Browsing articles in "Music Reviews"
Nov
27
27
Brokencyde – Guilty Pleasure – Review
Another year, yet another musical abortion from the unapologetic, crunkcore four-piece, Brokencyde. Even after critics (ie. anyone with ears and a computer) panned the band’s first album “I’m Not a Fan, But the Kids Like It!” as well as its 2010 sequel “Will Never Die,” BC some how has amassed enough preteen followers to warrant the release of another record, which has been titled, “Guilty Pleasure.” I’ve seen the same bizarre set of circumstances when ever Black Veil Brides some how finds a way to sell more that five records — sometimes the world is just a twisted little bunch of irony. read more
Nov
21
21
Roll The Tanks – Goodnight Jimmy Lee 7” – Mini Review
The last time we heard from the three LA-born members of Roll The Tanks, was when they released their 2008 full-length “Suffer City.” Since that under-the-radar release, they have lined up a new 7” titled “Goodnight Jimmy Lee” which continues the band’s established influences of The Clash and Against Me!. Don’t blink though, this fast paced effort which is topped off with a whole two songs, are filled to the brim with busy instrumentation. In the never-slowing title track “Goodnight Jimmy Lee,” thumping basslines, reminiscent vocals that mirror The Clash‘s John Strummer, and a set of jumpy riffs, give the 7” an energetic lead which highly contrasts its other half. “Pistolero” is a easy-going 4-bar acoustic track that speaks in gun-related metaphors and shoots out lyrical gold such as “Guess who got his nuts back? Hope you like the soundtrack.” Even though the songs addictive tendencies can’t be ignored, it does borrow from past artists and offers little new strokes. However this active duo of tracks gives us exactly what we’ve been missing from Roll The Tanks since they last released an effort, the band’s love of the old school and music that isn’t vapid and instead seeks to build a hearty foundation in your musical palette. [Pernell Fowler] read more
Nov
18
18
Coldplay – Mylo Xyloto – Review
Coming off the well-received release of Coldplay’s more abstract and visual, fourth album, “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends,” the Grammy award winning outfit sought to record a more acoustic and intimate, concept record. The result of the orchestral rock bands efforts is their latest album “Mylo Xyloto” which continues the groups fondness for building set pieces and effects-driven rock. This time around however, the band has chosen to include an almost industrial hue to their list of sonic armaments. And much like other Coldplay efforts, “Mylo Xyloto,” with its slight differences and larger story, never seem to disappoint. read more
Nov
14
14
Coliseum, Tera Melos, Boris – October 22nd, 2011 – Show Review
So on a dark and dreary night, with about a forty minute drive to middle of nowhere Oberlin, Ohio to see Tera Melos, Coliseum, and Boris. After getting a bit off course trying to find a bank in the middle of town and then the pain in the ass of trying to find a place to park near the venue, which was in the basement of a Hall at Oberlin College. Show was $15 for the general public, not a bad price considering its Boris headlining and Coliseum being one of my favorite bands. read more
Nov
13
13
Bradley Wik And The Charlatans – Burn What You Can, Bury The Rest – Review
The alt country, heavily-bearded, acoustic nomad Bradley Wik has been traveling the country with his humble strings and down-to-earth stories, playing shows where ever people will listen. This turned out to be perfect proving ground for his latest, 8 track, “full-length,” “Burn What You Can, Bury The Rest” which plays more like a lengthy EP, but features more honesty and gritty authenticity than many other solo artist’s morosely, convoluted, full-lengths. read more
Nov
8
8
Four Year Strong – In Some Way, Shape, Or Form – Review
Those who settled down with Four Year Strong when they released their break out effort “Rise Or Die Trying,” were pulled in by their rowdy pop punk and anthem-styled vocals, ala groups like Set Your Goals. Since though, the band has slowly taken the edge off of their normal rambunctious selves, releasing 2010′s, appeal-seeking, “Enemy Of The World” — which had the spirit of old FYS but differing production and structure, making me a little curious as to if the hit-producing, radio friendly direction the band was headed in was to continue with their latest effort, “In Some Way, Shape, Or Form.” read more
Nov
2
2
As I Lay Dying – Decas – Review
Accomplished metalcore pioneers, As I Lay Dying have been tirelessly tilling the American metal fields for little over a decade now, and in the wake of releasing such classics as “Frail Words Collapse,” “Shadows Are Security,” and 2010′s “The Powerless Rise,” the group has decided to released a hodge-podge of “new” material to coincide with their 10 year anniversary and their up-coming “A Decade of Destruction” tour. The effort, “Decas,” features three newly recorded tracks, four covers, and a bunch of remixes — which thankfully isn’t a re-issue or re-release (which most labels attempt to jam down people’s throats) and is instead more equated to an appreciated stop-gap in between long-awaited full-lengths. read more
Oct
26
26
Mastodon – The Hunter – Review
Over the last few years, the albums of the Atlanta, GA four-piece, Mastodon (“Remission,” “Leviathan,” “Blood Mountain,” and “Crack The Skye”) have left listeners hard-pressed to find a more progressive and adventurously experimental alt metal band. Forgoing shallow subjects and simplistic riffs, Mastodon opts for a much more expansive and technical musical construction, aligning themselves with a thick conceptual mythos and assuring fans that with each and every record they write, they are sure to have ample progressive sludge metal thrust upon them. And though much has changed since 2009′s “Crack The Skye,” the groups latest full-length entitled “The Hunter” (named so for Brett Hind’s late brother) has continued the bands prolific album streak. read more
Oct
25
25
Banner Pilot – Heart Beats Pacific – Review
It’s been two years since Collapser raised the bar for punk rock, and I’m sure Minneapolis’ Banner Pilot have felt the pressure in creating a worthy follow-up to their sophomore record. It’s hard for me to say that Heart Beats Pacific exceeds those expectations, but this is one hell of a successor. read more
Oct
25
25
Star Fucking Hipsters – From The Dumpster To The Grave – Review
From The Dumpster To The Grave is the third record from this awesome New York band Star Fucking Hipsters which features Stza from Choking Victim / Leftover Crack. It also marks their return to Fat Wreck, the label that released their first record in 2008. read more
Artist Spotlight:
Latest Posts
Latest Reviews
Concert Photos
© 2012