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Our latest album reviews, featuring the records we've most enjoyed (or not) over the past few weeks.

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Browse our album reviews according to score: Highest (9.5/10 or more) or Lowest (2/10 or less)

House Of Low Culture

Poisoned Soil
Taiga (2012)

Following the demise of Isis (which was a sad day indeed around my household), there was still plenty of material to come potentially as the band’s membership was active with side projects throughout the life of their main creative outlet; and the potential reactivation of the seemingly dormant House Of Low Culture was an exciting proposition as I had grown to love this particular project of Aaron Turner, but this time Turner is joined by Faith Collocia of (Mamiffer, Pyramids, Everlovely Lightningheart) and have spent the last couple of years seemingly preparing to deliver Poisoned Soil (evidenced in the release of one of the songs and other songs that maybe did not make the album being released in some form on a split cassette tape with the duo’s other project, Mamiffer). In some rather selfish ways, I initially felt a bit cheated by Poisoned Soil due to it only containing three compositions; but any emotions of this nature are quickly cast aside by the dense album that plays over the course of this 2xLP, and my only feelings that remain as the last notes of the record ring out are ones of awe and a weird sense of either isolation … Read more

The Blank Fight

House Band Feud (Re-Issue)
Silver Sprocket (2012)

Aaron Cometbus, Rymodee of This Bike Is a Pipe Bomb, bikes, guitars…that seems a fitting intro for the reissue of … Read more

Nordic Nomadic

Worldwide Skyline
Tee Pee (2011)

Nordic Nomadic resides as generally a solo project. This project taken on by the lead singer of Ontario based psych … Read more

Enthroned

Obsidium
Agonia (2012)

Belgian black metal veterans Enthroned offer up a new platter of palpable devastation with Obsidium. With this album they show … Read more

Say Anything

Anarchy, My Dear
Equal Vision (2012)

Say Anything are a band who does the opposite of what you think they're going to do. For example, when … Read more

Rêx Mündi

IHVH
Debemur Morti Productions (2011)

Handily joining the ranks of the best French bands whose abuse of the metal ümlaüt prevents their name from being … Read more

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One from the archives

The Pogues

Ultimate Collection
WEA (2005)

I've never really been a fan of "best of..." collections. Too much of the time, they are released mid-career without justification or necessity, or to fill an unusually long gap between albums. Even more often, they are used as cynical marketing ploys, or worse, in order to milk the cash cow of any given artist whom lacks longevity. At times, however, they can be looked at less contemptuously, because the band has since deceased and/or made enough music to merit and/or necessitate a condensed collection of their work. Until a few years ago, I would have included The Pogues in this grouping. After all, they've managed to release several albums since the early 80s, with the most recent coming well over ten years ago. But that's where the justification stops. … Read more

More album reviews

Unholy Majesty

Self Titled
A389 (2012)

Burgeoning from a small town called Margate in the United Kingdom, is Unholy Majesty, a metallic hardcore supergroup meant to convey the bleak atmosphere of their city through music. With members of bands such as Sacred Ritual, Cold Snap, Age Of Kali, The Break In and Santa Karla it’s clear that this band has paid it’s dues and are looking … Read more

200 Words Or Less

Fatal Birth

Self Titled
Twelve Gauge (2012)

Fatal Birth are a relatively new band. This being their first major release one could assume any number of things from the bands' artwork alone. Presented in a simple black and white sleeve With a dark picture of a hallways and a hanger lying on an otherwise empty floor the band gives off an idea of something sinister. The record … Read more

Kronos Quartet

Music of Vladimir Martynov
Nonesuch (2012)

Now, I'm no stranger to long music, but it still astounds me that there are only three pieces on this nearly 70-minute album. I suppose I should've expected nothing less from the prolific Kronos Quartet, who continue to astound with their virtuosity and stylistic diversity. I mean, these are the folks who have recorded pieces by composers like Terry Riley, … Read more

The Measure [SA]

