05.13.13
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[MUSIC REVIEW] Banquets – Banquets

Banquets LP layoutBANQUETS
Banquets
[Black Numbers]
Verdict: 8/10
RIYL: Autopilot Off, Daytrader, The Gaslight Anthem

When I first laid my ears on BANQUETS’ last album, Top Button, Bottom Shelf, it was love at first note. This New Jersey punk group really understood how to make understated, mature punk that tugged at the right nostalgic strings. Because of that immediacy, color me surprised to share that the band’s follow-up is a bit of a grower. Instead of sugary sweet melodies, the songs from this self-titled album weave themselves in your cranium slowly. “Little Shallow” might be the most immediate of the tracks on this short album; however, its hook is deceptive. It doesn’t scream “PLEASE SING ALONG TO ME”, yet I found myself humming it for about a day straight at random. All of this is not meant to scare away fans of the band’s past work. Banquets still is required listening for fans of early 2000s alternative rock. The band has perfected a potent mix of hooky pop punk and Jersey rock. BANQUETS’ sound is far from rough around the edges, yet there are no studio tricks to pretty up the record. I get the impression that any of these punk gems would sound equally enjoyable in a live setting as they do on my headphones. This is simply smart punk, meant to appeal to those who prefer to keep their brain plugged in while listening to music. Ultimately, aside from the album’s short run-time (albums shouldn’t be under thirty minutes), there is little left that bogs Banquets down. Punk never really died, and BANQUETS is sure to add another heartbeat to the mix. – by Nick Senior

Classification: Indie Punk
Recommended Tracks: “Little Shallow”, “Paths” and “Fade from Gold”

05.13.13
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[MUSIC REVIEW] Malefice – Five EP

MaleficeFivealbumcoverartworkpackshot400pxThrashHitsMALEFICE
Five EP
[Transcend Music]
Verdict: 8.5/10
RIYL: Architects, God Forbid, Sylosis

Five shouldn’t work this well. For those who aren’t familiar with MALEFICE, the band’s past discography melded an old-school ‘core sound (see Killswitch Engage or God Forbid) with a love of thrash metal. So the riffs came fast and furious, and the guitars held all of the melodies. The resulting mix either worked astoundingly well (see “Baying for Blood”) or left the listener wanting more. For its latest release (and first away from Metal Blade), the band has down-tuned its guitars and added a djent lean to its sound. Basically these guys not only bring the riffs and solos, but they now bring the groove. I didn’t think their sound needed a major re-tooling, but I’ll be damned if this new angle doesn’t work really well for MALEFICE. “Reach Up” and “Wasted” carry the thrash-core flag of old, but it’s the album’s title track that signals a changing of the guard. “V” is rife with groove-laden chugs, to the point that it almost sounds borrowed from This or the Apocalypse’s playbook. Thankfully, there is enough of a thrash undercurrent to carry the song. That is, until the end. I’m 26, married with a career, but seriously: I want to throw down in the pit so hard during the outro of “V”. The groove is killer, and this is coming from someone who doesn’t bow down to the almighty groove. That is the unexpected ace in the hole for MALEFICE. The band has tightened up its screws on its previous sound and added a monstrous amount of groove to Five. Metalcore bands take notice: breakdowns and groove are more enjoyable when they are surrounded by interesting songwriting. These British lads now understand that fact, and their resulting album is a resounding success. Fans of metalcore’s past, present, and future will surely enjoy this long EP. – by Nick Senior

05.13.13
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[MOVIE NEWS] Medieval Times To Become A Movie

medieval timesYou’ve probably been there. Medieval Times. It’s a big castle/stadium where they put on a Knights In Shining Armor show as you eat a delicious meal. There is also an awesome gift shop full of sculptures, swords, and more.

Well, Benderspink (Hangover III) and Broken Road (Jack and Jill) will be making the restaurant chain into a feature film property. The two are now shopping studios to home the movie.

05.13.13
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[NEWS] Into It. Over It. Sign w/ Triple Crown Records, New LP Out September

Into It. Over It. Sign with Triple Crown Records

New LP Out In September

Upcoming Shows Include Skate & Surf, Bled Fest and More

Into It. Over It., the brainchild of Chicago, IL musician Evan Weiss, has signed with Triple Crown Records and will release a new full-length in September. Weiss is currently in the studio recording with Brian Deck (Modest Mouse, Iron & Wine). Check out the teaser video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b17LZMYTDLQ&feature=youtu.be.

