’s already been four plus years since the last Weakerthans record. If I weren’t aging quickly myself, that would feel like a long time. While ... read more

Reviews

The Blank Fight – House Band Feud (Re-Issue)

Posted March 19, 2012, 1:48 p.m.

Aaron Cometbus, Rymodee of This Bike Is a Pipe Bomb, bikes, guitars…that seems a fitting intro for the reissue of The Blank Fight’s one and ... read more

Reviews

The Measure [SA] – My Heart And The Real World

Posted March 12, 2012, 1:28 p.m.

From the getgo, the transitions on My Heart and the Real World could be smoother—but that’s no surprise on a collections record. The Measure [SA] ... read more

Reviews

Future of the Left – Polymers Are Forever EP

Posted March 12, 2012, 1:08 p.m.

From what I gather, I’m supposed to love Andy Falkous and his body of work. For a man who talks so much shit, he sure ... read more

Reviews

Spoonboy – The Papas

Posted March 5, 2012, 1:40 p.m.

Do you like songs about gender issues, white male privilege, masculinity, and society in general? If not, you may want to quit reading here. Spoonboy, ... read more

Reviews

Shell Shag – Fuck Society

Posted Feb. 27, 2012, 9:36 p.m.

What if you could have all the great hits of the early 90s on one record: Liz Phair, INXS, Archers of Loaf all on one ... read more

Reviews

Lasting Impression – 301.9

Posted Feb. 27, 2012, 11:12 a.m.

Hardcore really isn’t my thing. Still, every once and a while I like to break out of my comfort zone with something different. Lasting Impression, ... read more

Reviews

Mind Spiders – Meltdown

Posted Feb. 20, 2012, 11:30 a.m.

Mark Ryan may not tour all that often, but you can’t fault the man’s productivity. Meltdown marks the second release from solo project Mind Spiders ... read more

Reviews

Classics Of Love – Self Titled

Posted Feb. 13, 2012, 11:45 a.m.

Classics of Love have a hill to climb. Considering that leader Jesse Michaels has been in bands like Common Rider, Big Rig and, oh, let’s ... read more

Reviews

Buildings – Melt, Cry, Sleep

Posted Jan. 31, 2012, 12:35 p.m.

Buildings. Two syllables. Direct and immovable. It seems a fitting name for this Minneapolis three-piece and their second album Melt, Cry, Sleep. Their sound is ... read more

Reviews

Future Virgins – Western Problems

Posted Jan. 16, 2012, 11:46 a.m.

2011 saw me getting deeper into garage bands. What better way to close out my year than with Future Virgins, who blend garage brevity and ... read more

Reviews

The Slow Death – Born Ugly, Got Worse

Posted Dec. 26, 2011, 1:07 p.m.

When The Soviettes’ Annie Sparrows voice starts Born Ugly, Got Worse devoid of instrumentation, it’s a crisp and honest delivery that complements leader Jesse Thorson’s ... read more

Reviews

Michael Yonkers with The Blind Shake – Period

Posted Dec. 26, 2011, 1:04 p.m.

Michael Yonkers has a fascinating story: getting dropped by the majors, personal injury, and being rediscovered a generation later. That story has already been told ... read more

Reviews

Gateway District – Perfect's Gonna Fail

Posted Dec. 26, 2011, 12:08 a.m.

The Gateway District’s debut, Some Days You Get the Thunder hooked me immediately yet, to this day, I can’t single out a standout track or ... read more

Reviews

Doomtree – No Kings

Posted Dec. 19, 2011, 2:26 p.m.

It’s not hard to find something to say about Doomtree. The 7-headed monster has enough disparate characters that I could fill the proverbial pages here ... read more

Reviews

Jimmy Cliff – Sacred Fire EP

Posted Dec. 19, 2011, 2:19 p.m.

Jimmy Cliff sounds pretty spry for a 63 year-old. The reggae legend is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer (whatever that means) and holds ... read more

Reviews

Tommy Stinson – One Man Mutiny

Posted Dec. 12, 2011, 12:57 p.m.

In the long-honored tradition of solo records from Guns N’ Roses members, Tommy Stinson delivers One Man Mutiny. Of course, Stinson has an intriguing back ... read more

Reviews

Banner Pilot – Heart Beats Pacific

Posted Dec. 5, 2011, 7:48 a.m.

I’ll be honest. I was kind of hoping somebody else would review this record. I like Banner Pilot. A lot. The reason I didn’t want ... read more

Reviews

Street Eaters – Rusty Eyes and Hydrocarbons

Posted Nov. 22, 2011, 10:47 a.m.

There’s a level of familiarity in Street Eaters that I can’t put my finger on. That said, I’ll do my best to in reviewing their ... read more

Reviews

Nothington – Borrowed Time

Posted Nov. 21, 2011, 9:13 a.m.

