Hayaino Daisuki
The Invisible Gate Mind Of The Infernal Fire Hell, Or Do You Mean Hawaii Daisuki?
Hydra Head (2010)
Now this is a shock, another Hayaino Daisuki release by which to have all of our brains melted in short order following this hitting our stereos. The band, made of most of the members of Gridlink (featuring former members of Discordance Axis, Human Remains, Burnt By The Sun, and others), plays a thrash inspired metal that constantly goes on all … Read more
Hellmouth
Gravestone Skylines
Paper + Plastick (2010)
Much can be said on the history of Hellmouth. The band led by former Suicide Machines vocalist Jay Navarro and containing members of various other Michigan hardcore bands. The band have little in common with their past ventures. This is not to say the band are playing whiny emo or upbeat pop punk, if anything this would be the antithesis … Read more
Herra Terra
Quiet Geist
The Mylene Sheath (2010)
The Duo of Herra Terra seemed to come out of nowhere when their signing was announced by The Mylene Sheath. Seemingly no prior releases could be found and just the usual myspace was available to see online. What was noted early on is that Herra Terra were going to be the odd band out on the label. Known generally for … Read more
Iggy & The Stooges
Raw Power (Re-Issue)
Sony (2010)
"Raw Power’s got a son named rock n’ roll" Leave it to Iggy Pop to both boast about this record and succinctly describe what an album’s impact would be on music. Seriously, look at the cover to the album, and I mean REALLY look at it; get it out of your collection and look at it, and if it is … Read more
Imelda May
Mayhem
Decca (2010)
It’s been said that the second album is always a tough one. Following on from an album that you have been creating for all your life with record label deadlines, baying fans and the increase in expectations often leads to a critical mauling and a mass wave of indifference. Mayhem; the second album by Irish Rockabilly come Jazz singer Imelda … Read more
Integrity
The Blackest Curse
Deathwish Inc. (2010)
Finally, after literally years of waiting to hear this new Integrity album and a couple of teaser releases that barely whet my appetite for this monster, The Blackest Curse sees the light of day with all the power of a dark, ominous poison cloud alighting on the bland morass of what passes for hardcore punk these days. Admittedly, as I … Read more
Iroha & Fragment
Bittersweet
Denovali (2010)
One of the biggest thrills that I still get from music and writing about music is being smacked up side the head by some new band or (in this case bands) with a release out of nowhere or with their debut, and this release actually knocks it down with both bands on the record. Each outfit brings their own take … Read more
Iron Chic
Not Like This
Dead Broke Rekerds (2010)
There are albums that you listen to with headphones to catch every subtle detail in its production. Then there are albums you blast from whatever speakers you have available to you for no reason other than to break the walls and sing along. Iron Chic’s Not Like This is the latter kind of album! After two years, a demo, and … Read more
Janelle Monáe
The ArchAndroid
Wondaland Arts Society / Bad Boy (2010)
When music historians look back on the first decade of the 21st century, they'll no doubt highlight the dazzling array of pop musicians daring to innovate. Those producing music which both reinvents and creates, challenging conventions and spinning concepts and long-term constructions around their work. Except, of course, they won't. Pop has been sadly lacking of late, with depressingly little … Read more
Jesu
Heartache & Dethroned
Hydra Head (2010)
Do you ever remember when you first purchased a record by a band or individual (does not have to be their first record by any means) that turned out to be a huge door opening into their music (whether that even be bad or good is probably up for debate)? Well, this is the case for me with several different … Read more
Johnny Cash
American VI: Ain't No Grave
American (2010)
What an undeniably excellent surprise! American VI: Ain't No Grave is the remaining recordings (from the same sessions that produced American V: A Hundred Highways) that Johnny Cash made just prior to his death on September 12, 2003 (wow it seems such a long time ago now that I see that date), and I must admit that it is excellent … Read more
Keith Canisius
This Time It's Our High
Darla (2010)
Keith Canisius is a lesser known musician who managed to be born in the USA and move himself out to Denmark. This album is not his first for certain. In the time between albums he has made a mark on the growing dream-pop and shoegaze scenes. The man has clearly been able to create a fan base using a backing … Read more
Killing Joke
Absolute Dissent
Universal (2010)
As a band, Killing Joke has had numerous peaks and valleys in their career over the past 30 plus years most recently with the death of longtime bassist Paul Raven. The band has been one of the few to successfully tap into different genres over the year’s punk, Goth, metal, rock and experimental dub to name a few. The band’s … Read more
Killing the Dream
Lucky Me
Deathwish Inc. (2010)
Lucky Me is easily my most anticipated release of 2010. When I first started listening to hardcore, Killing The Dream were one of the first bands I connected with. Over the years they have become one of my favorites. I’ve been practically frothing at the mouth waiting to get my hands on this record, but upon giving it a few … Read more
Killola
Let's Get Associated
Independent (2010)
Killola, a four-piece American So Cal alt-rock group, consists of Lisa Rieffel (lead vocals), Mike Ball, (guitar), Dan Grody (drums) and Johnny Dunn (bass). Their style is primarily 'Garage Pop' with punk and pop/electronica influences. From what I have been able to uncover, Lisa Rieffel is one busy girl. With her popular web-series Girltrash!, acting in different TV series (NCIS, … Read more
Less Than Jake
TV EP
Sleep It Off (2010)
In theory, Less Than Jake covering catchy theme songs and product jingles sounds like a good idea. It seemed to work in the past. However, Less Than Jake’s TV/EP will fall short of your expectations.It’s hard to be too critical of an EP that was meant to be a fun project. The problem is, this project doesn’t have much replay … Read more
Let Me Run
Broken Strings EP
Paper + Plastick (2010)
Let Me Run managed to get alot of recognition in 2009 very quickly. This maybe be because of their jersey roots and owing much in sound to one Gaslight Anthem. These things helped them gain alot of attention along with some touring and some very good songs. The songs were good but could notably use some work, as they never … Read more
Liam Singer
Dislocatia
Hidden Shoal (2010)
Liam Singer plays the role of musical journeyman having been back and forth across the states playing with a multitude of different bands of many different types. He has a strong background in piano, theremin, and harpsichord among other instruments. These instruments let Singer provide a colorful and full backdrop for his calm story songs. After a few solo albums … Read more
