What-A-Nights
Self Titled
Drunken Sailor (2013)
What-A-Nights are a Japanese four-piece punk group, mostly falling on the pop-punk side of the spectrum, with some tight Buzzcocks sensibility seeping in. Their self-titled full-length, first self-released in Japan and now brought to the larger masses by Drunk Sailor Records, brings ten songs of soaring melody, hooky guitar, and positive vibes.The songs, while labeled as pop-punk, utilize the guitar far more … Read more
What's Fluffy
Happy B-Day Mike
Independent (2013)
On Happy B-Day Mike, the latest self-release from math rockin’ boys What’s Fluffy, the Bloomfield, NJ quartet fires out six sonic anecdotes of hypnotic guitar lines, swaying time signatures, sparkling saxophonic blows, and never-ending feelings.The EP, running at just over 18 minutes, opens up with “I Really Hate Cats”. The track isn’t something PETA should be worried about: it’s meant to … Read more
Woe
Withdrawal
Candlelight (2013)
Having began life as a one-man project borne from the mind of Chris Grigg, Woe’s motive was one of total aggression and pure hate and signified a time when American black metal was only just starting to find its feet within the darker realms of the musical sphere. With A Spell for the Death of Man Grigg stepped forward and laid his entire heart … Read more
Worriers
Cruel Optimist
Don Giovanni (2013)
Worriers are yet another Brooklyn band to note, made up of former members of some higher profile DIY punk bands from the area. Most noteworthy in terms of sound is vocalist Lauren Denitzio, previously of The Measure [SA]. Obviously, her familiar voice and vocal style will bring a number of comparisons, including within this very review, and it should serve as … Read more
Worthwhile Way
Love Is All
ADD Records (2013)
Worthwhile Way play positive punk. No bones about it, the title Love Is All isn’t some ironic statement, the band brings an upbeat, happy sound that’s typically devoid from almost any subgenre of music. Mayu’s lead vocals convey a pep that meets the bouncy rhythms of Chege with some powerful ’77-style guitars to bring it all home.For a basic sound, take the … Read more
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Mosquito
Interscope/Polydor (2013)
Part of me has waited so long to review the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s fourth album, Mosquito because I really don’t want to pan the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. In fact, I’d like to pretend Mosquito didn’t happen after three knock out albums that were filled with passion, rock and roll and intensity - Fever to Tell (2003), Show Your Bones (2006) and It’s Blitz! (2009). Mosquito has those three characteristics in … Read more
Year of No Light
Tocsin
Debemur Morti Productions (2013)
Year Of No Light’s emotive instrumental approach is one that embraces the deeper, heavier side of post/sludge/atmospheric music and the cavernous melodies that they dredge up from the darkest pits of night are terrifying and weighty. The six strong French band boast two drummers amidst their ranks and on Tocsin here they utilise that strength to push the songs forward and drive … Read more
Zozobra
Savage Masters
Brutal Panda (2013)
Zozobra returns five years after their excellent previous full length Birds of Prey; and now, Caleb Scofield (of Cave In and Old Man Gloom) brings forth Savage Masters. If you are not familiar with Zozobra, try to imagine Old Man Gloom covering Cave In tracks: in essence you get straightforward songs, with quite catchy riffs and nice groove which on the same time manage to … Read more
