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Iron and Wine

Woman King
Sub Pop (2005)

Judging an artist based on another's artistic merit is an unfair and pretty bogus way of looking at music, but whenever I listen to Iron & Wine (and/or almost any other artist that could be considered part of this whole "neo-folk" mini-movement), I honestly can't help but think: "This is pretty good, but it's no Will Oldham." It's difficult to … Read more

Cursed

II
Goodfellow (2005)

Cursed - the movie or the band? Well considering one is likely a story lifted from a Goosebumps book and transferred to the filmscreen, I don't really think there's much up for debate. I can guarantee you that Cursed, the band, will not just entertain you but will knock you to the floor with their intense hybrid of hardcore, punk … Read more

With Honor / The Distance

Split
Martyr (2004)

Two of the best bands in Connecticut doing a split together? "Sign me up!" I think to myself, and how right am I after listening to this? Dead on. With Honor and The Distance both contribute three tracks each to this split, and both bands show growth from their previous efforts. With Honor starts with "Gun for Hire", a song … Read more

The Plot To Blow Up the Eiffel Tower

Love in the Fascist Brothel
Revelation (2005)

In 2003, San Diego's Plot to Blow up the Eiffel Tower unleashed Dissertation Honey upon an unsuspecting crowd of jerks with messy hair. The release mixed elements of jazz and post-hardcore seamlessly, making it one of the most exciting albums of the year. Love in the Fascist Brothel is the Plot's second full length, a record that, logically, should fully … Read more

The Number Twelve Looks Like You

An Inch of Gold for an Inch of Time
Eyeball (2005)

2003 might seem like forever ago for some, possibly even two years ago for the majority of us. There were many good releases in those twelve months. Put On Your Rosy Red Glasses was one of these. So naturally I was very excited for The Number Twelve Looks Like You's next release. The first thing I noticed on An Inch … Read more

Multiple Authors

Queens of the Stone Age

Lullabies to Paralyze
Interscope (2005)

Tornadoes, while not traditionally known as positive forces in the world, certainly provide for some excitement, amazement, and entertainment. Much like a car accident, we all want to see what happened, the ensuing destruction, and if we're lucky, a body or two. Exhibit A: Twister. No matter how many times I watch this flick, I still come back just to … Read more

Multiple Authors

Queens of the Stone Age

Lullabies to Paralyze
Interscope (2005)

Before Lullabies to Paralyze could even be committed to tape, frontman Josh Homme was faced with several important choices. And none was going to be more crucial than his decision to fire close friend and bassist Nick Oliveri. Was it the appropriate decision to make? I don't think we'll ever know. All we can really do is take the music … Read more

E. Town Concrete

Made for War
Ironbound (2004)

Let me start off by saying that E. Town Concrete is the only band I know of that can mix hip hop and hardcore and not come out looking like idiots. Their last release, Renaissance was a solid release, equal parts rap with equal parts hardcore. Made for War, on the other hand, leans more towards the hardcore genre and … Read more

The Joy Circuit

EP1
Independent (2005)

The Joy Circuit formed out of a unique situation; they were the backing band Ken Andrews hired on for his most recent space/indie/rock outfit Year of the Rabbit. Despite releasing what I considered to be two quality releases, the band fell into shambles. But rather than go their separate ways, drummer Tim Down, bassist Solomon Snyder, and guitarist Jeff Garber … Read more

Bonnie "Prince" Billy & Matt Sweeney

Superwolf
Drag City (2005)

What an album cover! It's the kind that would fit perfectly with the whole music sounding like album cover mantra that makes for a great last resort when you can't really come up with a good description of the music within on your own. With enough embellishing, it can work for almost every album ever created. But alas, Will Oldham … Read more

Repercussion

And the Winner is...
Spook City (2004)

While this album has been out for a little while now, it's somewhat coincidental that I am reviewing it as television is graced with The Contender. Just like the 16 boxing contestants that are competing for a chance at a lump sum to change their life, Repercussion is completing with the ever-increasing number of tough-guy hardcore bands fighting for our … Read more

Comadre

The Youth
Bloodtown (2005)

Whoever said there's only so many different ways to say you like something lied. Actually, I don't remember anybody ever saying that. But here we are, and I get to attempt to convey to you why I think this album is worth your time to listen to because I like it. Not only do I like it, but it has … Read more

Bright Eyes

Digital Ash in a Digital Urn
Saddle Creek (2005)

Digital Ash in a Digital Urn appears to be out of character for Conor Oberst. He incorporates heavy beats and samples that force his signature acoustic guitar into the closet. The initial shock caused me to put the album away for a month, because I thought it was such an immense departure from his previous albums. I pulled it out … Read more

M83

Before the Dawn Heals Us
Mute (2005)

I don't know why I used to assume that following up an amazing album is hard to pull off. Listening to this release, you wouldn't think that at all. M83's second release, Dead Cities, Red Seas and Lost Ghosts gave My Bloody Valentine an electronic makeover, but with enough character of its own to avoid being dismissed as some sort … Read more

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