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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)

Amateur Party

Truncheons in the Manor
Rorshach (2011)

There are a lot of names that could be dropped when talking about Amateur Party—in fact, I did so when I reviewed their EP back in 2009. However, the band really stands as a completely different kind of monster than the members’ other work. As such, I’ll delay the biographies until later. Truncheons in the Manor is their first full length and it doesn’t waste time in setting a tone. With opener “On College Kids and Gang Signs,” they get directly into their somewhat angular guitars that are complemented by pop structures and quick, syncopated vocals and harmonized back-ups. It’s one of the standouts, but it’s not alone either, setting a tone that the rest of the record maintains.The band owns their sound, something in the realm of jangly postpunk-influenced indie rock, but it does bring to mind a host of others at times, seeping into the rhythm structures, guitars, and vocal nuances. There are hints of Britpop guitars during the cleaner moments, and parts that remind of Ted Leo or The Talking Heads at others, but it all culminates in a unified indie pop with a cynical bite. These artists, of course, are much different than Armalite, Kill the … Read more

Mauser

End Of The Line
Vinyl Rites (2011)

While eventually churning out some less than desirable material late in their career, there is no arguing the impact early … Read more

Altar Of Plagues

Mammal
Profound Lore (2011)

Ireland's Altar of Plagues play a style of black metal so atmospheric in nature, that you can't help but be … Read more

Gangpol & Mit

The 1000 Softcore Tourist People Club
Ipecac (2011)

It’s a great thing when bands can mesh cartoon visuals with their music. It in turn enhances the listening experience, … Read more

August Burns Red

Leveler
Solid State (2011)

August Burns Red have become the face of American metal over the last few years with their unique brand of … Read more

Isis

Live.04
Independent (2011)

A year after their dissolution, post-metal powerhouse Isis is preparing to digitally re-release its entire live discography on a fortnightly … Read more

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One from the archives

Jay-Z

The Black Album
Def Jam (2003)

Oh, the farewell. There are two kinds of retirement in music. The first is the graceful bow out of the spotlight, which may or may not be a good thing, depending on the artist, but always covers the band or artists's body of work in a veil of class and dignity. The second is a much more shameful route. Often times, in a desparate attempt to seek relevance in a music scene where there is often no longer any to spare for the particular musicians, it is decided that retirement is necessary; however, instead of walking out the door, the band or artist circles around the room a countless number of times. Since they can only milk whatever innovations or interesting qualities they had for so many albums, it is … Read more

More album reviews

Integrity

Thee Destroy+orr
Holy Terror (2011)

Yes, please peel my face off with the punishing blackened hardcore (that only Integrity can provide), please because life might be too comfortable otherwise! A new record from Integrity is both unexpected and completely welcome; so, having Detonate VVorld’s Plague (and the compilation CD that includes Detonate VVorld’s Plague as well as a collection of compilation, singles, and split release … Read more

The United Sons of Toil

Until Lions Have Their Historians, Tales of the Hunt Shall Always Glorify the Hunter
Flannel Jammies Music/Sector Five (2008)

 The United Sons of Toil probably won’t ever receive the distinguished honor of a 7.1 rating from Pitchfork, but anyone who has seen them live will tell you all you need to know. These guys are something to see. The ’Sons sound like a more aggressive Unwound, giving a sort of mathy post-punk vibe with some hints of chaos thanks … Read more

Deafheaven

Roads To Judah
Deathwish Inc. (2011)

When I initially read about San Francisco’s Deafheaven, I didn’t expect to be surprised by their recordings. Anytime I see the “black metal” label, even when citing a slight influence on a band, I instantly believe that the label is misused and have no interest in checking the band out. Unfortunately I am guilty of this with Deafheaven, and their … Read more

Death Cab For Cutie

Codes And Keys
Atlantic (2011)

With a prolific band like Bellingham, Washington’s Death Cab for Cutie, (Codes and Keys being their seventh studio album release), it’s impossible for fans not to speculate how their newest album is going to sound. “Maybe it’ll sound like Transcendentalism with some Postal Service influence!” “Maybe it’ll be like Narrow Stairs... but better!” “What The Open Door EP started, Codes … Read more

Isis

Live.03
Independent (2011)

A year after their dissolution, post-metal powerhouse Isis is preparing to digitally re-release its entire live discography on a fortnightly basis throughout the summer of 2011. The set of five albums unfortunately does not contain any new material, but for those of you who skipped acquiring them while the band was still active, some of these albums may satiate your … Read more

Pygmy Lush

Old Friends
Lovitt (2011)

Pygmylush have certainly put their time in their scene their ex members list is extensive and well documented. Knowledge of their past endeavors would do little to really prepare one for what you will get upon listening to their music. Know for playing a mix of thrashing punk and hardcore not dissimilar to some of their past bands coupled with … Read more

200 Words Or Less

The Reptilian

Full Health
Count Your Lucky Stars (2010)

The Reptilian come with little to no notice. The Michigan band has been around for almost 4 years now with only a handful of releases. Taking a page from the older school of angular screamo similar to current bands such as Touche Amore and La Dispute. Focusing more on feeling than just sounding "nice". The four piece keep each song … Read more

Arctic Monkeys

Suck It And See
Domino (2011)

Alex Turner has a captivating way of churning seemingly simple rock tunes into lyrically fueled fits of manic moods, lost lovers and “syncing hearts.” The 25-year-old front man of the British based quartet, Arctic Monkeys, is at the top of his songwriting game on this full-length album, Suck It and See. The Arctic Monkeys return with their witty blend of … Read more

Amateur Party

Public Utility Complaint
Paramnesia (2009)

Man, what a nice looking record. The sleeve includes an actual photograph for the cover, with a dozen or so variations that you can get, and the liner notes come as a stapled booklet with information on a Pennsylvania law regarding when gas companies can turn off the heat. It’s a solid mix of handmade art and political statement. Add … Read more

200 Words Or Less

Withdrawal

Faith, Flesh, And Blood
A389 (2011)

Withdrawal is possibly carrying metallic hardcore standards for all of Canada. As it becomes harder to note a truly interesting band of this style in general let alone from their corner of the world. The band managed to turn heads a couple years ago with their last EP Unknown Misery even managing to get rave reviews from this site. In … Read more

The Dwarves

Born Again
Greedy (2011)

Back in the pre-internet era I came across a blurb in some metal magazine I read in my adolescent years—I’m guessing it was Rip. In that blurb it mentioned a “real punk” band called the Dwarves, who had just been kicked off the trendy Sub Pop for feigning the death of one of their members. I was intrigued, and I … Read more

Culo

Toxic Vision
Deranged (2011)

You’d certainly be forgiven if, like me, you initially assumed Cülo were a Hispanic punk band. I was told they hail from Chicago, IL—a place known for having one the most heavily Latino-populated hardcore scenes in the country—and, well, their name is, after all, a Spanish word. Upon hearing their first 7”, Nuke Abuse, I quickly realized that all the … Read more

Vestiges

The Descent Of Man
Independent (2011)

The D.I.Y. ethic has long been a tremendous ideal that has always appealed to my often times ridiculous sensibilities, but what can I say besides that there is just something to a band putting their blood sweat and tears into a project from the first inkling of inspiration to breaking open that box of records from the record plant; the … Read more

Xibalba

Self Titled
A389 (2011)

Xibalba translates to "Place Of Fear" meaning a place where the evil go when they die in Mayan culture. There is no more fitting name for what Xibalba, the band, do musically. Over the past few years the band has managed to build a relentlessly heavy sound giving nods to Max Cavalera era Sepultura and Disembodied. These influences are readily … Read more

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