How's Your Edge? Reviews

Wait In Vain - Seasons - Think Fast Records #033 - 2008

2008-07-22T09:34:00.000-04:00

I really enjoy Wait In Vain. I always have. I mean, check my gushing review of their demo. I was all about that demo and rocked it regularly. It has a northwest feel for sure, but it was larger than that. This LP is a little back in the Northwest niche. Not a bad thing, necessarily, but definitely a little more stereotypical of my expectations of Northwest Hardcore. I'm sure Aram would disagree, but then again, he wears a guard on his x-rated swatch. Yeap.

The music is good, no doubt, and the art direction on the LP sets it over the top. I really dig the style of the art, and I really think it fits well with Wait In Vain as band. It captures their feel and concepts. Shout outs to the photographer and Timm on executing a dope layout.

These guys are touring pretty hard right now so make sure to go check them out. Also feel free to try your luck on Ebay. Maybe you can pick up an older tee or something. Pretend you've been down since '05.

Suzy Wong and The Honkeys - Demo 2008

2008-07-21T20:41:00.002-04:00

My older brother and I got into hardcore at the same time. Early 90s, we even probably went to all the same first shows. Then he moved to the big city of Ithaca NY (fuck, the population of my whole town growing up could fit into a high rise in New York City). He attended many shows in upstate and launched into Straight Edge and Veganism. Following in his footsteps, I would shortly thereafter become vegan then straight edge. He was quite the positive role model. I'll never forget how he helped change my life for the best.

To that affect, I'm going to recommend he listen to Suzy Wong And The Honkeys.

Pic by Someone. Pic at Somewhere.

This music seems like his bread and butter. Upset female vocalist backed by angry nk rockers. Lots of angst here. Forget your hipster PBR or even you sharpie marker, get some egg whites for your liberty spikes and grab your doc martens. This music brings the moshy stomp.

In reality, my brother would rather listen to Ghostface or Robert Pollard. He continues to mention good bands to me all the time (Band Of Horses, anyone?). Maybe he isn't throwing out straight edge hardcore band names anymore, but he's still my number one source for new underground indie rock. Living in Troy, NY he's probably had a chance to catch this band from Upstate NY. And if not, it's my turn to send some music his way.

Grave Maker - Bury Me At Sea - Think Fast Records #034 - 2008

2008-07-21T16:21:00.002-04:00

This Grave Maker album drops tomorrow. Yes, July 22nd 2008. A good day for hardcore certainly. Because this album pretty much rips from start to finish. I recall loving this on first listen. During the second and third listen, I felt a little different. Something wasn't the same. Maybe I'm not feeling super hardcore today, not sure. I am still digging it, but now it just doesn't feel as hard hitting. I recall the words "this makes me want to mosh" when I spun this the first time. Was I lying to myself? Unlikely. I'd probably still mosh to this. Some ill fucking tracks.

Don't forget, they are releasing this album over the weekend at El Corazon in Seattle. How the hell is Hatebreed playing that venue? Fuck, so good. Small venue, probably a good time to stage dive for these bands. No chance of getting a good stage dive in at Warped Tour or some such fest. El Corazon is set up just fine for diving.

This album also features great guest appearances by some of hardcore's current best. Rick from This Is Hell/Soldiers and Andrew Neufeld from Comeback Kid. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Check it.

HED PE - The DIY Guys - Suburban Noize #426 - 2008

2008-07-18T15:36:00.003-04:00

hed pe is apparently "the best hardcore band around!" as seen on amazon.com. Believable? No. Ten Yard Fight once said, "We Know the Truth!"

Here's how I see it. If you have ever been through Boston, you've probably heard WBCN radio. It's located around 104.1 on your old FM dial. Back in the mid 90s, they played the cutting edge in alternative and punk. Lots of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Green Day, ... whatever was hot and upcoming. Fast forward 15 years later, they still are playing the same (now) stale, fart rock. Seriously, listening to that radio station is like traveling back in time. So much Weezer, Smashing Pumpkins, blah blah blah.

WBCN also LOVES to play Sublime, 311 and that song by Cracker (the about being a stone, NOT being stoned, maaaaan). The connection to HED PE is tenuous, but it is there. You know why? HED PE sounds like a mixture of those 3 bands, at least in my mind. Or maybe they sound like the vibe WBCN puts out when they play those songs, especially when played back to back. Please tell me you know this vibe because it is seriously hard to describe without using one million words.

