I moved to Worcester in 1997 where I would end up hanging out a lot at 34 John St. A guy lived there named Tre McCarthy. Pretty good dude. One time I saw him acid drop off his couch in the middle of a phone call. The phone (cordless phone, not a cell phone. This was 1998 afterall) smashed everywhere. He put it all back together, and somehow the person on the other end of the line was still there! Also, one time I was riding with him to his new apartment. To make room in his car, he had to push a tennis racket out of the way. Yes, a tennis racket. Can you picture Tre playing tennis? Still a mystery to this day.

Years later, Tre would co-start Deathwish Inc. Jake and him would release a ton of albums over the years. In the beginning, Tre would send me a lot of their releases, but that tapered off over the years. That's fine. We both realized that I would rather NOT review something than give it a less than stellar review. And everyone knows generic straight edge is my bread and butter. Obviously, DWI needs to release more of that ... I think the last package Tre sent my way was the Curse I LPs. Yeah, a while back.

So when Tre hit me with the new Lewd Acts release, I knew I was in store for something awesome. And I was not disappointed.

This LP rips. It's not my normal fare, but I dig it. It gives me an Integrity (less scary) / American Nightmare / Lion Of Judah (minus the wigger mosh, space trip hop bit) vibe. Overall, a quality vibe. I can envision lots of kids slow moshing for this band, plenty of head banging, that's for sure. I've seen the tees everywhere. Never knew why the hype was so big. But after listening to this album, I'm a believer.

I'll probably swing over to Ebay to see if I can find some deals on tees. Otherwise, definitely go hit up Deathwish Inc for this album. Support the bands, support the label.

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I've been following Set Your Goals since my friend Matt turned me onto them some years ago. Of course, he was biased. He is their tour manager. Luckily for him, they are an awesome band and chill dudes. I'm a pretty big fan of their previous albums, and even interviewed Matt a few years ago. I've been looking forward to this album ever since Merrick started singing snippets of it.

Now that I have it in my hands, I am not disappointed. Of course, it isn't at all what I expected. Which is not an issue, just surprising. I was expecting SYG to go super poppy for this one. And you know what, I was completely wrong. This album is HARDER than any other release they've dropped.

And you know what? This album reminds me of the Judgment Night Soundtrack. I know, I know, "lay off the reefer, Brian," but hear me out. Judgment Night was this dope mid 90s movie where the soundtrack was all artist team ups. So you had Biohazard and Onyx on one song, Helmet and House Of Pain on another (ill, ill song) and Sonic Youth + Cypress Hill on another. It was just this ill little mashup of bands dropping insane songs where each song had a completely different vibe. That's what this album has. One song has an ill double kick and metal up your ass, while another has a perfect pogo bounce. Throw in some guest spots by Hayley Williams (Paramore), Chad Gilbert (New Found Glory), Vinnie Caruna (The Movielife), Jon Gula (Turmoil, oh what??), and you've got a pretty sick sound.

You can catch these dudes touring constantly. If you are lucky, you hit up Gig Life and witnessed a good time. They even have tshirts for "grown ass men." If you can't find one in their tour merch, peep Ebay. You never know what you may find. Go ahead and spend those dollars on this release. You won't regret it.

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Start Today come hard hitting with a 4 track EP. Initially, I was pretty confused just looking at the layout. ALL the text is in English MINUS the lyrics. They are all in a language that is not based on a character set I'm familiar with, ie not Romantic. Turns out it is Bulgarian which has roots in the Slavic language. Something I know nothing about. So I got to listen to some great tunes that MAY have featured lyrics about punching cows or stealing candy from children. Just kidding! It also turns out that they have a link with all the lyrics in English. That's pretty helpful for me at least.

The lyrics are pretty thought out and heartfelt. I can get into that, for sure. Paired with some value backed hardcore. I would use the term emotional but I don't want people to think I'm talking about Brokencyde or some shit. There's a lot of passion here with a definite Strife / Have Heart influence. Get into it.

Try your luck on Ebay and hit up Stoilov's site while you are out on the interwebs, vinyledge.com.

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1 Comments

The Golden Age is a band I can really get into. I'm not sure what exactly grabs me, but it grabs tight. Could be the mixture of sounds. Like a weird cross of Set Your Goals (minus a lot of pop and a singer, of course) and Earth Crisis. Or maybe mid-era Lifetime and Count Me Out. It's a great little mix.

Of course, the epic Straight Edge anthems don't hurt either. I'm going on record right now saying, "The Constant may be the Straight Edge anthem of 2009." And as you know, the year is only halfway over. I love a great fucking straight edge sing along. It's not generic youth crew, but it's got balls. "A song can change your life and open your eyes, transform energy, reveal what's inside!"

These dudes are going out on tour with a couple of great bands this summer: No Harm Done and Offsides. Three excellent bands worthy of all your attention. So when they play, quit texting and mosh hard. If you don't heed my warnings and are IMing your friends all night, you'll have to scour Ebay the next day because you'll WANT this CD. Pick up some merch while your at it, bub.

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Inhuman is for Brooklyn Bastards. If you don't know what I mean, then chances are, you are not a Brooklyn Bastard. These guys have love and pride for their little borough. And it isn't in a I-ride-a-fixed-gear-bike-and-wear-floppy-hats sense. But rather the roots of Brooklyn. Remember that movie Gangs Of New York? I can envision Leonardo moshing to the music of Inhuman while waging an all out street war. I can't really picture Leonardo flying his little airplane to the tunes of Inhuman though. That just would not work.

This last album has a strong resemblance to modern era Sick Of It All or Madball. Lots of heavy, fast tunes, with that nod to more melodical hardcore. Merely a nod. No full blown crooning here.

Not sure if this album is still in press. I'd guess so. Mike handed me a copy at the SOIA/Bane/Capital/Inhuman gig so the band still has them. If that doesn't help you, you can always check out Ebay.

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1 Comments

It turns out there is more than one band named Police And Thieves. Weird, right? I spent a few minutes listening to some ska band. This is obviously not the band that Youngblood records released. The hardcore band from DC is much, much better. This CD is pretty cool. It contains their Amor Y Guerra EP, the S/T EP, some unreleased tracks and the 2005 demo. Who knew this band has been rocking for nearly 4 years? Shit. I didn't realize.

Their sound is a definite departure from lots of hardcore squeaking by these days. It isn't a departure from the harDCore sound that most people love. These guys are heavily influenced by their scene and give lots of nods to DC bands that came before them. Plenty of Embrace and Dag Nasty vibes. I'm digging it.

Peep ebay for all those record release covers you slept on, or check their site for some tees and hoods. Get into it!

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2 Comments

Make Do And Mend hail from West Hartford, Connecticut. Normally, when I discuss bands from CT, you would expect to hear me talk about Mosh Metal, Ground Zero, or Connecticut Brotherhood. That's not going to be the case today. In fact, I can't really imagine anyone kick boxing, let alone mosh, to this band. It has a very post hardcore vibe. Think a mixture of Quicksand, Hot Water Music and All Chrome. Honestly, I was pretty damn surprised when I put it in the old cd player. Real surprised. Thankfully, it is the good kind of surprise.

The one thing I really know about West Hartford is that it's a stones throw from Farmington. Which is the home of the China Pan. Oh man, those citrus spare ribs are for me. No idea why they would dump those from the entree menu. Dumb move. Now if you don't hang out at China Pan or in West Hartford, you may want to peep ebay for all the hard to find gear and merch. Feel free to head over to panicrecords.net for the latest releases.

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I grew up in Maine during the 80s. At this time, cable was still "new" to us. Like those running water jokes, you know? At my house, we eventually got cable. My brother and I would watch MTV as much as possible. It was perhaps the coolest thing we had ever seen on TV. Of course, my parents hated it. I think they caught that Great White video, Once Bit And Twice Shy and forbid us to watch that channel ever again. Or maybe it was that Warrant song ... Of course, that made us want to watch it more. We set up a system where one would person would sit in the kitchen on a stool partially watching out the front door for our parents. We were schemers!

