PAINT IT BLACK: New Lexicon: CD
Paint It Black were one of my favorite bands in college (not that I stopped liking them, more of one of those “I’m in love with a different band/girl every week” kind of deals). I liked that the first record was essentially a “lets just DO this” kind of a hardcore record. I liked that Paradise started to branch out into some more melodic territory. This one takes the best of both worlds (I started listening thinking “Man, this sounds WAY more brutal”, and then “No, this is WAY poppier”), but now there’s some interesting electronic/hip-hop/noise stuff going on as well (though to be honest, it’s mostly transitional between the songs). It’s “lets see where we can take this” and not “lets rehash the last record again”. I like it. Seriously though, get me one of those record release 7”s. –Joe Evans III (Jade Tree) [Razorcake]
PALUMBO: Citizen X: CD
WHOA HEY WHAT’S UP 80’S PRODUCTION? This record screams “Vintage Apple commercial” to me. – Joe Evans III (Winthrop Media) [Jersey Beat]
PATENT PENDING: Save the Children, The Whales Are Doing Fine: CD
Sublime 2000. I’m going to assume this was recorded not in a crack house, but a crack mansion. – Joe Evans III (WPO) [Jersey Beat]
The first time I ever heard The Peabodys was on their split 7” with The Steinways, so I think it’s funny that a bunch of these songs are under a minute long (as per old Steinways material). Musically, it’s pretty straight forward pop punk, making it fitting that this is one of the label’s “Comeback” 7”s as it’s just what I would’ve expected from it. While I got the shaft on colored vinyl, this did come with a bonus one sided 7” with a Screeching Weasel cover that probably is better than the original. –Joe Evans III (Mutant Pop) [Razorcake]
PELLINORE: Memento Mori/Hell Mouth: CD
Is this a new band with ex member of Tear It Up? That was my first impression, how I thought this sounded like a Havoc records band, with a touch more metal to them. It’s a little bit of a grower, but I still enjoyed it.–Joe Evans III (Strike 3) [Razorcake]
PILLOWFIGHTS, THE: Demo: CDR
Pop punk that’s of a more modern style than mid ‘90s rehashes. Overall, it sounded like the self-titled Limetime record, with Unlovables style vovals. This demo also has a bunch of different stuff, ranging from songs that were recorded in a decent studio, and some off a cell phone. I like it. And I haven’t seen for myself, but I hear they actually have pillowfights at their shows. If so, that rules. –Joe Evans III (Self Released) [Razorcake]
PORTUGAL. THE MAN: Waiter: You Vultures!: CDThis threw me for a huge loop. I saw that Fearless was involved and expected hipster mall punk, but this is just weird – I’d say it’s more hipster pretentious art rock. It’s pretty safe to say it’s bands like this that make me scared to tell my punk friends that I actually like quite a bit of indie rock. The record starts out fairly quiet and reserved, and out of nowhere gets incredibly loud and boom-y, but they should be reminded that you won’t sound tough from swearing when you’re singing in some odd, high pitched falsetto tone.-Joe Evans III (Fearless) [Jersey Beat]
PRIDEMORE, BROOKE: The Reflecting Skin: CDMike (Erg) turned me on to this, mainly because he played on it. I wasn’t familiar with it much before hand, but I want to call this indie-folk punk, that most of my friends could probably enjoy (even the ones that don’t spend hours looking for Japanese hardcore band LP’s). Specifically, people who think that John Samson is still one bad dude will especially enjoy this. Apparently Crafty put this out, who run a tight ship – they seem very Plan-It-X-ish, but with more of a “This is just how we like to do things, we hope you like it” kind of vibe to it. Recommended. – Joe Evans III (Crafty) [Jersey Beat]
PRIZY PRIZY PLEASE: Self-titled: CD
So I first heard of these guys after a bunch of praise from my friend/their label mate Jimmy of The Sass Dragons. Then I get this, with a fancy little promo/press sheet, which includes “RIYL Talking Heads, They Might Be Giants, Fugazi, The Unicorns”. Ok, nothing wrong with that, it just threw me for a loop. Then I put it on, and establish “Yeah, They Might Be Giants if they were some crazy, tiny record store/warehouse playing hyper punk band” (and don’t get me wrong, I LOVE me some TMBG). Calling this indie rock is an insult to innovative/creative punk bands. –Joe Evans III (Let’s Pretend) [Razorcake]
PROCLAMATION, THE: Self-Titled: CDR