And somehow, the term "hardcore" keeps getting thrown around. "American Hardcore act (hed) p.e...." How is this hardcore? I don't get it. Or maybe still, they don't get it. It's like when your weird cousin thinks you like jungle or house because you talk about hardcore. "Oh, like happy hardcore, maaaaaan?" No. That's the closest connection hed pe has to hardcore - your weird cousin.

That's it for me. I'm going to listen to Youth Of Today now. Peace.

Have Heart - Songs To Scream At The Sun - Bridge 9 #096 - 2008

2008-06-25T08:25:00.002-04:00

Have Heart - Songs To Scream At The Sun -- File Under EMO. And I'm not kidding. This albums is wracked with emotional pain. No, I'm not talking about Fall Out Boy, you jerk. More along the lines of Rites Of Spring, despite having an album title that sounds like it was the follow up to Promise Ring's Nothing Feels Good. This albums is heart pounding and gut wrenching at times, like having your lungs ripped out of your body (no, not like Cannibal Corpse, you jerk).

Each song seems to feature either an epic build up or a long, drawn out rhythm break. Maybe my bias shines through here, but it reminds me a lot of when Bane toured on It All Comes Down To This. Do you remember when Nick would end the set by wailing on his drums? Every now and again, a band member would remove one piece of Nick's equipment, and he'd still bash away. Bashing with passion and purpose. That's what this album is.

Listening to this album, you may be a little confused. You may wonder where the ink on your fist has gone or if you mind has been disarmed. Trust me, it's all still there. But now with a bigger hammer. Or maybe Pat's beard is too tight. Regardless of Pat's facial hair, it comes out today and you should buy it. Support your home town boys. B9 Records. Word!

Verse - Aggression - Bridge 9 Records #095 - 2008

2008-06-11T09:05:00.006-04:00

Aggression is the sophomore release from Verse. A lot of bands tend to hit a sophomore slump. Not sure why, but that's what usually happens. However, this is not the case for this particular album. In fact, it seems like a natural progression from their From Anger lp. The passion and heart haven't changed. The outspoken/unbroken vibe is still there, and the theme of achieving goals still remains. In fact, in the layout of the cd, there is a long list of books, articles and documentaries for bettering the world. Read up. Aggression is obviously the perfect soundtrack for that learning.

Strangely, considering it was released just yesterday, there is already schwag on ebay. Weird. Instead of ebay, wander over to theb9.com and stock up on the cd, vinyl, some t-shirts, maybe a banner or two. Do it. Do it now. And then when Verse (and Have Heart) come to your town this summer, pick up a few more tees and an extra cd for your little brother. Get him started on the right foot. What? You don't have a little brother? Well, you can certainly pick one up for your little sister or uncle or weird, creepy neighbor or grandfather or ... Support the bands!

I Rise - Down - 1917 Records #012 - 2008

2008-05-28T14:52:00.002-04:00

I've seen I Rises a few times now. A while back, Alex told me he was going to give me one of their "new cds" from 1917 Records. Of course, it slipped both of our minds. Every time I would see them, he would mention it, and we'd both smack our heads for being forgetful. 6 months went by. Finally, the stars aligned, and he handed me one. Damn, it was worth the wait!

First off, the second half of the CD is the demo. I reviewed it many moons ago. It is amazing. The first half is the newly recorded EP for 1917 Records. It too is awesome.

On/Off topic: Here's my thoughts on I Rise. Remember when Converge broke onto the scene? Mid 90s. People didn't really take notice, but this band was doing something new and groundbreaking. They had their own sound and would eventually go on to set the world on fire. This is how I see I Rise. The demo is stupid ridiculous, and the new EP is equally as good. Hell, it's even better than the demo. But it seems the scene is still sleeping on them. In fact, the last time I saw I Rise (welfare records, May 2008), Nicky berated the crowd for hanging in the "skybox." They weren't there to bring the mosh, and that was a mistake FOR THEM. In a few years, they are going to look back and kick themselves -- they'll have missed the boat. Nicky and crew will probably be out autographing boobs and these "skybox" kids won't be able to ride those coat tails. Too bad, too bad.

