Tag Archives: punk

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.

05.01.13
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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.

03.19.13
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[REVIEW] Louder Than Bombs – What Resonates

louder thanbombsLOUDER THAN BOMBS
What Resonates
[South Division Records]
Verdict: 6.5/10
RIYL: Hot Water Music, Polar Bear Club, Rival Schools

Punk is one of those genres that I find myself surprised at how well it’s aged. When I was 16 and MXPX and NEW FOUND GLORY were some of the greatest things ever, I didn’t imagine that the genre would still be really viable ten years later. While the pop variety is doing well on its own, the harsher side of punk has found its stride in the past five years. LOUDER THAN BOMBS’ newest record should find a musical home next to groups like HOT WATER MUSIC and POLAR BEAR CLUB. These Michiganers (Michiganians to some) have nailed down a nice sound that merges the rising gruff punk scene with some post-hardcore flourishes.

One of the main issues with the album is that the songs really lack the punch and bite you would like from the best of punk. Each of these ten songs is enjoyable enough on its own, but the album tends to drag a bit through its twenty-seven minute run time. I am sure each of these songs would be great on shuffle, but What Resonates doesn’t resonate enough to encourage multiple listens or continued streaming. Those who are fans of any of the bands in the recommended section will surely enjoy LOUDER THAN BOMBS, but I’m left a bit underwhelmed by what the album offers as a whole. The rating should key you in that this is no slouch of an album. What Resonates certainly is a good album, but LOUDER THAN BOMBS needs to tighten its sound out a bit to really stick out from the punk pack. – by Nick Senior

Classification: Gruff Punk/Post-hardcore
Recommended Tracks: “Folly”, No News is Good News” and “Banish”

02.17.13
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[REVIEW] The Tossers – The Emerald City

tossers vinylTHE TOSSERS
The Emerald City
[Victory Records]
Verdict: 7/10
Classification: Celtic Punk

In the likes of Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly, The Tossers have helped lead the Irish punk charge for years now. Their latest collection, The Emerald City, is basically what we’ve come to expect, but that doesn’t mean the songs are any less entertaining. There are a handful of excellent drinking anthems to be heard here – such as “The Rover”, “Here’s To A Drink With You”, and “The Break of Dawn” – as well as more constructively interesting tracks, like “USA”, “God Bless You”, and “Johnny McGuire’s Wake”. While the slower songs proved to be the more memorable works of the album, The Emerald City is a solid ride throughout. It does feel a little light on its feet, like it’s missing some depth, but The Tossers still come through on top. If the band were to diversify their lyrical content some more, as well focus more on their instrumental aspects, they could easily release a gold record next time around. As this one stands, The Emerald City is worthy of any Celtic fan. – by Nathaniel Lay
>> Recommended Tracks: “Here’s To A Drink With You”, “USA”, “God Bless You”

11.17.12
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[MUSIC REVIEW] We Are The Union – You Can’t Hide The Sun

WE ARE THE UNION
You Can’t Hide the Sun
[Paper + Plastick Records]
Verdict: 7/10
RIYL: Less Than Jake, The Swellers, Rx Bandits

Maybe because I lived through the rise and fall of ska/punk, but it feels very odd to listen to a new ska album in 2012, let alone one that sounds so modern. We Are the Union blend together the punk sound of now (see The Swellers) with the ska/punk of yesteryear (see Less Than Jake) with great results. This is the band’s sophomore record, but You Can Hide the Sun exudes an energy that is normally only found on debuts. These punks clearly have a lot to say with regard to the state of the world, and their lyrical passion is only exceeded by their musical passion. Songs like “If You Can’t Smoke or Swear, I’m Fucked” exude both a joyous energy and a youthful angst, emotions the best punk can emote from listeners. The only two problems with the album are merely building points for future releases. Thirty-two minutes is awfully short for a good album, so a song or two more from these boys would’ve been appreciated. Also, the band is at its weakest when it heightens the ska quotient (see “Dead End”). The band’s punk edges are its best assets, as are the moments when it channels Rx Bandits’ penchant for slightly progressive tendencies. If the band drops the horns and really lets go on their instruments, we could really have a great thing on our hands. As it stands, We Are the Union is a pretty damn solid ska/punk band, and there is nothing wrong with that. — by Nicholas Senior

>> Classification: Ska/Punk
>> Recommended Tracks: “I Want You To Hit Me As Hard As You Can” and “Hellbound and Hopeless”
>> In Conclusion: We Are the Union combines the fun of last decade’s ska/punk sound with a more modern flair to great results.

