Quickie Reviews: The Bombpops, Mixtapes, Pianos Become the Teeth, Meaning In Masterpiece
THE BOMBPOPS – Stole the TV
[Red Scare Records] – Verdict: 8.5/10
The Bombpops are back with their second EP, Stole the TV, and the four new tracks are quite contagious. Fronted by two females, this four piece play melodic and catchy punk rock that is very easy to get into. The first two tracks are the more punk fueled anthems, and came out as my favorite. The last two are more rock focused, and do well in splitting the album into two different “sections”. This is a very fun EP.
> Recommended Tracks: “(Back To) The Medicine Cabinet”, “Paranoid”
MIXTAPES – How To Throw A Successful Party
[Animal Style Records] – Verdict: 8/10
Mixtapes crank out new music just as fast as Man Overboard, and we couldn’t be happier. How To Throw A Successful Party will accompany pre-orders of Maps and Companions, and it’s full acoustic. Tracks like “4 P.M. (Stupid Famous Quotes)” and “Noon (Protest Song)” are gold, and the lyrical content found on these 9 tracks are more raw and appealing. Fans of Mixtapes need not question how good this collection is, so pick it up.
> Recommended Tracks: “Noon (Protest Song)”, “4 P.M. (Stupid Famous Quotes)”, “8 P.M. (The Apple Barn)”
PIANOS BECOME THE TEETH – The Lack Long After
[Topshelf Records] – Verdict: 8/10
Locals Pianos Become the Teeth play the kind of hectic and progressive hardcore that made Defeater a frequent player on our playlists. Their latest release, The Lack Long After, is about what you’d expect after hearing their previous material, but that’s not a bad thing. I would have liked to hear more exploration, but their formula is very good as it is also. I especially enjoy when the instruments are kind of quiet but the vocals are straining and at the forefront.
> Recommended Tracks: “Good Times”, “Such Confidence”, “Liquid Courage”
MEANING IN MASTERPIECE – Sinking Cars
[Unsigned] – Verdict: 7/10
Meaning In Masterpiece are a five piece pop-punk/rock band based out of Orange County, CA. Their new album, Sinking Cars, is a very solid introduction to new listeners. I wouldn’t say they really jump out at you, but the songs are thoroughly enjoyable. I think with another year or two of experience, these guys have a golden formula living inside them waiting to break free. In the meantime, this is a very good collection to check out. They kind of remind me of a mix between This Building and The Dangerous Summer.
> Recommended Tracks: “Louder Than Words”, “Upperhand”, “People Really Do Suck”
