Category Archives: Featured

05.21.13
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[NOTICE] Lexington Music Press (LMP) Is Shutting Down Permanently After Its 4 Year Run

While it’s usually noted that LMP got started in 2009 (because that’s when it’s image really became rounded), it actually began in the summer of 2008. It is now the summer of 2013, so it had over four years (three of which were very strong — reaching over 1,000 people every single day) of good life. Over its existence, we had several breaks, the reason being our staff was often too small. Well since this year, our staff has been (basically) two. And we’re two busy guys. The third writer was rarely ever available to contribute. So we just didn’t have enough hands on deck. This isn’t even mentioning our numbers dropped greatly. We went from some 1000+ visitors a day, to 100. That’s a huge drop. So, LMP has become more of a burden. The two of us still around write for other magazines, so we still have outlets other than this website. It’s time to shut its doors for good.

Good bye (from LMP, at least), everybody. We had a pretty good run while it lasted.

R.I.P. Lexington Music Press (2008-2013)

– Written by Nathaniel Lay (Founder/Editor/Writer)

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

05.11.13
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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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[REVIEW] American Fangs – S/T

american fangsAMERICAN FANGS
American Fangs
[In De Goot Recordings/RED Distribution]
Verdict: 9/10

It’s been months I’ve been listening to this record, preparing for its review. Now that the album release is next week, it’s time I sit down and express my love for newcomers American Fangs. If you were to rewind to the early 2000′s and listen to the bands dominating the indie scenes for rock and punk, you’d find the perfect home for American Fangs. Like a cross between Maxeen and Letterkills, this record is full of high adrenaline, edgy sounding rock, while keeping up full frontal anthems and melody. Tracks like “Riot Food” and “Pomona” have that mainstream rock appeal, while “Le Kick” and “Gimme Gimme” drip more with a grungy, sex appeal to their power antics. Of course, no proper rock record wouldn’t be complete without at least one slow song. With this American Fangs self titled effort, the first comes early with “Sorry”; this particular track has all the makings of a radio hit. “Man In The Sun” would be its tight competition, certainly. As a complete work, this debut is a fantastic start to a hopefully bright career for American Fangs. It comes as a surprise that brings you coming back for more and more, months after you’ve first spun it. – by Nathaniel Lay

Most Recommended: “Riot Food”, “Le Kick”, “Sorry”, “Man In The Sun”
Release: May 14, 2013
In Conclusion: Fans of the Warped Tour compilations from the early 2000′s will find American Fangs fit in perfectly with that older scene. Their brand of edgy rock, mixed with punk anthems, works wonderfully on their debut record.

05.11.13
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[REVIEW] Sinners To Saints – The Greatest of These

SINNERS TO SAINTS
The Greatest of These
[Red Cord Records]
Verdict: 8/10
sinnersThe Greatest of These, as a whole, is one of those records that works best as background “working at the gym” metal. That being said, it has a very strong mid section to it. Starting from “The World’s Collapse” and going through to “Life, Like Statues”, things are just a blast. “The World’s Collapse” is fueled by some powerful transitions in the verses; “Fractures” has the most well rounded and explosive sound (admittedly thanks a lot to guest vocalist, Garrett Rapp of The Color Morale); “Vanquisher” has a very powerful last minute; and “Life, Like Statues” is just dead-on with its hard hitting and vicious moves. Once you’ve gotten this far into the album, The Greatest of These actually seems like it was two EP’s placed side by side. You have the instrumental, “Testify”, bridge a gap between the two, and it’s like another new collection begins with “Vessels”. This actually works quite well. If you were to listen to the album from start to finish, it kind of fools you into thinking the next album on your playlist has begun (when it really hasn’t). However, if you only have a good 20 minute drive to work (and back), it works great. You listen to half on the way up, half on the way back, and it feels like two complete album rotations. While I do prefer the first half of The Greatest of These, the album does become more and more memorable with repeated listens. At first, I wasn’t all that taken by Sinners to Saints, but the last month of returning to this record has changed that for me. Now, I’ll be looking forward to the band’s next release.