Fairly mellow lo-fi indie punk, with a touch of horns (without it actually being ska). Did/are you going to college (not a knock)? Are you a Plan-It-X type dude? Then this is probably what you’d want to listen to in the days before graduation, as you worry about the future and curse yourself over every minor mistake you’ve made over the past few years. –Joe Evans III (Let’s Pretend) [Razorcake]
PROHIBITION: Sorry For The Inconvenience: 7” EP
One of the latest in the ongoing series of punk bands coming out of
PROJECT 27: Time To Fold: CDR
This is the CDR version of a 7", that came to me in a plastic bag, covered in fingerprints, to the point where it took a few tries to get it to play. I think the band name sums it up already (27 is known as some big punk thing, that everyone pretends to know what it means, by just using 27 any time a number is called for). This is fairly straight forward Ben Weasel-esque pop-punk with a slight modern touch to it (read as "Blink 182") right down to the name. I couldn’t help but laugh at the fact that this “7”” came in a zip-lock bag, but at least it came with a bunch of other free patches, pins, and stickers, which is nice even for a horrible record, let alone this.-Joe Evans III (Don Giovanni) [Jersey Beat]
PSYCHED TO DIE: Demo: TAPE
New-Jersey based super group, with members of bands you’ve most likely freaked out over before. Unlike the other efforts, this is more an early/straight forward SST and DC hardcore kind of band. I couldn’t help but feel a little bit of early, thrashy F.Y.P. at times as well, but I guess that’s a side of being used to most of the vocals belting out pop punk. Pretty solid for a demo, and looking forward to more. –Joe Evans III (Self Released) [Razorcake]
RANDUMBS, THE: Its About Time…Again: LPFor some reason I thought this was a pop punk band because the name sounded familiar. Then I looked at the cover, and thought this was going to be some Crass-but not quite style band. Then I listened to it, and it kinda sounded like Against All Authority without the horns, and little edgier/gruffer. Lets leave it as I was half right on both accounts.–Joe Evans III (More Smart Than You) [Razorcake]
REDUCERS S.F.:Raise Your Hackles: CD
I think this band totally rocks out (in the legitimately serious way, not the “I’m being sarcastic with an inside joke” kind of way). Old style, catchy street punk, like the kind you’re supposed to throw your fist in the air to. There’s Ramones-y buzzsaw guitar, with rockin’ (as mentioned before) solos thrown around for good measure. I really like this. – Joe Evans III (TKO) [Jersey Beat]
RESISTORS: Damaged Ugly & Loud: CD
A first effort from some dudes who have been around for a while. I mention that, because there’s some elements of mid ‘80s American hardcore (in the book’s sense of a definition), though this sounds a little slicker (not over the top by any means though, just as apposed to sounding like it was recorded on a boom box). I don’t know if I could put this up there with classic stuff like the Zero Boys, but it ain’t bad.–Joe Evans III (Self-released) [Razorcake]
Rich White Males: Snotty, obnoxious pop punk, reminding me of FYP and The Trashies at points. I’m a little concerned about songs like S.L.U.T. and how sincere/vs. ironic they are, but I’d be willing to give it another chance to get a better idea. Cummies: Despite the not so hot name, I was expecting them to sound like the Mummies. Instead, I thought it sounded like typical Bad Religion/late ‘90s Epitaph/Fat style punk. –Joe Evans III (PunkNJunk) [Razorcake]
ROBOCOP KRAUS: They Think They Are: CD
I’m often guilty of throwing on some weird record just to mess with my non-music nerd friends, but even I thought this one was out there. Most of the time I really weren’t sure if there were actual instruments being used, or just weird blips and beeps. This is the kind of indie-rock that they’ll typically show case on programs like our local “New York Noise”.- Joe Evans III (Epitaph) [Jersey Beat]
ROLLO TOMASI: Work Slow Crush Foes: CD
Fairly intricate, mid-tempo rock. This is the kind of record that you get a little more and pick up something new every time you listen to it. It’s a little slow for me at times, but some of my less discriminating friends (by which I mean, “friends that aren’t anywhere near as snobby as me”) would probably enjoy this. – Joe (Underground Communique) [Razorcake]
SASS DRAGONS: Bonkaroo!: CD
