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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)

UGK

Underground Kingz
Jive (2007)

It's not easy being a Southern rapper these days. With the airwaves of mainstream radio becoming overcrowded with the "ringtone rap" of such groups as D4L and Dem Franchize Boyz, backpackers and hip-hop purists are quick to point the finger at nearly every rapper south of the Mason-Dixon Line. I guess they forgot about UGK? They've only been in the game for the past fifteen years. If you haven't yet experienced the smooth baritone of Bun B, or the hilariously obnoxious accompaniment of his counterpart Pimp C, you are in sore need of a late pass. Chances are you have heard their collaboration with Jay-Z in "Big Pimpin'." Shortly following this track, Pimp C was sentenced to eight years in prison for aggravated assault. Bun B held it down with several impressive guest spots during this bid, but the group hasn't released a studio album since 2001's Dirty Money. Pimp is out on parole now though, and the duo has reunited to release one of the most solid hip-hop albums of the decade in Underground Kingz. Even those who have yet to discover the underrated genius of the Port Arthur, Texas tandem have surely caught ear of singles, "The Game … Read more

Akimbo

Navigating the Bronze
Alternative Tentacles (2007)

Navigating the Bronze is Akimbo's fifth full-length since their inception in about seven years ago and their first for new … Read more

Fueled by Fire

Spread the Fire
Metal Blade (2007)

Let's not beat around the bush. Despite a valiant effort at bringing thrash back to the masses, Fueled by Fire … Read more

Anchor

Captivity Songs
Refoundation (2007)

One thing that I love about hardcore bands from the 80's and 90's is that they often included background info … Read more

A Second from the Surface

The Streets Have Eyes
This Dark Reign (2007)

There's been a lot of words used to describe Minneapolis' A Second from the Surface: metalcore, grindcore, crustcore. All of … Read more

Chiodos

Bone Palace Ballet
Equal Vision (2007)

Before we begin, a short caveat: a little more than six years ago, when first throwing myself into the world … Read more

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One from the archives

The Suicide Machines

On the Eve of Destruction (1991-1995)
Noise Riot (2005)

The Suicide Machines have been a band for a long time now. Close to fifteen years, actually. In that time, they've released 6 studio albums, a retrospective compilation that included two new songs (2002's Least Worst of The Suicide Machines (1995-2001)), and even recorded a song with fellow Detroit "musicians" Insane Clown Posse while both groups were on Hollywood Records (no, seriously). In late 2005, The Suicide Machines frontman Jay Navarro and his wife Sandra launched the record label Noise Riot Records. The first release on the label? Why, a Suicide Machines rarities compilation titled On The Eve Of Destruction (1991-1995). The release contains the band's original 1991 demo, the "Green World" demo, and early demo versions of songs such as "New Girl" and "The Real You" that would eventually … Read more

More album reviews

Living Hell

The Lost and the Damned
Revelation (2007)

Revelation Records has made quite the turn-around in the past two years. Besides mainstay Shai Hulud, the once hardcore-proud label has returned to its roots following a divergence in the indie-rock realm - Elliot, Christiansen, Since By Man, etc. The label has recently released several top-quality hardcore albums: Shook Ones, Down to Nothing, and Sinking Ships. Living Hell's debut full-length, … Read more

Empire! Empire! (I was a Lonely Estate)

When the Sea Became a Giant
Independent (2007)

The key word that comes to mind when listening to When the Sea Became a Giant is light. Everything is light. The vocal delivery is a deep reminder of the roots of emo, where a different kind of melancholy built its empire (no pun intended, I lied, yes it was). The guitars let off an air of innocent intensity. The … Read more

200 Words Or Less

Zweizz

The Yawn of a New Age
Vendlus (2007)

I figured I'd be in for some weird and different sounding metal with Zweizz when I first looked at the cover of The Yawn Of A New Age, which is just a black metal-looking logo .in pink. Zweizz, real name Svein Egil Hatlevik, was also a member of Dodheimsgard, a rather off-beat, avant-garde black metal band from Norway, so that … Read more

