The Transplants
In A Warzone
Epitaph (2013)
I grew up on Rancid and they introduced me, eventually, to a much wider world of punk rock than what I caught on late night Headbangers Ball and 120 Minutes episodes. Or, for those who didn’t get where this is going from that intro sentence: I feel that I have to qualify why I’m listening to In a Warzone, the … Read more
The Trouble With Templeton
Rookie
Bella Union (2014)
All good stories need an emphatic storyteller to bring the characters to life. Beyond one dimensional storyboards where all film ideas begin and draft-upon-draft of song lyrics harbouring a vision, the most important part of any creative endeavour is when these ideas are brought out of their enshrouded beginnings, and the storyteller tells us why these characters should matter to … Read more
The Twilight Collective
All in Due Time
Independent (2005)
So lately you've seen a lot of new bands popping up. The first thing you see is 'ex-members of ______ and ______!!!!' HOLY CRAP, you mean this band has members from all of my favorite bands? They're writing songs together? YES!! It seems as though so many of the new bands recently have become sort of incestuous, all sleeping and … Read more
The Umbrellas
Fairweather Friend
Slumberland Records (2024)
Slumberland is one of those labels I note, but haven’t really dove into. The Umbrellas fit my expectations of the label’s sound though. It’s distinctly modern songwriting, but with a wave of sounds from yesterday. I’ll call this power-pop washed in the folk and psyche rock of the ‘60s, with a bit of twee and British invasion and dreamy indie … Read more
The Uncomfortables
Demo
Independent (2005)
When I first started to listen to this demo, I thought it sounded as if Motorhead had a side project that kind of sucked a little, but was still Motorhead, at least. Turns out, The Uncomfortables are more like if you mixed Soundgarden with something else that sucks and sucked it through a straw so you could have both Soundgarden … Read more
The United Sons of Toil
Until Lions Have Their Historians, Tales of the Hunt Shall Always Glorify the Hunter
Flannel Jammies Music/Sector Five (2008)
The United Sons of Toil probably won’t ever receive the distinguished honor of a 7.1 rating from Pitchfork, but anyone who has seen them live will tell you all you need to know. These guys are something to see. The ’Sons sound like a more aggressive Unwound, giving a sort of mathy post-punk vibe with some hints of chaos thanks … Read more
The Unlovables
Heartsickle
Whoa Oh/Crafty (2007)
I first heard The Unlovables on Crafty Record's New York vs. New Jersey Punk Rock Battle Royal compilation. They were one of the bands that didn't blow me away on first listen, but after repeated spins their songs were among my favorite and I quickly picked up Heartsickle, their second full-length. The Unlovables play mid-90's style pop-punk, featuring powerful female … Read more
The Unseen
Explode
Better Youth Organize (2003)
The Unseen: street punk for the masses. You could probably write this band's back history wihtout even knowing them. Hundreds of EPs, 7"s, and rare no-longer-in-production releases. Been around since the early 90's, all members have mohawks and/or dyed red hair, and their sound is influenced by bands like The Exploited. Lead single "False Hope" contains the line "Fuck the … Read more
The Unseen
State of Discontent
Hellcat (2005)
I like punk rock. A lot. I listen to some punk bands that are far from extraordinary, who play contrived music, but make it fun (both for them and the listener). I am no expert on the scene; I've been involved with punk since I was 8, but I've always got more to learn. That being said, this is one … Read more
The Veils
The Runaway Found
Sanctuary (2004)
Finn Andrews, the vocalist and guitarist of the Veils, once posed alone in front of a cemetery. The building behind the cemetery was grey, old, and had shingles flaking off the roof. The grass was an unsightly shade between jaundice yellow and moss green. There was a tree looming above the scene was bare and angular. Andrews fit right in … Read more
The Violet Mindfield
Hello Darling
Independent (2019)
While music groups have tried to emulate the sounds of the past in various ways, this is perhaps nowhere more evident than in the world of psychedelic music. Though one could probably make an argument that this large sections of this genre aspire to exist in a time span from about 1965 to ‘69 or so, it’s interesting to imagine … Read more
The Von Bondies
Pawn Shoppe Heart
Warner Bros. (2004)
Prior to listening to Pawn Shoppe Heart, my exposure to The Von Bondies had been rather lacking, and the only reason I was even slightly familiar with their name was the same reason anyone else was: Jack White. If you don't know what I'm referring to, it is best it stays that way and let The Von Bondies music speaks … Read more
The Vows
The Vows
Indecision (2006)
The Vows is the latest hardcore "super-group" to include Rob Moran of Unbroken. After his departure from the impressive Some Girls, he moved to Seattle, Washington and began this band. In the sparse liner notes, the band thanks old Seattle hardcore band Brotherhood and another older group, Amenity, for bringing them together; this is a good indication of the musical … Read more
The VSS
Nervous Circuits (Reissue)
Hydra Head (2008)
Seriously, The VSS are getting the reissue treatment from Hydra Head. Not only is this a completely unexpected revelation, but it is one that will probably go mostly unnoticed by most people, which is rather unfortunate considering how excellent the original version of this record was. Then again, The VSS (featuring ex-members of the equally and criminally unappreciated Angel Hair … Read more
The War On Drugs
Lost In The Dream
Secretly Canadian (2014)
The Philadelphia rock scene is famous for producing indie bands heavily dosed on vintage, classic rock. Folker Kurt Vile recalls Bob Dylan and neo-psychedelia band Dr.Dog draws upon Big Star. You probably know Vile from when he packed all the “Best Of” lists last year with his critically-acclaimed masterpiece Wakin’ On A Pretty Daze, and you've probably heard Dr.Dog’s rootsy … Read more
The War on Peace
Automated People EP
Independent (2017)
Imagine if the last few minutes of your life on a doomed Earth were spent dancing in a nightclub, as the sound of buzzing synthesisers whirred into a thick crescendo that battled the looming darkness outside. This is the atmosphere that Chicago three-piece The War on Peace have created on their newest EP, Automated People. The band, who sound like … Read more
The Warlocks
The Mirror Explodes
Tee Pee Records (2009)
Sometimes one can be anticipate something too much. Expect too much from something so as to nullify anything enjoyable from said thing. Sadly Expectations are like that. The Warlocks have had a long career of playing spacey over driven rock songs. It seems only right that they are signed to Tee Pee records. They've always carried a psychedelic vibe couples … Read more
The Warriors
War is Hell
Eulogy (2004)
Three months back I attempted to review War is Hell, but something more pressing came up to displace the debut full-length from The Warriors from atop my review pile. On occasion after occasion, I passed over reviewing the album in favor of something else. Then, last week I took in a show that The Warriors happened to be playing and … Read more
