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Tortoise

It's All Around You
Thrill Jockey (2004)

Tortoise are one of those bands that never seem to live up to my expectations. Of course I think they're amazing musicians and everything, but I'm always expecting a little bit more. I think a lot of other people do as well. Sadly, I think this is a result of the genius that was Millions Now Living Will Never Die. … Read more

Kid Kilowatt

Guitar Method
Hydra Head (2004)

There are side-projects and then there are supergroups. A side-project is something that a band member fiddles with when they are bored. But a supergroup is a project that no matter how hard it is kept under wraps won't be held back. Kid Kilowatt is a supergroup, a supergroup comprised of members of Cave In (Stephen Brodsky and Adam McGrath), … Read more

Lostprophets

Start Something
Sony (2004)

After releasing their debut, The Fake Sound of Progress, Lostprophets have returned with their second album for Columbia Records. On their first effort the band combined the versatility of Faith No More and the radio-appeal of Incubus with the charm of their countrymen Duran Duran. On their new full-length, Start Something, the band works to avoid a sophomore-slump by jazzing … Read more

Skare Tactic

Remember When
Thorp (2003)

Remember when hardcore music had more in common with punk bands as opposed to metal ones? Remember when hardcore music was concerned with getting a message out to the people as opposed to figuring out what shirt and bandana to wear with your new kicks? Remember when hardcore lyrics talked about political and social issues as opposed to whining about … Read more

Murder By Death

Who Will Survive, And What Will Be Left of Them?
Eyeball (2003)

I'll be honest right off the bat. The first mention I heard of Murder by Death was when they were making their name change from Little Joe Gould. I had yet to hear any music that the band plays, and my initial reaction was that based on namesake it was going to be another one of those emo-metalcore acts that … Read more

Tunes For Bears To Dance To

7"
Somberlain (2004)

Who wants to be sad forever? While most screamo bands wallow in their sadness and hide beneath the stairs in a gutter of sorrow, Tunes For Bears To Dance To drop kicks any tear in sight and bursts through the fog into sunshine. Not only do they absorb the Vitamin D from the sun's rays, but they suck it in … Read more

27

Let The Light In
Hydra Head (2004)

27 reach beyond simple classification. Combining bits and pieces from indie rock and trip-hop, as well as post-rock and traditional emo, 27 creates their own distinct sound within the teeming indie rock scene. With an EP, full-length, and a notable guest appearance (Isis - Oceanic) under their belts, the band has been together long enough to mold themselves from their … Read more

Madvillain

Madvillainy
Stones Throw (2004)

On this highly anticipated release from arguably two of underground hip-hop's most interesting personalities- wunderkind producer/MC Madlib (a.k.a. Otis Jackson, Jr., Quasimoto, Yesterday's New Quintet) and eccentric rapper MF Doom (a.k.a. Daniel Dumile, Viktor Vaughn, King Geedorah, Zevlove X) combine each of their unique talents to create an undeniably challenging and masterfully constructed record. Although there's an unquestionable cohesion to … Read more

Xiu Xiu

Fabulous Muscles
5 Rue Christine (2004)

This is the first time I've ever managed to find the perfect soundtrack for an art exhibit. After viewing a collection called "Late Modern European Prints," and listening to Fabulous Muscles on the drive back, I realized that both works were attempting to challenge the limits of creative representation in order to show that when said challenging occurs, art can … Read more

Eagles of Death Metal

Peace Love Death Metal
Ant Acid Audio (2004)

For those of us that follow the happenings of the music world closely, it seems there is always a release that involves a Queens of the Stone Age member around the corner. This time Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme, alias Carlo Von Sexron, is lending his talents to Eagles of Death Metal, the creation of close friend … Read more

Sufjan Stevens

Greetings From Michigan: The Great Lakes State
Sounds Familyre (2003)

Although this can be said for every state in the Union, Michigan seems to produce two types of people. Extroverts who are either pushing their backwards views on you or calling you names: Michael Moore, Ted Nugent, Eminem, the average Detroit citizen. Introverts are completely different. They move up north, avoid Detroit at all costs, and live their lives, content … Read more

Van Johnson

Holiday Tour EP
Independent (2004)

The first time I heard of Van Johnson, I assumed it was a porn star. Immediately when I got home from seeing Off Minor and overhearing a conversation about them, I fired up my computer. It was pornography time for me! (this is also known as "Zed Time") I whipped it out and soon after realized that disappointment was in … 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

Volcano, I'm Still Excited!!

Volcano, I'm Still Excited!!
Polyvinyl (2004)

Over the past 2 years, the exclamation point has become more played out than "Hey Ya!" has over these past couple months. The exclamation point is used to show urgency, uprising, excitement. Volcano, I'm Still Excited!!, like Stop It!! the previous year, manage to avoid all three of those in their debut record. What you'll get with this record is … Read more

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