This sucker is loooooong gone in the physical format (but we all know 99% of you just go steal your music anyway), and that is truly a sad shame because this double CD collection from Life In The Dark is quickly becoming an essential component of my listening habits of late (partially an obsessive trait on my part but also speaks to the volumes with which this collection has grabbed my attention); seriously, you missed out on this (though it is available for download from the label and I suggest you go do that now) because there may not be another arresting album like this from a newer artist in quite a long time. Gloomy comfort wafts from the speakers (a perfect rainy day soundtrack and possibly the soundtrack to someone’s depression, though this could plumb that individual deeper down the pipe given the circumstances) in two entirely different modes depending on the disc that is playing, and while that may sound strange, The Sunya Is Rising really is just one side of the coin and Limbs In Gloom is the other; but listening to this as a whole (back to back or what have you) shows how this is … Read more
Airs are a band based on both sides of America. One member being in California and the other in Florida, … Read more
Three years in the making since their praised-to-the-heavens self-titled debut, Helplessness Blues is a masterpiece of a sophomore offering, consisting … Read more
This is Ben Harper’s 10th studio album; his last contractual obligation for Virgin and it comes after his split with … Read more
Troubled Coast are a budding group of Californian hardcore musicians with a handful of promising releases under their belt. The … Read more
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"Ecky Thump," a Lancashire colloquialism, is most commonly described as slang for an exclamation of surprise, disbelief, or in recognition of something amazing. Icky Thump, The White Stripes sixth studio album, definitely lives up to it's name. The band released a statement on their official website explaining that: The White Stripes have completed the recording and mixing of their sixth album. It is entitled Icky Thump, and is their first album to include a title track, which curiously (and not ironically) has the same words in its name. Though some residents of northern England might almost recognize the title, the Stripes stress they are spelling it wrong intentionally just for "kicks" and "metaphors," and to avoid a possible lawsuit from the estate of Billy Eckstine. Icky Thump was recorded at … Read more
Having existed for roughly three years now, Bremerton, WA’s, Power have created somewhat of a rep for themselves in the Pacific Northwest. The aftermath of one particular incident resulted in half the band landing in jail—a demolished automobile left in their wake. And legend has it that Power set a dumpster on fire while Tacoma band, Sojourner, were filming a … Read more
Annihilation Time are a band that has been around for awhile. They play a style of hardcore punk that takes much from old school rock and punk. This is all juiced up and played in a very rock and roll style. With no fucks to be given how anyone feels about it. The band had released this album originally in … Read more
Ninja Gun draws from a lot of sources, playing in the Suburban Home-style market of alt country derived from obtuse punk influences. They tend to eschew chord progressions in favor of soft music and easy articulation built from the steady, honest delivery of their frontman Johnathan Coody. Roman Nose is their latest EP, this one coming from Sabot Productions. Ninja … Read more
Explosions In The Sky proudly create post-rock music that, though sounding simple, is far from being simplistic. Consistency remains a key element in their vast, instrumental sound, comprised of atmospheric rhythms, lofty dynamics and the band’s ability to produce colorful, emotional soundscapes. Sonics aside, even the illustrious art works of each of their six studio album covers indicate the sort … Read more
Ah Justin Broadrick how you torture my twisted mind with your teasing Jesu EPs and side projects and reunions and remixes (dear lord does this man make a ton of music), but in this instance, Jesu finally release another proper album that people have been slavering for since Conqueror (look, Infinity really is an LP, but even Broadrick calls it … Read more
Have you ever seen the schlock masterpiece that is Big Trouble In Little China with its crazy martial arts story about an immortal Chinese Ghost sorcerer searching for green eyed girls and a muscle bound Kurt Russell trying to save his green eyed girl from that crazy Lo Pan (portrayed by the estimable James Hong who also played the role … Read more
You can’t accuse Swingin’ Utters of phoning it in. Here, Under Protest is the band’s first studio record in eight years and, unlike some of their contemporaries who release at a similar rate, the record shows notable growth and attention to songwriting nuance. While the San Fran band started out with a strong bent toward street punk anthems, they’ve gradually … Read more
By definition, a goblin is an ugly, evil creature of legend; a lowly monster of sin and filth, and represents the anti-culture of the teller. Even though these creatures are fabrications, not to be taken literally, their place in stories is telling of something. They are the scapegoats, the downtrodden, and the easy fix. Tyler, the Creator, the ringleader or … Read more
After Oblivion have an extremely modest discography under their belt—a debut EP and that same EP repackaged in a split album. I suppose that this should have tipped me off that After Oblivion weren't necessarily up to snuff yet, but I can't help but feel after listening to Vultures that I went into this particular EP with my expectations too … Read more
Müg are a pretty new band on the punk scene of London, yet they're already making waves and booking shows left, right and centre. Formed between friends and colleagues and featuring a drummer who had never before drummed, Müg are firmly stamping their mark on the punk rock world. This coming year sees them playing Amplitude Festival, supporting The Flatliners, … Read more
Pulling teeth have always taken the term metalcore to an almost literal degree. Much like Integrity has done in the sense that for every breakdown there is a strong guitar solo or heavy thrash riff. The band found more than a couple detractors with their last release Paranoid Delusions | Paradise Illusions . While im not certain if that was … Read more
Seraphim created a good bit of buzz with an EP release last year on A389. What the Ep proved is that this 3 piece was capable of creating an immense amount of power with very little bells and whistles to speak of. While many bands are capable of making a memorable first release very few can take those strengths and … Read more
Pala are a band that went seemingly unnoticed upon release of their debut EP. While the band did have some growing to do they managed to have the pieces to make an interesting sound overall. This growth was embraced a little more on their follow up split with In The Hollows. While both releases did seem to drift under the … Read more
Allison Mosshart is one sassy bitch (meant only as an endearing term… honestly). What, you doubt this statement or just flat out refuse to believe it? Go get Blood Pressures from her less known and, in my opinion, much better outfit The Kills (you may better know her as the lead singer of the Jack White group The Dead Weather). … Read more
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