Most Recommended: “The World’s Collapse”, “Fractures”, “Vanquisher”, “Life, Like Statues”
Release: Available Now
In Conclusion: Sinners To Saints aren’t doing anything actually different for their metal scene, but they do the formula well. Given the chance, The Greatest of These becomes more memorable with every return (especially its excellent mid section).

05.09.13
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[NEWS] August Burns Red Release New Album Details

abrAUGUST BURNS RED to release fifth album,

Rescue & Restore, June 25th

Highly anticipated fifth album set to drop on Solid State Records

Band declares it their “most ambitious album yet”

Set to appear on 2013 Vans Warped Tour

May 8, 2013 - Almost exactly two years since the release of their breakout album, Leveler, AUGUST BURNS RED are set to return with their highly anticipated fifth album entitled Rescue & Restore, available via Solid State Records on June 25th.

The album, described by guitarist and principal songwriter JB Brubaker as the band’s “most ambitious album yet,” turns a critical eye to the oft-maligned genre of metalcore, leading by example to prove that bands can still find exciting new ways to expand the genre.
“Rescue & Restore is about challenging other bands and ourselves, as well as fans of this music, to want more than whatever happens to be the current buzz,” explains Brubaker. “We’ve done our best with each new album to try to push our sound in new directions and we’d like to see our peers do the same. People need to realize that there’s not much of a difference between a metalcore song that has a couple breakdowns with a repeating chorus and the latest Lady Gaga song. This genre used to be better than that. It can still be better than that.”
Throughout the album, AUGUST BURNS RED continue to do their part to challenge the conventions of heavy music. Over the course of 11 tracks, the band artfully blend piano, cello, violin, trumpet, various percussive elements and more into their sonic arsenal, taking their music into new aesthetic territory and contorting the boundaries of the genre.
View Track Listing and cover art for Rescue & Restore:

In support of Rescue & Restore, the band will be performing all summer long as a mainstage act on the 2013 Vans Warped Tour, marking their third appearance overall and first since 2011.

With Rescue & Restore, ABR have proven that it is possible to reshape music in a way that challenges listeners, reinvigorates fans and puts art first. But for any fans who fear AUGUST BURNS RED turning their back on the sound that catapulted them to the forefront of a genre, Brubaker advises them not to worry.
“At the end of the day we are still a very heavy band,” he explains. “Rescue & Restore still has plenty of really heavy stuff, techy odd meter riffs, and all the stuff that people have come to expect from us, it just has a lot more surprises along the way.”

05.04.13
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[NEWS] For the Fallen Dreams Return To Rise Records, Bring Back Original Vocalist

for the fallend reamsFOR THE FALLEN DREAMS RETURNS TO THE RISE RECORDS FAMILY

ORIGINAL VOCALIST CHAD RUHLIG RETURNS

NEW SINGLE “SUBSTANCE” TO BE RELEASED NEXT WEEK

 Rise Records is proud to welcome FOR THE FALLEN DREAMS back into the family. The band has re-enlisted original vocalist Chad Ruhlig to take over front man duties.  Chad has been busy with his own band Legend, but he made the time to pursue both endeavors. FTFD’s debut album, Changes, has been a cult classic for years and fans can now rejoice about a new album and tours.  The new material is akin to their debut album and will surely not disappoint. The new single “Substance” will be released next week, stay tuned.

05.01.13
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[QUICKIE REVIEWS] Alkaline Trio, Dark New Day, Authority Zero, Shai Hulud

This collection of short reviews features several releases from over a month or two back that I’ve been meaning to get around to. Well, finally, I’ve knocked some of them out. Some great records to be found below! — by Nathaniel Lay

alkaline-trio-my-shame-is-true-580x580ALKALINE TRIO – My Shame Is True
[Epitaph Records] – Verdict: 9.5/10
The really great thing about the new A3 album is just how much of a flashback appeal it has. Fans from the days of Goddammit will find that My Shame Is True has a lot of old school shine to it that is reminiscent of the band’s earlier material. Kicking off with “She Lied To The FBI”, Alkaline Trio reel in the listener with their light and honest punk/rock that made them so memorable back before they were famous. The record only gets better from there, bringing in new elements and influences along the way. For example, “I Wanna Be A Warhol” sounds like a lost +44 song, and “I, Pessimist” plays fast and hard like Rise Against (and even features Tim on guest vocals). My Shame Is True is essentially hit after hit. This is the best A3 record in fuckin’ years.