I don’t like getting caught up with labels. It seems like too many people get caught up in having “Well I’M only into [insert whatever little sub-scene/genre here]” attitudes. What’s great about this record is that the Sass Dragons are clearly not those kind of dudes. At it’s core, this plays like a crass pop punk record, in the sense that it’s catchy as hell, and switches the ever popular “why don’t girls like me” sentiment with “I WANNA TOUCH YOUR BOOBS GIRL” approach, which make me crack up while bobbing my head as I listen. But here’s the clincher; these guys are good musicians – like, REALLY good. They know what they’re capable of, and come up with some really creative stuff (like the blues number). Dare I say; I think if The Dwarves did that last album of theirs with the main collaborators being The Beatles (both remaining and non), the output would sound like this. And it sounds great. –Joe Evans III (Johann’s Face/Let’s Pretend) [Razorcake]
SASS DRAGONS/PARTY GARBAGE: Split: 7”
First: I don’t know if it’s just my copy, but the labels were switched on my copy of this. Sass Dragons: Sweet merciful crap. Take the spastic energy, as well as the “no two songs sound alike” aspects of FYP, combined with the chaotic “we will fuck you up” attitude of the Dwarves and the tightness of The Ergs!, and you’ve got The Sass Dragons. Even for just three songs, I had to listen to it a few times in a row, as it’s further proof of some of the awesome stuff that’s going on in DIY punk today. Party Garbage: Speedy, melancholy songs about, well, partying (so to speak). Not as good as the Sass Dragons side (but I mean, come on), and while I wasn’t that into the earlier stuff I’d heard, this is probably my favorite output of theirs, so here’s hoping they keep doing stuff like this. Both bands: Yeah, way to look crazy with a picture of yourselves all naked, when it’s completely blurred out and pixilated to the point where you can’t really tell what’s going on anyway. Nerds! –Joe Evans III (Lets Pretend) [Razorcake]
SAY WHEN: I’m With The Band: CD
Reminiscent of something I’d hear on the late night “alternative” program on the local rock radio stations, where everything they played sounded just like all the stuff they normally do. This isn’t bad, just not my thing. – Joe Evans III (Self-Released) [Razorcake]
SCREAM HELLO: Smart & Stupid!: CDEP
I guess this is good sign as any that there’s still a degree of segregation between all these little different “scenester/sub-genre/whatever you want to call it”, because I think I see a fair amount of shows in New Brunswick NJ, where these dudes are from, and I’ve only heard their name come up on the internet. This particular EP looks like a teaser for an upcoming full length, with four songs that kind of sound like that “emo”/pop punk that you used to see come out on Jade Tree, in the sense that it’s really polished, and gets kind of arty, for lack of a better word – I kind of prefer NewEndOriginal. It’s not bad, but to have four songs last almost twenty minutes just seems way overkill in my opinion. –Joe Evans III (Red Leader) [Razorcake]
SCREAMING FEMALES: What If Someone Is Watching Their T.V.?: CD
Here’s indie rock’s answer to basement punk (I guess making this basement rock). Youthful sounding (hey, I look like I’m twelve, it’s not a dig), with a touch of New York City hipster to them despite being from New Jersey, but just enough that you get the idea they know what’s up.–Joe Evans III (Self Released)
I’m not entirely sure of what to make of this. It goes back and forth from almost mellow indie pop, to fairly rockin’. At first I wanted to say it was like some late ‘90s indie rock, though the singers voice sounds like the guy from Motion City Soundtrack.–Joe Evans III(DPG) [Razorcake]
SHECKIES, THE: Go On A Diet: CDEP
I’m usually a bit concerned any time I get something that looks like it’s going to be by-the-1-2-3-4 Ramones core pop punk, but this was ok. Think Ramones core that lay on the Weasel vocals pretty heavy. A bit geeky at points, but I was impressed by the Ultraman shirt (not the band, the series), so who am I to judge? –Joe Evans III (Cabana One) [Razorcake]
SHORT ATTENTION: Clever, Maddening, Annoying: 7” EP
To make it short: New York City pop punk super group plays thirty second (and shorter) songs. I’m not going to say “THESE SONGS ARE SO DEEP AND PERSONAL TO ME”, but it’s a fun listen, and I’m interested to see if they keep going on, or if this just ends up being a one 7” of forty-some songs deal. Also, “Numbers” is a great song. – Joe Evans III (Cold Feet) [Razorcake]
