Kickback
No Surrender
GSR (2009)
Apparently Kickback is from France and is controversial as well as infamous. I'm not trying to doubt these claims but I haven't been able to find any reason why they'd be either of the last two things save for some of their artwork and the music video now streaming on their Myspace page. For a band that is nearing twenty … 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
Kid You Not
Here's To Feelin' Good All The Time
Bypolar Records, Sell The Heart Records (2022)
If it was 1993, this would be called emo. But a lot has changed in scenes and sounds since then, so I won’t go there. Instead, I’m going to call Kid You Not elastic punk. Here’s To Feelin’ Good All The Time is constantly shifting complex moods but it always stays strong, dynamic and somewhat positive. It’s about our relationship … Read more
Kid You Not
Never A Dull Movement
Deep Elm (2017)
Kid You Not has some pretty clear influences behind their melodic pop-punk sound. With semi-coarse vocals that lead to big sing-along choruses, Iron Chic and Red City Radio shine through. It’s not really shining music though. These are some cynical songs that wallow in an unpleasant world.As a whole, this is a solid record with some flaws. The overall sound … Read more
Kid You Not
Thanks, I Hate It
Deep Elm Records/Bypolar Records (2020)
I was tempted to start this review with a “for fans of” reference, but that’s both lazy and mean. Kid You Not aren’t reinventing the punk rock wheel here but, c’mon -- if you’re listening to punk that’s not what you should expect in the first place. It’s a derivative style that’s more about energy, emotion and community than art.Based … Read more
Kids Like Us
The 80s are Dead (Reissue)
Eulogy (2008)
I might as well start this review off by saying I have never liked Kids Like Us. There is nothing about their music that enthralls me. Actually their moshy "skater jams" annoy the living piss out of me with their juvenile lyrics and token mosh parts. There has been countless stories of lame debauchery that this band has caused on … Read more
Kill Matilda
#Punk#Zombie#RocknRoll
Independent (2014)
Blood, decay, and darkness, that’s what I think of when I listen to Kill Matilda’s re-release EP #Punk#Zombie#RocknRoll which derived from their 2011 full length album I Want Revenge. This album grips my mind and twists my emotions! I imagine myself in a dank basement with thirty of the coolest people I know, crammed in, with can’s of PBR, and … Read more
Kill Your Idols
From Companionship to Competition
Side One Dummy (2005)
he new Kill Your Idols record, From Companionship to Competition, is the best mediocre record since Shutdown's Against All Odds was released in 1998. I don't know about you, but I listened to that record constantly, I was psyched about the Brooklyn Youth Crew, and I rocked my Shutdown summer tour shirt until I accidentally turned it pink bleaching my … Read more
Kill Your Idols
Live at CBGB's
Blackout! (2005)
I'm a fan of Kill Your Idols, hell I rock their hoodie every cold day in myriad of cold days that I endure in the frozen tundra of Minnesota. I've even been privy to see Kill Your Idols twice in the last five years, which by Twin Cities standards, that's like seeing them every week. Kill Your Idols is a … Read more
Kill Your Idols
Something Started Here
Get Outta Town / Lifeline (2007)
Kill Your Idols were always one of those bands to me. I never considered myself a fan of their music, maybe having a track or two on various compilations, but I would never outwardly say "they suck" or some similar criticism. My indifference to the band wasn't total either. I can recount seeing them four or five times, almost always … Read more
Killing Joke
Absolute Dissent
Universal (2010)
As a band, Killing Joke has had numerous peaks and valleys in their career over the past 30 plus years most recently with the death of longtime bassist Paul Raven. The band has been one of the few to successfully tap into different genres over the year’s punk, Goth, metal, rock and experimental dub to name a few. The band’s … Read more
Killing Joke
MMXII
Spinefarm Records (2012)
Think to yourself briefly and see if you can think of more than a handful of bands that have existed for nearly 30 years. Now think of how many of those bands have not only managed to stick to their own sound but also progress within their given sound consistently within that time. How many bands fit within those guidelines? … Read more
Killing Kings
...The One You Feed the Most
Independent (2008)
Killing Kings 2007 release Delusions of Grandeur was an under appreciated gem of 90's inspired hardcore. It was equally as destructive as it was thought provoking. The album was a combination of bruising metallic hardcore and searing metal that often had me dreaming of dance-floor incited frenzy sing-alongs. The album's social and political lyrical themes only added further fuel to … Read more
Killing the Dream
Fractures
Deathwish Inc. (2008)
I'm going to be straight up; Fractures is the most anticipated album of 2008 for me. Sure, there were other albums that I have really been looking forward to hearing, but the latest from Killing the Dream is at the top of my list. And the Northern California hardcore outfit does not disappoint with this their second full-length recording. After … Read more
Killing the Dream
In Place, Apart
Deathwish Inc. (2005)
It wasn't too that ago that Killing the Dream was just a band with a demo. Upon first hearing said demo, I shared it with every single person that I knew telling them "this band is going to be huge." So maybe they're not selling out amphitheatres, but Killing the Dream are signed to one of hardcore's largest labels and … Read more
Killing the Dream
Killing the Dream
Rivalry (2004)
Today when homosapiens talk about the old school of hardcore they usually refer somewhere between the time periods of the early 1980s and the late 1980s. But as time goes on the gap begins to get larger and the definition of new school is constantly being reinvented. Look at a band like Youth Of Today for instance, when they emerged … Read more
Killing the Dream
Lucky Me
Deathwish Inc. (2010)
Lucky Me is easily my most anticipated release of 2010. When I first started listening to hardcore, Killing The Dream were one of the first bands I connected with. Over the years they have become one of my favorites. I’ve been practically frothing at the mouth waiting to get my hands on this record, but upon giving it a few … Read more
Killington Fall
Keep Your Eyes To The Sea
Independent (2011)
I've reached the point where most post-rock albums start to sound the same. While I won't say I'm completely blasé, unless a band is pulling something out of left field, it's really difficult for a band to stand out. Alas, that is where British rockers Killington Fall find themselves with their 2011 release Keep Your Eyes to the Sea.Don't get … Read more
