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Armalite

Armalite
No Idea (2006)

I have never been a huge fan of Atom Goren's past projects. Whether it was his sloppy but albeit fun pop-punk outfit, Fracture, whom existed in the early 90's, or when he used to crisscross the nation with a sequencer he goofily called "His Package." It's not that Fracture wasn't catchy or Atom and His Package wasn't charmingly cute. I … Read more

Cattle Decapitation

Karma. Bloody. Karma
Metal Blade (2006)

Well what can you say about a group like Cattle Decapitation? First and foremost…they're not emo. Secondly, they have a new album out called Karma. Bloody. Karma, and thirdly…it's one of the best albums of the year. One of the most criminally underrated bands on the grind/gore-core scene should finally get their due. Underrated because let's face it, the genre … Read more

Mastodon

Call of the Mastodon
Relapse (2006)

The first time that I saw Mastodon was at Hellfest 2001, the same year of Earth Crisis' last show. Some friends of mine told me that this would be one of my favorite bands after I saw them. So, I eagerly anticipated their appearance like nothing else. Their set was intense and completely blew me away. They were so intense … Read more

Jenny Piccolo

Jenny Piccolo
Three One G (2006)

Discography CD's are certainly a weird bunch. Bands nowadays don't generally record three or four records like many bands of yore, instead putting out a slew of seven-inches and compilation tracks (making this format viable and feasible). Or maybe bands of yore put out seven-inches and bands nowadays put out a demo, get signed, put out an EP, a full-length … Read more

Supersystem

A Million Microphones
Touch & Go (2006)

A Million Microphones is undoubtedly one of the biggest surprises of the year. Supersystem, minus the drummer, was formerly known as El Guapo. Despite releasing records on Dischord, El Guapo never managed to make an impression on me. So when they changed their name to Supersystem and signed to Touch And Go, I remained vaguely indifferent. "Not the Concept", the … Read more

Slayer

Christ Illusion
American (2006)

During one of his spoken word performances, Henry Rollins once noted that it is as if someone freezes Slayer in a block of ice in-between tours and recording; they are completely unaware of the fact it's not 1983 anymore but still continue to make music as if it was. In their twenty-something year career, they haven't really "progressed" (began sucking) … Read more

Jena Berlin

Passion Waits as the Program Keeps Going
Watch the City Burn (2005)

I realize that we are more than halfway through 2006. I realize that Jena Berlin recently began recording their follow-up to this album. But, I have two solid reasons for reviewing this album so late: 1) I never heard of the band prior to receiving the album in the mail a few weeks back, and 2) Passion Waits as the … Read more

The Scare

Snakes Among Saints
Lawnchair (2006)

Not many people remember DC melodic hardcore band Affront, whom has the dubious distinction of being one of three bands (J Page and 3 Inches of Blood are the others) to ever shack out on my wooden apartment floors. I wasn't living here at the time but my old roommate took these boys out for a night on the town … Read more

Razzle Dazzle

Both
Lockin Out (2006)

Razzle Dazzle, better known as RZL DZL on this side of the computer screen, is Detroit's latest hardcore export, and yet another Lockin Out exclusive. The appropriately titled Both features their 5" release, 555, as well as their Demo Revisited 7", offering a more accessible way to listen to RZL DZL than hunting down two out-of-print records. RZL DZL plays … Read more

Multiple Authors

Johnny Cash

American V: A Hundred Highways
American (2006)

Johnny Cash might as well be an American institution. Many revere him and his recent death following the passing of his beloved wife, June Carter, was marked by much hoopla and circumstance. It was a shame, but by no means a shock. The triumphant and bleak sounding record, American IV: When the Man Comes Around, was a disturbing and wonderful … Read more

Multiple Authors

Johnny Cash

American V: A Hundred Highways
American (2006)

It seems almost an old story now. Ailing musician hooks up with a contemporary producer and covers a mixture of contemporary songs. Tom Jones tried it. Rod Stewart tried it. It's an old story that so often ends up looking pathetic. A contrived attempt to mine the last fragments of dying fame, more often than it is a serious artistic … Read more

Between the Buried and Me

The Anatomy of
Victory (2006)

I like Between the Buried and Me, a lot. But The Anatomy of is a perfect example of a covers album gone bad. I really like the idea of paying homage to the bands that inspired you to play in the first place, but there is a productive way to go about doing that and there is also a filler-creating … Read more

Erase Errata

Nightlife
Kill Rock Stars (2006)

I fear it may happen one day; someone will slip up, let the cat out of the bag, and give the game away. Someone may, one day, tell Erase Errata that it isn't 1981 any longer. Basquiat is dead, Sonic Youth isn't so youthful anymore and John Hinckley Jr. was a rubbish shot. Step forward, Ladies, 2006 has much to … Read more

Radio 4

Enemies Like This
Astralwerks (2006)

When Radio 4 released Gotham, it instantly became one of my favorite albums of all time. It was packed full of great songs that were great to dance to and also contained a message. But the band faltered with the distinctly average Stealing of a Nation. It wasn't so much that Stealing of a Nation was a bad album, it … Read more

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