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Modern Life Is War

Witness
Deathwish Inc. (2005)

There are undoubtedly many of those who claim that hardcore is a dull, stagnant genre in serious need of a quick, timely death. It's easy to see from where they draw their argument, because hardcore is a hugely popular genre that has simply refused to evolve for far too long. Fortunately for the hardcore aficionado with discerning taste, there have … Read more

Xiu Xiu

La Forét
5 Rue Christine (2005)

Xiu Xiu is one of those bands you either love or hate. They are hard to get into; they talk about some of the most socially taboo topics, and in general are just out there. To me, their music is a cacophony of amazing music. On their latest outing, La Forét, meaning 'the forest' or 'the drill', the band returns … Read more

Names for Graves

Worst Kid Ever
Triple Attack (2005)

Sandusky, Ohio is home to Cedar Point Amusement Park, the rollercoaster capital of the world. About 45 minutes due east is the blue-collar city of Cleveland, whose hardcore scene has seen it's fair share of ups and downs that rival that of 'The Magnum' and 'Millennium Force.' During the span of the 1990's Cleveland was home to one of the … Read more

The Red Chord

Clients
Metal Blade (2005)

Since the release of 2002's Fused Together In Revolving Doors, The Red Chord has slowly but surely become one of the most popular and respected bands throughout the hardcore/metal scene. Fusing together an amalgam of various styles of heavy music, the band's sound refuses to be typecast into any one specific genre. Drawing influences from hardcore, thrash metal, and grindcore … Read more

Idlewild

Warnings / Promises
Parlophone (2005)

In 2002, Bob Fairfoul walked out of Idlewild with a rain of misdirected punches. From that moment, it seemed impossible that the next album would be anything other than either a return to an older, easier sound, or a radical change. When bassist Gavin Fox from Irish band Turn and long-term tour guitarist Allan Stewart were drafted into the new … Read more

Amora Savant

The Immaculate Misconception
Volatile Productions (2005)

Sometimes, perspective is a good thing. There's not always time to gain significant perspective, but when you do have the time, it makes an informed decision well, all that more informed. When I first played Amora Savant's The Immaculate Misconception, I didn't like it. So I played it a second time to, you know, gain some of that perspective thingy … Read more

On Our Own / Under One Flag / Your Mistake

Split
True Destiny (2005)

Split releases are a great way for bands to promote their music in locations they might not be able to travel to for shows. This split from Own Our Own, Under One Flag, and Your Mistake is a prime example of why. Here you have three bands playing different variations of hardcore music from three different areas - Florida, Ohio, … Read more

The Residents

Animal Lover
Mute (2005)

The Residents are an anomaly. This is an age where most music is the same regardless of how deep the scratch is. But whether their music is at its most simplistic and frivolous, or challenging and complex, there's an underlying malevolence beneath the songs that somehow make it seem all the more beautiful. Animal Lover is the group's umpteenth recording … Read more

Betrayed

Addiction
Bridge Nine (2005)

The first time I saw Betrayed I had no idea who they were. I saw them on the bill and figured I'd be outside for their set. So I was standing outside and I hear a song I recognize coming from inside. "Oh my god it's a Minor Threat cover." I tell my friend as we run inside to check … Read more

Billy Corgan

The Future Embrace
Warner Bros. (2005)

The last time the world heard from egomaniac Billy Corgan, he was releasing his first poetry book titled, Blinking with Fists. While Corgan has proved his songwriting skills are superlative, intelligent, and distinguished, his poetry skills, as displayed in Blinking with Fists, are shameful, inane, and drudging. I, being a devout Smashing Pumpkins fan, was not only ashamed but also … Read more

You Will Die

You Will Die
Hawthorne Street (2005)

One of the few perks of writing reviews is that you get stuffed mailed to you all the time. Sure you may not enjoy every single record that you receive, but every once in a while you'll get something new and invigorating. I was previously unaware of this band's existence before the three-piece instrumental outfit's debut album arrived in my … Read more

Coldplay

X&Y
Capitol (2005)

Coldplay is one of those bands that you get beat up after school for liking. In every day terms, they're a pussy band. Personally, I have been a fan of Coldplay ever since Parachutes was released in 2000 - the album was very personal sounding and it contained one of the most beautiful songs ever made, "Yellow". When A Rush … Read more

The Frontline

Withstand
Grave Mistake (2005)

When hardcore started it was fast, powerful and had a strong positive message. While today much of hardcore has lost its sense of positivity, The Frontline brings a great message and great music back with their debut EP, Withstand. Frontline adds in an uplifting message without sacrificing the intensity, energy and power of the hardcore style. The lyrics speak of … Read more

Architecture in Helsinki

In Case We Die
Bar/None (2005)

Prog-pop: the new dancepunk/freakfolk/fleeting indie scene trend? Unlikely, but I suppose possible if enough bands found themselves with exceptional amounts of time and instruments on their hands. Blueberry Boat, The Fiery Furnaces' prog-pop behemoth, made quite a splash in '04, much to the unfiltered joy of some, myself included, and disgusted chagrin of others - probably including you. The Australian … Read more

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