We devoured 120 minutes and headbangers ball. But to me, I always wanted to see those Faith No More or Bad Brains videos. I hated metal. Metal meant nothing to me. It felt like a bunch of guys in skinny leather pants pretending to be scary. That sucks. There's no message there -- THE MUSIC, THE MESSAGE. But then there were punk rock bands with an actual message. That spoke to me. Even if there bay area attitude held no sway over my New England environment. I just recall thinking, "my parents could be home at any minute. Stop showing metal videos." My pleas were often unheard and I would have to suffer through a few Judas Priest videos before getting to something good.

Swamp Thing isn't Judas Priest. They also aren't Rancid. The music has that heavy hardcore vibe: some double kick, a few breaks, lots of heavy. The singing is what made me recall my youth. I can't understand a god damn word this dude is singing. Not one word. He has that scratchy, metal vocalist yell. What's his message? No idea. I lump it in with the "we're singing about hell and demons and goo." Since they aren't a metal band, I'm guessing that's not what they are about really. But I'm guessing the imagery is just as ephemeral.

If you are looking for finger pointing and stage dives, keep looking. This band has more hard mosh and heavy sing-alongs. I can see some hard pitting for this band. Go ahead and check out 6131 Records for the record and merch. If that's not enough to satisfy you, peep Ebay for that limited edition gear.

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4 Comments

Clear Sight has an obvious angle. They have definitely grabbed onto a theme and are running with it. In this case, that image is Straight Ahead. They take it and go, go go. The sound pulls a lot from Straight Ahead -- plenty of the vocal styling and guitar techniques, for sure.

But here's the thing. Those are big shoes to fill. I mean, c'mon. STRAIGHT AHEAD. Shit. They are a Tier Zero band. It's hard to reach those heights. These guys do a good job of getting there, but there are a few mishaps. The worst of which happens to be their Straight Ahead cover, oddly enough. The recording is odd, real odd. It sounds like it was recorded in a karaoke bar where the vocals are processed through a video game mixer. Like I said, very, very weird. Music is spot on, vocals are off. I guess I'm just down on re-recorded songs.

These boys are from Kiev. That'd be in the Ukraine. For those still living in the 80s or 90s, that'd be the USSR. Good luck catching these guys. Hopefully, they start touring Europe and the US. Dudes would be into that, I'm sure. Until then, hit up IDM Demo Tapes to snag the tunes. Failing that, hit up Ebay.

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2 Comments

Rearranged hail from the great white north. North of Turkey, that is. This demo traveled many miles to find its way to my tape deck. Thankfully, the trip was worth it, and it's on heavy rotation.

Listening to this, I hear lots of influences from California. Mostly Insted. Some Uniform Choice. Then the song Letter To A Friend came on and I had to check if it was a Youth Of Today cover song. It's good, real good.

The demo I received is numbered. I think it's either 19/100 or 49/100. I can't really tell. The first digit looks like an upside down 4. I'm going with it being a real fancy 4. 49/100. It is specially branded with the I Drink Milk Fanzine logos. I'm guessing the two came together on purpose. After some digging, I found that to be true (IDM Demo Tapes). Peep later reviews for the zine review ...

If you aren't lucky enough to live in Russia, you can download the demo via the MySpace page. You should also order it pressed onto vinyl, courtesy of Brainwreck Records. And if none of that suits your fancy, there is always Ebay. But don't delay. Pick this up!

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1 Comments

Mouthpiece began before I got into hardcore. And Mouthpiece broke up before I started to attend REAL shows (I don't usually count seeing Sam Black Church and Tree at Zootz "real" shows). But once I started going to shows, I HEARD about the amazingness of Mouthpiece. And this caused me to pick up the What Was Said release. I played it and played it and played it. In fact, I overplayed it and probably haven't listened to anything Mouthpiece in at least 8 years. Sad but true. I just wore those grooves out and wore myself out too, in the process.

Putting on this CD was like running into a great friend you haven't seen in years. Years have gone by, but the music and the message is still as awesome and relevant as it was back then. And thankfully, Mouthpiece has stood the test of time. Oddly enough, the sound that Mouthpiece pioneered has greatly re-surged in the last few years. You've heard Have Heart. Without Mouthpiece, there is no Have Heart. Every epic note Have Heart pounds out is due in part to Mouthpiece.

The other thing I always loved about Mouthpiece was their unabashed love of The Straight Edge. Everything about this band IS straight edge. Well, straight edge and Nikes. I can support that fully. What remains? More than words!

Shoot over to Rev and pick up your copy today. But if you're looking to get those crucial old tees, you're better off trying your luck on Ebay. Or maybe lurk the LWR board for a while. Shout out to Ed on a great design job. I'm especially a fan of the cd artwork; a nice throwback to Rev 1-4.

One gripe: The live audio mp3s on this CD are ripped at 128kbps. 128kbps, for real? WTF?! I know the music is from 1993, but the technology shouldn't.

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3 Comments

I'm not sure where I first heard about Blackened. It was either morGODo talking about "this awesome new band" or Tanguay talking about Chris Legg's new band. If you don't know, Chris Legg was once in Fastbreak, and Tanguay is a bit of a Fastbreak fan. I think Legg was the reason Fastbreak wasn't initially a Straight Edge band though. What's up with that? And of course, Jay Reason is on vocal duties for this band (hence me thinking it was morGODo who tipped me off). You may recall Jay Reason from Voice Of Reason. I know I do. I saw them at this show

May 3rd 1998 @The Tune Inn New haven CT: Time Will Tell, Voice Of Reason, Rain On The Parade, Up Front, Follow Through, Fastbreak, and Tenfold reunion

It was a ridiculously awesome show. No real weak links. Everyone had fun, lots of good times were had. I expect Blackened will have the same feel. Granted, Blackened sounds nothing like Fastbreak OR Voice Of Reason. Rather, this band gives off that AN/Suicide File vibe. It's been a while since that sound popped up so maybe these guys are going to re-start that trend. Who knows? They have the potential to do it big.

Pre-orders are available now. The official release date is Jan 20, 2009. You can get your order in here. You could also grab that back catalog for the ex-members over on Ebay. You'll never know what you're going to find. PS. I just got a sweet Fastbreak hood in the mail via a trade. Fastbreak Boston. LOL. Youth Pride, GO!

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0 Comments

Common Cause is friggin incredible. This is not a lie. I've been slacking on my reviews lately (obviously) and Common Cause forced me to break the slump. Not sure how I slept on listening to this or reviewing it for so damn long. I'm sure Ange will give me a hard time for that. I bet he LOVES this band.

This band plays the old style of hardcore. No new jack shit. Likely influences include: Uniform Choice, Youth Of Today, Floorpunch and Rain On The Parade. This is real friggin good. The next time you are hanging in the Netherlands (Editor's note: Klaas pointed out this mistake. Oops ... Norway, duh. OC HARDCORE!), you should check out this band. And since that's not so likely, you should start a petition for them to tour the US and then follow them like they were the Grateful Dead. They are worth it.

Try your luck on Ebay. Or hit up Powered Records and try to score some ill limited colored vinyl. I got a nice powder greenish one. Looks good. Great color choice. They have some pretty cool shirts too. Quit sleeping!

Labels: review

1 Comments

Cruel Hand hail from one of my hometowns in Maine. Brunswick. The land of Wild OATS and Bull Moose. You'll never know how many hours I spent roaming those streets on my bike and just hanging out IN the Bull Moose. In fact, when I was a senior in high school, I did an ethnography centered around the Bull Moose clientele. I was in that store for 8 hours at time. Just watching and peeping used CDs. Years later, I would meet Chris Linkovich while he worked at Bull Moose. He clued me in on the resurgence in the Maine hardcore scene straight with a lot of help from Brunswick. At the time, it was Outbreak. And Outbreak KILLED it. They tore the state into shreds. A lot of that was due to Ryan and his ferocious energy. On top of that, large credit needs to be given to Chris, Nate, Chuck, Seger, Joe, ... for crafting some amazing songs.

Fast forward a few years. Cruel Hand breaks onto the scene as a project band. Chris shifts from guitar to vocals and Nate moves from drums over to guitar. Seger kept on keeping on with the bass. The song writing team is there (minus Chuck Outbreak), but now they are taking their project to the next level. Cruel Hand is now the focus and it really shows with this new album. You can hear how they stepped it up and put in the time and effort to create a great album. If you are a fan of moshing, you are a fan of this album. If you are a fan of stage diving, you may just want to sit back and let Chris show you how it is done. You'll probably be embarrassed at your lack of skills following the gig, though. Sorry.