BACK ON TRACK -- this cd is awesome. Order the EP or CD (plus demo) here. Do it now. Before the new album drops, or you'll be WAY behind. Also, pre-order the new album while you are there. It drops in July so don't sleep too long.

Red Handed - Wounds Remain - Rivalry Records #026 - 2008

2008-05-15T12:51:00.003-04:00

Somehow I have been sitting on this Red Handed album for a while. Call it laziness, I'm ok with that. But now that I'm at home chilling all day, I need some entertainment to fill the hours.

This album is doing the trick. Just the right blend of hardcore and punk rock for me. Not super thrashy as I was semi-expecting, but enough to get in a circle pit for. I like it. It's definitely different the usual music I get into it.

I suggest checking these guys out when they hit up your town. Get into it. You can also just go to Rivalry Records and order the album too. Also a good plan. Support Kyle. Word.

Salt The Wounds - Carnal Repercussions - Rotten Records #033 - 2008

2008-05-15T12:44:00.002-04:00

Salt The Wound plays screamy metal. I hate screamo-core. I have nothing good to say. Actually, I take that back. I was browsing the bands myspace page and spotted a dude wearing a Straight Edge hoodie. That's the one positive take away for me. Everything else is "growl grrrrr growl" -- "aiiiiieeeee yiiiiiieeeee weeeeeeeeeeeeee" aka "ugh ugh ugh" to my ears.

Why do I continue to do this to myself?

No idea.

No freaking idea.

Pete Mroz - Detachment - March 2008

2008-05-15T12:19:00.002-04:00

How do these people find me?

According to Mr Mroz's press sheet, "there is a crisis at hand and Pete Mroz is the inexhaustible hero." Of course, the PR sheet goes on and on joke after joke, hyperbole topping hyperbole. Before listening, I assumed I was getting a Good Clean Fun solo project. I was truly expecting some Atom And His Package shit.

Of course, this is nothing at all what I would expect. My assumption that people actually send me "hardcore punk" is constantly challenged. This album is the other end of the spectrum. It's acoustic rock with an occasional piano or string accompaniment, with a chill male voice over it all. Sadly, this music immediately puts me to sleep. It also makes me think about possibly knifing myself. If broken hearted love songs are your thing, I have the disk for you. Ugh, "my tears, they fall like rain." This must be the youth crew of cliche broken hearted acoustic tracks.

Honestly, I'm not even sure why I'm reviewing this. The review will probably pop up high on Google results, and Pete Mroz will ask me to take it down because it isn't a sparkling review. I should just stop now.

Try this, go to google right now, and type "pete mroz hardcore." What an ironic first hit. Fate is fucking with me.

See It Through - Breakthrough - Fierce Justice Records #001 - 2007

2008-04-24T09:24:00.002-04:00

See It Through is from Reno, Nevada. Maybe they know Zeke. They certainly give shout outs to xAFBx in their liner notes. I'm sure thy must end up on the same bill every now and then. Which leads to the next question.

Will bands from Nevada forever be categorized by that National Geographic "documentary?" Will they be under the microscope because of that footage? Who knows. Hopefully not. Pigeon holing is hardly ever accurate. I mean, consider this. 7 Seconds is from Reno, Nevada. Isn't Big Bob from Reno too? That's a lot of positivity for one little town. I think I drove through their once on a quiet Sunday night. I was expecting a bustling Vegas vibe, but was greeted by a Sunday Worcester vibe instead -- ghost town. Real strange.

Of course, hardly any of that has anything to do with See It Through. They aren't metal, they aren't kick boxing material. They categorize (hey now!) more along the Outspoken / Verse side of hardcore. I can see kids fast skanking to these songs, maybe finger pointing, singing along. Not bad. This band could have played Detroit Fest in the late 90s and they would have fit in perfectly. Word.

Hemlock - No Time For Sorrow - Blind Prophecy Records - 2008

2008-04-24T09:07:00.002-04:00

Hemlock is from Las Vegas. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Hemlock doesn't believe in that. They have taken their blend of metal and ... something ... to all corners of the globe. What's up with that weird harmony part in World Of The Transparent? Then a shift into Shadows Fall... This cd (or just the song, for that matter) is all over the map. I bet these dudes love Faith No More, Outcast and Pantera. I can almost guarantee that.