I’ll be honest, I missed Roads Bridges & Ruins, even after guitarist Chris Matulich said it would be quite a transition from All In. While ... read more

Reviews

Andrew Jackson Jihad – Knife Man

Posted Nov. 14, 2011, 2:48 p.m.

Andrew Jackson Jihad runs the folk-punk gamut—they’ve put out a split with Ghost Mice, play The Fest more or less annually, and they’re a two-piece ... read more

Reviews

Pujol – X File On Main St.

Posted Nov. 14, 2011, 2:42 p.m.

There’s no wasting time on X File on Main St. Within the first few lines, singer Daniel Pujol has taken his stance on careers, art, ... read more

Reviews

Chuck Ragan – Covering Ground

Posted Nov. 7, 2011, 12:29 p.m.

With guest spots from Brian Fallon (Gaslight Anthem), Chris Phillips (Squirrel Nut Zippers), Frank Turner, Audra Mae, Rick Steff and Todd Neene (Lucero), and Christopher ... read more

Reviews

Noise By Numbers – Over Leavitt

Posted Oct. 24, 2011, 12:35 p.m.

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 ... read more

Reviews

Polar Bear Club – Clash Battle Guilt Pride

Posted Oct. 24, 2011, 12:14 p.m.

Clash Battle Guilt Pride is Polar Bear Club’s third release and second on Bridge Nine. The veteran band sets their tone early with “Pawner,” a ... read more

Reviews

Leatherface – Viva La Arthouse: Live In Melbourne

Posted Oct. 19, 2011, 9:39 p.m.

On the Stormy Petrel World Tour in 2010 bassist Graeme Philliskirk made an arrangement with The Arthouse in Melbourne, Australia to record Leatherface’s set, unbeknownst ... read more

Reviews

The Blind Shake – Seriousness

Posted Oct. 17, 2011, 9:24 a.m.

It’s Seriousness indeed for The Blind Shake. The Minneapolis three-piece plays concise, to the point garage rock. From their matching trek suits to drummer Dave ... read more

Reviews

Tenement – Napalm Dream

Posted Oct. 10, 2011, 7:31 a.m.

Wow, this isn’t at all what I was expecting. With a one word name and the title Napalm Dream, I had images of guttural-voice hardcore ... read more

Reviews

Sleeping in the Aviary – You And Me, Ghost

Posted Oct. 3, 2011, 7:56 a.m.

It was just six months ago that I reviewed Great Vacation. Sure, I was a few months behind the trolley on that one, but the ... read more

Reviews

Bad Sports – Kings Of The Weekend

Posted Sept. 26, 2011, 10:36 a.m.

Bad Sports made a smart sequencing decision by opening Kings of the Weekend with “Off Switch.” The punk burner has a lot of garage noise ... read more

Reviews

Bangers – Small Pleasures

Posted Sept. 19, 2011, 5:52 a.m.

Small Pleasures is the first proper full-length from Cornwall, England trio Bangers. To shortcut straight to the point, it’s fitting that this record is released ... read more

Reviews

Night Birds – The Other Side Of Darkness

Posted Sept. 12, 2011, 4:35 a.m.

The hype had been building for Night Birds’ debut. They’ve released three 7”s and the band, feature ex-members of The Ergs!, Hunchback, and Psyched to ... read more

Reviews

Voytek – Self Titled

Posted Sept. 5, 2011, 3 a.m.

Voytek are a Minneapolis punk band currently taking things to the next level. Whether that level is up or down is in the eye of ... read more

Reviews

William Elliott Whitmore – Field Songs

Posted Sept. 5, 2011, 2:50 a.m.

William Elliott Whitmore’s Anti debut, Animals in the Dark, was something of an outlier in his discography—the bigger label release introduced more instrumentation and a ... read more

Reviews

Witches – Forever

Posted Aug. 29, 2011, 12:32 p.m.

Witches are a tough band to break down. The vocals from Cara Beth Satalino are far and away the driving force on their debut, Forever. ... read more

Reviews

Coathangers – Larceny & Old Lace

Posted Aug. 22, 2011, 6:12 a.m.

For a city its size, I know next to nothing about the Atlanta, GA scene. For some reason I think of Nashville Pussy-styled sleaze rock, ... read more

Reviews

Emily's Army – Don't Be A Dick

Posted Aug. 15, 2011, 9:26 a.m.

It would be hard for Emily’s Army to disassociate from their bloodlines: Don’t Be a Dick is produced by Billie Joe Armstrong, shares a similarity ... read more

Reviews

Bandname – Breakfast

Posted Aug. 8, 2011, 9:42 p.m.