I suggest you support this band and hit them up when they tour through your town. I'll be seeing them on Halloween later this week at the ICC. I'm sure it'll be ridiculous. Maybe we'll even get some wacky Halloween gear. If you can't make it to the show, I feel bad for you. If you still want that merch, you better try your luck on Ebay. You can always hit up the b9store for current merch too.

ps. I noticed my name in the thanks list BEFORE morGODo and Freddy Madball. Even if my name is misspelled, that some how speaks volumes. LOL.

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0 Comments

Guaranteed: It will take you longer to read this review than it will take you to listen to the Free Spirit Demo. This bad boy barely hits the 3 minute mark with 5 songs. That's not a problem. Free Spirit pull off that sound just fine. Think of the Straight Ahead tracks from the End The Warzone comp. Short bursts of intense songs. Some good stuff here. Not exactly a Straight Ahead sound, but pretty close.

Here's one of my favorite reviews of this demo (quoted completely):

"needs more open minds"

Lol. Second favorite review:

"Needs a song called Open Mind."

I'm a fan. Gil brings a positive outlook to the scene and it really shows through his words and actions. SUPPORT! It probably doesn't hurt that the band has other notable noters in it: Jack D from Vitality (oh whut?), Kenny Look Alive(on drums!) from Step Forward, Hudon of The Action Taken (and some other band) and Luke from Waste Management and Rampage. Solid lineup, no doubt.

Funny story. At Edge Day 08, Gil handed me a copy of the tape. They had spent the entire previous evening dubbing tapes in preparation for Edge Day. I threw my tape in on the ride home and was greeted by the sound of silence. I then guessed, "oh maybe they didn't rewind" so I jockeyed the tape around for a few minutes, fast forwarding, rewinding. But I was always greeted by silence. Then I figured, "oh maybe since it's so short, I am just skipping over it somehow." I then sat and listened to both side A and side B complete. Of course, blank all the way through. D'OH! Luckily, I grabbed some emps and was able to enjoy this fine demo.

I don't they have any online shiz set up yet, but feel free to bother Gil. He can probably hook you up with a demo or at least point you in the right direction.

ps. What about DJ Crazy in that pic? Wowza.

pps. I hope you are slow readers so my guarantee was true.

Labels: review

1 Comments

Unwritten Law will trick you. I remember seeing their music in stores when I was a kid and thinking, "ooh yeah, a new punk rock album." But right there, TRICKED. They aren't punk rock, they are weird radio rock. It's like the album the other kids got and could talk "punk rock" with you about. You know, the white hats can get into them. That's this band.

This release is actually double. One disc is a CD with live tracks. The other disc is a DVD with all the live tracks. Before watching the DVD, I listened to the CD. In my mind, I was picturing the crowd to be packed with post-college kids enjoying their beers. After watching the DVD, I'm pretty my guess was right. Here are a few other observations.

1. The singer should just keep his hands on the guitar. His weird arm motions were very distracting and not in a good way.

2. The bass player would be better suited for Opeth or some black metal band. He seems strangely out of place.

3. The guitar player is rocking a Christian Death shirt (at least on the packaging). That's cool. Then again, he has about 6 lbs of eyeliner on.

4. Unwritten Law fans obviously only know the radio hits. The fans look like stale fish until Rescue Me was played. Even then, the only action I saw was a few devil horns, and pumping fists during the chorus. And some weird pogoing. They didn't even do any crappy crowd surfing. Oh wait, there is ONE crowd surfer. UGH

Lets see. To sum this up, the cover art is the best thing going for this package. Yeap. Feel free to try your luck on Ebay. Maybe you can get a sweet poster for your garage.

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0 Comments

Mike Puffer writes this little gem. I ended up selling him a Wide Awake EP (great taste!) and he sent his payment with a copy of his zine. I fired off his record and then forgot to dig into his zine. I was too busy chasing down negligent buyers. Ugh, nothing worse than that.

Fast forward to True Colors in Haverhill. True Colors was ill, no doubt. After the set, a dude comes up to me promoting a Vitamin X show in Western MA. I could see he was enthusiastic. I mean, he was giving it his all for True Colors, so I knew he was no joke.

Mike with the "remove long sleeve in the pit" move.
GREAT MOVE!

We talked for a bit. He is psyched on the core. And that is all apparent when you read his zine. It's not too often you see a real DIY cut/paste zine anymore. Thanks to photoshop and illustrator, everything goes straight to glossy or the nerd. But Mike took the time and created a great read.

He has interviews with Shoot To Kill, Make Or Break (I even learned something new. I never realized that Charles started Think Fast! with Larry. Who knew??), Government Warning, Trash Talk and Justice. Yes, that's it. 4 interviews. 10 pages. GREAT READ.

I'm not sure how to contact Mike. That's the thing. His address is in the zine but no other form of communication. Mike hit me up. Tell us how the kids can get your zine without me blasting your mailing address all over the nerd!

ps. Pic kindly borrowed from Dan Gonyea over at future-breed.com. Great kid, great shots.

EDIT: I got word from Mike. Here's his email address. You can hit him up there, and get his address to send review items.

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1 Comments

Energy seemed to come out of nowhere. One day they were playing shows, the next day they were dropping EPs on Rock Vegas. And now, they are dropping a new LP on Bridge 9. It all seemed FAST to me. But seeing them at shows, kids LOVE this band. Plenty of moshing and stage diving and general run a-muck-ness.

Whoa, now that I dig back in my archives, I realize I've been seeing this band since 2006. Two years doesn't seem so fast anymore. That could explain how all those kids know about this band. I'm starting to catch on.

What I'm not catching is the hype behind this band. I just don't get it. I've listened to this album a few times, and it's fine. I mean, it isn't likely to set the world on fire or start revolutions, but it is a positive addition to the BOSTON hardcore scene, you know?

But to me, the singer's voice makes it hard to focus on. I almost equate it to Mike Ski of Brother's Keeper, except way less over the top and with a "whoa whoa" slant. What's odd is that I have nothing against "whoa whoa" songs. I love Lifetime, Saves The Day, New Found Glory, Set Your Goals, ... I can hang with all those bands and their "fwoooaa" stylings. Maybe the "whoa whoa" is overdone? I can't pinpoint it. Also the sing/yell/sing genre is not for me. Leave that on the outside with My Chemical Romance. Those songs do make me cringe a little.

All cringing aside, this album is chill enough for "whoa whoa" fans. Generic youth crew fans need not apply. It dropped yesterday so feel free to head over to b9 to get a good deal. Pick up a package item (record + tshirt) or try your luck on Ebay.

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1 Comments

Crime In Stereo dropped this album on the world yesterday. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I wasn't aware that it was basically a b-sides and unreleased song compilation. That's not a bad thing, usually. I mean, if Oasis and Guided By Voices can do it, what can't a hardcore band?

Unfortunately because these songs span 3 years and who knows how many recording sessions, it all doesn't mesh together cohesively. Some tracks come off as pumped up Hot Water Music while other tracks give off Strike Anywhere vibes. It shows the progression of the band, but it doesn't make for a whole LP. Don't get me wrong, there are moments of genius on this album, but then again, there seems to be some clunking too (like the very out of place, weirdly teen angst ridden track These People Ought To Know Who We Are And Tell That We Are Here). Which is strange, as Crime In Stereo consistently drops bombs when it comes to tunes. The standout track to me is definitely Everywhere and All The Time. It rocks from the first note to last note, and the chorus lead in is catchy, giving the song a Braid nod.

Like I said, this album came out yesterday. You can hit up b9 for a cool package deal, or you can hit up your local store to up those Sound Scans. For older gear, try your luck on Ebay.

Labels: review

0 Comments

Ruiner picked a damn funny album title. It's actually a really smart reflection of the scene we live in. I'm guilty of it, no doubt. My reviews always come off as "good band, great dudes" rather than some deep look at tuning, bridges and chords. Hell, I was super sucky at music class. I couldn't even come up with good keywords for the last sentence. What it all comes down to for me is a) do I like it or b) do I not like it. I'm guessing it boils down to that for a lot of people.