It’s been well established that everything from Japan is pretty awesome, right? So when I realized this was on Snuffy Smiles, I was pretty stoked for it, even though I’ve never heard of either of these bands. Shyboy: To me they sounded like if Social Distortion were good. Did I just say that? Yeah, I did. The Crump: They sounded like One Man Army, if they were better. Japan: Taking things from America and making them sound better, since for a long time now. –Joe Evans III (Snuffy Smiles) [Razorcake]
SICK SICK BIRDS: Chemical Trains: 7” EP
Members of The Thumbs playing post punk that’s arty, yet still rocking, somewhat in the vein of Hot Snakes. This EP’s a little mellower, but still a great listen. It doesn’t do them justice live though (again, not meant as a put down of the recording, so much as an endorsement of having seen them a few times now). As they say in their native Baltimore, “Recommended as a chicken”. –Joe Evans III (CTR) [Razorcake]
SIDEKICKS, THE: So Long, Soggy Dog: CDEP
It seems like the hype is slowly building up around these guys, which I can understand since this plays like a cross between Reinventing Axl Rose-era Against Me! And Latterman’s more pop punk moments This looks to be a self released copy, but it’s already been reissued by Red Scare on CD, and soon on LP by Team Science, so you can tell there’s a bit of truth behind the talk.–Joe Evans III (Self-released) [Razorcake]
SOMETHINGS WRONG/TROUBLE TROUBLE TROUBLE: Split: 7”
Somethings Wrong: Think of a poppier Crimpshine, with dual vocals (one of which sounding again, like Crimpshine but not as deep, and another that I really just can’t explain). Trouble Trouble Trouble: Think a mellower Astrid Oto. Overall this is a cool little slab of wax, reminiscent of some of the earliest Lookout! releases. I think it’s good enough for me to include Asheville on my “places I want to see” list. –Joe Evans III (Self-Released) [Razorcake]
SPERMBIRDS: Something to Prove/Nothing is Easy: CD
Another reissue of supposedly “most important European HC-Punk classics”, but I’d never even heard of it before. I couldn’t help but laugh at some of the more ridiculous lyrics (which you’d probably expect, considering the name). I liked the pig on the cover though. Über-collectors, that’s who THIS is most important for. – Joe Evans III (Boss Tuneage) [Jersey Beat]
STATIC RADIO: One For The Good Guys: 7” EP
Fast hardcore. How fast? So fast that I didn’t even realize that all five songs were on one side of this, until I turned the record over and noticed that a few minutes had gone by, and nothing happened. That’s how fast. – Joe Evans III (Chunksaah) [Razorcake]
STATIC RADIO: One For The Good Guys: CDEP
I still think this is super fast, Kid Dynamite-inspired hardcore (see issue #38). The CD version of this has two more b-side type songs than the 7”, yet it is still one sided.–Joe Evans III (Black Numbers) [Razorcake]
STEINWAYS, THE: Gorilla Marketing: CD
The Steinways are funny, for two reasons. The first is literally speaking, as every time I see them I’m usually cracking up by the end of their set. The other is when their first full length came out a while back, it had some really great pop punk songs on it, in between a bunch of songs that were basically three chords, one quick lyric, and done in about five seconds. Since then, it felt like a bunch of people gave them shit, saying “Yer songs are good! Keep writing songs longer then like, five seconds!” and so this time around the quick songs are gone (they’re all at least a minute now), and it feels much more consistent. Musically speaking, it’s not too different, as they remain a band who’s clearly heavily influenced by all the classic Lookout!, Mutant Pop, and so forth trademark pop punk, but without just being another (insert-another-band-here)-core rip off. It helps that there’s a very Off With Their Heads-esque “I’m broke/hate my life right now” theme to a bunch of the songs, as well as the fact that they don’t take anything TOO seriously (including taking what would normally be some bands throwaway/”jokey” song like “Sweatpants”, and making it a legitimately fucking great song). In hindsight, it’s getting to the point where reading this will take longer than listening to the a-side, so I’ll just end with this; The “I’ve got a five dollar bill and a coupon for two/lets go to Boston Market so I can show you how much I love you” line fucking KILLS me every time. Awesome. –Joe Evans III (Cold Feet) [Razorcake]