DNDHailmarycoverDARK NEW DAY – Hail Mary
[Pavement Entertainment] – Verdict: 7/10
Having never listened to this band before, it was nice going into it knowing it featured members of several good hard/rock bands, such as Evanescence. Hail Mary is about what I expected, considering where these guys had come from originally. The music here is all quite solid, whether you’re more interested in the heavier writing (“Goodbye”, “Saddest Song”), the lighter stuff (“On My Way”, “Dear Addy”), or the in-between/anthem-like tracks (“Simple”, “Outside”). Now, hard rock hasn’t been my cup of tea for years, but Dark New Day are doing it justice. So if this genre is your thing, chances are high you will love this record.

ShaiHulud-ReachBeyondTheSunSHAI HULUD – Reach Beyond the Sun
[Metal Blade Records] – Verdict: 9/10
Believe it or not, I’ve never listened to Shai Hulud before this record. For whatever reason, I always thought they played that deep, guttural metal I can’t stand. Instead, they are very much hardcore in their presentation: fast, aggressive, hard-hitting, and memorable. Reach Beyond the Sun was quite the surprise, as a result. Shai Hulud have instantly gone up on my list, making the top 10 hardcore acts killing it right now. After the somewhat disappointing recent release by Stick To Your Guns, I think it’s safe to say Shai Hulud have even surpassed them with this record.

az_thetippingpoint1000-635x635AUTHORITY ZERO – The Tipping Point
[Hardline Entertainment] – Verdict: 9/10
Like the days of Siren Song by Rise Against, The Tipping Point has a very strong punk rock fuel that makes the songs both memorable and fist pumping. While tracks “Undivided”, “For the Kids”, “Struggle”, “Lift One Up”, and “Today We Heard The News” feature the best moments of The Tipping Point, the album is a fantastic ride from start to finish. This is probably the best Authority Zero have been, so pay attention.

05.01.13
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[REVIEW] The Bunny The Bear – Stories

the bunny the bear storiesTHE BUNNY THE BEAR
Stories
[Victory Records]
Verdict: 9/10

Having listened to The Bunny The Bear since before they signed to Victory, I am able to appreciate their growth all the more. Jump back to their first label release, If You Don’t Have Anything Nice To Say, and you’ll hear how shallow it was instrumentally. But with each passing release, the band has added to their arsenal. Their previous record, The Stomach For It, caught my ear with its increased melody. And now it seems that the band has taken those elements to the next level with Stories. Not only is everything larger and more explosive, it’s also more catchy, memorable, and even soothing. Most of Stories is sweet sounding and trance-like. There are still the heavier sections, but they seem few in number when the album is played from start to finish. The vocals are still great, especially the high pitched singer, but there is something new to speak of here. TBTB have now started throwing in the screamer into some of the sung sections, and his deeper voice works well; it would be great to hear more of this expansion down the road. Just about every highlight track on Stories is made all the more memorable by its more melodic and pop structures. The first top notch song, for example, would be “Hey, Allie”, which feels like a warm-up climb to a climax. You also have the upbeat and sweet sounding “It’s Not Always Cold In Buffalo”, one of the best tracks of the record (and of the band’s discography, for that matter). As Stories plays through, The Bunny The Bear surprise again and again. Near the end, you get another two hits from “Your Reasons” (easily the catchiest track of the bunch) and “Sadie” (the dream-like closer). Stories is certainly their best effort yet, and I will eagerly look forward to the band’s next installment. – by Nathaniel Lay

Most Recommended Tracks: “Hey, Allie”, “It’s Not Always Cold In Buffalo”, “Another Day”, “Your Reasons”, “Sadie”
Release Date: April 16, 2013
In Conclusion: The Bunny The Bear have yet again improved upon their already unique formula with Stories. This is definitely their best work yet, and one that could easily reel in new listeners with its increased love of melody and pop elements.

