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Ratatat

Ratatat
XL Recordings (2004)

The hype machine works in interesting ways. It can make or break a band even if the wind changes direction. Music critics go from band to band and suck every little ounce of creativity and humanity they had left inside of them like the leeches they are, then they move on to the next wave of hyped bands. Bear in … Read more

TV on the Radio

Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
Touch & Go (2004)

Young Liars was one of the most exceptional releases that I have heard in recent years. It caught me completely off guard. Based on the descriptions I was given prior, I anticipated to be extremely bored. Despite the warnings of others, I went forward and purchased the album blindly. I don't regret it for a moment. Now a year later, … Read more

The Von Bondies

Pawn Shoppe Heart
Warner Bros. (2004)

Prior to listening to Pawn Shoppe Heart, my exposure to The Von Bondies had been rather lacking, and the only reason I was even slightly familiar with their name was the same reason anyone else was: Jack White. If you don't know what I'm referring to, it is best it stays that way and let The Von Bondies music speaks … Read more

Vitamin X

Bad Trip
Havoc (2004)

Whoa. Thrash. Yes, it still exists, and very much so in the DIY punk community which seems to have to go further and further underground as loads of shitty boy bands with Mohawks cater to the needs of pre-pubescent boys and girls watching MTV. Strangely enough, it would seem that as the top crust of punk music (Fat Wreck, Epitaph, … Read more

McLusky

Difference Between Me and You is That I'm Not on Fire
Too Pure (2004)

Super producer of such illustrious bands as McLusky, Nirvana, and Bush, (SERIOUSLY STEVE WTF?) Steve Albini recently said that McLusky is the best band working in England right now. Yeah, that may be his characteristic bravado and showmanship, but it also may be pretty close to the truth. On their third full length, The Difference Between Me and You is … Read more

Carina Round

The Disconnection
Interscope (2004)

Carina Round is too late for the Riot Grrrl movement, the only recent explosion of female artists. Although lo-fi indie princess Liz Phair and crazy Courtney Love of the now-defunct Hole were not considered true riot grrrls, they still benefited from the epiphany that females can rock. The movement has been strangled to death now that Liz Phair has gone … Read more

Bright Eyes & Neva Dinova

One Jug of Wine, Two Vessels
Crank (2004)

Pop quiz hotshot: You re in a mediocre rock band from Omaha whose fan base does not exceed the city limits. You have glorious dreams of standing on stage with brilliant lights illuminating your pale face. The idea of having awestruck roadies set up your equipment while you sip on Heineken's backstage makes you quiver. You have the drive, you … Read more

Dissolute

Demo 2004
Independent (2004)

Every city has that one local band that should be signed to a label and off touring Europe because they are that phenomenal. For Cleveland, that band is a three-piece metal outfit named Dissolute. Previously, the band was restricted by the members additional projects, but with those endeavors out of the way, Dissolute can finally evolve into the musical juggernaut … Read more

Still Crossed

Love and Betrayal
Indecision (2004)

Growing up in Cleveland I was more than spoiled when it came to hardcore bands: Integrity, The Spudmonsters, Committed, Ringworm, and countless others. I always found it odd that I rarely heard of hardcore bands from other cities in Ohio. Those that I did hear about were few and far between, not to mention they usually broke up by the … Read more

Psyopus

Ideas of Reference
Black Market Activities (2004)

If legendary musicians were born today, what would they pursue? Would Buddy Rich attempt to create the fastest blast beats, rivaling even those of drum machines? Would Jimi Hendrix attempt to front a metal band and shred like none other? Would Bach sit behind a computer composing epic masterpieces for ravers to "roll" to? Most "musical legends" had no problem … Read more

The Gossip

Undead in NYC
Dim Mak (2003)

Let's face it people, America is fat. They're also lazy. The two don't go together to form a very healthy society. I mean, look around you right now. Seriously, do it. What do you see? I'll tell you. Fat people. And not just any fat people, lazy fat people. These lazy fat people are trying to lose weight by cutting … Read more

Sex Positions

Sex Positions
Deathwish Inc. (2004)

Walk into a Boston hardcore show and ask a random kid if they like the Dedication, and there is a 95% chance they will do one of the following: A. Call you a faggot. B. Say, "You like that make up wearing band of faggots?" C. Turn around to their group of friends and say "Hey guys, did you hear … Read more

The Good Fight

Breathing Room
Goodfellow (2004)

It seems as though the popularity of real hardcore has a formulaic ebb and flow that changes with the years. A style that may draw 500 kids to a VFW hall in 1988 certainly isn't going to get the same crowd in 2004, is it? Well, given the monumental growth of labels like Bridge 9, Martyr, Deathwish and others over … Read more

Ambulance LTD

LP
TVT (2004)

New York City looks so glamorous from afar, but when I get there I'm reminded that I don't belong with the constant honking, the frustrating one-way streets, and the crazy taxi cab drivers. When I leave, however, I am suddenly left with a longing to belong. I guess NYC is too hip for me, and sometimes it is too hip … Read more

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