 

Having played in a number of bands over the years, Weiss had originally conceived Into it. Over It. as a means to break free from a musical rut. His project quickly took on a life of its own and in true DIY fashion, Weiss went on to release a steady string of 7”, splits, cassettes, and LP’s while touring the world non-stop, both as solo artist and with a full band including tours with such acts as Frank Turner, The Wonder Years, Where’s My Band Tour (w/ Matt Pryor, Dustin Kensrue, Chris Conley), Owen  and KOJI (with whom he recorded a split, which was named by the Associated Press as one of the year’s ‘Most Overlooked Albums Of 2010’, alongside artists like Mumford and Sons, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, and Gucci Mane.)

 

In discussing the future of Into It. Over It., Weiss explains, “With the new year, it came time to turn a page. Not only was Triple Crown excited about what I wanted to make and how I wanted to make it, but they gave me the tools to do so. It’s been a brand new process for me. Uncharted territory. They have been supportive above and beyond to help me be able to be the musician I really want to be. To craft the record I really wanted to make. I couldn’t think of a better home.”

 

Upcoming Tour Dates

May 17         Jammin’ Java Vienna, VA

May 18         Skate and Surf Festival  Freehold, NJ

May 19         Toad’s Place New Haven, CT        (w/ Alkaline Trio)

May 21         Waiting Room Buffalo, NY  (w/ Matt Pryor, Jame Dewees)

May 22         Smiling Moose Pittsburgh, PA      (w/ Matt Pryor, Jame Dewees)

May 23         Grog Shop  Cleveland, OH (w/ Matt Pryor, Jame Dewees)

May 25         Bled Fest      Howell, MI

May 26         The House Café Dekalb, IL            (w/ Matt Pryor, Jame Dewees)

May 31         Jackpot Music Hall  Lawrence, KS (w/ Owen, Their/They’re/There)

Jun 22          Green Music Fest Chicago, IL (w/ Manchester Orchestra)

05.11.13
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[MUSIC REVIEW] Frank Turner – Tape Deck Heart (Deluxe Edition)

FRANK TURNER
Tape Deck Heart (Deluxe)
[Epitaph Records]
Verdict: 9.5/10

frank turnerFor the last month or two, I’ve been listening to Tape Deck Heart repeatedly. This is definitely one of the best records I’ve heard in a long while (and it came just in time, considering I’m going through an indie/folk rock phase currently). It’s sad I haven’t listened to much of Frank Turner before this, and therefore can’t compare it to his previous material. However, as this collection stands, it’s damn near perfect. Kicking off with the instant hit, “Recovery”, Tape Deck Heart comes with memorable lick after lick. These songs will easily be stuck in your head for weeks to come, especially “The Way I Tend To Be”, “Plain Sailing Weather” (I am fucking obsessed with this particular track), “Good & Gone”, “Tell Tale Signs”, and “Four Simple Words” (the loud, punk rock anthem that will get everyone dancing). In its later tracks, the album does slow down, which could possibly turn off some listeners. That being admitted, even Frank’s more reserved tracks offer something profound and intricate. Lyrically, the man is a genius, touching upon both the basic and complicated aspects of every day life. Even topics sung by every artists out there seem fresh when performed by Frank. He has a way with words, that’s for sure. As for the version of Tape Deck Heart I had acquired, it was the deluxe edition; it came with a total of eighteen tracks, making for a long record. It’s a bit daunting, actually. Out of those additions, “Tattoos” and “Time Machine” would have to be the obvious winners. Tape Deck Heart is a masterpiece, to say at the least. In relation, Frank Turner is a genius. Enough said. – by Nathaniel Lay

Most Recommended: “Recovery”, “The Way I Tend To Be”, “Plain Sailing Weather”, “Good & Gone”, “Tell Tale Signs”, “Four Simple Words”, “Tattoos”, “Time Machine
Release: Available Now
In Conclusion: Frank Turner has created an absolutely amazing record with Tape Deck Heart. It’s a true experience to play these songs over and over.

05.11.13
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[MOVIE NEWS] Spring/Summer Most Anticipated

the-wolverine-poster*This listing only includes the films I am most interested in, rather than note every movie actually releasing on these dates*

MAY 3
Iron Man 3

MAY 10
The Great Gatsby

MAY 17
Star Trek Into Darkness

MAY 24
Epic
Fast & Furious 6
The Hangover III

MAY 31
Now You See Me

JUNE 7
After Earth

JUNE 14
Man of Steel

JUNE 21
Monsters University
World War Z

JUNE 28
The Heat
White House Down

JULY 5
Despicable Me 2
Lone Ranger

JULY 12
Pacific Rim

JULY 19
RIPD
Red 2

JULY 26
The Wolverine

AUGUST 2
300 Rise of an Empire

AUGUST 9
Elysium

AUGUST 16
Kick-Ass 2

What releases are you most anticipating??