Good news for Ruiner, I like this fucking album. It's really good. It makes me want them to tour with Down To Nothing and This Is Hell. Imagine that mosh and stage dive fest! Amazing. This album definitely hits me harder than the last album. I also like that they moved away from the art cover concept. Clean images in black and white speak volumes about this band. It's rather fitting.

Australia, prep yourself because they are coming your way soon. Aren't you lucky? You can pick this album up from B9 soon. Maybe next week or the week after, I think. They are putting together some cool package deals. They always do ... If you want some older gear, try your luck on Ebay.

Labels: review

2 Comments

War Priest is on a chill, underground tip. You can't find them on the internet. You can't find them on MySpace (well, at least I couldn't). Hell, even their record label has almost no presence on the internet. Check streetcleanerrecords.com yourself for proof. It's strange, in the digital age, these guys are keeping it old school. AND IT FUCKING WORKS.

This album shreds. It reminds me heavily of Black Sabbath's Master Of Reality. Now that could just be the heavy black and purple theme going on, but it's heavy and rips. And not in the Goat Island, weird lack of robes nod to black metal sludge, but with fast, hard metal riffs and smashing drums.

And the vinyl "gimmick" works on me. Not really a gimmick, I suppose, but a one sided 12" EP really catches me. It certainly made me set it aside for further investigation. I mean, check these pics.

That's just cool. I'd love to tell you where you could pick up this album, but I have no friggin clue. Contact Ahron or try your luck on Ebay. Peace.

Labels: review

2 Comments

When I think of Foundation, I think of the lead singer doing amazing stage dives. Just balls out, throwing his body around senselessly. Much like Timmy No Justice. I also think of that little EP Erika helped them put out. Then I heard this EP. For some reason, it sounds nothing like I remember Erika's EP sounding. Is that weird? Am I crazy? This record definitely has a "moshier" feeling to it, where I think the last one was more straight forward hardcore. Again, I could be crazy and living a revisionist lifestyle. All very possible.

Try your luck on Ebay. And hit up the Triple B Records online store for all your favorite merch. There is still some color vinyl available. Act fast!

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0 Comments

No Harm Done is a 3 word band name. I can think of another 3 word band name that I bet these guys are tired of hearing about: Set Your Goals. Yes, you guessed it. No Harm Done is more pop punk than hardcore -- sort of a strange divergence for Think Fast! Records, it seems.

Now, to me, that is NOT a problem. I love Set Your Goals. And after a few listens, I start to hear other nods. There are HUGE nods to Reach The Sky's last two lps and even a few nods to later era Good Riddance. If you aren't seeing the common thread, just know that I am digging this album.

After digging a little more, I realized one of the band members is very familiar. Charles from Get Outta Town Records. I have no freaking clue how this guy does it. He runs a label, plays in at least 4 bands I can think of and probably has some sort of day job. How he manages all that, I'll never know. What I do know, this album is probably my favorite project of his. And Charles involvement probably explains the Think Fast! so-called divergence.

PS. A coworker just brought in a crap ton of candy: jolly ranchers, sweet tarts, twizzlers, ... The good stuff. I don't believe the sugar has biased my review, though.

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0 Comments

The members of Protestant wrote HYE? a letter the other day. Apparently, they really liked my review of the Suzy Wong and The Honkeys album. This is probably the only time that a band has EVER sent me material to review based on a previous review. At least, to my knowledge. Well, if the members of Protestant liked the Suzy Wong interview, they'll love this one. Sit back.

Over the weekend, I went into Worcester to enjoy some vegan fare with my friend Amanda P. She was in Worcester because her dad offered to drive her halfway back to Boston. Not only that, but they were also towing 2 mopeds that Amanda had purchased in K-Town (Mosh Crew). Now, she was meeting another friend in Worcester so he could drive her and her mopeds back to Boston. So there we were. Myself, my wife, Amanda P, her dad and Moped Guy.

I had met Amanda P's dad before so no big deal. But I had never met Moped Guy. Well, lets start by saying he LOVES Worcester. He's from Franklin and was super, super psyched on Worcester. He then proceeded to ask me if I knew "Such and Such House" or "This and That House." Of course, they had some real weird names that were completely blown out of my mind when he asked me if I knew the dudes at MANIAC MANSION!

Of course, I didn't know them. I had never heard of this house or anyone who lived there. All I could think about was how I used to spend hours playing that game on my uncle's computer. Fruitless hours, it would turn out. It seems that my uncle's version of Maniac Mansion had a glitch. Every time you would go through the basement window, it would reset your game. You'd have to start WAY back at the beginning again. Ooooofffff.

Anyway, I guess one of the dudes who lives at Maniac Mansion is nameless. Or nameless to Moped Guy. He just kept calling him The Beer and Metal Guy! Yeap, the Beer and Metal Guy. Amanda P and Moped Guy were heading over there after dinner because Beer and Metal Guy was selling some mopeds or parts. Turns out, Beer and Metal Guy had fallen down some stairs and broke his foot. When I asked Moped Guy how it happened, he wasn't sure. I suggested that it might have involved beer which caused Moped Guy to have an epiphany and quickly agree with me.

Now, this is all relevant to Protestant. Yes, yes it. You see, I can envision Beer and Metal Guy thrashing to this music. Him and Moped Guy could play this album on speakers while cruising the streets in their mopeds. Hollering at girls, buying beers and general rabble rousing. It's not really my cup of tea, but then again, I was never the Beer and Metal guy.

If you are the Beer and Metal Guy or can relate to the beer and metal guy, or even if you just live in Milwaukee (Best), I suggest you listen to this album. Moped optional.

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1 Comments

Here are a few facts about Ceremony as they pertain to me AND hardcore, in general.

- I have only "seen" this band play once. It was at Posi Numbers 2005 and I probably missed actually watching them because I was too busy listening to morGODo talk about his roast beef not being refrigerated. He thought it was gross, but that didn't stop him from eating a ton of deli slices. Something about getting protein before getting a good pump. You know how morGODo rolls.

- Everyone has a million and one good things to say about this band. Alternative Press thinks they are going to blow up in 2008. You can't stop seeing their name in text on message boards. It's crazy.

- Kids like to mosh.

Fuck, that last bullet has nothing directly to do with Ceremony -- Maybe distantly because I'm sure kids love to mosh when this band plays. Seriously, a two item list is barely worth making a list at all. Give me this one, ok?

As for this album, I'm not sure I see it. After all the hype, I was expecting my head to be blown back, like full on fall over in amazement. It didn't happen. This album is chill but it comes off as Integrity Lite to me. Way less evil. More Motorhead, less Ringworm.

Do you remember the first time you listened to the Systems Overload cd on Victory and the demo tracks came on at the end? That shit BLEW MY FUCKING MIND. Literally. I was blown back. And then listening to Those Who Fear Tomorrow. Well, fuck. Mind numbing good. This album IS good, but I think the hype overshadows it for me. My expectations were unfairly raised. Sorry boys.

I will say this, they have some damn fine looking tshirts. Great merch coming out of that camp. Head over to b9 to grab some or paw around on ebay for some recent limited tour gear. I'm sure they had a gem or two at Sound And Fury. Word.

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1 Comments

Voice Of Addiction could be a hardcore band. I'm honestly not sure. Their style goes back and forth. Sometimes Dropkick Murphy's to Back With a Bong to English Beat. Real odd one, this one.

Oddly, listening to this album reminds me of Braveheart. You know the scenes where he's all rocked out with blue face paint? He's galloping a horse up and down the lines yelling. Lots of yelling. And then at the end, he yells "FREEDOM." That's what this album sounds like. Minus the blue face paint.

These guys could come to your town soon. I'm not sure. Check them on myspace or try your luck on Ebay.

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0 Comments

Last time I heard Offsides, I compared them to Naked Aggression. That comparison doesn't make any sense anymore. This album is through and through, pure hardcore. It isn't punk rock, it's fucking finger pointing, moshing, stage diving and sweaty sing alongs. The only thing missing from this EP is an intro jam with breaking bottles and screaming aka party mosh.