And what do you know? They are playing the Metal and Hardcore Fest at the Palladium this weekend. Do you remember when it was actually worth adding the term HARDCORE to the fest name? I do. Now that was a weekend event worth attending. Me? I'm not the metal head some dudes are. Think back to 1999.

May 1 1999 @ The Palladium Worcester Mass: New England Metal & Hardcore Fest: Buried Alive, Converge, Cavein, Bane, Madball, Earth Crisis ... way too many

You're moshing.

This Is This - Life In Paradise - Wronside Records 002 - 2008

2008-04-24T08:44:00.002-04:00

This Is This is this is this is not for me. I don't get it. It's like weird mosh metal merged with Motorhead. But not in an appealing way. I can't even picture kids kickboxing to these songs. I just don't see the draw at all. It's as if they are going for a madball / blood for blood vibe but are falling WAY short. This album could have potential too, I think.

Perhaps it is a New Zealand thing ... Like a "Connecticut thing." There was a time where it seemed CT was in a weird time warp of kickboxing mosh. No where else in the world seemed to feel this phenomenon but CT was repping hard. I can't complain since it spawned Hatebreed, but it is a weird phenomenon. Maybe that's what's going on in New Zealand now. No idea. Good luck to these guys regardless. They seem genuinely into it. Cool for them.

Right Idea - Demo 2007

2008-04-18T16:09:00.004-04:00

Right Idea is everything good about new and upcoming hardcore currently. I can't believe how good this demo is. No serious, fully backed. This is straight up, youth crew style hardcore from Cleveland. This demo makes me think of Side By Side, Our Turn, ... everything I love about hardcore. Some true PMA going on here. This review is probably coming off "fanboy" like but shit, this demo is that fucking good. It's like a ray of sunshine in a sea of mosh metal. Stoked.

Also, the demo (on CASSETTE, hell yeah!) I received has features 3 classic looking varsity jackets. A Right Idea one, Chris Daily's Smorgasboard one and the Youth of Today Free At Last one. I remember trying to get the YOT one off of Christie a few years back, and he just stopped replying. I see it ended up in good hands. Now I wish I owned a varsity jacket. Someone hook me up!

To sum it up: dumb if you don't.

This Is Hell - Misfortune - Trustkill Records - 2008

2008-03-30T16:01:00.002-04:00

What do you know about This Is Hell? Here's what I know. The only harder working band that I can think of, in recent memory, is Champion. This Is Hell are basically work horses for the kids. If This Is Hell isn't playing your state this month, you can be damn sure they'll be there within the next 3 months. These dudes are always on tour and are always touring with the best bands. And when they aren't touring Europe or Australia, they are in the studio recording split EPs or amazing full lengths.

That's what we have here. An amazing sophomore effort from This Is Hell. It's really freaking good. Following up where Sundowning left off, Misfortunes rips from one track to the next. I don't know if this album has as many finger pointing opportunities but it'll still get you off your ass moshing. You can try and hang in the back of the club when they play, but that won't last. You'll be drawn in and before you know it, you'll be having a stage diving contest with Travis. He'll win, but you'll put your best foot forward.

If you are in Europe, prepare as they are coming to your hood later in April. If you are in the north east, you better doubly prepare. This Is Hell is playing all the H2O record release shows, and if you skip those, you aren't my friend. Think about it. A new H2O album and This Is Hell at some top notch venues with great stages. Dumb if you aren't diving.

The First Step - Connection EP - Rivalry Records #028 - 2008

2008-03-30T15:36:00.003-04:00

The First Step have been a staple in hardcore for many years now. The first time I remember seeing them was way back in 2002. It was this big show at the Knights Of Columbus in Wallingford, CT. I can recall Fred and Ashley being up front losing their shit. And almost everyone else was just standing back soaking it all in. Like everyone had this common thought, "holy shit, this band is going to be something big." At least that's what I was thinking. More likely, kids were probably too busy trying to confirm internet rumors or talking shit to enjoy this experience. Sad. Sad because The First Step was mind blowing that day. It didn't hurt that they were playing before Champion and What Feeds The Fire. Aram and Fred were in the same room soaking it all in. Where was Greg? Wack.

