Sweet and Sweat in Equal Measure
Opening with a cough is normally a sign that something is wrong. Perhaps the album wasn’t recorded correctly, or maybe it was just something that was forgotten when the editing was done, but with an album title like Perfume and Piss, a cough is the least of your worries. It is wise to be nervous or hesitant when you see the cover, which looks like a group of geezers trying to either impersonate or relive their hardcore youth. You’ll soon learn, however, that these men are nowhere near their golden years, at least not. GBH have done it once more, giving all our pierced souls something beautifully foul to thrash to. Read more…
By Albert Serna Posted in Reviews GBH, Perfume & Piss
Survival of the Fittest
Odd, different, unique, and melancholy are just a few of the words that can describe Circa Survive’s new album, Blue Sky Noise. Similar to the Smashing Pumpkins’ Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, the album is a pleasant surprise that will leave listeners awestruck. Read more…
By Albert Serna Posted in Reviews Blue Sky Noise, Circa Survive
Lots of Trash, Nothing to Treasure
First impressions can sometimes be hit or miss. The same can be said for music, and it’s easy to make a hit, and even easier to miss. The Fall are in the latter category with their new album Your Future Our Clutter. Older artists all too often continue to release albums long after their expiration date. In some cases, it’s a complete success. Sadly, this isn’t one of them. Read more…
By Albert Serna Posted in Reviews The Fall, Your Future Our Clutter
Burning Up
Do you remember when you were young and wanted to set the world on fire? Against Me! does, and in an effort to remind you, they have set up White Crosses, their second album with Sire Records. Known for their edgy, fast paced beats, Against Me! have outdone themselves this time with what can only be described as pure melodic genius. With a cover that looks like it caught fire (semi-nude woman and all), it is only fair to assume that this album is going to be hot. Read more…
By Albert Serna Posted in Reviews Against Me!, White Crosses
Set ‘Em Up. Knock ‘Em Down
Upbeat, fast paced, and full of energy, Rancid throw it all out there and let you decided where to run with it. Let the Dominos Fall is their third album with Hellcat Records, and seventh altogether in their legacy. With their song “L.A. River,” these boys give way to a more rockabilly style, something you’d expect to hear at a car show with pin ups and pompadours. It’s not only this song, but the whole album that has taken a small shift in this direction, almost emanating Social Distortion. Read more…
By Albert Serna Posted in Reviews Rancid, Rancid-Let the Dominoes Fall
To take over
That is the basic meaning of a coup and that is exactly what is happening with The New Regime on their new album. They are taking over the airwaves and overthrowing what was once believed to be popular music. This totalitarian project by Nine Inch Nails drummer Ilan Rubin is amazingly written and preformed. The battle mystique put out by TNR on COUP is perfectly evident not only in the song titles but in the cover art as well. Picking up this album, you know what you are in for with the portrait of what seems to be someone dead after signing an important document. Graphic, but none the less effective. Read more…
By Albert Serna Posted in Reviews Coup, The New Regime
The Timeless Act of Rebellion
Flashback to when it all began, when the establishment was worth fighting and when a Mohawk was a sign of rebellion, not conformity. From defiance-filled guitar rifts to angry drum solos, it’s easy to see why many critics hail the Buzzcocks as the Godfathers of punk. Their breakout album Another Music in a Different Kitchen (newly remastered along with its two follow-ups) is truly a diamond amongst coals. With what is arguably their biggest hit, “Orgasm Addict”, the Buzzcocks set their place in music history. Somewhat of a shocker for the time it was originally recorded, it has a dirty feel to it, a kind of taboo lust. Filth isn’t always a bad thing, and the Buzzcocks truly prove that in the song “Autonomy,” giving us a unique play with words. Read more…
By Albert Serna Posted in Reviews Buzzcocks
Releasing the beasts of yesteryear
Back from the ashes like a phoenix, The Slits have come together again, with minor changes, and released their first all new album since their reformation four years ago, Trapped Animal. The memories of punk days of old live on in the rasta-punk style voice of frontwoman Ari Up. Screeching like a banshee in the night, she lifts you up from your seat with her voice and tosses you into the past where filthy punks ruled the world. Read more…
By Albert Serna Posted in Reviews The Slits
You’ll Be Seeing Them, Like it Or Not
Paramore’s latest album, Brand New Eyes, is definitely an unexpected surprise. Young Haley Williams’s amazing vocal abilities truly shine through and her unstoppable climb to the top of music charts will be unmistakably evident. Read more…
By Albert Serna Posted in Reviews Haley Williams, Paramore
Luck Be a Lady Tonight
Energetic, catchy, and upbeat, things we all look for when deciding on who’s hot and who’s not. Luckily, The Cab have those three principle qualities. Their breakout album, Whisper War, has already seen the beginnings of mainstream success, hitting number 108 in its first week according to the Billboard charts list. Their first single, “One of Those Nights”, features Brendon Urie (Panic! At The Disco) and Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy) and sounds like the musical offspring of both of their groups, which isn’t bad if you like clones. Asking for something new in this day and age can be ridiculous, but The Cab seem to at least try with some success in the album’s third single, “Bounce”. Bounce features a pop melody that gets stuck under your skin like a bad itch with a good beat. The fast paced rhythm of the combined songs gives the feel of a second rate punk show, but the pop aspect of the album makes it all the better and slightly alright. Read more…
By Albert Serna Posted in Reviews The Cab
