Tiny Empires
Weird Headspace
Independent (2014)
Tiny Empires seek to build something new; something powerful, significant, and memorable, just as the name suggests. With their debut record Weird Headspace they’re doing just that. It’s big, grasping, and expansive work.It’s also out of the ordinary for the scene in which it originates.Lead by Eric Solomon (O Pioneers!!!) and Bryon Lippincott (New Bruises), it plays off the two … Read more
Transitions
Positive Hardcore
Independent (2008)
This CD is a three song demo of 90's hardcore on the posi tip (obviously). It sounds like a cross between Mouthpiece and Undertow. So you probably already tell I like this. It's a complete throwback to when I got into hardcore and not breaking any new ground but for three tracks you really can't complain. It's heavy with simple … Read more
Traveler
Going Home
Independent (2011)
All right, Traveler don't waste time, so neither will I. The Cleveland punk/melodic hardcore group write short, enjoyable pieces that are stripped down to their absolute bare essentials. The four tracks of their debut EP Going Home take only around seven minutes of your time to listen to. The songs are chock full of happy melodies, major chords, and general … Read more
Try Me Bicycle
Voicings
Independent (2008)
Try Me Bicycle's Voicings is a dreamy and delicate offering, even when it tends towards the brooding and melancholy. Such a balance is difficult to strike - in less capable hands, the elements can threaten to weigh themselves down - but the Phoenix-based quartet unquestionably achieves it. Andrew Naylor (vocals/guitar) Jay Novak (bass), Jacob Koller (piano) and Laraine Kaizer (violin) … Read more
TV Crimes
Demo
Independent (2009)
I take pride in my local hardcore scene. I try to make it out to as many shows as I can, support friends in bands in any way possible, and occasionally book a show or two. So I'm continuing to do my part by telling you about TV Crimes, my favorite local band right now. TV Crimes fuse together early … Read more
TV Moms
Buzz Mallory
Independent (2021)
The best band names are unique but not hard to remember. Funny, apropos or fierce, depending on the group’s take. Something somebody somewhere can proudly wear on a shirt, a patch or a pin. Something a new fan can easily tell a friend and then search on the internet. TV Moms did not ace these tests in my opinion. They’re … Read more
Twin Towers
Replacing God
Independent (2018)
Replacing God by ultra-prolific Kansas-based experimental musician Twin Towers at times seems to be an experimental metal album, but there's much more to the work and I think it has a nice sense of progression as it moves forward. By the end, you feel like you've experienced something. The opening track is rather ominous. Starting off with a somewhat ambiguous … Read more
Twitch The Ripper
Bodiless
Independent (2011)
Connecticut’s Twitch the Ripper is comprised of duo Jon Dobyns and Lonn Bologna. Bodiless is their debut album, which is deeply invested in the Dark Wave genre; emphasising the synth-heavy pop and Industrial elements.The album’s opening track quickly sets the tone for the next 45 minutes that this record lasts; within the first 4 bars strong echoes of Pretty Hate … Read more
Tyburn Saints
You And I In Heaven
Independent (2012)
It’s truly a pleasure to be listening to new music from Tyburn Saints. Their last full length, 2010’s For the Benefit of Strangers, was a nice throwback to jangly lo-fi artists like The Jesus and Mary Chain and Galaxy 500. With this EP, the band has fully embraced the sonic landscapes of shoegaze and dream-pop, thus giving a more rewarding … Read more
Uma Galera
Viva America
Independent (2019)
Every once in a while I enjoy reviewing something that is out of my comfort zone. Uma Galera is one of those bands. I selected their album for review based on the band photo (just look at them looking happy!) and the first fifteen seconds of “Wai Wai”.Uma Galera plays ska and reggae heavily infused with funk. And that’s where … Read more
Unchained
Dark Days
Independent (2008)
Unchained is a five-piece of youngsters from the Bay Area of California. This release is a four-song demo EP titled Dark Days. On these four tracks the band offers up a nice blend of hardcore, fast-paced punk, and even a dash of 80's thrash ala D.R.I.. "I'm Walking Home" had me thinking of Lights Out. "Fuck Off Die Slow" is … Read more
Unmothered
Self Titled
Independent (2013)
Unmothered from Austin, Texas have released one of the most promising releases of 2012. The band, featuring members of acts such as Lions of Tsavo and The Hidden Hand, brings seven tracks of atmospheric sludge that you definitely need to have a listen to. By combining their sound with influences from stoner and southern rock influences along with their doom … Read more
Up and at Them
Demo
Independent (2006)
Up and at Them are four kids playing hardcore music. No frills, no fashion, no hideous lyrics about suicide or emotions. Just straight-up hardcore; it recalls Sick of it All and Comeback Kid and is delivered with a distinct lack of irony that is strongly welcome in a music world where "irony" is so often used to excuse poor musicianship … Read more
Van Johnson
Holiday Tour EP
Independent (2004)
The first time I heard of Van Johnson, I assumed it was a porn star. Immediately when I got home from seeing Off Minor and overhearing a conversation about them, I fired up my computer. It was pornography time for me! (this is also known as "Zed Time") I whipped it out and soon after realized that disappointment was in … Read more
Various Artists
Airs + Lunaire Split
Independent (2011)
Airs are a band based on both sides of America. One member being in California and the other in Florida, how they get anything done is beyond me. But whatever they're doing, boy, they're doing it right. Airs manage to bridge the gap between post-rock and post-black metal and post-anything else quite effortlessly. First track "Home" sets up the release … Read more
Various Artists
Godspeed... A Tribute to Pierre Kezdy
Independent (2023)
It’s probably been 30 years since I heard my first tribute album and I’m not sure my opinion has changed. There are usually 1-2 really good covers, some mediocrity, and an unfocused tone. They’re often underwhelming, but the exceptions to this rule keep you coming back to the format. Fortunately, Godspeed is one of those exceptions. This record is from … Read more
Various Artists
Talk Show Host/Cluttered - Enemy Us
Independent (2022)
First off, I’m not going to bother comparing this EP of Enemy You covers to the originals. Why? Because that’s not the point. A covers record that’s only about the originals is a novelty record that you play for a lark. I’m interested in records that hold up on their own merit. Lucky for us, Cluttered and Talk Show Host … Read more
Vestiges
The Descent Of Man
Independent (2011)
The D.I.Y. ethic has long been a tremendous ideal that has always appealed to my often times ridiculous sensibilities, but what can I say besides that there is just something to a band putting their blood sweat and tears into a project from the first inkling of inspiration to breaking open that box of records from the record plant; the … Read more
