Aughra
Proof of Dark Matter | Light the Lights
Magic Bullet (2008)
Ambient music is (in the words of one Brian Eno who is usually credited with coining the term) music that can be either "actively listened to with attention or as easily ignored, depending on the choice of the listener," and that exists on the "cusp between melody and texture." Aughra is the solo ambient/electronic/experimental project of one Brent Eyestone (proprietor … Read more
Aughra / Mosh Patrol
Is There Anyone Else Outside
Magic Bullet (2007)
Is There Anyone Else Outside is the split effort between Aughra and Mosh Patrol. Aughra is the ambient/electronic solo-project of Brent Eyestone (member of Forensics, Corn on Macabre, and Waifle) while Mosh Patrol is a similar solo project from Chris King (member of This Will Destroy You). The Aughra material on Is There Anyone Else Outside is very chilled out … Read more
Austin Lucas
Putting the Hammer Down
Magic Bullet (2008)
To be completely honest, I know more about Austin Lucas than I do about his current residence in The Czech Republic, which doesn't attest too much besides my ignorance of The Czech Republic. I know Lucas was born in the United States and moved, has played in crust and grind bands, and has worked with Chuck Ragan. Not necessarily the … Read more
Austin Lucas
The Common Cold (Reissue)
Magic Bullet (2009)
In a time of ex-punkers going the acoustic, solo route, Austin Lucas offers something that differs from his Revival Tour circuit peers. Where artists like Chuck Ragan and Tim Barry offer rootsy tunes brimming with desolation, they hold a shadow of hope and optimism. Lucas, on the other hand, wallows in despair, taking more time to focus on the details … Read more
Big China & Little Trouble
Black Blood of the Earth
Magic Bullet (2008)
Score one for the witty band name and reference to the cult movie of similar name, and score another for the ridiculously long album title. Black Blood of the Earth Parts 1 & 2 + Fur & Teeth actually is a collection of several releases by this collaboration between Brent Eyestone (Aughra, Forensics, Waifle, etc) and Mike Haley (Proprietor of … Read more
Big China & Little Trouble
Lo-Panning
Magic Bullet (2011)
Have you ever seen the schlock masterpiece that is Big Trouble In Little China with its crazy martial arts story about an immortal Chinese Ghost sorcerer searching for green eyed girls and a muscle bound Kurt Russell trying to save his green eyed girl from that crazy Lo Pan (portrayed by the estimable James Hong who also played the role … Read more
Disappearer
The Clearing
Magic Bullet (2009)
Massachusetts-based Disappearer returns with their long-awaited second release. The Clearing marks the band's first full-length effort, which follows up the band's 2006's self-titled EP release (which is actually the group's 2004 demo reworked). So it has been, in a way, five years since we've gotten fresh material from Disappearer. For the super-fans, I am aware of last year's Steven Brodsky … Read more
Eksi Ekso
I am Your Bastard Wings
Magic Bullet (2008)
Eksi Ekso is a group of six musicians from Boston. Their debut, I am Your Bastard Wings, highlights a musical prowess that dances between free-form and orchestrated. The breadth of instruments - viola, oboe, violin, flugelhorn, trumpet, bass, guitar, keys, drums - adds to Eksi Ekso's complex sound. Easy comparisons might be Ghastly City Sleep and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, … Read more
Forensics
Hogback Mountain Sessions Vol. 1
Magic Bullet (2005)
Let me be frank. Picking up records based off of the information given on the record sleeve is usually (99.9% of the time) a tenuous proposition. More than likely, the record will not come through on its boastings. I normally make it a point to never believe a damn thing that those stickers announce ( i.e. "the best band in … Read more
Forensics Sonic Victimization Unit
Deathscream
Magic Bullet (2009)
About the only comment that I could muster when I saw the existence of this release was an extremely emphatic, "NICE! A new Forensics record," before promptly heading over to the Magic Bullet web store and ordering the extremely limited CD (only 88 copies and a few additional that did not meet the artistic standards of the group). Even though … Read more
Golden City
Golden City
Magic Bullet (2009)
This eight-song EP is completely and utterly awesome. I really wasn't expecting much from former Christie Front Drive guitar player Eric Richter since last I heard he was in the coma-inducing Antarctic. However, Golden City is just great. I'm having a hard time expressing just great these eight songs really are, but I'm going to try, really, I am. Imagine … Read more
Highness
Hold
Magic Bullet (2013)
With one fell swoop Highness manage to confirm suspicions and completely avoid them. When a band made up of more than a few well known underground acts get together there is bound to be a few ideas as to what they should or will sound like when the finished product is available. When your band consists of members of such … Read more
Jesuit
Discography
Magic Bullet (2011)
Jesuit is the kind of band that your older brother (I would say sister, but women should hate this band now just like they did back then… for more information get a physical copy of this and read the ridiculously humorous liner notes) shows you when he catches you listening to some terrible pop or even the latest trend of … Read more
Loser Life
I Have Ghosts and I Have Ghosts
Magic Bullet (2007)
Loser Life comes from a place called Bakersfield, California, an area the band has numerously described as "the armpit of California." This is what Loser Life is influenced by, and the band's sound makes their pleasant description seem all too realistic. Loser Life is dirty, grimy, filthy, and fucking pissed off at their little hole in the world, and the … Read more
Lymbyc Systym
Carved by Glaciers (Reissue)
Magic Bullet (2009)
Magic Bullet reissued Lymbyc Systym's first release, but with two bonus remixed tracks. The five original songs sound as good as ever. Lymbyc Systym's brand of ethereal electronic noodling has grown since Carved by Glaciers, becoming even more cohesive and brilliantly layered. However, to be able to revisit the band's earliest material is a treat. It's good to learn about … Read more
Majority Rule
Emergency Numbers
Magic Bullet (2003)
Intensity and passion are two integral parts of music that can be very hard to convey in a recording. Live it can be a lot easier, for instance, you can just jump up and down a lot and rock your crotch towards the sun and/or moon, and then the people will go "wooooo." To obtain this reaction from the people … Read more
Massacre of the Umbilical Cord / Control
Split
Magic Bullet (2007)
Having never been exposed to Massacre of the Umbilical Cord, I find myself wondering exactly what to expect from half of this split album. Control, on the other hand, I am familiar with what they do and am excited by their contribution to this record. Control is one of a slew of newer bands that are utilizing sounds brought to … Read more
Meneguar
I Was Born at Night
Magic Bullet (2005)
Meneguar, formerly Sheryl's Magnetic Aura, hails from New York and has members of Books Lie, I Am the Resurrection, and The State Secedes. Despite the impressive background of influential and often underrated hardcore bands, Meneguar doesn't bear much resemblance to their previous endeavors. In fact, they're not even hardcore. However, this is definitely as good as or better than anything … Read more