And to top it off, there is a behind-the-scenes message about the recording of this album. It's a genuine heart warming story about hardcore can prevail with a positive attitude. Shout outs to Charles Get Outta Town for really stepping up to the plate on this one. I highly suggest finding the cd and reading it for yourself. You can find this bad boy over on Get Outta Town Records.

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0 Comments

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.

Labels: review, Zine

0 Comments

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 punk 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.

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0 Comments

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.

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1 Comments

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.

Labels: review, Zine

0 Comments

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!

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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!

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2 Comments

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.

Labels: review, Zine

0 Comments

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.

Labels: review, Zine

2 Comments

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.

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0 Comments

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.

Labels: review, Zine

0 Comments

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.

Labels: review, Zine

0 Comments

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.

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0 Comments

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.

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8 Comments

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.

Labels: review, Zine

0 Comments

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.

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0 Comments

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?

Labels: review, Zine

1 Comments

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.

Labels: review, Zine

3 Comments

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.

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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.

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.

Labels: review, Zine

1 Comments

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.

Labels: review, Zine

2 Comments

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.

Labels: review, Zine

2 Comments

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.

Labels: review, Zine

0 Comments

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.

Labels: review, Zine

0 Comments

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!

Labels: review, Zine

4 Comments

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.

Labels: review, Zine

2 Comments

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.

Labels: review, Zine

0 Comments

Defiant Hearts are from my back yard. Almost literally. How they ended up on 6131 Records out of Huntington Beach, California is a little beyond me. I'm puzzled by it.

Defiant Hearts isn't forging a new path or breaking new ground, but what they do, they do well. A little melodic hardcore on a snowy morning is just the thing to brighten the spirits. If you had been in my living room, you may have seen me doing a little skank during Old Hosmer. Thankfully, this album isn't bedroom moshing material or I probably would have spilled my latte. Shit, illy is so fucking good. This album is a little illy, actually. One or two Right Brigade riffs might get you moshing though.

And, I just noticed they are playing with Permanent this week in Boston. Very chill. See you there?

Labels: review, Zine

0 Comments

It isn't too frequently that we receive books to review. In fact, I think HYE? has only ever received three books ever. In the case of books, the quality out weighs the quantity. What Southern Empire Records is presenting here is a glimpse into the lives of straight edge men, women and children outside of the hardcore show. There are 60-70 black and white photos with very minimal text describing each image -- basic information like name, age, how long edge and occupation.

Overall, Faces Of Straight Edge is a great coffee table piece. The pictures are intriguing with great sets and interesting stances. Most of the pictures are so powerful that they don't really required text blurbs. The format is also a nice touch. It's no DIY cut and paste zine, but the simple layout really lends itself nicely to a high quality table book. One you don't mind if your nosy neighbors or grandparents flip through.

All this praise doesn't mean the book is flawless though. I certainly have a few points to pick with it. First and foremost were some questions I couldn't get out of my head while looking at these pics, "Who are these people? Where did they find them? Why should I care about them and are they still straight edge now?" Maybe my PMA has gone dull, but that's all I could think about.

At times, it feels that the photographer has gone WAY out of his way to track down these individuals. I mean, c'mon, an "anarchist primitivist," a "bike punk/sex worker" who has been straight edge for one year ... It's as if he dug out all the weirdos and wackos in order to take a prettier picture. I understand he is trying to show how the straight edge community is built upon the backs of unique individuals, but this guy is really stretching. Call my PMA into question again, but I don't think I would want to feature any person who has been straight edge for less than 5 years, or is under the edge 21. I've known too many people who have been "true to 21" to think otherwise. But hey, that's just me.

The other part of that repeating question was "who are these people and why should I care?" This book features over 60 people and after flipping through it, I would say I recognized only 3-4 people. A few I have met and a few I only know through the internet or via their reputation. The rest of the individuals are complete strangers to me. I'm sure the anonymity of the individual was the goal of the book (hearkening back to the "it takes all kinds" sentiment), but after checking out the pics, I still wonder, "why should I care?" I don't know this chef, I don't know that repossession agent. I wouldn't say I'm a big name scenester or anything (my head hasn't swelled that much), but I know a lot of people, coast to coast, continent to continent. And to know so few people in this book leaves it a little flat for me.

Now I'm not looking for a book with 400 pictures of Tim McMahons, Sweet Petes and Larry Ransoms. That's probably been done a million times before. This one is thinking outside of that box, I know this. I know this. But some sense of familiarity would be nice.

Past those question, my other point of criticism is the overall lack of hardcore community. In my mind, without a hardcore show or inclusive hardcore scene, these people may as well just call themselves "drug free." I understand that straight edge is about those 3 tenets but in my little world, straight edge is more like a brotherhood united by one thing: the hardcore show. To remove the show from these pics feels like removing the greater spirit. It probably didn't help when the publisher told me, "I have an aversion to shows these days."

Again, maybe it's just me and my little world, but my sense of straight edge involves stage diving at local VFW halls on Tuesday nights which always then lead to Wednesday morning struggles at work. Like I said, without that sense of community where is the need for the straight edge label? Where is the need for any label, for that matter? I know a few happily married adults who neither drink nor smoke but they wouldn't have any idea what straight edge is. In fact, I'm sure if I was to ask them, they wouldn't even think to label their lifestyle.

Again, I'm sure the pictures were taken outside of this environment to show, "hey, we're people just like you." But what is the point to that? The audience this book is being sold to is more than likely straight edge kids between the age of 17 and 24. Most of those people don't even own coffee tables. The "just like you" individual, is in fact one of the people who could be featured in this book. The casual reader is the straight edge individual.

Enough ranting and raving because in reality (outside my little world), this book is truly well done. It's an interesting perspective on straight edge in America, the crazy cast of characters and the lifestyles they lead. The photos are top notch and the art direction is classically simple. Adding a few Xed hands and the title "straight edge" takes it from a nice photo album to a subculture overview via photographic evidence. I am a fan. The book hits shelves this month so make sure to go buy a copy now. Peace!

Labels: review, Zine

2 Comments

Get Back Up is the odd man out on Organized Crime Records. I always associate super hard mosh bands with OCR but Get Back Up definitely doesn't fit that stereotype. Maybe it's my fault for trying to pigeonhole OCR. Typically, when I get a package from OCR, I prepare for brutal mosh, kick boxing hardcore.

I mean, this album still brings the mosh, don't get me wrong. But I don't feel like any of these dudes rock puffy vests (Nothing against puffy vests, of course. In fact, if anyone can find me a penfield vest, size large, I'd be stoked). These guys have the mosh, but bring an element of melody that tunes it all down some. 9 songs of sweet mosh. OCR says, "for fans of Gorilla Biscuits, Have Heart and Comeback Kid." So there you go. Make your own decision and check these dudes out the next time you are in Buffalo, NY. Or maybe the next time they come to your hometown.

Labels: cd, Hardcore, New York, review, Zine

0 Comments

This is heavy. Out and out heavy. Pellinore hail from New Jersey, but they have a definite Cleveland influence. I wouldn't be surprised if they kill it in Ohio.

Plenty of slow mosh, plenty of fast mosh, lots of hard breakdowns. This band basically takes all the good stuff and lumps it into one song. What's awesome is that most of these dudes are just high schoolers. I wasn't doing anything remotely as cool as this in high school. Not even close. I never would have thought to use this scary ass artwork for my cd then either. This shit is borderline creepy eerie. Not creepy like 70s mustaches, but creepy like your soul shivering. Awesome.

If you like bands like Cold Sweat, Mind Eraser, Ringworm, ... you will definitely be into Pellinore. If you only like Youth Of Today, you may just want to stick with Youth Of Today. Fuck, how good is Youth Of Today? Shit, so good.

Labels: cd, Hardcore, New Jersey, review, Zine

0 Comments

Charles really fucked up when he sent me this demo. Not only did he send me his demo, but he also sent me the us release of The Steal album. That's just not thinking straight. How am I supposed to listen to Strike A Chord when I have The Steal on repeat 24/7?

Click here for more details ...