05.01.13
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[QUICKIE REVIEWS] New Found Glory, Night Birds, Jungle Rot, Snow White’s Poison Bite

New-Found-Glory-Mania-300x300NEW FOUND GLORY – Mania
[Bridge Nine Records] – Verdict: 9/10
How can you not love a Ramones cover album by one of the best pop punk bands out there today? Despite having only being able to record a small handful of songs for this special release, New Found Glory certainly did a great job in their choosing. Absolute favorites “I Wanna Be Sedated”, “Rock N Roll High School”, and “The KKK Took My Baby Away” are all here. The band was also good not to put new spins on the classic songs; every track here sounds surprisingly close to the originals. Maybe New Found Glory will reel in younger listeners to join the ranks of Ramones fans. This is a must have for any NFG and/or Ramones listener.

night birdsNIGHT BIRDS – Maimed For The Masses
[Fat Wreck Chords] – Verdict: 8/10
Generally, any Fat Wreck release gets my attention. That label has brought some great punk bands to my attention I hadn’t previously heard of, so when Night Birds was presented to me, I downloaded it. Maimed For The Masses is fast and classic sounding punk, in the vein of The Casualties and The Unseen. The songs sound like they came straight from the street, which is a plus in this genre. As a result, Night Birds certainly come off as authentic with this EP release. It would have been nice to include more songs, but that defeats the whole purpose of 7 inches. Maimed For the Masses is quick and energetic, just as it should be.

snow whites poison buiteSNOW WHITE’S POISON BITE – Featuring: Dr. Gruesome and the Gruesome Gory Horror Show
[Victory's Records] – Verdict: 5.5/10
After a horrific and long introduction, the new Snow White’s Poison Bite record kicks off with “The Gruesome Gory Horror Show”. Immediately, it becomes clear that the singer has an annoying voice that will bring down the enjoyment factor of the record. Instrumentally, the band has a good sound. The screams are also quite good, but are sadly used little in comparison to the clean vocals. The best parts of the record come from the heavier sections, like with “Will You Meet Me In The Graveyard” and “Count Dracula Kid”. At times, the band sounds like they’re about to make a turnaround as the album plays through, but they never quite get there. If the band were to get rid of the terrible singing and stupid Halloween themes, Snow White’s Poison Bite could very well offer something of interest. But until then, they’re just pulling themselves down with generic elements they are taking full swing.

jungle rot terroJUNGLE ROT – Terror Regime
[Victory Records] – Verdict: 6/10
Jungle Rot may be fast and aggressive, but they do little to stand themselves out from the packs. Terror Regime is entertaining enough, but also suffers from too much similarity between tracks. The band rarely varies their style, making it so that song differentiating is unsuccessful. As the record goes on, it becomes tiresome as a result. Terror Regime works best as background metal.

05.01.13
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[REVIEW] Streetlight Manifesto – The Hands That Thieve

streetlight manifestoSTREETLIGHT MANIFESTO
The Hands That Thieve
[Victory Records]
Verdict: 8.5/10

To be honest, I’ve listened to Streetlight Manifesto little in the past, so I cannot compare The Hands That Thieve to their previous outings. That being said, I still had expected something slightly different, meaning this record surprised me. Right from the start, I was thoroughly impressed by the unique writing presented during the opener, “The Three Of Us”. The instruments are are all done brilliantly throughout The Hands That Thieve; the band do a great job keeping things varied and fresh. They don’t fall into the pit falls of many punk ska bands (which is a common familiarity from track to track), but rather show a new unexplored side to them as the record plays through. Add in the factor that this is the band’s sixth studio release, and it’s made all the more impressive that they’re able to still write such fresh material. As The Hands That Thieve plays, there are a handful of spotlight tracks I would like to specifically mention. “The Three of Us” has some great instrumental sections, of course; “Ungrateful” has a catchy, swooning flow to it; “If Only For Memories” is fueled by some excellent group vocals; and “They Broke Him Down” is one of the most well rounded and interesting track of the bunch. Streetlight Manifesto have succeeded on many levels with this release; The Hands That Thieve is a thoroughly entertaining and memorable ska punk record. – by Nathaniel Lay

Most Recommended Tracks: “The Three of Us”, “Ungrateful”, “If Only For Memories”, “They Broke Him Down”
Release Date: April 30, 2013
In Conclusion: Ska punk is generally quite fun, but Streetlight Manifesto have added more element and depth to it with The Hands That Thieve. Other bands of the genre should take notes from this release.