Flippant is a word that popped up on the of Bandname's press sheet. Take their moniker into account and add the heavy slackerism that permeates ... read more

Reviews

Something Fierce – Don't Be So Cruel

Posted July 25, 2011, 9:55 a.m.

Chalk up another one for the misleading band name file—Something Fierce makes me think violent and brutal, which definitely isn’t what this Houston group is ... read more

Reviews

Various Artists – Spraynard & Sundials - Split

Posted July 17, 2011, 4:05 p.m.

Spraynard hail from Pennsylvania and they play a style of punk that blends the varied melodic subgenres of punk rock (East Bay, beard punk, pop ... read more

Reviews

Elway – Delusions

Posted July 11, 2011, 9:14 a.m.

Pop structures with gruff vocals? Check.Group singalongs at the chorus?Check.A lyrical focus on being lost in the world while simultaneously abusing alcohol semi-therapeutically?Check.There’s definitely a ... read more

Reviews

Amateur Party – Truncheons in the Manor

Posted July 4, 2011, 7:19 a.m.

There are a lot of names that could be dropped when talking about Amateur Party—in fact, I did so when I reviewed their EP back ... read more

Reviews

Amateur Party – Public Utility Complaint

Posted June 15, 2011, 7:52 a.m.

Man, what a nice looking record. The sleeve includes an actual photograph for the cover, with a dozen or so variations that you can get, ... read more

Reviews

The Dwarves – Born Again

Posted June 13, 2011, 8:58 a.m.

Back in the pre-internet era I came across a blurb in some metal magazine I read in my adolescent years—I’m guessing it was Rip. In ... read more

Reviews

Dan Padilla – As The Ox Plows

Posted June 6, 2011, 11:02 a.m.

It’s been almost a year since As the Ox Plows popped up on the interwebs. Back then it boasted itself as a free digital version ... read more

Reviews

High Tension Wires – Welcome New Machine

Posted June 6, 2011, 10:46 a.m.

Namedropping in reviews is an easy thing to do, and I’m not averse to it myself. The obvious ones for High Tension Wires come via ... read more

Reviews

The Hussy – Cement Tomb Mind Control

Posted May 30, 2011, 5:36 a.m.

The Hussy have been banging away in clubs, bars, and basements since 2008. In that time, they’ve pumped out 3 vinyl singles and a split ... read more

Reviews

Ninja Gun – Roman Nose

Posted May 23, 2011, 5:06 a.m.

Ninja Gun draws from a lot of sources, playing in the Suburban Home-style market of alt country derived from obtuse punk influences. They tend to ... read more

Reviews

Swingin' Utters – Here, Under Protest

Posted May 16, 2011, 6:27 a.m.

You can’t accuse Swingin’ Utters of phoning it in. Here, Under Protest is the band’s first studio record in eight years and, unlike some of ... read more

Reviews

Underground Railroad To Candyland – Knows Your Sins

Posted April 25, 2011, 4:11 a.m.

Considering that Underground Railroad to Candyland was formed, in large part, to be a party band, and combining that with the So. Cal. sun that’s ... read more

Reviews

Lucinda Williams – Blessed

Posted April 18, 2011, 1:12 p.m.

Over twenty-two years and ten studio albums Lucinda Williams has made a name for herself. She has a number of career achievements, but this isn’t ... read more

Reviews

Trent Fox & The Tenants – Mess Around

Posted March 21, 2011, 6:58 a.m.

There’s a garage-pop movement afoot in Wisconsin and Trent Fox & the Tenants are just one of the torchbearers. Their five song debut EP, Mess ... read more

Reviews

Old Man Markley – Guts N' Teeth

Posted March 21, 2011, 6:51 a.m.

Fat hasn’t been releasing many new bands lately. Thus, when they do expand the roster for a debut, it draws some attention. Guts n’Teeth comes ... read more

Reviews

Sims – Bad Time Zoo

Posted March 14, 2011, 9:34 a.m.

Six years is a long time between a freshman and sophomore release. Granted, that length isn’t entirely accurate—Sims has been involved in a number of ... read more

Reviews

Broken Gold – Recovery Journal

Posted March 7, 2011, 4:33 a.m.

When a band names their record Recovery Journal it should come as no surprise that the dominant impression is one of earnestness. Broken Gold is ... read more

Reviews

Sleeping in the Aviary – Great Vacation!

Posted Feb. 21, 2011, 1:11 a.m.

Sleeping in the Aviary begin Great Vacation! with a sparse, plodding guitar line that builds into the skeletal indie-folk of “Y.M.C.A. (No, Not That One)”. ... read more

Reviews

Mind Spiders – Self Titled LP

Posted Feb. 14, 2011, 9:55 a.m.

