Category Archives: Music

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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[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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[MUSIC - QUICKIE REVIEWS] Face To Face, Foreverlin, Temple of Thieves, and Sentiments

Three Chords & a Half TruthFACE TO FACE - Three Chords and a Half Truth
[Rise Records] – Verdict: 9/10
Thoroughly enjoyable, the new Face To Face record is twelve tracks of punk rock fueled by strong beats, memorable lyrics, and catchy anthems. Tracks like “123 Drop”, “Welcome Back To Nothing”, “Smokestacks and Skyscrapers”, and “First Step, Miss Step” are only a few of the great songs to be heard on Three Chords. This release only gets better with every repeated listen, so don’t sleep on this one.

foreverlinFOREVERLIN – Long Lost
[Red Cord Records] – Verdict: 7/10
In all fairness, Long Lost is a slow moving record. After all, it’s indie rock rock fueled by Christian lyrics. That being said, the vocals and instrumentals are beautifully performed (and written, for that matter). If you don’t mind an album that could possibly ease you to sleep, then look no further than Foreverlin. There are some great moments to be heard during Long Lost.

Temple-Of-Thieves--Passing-Through-The-Zer0sTEMPLE OF THIEVES – Passing Through the Zer0s
[Goomba Music] – Verdict: 6.5/10
Filtered into an edgy rocks in the likes of old school Trapt and Breaking Benjamin, Temple of Thieves offer something familiar to those who grew up on the hard rock of the late 90′s. Their debut record, Passing Through the Zer0s, may not be an obvious hit, but it surely brings out several tracks you’ll grow to love. “In the Garden (Collecting Souls)” has a solid build and release throughout; “Reaping” is hard hitting and memorable; and “Species” is well rounded. Ultimately, the album suffers from its length more than anything. The songs are all between four and six minutes, which is a bit much. Otherwise, Temple of Thieves prove they have talent (at the least) here with Passing Through the Zer0s.

sentimentsSENTIMENTS – Dystopia
[Independent] – Verdict: 7/10
If Sentiments are trying to get the attention of Rise Records or Fearless Records, they’re on the right track. Boasting that electro-tinged metalcore that has been so popular these past couple years, Sentiments do a solid job in writing brutal and vicious breakdowns during Dystopia. The vocals go back and forth between screams, yells, and growls; the instruments are varied and powerful, and the electronics are kept at bay enough that they are certainly not overwhelming or problematic. While I have, admittedly, grown tired of this sound, Dystopia does the scene much justice. This record could easily get the band signed.

All reviews above by Nathaniel Lay

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] Beyond the Shore – Ghostwatcher

BeyondTheShore-GhostwatcherBEYOND THE SHORE
Ghostwatcher
[Metal Blade Records]
Verdict: 7/10
Beyond the Shore brings to mind Emmure more than any other band during their Metal Blade debut, Ghostwatcher. Their furious metal mixed with booming hardcore makes the record a rather intense experience. Some of it isn’t as memorable as it should have been, but then you come across tracks like “Transitions” and “Homewrecker”, which are just goddamn brilliant. There isn’t much variation to be heard on the record though, which is always a tad disappointing. The album is also quickly over. Out of the ten tracks, two of them are instrumentals. Minor complaints aside, Beyond the Shore offers a lot of raw energy and aggression to help anyone’s bad day (or work out regime). At the least, add the Most Recommended tracks to some kind of metal playlist on your iPod. – by Nathaniel Lay

Most Recommended: “Transitions”, “Homewrecker”, “Glass Houses”, “Breathe On Ice”
Release: April 2, 2013
In Conclusion: It runs a bit short, and doesn’t add much variety, but Ghostwatcher has great power behind it. Beyond the Shore are now a band to watch.

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.

05.03.13
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[NEWS] Girl On Fire Announce Release and Track Listing of New Album

girl on fireGirl On Fire announce July 9 release of “Not Broken” on Century Media Records

 Featured on JVC Mobile Entertainment Plugged In Tour:  Road To Sturgis

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May 2, 2013 (Los Angeles, CA) – On July 9, Seattle based rock band GIRL ON FIRE will be releasing their debut album “Not Broken” on Century Media Records. The band will also be hitting the road next week on the JVC Mobile Entertainment Plugged In Tour: Road To Sturgis with labelmates Angels Fall (see tour dates below). 