Charles really fucked up when he sent me this demo. Not only did he send me his demo, but he also sent me the us release of The Steal album. That's just not thinking straight. How am I supposed to listen to Strike A Chord when I have The Steal on repeat 24/7?

Now that I have taken some time to listen to the Strike A Chord demo, I find myself enjoying. It is what I would consider "straight ahead, generic hardcore." Nothing outside the lines (as hardcore goes), which is right up my alley.

However, I can't stop thinking about the second track, "Back On Track" ... I mean, "Overboard." Hopefully this is a Ten Yard Fight tribute track because that chorus sounds oddly familiar.

Oh word. If you are down chilling in Florida, looks these dudes up. And as always, support Get Outta Town Records. Word! Wow, the dude in the Right Brigade who stages dive with a minute left on the video makes me cringe. Yikes.

Labels: demo, florida, Hardcore, review, Zine

0 Comments

I wasn't lying. I said last night that I would review this cd today. That's what I'm doing now. Get psyched! Overdose doing it big time.

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I wasn't lying. I said last night that I would review this cd today. That's what I'm doing now. Get psyched! Overdose doing it big time.

This album immediately reminded me of No Warning (not suffer/survive, you jackass). I felt like Ben Cook was going to mosh out of my cd player. He didn't of course. He's busy rocking out with his new band, Surplus Sons. Which thankfully, Overdose doesn't sound anything like.

I noticed that Overdose is from Kennesaw. Many years ago, sometime in the early 90s, I visited Kennesaw because my aunt and uncle lived there. It was a giant cookie cutter, gated development. Pretty swank, really.

Here are some funny Kennesaw facts:

1. A law was put on the books in the 80s forcing every head of household to own a gun and ammunition. Yeap, it was a law. You HAD to own a gun AND ammunition. It was later amended.
2. No one was ever charged with violating the above law.
3. Downtown had a Civil War museum which featured a locomotive and a informational video. It was super southern pridey. It was called the Big Shanty Museum. It's had a name change since then. At the time, my northern, yankee ass was creeped out by it. "YOU LOST. GET OVER IT." Now, I can see the benefit of providing an unbiased account of The General (the locomotive).
4. The store across the street from the museum was full of some full on SHADY SHIT. Holy shit, so shady. I wonder if it's still there?

Now, that is neither here nor there. Overdose is good. No Warning was good. Overdose loves No Warning. Why shouldn't they? Check em out.

Labels: cd, Hardcore, review, Triple-B Records, Zine

3 Comments

Between The Wars is a project from some familiar faces. You may recall Tim Shaw from Ensign (holy crap, what about those first Ensign EPs? You're moshing). Paul from Endgame, Bill Henderson from xOne Wayx, ... Good times. Not exactly a new project. I swore I reviewed their first album, but I can't find my review of it anywhere. I suck.

Click here for more details ...

Between The Wars is a project from some familiar faces. You may recall Tim Shaw from Ensign (holy crap, what about those first Ensign EPs? You're moshing). Paul from Endgame, Bill Henderson from xOne Wayx, ... Good times. Not exactly a new project. I swore I reviewed their first album, but I can't find my review of it anywhere. I suck.

This album bleeds between hardcore and metal. Plenty of guitar leads and hard riffing, but also with plenty of finger point and sing along sections. I bet seeing this band involves plenty of "hard pitting."

Cool artwork and layout, for sure. Look into this, as it is another great release from the crew at Think Fast! Records.

Labels: cd, Hardcore, New Jersey, review, Zine

0 Comments

Oh man. Hands Held High. I knew I was in trouble when I saw the name of this album. C'mon. Feel free to use cheesy straight edge phrases for an album title like "true till death" or "positive youth crew." But to name your album after a quote -- albeit a positive quote -- from star wars?? That just sinks too low in nerdery.

Click here for more details ...

Oh man. Hands Held High. I knew I was in trouble when I saw the name of this album. C'mon. Feel free to use cheesy straight edge phrases for an album title like "true till death" or "positive youth crew." But to name your album after a quote -- albeit a positive quote -- from star wars?? That just sinks too low in nerdery.

Here's the part of the review where I rip apart the bio. If you don't want to know what I have to say about the bio, feel free to skip down to the section after the album cover art.

You know I love to rip apart an over the top bio. Granted, if you are korn, Slipknot (Rev, duh) or Youth Of Today, I fully expect a "we kick ass" bio. I don't care if it's because you've sold a trillion albums or knocked sense into many outcast youths around the world. At that rate, you deserve an over the top bio. But you have to EARN it. You can't just up and claim it one day. Until that day, stay humble. Wait for the post humus bio to get heady.

In a day and age where the term "hardcore" has become synonymous with the phrase "for lack of a better word," few groups rise to the challenge of showing what it truly means to be a hardcore band - honesty and aggression. Cleveland’s Heads Held High welcomes that challenge.

Heads Held High formed in early 2004 when Rob Schultz and David Breda, (formerly the rhythm section for a mildly successful Cleveland band) ...

Hardcore? "For lack of a better word" hardcore, perhaps. These dudes are from Ohio. The home of Integrity, Ringworm, Confront ... They should know hardcore.

Why does this drummer from a "mildly successful Cleveland band" have a terrible drum tone? I thought the first couple of songs had too much cowbell until I realized it was the snare. Wow. Who are these guys? Is Biastfear the "mildly successful Cleveland band??" I had never heard of them. Googling them lead to the description "heavy metal mixed with hip hop." Oh lord. Granted, this is probably all PR bullshit, nothing to do with the band. I hope so. After watching a few videos on youtube, the in between song banter gives off a much chiller vibe. I can hang with that.

Lets get back to the album before someone accuses me of not even listening to the album. It has happened before. I'm not going to lie or sugar coat it. I'm not a fan. I just can't get over that drum tone. Despite never hearing Hawthorne Heights, this is what I would imagine them to sound like. Great comparison, right? Out of all the songs, I'd have to say the one I can enjoy is All We Got. I'm not super into the harsh, torn throat screamy singing, but the sections that remind me of Strike Anywhere, have my head bobbing. HAHA, I just realized they references Strike Anywhere at the end of the bio. Makes sense. "Intensity of Bane and d.i.y. mentality of Black Flag??" Um, ok. I don't see it.

Here's the video for the song Not My Enemy.

Labels: cd, Hardcore, Ohio, review, Zine

5 Comments

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."

Click here for more details ...

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.

Labels: cd, review, Straight Edge Hardcore, Zine

1 Comments

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.

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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.

Labels: cd, latin, review, Rock, Zine

0 Comments

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.

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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.

Labels: cd, review, screamo, Zine

1 Comments

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.

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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.

Labels: cd, Hardcore, Pop, review, Zine

2 Comments

Far From Finished hails from Boston, Mass. You can already feel my bias forming. Fear not, this isn't straight edge, generic hardcore (my cup of tea).

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Far From Finished hails from Boston, Mass. You can already feel my bias forming. Fear not, this isn't straight edge, generic hardcore (my cup of tea).

The comparisons to the Dropkicks are warranted. Boston, punk rock, ... you can see where it would come together. But without the Irish, beer fueled tunes, of course. This album is fucking catchy as hell, for sure. But it isn't my bag so I'm not expecting a million plays.

One note: I noticed they recorded the piano and organs in Worcester, Mass at "The House That Keif Built." Now, there can only be one Keif in all of Worcester. And this one is a legit dude. Here's the story about the first time I met him, probably 1998.

I was walking through the WPI campus when there was some "chick rock" (his words) show in Alden hall. I see this blitzed punk rocker hanging out in front of the building. He was probably wearing some punk/hardcore shirt and I stopped to chat him up. Of course, he was blitzed so you can imagine there was plenty of confusion.

Me: yo, I'm Murphy.
Keif: [ ramble, ramble ] name is keif [ intelligible gibberish ]
Me: [ confused, considering he was drunken lisping ] Keith??

You know where it goes from there. We then made plans for me to buy his whole record collection, but 9 years later, I still haven't seen any of it. HAHAH. Legit dude. I still see him at Raw Bar shows and around sometimes.

Check out this album. I guarantee it will have you head rocking, singing along. Especially if you can get into punk rocking.