The Marked Men were the best band you’ve never heard. Well, one of them anyway. The beloved-by-some, under-the-radar-of-most band from Denton, TX may have taken ... read more

Reviews

Buffalo Moon – Black Magic/Low Tide Moon

Posted Feb. 7, 2011, 4:37 a.m.

At their heart, Buffalo Moon plays whimsical indie pop with a playfulness that is grounded by moments of straight-faced seriousness. Of course, “whimsical indie pop” ... read more

Reviews

Devil's Brigade – Self Titled

Posted Feb. 5, 2011, 1:56 a.m.

Back in 2002 a song appeared on a Give ‘em the Boot comp. from a band named Devil’s Brigade. The band was a psychobilly project ... read more

Reviews

Sticks N Stones – Is It You?

Posted Jan. 24, 2011, 9:43 a.m.

Trouble in Mind is getting to the point with their cover art. The point is: let the music stand for itself. Or maybe it’s just ... read more

Reviews

The Bombay Sweets – Doin' the Jerk at Dawn

Posted Jan. 17, 2011, 9:02 a.m.

Bombay Sweets is a Minneapolis band consisting of Nathan Grumdahl (Selby Tigers, Dynamiters) and drummer Jeff Brown (His Mischief). Although the project has expanded beyond ... read more

Reviews

Whiskey & Co. – Rust Colors

Posted Jan. 10, 2011, 11:19 a.m.

Whiskey & Co.’s sound hasn’t changed, even if a couple members have. On their third record, the Gainesville band continues their old-school flavored country that ... read more

Reviews

The Arrivals – Volatile Molotov

Posted Jan. 5, 2011, 4:23 a.m.

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 ... read more

Reviews

M.I.A. – /\/\ /\ Y /\ (MAYA)

Posted Dec. 27, 2010, 11 a.m.

$M.I.A. – /\/\ /\ Y /\ (MAYA)$

The hipsterati and the New York Times may have set their sights on MIA but, frankly, I don’t have the time to care what she ... read more

Reviews

STNNNG – The Smoke of My Will

Posted Dec. 20, 2010, 2:10 p.m.

It’s been four long years since the last STNNNG album. In that time, though, the band hasn’t wavered from their dynamic and aggressive style of ... read more

Reviews

The Measure [SA] – Notes

Posted Dec. 13, 2010, 1:02 p.m.

A recent SPB interview with Lauren Measure found that the band has released 18 pieces of wax so far in their career—yet Notes is only ... read more

Reviews

Defiance, Ohio – Midwestern Minutes

Posted Dec. 6, 2010, 12:35 p.m.

Midwestern Minutes is the fourth full-length from Defiance, Ohio. The band has crafted a sound that draws from Americana and Plan-It-X-style DIY pop punk. The ... read more

Reviews

The Sass Dragons – New Kids On The Bong

Posted Nov. 22, 2010, 11:28 a.m.

It would be hard to take the Sass Dragons seriously, were it not for the quality of their recorded material. On stage, the fuck-all Chicago ... read more

Reviews

The Dopamines – Expect The Worst

Posted Nov. 22, 2010, 11:21 a.m.

The Dopamines first caught my attention when they released a 7” that pays homage to the Big Black Songs About Fucking cover. Sure, they sound ... read more

Reviews

Pissed Jeans – King Of Jeans

Posted Nov. 3, 2010, 7:11 a.m.

Ugly and violent. Pissed Jeans dont mess around, starting 2009s King of Jeans with False Jesii, Part Two, and never letting up on the noisepunk ... read more

Reviews

The Riot Before – Rebellion

Posted Nov. 3, 2010, 7:08 a.m.

Early releases from The Riot Before have had an undeniable feeling that the band was primarily Brett Adams’ project. Although they have a handful of ... read more

Reviews

Sugar Stems – The Sweet Sounds of the Sugar Stems

Posted Nov. 3, 2010, 7:04 a.m.

The Sugar Stems know what sound they’re after, and that’s pretty clear from their name alone. The Sweet Sounds of the Sugar Stems immediately hits on ... read more

Reviews

The Brokedowns – Species Bender

Posted Oct. 25, 2010, 1:12 p.m.

Three long years after New Brains for Everyone rallied cynical drunks everywhere, the Brokedowns have returned with another full-length, this time for Chicago’s Red Scare ... read more

Reviews

Tiltwheel – The Hiatus AKA The High Hate Us

Posted Oct. 6, 2010, 7:05 a.m.

Tiltwheel have firmly established themselves as one of the least prolific bands out there. Formed in 1991, the band had released only two proper full-lengths ... read more

Reviews

Sundowner – We Chase the Waves

Posted Sept. 13, 2010, 9:46 a.m.

We Chase the Waves is the second release from Lawrence Arms singer/guitarist Chris McCaughan. While technically his second solo release, this one is truly an ... read more

Reviews

Averkiou – Wasted and High

Posted Sept. 1, 2010, 4 p.m.