STOKOE: The Experiment Has Been A Complete and Utter Failure: CD
This was just weird - Interesting, but weird. It keeps going back and forth from rocking to mellow. I didn’t realize they were from across the pond until a song started off with “Sacre bleu!” After reading some info I got with this, apparently this is ex-Leatherface, but I wouldn’t have known otherwise. I can’t even find any contact info about this. – Joe Evans III (Rookie) [Jersey Beat]
STRANGULATED BEATOFFS: Jacking Off With Jacko b/w Beat It: 7”
Ah, borderline weird masturbation jokes: so many people insist on trying them, yet so few can pull them off. Then again, I’m not sure if this is a joke, or just what it is. Overall, there’s not much info, just some weird artwork, no real liner notes, and just two tracks that leave this reminding me of some weird noise band from a far corner of the Alternative Tentacles catalog (like Pachinko or Ultra Bidé). I’m not completely won over just yet, but I will admit to being intrigued. –Joe Evans III (Apop) [Razorcake]
STRAWN, CHRIS:I Left My Hat In Hades: CD
Mix tapes are a remarkable thing, often serving as collections of our absolute favorite songs strung together, like a child’s dream team of their favorite sport, only for music nerds. But that’s the main reason we love them; they’re collections of our (or, our friends/admirers/etc. etc.) songs that we’ve listened to over and over again. I bring this up because this solo record goes back and forth genre wise, from simple folk to some electronic jams, as if trying to recreate that feeling, as if it were an “original” mix tape, so to speak. The problem is the familiarity isn’t there, so while I think the songs are pretty good on their own, it’s a bit tough to listen to in one sitting. I could be wrong though, and realize that it’s just more of a “grower” record than I have time for before I send in the review. Here’s hoping. . –Joe Evans III (Drazzig) [Razorcake]
Dudes, what the hell. This is an EP, with six songs, and I could barely listen to any of them, because the CD was covered in smudges and finger prints before I even took it out of the case. If you don’t care enough about a record you put out, why should I care about listening to it? The little bit I could hear sucked anyway. Also, I’d like to add that this record came with a sheet saying “watching The Sunshine Will play is like the feeling you get when you finally convince your girlfriend to let you handcuff her during sex, only then after you handcuff her you go to the convenience store and buy some Hoho’s. The taste of the first of the first Hoho makes you feel the same way as one of their shows”. Seriously, screw this band. – Joe Evans III (Self-Released) [Jersey Beat]
SUPREME COMMANDER: 120 Years In The Business: 7” EP
This reminded me of some older NYC/CBGB’s hardcore matinee band for some reason, only not as meatheaded or chugga chugga sounding. Pretty good stuff, the weird swirl vinyl looks badass. – Joe Evans III (A389) [Razorcake]
TEAM STRAY: Gender Studies: CD
I’d heard this band mentioned amongst some friends of mine, and could’ve sworn what I heard was straight forward pop punk, heavy on the whooooa’s, so that’s what I figured this would be like. Instead, it’s a hair-faster than mid-tempo power pop, kind of in the vein of The Plus Ones or Weezer (especially in the vocals at times) that’s a bit rougher around the edges. It’s not bad, and I’d probably pull it out on a cloudy day. –Joe Evans III (Cold Feet) [Razorcake]
I’m not going to lie, I’m confused. Really, really confused. After listening to this at 33 RPM, I read that it’s supposed to be played at 45, and honestly, I’m not positive which one is right. Musically, this started out like R.E.M. trying to play ska, so I think I’m allowed to say this whole record is really weird, total music nerd core stuff (and I have friends who argue over Coltraine records). The best thing I can think of to say about this is that I imagine a perfect show for this band would be outside at some street fair, in some arty beach town. –Joe Evans III (Columbus Discount) [Razorcake]
THIEVES AND ASSASSINS: Martyr Brigade: CD
Melodic hardcore from Long Island that kinda reminds me of of Drive-Thru records bands from a while back (though while a little slick, this isn’t nearly as wussy). It’s ok, though I think these songs would be much better if they half the length.–Joe Evans III (Iron Pier) [Razorcake]
TOO MANY DAVES: Split: 7”