Iron and Wine

The Shepherd's Dog
Sub Pop (2007)

I should never set expectations when it comes to music. When was the last time an album was exactly as good or as bad or as neutral as you thought it would be prior to its release? It never works out the way you want it to. Take Iron and Wine's latest release, The Shepherd's Dog. Coming off of the … Read more

Pellinore

Memento Mori & Hell Mouth
Strike 3 (2007)

Memento Mori & Hell Mouth is a compilation of this newish Northern Jersey hardcore band called Pellinore. I decided to take this CD on one of my many bus trips around the metropolitan areas the encompass Minneapolis/St. Paul and the surrounding suburbs. This time the trip was to the Mall of America. I hate going to the Mall of America. … Read more

200 Words Or Less

Playmaker

Playmaker
Independent (2007)

Throwing their gauntlet down with their multitudes of contemporaries comes Playmaker, a straight up, and authentic, Brit-rock band by way of the greater Toronto Area. While that might seem slightly paradoxical, Chris Barry, the front of the trio, is quick to let you know where his origins lie with his strongly accented vocals seeping infectiously through the speakers from the … Read more

200 Words Or Less

Dusty Rhodes and The River Band

First You Live
Side One Dummy (2007)

With an Americana backbone, Dusty Rhodes and The River Band play a type of rock similar to CCR, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and other sixties acts that incorporated a strong folk/country influence into their sound without being gimmicky. Can't place those names? Then imagine Flogging Molly less punk, more rock n' roll, less Irish, earlier 20th century American. Imagine … Read more

Qui

Love's Miracle
Ipecac (2007)

Paul Christensen. Matt Cronk. David Yow. The former two names you have not heard before. The latter name you probably have. The latter name is a legend, in fact. The former two, not so much. David Yow was a member of two legendary bands - Scratch Acid and The Jesus Lizard. Both great bands of the early nineties who, while … Read more

High on Fire

Death is this Communion
Relapse (2007)

What else can you expect from High on Fire other than an album with a thick, punishing sound that just sort of rumbles on across the hour or so that it takes to listen? For a band as consistent at their craft as High on Fire, it may come as a shock that this release includes the debut of the … Read more

Bitter End

Climate of Fear
Malfunction (2007)

There was a brief period in my life when I lived in Texas. During that time, I attended quite a number of hardcore shows that were always overflowing with young and energetic bands of youthful individuals. Even though I've moved on and live elsewhere, I must say that I still keep tabs on Texas because there is constantly a flux … Read more

Meneguar

Strangers in Our House
Troubleman Unlimited (2007)

Let's be completely honest, Meneguar is an overrated band. But what's wrong with being overrated? Refused, Converge, Nirvana, even The Beatles are overrated, and I don't think anyone would argue the impact and talent each band had or continue to have on their respective genres of music. I'm in no way trying to compare Meneguar to any of the bands … Read more

Animal Collective

Strawberry Jam
Domino (2007)

Strawberry Jam is so far the commercially successful album by Animal Collective to date. This album peaked at #72 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts even though it leaked in mid-July of this year. Animal Collective has had coverage in Rolling Stone Magazine, ring tones, the works. Beyond the mountain of success, popularity, and capitalism, Animal Collective delivered on this … Read more

Supreme Commander / Alive at Last

Split
Bishop 19 (2007)

The first six tracks on this split CD are from Supreme Commander whose 7" I reviewed and whole-heartily enjoyed a few months back. Supreme Commander play tuneful melodic quick paced punk that once ruled the roster of Epitaph Records in the mid-90's. If you wish to recall bands like Pennywise, NOFX, and Bad Religion and if you yearn for the … Read more

200 Words Or Less

Middle Distance Runner

Middle Distance Runner
Independent (2007)

Dabbling coolly with grit of the 'the' band sound while borrowing ruminants of Brit rock's pop sensibility, Middle Distance Runner offer up something with the potential for a real fan based success. Hinting at better things throughout the six-track effort, the five-piece uses the formulaic idea of songwriting based around guitar/synth hooks layered with a full and strong rhythm section. … 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)