The title track on this 7 is a fitting sound, given its title. Wasted and High has a pop structure run through the wash, and ... read more

Reviews

Sims – False Hopes XIV

Posted Sept. 1, 2010, 3:51 p.m.

Lights Out Paris was one of my favorite releases of 2005, but as the Doomtree crew only has so much time and money on their ... read more

Reviews

Call Me Lightning – When I Am Gone My Blood Will Be Free

Posted Sept. 1, 2010, 3:39 p.m.

Is this the band that released Soft Skeletons? Its been 3 years, and clearly the band has opted to go in a different direction. While ... read more

Reviews

Mayflower – Second Best Sunsets

Posted Aug. 26, 2010, 12:09 p.m.

After a brief intro track (whats the point of intros, anyway?), Mayflower kicks things off with the energetic I Never , an Off With Their ... read more

Reviews

The Tallest Man on Earth – The Wild Hunt

Posted June 16, 2010, 7:30 a.m.

Kristian Matsson, aka The Tallest Man on Earth, wants to sound like Bob Dylan. Who doesnt? Well, I can name a few bands, but I ... read more

Reviews

The Morning After Girls – Alone

Posted June 9, 2010, 3:52 a.m.

The Morning After Girls are a band from New York by way of Melbourne. I have to assume their name is more a reference to ... read more

Reviews

Okie Dokie – Okie Dokie

Posted May 16, 2010, 10:36 p.m.

The band is named Okie Dokie. The artwork is simple and to the point. In other words, Okie Dokie doesnt hide the fact that theyre ... read more

Reviews

Love Collector – My Baby Goes Waaah!

Posted April 11, 2010, 10:50 p.m.

What you get with Love Collector is pretty straightforward. Only a few seconds into My Baby Goes Waaah!, the titular track on this 7, its ... read more

Reviews

The Bouncing Souls – Ghosts on the Boardwalk

Posted March 1, 2010, 8:33 a.m.

As life continually changes, sometimes constancy is important. Putting in Ghosts on the Boardwalk, the twenty-year anniversary release from The Bouncing Souls, reminds me of ... read more

Reviews

Felt – Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez

Posted March 1, 2010, 8:22 a.m.

Its refreshing to put in a hip-hop disc and not have it bogged down with guest spots featured on every track. In fact, none of ... read more

Reviews

Young Livers / Army of Ponch – Live at The Atlantic: Volume 1

Posted Feb. 16, 2010, 11:42 p.m.

What strikes in a live show doesnt always show evenly on the studio reproduction. My first thoughts on Sound Studys Live at the Atlantic: Volume ... read more

Reviews

Mouthbreather / Enviornmental Youth Crunch – Split

Posted Feb. 1, 2010, 3:08 a.m.

Theres a lot to say about this split. First, it features one great name (Mouthbreather) and one lesser one (Environmental Youth Crunch). What strikes me ... read more

Reviews

Drunkdriver – Fire Sale

Posted Jan. 16, 2010, 11:30 p.m.

I like to consider myself pretty versed in rock - I listen to a lot of stuff and a good amount of variety. But, every ... read more

Reviews

The Bomb – Speed is Everything

Posted Jan. 12, 2010, 12:28 a.m.

Considering how much Ive heard about the Naked Raygun reunion, youd think there would be more buzz regarding The Bomb. Speed is Everything is the ... read more

Reviews

Michael Yonkers with The Blind Shake – Cold Town/Soft Zodiac

Posted Jan. 6, 2010, 10:10 p.m.

The Blind Shake are a power-garage trio from Minneapolis. They play highly synchronized, precision rock with guitar, tenor guitar, and drums. Michael Yonkers is a ... read more

Reviews

Sick Sick Birds – Heavy Manners

Posted Dec. 29, 2009, 10:33 p.m.

Sometimes life gets in the way of good music. When the Thumbs disbanded in 2003, Mike Hall and Bobby Borte needed a new outlet. They ... read more

Reviews

King Khan & The BBQ Show – Invisible Girl

Posted Dec. 23, 2009, 1:36 a.m.

In his two-piece with Mark BBQ Sultan, King Khan & The BBQ Show brings garage rock as its meant to be played: layered with harmonies ... read more

Reviews

Myles Deck and the Fuzz – Police Cops

Posted Dec. 1, 2009, 3:36 p.m.

I guess Myles Deck and the Fuzz deliver what they promise on Police Cops. With a name referencing fuzz and a title copped from The ... read more

Reviews

Yesterday's Ring – Diamonds in the Ditch

Posted Nov. 24, 2009, 11:28 p.m.