I think it is safe to say that this album is my favorite release by The First Step so far. Yes, very safe to say. This album grabs me and makes me want to stage dive and finger point. It follows up nicely to their other albums, but something about it straight sticks out. Could it be the melodies or Steb's heart felt lyrics or maybe the influence of Fred, Aram and Greg? Maybe. Something about the album is just that appealing to me. Not sure what, but it's there. I can see kids losing their shit to these songs.

I love that every song clocks in at less than 2 minutes. That's the sign of a great hardcore song. Now this next statement isn't a negative. You'd think coming from me, it would be a negative, but I swear it is not. This album appears to have more of a religious feeling towards it. Not some "I love Jesus" tunes, but a definite Krsna/Buddhist undertone. Take Learn To Trust for example. The song isn't over the top spiritual, but you can see the metaphors used are pulled from krsna/buddhism (life is an illusion ...). It doesn't take away from the album, but rather enhances it as the message is super positive.

I can dig this album. I suggest you go to Rivalry Records and order this EP now. Kyle throws in a digital download too so you have no excuses. Do this. Now.

ps. How's that Mr TFS?

Hostage Calm - Demo 2008

2008-02-29T08:50:00.002-05:00

Hailing from CT, Hostage Calm brings the punk rock noise to hardcore. I'm not sure what's in the water in CT, but it must be tainted with melody. Coming up behind Ambitions, Hostage Calm holds it down. I'm quickly reminded of Good Riddance and early era Bad Religion. I'm really digging it. But you can definitely hear the hardcore undertones too. Plenty of opportunity to sing along and finger point. Hell, if you try hard enough, I'm sure you can figure out some appropriate moments to stage dive.

Check their myspace page, as the whole demo is currently available for download. It is well worth downloading. Great stuff.

Trial - Reunion Retrospective DVD - Panic Records - 2008

2008-02-11T19:49:00.002-05:00

Trial. What do you know about Trial? 10 years ago, I didn't know squat. 10 days ago, I barely knew more than squat. As of right now, I know a hell of a lot more. It's funny how much can change in 10 years. Then again, it's funny how much remains the same.

Click here for more details ...

10 years ago, I has absolutely no idea who Trial was. Not a clue. I'm from New England, not the northwest so this isn't so unfathomable. It wasn't until 1999 that I had my first Trial experience. Let me set the stage for you. Fuck, actually, it must have been 1998. It couldn't have been 1999. Hmm, anyway.

Tre (from Deathwish Inc) and Dalbec (from Bane/Converge/Velocity Engine/...) had just moved out of 34 John St (ooh, did I drop something there? hey, now!). Dalbec was a terrible collector and had tons of shit. When he moved out, he left behind weird random crap. I say "left behind" because I would feel bad if I took stuff he was going to come back and get. Anyway, he left behind a million No Reason stickers and some random odds and ends. One of these pieces was a Trial hooded sweatshirt. It was pretty chill. Black with maroon/brown font and oddly, white hood draw strings. This seemed strange, but I was down for a hooded sweatshirt that said "STRAIGHT EDGE," you know?

I washed the sweatshirt that day as I wanted to wear it to a show that night in Connecticut. When I pulled it out of the dryer, I also mysteriously found the smallest iron maiden shirt. Complete schmedium or youth large. Shit was tiny. But it was amazing and super soft so I ended up wearing both to the show. Now this was going to be some late, all nighter gig in CT. As all CT shows started late and ran super later.

We rolled up to Billy Willys in Brookfield CT expecting to see Bane, Reach The Sky and Fear Tomorrow. We actually ended up sitting in the Converge van (Dalbec borrowed it for the the long ride to CT for Bane). And sitting and sitting and sitting. I think Billy Willy didn't show up until much later and no one could get in the club. During our long wait, we found out that Trial was playing a show somewhere else in CT, but their show was canceled. And they were now going to play the Billy Willy show. So there I was, that guy. I was rocking the trial hood and was totally that guy. But I was semi embarrassed to remove the hood because the iron maiden shirt was soooo fucking small. In the end, I removed the hood and watched Trial play a long set. Maybe it just felt long because they probably didn't start playing until 9pm. I think Craig Mack also wore a gas mask during the Fear Tomorrow set and he more than likely was throwing stools. Actually, I guess it was someone else who was throwing stools. But in my mind, it was Craig Mack.

