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Our latest album reviews, featuring the records we've most enjoyed (or not) over the past few weeks.

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Browse our album reviews according to score: Highest (9.5/10 or more) or Lowest (2/10 or less)

The Goodwill

That Was A Moment
Negative Progression (2003)

Run of the mill hardcore-influenced pop-punk. The music is tolerable, nothing spectacular at all. I would rather listen to this than jump out of an airplane, I can say that, but I'll probably never listen to this album again. The CD was as predictable as a Friday the 13th sequel. Standard pop-punk songs all the way through, with the second to last track being a soft acoustic track for all the kids to break out their lighters to, and the final track being led into by a piano and then what do you know, here come the power chords for the big arena rock/pop-punk combo ending. If you love all the Drive Thru records stuff and all that, you might enjoy this. They can be just another pop-punk band for you to like, I'd be surprised if they became one of your top bands. Read more

The Blood Brothers

Burn Piano Island, Burn
Artist Direct (2003)

I don't even know where to begin. The Blood Brothers are one of the hardest bands to describe out there … Read more

The Blood Brothers

Burn Piano Island, Burn
Artist Direct (2003)

I've never been insane, but if I were, I think this is what my thoughts would sound like. Although, that … Read more

The Blood Brothers

Burn Piano Island, Burn
Artist Direct (2003)

A year and a half ago, I picked up this band's first full-length CD, This Adultery Is Ripe. and brought … Read more

The Plot To Blow Up the Eiffel Tower

Dissertation, Honey
Happy Couples Never (2003)

The Plot to Blow Up the Eiffel Tower are a daring young band from California. The band comes together in … Read more

The Plot To Blow Up the Eiffel Tower

Dissertation, Honey
Happy Couples Never (2003)

I had heard one song before getting the whole album so I kind of knew what to expect from the … Read more

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One from the archives

Off!

Self Titled
Vice (2012)

This record is way too long. Nah, with 16 songs in 17 minutes, it’s shorter than a heart attack. And, hopefully, that will be my only elderstateman reference in here. For those living under a rock since 2010, Off! is a new Keith Morris (Circle Jerks, Black Flag) fronted hardcore band where he is joined by Dimitri Coats (Burning Brides), Steven Shane MacDonald (Redd Kross), and Mario Rubalcaba (Hot Snakes, Rocket from the Crypt). The band pulls from Morris' first bands, with a classic Decline of Western Civilization era sound. Short, loud, fast, and seemingly named after an insect repellent.I might be one of the few in the world who didn’t rush out and during the hype parade that surrounded The First Four EPs. But, here the band is back … Read more

More album reviews

The Plot To Blow Up the Eiffel Tower

Dissertation, Honey
Happy Couples Never (2003)

This band was supposed to play at a show I went to a while back, but something came up. I hadn't really heard anything about them so I shrugged it off. It's a shame I did. I really wish I had gotten that opportunity because it wouldn't have taken me so long to find out about this awesome, new band. … Read more

A Static Lullaby

And Don't Forget To Breathe...
Ferret (2003)

I know this band is something-core; I am just not sure which one. With song titles like "Love To Hate, Hate To Me", "The Shooting Star That Destroyed Us All" and "A Song for a Broken Heart", you almost know what to expect. It's got the high-powered crunching guitars, tantrum screams, and wait, what's this? An emotional breakdown with twinkly … Read more

A Static Lullaby

And Don't Forget To Breathe...
Ferret (2003)

The most fun thing I found with this CD were the song titles. The music itself combines "emo", metalcore, and pop to make something that is radio friendly and "edgy" at the same time. My favorite part about the music is the screaming, but it gets destroyed by the whiney backups that quickly become an ear sore. I don't like … Read more

A Static Lullaby

And Don't Forget To Breathe...
Ferret (2003)

Tolerable but tossable. This CD is filled with that modern hardcore edge mixed with pop melodies that the kids are going nuts about these days. This is nothing new in anyway, but it does have a few catchy songs. The background singers are sub-par, while the frontman pulls off some decent screams most of the time. If you're a fan … Read more

The Suicide File

Twilight
Indecision (2003)

An excellent debut LP from this Boston, MA band. Boasting ex-members of some impressive bands (Death By Stereo, The Hope Conspiracy, No Reply) they have come together to make an equally impressive band. All new songs with the exception of Ashcroft (formerly released on a split with THC, also my favorite song of theirs before this release), they have plowed … Read more

The Suicide File

Twilight
Indecision (2003)

Even though adding metal and hardcore together is the newest equation for success, some bands are still keeping it real. A fine example of keeping it real is this album. At the same time that they are playing hardcore, they are adding new elements into make it sound different, but nothing too drastic. The vocals are nice, they are very … Read more

The Suicide File

Twilight
Indecision (2003)

I consider myself at least somewhat picky when it comes to hardcore. At least, I don't jump at everything with fast snare; however, this album is undeniably a great hardcore record. Lots of finger pointing fun and plenty of room for floorpunching and windmills. If you're into hardcore, or even if you aren't, check this album out. Read more

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Browse our album reviews according to score: Highest (9.5/10 or more) or Lowest (2/10 or less)