Some folks they tell me: "You just cant play country / Youre a stupid young punk and youre from Montreal / But Ill still make ... read more

Reviews

Austin Lucas – The Common Cold (Reissue)

Posted Nov. 12, 2009, 11:55 p.m.

In a time of ex-punkers going the acoustic, solo route, Austin Lucas offers something that differs from his Revival Tour circuit peers. Where artists like ... read more

Reviews

Korova – Another Happy Customer

Posted Nov. 10, 2009, 12:05 a.m.

Korova are a DIY hardcore band from Alabama. They wear their influences on their sleeve, with latter-day Black Flag being the predominant one throughout Another ... read more

Reviews

Gonzales – Checkmate

Posted Oct. 20, 2009, 2:37 p.m.

It shouldnt take a Johnny Cash song to make a record take off. With Checkmate, from Gonzales, thats exactly the problem. The first hook to ... read more

Reviews

The Creeps – These Walls

Posted Oct. 14, 2009, 1:53 p.m.

What much can I really say? This style has been done numerous times. The Creeps play infectious, upbeat punk, born of the Ramones and sculpted ... read more

Reviews

Deep Sleep – Three Things at Once

Posted Sept. 8, 2009, 3:48 p.m.

Deep Sleep sound like 1980's LA hardcore. A good example is the dual vocals of Alone with You, but with twenty-one songs in twenty-five minutes, ... read more

Reviews

Detournement – Screaming Response

Posted Sept. 7, 2009, 1:12 a.m.

Detournement are an Eastcoast band with members from a host of familiar bands. Rather than focus on who they are, though, their music should speak ... read more

Reviews

The Tanks – Keep Breaking Down

Posted Aug. 19, 2009, 11:53 p.m.

With only two studio albums thus far, Im not really comfortable referring to The Future of the Left has an influential band, but only a ... read more

Reviews

Brainworms – II: Swear to Me

Posted Aug. 12, 2009, 11:47 p.m.

There is a caustic, angry, and somewhat aimless feel permeating Swear to Me that convinces me that Brainworms is a good name for the band. ... read more

Reviews

Drag the River – Bad at Breaking Up

Posted July 28, 2009, 9:34 p.m.

I know Im not the easiest lover, Drag the River admits in Jeff Black Song. That honest and simple line over a minimal acoustic track ... read more

Reviews

Only Thieves – Greeting from Levy Park, T.L.H.

Posted July 16, 2009, 3:48 p.m.

Only Thieves pay homage to the Boss with their cover to Greeting from Levy Park, T.L.H., but the tribute doesnt stop at the artwork. From ... read more

Reviews

The Paper Chase – Someday This Could All Be Yours (Part 1)

Posted July 8, 2009, 4:41 p.m.

The first thing thats going to strike you about The Paper Chase is that theyre a quirky indie band. What you get in the first ... read more

Reviews

Foundation – Chimborazo

Posted June 24, 2009, 1:11 a.m.

I like to refer to Foundations self-titled record as campfire punk. It takes basic punk songs (often from the Ann Beretta catalog) and strips them ... read more

Reviews

Rancid – Let the Dominoes Fall

Posted June 15, 2009, 1:01 a.m.

I could write a thousand words on Rancid here if I wanted. I spent the better part of the 90's defending them amongst the punx, ... read more

Reviews

Valina – A Tempo! A Tempo!

Posted June 10, 2009, 11:32 p.m.

For a band whose hyperbolic press sheet claims theyve played 75,854 shows in their eleven year history (thats only 18.88 per day by my count) ... read more

Reviews

Gatorface – Sick and Stupid

Posted June 9, 2009, 12:55 a.m.

The name had me thinking hardcore, and the inclusion of ex-New Mexican Disaster Squad only solidified that thought, but Gatorface plays pretty much straight-up pop ... read more

Reviews

La Crisi – II - Tutti a Pezzi

Posted June 3, 2009, 2:35 p.m.

Is there any better imagery than broken teeth? La Crisi dont seem to think so. Given the ferocity on II - Tutti a Pezzi I ... read more

Reviews

The Shaking Hands – The Shaking Hands

Posted May 14, 2009, 9:14 p.m.

In my recent Kiss of Death reviews theres been a steady diet of pop-influenced beard punk. Expecting more of the same, Gainesvilles The Shaking Hands ... read more

Reviews

The Measure [SA] – Songs About People... and Fruit N' Shit

Posted May 13, 2009, 12:02 a.m.

Its another vinyl-only release from The Measure [SA]. As a reviewer, I get an mp3 disc with a handwritten label instead of the art. Ill ... read more

Reviews

Austin Lucas – Somebody Loves You

Posted May 5, 2009, 8:58 a.m.

When O Brother, Where Art Thou sold over seven million copies, you knew that people were listening and that the soundtrack would have an influence ... read more

Reviews

O Pioneers!!! – Neon Creeps

Posted April 27, 2009, 9:55 a.m.