So that was my first and really only Trial experience. The only thing that could be considered a partial Trial experience was eating dinner with Greg Bennick in Seattle. Of course, this was in 2006 and I was sitting at a table with about 14 other people. In fact, if asked, I bet he wouldn't be able to point me out in a lineup. Not that I would expect him to be able to, of course. Just saying.

So, long story short, my exposure to Trial is pretty damn limited. I don't think I even owned the cd. I think I always lumped them (unfortunately) in the whole politcal metal hardcore genre.

Fast forward to 2008. 10 years later, I'm a little older, a little wiser (HAHA), and I've come to realize that there is a difference between "time and place" and "acquired taste." Like I said, I wasn't from the nortwest in the mid 90s. I was from the home of Ten Yard Fight and In My Eyes. My time and place involved The Space and the OCBC (old cambridge baptist church, harvard sq). But after watching the retrospective and reunion shows featured on this dvd, I think Trial can easily become a great acquired taste in 2008. Of course, you won't be seeing them live anytime soon, but you can settle back with some popcorn and watch these DVDs at your leisure. Fuck it, you can even put these DVDs on and mosh in your living room.

So yeah, you have 2 amazing DVDs full of great content. Plenty of live shows from 2005 and plenty of older footage from the mid 90s. Even better than that (well, at least to me) is the retrospective with Greg and Timm. They really break it down and tell it like it is. They make it easy to love Trial as individuals, more than just a band. They talk about straight edge, veganism and political hardcore. They admit to being that political hardcore band I heard about way back in 1998. But then again, they prove that the band was WAY more than just that genre label.

There you have it. You better look into this dual dvd set. In fact, go order it from Panic Records right now. You owe it to yourself.

Edit: Looky what I found!

A poser but not a liar.

Glue - Demo - 2008

2008-02-10T11:07:00.000-05:00

Not the Red Ranger or
A. Shumsky

Glue is a western Mass hardcore band. Semi out of the ashes of R'N'R, Think I Care and every Shumsky project, add the Red Ranger from Attitude and a bassist. It was Josh Hynes (from Resist) but now appears to be Natalie Kacian. WHOA, not edge. WTF!?

When I say out of the ashes, I pretty much mean it. This album doesn't sound anything like Think I Care or R'N'R or So Be It or even Attitude. The songs have a nice edge, but the lyrical flow isn't really laid back enough for my liking. In my head, I envision a more Greg Mental style flow to these songs. You know, a little chill, a little peaced out.

Regardless, this is another great Shumsky driven project. You should probably get behind this band and support. I think there first show is in April. Come out and don't forget your friggin camp stool. Peace.

Lie And Wait - Led Astray - Thrashed Records #009 / Triple B Records - 2007

2008-01-24T08:18:00.000-05:00

I see you thinking about it. You're thinking, "Lie And Wait sounds like some other band I've heard before." If you are thinking this, it's probably because they used to go by the moniker Look Out. I reviewed their EP back in 2006. At the time, I compared them to No Warning with a early 90s Mass Hardcore vibe. Somewhere along the way, they had a lineup change and apparently, according to their website, changed their sound up some.

To my ears, they now remind me of Guns Up more. Who remind me of No Warning, who remind me of a bunch of other bands, who finally remind me of Leeway. But this band is way more on the metal tip then any of those bands.

I had the opportunity to see this band at Welfare records a few weeks back. I didn't realize they were once called Look Out. Doh. At the show, they had both cd and vinyl. I guess the CDs were down by Thrashed Records, while Triple B took care of the vinyl. And when I say take care of vinyl, I mean, they killed it. Look at this vinyl, so amazing.

Those are one sided LPs with hand screened images on the b-side. The real limited white vinyl has snowflakes and says "winter tour 2008." The other vinyl has an ill gothic image. When I was trying to remember what it looked like, all I could imagine was an epic war between angels and devils, where good was represented by Transformers and bad was represented by midget porn actors. Obviously, my memory was way off. I'm probably just confusing it with a Lion Of Judah concept album. I don't recall if the swirl vinyl was one sided or not.

Pechblende - Collapse - Tuned To You #005 - 2007

2008-01-12T13:27:00.000-05:00

Pechblende is a little thrash number from Quebec, Quebec, Canada. This album could have been a nice follow up to Dive or Bound (Mass). It's pretty ill. Plenty of hardcore vibe, a little thrash, lots of guitar mashing.