>>>>> Lexington Music Press is need of more writers! Over the last four years, this website has seen its ups and downs, and we are currently only two people. There was a time we had ten, and things were updated much more often. If you think you want to write for us, send a sample review to nate@fortcharterrecords.com >>>>

11.17.12
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[MUSIC REVIEW] Young Sparrows – We’re All On The Same Team Here

YOUNG SPARROWS
We’re All on the Same Team Here
[Unsigned]
Verdict: 6.5/10
RIYL: The Swellers, The Wonder Years, Motion City Soundtrack

It’s really unfair to the band, but when there is frost on my car in the morning, the season for punk has come and gone in Ohio. Fortunately for Young Sparrows, their debut album was released last Spring, so I’m just really late to the party, and what a party this is. For those that like their punk melodic and more melodic, then Young Sparrows is your band. There is a sizable Motion City Soundtrack influence on this release, as there is a heaping helping of keyboard melodies underlying the strong vocal melodies; however, Young Sparrows is much more straight-forward than MCS. Some of that difference is due to the strong vocal work of Kevin Moore, whose voice is much stronger than most punk singers. His voice would better suited for bands like Acceptance, as his tenor is very melodic while maintaining enough of an edge to keep it man-approved. You could also credit the band’s success on their Canadian blood, but I hear no mentions of hockey pucks or Tim Hortons®, so the verdict is still out on that. One listen to songs like “Fact or Fiction” or “What You Get” show the listener what he can expect. This is really a no-frills melodic punk album. There are not too many distinguishing factors that push it above the genre standard, but there is little to discredit the band on the album. – by Nicholas Senior

>> Classification: Pop Punk
>> Stream: http://youngsparrows.bandcamp.com/album/were-all-on-the-same-team-here
>> In Conclusion: For those looking for a solid, no-frills melodic pop punk album, then give this release from Young Sparrows a listen.

<<< SECOND OPINION >>>
Verdict: 8.5/10

The first spin was interest. The second was attraction. The third was love. This album really grew on me, and quickly. Songs like “Fact or Fiction”, “What You Get”, and “Smiles To The Power of a Thousand” got stuck in my head for days. Young Sparrows have an interesting mix of hardcore, pop, and punk, making their assumed influences wide in range. As a result, Young Sparrows could appeal to a large audience of all ages (ok, maybe not ALL ages — old people can’t keep up with shit). We’re All On The Same Team Here is a very entertaining record, full of great hooks, breakdowns, and lyrics. — by Nathaniel Lay

>>>>> Lexington Music Press is need of more writers! Over the last four years, this website has seen its ups and downs, and we are currently only two people. There was a time we had ten, and things were updated much more often. If you think you want to write for us, send a sample review to nate@fortcharterrecords.com >>>>

07.16.12
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[MUSIC REVIEW] Lit – The View From The Bottom

LIT
The View From the Bottom
[The Royal Potato Family]
Verdict: 8/10
RIYL: Third Eye Blind, Eve 6, The Offspring

At first, I was disappointed by The View From The Bottom. It’s the first Lit record I’ve listened to since the famous A Place In The Sun, so I was expecting something more punk and fueled with attitude. Instead, The View From The Bottom tends to fall into mainstream trends during its twelve tracks. However, play it through a second and third time, and you’ll catch yourself learning the words and singing along. The next thing you know and you’re in my shoes, listening to this record several times a week. The opening track, “C’Mon”, is an instant party hit, constantly calling you back for me with its gang choruses and upbeat “fuck you” fuel. From here, the band seems to take popular sounds and then put their own spin on it. This is what bothered me, but at the same time, these styles are popular for a reason. For example, “Same Shit, Different Drink” has some very familiar instrumental work, and the chorus isn’t original, but it’s a catchy song nonetheless. Then you have the beat-fused “Miss You Gone”, which almost feels like it’s the 2000 era of Backstreet Boys and pop boy bands. Even with these issues, The View From The Bottom does become intensely enjoyable and fun to play again and again. Lit may not feel very original on this record, but they do take the mainstream winners and have fun with the formulas. – by Thomas Lehane

>> Classification: Arena Rock/Punk
>> Recommended Tracks: “C’Mon”, “You Tonight”, “She Don’t Know”, “Nothing’s Free”
>> In Conclusion: This isn’t quite what I expected, but even with its often mainstream knock offs, The View From The Bottom is very catchy and fun.