With their Asian Man debut, Neon Creeps, O Pioneers!!! is trying to make a name for themselves while upping the ante on stupid punctuation in ... read more

Reviews

The Ergs! – That's It...Bye

Posted April 21, 2009, 12:50 a.m.

Bands break up all the time. Sometimes they blow up on stage, storm off from a tour, grow apart, and on occasion they cordially agree ... read more

Reviews

Maniqui Lazer – I Learn Everything on TV

Posted April 13, 2009, 8:20 p.m.

I dont know much about music along the US-Mexico border, and the name Maniqui Lazer and the cartoonish sketches on the cover only intrigue me ... read more

Reviews

P.O.S. – Never Better

Posted April 2, 2009, 1:12 a.m.

The unique style of P.O.S. continues to come together - from the disjointed and experimental Ipecac Neat that caught Rhymesayers attention, and the slightly more ... read more

Reviews

Anchor Arms – Cold Blooded

Posted March 30, 2009, 2:49 p.m.

These days everything reminds me of The Fest. Todays memory comes from release FSR001 by Anchor Arms, reminding me that I missed the Fail Safe ... read more

Reviews

RevCo – Sexo Olympico

Posted March 23, 2009, 1:49 a.m.

Whos your favorite Cock? Hopefully you answered either Al Buck Satan or Luc, Luc Van Acker, seeing as theyre the only returning members. I missed ... read more

Reviews

Child Bite – Fantastic Gusts of Blood

Posted March 12, 2009, 4:29 p.m.

There are different kinds of eccentric bands - the parody and weird bands like Ween or Beck or They Might Be Giants, and there are ... read more

Reviews

Virgins – Miscarriage

Posted Feb. 25, 2009, 11:36 p.m.

Orlandos Virgins play hook orientated, chorus heavy punk with scratchy throat vocals. The three-piece formed from the ashes of New Mexican Disaster Squad and their ... read more

Reviews

Maps of Norway – Die Off Songbird

Posted Feb. 23, 2009, 12:15 a.m.

Its refreshing to hear bands showing their influences without becoming a fiftieth-wave hybrid, a la The ePoxies. Maps of Norway obviously love 1980's new-wave. However, ... read more

Reviews

Monikers – Wake Up

Posted Feb. 12, 2009, 9:07 p.m.

2008 was a year I kept hearing Monikers' name without knowing a thing about them. They turned up on split releases, message boards, and year ... read more

Reviews

Swingin' Utters – Hatest Grits: B-Sides and Bullshit

Posted Feb. 8, 2009, 11:50 p.m.

If the name isnt clear enough for you, the Swingin Utters new record, Hatest Grits: B-Sides and Bullshit, does not contain new material. It also ... read more

Reviews

Deathcycle – Prelude to Tyranny

Posted Jan. 20, 2009, 7:29 a.m.

Deathcycle brings hardcore laden with throwback influence and metal finishes. Theyre young, angry lads who have, within the past month, announced their breakup before I ... read more

Reviews

Constantines – Kensington Heights

Posted Jan. 18, 2009, 11:02 p.m.

Kensington Heights is the fourth album from Ontarios Constantines and their first since 2005. The group, best known for a powerful live show, has yet ... read more

Reviews

An Albatross – An Albatross Family Album

Posted Jan. 11, 2009, 11:59 p.m.

With their first release since 2006, An Albatross decided to get serious: they spent five weeks in the studio with a team of ex-members, new ... read more

Reviews

Star Fucking Hipsters – Until We're Dead

Posted Dec. 21, 2008, 2:38 p.m.

Lets face it: a lot of punk rock comes across through the singers voice, and that voice often isnt pretty: Johnny Rottens snottiness, Tim Armstrongs ... read more

Reviews

Roll the Tanks – Suffer City

Posted Dec. 18, 2008, 8:19 p.m.

Something about Roll the Tanks sounds familiar. I cant put my finger on who they remind me of, but they have a light, bouncy Brit-pop ... read more

Reviews

The Measure [SA] – One Chapter in the Book: A Collection of Standard Waits and Measurements

Posted Nov. 25, 2008, 8:56 p.m.

New Brunswick, NJ seems to be bringing the rock lately. The Measure [SA] is one of the towns hard working bands with a slew of ... read more

Reviews

Banner Pilot – Resignation Day

Posted Nov. 20, 2008, 12:10 a.m.

With a pedigree including Rivethead and Off With Their Heads there are certain expectations behind Banner Pilot's debut full length. In addition to their resume, ... read more

Reviews

The Riot Before – Fists Buried in Pockets

Posted Oct. 16, 2008, 8:49 p.m.