Apparently they play a lot in the area, and I have just never seen them. I see they have played Welfare Records with Dropdead. Oooffff, probably was a great show. I missed out. What was I doing that day? Probably nothing. Doh.

Next time, next time. Maybe for the next Dive reunion? Who knows. Hopefully that one isn't planned on a Patriots playoff game day this time.

Eyes Set To Kill - Reach - Break Silence #91 - 2008

2008-01-12T12:29:00.000-05:00

I don't know what to say about Eyes Set To Kill. They have this beautiful sounding female lead vocalist who lulls you with her voice. And then smashing through it is this terrible, screamy, yelly atreyu voice. BLAHT BLAHT BLEEEEEAAAAAARRGH. Ugh, what a stinker. Pretty much ruins any chance of me ever liking this band. Of course, my scene isn't the skinny pant Hot Topic scene. I can see this band playing the downstairs of the Palladium and killing it. According to their press release, they are the rebirthed phoenix, here to save the newly dead scene. Piggity pass. I'd rather listen to the worst Youth Of Today rip off than this band.

Fuck, I listened to it again, and I freaking love the girls singing. It's a very Velocity Girl like sound. But then BLAHT, the dude comes in and ruins everything. What a terrible shame. Otherwise, this band would have potential. Probably not in the metal hardcore scene, but I could see a nice indie rock project coming from the ashes of this stinker.

Final Verdict - Reaching For Something Better - 2008

2008-01-12T12:15:00.000-05:00

Holy shit, Final Verdict is carrying the torch of mid 90s hardcore. If you miss Groundzero, Holdstrong and 25 Ta Life (wait, you can't miss them, they are still playing shows), then Final Verdict is for you. This band may as well have stepped out of a time machine from 13-15 years ago. I didn't know that torch still needed carrying, but these guys are holding it high. I'm not sure if you can kickbox to this band, but you sure could try. If you are ever looking for some heavy mosh in Victoria, British Columbia, just look these dudes up.

One funny note: Austin, the guy who sent me the cd and the vocalist for Final Verdict, must know my review style. In his note to me, he apologized up front for spelling "hyperbole" wrong. Nice!

Miles Away - Rewind. Repeat - 6131 Records #011 - 2007

2007-12-31T14:22:00.000-05:00

Miles Away. Australian Hardcore. Discuss. After viewing the web page, you'd think they were an emo band. I mean, look at those tshirt designs. How many other bands have you seen rip off a Saves The Day tshirt design that wasn't emo? Actually, when was the last time you saw any band make a Saves The Day shirt rip? I don't think I've ever seen one. Pretty original, I suppose. Much better than the dime a dozen Youth Of Today rips. That's for sure.

But after listening to a track or two, you realize you judged a book by its cover. Yeah, that's right. You passed judgment on the band before hearing a track. Tsk, tsk. Once you get into the tracks, you realize this band rips. Very much in the vein of Have Heart & Verse. They make me want to start a band that sounds like Have Heart or Verse. Of course, this is Sydney not Boston. These guys give their own little flair to the style, and they do it with ease.

Here's what you do next. Go out and buy this album. Support Australian Hardcore. Support 6131 Records. Support hardcore. When you get the album home, make sure to post on your favorite message boards how much you love it. Dumb if you don't.

No Apologies - Survival - 6131 Records #010 - 2007

2007-12-31T12:21:00.000-05:00

No Apologies are NOT from my back yard. Strange how close Defiant Hearts are to me, and how extremely far away No Apologies come from. 6131 Records must really bust their ass finding unsigned, dope bands. There can't be any other explanation how a band from Mass and a band from Sydney, Australia are on the same label. Good for 6131 and good for No Apologies.

Now, if I was to pigeonhole this band, I would put them in a Cro-Mags hole. Plenty of hard mosh, but without that kick boxing, connecticut vibe. I can hang with this record. Probably not something I would play on repeat for hours, but definitely worthy of a few spins. I bet Morgado would mosh his ass off for this band. That's just me guessing.

As for the cover art: I'm strongly reminded of the Betrayed Substance LP art. Thankfully, that album didn't feature Aram's naked butt. Phew. I'm into the black and white imagery based on the strength of the work, but I'm guessing people chuckle over the butt. Probably a lot.