Outrage
Savior
Panic (2008)
Here we have a decent seven-song slab of 90's hardcore with some newer influences. Outrage sounds like they take the best riffs from the New Age catalog of 1995, speed it up and toss some impassioned vocals on top of it. I can see anyone into Outspoken to Defeater enjoying this band. I found it to be an enjoyable listen … Read more
Parhelia
First Light
Independent (2006)
The number of atmospheric rock bands has skyrocketed recently. Dublin, Ireland's Parhelia, a group of "post-rockers," play very welcoming and groove-oriented songs. This instrumental four-piece doesn't sound "groovy," but the rhythm section is extremely tight. Guitarists Greg Clarke and Diarmuid Shore create pleasant, melodic parts that keep me interested (even without crescendos!). "Ebb/Flow" contains cool delay effects combined with sudden … Read more
Partial Traces
Can’t Come Down / Nights I Dream
Independent (2020)
This synth punk group hails from the headwaters of the Mississippi River. A mighty mass of water that connects Minnesota to Louisiana and sings all the way south. Water seemingly makes music as it flows and this super group (FFO: The Soviettes, Dear Landlord) is actively tapping into that source. Raw emotive vocals give me chills on the first spin. … Read more
Passion
The Fierce Urgency of Now
Goodfellow (2006)
The Fierce Urgency of Now is a record from Philadelphia, PA's Passion. Fans of hardcore and metalcore will appreciate Passion's intensity and technicality; if you're looking for breakdowns and fast-paced music, you will enjoy this album. If you aren't, you'll hate it. "Statistics Show That We Do Not Care" packs a punch, delivering lyrics against child molestation and an ear-catching … Read more
Path to Misery
Demo
Independent (2007)
Path to Misery is a musical-collective from Pittsburgh, PA. The group of individuals involved focuses their attention of raising awareness of government actions, social issues, and other forward-thinking ideas through music. Musically, they set things to a soundtrack of abrasive hardcore with dashes of metal, d-beat, and grind thrown in for good measure. Their latest demo is comprised of three … Read more
Pegasuses-XL
The Antiphon
Ernest Jenning (2008)
It's almost a little sad when drugs influence a lot of what musicians do (The Mars Volta?). It is equally sad and almost doubly disappointing when musicians ruin their reputations with shallow releases. Pegasuses XL is Make Dale (Disband), Jeff Tobias (We Versus the Shark), Joel Hatstat (Cinemechanica) and the renowned Jeff Rosenstock (Arrogant Sons of Bitches, Bomb The Music … Read more
Penetration Panthers
Perpetual 80's
A389 (2011)
There have been a number of bands that have tried to raise the banner of eras part. Whether it be the youth crew band or the thrash revival band. Even though there has been a number of bands in the past that recognize the power of 80s punk rock few pull it off. If you have been waiting for a … Read more
Perth Express
Harrowed and Wealdstone
Vendetta (2008)
Harrowed and Wealdstone marks the final recordings from German bruisers Perth Express. It's quite a shame that the band decided to call it a day as they had just released their discography in the U.S. last year and followed that up with tours in the States as well as abroad. These nine songs see a continued assault on the ears … Read more
Pestilent Endeavors
Adult Onset Death
Backwoods Butcher (2015)
This is a cool tape sent in by Mr. Food Fortunata, the fine gentleman behind the always enjoyable and reliable Saginaw, MI-based publication Ear of Corn fanzine. A lot of these tracks—and there are a whopping 21 of them, although mostly very short—remind me of early Mudhoney, something for which I am never disappointed. Some of the odder-sounding stuff on … Read more
Pilkington
All Around The Neighborhood
Black RD Records (2017)
Singles are something I usually avoid when reviewing. I find it difficult to say something that makes sense with so little to work with. For Pilkington I’ve made an exception. They offered me two singles. The four songs combined clock in at almost 14 minutes. I can deal with that! Pilkington is an indie band from Philadelphia. They released their … Read more
Pilkington
Soft Flesh
Black RD Records (2017)
On to the next single. Again we start with it's title track, of course: "Soft Flesh." This is the song that lured me into reviewing these singles. On "Soft Flesh" (the song) Pilkington uses a casiotone and they use it well. From the first second I was hooked. To finish the song of the guitar work here is very surfy … Read more
Pink Razors
First Degree
Rorschach (2007)
Pink Razors is a pop-punk band from Richmond, Virginia that plays a fast and catchy form of music comparable to Latterman. The band has released a full-length and split with Environmental Youth Crunch, and now this three song seven inch. Each song features fast and snotty vocals and each song clocking in at less than three minutes, and are all … Read more
Pissed Jeans
King Of Jeans
Sub Pop (2009)
Ugly and violent. Pissed Jeans don't mess around, starting 2009's King of Jeans with "False Jesii, Part Two," and never letting up on the noisepunk from start to finish. While the first song is possibly the best on the record, it's not because the record falls apart, but because it so competently and powerfully sets the tone, kicking immediately into … Read more
Pitfall
Another Day at the Zoo
Neutral Territory (2008)
Massachusetts is always churning out quality hardcore and Pitfall is no exception. Another Day at the Zoo is the band's first official release following a promising demo. The band delivers punishing and relentless hardcore that draws similarities to Outbreak and Think I Care. The band sums things up best on the track "Edge of the World" with the lines, "These … Read more
Playmaker
Playmaker
Independent (2007)
Throwing their gauntlet down with their multitudes of contemporaries comes Playmaker, a straight up, and authentic, Brit-rock band by way of the greater Toronto Area. While that might seem slightly paradoxical, Chris Barry, the front of the trio, is quick to let you know where his origins lie with his strongly accented vocals seeping infectiously through the speakers from the … Read more
Police & Thieves
Amor Y Guerra
Youngblood (2008)
It must have been two or three years ago now that I received Police & Thieves demo in the mail. I think it came with record I ordered from Youngblood actually; I can't remember. Anyway, that demo was pretty darn good; I was actually more impressed with it than the members' previous outings - Worn Thin, among others. Well the … Read more
Police & Thieves
Amor Y Guerra (Reissue)
Youngblood (2008)
Michael already reviewed the 7" version of this. The only thing that's different is that the CD version has the demo tacked on for good measure. Anyhow, Police & Thieves is ex-members of Worn Thin and play aggressive melodic hardcore that you can tell that Police & Thieves is from the nation's capitol. If you like Dag Nasty or the … Read more
Pontius Pirate
Pterodactyl Island LP
Backwoods Butcher (2015)
Every so often I go through a phase where I’m listening to a lot of pre-Independent Wormhole Saloon era Butthole Surfers. Such was the case when this 17-song slab-o-wax landed in my mailbox via Food Fortunata, the genius behind Ear of Corn fanzine. I promptly ripped this to MP3s so that I could listen to it while riding my bicycle. … Read more
