Noise Real Records recently released Noise Pollution Volume 1, a limited run 7" that features two new versions of "The Recluse" by Cursive. The new series will continue this revision theme as we move forward. Founded in 2021 by two long-time friends from California's Central Valley, the label is focused on quality over quantity: curating a catalog that's focused on artistic development that will leave a lasting impression. SPB was curious about the new "Noise Pollution" concept, so we asked the label a few more questions about where it is headed in 2026. Scene Point Blank: Will all Noise Pollution series releases follow this "new versions" theme, or is that to be explored further on? Will you stick to the 7" format? Justin Martin: Yeah, The Noise Pollution Series will follow this same theme. We really like the idea of bands coming in and mangling their own songs however they see fit, getting another creative bite of the apple with older material. All of the releases in this series will be 7”s because it just felt like the right amount of music for this concept. Once the dust settles on the whole series, we’ve also tossed around the idea of putting together a small box set. Scene Point Blank: Do you have any kind of schedule or timeline with the series (noting the unpredictability of the vinyl market, of course), or will releases follow any pattern? Kevin Clark: There’s no hard timeline for the series. Vinyl pressing can be unpredictable, … Read more
ver·bo·ten adjective forbidden, especially by an authority. Verböten was formed in 1982 by a bunch of kids aged 10 to … Read more
Howdy out there! Welcome to the introduction for a new interview series I’ll be helming. Thanks to SPB for having … Read more
A dripping handful of Brylcreem and a well-used black comb situated in the pack pocket of the rolled up Levis, … Read more
There’s a specific kind of punk record that doesn’t try to inspire you, doesn’t bother offering solutions, and doesn’t pretend things are going to work out in the end. Nobody’s Going To Heaven is firmly planted in that tradition. Elway returns sounding less interested in rallying cries and more invested in documenting collapse as it happens. They cover every collapse … Read more
Heather The Jerk is a project from Madison, WI musician Heather Sawyer -- a scrappy punk band with garage and pop influences running rampant through the peppy, raw sound. This 4-song EP is called Very Motorcycle, released about a year after the Not Very Motorcycle tape. I have no idea what the phrase means, yet it sets a distinct mood. … Read more
If you were lucky enough to catch Toys That Kill live last year, you were maybe treated to a set that included classic F.Y.P bangers like “Come Home Smelly” and “Jerkoff”. I made the trip down to Seattle to see them with Off With Their Heads specifically for this reason and was in no way disappointed. I had somehow managed … Read more
Split LPs can be a gamble, but Talk Trash With lands squarely like a swift kick to those tender testicles dancing in the steel-toe-boot category — ten tracks of loud, unpolished punk mayhem that feel tailor-made for sticky floors, smoky blue air (ahh, remember those years?), piss puddles for those who can’t miss a note, and the smell of a … Read more
Citric Dummies might be the band I saw live the most often in 2025, yet I put off a thorough review of their latest LP until the calendar turned to … Read more
Breakup records usually announce themselves with a band. There is betrayal, shouting, and doors slamming shut. Finis Amoris Est, the new EP from UK post-hardcore outfit Pageant Mum, takes a … Read more
Pat Todd is a roots rock and roll incarnate — a relentless road dog, grinding it out night after night with his hot-as-buckshot band, The Rankoutsiders. His shows are raw, … Read more
There’s a certain kind of band that makes sense immediately once you see them live. Place Position is one of those bands. Before Went Silent ever landed on my speakers, … Read more
Hailing and wailing from Soweto, South Africa, rising from the ashes After The Storm comes pounding like a fierce berg wind. Don’t let this trigger your ancraophobia; they are only … Read more
As I review Mariachi El Bronx's latest album, IV I'm not going to pretend I'm well-versed in the deep cultural tradition that inspired The Bronx to adopt this project well … Read more
We're back with our first featured stream of 2026, a new 7-song 7" from Clockface out now on Dropping Bombs. Based out of Detroit and Chicago, think "90s Victory Records with a bit of 00s Lockin' Out attitude," to steal a succinct description from the label. It's hardcore with a … Read more
Last yar La Dispute released No One Was Driving the Car (Epitaph) -- now they head to Australia in October on a tour in support. Six of the seven Australian … Read more
The Melmacs, from Germany and not the fictional planet, have a new album on the way -- and a new single now, “Keep On.” The power-pop band will release Euphancholia … Read more
A new record is on the way from Boston, MA based Lesotho, an instrumental post-metal band. The record, their third, will be A Flashing On Plain Glass, released on March … Read more
Canadian post-punk band Home Front, fresh off the 2025 release of Watch It Die (La Vida Es Un Mus Discos), has announced a North American tour with Angel Du$t, Bootlicker, … Read more
Northeast Regional has returned with a new record, In The Desert, out on April 10 via Tor Johnson Records. Started as a recording project of Jeff Byers, Northeast Regional has … Read more
Deniz Tek has a new album out on April 17. Titled The Beat, the album from the Radio Birdman member via Wild Honey Records. The concept began in 2015 with … Read more
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