Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3
Goodnight Oslo
Yep Roc (2009)
On this outing Robyn Hitchcock is backed by Scott McCaughey (Young Fresh Fellows) on bass and vocals, Peter Buck (some big band from Athens?) on guitar and Bill Rieflin (Ministry) on drums. A lush recording with a lot of texture makes this record a lot to take in. But once you enter, you may never want to leave. "Saturday Groovers" … Read more
Roky Erickson
True Love Cast Out All Evil
Anti (2010)
First record of new material of Roky's since 1994's All That May Do My Rhyme finds the singer in a more reflective mood. The rough edges have been all sandpapered out by Okkervil River on these songs. Not that this is bad thing, it's just not as left of center as some of his previous output. The title track features … Read more
Romans
All Those Wrists
Independent (2007)
Romans is the latest band to be sprung forth from Vermont's underground music scene - the last two that I recall are My Revenge! and Drowningman. So, these four gentlemen from Burlington are in fairly good company in that regard. On their debut release, All Those Wrists, the band unleashes a mixture of caustic, gritty, and noisy mathcore, streamlined post-hardcore, … Read more
Roses
Roses EP
Stereophonodon Records (2015)
After relocating from Cleveland to Philadelphia, singer/songwriter Matthew Scheuermann put together a self-titled three-song EP released on Valentine’s Day 2015 under the name of Roses. Working alongside crisp acoustic guitar strumming, Scheuermann’s voice reminds me a bit of Band of Horses vocalist Ben Bridwell or maybe even Jeff Mangum since he has a tendency to sing in a higher register, … Read more
Royal Blood
How Did We Get So Dark?
Warner Bros. (2017)
When English duo Royal Blood released their self-titled debut in 2014, i got into an argument with a friend of mine as to how many members were in the band - my friend insisting that there had to be “at least three - because just listen”. Of course we now know that this friend was very wrong and he has … Read more
Rubikon
The Hollow Men
Category 5 (2005)
Mainstream music is constantly changing. Congruently evolving with it are the numerous bands attempting to make it big by cashing in on whatever sound is currently popular. Assuming it is Rubikon's intention to make it big, they might need a little help from a time-machine to accomplish that task. Rather than trying to fit in with the countless bands that … Read more
Ruin Everything
Lioniser EP
Independent (2012)
There's a new hardcore quartet on the rise in The UK named Ruin Everything, and they just released their debut EP, Lioniser. When I read that they're described as, "tech-hardcore" I was a bit wary. Fortunately my doubts were shattered. The first track, "Leave No Man Behind," kicks things off just right with an aggression reminiscent of Defeater, while it … Read more
Ryan Mallot & Kelly Thomas
Self Titled
Deep Elm (2009)
Deep Elm has, over the past few years, been relying more on their internet presence rather than being a label that releases records in a physical manner. While this is not a bad thing it is kinda sad. This new dynamic means that less people will be hearing this EP. Ryan Mallot is best known as the frontman of alt … Read more
S.H.I.T.
i EP
La Vida Es Un Mus Discos Punk (2017)
After making some waves around ye olden DIY hardcore scene circa 2014, these Toronto-ians took a little hiatus from recorded output (sans a couple live tapes). But now they’re back to kick of 2017 with this quick, four-song ripper. The titles of which all start with the letter I – “Insidiation”, "Incorporation”, “Information”, and “Individuation.” The aura of leather jacket-clad … Read more
Sadville
Make Ready the Cross
Inkblot (2006)
Tennessee natives Sadville without a doubt could be the biggest misnomer for a group. These dudes don't play sad bastard emo at all. Instead they play stoner metal with elements of doom and hardcore punk. You can only imagine the relief when I heard the music after looking at their name. Make Ready the Cross is seven tracks long, but … Read more
Saint Vitus
Saint Vitus
Season of Mist (2019)
On paper, it’s really a miracle Saint Vitus was able to last as long as they did. The forefathers of what became “doom” started out in Los Angeles just a couple of years before the sunset strip exploded in a hail of spandex and aquanet. Surviving numerous lineup changes, this self titled opus features original vocalist Scott Reagers, who has … Read more
Sakes Alive!!
Act I
Barrett (2008)
Rochester, NY hardcore/punk outfit follow-up their impressive debut EP/demo with a series of 7" releases. Act I is the first in said series and features three brand new tracks. Led by guitarist/vocalist Chris Vandeviver, Sakes Alive!! deliver the goods yet again with these three songs. "I'm Religious" is jamming punk rock anthem filled with driving rhythms and sweet guitar riffings. … Read more
Sakes Alive!!
Act II
Cavity (2009)
Act II is the second in a series of three 7" to come from Sakes Alive!! and this one picks up where the hardcore group last left off. "The Open Maw" builds on the band's hardcore punk sound with a slight rock and roll influence. It's a fitting addition for the group that gives the song some added flavor. "Big … Read more
Sakes Alive!!
Presents
Independent (2007)
Sakes Alive!! hails from Rochester, NY and this is the band's debut offering. Interesting enough, this recording actually started as the project of one individual, Chris Vandeviver. I'm not sure who told him to enlist other members and make this a full-time venture, but bravo to whoever did. The EP delivers what is an even mixture of the No Idea … Read more
Salt the Wound
Carnal Repercussions
Rotten (2008)
Cleveland-based Salt the Wound has been festering in the depths of the metal world since their formation in 2001. With the release of their debut full-length, Carnal Repercussions, the band will finally come to the attention of headbangers around the world. Carnal Repercussions is a twelve-track foray into the world of melodic death metal, thrash, grindcore, and modern metalcore. The … Read more
Satellite State
Satellite State
Independent (2008)
Four-song EP from this U.K. band that will be sure to make waves across the globe. Imagine yourself driving down the highway, maybe a bit too fast. This would be a perfect companion on a moonlit night. Not that the band condones breaking the law at all! "One Small Step" is a top notch rocker, but all the songs here … Read more
Sciatic Nerve
Sciatic Nerve
Anxious And Angry/ Gunner Records (2017)
Sciatic Nerve is a band that doesn’t care what you think. They don’t have “band sound,” or so the press release claims. To get all meta on them, their stated brand-less concept is a concept itself. But I digress. The important thing is that it’s a group of long-time friends who came together to have fun and play music. That’s … Read more
Scream Hello
Smart & Stupid
Red Leader (2008)
Super melodic emo-pop with wimpy vocals. Your girlfriend is going to like this band more than you will. It's cute and catchy but a bit too sugary sweet for me. I like the fact that it reminds more of The Get Up Kids and The Promise Ring than any of that garbage clogging up the stages of Warped Tour with … Read more
