Need
Need
Independent (2016)
Some bands just make things difficult for those interested in the band. Some bands do so by making complicated music. Need is not one of those bands. Need makes things unnecessary complicated by choosing a name that will not soon pop up after searching for it online. And by making a self-titled album they are not making the search much … Read more
Neon Cities
Toulouse
Independent (2018)
The fourth in a string of 2018 releases from Denver-based synth duo Neon Cities, the Toulouse single presents a pair of tracks that showcase distinct sides of the group's sound. With warm synth and hazy, barely there vocals placed on top of a relaxed rhythm and buzzing bass groove,the more pop-oriented title track creates a nostalgic 1980s vibe replete with … Read more
Neon Shudder
Ghost Process
Independent (2015)
Covering much of the same ground as a group like Perturbator, Philadelphia’s neon shudder makes dark electronic music inspired by the world of cyberpunk – a genre of sci-fi that’s often described as “future noir” and includes works like Blade Runner and Shadowrun. Though I didn’t say as much in my review of it, Áine O'Dwyer’s Music for Church Cleaners … Read more
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
One More Time With Feeling
Independent (2016)
There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief - that is how ancient Greek tragedians put it. Grief and beauty. Parallels between the literate wisdom, apocalyptic imagery, emotional and romantic density and weight in Cave’s oeuvre and the emissions of the ancient Greek are manifold. The expression of love that no pain can erode.One … Read more
Night Jobs
Never Happener EP
Independent (2022)
I was introduced to Night Jobs with The Shape of Bummers To Come tape. I liked it overall, but I did feel there was room from growth. I mean, there always is…but I digress. The band is back in 2022 with the new 7”, Never Happener, featuring four new songs. And I do hear that “growth.” Sure, Night Jobs play … Read more
Night Jobs
Shop Dog EP
Independent (2024)
Can a band sound too personal? Too local? These are my burning questions as I break down the latest EP from Night Jobs of Minneapolis. The lyrics of these five songs are highly personal, from adopting pets to local transit routes to calling out people, by name, who have caused strife. They say to write what you know, and Night … Read more
Night Jobs
The Shape of Bummers To Come
Independent (2020)
The world needs more 5-song EPs. Why? Because this is a record, not a single with a b-side. The Shape of Bummers To Come has a united vibe from start to finish and it gives a real feeling of seeing a band instead of feeling like an appetizer.Sticking with that theme a little bit, and perhaps because I miss live … Read more
No Matter
Excess Baggage EP
Independent (2019)
No Matter is a North Ireland punk band. They have quite a couple of releases under their belt. Excess Baggage being their latest offer. They offer a bit of a time travel experience. This EP reminds me of the nineties very much. And not just the nineties, but the punk demos I heard back in the day to be specific.I … Read more
Noises We Make When No One Is Around
the black box contained nothing but our deaths
Independent (2014)
Recorded under the name of the noises we make when no one is around (a name that aside from being wordy, seems quite appropriate), the music of Briton Craig Taylor-Broad reminds me not just slightly of the depressing folk-like music of American project Giles Corey. Though I could point out that Taylor-Broad’s material is rather downbeat however, I’d be more … Read more
Norwegian Arms
Wolf Like A Stray Dog
Independent (2013)
I discovered Norwegian Arms the same way I discover most of the best music I listen to – with the pop of a facebook chat window opening accompanied by a youtube link. As the video for “Tired of Being Cold” loaded (I have satellite internet because I live in the woods. It’s very slow, comparatively.) My friend Cris explained that … Read more
Nowhere Bound
Demo
Independent (2009)
Nowhere Bound is a new hardcore band from the Chicago area and this is their four-song demo. They've got an Eastcoast flavor going on over these songs even though they hail from the Midwest. "Faith of the Faithless" is a bruising opener with crunching riffs; the solid breakdown makes this a great opener. "No Recourse" and "Joys of Winter" are … Read more
Ódú
Conversations EP
Independent (2017)
Ódú, aka Sally Ó Dúnlaing, is an Irish singer songwriter who crafts sonic heartbreak packaged in a glossy sheen of danceable pop. Born in New York and raised in the Irish seaside town of Bray, Ó Dúnlaing's Conversations EP is the singer's first foray into putting her music on record. After a period of time spent questioning whether she was … Read more
Off Balance
Demo
Independent (2006)
Whoa! It's like I hit a time warp and traveled back to the early years of the NYHC scene. But I didn't. Off Balance hail from Indianapolis and they're out and about playing gigs right now. This demo is seven tracks of throwback hardcore that draws heavily from bands like Sheer Terror and Killing Time. I found it interesting that … Read more
Off Contact
Pearls Before Swine
Independent (2023)
Pearls Before Swine= offering something of value to someone who does not understand its value or appreciate it The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. These two statements could best describe the debut release of Off Contact. To truly understand this release, it would take countless spins around the world of 33 ⅓ rotations. Easy comparisons are … Read more
Old Accusers
Of And Beyond
Independent (2011)
Technical prowess and hardcore usually do not go hand in hand. It seems that many bands in the genre succumb to the generic characteristics of heavy music, both musically and lyrically. However, on rare occasions there are bands that come along and throw out all modern convention and really think outside of the mosh pit. Sharon, Pennsylvania’s Old Accusers is … Read more
Only Thieves
Greeting from Levy Park, T.L.H.
Independent (2009)
Only Thieves pay homage to the Boss with their cover to Greeting from Levy Park, T.L.H., but the tribute doesn't stop at the artwork. From the get go of "Hammered for the Holidays" there's a clear striving toward outspoken, plainclothes guitarman at the center. However, there's a more of a band feel to it, and more Gaslight Anthem than Springsteen. … Read more
Orange The Juice
The Messiah is Back
Independent (2014)
With a hard copy release that’s designed to look like a blood-spattered wedding invitation, The Messiah is Back has to be one of the most excitingly eclectic and boundlessly imaginative albums that came out in 2014 – or any year for that matter. Produced by Polish group Orange the Juice which, with its seven player lineup more resembles a jazz … Read more
Orchestre de Trenos
Critique of Musical Reason
Independent (2013)
Let's talk about cajones for a minute.Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason, aside from being a formidable, densely written, obtuse tome, is one of the most important books in the history of philosophy. But the reason philosophy students still struggle through semester-long courses in order to scratch the surface of this nigh-impregnable monolith isn't for the blind satisfaction of having … Read more
