Royal Headache
Self Titled
Whats Your Rupture? (2012)
Royal Headache has been gathering some hype lately. Their self-titled record is a twelve track piece of high energy garage-punk, blazing past in twenty-six minutes. It’s clean; it’s crisp; yet, it’s also got a driving rhythm section and more than its share of aggression. While the genredrop isn’t necessarily difficult based on their sound, it feels unfair to pigeonhole them, as the album is peppered with influences ranging from Motown R&B to ’77 punk with it all culminating in a pop song—just played super fast and with boundless passion.The mix here really focuses on vocals and drums, and the one-two punch they deliver is as hyper as a shaken can of Jolt Cola. Singer Shogun’s vocal style drives the record with a tuneful R&B ear and actually singing, not shouting or chanting like most aggressive rock, but it’s the energetic guitar and rhythm section that keep the insanity flowing. In “Psychotic Episode” it sounds as though the band is going crazy, meanwhile Shogun is at his microphone belting calmly away in his own world. There’s a restless energy that leaves your foot tapping, even long after the record has ceased play. When it is still going round, however, it’s almost … Read more
Dinosaur Jr.
Live at 9:30 Club: In the Hands of the Fans
MVD Visual (2012)
In 1988 Dinosaur Jr. released their third record Bug. Despite it being lead singer/guitarists and band leader J.Mascis’ least favorite … Read more
Fiona Apple
The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do
Epic (2012)
Fiona Apple's brutal honesty can be summed up in one lyric: "Every single night's a fight with my brain." She … Read more
From Ashes Rise
Rejoice The End / Rage Of Sanity
Southern Lord (2012)
Formed in Nashville, Tennessee during the mid-‘90s American crust punk swell, From Ashes Rise later relocated to their current base … Read more
