The Pax Cecilia
Blessed are the Bonds
Independent (2007)
If I had to loosely describe The Pax Cecilia I would have to use the term "rock," but doing so would be a great disservice to the individuals that created Blessed are the Bonds. The eight songs that comprise the one hour of music that is this release do contain many different element; the band infuses their sound with elements … Read more
The Photographic
Pictures of a Changing World
Galaxia (2008)
Clocking in at just under an hour, Pictures of a Changing World is truly a cohesive release encompassing a gamut of emotions; a valiant task considering The Photographic don't have the luxury of words. Like most instrumental bands the two-piece is heavily reliant on reoccurring themes while expanding on such ideas with the help of loops. The effort comes across … Read more
The Poison Arrows
Casual Wave
File 13 (2008)
Being from Chicago, The Poison Arrows have a style that unmistakeably brings to mind the old, early to mid 90's alternative rock scene. Since that particular time spawned quite a few great bands then this can be considered a good prospect. The debut EP from this band doesn't necessarily resemble the noisy endeavors of Steve Albini or the madness of … Read more
The Recluse
Summer Showers
Heart In Hand (2009)
Summer Showers is my first exposure to Alabama group The Recluse. I swore I heard their name before, in fact I think I saw them once... maybe not. I can't quite place where/why/how I know them. "Pre-Death Realizations" is the leading cut and it is an odd song as it walks the line between equal parts melodic hardcore and metallic … Read more
The Reed Sea
No Help
Independent (2009)
Hailing from Oregon, this four-piece outfit has brought forth a four-song EP titled No Help. The title of the EP is fitting as the band has recorded and packaged the entire release themselves. Granted, it's limited to screen printed cardboard sleeves, but that's still cool. I appreciate the DIY effort. "Holy Pigs" is the lead song and immediately you're greeted … Read more
The Reptilian
Full Health
Count Your Lucky Stars (2010)
The Reptilian come with little to no notice. The Michigan band has been around for almost 4 years now with only a handful of releases. Taking a page from the older school of angular screamo similar to current bands such as Touche Amore and La Dispute. Focusing more on feeling than just sounding "nice". The four piece keep each song … Read more
The Riverboat Gamblers
Smash/Grab EP
Paper + Plastick (2011)
When The Riverboat Gamblers released their last full length, Underneath the Owl, many fans were put off by the cleaner production and poppier approach. Their newest EP, Smash/Grab, was a return to the raw sound and more aggressive song writing, but offers something different by blending in a bit of Garage-Rock.The first of the 4-song EP is arguably the weakest … Read more
The Rutabega
Shiny Destination
Triple Eye Industries (2015)
After a 2013 full length album that marked the band’s first full-length as a self-described “Carp Rock Power Duo,” a title which I can in no way explain yet love nonetheless, South Bend, Indiana’s The Rutabega is back with Shiny Destination, a 7” vinyl release that presents two very different sides of the group’s sound. With its playfully chaotic feel, … Read more
The Shell Corporation
Time And Pressure
Solidarity (2012)
I glorious little EP fell into my lap, thanks to my editor. It’s the Time & Pressure EP from The Shell Corporation. It’s a beautiful little set of fast melodic punk songs in the same vein as Bigwig and The Explosion. They don’t mind throwing in surprises as well.The first track, “Shit Just Got Real, Son” is a fast paced … Read more
The Stills
Oceans Will Rise
Arts & Crafts (2008)
The third record finds this Canadian five-piece returning to the smooth atmospheric rock of their debut. But with more songwriting maturity to show for it, this is actually a stronger release. "Snow in California" and "Being Here" are the stand out songs, but really this CD works well as a whole. I've never been to Eastern Europe, but I think … Read more
The Takers
Curse of a Drunk
Suburban Home (2008)
The Takers are the newest signing to Suburban Home Records and their growing stable of alt-country, folk, bluegrass and basically just all around roots artists. The Takers hail from Gainesville, FL, and as stated by Suburban Home, are a six-piece Outlaw Country band that includes two members of Whiskey & Co. Curse of a Drunk comes out swinging like a … Read more
The Taxpayers
A Rhythm in the Cages
Useless State/Quote Unquote (2009)
The Taxpayers are a three-piece punk outfit from Portland, OR. A Rhythm in the Cages is their second full-length, with twelve songs that run the gamut of punk styles. Opener "Never Getting Warm" brings to mind the recent influx of groups like Against Me! and Defiance, Ohio. Meanwhile "White Walls" is a ruckus-raising punk cut akin to early Anti-Flag. Then … Read more
The Thucydidean Theory
Chapter III: World Reclamation
Independent (2008)
Chapter III: World Reclamation is a bizarre release. The Thucydidean Theory combine punk and trance arrangements that are heavily bass-driven. This four song release features female vocals that mingle with vocal-like synth sounds. "Please Stop Calling My Office and Yelling 'Cunt' at Whoever Answers the Telephone" is the most upbeat track on World Reclamation. Although the band's hybridized ideas are … Read more
The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza
Danza II: The Electric Boogaloo
Black Market Activities (2007)
This Louisiana/Tennessee metal conglomerate has a fairly funny yet juvenile name that is likely a huge hit with the faux-hardcore kids. But rather than live off of namesake alone, The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza can actually write a good song or two. Danza II: The Electric Boogaloo is the band's second full-length and third overall release. Since releasing their self-titled … Read more
The Wealthy West
Volume One
Independent (2011)
The folk scene doesn’t get enough appreciation these days. Luckily, Mumford and Sons earned it some recognition when they performed at The Grammys. Now is the perfect time for Brandon Kinder, also know as The Wealthy West, to break out with his new EP simply entitled, Volume One.The EP opens with, “Love is Not Enough,” which is like the antithesis … Read more
The Wonder Years
Get Stoked on it!
No Sleep (2007)
I love Set Your Goals, but the popularity of the band's amalgamation of pop-punk and melodic hardcore has brought forth a million and a half wannabes. Sure, New Found Glory started it all (though they pretty much stuck to pop-punk), but I'll be damned if I haven't heard ten new clones this week alone. Philadelphia's The Wonder Years are the … Read more
The Wonder Years
Won't Be Pathetic Forever
No Sleep (2008)
The Wonder Years return with a brand new 7", their follow-up to last year's Get Stoked on it!. The record features four new tracks that are exclusive to this release. The 7" starts off with a building intro before the band gets busy with "Solo & Chewy: Holdin' it Down." Like their previous effort, we are treated to a mixture … Read more
The Wonder Years / All or Nothing
Distances
No Sleep (2009)
The glorious split 7" - how I love thee. What's this? Two bands from opposite sides of the Atlantic? Even better! There is something strangely comforting in knowing that two bands that are separated by thousands of miles of ocean can found a place together on a slim piece of wax. The Wonder Years return with two brand new songs. … Read more