Party punk (I’m pretty sure we can call this a sub-genre these days) super group, where the uniting factor is in the name. Now, as you might imagine, the general topics at hand here involve partying, so at the risk of sounding like a dick, I’m going to say that I wish the songs were fleshed out, just a little, especially lyrically speaking. I say that with the reasoning that I’m probably the least-partying/nerdiest dude you’ll find, and not only did I enjoy this, but upon listening to “Honkey Lips”, I wanted to personally thank Todd for sending it to me as it pretty much summed up my life at the moment (“Getting bored of the shit you do all day is better than getting yelled at for the shit you do all day”). –Joe Evans III (ADD) [Razorcake]
I don’t have much info to go off of here, but it looks like at the core, this is a Ramones/Queers influenced pop punk band, with a bit more edge to it. I was a little curious why they put all the songs on one side of the record and then some crazy etching on the other side. Also I tried looking them up online, and they had the whole thing up for download, with a message like “Vinyl for the elitists, online for the masses”. Pretty good, and enjoyable if you like this sort of stuff.–Joe Evans III (El Topo) [Razorcake]
TRANSIT: This Will Not Define Us!: CD
I take that title as a challenge: It’s basically that “nu” brand of radio punk pop. To be fair, it kinda reminds me of an earlier wave of when this kind of stuff took off, like in the early ‘00s, but it’s still that kind of jam. Also, I’ll probably get called a prick over this review anyway, so I’ll make a comment (but serious one) on the press sheet; Playing something between three and five random/scattered dates every month in your general tri-state area does not equal a tour. –Joe Evans III (Barrett) [Razorcake]
TRANSITION: Get There: CD
The copy that I got of this doesn’t even have a cover, and what’s there is just all black and white, with a basic track listing. At first I figured that it was just one of those “promo” copies, but after I listened to it, it all makes sense. It’s SUPPOSED to be like that, because this record is just that boring. – Joe Evans III (Flood Gate) [Jersey Beat]
TRASHIES, THE: What Makes A Man Get Trashed?: CD
I first heard this band a while ago, and I’m pretty happy that they finally came around my parts, and I was able to pick this up, their newest full length. It’s a natural progression from Life Sucks, Trash Fuck, and is a bit weirder (in a good way), and has better production (just slightly). I do think a new comer to this band is better off starting with older material first, but that doesn’t make this any less recommended. – Joe Evans III (Mortville) [Razorcake]
TRASHIES, THE/HUNCHBACK: Split: 7”
The Trashies: I’m pretty stoked on this band as of recently. Part surf and part punk that’s sloppy as hell, but still knows exactly what it’s doing. The more you listen the more influences you can pick out, but it’s not derivative in the least bit. Hunchback: One of the best bands in New Jersey, that not many people outside of the garden state are aware of. Taking inspiration from the most obscure, weirdo noise, ‘80s hardcore, and Killed By Death records, and combining it all together into some of the most beautiful songs about ugliness I’ve ever heard.–Joe Evans III (Freedom School) [Razorcake]
TUFF LOVS: Party Dudes: CD
I know it’s not a popular opinion, but I still feel that just because a band CAN get fucked up, it doesn’t make it a good idea (for example; D4 = can do whatever the hell they want). When I got this CD I was a little wary at first (again, if the sixteen year old kids in my neighborhood can get drunk, is it really THAT big of a deal if you do?), but was put at ease within seconds, because this is great. Part Supersuckers (during some of the slower, groove heavy jams) and part Marked Men (actually, make that a skuzzier Marked Men), that, while may be all about partying, ultimately focuses on the rock. Very recommended.–Joe Evans III (New Art School) [Razorcake]
Man, I thought I knew pop punk, but I guess I was wrong, because this came out of nowhere to me. Imagine if Cletus did another record, recorded it with Ryan Greene, invited Joe Queer and Jughead to play on some songs, and lost the “Hey, I’m drunk, again” songs. Here’s a reminder that Whoa Oh is one of the better pop punk labels going right now.–Joe Evans III (Whoa Oh) [Razorcake]
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