My Heart And The Real World
No Idea (2011)

From the getgo, the transitions on My Heart and the Real World could be smoother—but that’s no surprise on a collections record. The Measure [SA] put out an enormous body of work—at least for a band with only two official full-lengths during their run—and putting them onto a single slab of plastic or vinyl sometimes creates logistics problems with recording … Read more

Creatures

Vesuvius
Twelve Gauge (2012)

Creatures have made a name fo9r themselves over the past few years playing a style of metalcore that bears a resemblance to the Holy Terror style. So the basics here are heavy with a strong leaning towards metal riffing and an obvious inclination towards evil. The band seemed rather silent after releasing their Salvation EP last year. With a few … Read more

Good Old War

Come Back As Rain
Sargent House (2012)

The first time I heard Good Old War, I heard them live - probably the best way to listen to them, in my opinion. Their harmonies, melodies and musical arrangements are way more impressive that way. They were opening for Guster and after their performance of "My Own Sinking Ship," I was sold on them. (All I have to say … Read more

Thee High Priestess

MMXII Demo
Independent (2012)

The internet contains some weird ways to discover music, and this aspect is a double edged sword because now everyone and their brothers and or sisters try to make music in their bedroom or basement or garage and put it up on their interwebz for everyone else to sift through; finding new music can be a giant pain in the … Read more

Future of the Left

Polymers Are Forever EP
Xtra Mile (2011)

From what I gather, I’m supposed to love Andy Falkous and his body of work. For a man who talks so much shit, he sure has a lot of admirers. But, whatever…I’m reviewing Polymers Are Forever here, not writing as essay on ego worship. This EP is the latest from his post-Mclusky group, and something of a teaser for an … Read more

The Eye Of Time

Self Titled
Denovali (2012)

The first thing that hits you is how beautiful the album looks. You haven't even begun to listen to it and already you're fawning over the beautiful cover art. It only gets more enthralling as you open it up and revel in the stunning beauty of Thomas Hack's artwork. As you take your time flipping through the massive booklet of … Read more

Planet Asia

Black Belt Theater
Wandering Worx (2012)

Planet Asia has built a long history in underground hip hop. While certainly not the best known to most he has built his career from the ground up. Through failed major label deals and a lack of recognition he has made himself known through his hard work and consistency. Most rappers couldn't be bothered with the struggles he has gone … Read more

Chimp Spanner

All Roads Lead Here
Basick (2012)

I will say, right off the bat, the composition ability of Paul Ortiz, a.k.a. Chimp Spanner, is undeniably top-notch, as is his musicality. Sure, he can be a bit self-indulgent at times, but then again, as a solo artist, isn't that more or less the point? Regardless, it's clear that his latest album, All Roads Lead Here, is a visionary … Read more

Spoonboy

The Papas
Fuck You is a Seven Letter Word (2011)

Do you like songs about gender issues, white male privilege, masculinity, and society in general? If not, you may want to quit reading here. Spoonboy, led by David Combs, is dedicated and upfront about these causes. Much like his other band, The Max Levine Ensemble, the general tone is preachy (to the choir), with pop song structures, direct lyrics, and … Read more

Maker

Mirrors
6131 (2011)

Maker have been a band for a few years now crawling out of the Massachusetts hardcore scene. The band play a style of pop punk that relies on speed and bolstered by breakdowns and gang vocals. The band had signed to 6131 records about a year ago after a handful of EPs and Split records. So far nothing particularly different … Read more

Les Discrets

Ariettes Oubliées...
Prophecy Productions (2012)

France's Les Discrets have been active for nigh on nine years, yet are only on the cusp of their second full length release. Driving force Fursy Teyssier has had a hand in one of the greatest exports of the majestic French scene, Amesoeurs (unfortunately a band no longer in existence), and once upon a time toured with Alcest as their … Read more

Reviews by score
Browse our album reviews according to score: Highest (9.5/10 or more) or Lowest (2/10 or less)