Labels: Boston, cd, Pop Punk, review, Zine

0 Comments

I first heard Gordon Ivy and The Jaybirds back in August of 2005. I was obviously psyched on them. Who wouldn't be? Ripping hardcore from Japan that isn't crusty. Call me a fan.

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I first heard Gordon Ivy and The Jaybirds back in August of 2005. I was obviously psyched on them. Who wouldn't be? Ripping hardcore from Japan that isn't crusty. Call me a fan.

Fast forward 2 years, and I get another package from the band. This time, the packaging material has my review printed right on it. That's pretty cool. This time around, I get a burnt cd. A LIMITED burnt cd. #10/66. Of course, I don't read/speak Japanese, so I have no idea what the cover means. I'll have to ask Dobek (whoa, I see Dobek just saw Gordon Ivy for the first time this week, according to his blog). This appears to be a discography cd. Tracks from the demo, plus a shit ton more. 24 tracks in total. Totally cool.

A Happy Couples Never Last?? No idea. Is this what I'm holding? Perhaps. Regardless, good stuff. Get into these tunes. Some good times here. Enjoy.

Labels: Hardcore, Japan, review, Zine

0 Comments

I received a package from JP the other day. It contained a Gordon Ivy and The Jaybirds cd and a Slap The Culture burnt cd. I am not sure if it was for the first demo, or the second demo. I'm guessing the 2nd demo.

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I received a package from JP the other day. It contained a Gordon Ivy and The Jaybirds cd and a Slap The Culture burnt cd. I am not sure if it was for the first demo, or the second demo. I'm guessing the 2nd demo.

This cd rips through each song. Most songs barely clock in at 60 seconds, so you can imagine the intensity of it all. Short, fast and louder, of course. You should probably look into their myspace site. You could be real into this.

Labels: Hardcore, Japan, review, Zine

0 Comments

I have honestly never heard or heard of Ruiner before today. I'm not sure how they have slid under my radar, but this was my first introduction to them. Despite their stint on 1917 Records, an EP on Bridge 9 and a pretty extensive tour schedule, I have been in the dark on this band. Today that changed.

Click here for more details ...

I have honestly never heard or heard of Ruiner before today. I'm not sure how they have slid under my radar, but this was my first introduction to them. Despite their stint on 1917 Records, an EP on Bridge 9 and a pretty extensive tour schedule, I have been in the dark on this band. Today that changed.

It's difficult to pigeonhole Ruiner. They aren't classical youth crew hardcore (ala Youth Of Today or Chain of Strength) and they aren't typical metal core (ala Throwdown and 18 Visions). This fit in a nebulous middle ground, blending various styles. Of course, I could easily compare them to American Nightmare (not Right Brigade though) but that seems like an easy cop out. Instead, I would more likely compare this band to This Is Hell or possibly other mid 90s Trustkill bands. They have youth crew energy but a harder, more metal tinged sound. While this is good, it isn't something I would spin on a regular basis. C'mon, you know me. I'm either listening to generic youth crew or crappy pop.

I realize this is the artwork to the EP. Yes, I can see that. BUT, you'd be surprised how similar it is to the LP artwork. Both drawn by Linas Garsys. In fact, the image from the EP appears to be one panel in the artwork / storyline of the LP insert. Perhaps the last panel. Pretty cool artwork, but rather "dark" for Linas. I'm always expecting bright colors and bloody sharks, but this is darker, moodier. Less in your face. Chill though, pretty chill.

If you live in Maryland, you should probably check out the record release show. It's coming up. Just 2 short weeks away. And check that lineup! Dumb if you don't go.

Labels: review, Zine

1 Comments

Quit being an asshole and go buy this EP. You know it already sounds dope. You don't need me to tell you again. Now go buy the vinyl. Just do it!

Labels: review, Zine

0 Comments

Cruel Hand hails from the great white north. Literally, so far north that it is dark almost 20 hours a day during the winter months. Yeah, super dark. So you can imagine where this music was birthed: in darkness. That's probably why it hits SO FREAKING HARD.

Click here for more details ...

Cruel Hand hails from the great white north. Literally, so far north that it is dark almost 20 hours a day during the winter months. Yeah, super dark. So you can imagine where this music was birthed: in darkness. That's probably why it hits SO FREAKING HARD.

This is a full on dude raging band. Lots of good dudes, lots of good tunes. A little hard, metal edge, but rippin good. And live?? Forget about it. This will kill you live. These guys will give 110% even if there is only one dude in the audience. AND somehow, every dude in the band will pull excellent stage dives on that one kid without missing a beat. That's how good they are.

ps. I was just kidding about that dark all day shit. They're really from Maine. Just because they live in Canada doesn't mean they are REALLY from the great white north.

Labels: cd, Hardcore, review, Zine

2 Comments

Every Second Counts. True statement. One day you are a lazy college bum, moshing to Ten Yard Fight every weekend. The next thing you know, you are 28, working for your mortgage and trying to figure out how to sneak out of your own home in order to hit up the local Elks lodge to see Morgado and his Merrymen aka The Wrong Side. Time flies. For real.

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Every Second Counts. True statement. One day you are a lazy college bum, moshing to Ten Yard Fight every weekend. The next thing you know, you are 28, working for your mortgage and trying to figure out how to sneak out of your own home in order to hit up the local Elks lodge to see Morgado and his Merrymen aka The Wrong Side. Time flies. For real.

Of course, none of that has to do with this album or band. Except the spirit of holding onto the moment, making it last, and making it fucking worth it. This album rips and shreds from song 1 to song 11 (ok, minus the Bjork styled interludes. I could pass on them). Think Set Your Goals, except HARD. Pounding drums, in your face vocals, blazing riffs. Total kick ass material with a slight melodic tinge. Such good shit.

I'm going to suggest you look into this band immediately. Go check out Every Second Counts right now. Quit stalling. Fuck it, quit reading this review. Go listen to that album.

Labels: California Hardcore, review, Zine

0 Comments

To The Lions. Canadian Hardcore. Ex members of Grade. Yeap, Grade. You remember 1998, don't you? Michigan Fest, moshing, canadians ...

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To The Lions. Canadian Hardcore. Ex members of Grade. Yeap, Grade. You remember 1998, don't you? Michigan Fest, moshing, canadians ...

Well, this album doesn't sound anything like Grade or Canada. Does Canada have a sound? Maybe. When I think Canada, I think Left For Dead, Chokehold, Acrid, The Swarm, Grade, ... even No Warning. Of all those bands, Chokehold would be the closest cousin. This isn't even close to Grade. Not even in the same time zone. There isn't any screaming/singing, just heavy hardcore with the occasional DRRRROOOOOPPPP. Pretty chill.

If this sounds like your cup of tea, then you will be a big fan of this album. It'll hit shelves on June 19th, so don't sleep. This album is so heavy, you won't be able to sleep, that's for sure.

Labels: review, Zine

0 Comments

General statement: More often then naught, I hate when bands send press kits with their releases. Usually what happens is that the press kit makes the band out to be the next best thing since Led Zeppelin when in reality, the band is closer to Dread Zeppelin. I then spend most of my time ripping apart the PR rich kits instead of taking the time to sit back and enjoy the music. I can't help it. The press kit is the first thing I get to see or read. And they are almost always awful. Shamefully, I think that is how this review is going to go.

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General statement: More often then naught, I hate when bands send press kits with their releases. Usually what happens is that the press kit makes the band out to be the next best thing since Led Zeppelin when in reality, the band is closer to Dread Zeppelin. I then spend most of my time ripping apart the PR rich kits instead of taking the time to sit back and enjoy the music. I can't help it. The press kit is the first thing I get to see or read. And they are almost always awful. Shamefully, I think that is how this review is going to go.

First, the music. Pretty decent New York Hardcore. Any fan of Sick Of It All could enjoy this album. Actually, I see it as a natural sequel to Just Look Around with a lit H2O GO! vibe tossed in. If I didn't know any better, I would have just assumed it was a SOIA release. It's that familiar.

But here is where the press kit kills me. Fuck, I hate press kits.

[NYHC attitude] appeared to be on its death bed when eyeliner and bleeding hearts replaced black eyes and raised fists as the hardcore scene began to witness the slow death of NYHC as we once knew it.

