Strange Relations
Going Out EP
Tiny Engines (2016)
Admittedly, I’m a little leery of a press kit that features more band photos than songs. Then again, this is an EP, so it’s probably me yakking about something inconsequential anyway. They’re just attachments. It’s not like they sent me glossies. More is always better, right?Anyway, part of this record review might actually get to the record, which is a … Read more
Strangers
Holding
Action Man (2007)
Many Americans tend to take our music scene for granted, very rarely looking outside of our borders for new music. But if the last couple of years writing reviews has taught me anything, it's that there is a just as much music, if not more, deserving of recognition coming from areas outside the United States. Five-piece hardcore outfit Strangers may … Read more
Strangers
Weight
Action Man (2007)
Earlier this year Strangers really grabbed my interest with their four-song EP, Holding. On that release, five individuals from New Zealand delivered a devastating aural assault. So here we are a couple of months down the road and Strangers have unleashed their debut full-length, Weight, upon the masses. The album begins with "Expositions," a two-minute number that picks up exactly … Read more
Strategies
Strategies EP
Independent (2022)
At only four songs, Strategies’ debut EP is a quick play. The project is led by Paul Lask (The Ghost, Tight Phantomz), who created and sent demos to his longtime contemporaries, Brian Moss (The Ghost, Hanalei, Great Apes), and Neil Hennessy (The Lawrence Arms). The EP is wandering and explorative, building off the thoughtful post-hardcore influenced emo of the aforementioned … Read more
Street Eaters
Blood::Muscles::Bones
Nervous Intent (2014)
Bands are seemingly judged differently on their sophomore outings: where does it change, does it meet expectation, does it show growth, and the like. Well, writing about a band the second (or third) time is kind of the same thing. With Blood::Muscles::Bones, Street Eaters haven’t changed up their sound drastically or reworked their well-oiled machine. They’ve just written another bundle … Read more
Street Eaters
Rusty Eyes and Hydrocarbons
Plan-It-X\Bakery Outlet (2011)
There’s a level of familiarity in Street Eaters that I can’t put my finger on. That said, I’ll do my best to in reviewing their debut release, Rusty Eyes and Hydrocarbons. I discovered the band at Fest 10, and it didn’t take long for the two-piece bass-drum combo to pull me in. Devoid of guitar, they build melodies around John … Read more
Street Eaters
Self Titled
Cut the Cord That
Records (2012)
There are a few formats I almost go out of my way to avoid, namely cassettes and digital EPs. However, I’ll make an exception for certain bands and Street Eaters are one of those. Street Eaters released their debut full-length Rusty Eyes and Hydrocarbons in 2011 and it still grips me today. This self-titled digi-EP did see a 12” pressing … Read more
Street Eaters
Simple Distractions EP
Nervous Intent Records (2021)
The info surrounding this EP talks about how Street Eaters have changed. The band formed roughly a decade ago, so there’s always going to be evolution and whatnot -- and there is even a new shape to the band on Simple Distractions, as they’ve officially become a three-piece. Still, the first thing I hear on the opening title track is … Read more
Street Sects
End Position
Flenser (2016)
Austin, Texas duo achieve an unholy alliance of industrial music and punk rock in their debut album, End Position. In paper it feels that something like that would not work, and a failed attempt to produce something coherent would only end in hysterical laughter. Thankfully, this is far from the case here, and Leo Ashline and Shaun Ringsmuth unleash one … Read more
Street Sects
The Kicking Mule
Flenser (2018)
This deviant punk/industrial hybrid sprout onto the scene in 2014 with their EP Gentrification I: The Morning After the Night We Raped Death, introducing their aggressive, noisy and extravagant sound. However, it was their debut record End Position that saw them produce a succinct and complete offering presenting their full vision. Street Sects arrived with an intense and furious perspective, … Read more
Streetlight Manifesto
Keasbey Nights
Victory (2006)
In 1998, Catch 22's first, and defining album, Keasbey Nights was released by Victory Records. The release was a departure for the label, as they were known at the time for releasing mainly hardcore records. Earth Crisis, Integrity, Snapcase; these were bands Victory was known for releasing landmark records from. Catch 22 shifted the momentum of the label, as a … Read more
Striborg
Nefaria
Southern Lord (2007)
When all else is said and done, I like my metal like I like my coffee: black, bottomless, and smelling like the inside of a cave. It doesn't need to be fancy. No cream, no sugar no artificial flavors to make it more palatable. Sparse arrangements with sparser production that sounds like it was recorded amongst the smoldering remnants of … Read more
Strike Anywhere
Exit English
Jade Tree (2003)
Beginning with a short riff-based intro, this record then kicks itself straight into life, inspiring this reviewer to do the same. Exit English, the band's second full-length, shows Strike Anywhere at their fastest, heaviest, and most melodic. The band's political edge on this record is as apparant as ever. Vocalist Thomas: "the songwriting on Exit English has more to do, … Read more
Struck by Lightning
Serpents
Translation Loss (2009)
I've said it before: Translation Loss has an amazing knack for finding bands that are head and heels over most of the metal world. This time they saved a bunch of trouble. After a fall out between members of another band on the label one of the members left and formed this beast. Though this is a heavy band there … Read more
Struck by Lightning
True Predation
Translation Loss (2012)
Struck By Lightning came out the gate hard and fast about 3 years ago with their first LP "Serpents". That record truly set them apart from the ex-members of... tag that they could've carried. Instead of playing the post metal of past projects they built a sound that was more indebted to Discharge than Isis. This worked well for them … Read more
Struckdown
Revolution
Indianola (2006)
I hate one-sheets. In case you are not as media savvy as everyone else, a one-sheet is a sheet of paper that labels send out with their promo releases to record stores, magazines, and other places that sell or review music. Usually on these one-sheets there is something about how great the band is or what great bands they have … Read more
Strung Out
Agents of the Underground
Fat Wreck Chords (2009)
Strung Out's Blackhawks Over Los Angeles was a record that had a lot of ups and downs. The album showcased the band's improving musicianship and songwriting but the production really brought the record down. Singer Jason Cruz's voice felt processed in too many areas and it restricted the power that his vocals usually have. I also felt that the band … Read more
Strung Out
Blackhawks Over Los Angeles
Fat Wreck Chords (2007)
If you're like me, you grew up buying compilations from punk rock labels. It was like opening up a treasure box and finding jewels of new music to marvel at. As Fat Wreck Chords was putting out comps such as Survival of the Fattest and Physical Fatness, Strung Out always stood out to me as doing something unique, having a … Read more