The Riot Before hail from Richmond but look and sound like a Gainesville band. Musically, I'd lump them in with American Steel and old Against ... read more

Reviews

Racebannon – Acid or Blood

Posted Sept. 25, 2008, 10:55 p.m.

My first thought when I look at Racebannon's Myspace profile is that their vocalist, Mike Anderson, has a bit of the curly-haired Ween look to ... read more

Reviews

Baby Guts – The Kissing Disease

Posted Sept. 19, 2008, 2:55 a.m.

I have to wonder what rock critics would've done without L7 and Babes in Toyland, as it seems every writer feels compelled to make comparisons ... read more

Reviews

Real McKenzies – Off the Leash

Posted Sept. 14, 2008, 3:13 p.m.

What the world needs is more Dropkick Murphys, or perhaps something just different enough to spawn a new sub-subgenre. Unlike Dropkick Murphys, The Real McKenzies ... read more

Reviews

You May Die in the Desert – Bears in the Yukon

Posted Sept. 2, 2008, 11:55 p.m.

You May Die in the Desert is a three-piece, self-described as an "uplifting jazzy trio [that] combines chaotic guitar riffs with atmospheric layover techniques." With ... read more

Reviews

The Architects – Vice

Posted Aug. 18, 2008, 3:48 p.m.

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 ... read more

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You May Die in the Desert / Gifts from Enola – Harmonic Motion: Volume 1

Posted Aug. 7, 2008, 2:17 a.m.

Harmonic Motion: Volume 1 is the start of a Differential Records series aiming to bring together like-sounding instrumental groups. The record starts off with "The ... read more

Reviews

The National Rifle – Wage Life

Posted July 29, 2008, 8:48 p.m.

What if Elvis Costello was still churning out upbeat, poppy numbers like his early work? What if you took away some of the crackle and ... read more

Reviews

The Reds – Fugitives from the Laughing House

Posted July 14, 2008, 11:33 p.m.

Fugitives from the Laughing House comes twenty years after The Reds released their first single. Despite such a history, the band is not a household ... read more

Reviews

A Caesar Holiday – A Caesar Holiday

Posted July 1, 2008, 8:36 p.m.

The five-piece A Caesar Holiday offer up six tracks totaling forty-five minutes on their self-titled debut release. Featuring the combined instrumentation of violin, dual guitars, ... read more

Reviews

Tournament – Swordswallower

Posted June 10, 2008, 2:57 p.m.

With silkscreen cover art and a handwritten inventory number on Swordswallower, the Brooklyn-based Tournament (ex-Paragraph) have released an impressive debut. The press sheet is informative ... read more

Reviews

Prizzy Prizzy Please – Prizzy Prizzy Please

Posted June 3, 2008, 8:07 p.m.

The band is named Prizzy Prizzy Please. They have bright colors and octopus tentacles on their cover. Instruments included: keyboards, bass, drums, and sax. The ... read more

Reviews

The Tim Version – Decline of the Southern Gentleman

Posted May 20, 2008, 8:57 p.m.

At The Fest last fall I saw a lot of bands, most of which I had a previous idea of what they were about beforehand. ... read more

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Ween – La Cucaracha

Posted April 23, 2008, 8:24 p.m.

If you don't know Ween at this point, it's difficult to sum them up in a few words. Eclectic, genre hopping, and parody come to ... read more

Reviews

The Black Hollies – Casting Shadows

Posted April 13, 2008, 8:18 p.m.

The Black Hollies feature three-fifths of Jersey City's Rye Coalition, but don't expect Casting Shadows, the trippy-covered Ernest Jenning release to match Rye Coalition's dirty ... read more

Reviews

The Seven Mile Journey – The Metamorphosis Project

Posted March 31, 2008, 11:20 p.m.

Operating under the post-rock banner, The Seven Mile Journey's The Metamorphosis Project offers an hour of sparse and atmospheric soundscapes. It is the group's second ... read more

Reviews

The Tossers – Agony

Posted March 16, 2008, 9:45 p.m.

A handful of records on multiple labels, a World Series game, a Jimmy Kimmel appearance, a solo record...not bad for a band of Southside Chicagoans ... read more

Reviews

Pyongyang Metro – Tower of White Tigers

Posted Feb. 27, 2008, 11:37 p.m.

Pyongyang Metro is a tough band to separate from their other projects. The band shares members with Off With Their Heads, Rivethead, and Banner Pilot ... read more

Reviews

NOFX – They've Actually Gotten Worse Live!

Posted Feb. 11, 2008, 12:39 a.m.

"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, ... read more

Reviews

The Dauntless Elite – Graft

Posted Feb. 7, 2008, 1:57 p.m.

The Dauntless Elite hail from Leeds and hold the honor of being the first international Plan-it-X band. With Graft, their first full-length, they deliver pop ... read more

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