04.16.12
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[MUSIC NEWS] We Are The Union recording new album

We Are the Union Recording Follow-Up to Great Leaps Forward

We Are the Union is currently in the studio working on a full-length follow-up to 2010’s Great Leaps Forward and 2011’s digital-only Graveyard Grins EP. The new LP will be a late 2012 release on Paper + Plastick Records. The rising ska-punk band is recording both with Mark Michalik at Drasik Studios and with Nick Diener of The Swellers in his home studio. We Are The Union has been posting studio updates on its Facebook and Twitter, so fans can keep up with the process while WATU is holed up recording. “We’re in the studio now finishing up six songs to complete a new full length. We recorded a 7-song EP last spring, and decided after we finished that the songs were too strong to just be an EP,” says vocalist/guitarist Reed Wolcott. “We went back to the drawing board and came up with six more tunes. These are the strongest songs we’ve written. We’re coming at you with full force.” The band’s follow-up is highly anticipated, as critics hailed Great Leaps Forward as a great ska-punk record. “They have created a concise, well-constructed album that showcases all of their skills,” wrote AbsolutePunk.net. ThePunkSite wrote, “Even if you think you’ve since moved on from the ska party, you’d have to be a real party pooper to pass this one by.” We would love a news post about the band being in the studio and a link to their Facebook so fans can stay tuned. If you’d like to speak with We Are the Union about their new album, contact Thomas Nassiff at exit384media@gmail.com with interview requests.
More about We Are the Union: Unhappy with the current state of ska music, We Are The Union decided to stick out their own necks and tried to change things for the better in the summer of 2005. Getting a paycheck is not on their agenda. Instead of following typical ska punk conventions, WATU takes a harder-nosed approach to the genre. With influences ranging from Philadelphia/New Jersey favorites Lifetime and Kid Dynamite, and bands like Slapstick and This Is A Standoff, they rage with the best of them while still retaining a heightened sense of melody.
We Are the Union is: Reed Michael Wolcott (Vocals, Guitar) Brandon Benson (Bass, Vocals) Jim Margle (Drums) Ricky Weber (Guitar) Mike Babcock (Trombone)
03.27.12
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[MUSIC REVIEW] Super Prime – #FML

SUPER PRIME
#FML
[Unsigned]
Verdict: 7/10
RIYL: New Found Glory, MxPx, Mayday Parade

For those that were born after 1990, in the late 90s and early 2000s, Drive-Thru Records absolutely defined pop-punk. Before PARAMORE and ALL TIME LOW, groups like NEW FOUND GLORY and MXPX served as everyone’s introduction to the genre. For me, if I hear “Hit or Miss” or “Chick Magnet”, I can’t help but sing along. So I’ll fully admit my bias towards the less-than-slick style of pop punk, the one that existed before auto-tune and electronics crashed the party. Boston’s SUPER PRIME sit perfectly in that space of turn-of-the-millennia punk: catchy melodies and frantic drums.

Smooth and clean production usually serves bands the best, but the raw, live sound of #FML really suits the album well. The opening track is a great example of that. The track flies by, and it’s chorus of “we’re gonna make it through” is the type of cheeriness that is welcome on 75-degree days, driving with the window down. There are some differentiations from the standard fare, as a couple guitar solos pop up, and the acoustic song, “Song for Gabbi” is actually well done; however, mostly this is just well-crafted and catchy pop-punk. Call me old, but sometimes solid, fast songs are what the doctor ordered. All in all, SUPER PRIME may not be prime to take the mainstream by storm, their sound should garner them a considerable fan base. Fans of bands like NFG and MAYDAY PARADE will certainly enjoy #FML. – by Nicholas Senior

>> Recommended Listening: “Just Like You”
>> Release Date: March 20th, 2012
>> In Conclusion: For those that fondly remember the days that Drive-Thru Records dominated pop-punk, ready the nostalgia meter. This is very solidly done pop-punk.

01.22.12
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[MUSIC REVIEW] Koffin Kats – Our Way & the Highway

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KOFFIN KATS
Our Way & the Highway
[Sailors Grave Records]
Verdict: 8/10
Punk rock/psychobilly leaders, Koffin Kats, have returned with another winning record. Our Way & the Highway may bring what we’ve come to expect from the band, but that’s not a bad thing by any means. Their formula is a very enjoyable one, and these fourteen new tracks bring all the energy, cool beats, smooth vocals, and horror fans love. While “Riding High” does a swell job kicking things off, the second track is what definitely gets the party started. “The Way of the Road” is much faster and catchier, and is followed by one of the stand out tracks of the album: “It Happens Every Night”. The great thing about Koffin Kats is their unique sound despite an unoriginal formula. These guys may not be doing something we haven’t heard before, but they do it in their own one-of-a-kind style that is undeniably fun. Our Way & the Highway is no exception. Fans will surely be pleased by this new collection, and new listeners should definitely check this one out if their a fan of punk and its horror variants. – By Nathaniel Lay
> Recommended Tracks: “The Way of the Road”, “It Happens Every Night”, “Severing Ties”, “For the Good Times”
> Release Date: 1/24/12
> In Conclusion: What’s sad is this the first Koffin Kats album I’ve personally played completely through. Before this, I only heard the band through compilations and recommended tracks. Now that I’ve heard a full record, I definitely have the desire to check out their back catalog. Fans of horror punk need to get this album asap. It’s unique, energetic, fun, catchy, memorable, and very satisfying.