Review / 200 Words Or Less
TV Crimes
Demo

Independent (2009) Michael

TV Crimes – Demo cover artwork
TV Crimes – Demo — Independent, 2009

I take pride in my local hardcore scene. I try to make it out to as many shows as I can, support friends in bands in any way possible, and occasionally book a show or two. So I'm continuing to do my part by telling you about TV Crimes, my favorite local band right now.

TV Crimes fuse together early hardcore punk with alternative rock, similar to SST Records era The Meat Puppets and Sonic Youth. The pacing of the songs varies from fast segments - see the opening of "Freedom from Religion" and the end of "What We Need" - to mid-tempo pacing. The guitars dominate the songs, ranging from chugging hardcore slabs to rock infused rhythms and are complimented by Joel Lefkowitz's inspired vocal delivery. "Stone Statues" has a definite Suicide File feel and the final track, "Regrets," opens with a Fugazi-inspired guitar melody.

With their demo TV Crimes demonstrate you can be a hardcore band and not be limited by the usual stereotypes of the genre. The songwriting hints at a great future for this young group. You can download the demo for free from their Myspace.

8.0 / 10Michael • December 10, 2009

TV Crimes – Demo cover artwork
TV Crimes – Demo — Independent, 2009

Recently-posted album reviews

Time Thieves

Come Home/If You Survive Extended Edition
Independent (2026)

Time Thieves, of Chicago, IL, bill themselves as power pop in the vein of The Rentals or Fountains of Wayn or Weezer in their bio and they double down on that with the smooth as silk, uplifting melody of "Cover Your Eyes," the first song on their Come Home/If You Survive Extended Edition LP that arrived on my doorstep, literally … Read more

The Mekons

Horror & Horrorble (The Mekons Vs. Tony Maimone In Dub Conference)
Fire Records (2026)

When Horror dropped last year, it was well worth the privileged price of entering the collected world of The Mekons. I was lucky enough to find their first LP—"The Quality Of Mercy Is Not Strnen"—in a thrift store many blood moons ago. This began my foray into the ever-changing world of The Mekons and their many ever-changing forays into the … Read more

Amy Bell

Want Me EP
Warren Records (2026)

Amy Bell is a singer songwriter from Yorkshire, England. A self-taught musician at 21 years old, she has begun to make a name for herself and often plays at charity events and local festivals. Known for her unusual voice, this indie artist released her second EP, titled Want Me, on June 26th, 2026 on Warren Records. This 4 song collection … Read more