Ratatat
Ratatat
XL Recordings (2004)
The hype machine works in interesting ways. It can make or break a band even if the wind changes direction. Music critics go from band to band and suck every little ounce of creativity and humanity they had left inside of them like the leeches they are, then they move on to the next wave of hyped bands. Bear in … Read more
Repercussion
And the Winner is...
Spook City (2004)
While this album has been out for a little while now, it's somewhat coincidental that I am reviewing it as television is graced with The Contender. Just like the 16 boxing contestants that are competing for a chance at a lump sum to change their life, Repercussion is completing with the ever-increasing number of tough-guy hardcore bands fighting for our … Read more
Rilo Kiley
More Adventurous
Brute (2004)
It was kind of shocking when Rilo Kiley decided to leave Saddle Creek in pursuit of their own record label, Brute/Beaute. In the whole history of Saddle Creek Records, no one has just decided to leave the label. Ever. Somebody had to do it sooner or later. There are no contracts, so any band can leave with ease. Rilo Kiley … Read more
Rise of Marakara
Rise of Marakara
Independent (2004)
have the toughest time reviewing material from young bands. For some reason, I feel that just because the band is young, they should have some sort of handicap in terms of review score and such. But on the other hand, if you're this young and this unprepared, you shouldn't be putting out something that is going to sound as immature … Read more
Rockets Red Glare
Moonlight Desires
Blue Skies Turn Black (2004)
Minimalist tendencies. Math-rock. Post-rock. All good things in proper doses. But can they be mixed to produce something great? Ah, well, there's the real question. Rockets Red Glare seems to think so. Judging by this record, I'd have to agree with them. Hailing from Ontario, the band were a strange exercise in restraint for the most part, always intriguing by … Read more
Ryan Adams
Love is Hell
Lost Highway (2004)
Well, it's been a busy year for our friend Ryan Adams: a rock and roll record, two EP's, a broken heart, and a broken wrist. This is a lot to fit in, especially considering how busy he was whining about reviews and threatening to retire from music. If there is one thing I can count on each month it's that … Read more
Sahara Hotnights
Kiss & Tell
RCA (2004)
Perhaps the name of Sahara Hotnights singer Maria Andersson's boyfriend rings a bell - Howlin' Pelle Alvmquist of the Hives. Or maybe you just know Sahara Hotnights, because you swear you've seen the name somewhere; that would be the press' fault. Sahara Hotnights has been dubbed "the next big thing" by several sources since the garage band explosion. They all … Read more
Say Anything
...is a Real Boy
Doghouse (2004)
Sometimes a simple idea for a record can be injected with such brutal honesty and wit that all simplicity is somehow lost in translation. As far as I know, ...is a Real Boy was intended to be a rock opera of sorts, but somewhere along the lines the idea sort of went awry. Either way, the songs on ...is a … Read more
Scraps And Heart Attacks
Still Sick
Triple Crown (2004)
These guys were incredibly hyped a little over a year ago when they had their demo out. However, then they were known as The Heist and their 7" was about to come out on Dead By 23 Records. Then they had to change their name, their record was delayed, and everything seemed to sort of die down for them. When … Read more
Secret Chiefs 3
Book of Horizons
Mimicry (2004)
For many, Secret Chiefs 3 is considered to be "Mr. Bungle minus Mike Patton." While I feel this description does a grave injustice to the band, there are those out there blind to the genius that Secret Chiefs 3 has committed to tape. This is quite unfortunate for them, and coming from the Patton super-fan that I am, this remark … Read more
Seemless
Seemless
Losing Face (2004)
It's been a while since I heard a new band that played some outright rock-n-roll. Enter Massachusetts natives Seemless and their self-titled debut. Seemless, is a supergroup comprised of former members of metalcore stalwarts Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall, Overcast and Medium. Ironically for fans of those previous efforts, they may be disappointed to find an album filled with a balanced … Read more
Set Your Goals
Set Your Goals
Straight On (2004)
Recently, the scene of hardcore-punk has become a stagnant cesspool of monotony. Out of the thousands of bands playing "hardcore" music, there is only a hand-full that have the audacity to do something different. California's melodic punk/hardcore hybrid Set Your Goals is one of those bands and upstart label Straight On Records (The Warriors, Go it Alone) has taken notice. … Read more
Sex Positions
Sex Positions
Deathwish Inc. (2004)
Walk into a Boston hardcore show and ask a random kid if they like the Dedication, and there is a 95% chance they will do one of the following: A. Call you a faggot. B. Say, "You like that make up wearing band of faggots?" C. Turn around to their group of friends and say "Hey guys, did you hear … Read more
Shockwave
The Ultimate Doom
Facedown (2004)
There was a time during my childhood when my after-school hours were dominated by sitting in front of the television to catch the latest episode of Transformers. It was my love for the show that prompted me to spend every penny I earned buying up Transformers toys. Fortunately I am able to relive those days vicariously by listening to The … Read more
Silent Drive
Love Is Worth It
Equal Vision (2004)
In my circle of friends, I am the only one who doesn't find anything remotely interesting about Bane. So what does that have to do with this review? A lot actually since two members of Silent Drive are in Bane. That really doesn't impress me, what did grab me is that two members were in Drowningman. I have been awaiting … Read more
Snow Patrol
Final Straw
A&M (2004)
They are from Scotland. They have two other releases titled Songs for Polar Bears, and When it's All Over We Still Have to Clear Up. They have a deceiving song called "Chocolate" that is more about pining for a lost relationship than a Hershey bar (unless the songwriter has a fetish with all things made of cocoa). That was all … Read more
Sonic Youth
Sonic Nurse
Geffen (2004)
Since June, I've been laboring over how to start off a review of Sonic Nurse. Now, it's December, and all I've come up with is a cliche about how I don't know what to say. Really, the only thing I can think to say is that Sonic Nurse is great. It's not flawless, but it is great. Style goes a … Read more
Stateside
Phonograph
Action Driver (2004)
Imagine if Limbeck and My Morning Jacket got together for a jam session and you'll be close to how Stateside sounds. Hailing from Tennessee, frontman John Paul Keith has played with heart-throb Ryan Adams, played in The Nevers, and co-founded The V-Roys. Sure the latter you probably know nothing about(shit, neither do I) but you get the point. Phonograph is … Read more