Listen to GIRL ON FIRE’s first single “The Takedown” streaming here:

http://soundcloud.com/centurymedia/girl-on-fire-the-takedown

 

Album artwork:
girl on fire album

Track listing:

  1. The Takedown
  2. Reminds Me Of You
  3. Losing My Identity
  4. One Step Away
  5. Monster
  6. Automatic Hurt
  7. Believe
  8. Ready To Fight
  9. Break The Chains
  10. Cut
  11. Not Broken
  12. Run

 

JVC Mobile Entertainment Plugged In Tour: Road To Sturgis:

http://www.roadtosturgis.com/

 

May 08 – Orange County, CA – Launch Event

May 09 – San Diego, CA – Car Audio Heaven

May 10 – Phoenix, AZ – Audio Express

May 11 – Phoenix, AZ – Audio Express

May 12 – Albuquerque, NM – Audio Express

May 13 – Lubbock, TX – MGM Electronics

May 15 – Austin, TX – Mother’s Window Tint

May 16 – Dallas, TX – Stereo Zone

May 17 – Baton Rouge, LA – Innovative Audio

May 18 – Mobile, AL – Ken’s Car Tunes

May 19 – Pensacola, FL – Ken’s Car Tunes

May 20 – Atlanta, GA – Innovative Sounds

May 21 – Augusta, GA – Anything Audio

May 22 – Charlottesville, VA – Crutchfield

May 24 – Springfield, MA – Safe and Sound

May 25 – Centereach, NY – Soundtrax

May 26 – Philadelphia, PA – Stereo Sound

May 28 – Toledo, OH – TAS Electronics

May 29 – Troy, MI – ABC Warehouse

May 30 – Detroit, MI – Mickey Shorr

May 31 – Chicago, IL – Ray’s & Shockwave

June 01 – South Bend, IN – ABC Warehouse

June 02 – Milwaukee, WI or Burlington, IA TBD

June 03 – Minneapolis, MN TBD

June 05 – Springfield, MO – Creative Car Audio

June 07 – Denver, CO (Loveland, CO) PDA

June 08 – Salt Lake City, UT – Sound Warehouse

June 09 – Roy, UT – Art of Noise / The Hi Fi Shop

 

For more information on GIRL ON FIRE, please visit: www.facebook.com/girlonfiremusic www.twitter.com/girlonfiremusic www.centurymedia.com
05.03.13
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[NEWS] Glamour of the Kill Announce Tour Dates and Upcoming Album

glamous or the killGLAMOUR OF THE KILL ANNOUNCE U.S.
TOUR DATES WITH ESCAPE THE FATE
New Album Coming Summer 2013

Britain’s bad boys GLAMOUR OF THE KILL will be making their way over to the U.S. this spring to tour with ESCAPE THE FATE. Vocalist and front man Davey Richmond has something to say about it. “We’re really pumped to be hitting the U.S. again! Touring is what we live for so to be traveling the world doing what we love is an opportunity we relish.”

The band also just wrapped up the finishing touches on their new album that will be released this summer. The yet to be titled full length was produced by Joey Sturgis (ASKING ALEXANDRIA, MISS MAY I) and will undoubtably be the band’s most hard-hitting material to date. Richmond continues, “Having just finished our second album with producer Joey we feel like caged animals ready to bring the party back to the U.S. again.”

VITAL LINKS

TOUR DATES

5/3/13 Toledo, OH
Main St. Bar & Grill

5/4/13 Cleveland Heights, OH
Grog Shop

5/5/13 Baltimore,MD
The Ottobar

5/9/13 Lansing,MI
The Loft at Harem Urban Lounge

5/10/13 Bloomington,IL
The Castle Theater

5/11/13 Minneapolis,MN
Mill City Nights

5/12/13 Des Moines,IA
Wooly’s

5/16/13 Millvale,PA
Mr. Smalls Theater

5/17/13 Worcester,MA
The Palladium

5/18/13 Albany,NY
Bogies

5/19/13 Buffalo,NY
Waiting Room

5/22/13 Barrington,IL
Penny Road Pub

5/23/13 Omaha,NE
The Waiting Room

5/24/13 Lawrence,KS
Granada

5/26/13 Denver,CO
Marquis Theater

5/27/13 Colorado Springs,CO
The Black Sheep

5/28/13 Albuquerque,NM
Sunshine Theater

5/30/13 Tempe,AZ
Rocky Point Cantina

5/31/13 Las Vegas,NV
Fremont Country Club

6/1/13 Pomona,CA
The Glass House