The Fire Theft
The Fire Theft
Rykodisc (2003)
Sunny Day Real Estate was a great band. No one contends with this or argues with this. They fell into that elite category of bands that not only managed to shape one particular sound, but an entire genre of music. Their greatness is further embellished and heightened by the fact that they released a terrible record which doesn't detract from … Read more
The Goodwill
That Was A Moment
Negative Progression (2003)
Now, I don't like New Found Glory, but I bet these guys do. Read more
The Goodwill
That Was A Moment
Negative Progression (2003)
Holy shit this sucks. It's not the worst music I've ever heard, they know how to use their instruments, but they lack the pizzazz of such pop artists as Michael Jackson and rock artists as Queen. In one song they even try to do the screaming back up thing, and contrived crap smells really bad. It's not even worth reading … Read more
The Goodwill
That Was A Moment
Negative Progression (2003)
Run of the mill hardcore-influenced pop-punk. The music is tolerable, nothing spectacular at all. I would rather listen to this than jump out of an airplane, I can say that, but I'll probably never listen to this album again. The CD was as predictable as a Friday the 13th sequel. Standard pop-punk songs all the way through, with the second … Read more
The Gossip
Undead in NYC
Dim Mak (2003)
Let's face it people, America is fat. They're also lazy. The two don't go together to form a very healthy society. I mean, look around you right now. Seriously, do it. What do you see? I'll tell you. Fat people. And not just any fat people, lazy fat people. These lazy fat people are trying to lose weight by cutting … Read more
The Jealous Sound
Kill Them With Kindness
Better Looking (2003)
The Jealous Sound has written one of the most infectiously catchy records I've heard in years. Poppy hooks and lyrical substance are quite a rare combination these days. The Jealous Sound plays a style of music that, while staying true to the early/mid 90's emo-rock sound, also offers a fresh take on a style of music perfected by bands like … Read more
The Locust
Plague Soundscapes
Anti (2003)
The phenomena of the Locust is something I am completely incapable of grasping. I listen to the Locust, and I hear noise. The sounds coming out of my speakers when I put on Plague Soundscapes are something similar to what a serial killer must hear as he kills an 8-year old girl with a woodchipper. I do find this record … Read more
The Locust
Plague Soundscapes
Anti (2003)
Unlike a lot of other people, I was entirely unfamiliar with the Locust upon the release of this record. All I knew about them was the white belts and the love 'em or hate 'em attitude a lot of people seemed to have with them. Two things should outline everything you really need to know about this record: Justin Pearson … Read more
The Locust
Plague Soundscapes
Anti (2003)
The Locust has been shunned for their recent works. Their split with Melt Banana was not taken well by critics. People want The Locust to sound more like their Self-titled or Flight of the Wounded Locust, not like some band that changes. These people, however, don't understand that The Locust is all about change; whether they're wearing locust-like spandex outfits … Read more
The Long Winters
When I Pretend to Fall
Barsuk (2003)
The Long Winters started up a few years ago after vocalist John Roderick's other project "The Western State Hurricanes" split up. He began writing songs for a solo project and proceeded to go on tour with ex-Harvey Danger member Sean Nelson. Shortly after his tour, he recorded his work, and around the same time, he formed The Long Winters. Before … Read more
The Mars Volta
De-Loused In the Comatorium
Universal (2003)
Every now and then a super heavily hyped record comes along and completely lives up to all of the expectations set by the preliminary buzz. This is neither now nor then. De-Loused in the Comatorium was hyped by some to be the "best album of all time", but alas, it's not even one of the best albums put out this … Read more
The Mars Volta
De-Loused In the Comatorium
Universal (2003)
I've never heard The Mars Volta call themselves "experimental" or "out there," have you? Where does everyone get this idea? Why would anyone call their music experimental? They DO get spacey at times with their long, drawn-out segments of little or no music in the middle of a song (i.e.: "Cicatriz ESP," "Take the Veil, Cerpin Taxt," etc.), but the … Read more
The Mars Volta
De-Loused In the Comatorium
Universal (2003)
As one of the few music geeks on the planet who wasn't infatuated with At the Drive-In, I approached this record with very few expectations. I'd heard the Tremulant EP and wasn't too impressed with it, but thought it was nice enough. De-Loused in the Comatorium sounds like a logical extension of that sound, with the same mix of guitars, … Read more
The Plot To Blow Up the Eiffel Tower
Dissertation, Honey
Happy Couples Never (2003)
The Plot to Blow Up the Eiffel Tower are a daring young band from California. The band comes together in a whirlwind of jazz, hardcore, and indie. Noisy guitars, jazzy saxophones, and vocals on the edge of screaming make up the Plot's signature sound. I had been anticipating this album a great deal, and I was anything but disappointing. They … Read more
The Plot To Blow Up the Eiffel Tower
Dissertation, Honey
Happy Couples Never (2003)
I had heard one song before getting the whole album so I kind of knew what to expect from the band. A good punk/rock type sound mixed with avant-garde jazz complete with saxophone and trumpet. From the intro track with the female voice, I was captivated. This record will have you dancing your ass off one second and break into … Read more
The Plot To Blow Up the Eiffel Tower
Dissertation, Honey
Happy Couples Never (2003)
This band was supposed to play at a show I went to a while back, but something came up. I hadn't really heard anything about them so I shrugged it off. It's a shame I did. I really wish I had gotten that opportunity because it wouldn't have taken me so long to find out about this awesome, new band. … Read more
The Postal Service
Give Up
Sub Pop (2003)
Ben Gibbard has butterfingers lately. No, I'm not accusing him of having an affection towards a particular candy bar, I'm refering to his ability to maintain musical quality. The newest Death Cab album is being met with mixed responses from critics, unlike their previous efforts which gathered an admirable amount of critical acclaim. Not only can that be said looking … Read more
The Rapture
Echoes
Universal (2003)
The Insound Tour Support Vol. No. 1 packed a few wallops of fantastic music that drew my attention; one of these wallops is known as The Rapture. I felt a great need to go out and get "Echoes", the song, on a Rapture album so I could really experience what they are for myself. Well, that time is now, and … Read more
