A friend described this album to me as "bizarro no warning worship route five years too late.. with the edge." He then went on to discuss Suffer Survive for WAY too long. Unhealthy long. From his long discourse on Suffer Survive I couldn't tell if he loved or hated the new album from Down To Nothing. He then followed by saying, "it's like they made a murder weapon lp with Down To Nothing's singer."



Now, I can't recall ever hearing Murder Weapon, but if I was to judge from that name alone ... The No Warning comparison is pretty evident upon a few listens. But in reality, it feels more like a metal crossover album to me. Of course, it isn't metal, but the vibe is very much there. I feel like the previous albums were rugged and raw. Then this one comes in all shiny and smooth with a few guitar leads. Everything seems super polished, which is sort of a bummer. When I think DTN, I picture Dave wearing some cut off camos, his varsity jacket, X'ed up, dropping serious knowledge on current topics and of course, the edge. This album doesn't give me that vibe.



Fuck, great look. I need a varsity jacket. How have I gone 10 years without one? Back to the subject, this album is chill enough. Not at all what I was expecting from this Richmond Crew, but overall, pretty chill. Different but good.

Now that I go down that path, it reminds me of Fastbreak's Whenever You're Ready. In the sense that it is departure from the previous work, but still enjoyable. In Fastbreak's case, a name change should have been in order. DTN is not that far off the mark though, thankfully. Can't wait to see these dudes in Providence. Word.

Monte Negro is a little out there. Don't listen to this album expecting punk rock or hardcore. Actually, you're probably more likely to find a chill Latin Sugar Ray.



If you can hang with slow beats, English and Spanish mixed vocals and plenty of cowbell, this album could be your summer 2007 jam. If you live in Puerto Rico, you have been rocking it since April. However, most main land Americans have to wait until August 2007 for it to drop. I'd suggest getting the grill ready and perhaps grabbing some tequiza. Then again, I'm vegan and straight edge. What do I know about either of those items? You may want to decided on your own accessories to this album.

Do you have a beard? Have you ever considered growing a beard? Now is the time to do it. This album drops August 7, 2007 so you'll have plenty of time to pick up some mustache combs and quit shaving.



Yeah, this album isn't for me. Maybe it's good, I wouldn't know. I just never could quite get into that whole Norma Jean, Coalesce, ... sound. It isn't for me. Is it for you? If it is, check them out on myspace. Get your pre-order in, do a dance, buy a shirt, whatever you want.



Creepy. No Sleep Records releases the record. No Sleep Studios does the layout to the record. Seems like a full service shop.

This Time Next Year play that melodic hardcore pop, much like Set Your Goals and even New Found Glory. A Place For You is their new release and it's pretty chill.



Lately, the pop hardcore has really been growing on me. I blame Set Your Goals and Just Surrender. Something about those bands gets your head bobbing, your fist thumping your chest and your voice cracking with teenage sing alongs.

This Time Next Year is working towards that level of enthusiasm. This album is good, but I wouldn't call it great. It's definitely missing hooks. The hooks are what really pull people in on this genre of music. For this genre, if you can't get chubby teen girls to sing along, you are falling short of your potential. Chubby teen girls are the measuring stick for pop as far as I'm concerned. I enjoy the album but know I would enjoy it more if it was meatier, poppier, more in your face.

Pick it up, look into it. Look forward to upcoming future release and tours with great bands.