Ok, what shows has the PR dude been attending? Or better yet, NOT attending? Lofts in Brooklyn have hardcore shows all the time. I'm sure a show or two will have eyeliner attendees, but I know Iron Age, Cold World, Justice, ... plenty of QUALITY hardcore bands have been through there.

In May 2007, New York hardcore will once again rise from its ashes and Queens, NY's Caught In A Trap is responsible for its resurrection.

Is this serious? Are you serious? Madball still plays shows. Sick Of It All still plays shows. H2O still plays shows. Hell, Agnostic Front, Merauder and Subzero are even playing shows again. How is that a death bed? How is that ashes? Not to knock Caught In A Trap, but how is playing Sick Of It All inspired tracks cause for a resurrection? Even if it produced by Don Fury. Fuck, I hate PR kits.

PR kit aside, this release is definitely for fans of HARD NYHC. If you like Sick Of It All, I can guarantee you will like this album. Word.

Labels: review, Zine

0 Comments

Hour Of the Wolf hails from the hot and dry southwest. Arizona to be exact. Not to be confused with the Nordic Straight Edge band, xHour of The Wolfx. It should be fairly easy to tell them apart, as the Arizona HOTW is neither Nordic, Metal or Straight Edge.

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Hour Of the Wolf hails from the hot and dry southwest. Arizona to be exact. Not to be confused with the Nordic Straight Edge band, xHour of The Wolfx. It should be fairly easy to tell them apart, as the Arizona HOTW is neither Nordic, Metal or Straight Edge.

These dudes play a melodic style of hardcore punk. Think Strike Anywhere with less clapping (not that I don't love Strike Anywhere. But I'm not so keen on the fast clap that is popping up at shows. I'll pass on that, thank you). This cd comes in with 7 songs topping 24 minutes. Now you're thinking, "That's over 3 minutes a track. That's not punk rock." BUT, the last track is 11 minutes with probably 8 of filler and then there is a bonus track. Plus some weird glass breaking or bubble wrap popping. That was actually a little creepy sounding. An enjoyable cd overall. I'm a little disappointed they weren't on the Bane/The Geeks/DTN/Ambitions leg of the tour I saw recently. Perhaps, next time ...

If you live in Phoenix or Tucson, you are in luck. The record release for this album is this weekend. Quit sleeping.

Labels: Hardcore, punk, review, southwest, Zine

0 Comments

What can be said about The Geeks that hasn't already been said? You know they are from Korea. You know they are super positive dudes. You know they rock. What else is there to say?

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What can be said about The Geeks that hasn't already been said? You know they are from Korea. You know they are super positive dudes. You know they rock. What else is there to say?

This release, Every Time We Fall, comes out of the Think Fast Records camp. Larry and Ryan have their fingers on the pulse of modern hardcore. The Geeks live up to that challenge with this release. 12 positive hardcore tracks, plenty of sing alongs, finger pointing opportunities and lots of ear to ear smiles all around.

Keep your eyes peeled for the vinyl coming from Get Outta Town Records. And check those inserts. So many chill pics with "solid dudes." Gotta love solid dudes. Gotta love The Geeks.

Labels: review, Straight Edge Hardcore, Zine

Achilles hails from Rochester, NY. They don't give off an upstate vibe though. They remind me of Cave In. Like Cave In 1997.

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Achilles hails from Rochester, NY. They don't give off an upstate vibe though. They remind me of Cave In. Like Cave In 1997. You know, back at Fat Cats in Springfield. But Achilles doesn't have that one Crossbearer track that pulls me in. Granted, I have listened to Cave In in years, but you know what I'm saying.

This CD is slated for Fall 2007. Not sure why really. I have it in front of me. Recorded in January 2007. The packaging is slick, professionally put together. It looks like it could easily be released in time for a heavy summer touring schedule. No idea why it isn't. Maybe the pic is out of date. Who knows?

Nice longsleeve

You can read, hear, learn more about Achilles on myspace. Don't go to the site listed in the CD as it has already expired. DOH. Also, the press kit says they are "FREAKING HUGE" in a bunch of places including Boston, but honest to god, I've never heard of these dudes. Weird.

Labels: Hardcore, Metal, review, Zine

3 Comments

This is a one man, punk rock band from the middle of New Jersey. His name is Albert and he is Vayizuka. And his press kit looks real nice.

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This is a one man, punk rock band from the middle of New Jersey. His name is Albert and he is Vayizuka. And his press kit looks real nice.

I would describe his style as early Blink (pre the "182" addition) or maybe Skarotum. Did I just compare a band to Skarotum? Hell fucking yeah, I did. You never thought the day would come, did you? Well, honestly, neither did I. For the last 6+ years, I've been waiting to bring out this comparison and TODAY IS THE DAY. I've done it. Vayizaku reminds me of Skarotum. Unfortunately, unless you live in New Hampshire and own a tape player, you have probably never heard Skarotum. And don't even try visiting http://www.myspace.com/skarotum because that is just some punker from Canada.

If you are into goofy power pop punk, this one man may be the band for you. Unfortunately, when playing live shows, he doesn't show up like this.

Labels: Pop Punk, review, Zine

0 Comments

The Big Hurt is straight out of Wheaton, Illinois. I have no idea where that is, but this zine is way bigger than small town Illinois. More all city, perhaps all state and beyond.

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The Big Hurt is straight out of Wheaton, Illinois. I have no idea where that is, but this zine is way bigger than small town Illinois. More all city, perhaps all state and beyond. And better still, it comes with a dope little EP, the Mass Confusion Hardcore Comp with tracks from Expired Youth, Urban Blight, Raining Bricks, Terminal State, 86 Mentality and Left Hand Path (Oddly enough, I just sold EPs by 3 of those bands on Ebay). Lots of Chicago Hardcore represented in this zine.

Here's what Jeff Klepper wants you to know about his zine:

1) 500 copies are packaged with the Mass Confusion EP. You can only get the EP with the zine.
2) 40 pages. NO ADS. No one does that anymore.
3) Ordering Info
w/ Mass Confusion EP - (US) $10 ppd, (INTL) $15
w/o Mass Confusion EP - (US) $3
4) He accepts well hidden cash, money order (
Jeff Klepper
c/o TBH Fanzine
2271 Hiram Dr.
Wheaton, IL 60187)
or paypal.

This zine is good. You should read it. At least 3 times. Probably more. Check the myspace page for more info.

Labels: Chicago Hardcore, review, Zine

0 Comments

Labels: Connecticut, Hardcore, review, Zine

0 Comments

Labels: review, Zine

8 Comments

Credited as CBGB's Downstairs Lounge 16 Sep 2006

Labels: Bar rock, Hip, NYC, review, Zine

0 Comments

Labels: Hardcore, PA, review, Zine

0 Comments

Labels: review, Zine

0 Comments

Labels: Hardcore, review, Zine

0 Comments

Labels: Hardcore, review, vegan, Zine

0 Comments

Labels: review, Straight Edge, vegan, Zine

0 Comments

Labels: review, Virgina Hardcore, Zine

0 Comments

Labels: Hardcore, Providence, review, Zine

0 Comments

Labels: Pop, review, Rock, Zine

0 Comments

Labels: Hardcore, review, Worcester, Zine

1 Comments

brings forth an aggressive assault of hard-hitting hardcore punk to down-treading styles that plague the modern hardcore scene.

Labels: California Hardcore, Negative, review, Zine

0 Comments

Labels: Chicago Hardcore, Get Outta Town, review, Zine

0 Comments

Labels: Pop Punk, review, Zine

0 Comments

Labels: review, Seattle, Straight Edge Hardcore, Zine

0 Comments

Labels: Melancholy Core, review, Sweden, Zine

0 Comments

Labels: punk, review, Zine

2 Comments

Subject:        me rock u review
From:           monorktodie@***
Date:           Wed, November 1, 2006 6:14 pm
To:             murphy@h*y*e*.com

me andrew...me make song...u listen then write.

http://www.myspace.com/monorktodie

thanks

Labels: review, Zine

1 Comments

Labels: review, Zine

0 Comments

Labels: review, Zine

1 Comments

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