The Chantey Hook
Underground
Razorcake (2014)
The Chantey Hook have been around for a few years now, but have only released a handful of songs to the masses. Their most recent addition to the small catalog are two tracks from their new Underground 7-inch. The A-Side features the title track. The song's a great Jersey punk-rock anthem that holds its own against this year's best punk-rock … Read more
The Chats
Get Fucked
Bargain Bin (2022)
So, then, is it sabotage? Or is it just punk? After 2017’s knockout hit single, “Smoko,” and a solid sophomore album, The Chats have been brushing up awfully close with mainstream success. The Australian trio is one more Wet Leg cover away from rising above the underground. Poised for evening talk show circuits and stadium tours they do what any … Read more
The Cheats
Life's Short...
Da' Core (2006)
When bands attempt to emulate the punk rock sounds of the late seventies, there are a couple elevators to enter. The first elevator travels in the direction of older bands at a trajectory so similar to them, it's scary. Scary good. If the newer band had released their songs in the past, they would be remembered alongside bands like The … Read more
The Chinese Stars
Listen to Your Left Brain
Three One G (2007)
This is the catchiest Three One G release I have ever heard. Coming from a label that normally specializes in the extreme outer reaches of noise punk, this is practically a pop album. Yet, this still has the classic bratty Three One G art-school vibe. Named for the 1980s epidemic of grade school kids carrying around throwing stars, The Chinese … Read more
The Chinese Stars
Listen to Your Left Brain
Three One G (2007)
Let's get the ex-members of comparisons out of the way: I loved Arab on Radar. Their assembly line anti-anthems stimulated the same part of my adolescent brain that was dedicated to naked girls and prescription drugs. I listened to tunes like "Attack on Tijuana" over and over, thoughtfully contemplating Mr. Pottymouth's hysterical confessions about yellow snow and oral sex. The … Read more
The Christian Family
The Raw and Primitive Sound Of
Voodoo Rhythm (2022)
Repent, Repel, Rejoice, Rejuvenate, Respiritualize, Requiem, Repeat Friends, I come to you today with a message of hope and salvation. In a world filled with darkness and despair, it is easy to lose sight of the light and The Christian Family's love. However, I urge you to remember that no matter how complex your circumstances may be, The Christian Family … Read more
The Cinema
The Cinema EP
Secret Society (2004)
Every once in a while you find that band that is outside of the realm of music you generally listen to and they just catch your ear. A lot of times this could become a "guilty pleasure," which I believe is a terrible term. There is no reason I should feel guilty for still thinking The All-American Rejects were a … Read more
The City and Skyway
Everything Looks Worse In Black And White
Self Released (2009)
Being an objective reviewer, I will try and ignore the grossly overboard hyperbole contained in their press sheet. But this is fairly serviceable post-emo rock release from the mid-west. The guitars have flashes of hooks here and there throughout this record. The lyrics seem to have a very focused target on doctors, drugs, and the lack of healing in this … Read more
The Claudettes
Dance Scandal At The Gymnasium!
Yellow Dog Records (2018)
Do you like to be challenged every now and then? Just so that you are forced out of your comfort zone? Some say the best things in life happen just there: outside of your comfort zone. Although there is reason I like to stay inside that zone (it is quite comfortable there, after all) I enjoy the musical challenge of … Read more
The Claudettes
Go Out!
40 Below Records (2022)
I’ve written two reviews about the previous two albums of The Claudettes. As it took me ages to write this review you could be tempted to think I would not cover their latest album. You could not be more wrong. I was so happy Johnny Iguana shared this album with me for review purposes. I blame corona for the late … Read more
The Claudettes
High Times In The Dark
Forty Below Records (2020)
Usually I get to pick what I review. This (partly) explains why you might sometimes feel I am an overrating bastard. To counter that I accept my portion of homework from our grand commander. When he assigned me to review The Claudettes’ previous album Dance Scandal At The Gymnasium! two years ago I was pleasantly surprised that my homework was … Read more
The Clever References
Hamish's House
Independent (2022)
Some say Australia is a very nice place to spend your life, saying it's the safest place on earth with its protective system for its citizens. I know it's kind of dumb for thinking that any band that is from a more "wealthy place", like Australia, will always have its own privilege to get known wider around the globe though … Read more
The Cocker Spaniels
Withstand the Whatnot
Artbreak (2004)
The notion of a one-man band has always seemed like a bit of a novelty to me. Whenever I used to hear or read of an artist who supposedly played every single note on his or her recordings, the image I conjured would be something along the lines of this: That, or Prince. It wasn't until one fateful day in … Read more
The Cold Beat
Dumbwaiter
Independent (2009)
Dumbwaiter is a decent enough EP from this Boston four-piece. The first track, "Watch and Ward" is the best one as it recalls a fuzzed out Pixies mixed with any catchy latter day Replacements songs. After "Watch and the Ward", The Cold Beat go through the motions of being your average indie/college rock bar band with their roots firmly planted … Read more
The Colour
The Colour is Out and About
Monarchy (2004)
"The Colour" are out and about - I guess. Yeah, okay. Center singer dude here sounds kind of like Robert Smith, guy from that one band, and sometimes sounds like...like notimportantenoughformetoknowhisnameleadsingerofHOTHOTHEAT (who are pretty much over at this point). The Cure is kind of 'in' again so yeah, who knows if this band will rise to fame or not with … Read more
The Constellation Branch
The Dream Life, The Real Life, The Empty Glass
Independent (2008)
"To sleep, perchance to dream - ay, there's the rub." Hamlet (III, i, 65-68) Man's relationship to his dreams has been the subject of his art forever. Nothing else seems so beyond our realm of control yet so integrally personal - it is us but outside of us. And so, myriad records have been made in reflection of that ponderous … Read more
The Cool Kids
The Bake Sale
C.A.K.E. (2008)
When hip-hop exploded in the 1980's it was characterized by flashy outfits, breakdancing, and of course, ghetto blasters. The music was primarily comprised of ridiculously big bass, rather simplistic beats, and free-flowing rhymes. Over the years hip-hop has been repeatedly flipped on its end and repackaged for all to enjoy. Many might just see Chicago-based duo The Cool Kids as … Read more
The Cool Kids
When Fish Ride Bicycles
Green Label Sound (2011)
The Cool Kids return with, oddly enough, their debut album. Seems weird, considering these Midwestern boys have been in the game roughly 5 years now, but When Fish Ride Bicycles is technically their first full-length record. With a series of singles, mixtapes, and EPs under their belts, dating back to 2007’s excellent “Black Mags” single, Mikey Rocks and Chuck Inglish … Read more
