Mace
Beef
Richter Scale (2021)
I doubted about reviewing this, but decided to do so anyway. I doubted about it as this is a re-release and I don’t want to make a habit out of reviewing those. This leads to an interesting time-line: this album is recorded in 2017, released on vinyl in 2019 and re-released on tape in 2021. And in 2022 I finally … Read more
Machine Girl
MG Ultra
Future Classic (2024)
Ideally, I would be a bit more interested in art. In visual art- paintings, sketches, MS Paint monstrosities- whatever. I wish I knew more about the meaning of a brush stroke or even had the desire to know more about the meaning of a brush stroke. I spend a lot of time listening to music and, subsequently, I see a … Read more
Mad Brother Ward
Ugly Life
Ruined Records (2022)
Snarling, savage, sneering rabid dog on a thick chain lunging towards your soft neck in the area of your throbbing jugular. Spittle flies from the mouth of Mad Brother Ward as he foams and drools his venomous proclamation of an Ugly Life/I Just Wanna Die. For fans of Antiseen (Mad Brother Ward is the current guitarist), Confederacy of Scum, and … Read more
Mad Sin
Sweet and Innocent? Loud & Dirty!
Thorp (2005)
First released in 1998 und das Vaterland, Mad Sin's album Sweet and Innocent? Loud & Dirty! finally gets a "proper release" on North American Shores, courtesy of Thorp Records. A band that's been around for nigh on 17 years, these guys could quite possibly be the only band to have been on more labels than they have albums released. How … Read more
Mad The Martian
Blast Off
MtM Records (2014)
All I keep hearing these days is that Rock is dead, the ever popular Gene Simmons schooled us with this factoid in an interview he did with Esquire (Esquire WTF??) last month. Well friends let me assure you Mad the Martian, a band we interviewed here on Scene Point Blank recently, are here to save Rock and Roll. The band … Read more
Madball
For The Cause
Century Media (2018)
30 years is a long fucking time. Those of us fortunate enough to break into our 30s know the wisdom and fragility that comes with clicking into that next decade of life. Things hurt more, from hangovers to inexplicable body aches. That said, we are also wiser, having learned from many of the mistakes we made in our early days, … Read more
Madball
N.Y.H.C.
Thorp (2004)
So, you want to listen to some FUCKING HARDCORE?! Yes, Madball, that loveable NYHC band is coming out with a new album aptly titled N.Y.H.C. How adorable! Despite my music knowledge, I've never really been into the hardcore scene, but now, after listening to this album, I understand what the hell all those hardcore kids talk about when they keep … Read more
Madensuyu
Current
Unday Records (2018)
I’ll start with a request for the reader: think about genres and how difficult it truly is to define music. It’s hard to hold in your head. Take metal for example. It is obvious that Black Sabbath is metal and so is Isis, despite how different they are. It isn’t as obvious how one turned into the other gradually. The … Read more
Madlib
Beat Konducta Vol. 1-2: Movie Scenes
Stones Throw (2006)
Before we can even dive into this review we must address the issue of the cataloging this style of music. When I first got into the genre I was told it was called "trip-hop." To me this sent the message that I wasn't allowed to experience it unless I was on some mind-altering substance. Next I heard it referred to … 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
Magnolia Electric Co.
What Comes After the Blues
Secretly Canadian (2005)
You would be hard pressed to come across a review of Magnolia Electric Co.'s What Comes after the Blues that doesn't mention Neil Young. The reason for this is pretty simple, it sounds very reminiscent of Neil Young, on first listen at least. People who count this as a fault haven't been paying much attention to Jason Molina's body of … Read more
Magrudergrind
II
Relapse (2016)
Fucking finally. It’s been six long years since we’ve heard from the Brooklyn via D.C. grind-brigade. This month marks the release of II, the only Magrudergrind record since 2010’s Crusher EP and a welcome relief to those only moderately pacified by Avi Kulawy’s (vocals) doom project, Ruine. II presents some major changes from Magrudergrind without exhibiting a substantial departure from … Read more
Magrundergrind / Shitstorm
Split
Robotic Empire (2006)
A few years back, I used to be friends with this kid Lee. He played drums in a few local metal bands and he loved blastbeats. He predominantly listened to a grind and death metal bands. I haven't seen him in quite some time, but if I did happen to run into him, I'd suggest that he buy this split … Read more
Mainland
Girls Unknown
Independent (2013)
Sounds can create images. New York City based 4 piece Mainland have this effect on "The Stroll". It concocts an image of bright strobe lights that make you even more bleary eyed in your drunken stupor, as you stomp your heels off the sticky floor in time to the drums as though your life depends on it, before the bridge … Read more
Majority Rule
Emergency Numbers
Magic Bullet (2003)
Intensity and passion are two integral parts of music that can be very hard to convey in a recording. Live it can be a lot easier, for instance, you can just jump up and down a lot and rock your crotch towards the sun and/or moon, and then the people will go "wooooo." To obtain this reaction from the people … Read more
Make Believe
Make Believe EP
Flameshovel (2004)
Thanks to a friend of mine, Blaine Patrick, lately I've been getting into American Football, Cap'n Jazz and Owen. These bands, among others, are all connected by the Jacksons of indie rock, the Kinsella brothers. When I heard Tim Kinsella's band Joan Of Arc I was disappointed. They're definitely creating their own sound, but something was missing. Recently Tim Kinsella's … Read more
Make Do and Mend
Bodies of Water
Panic (2009)
I'm just going to be honest here and let you all in on a little secret of mine. The thing is there aren't really any bands that have come down the pike in the last five years that I have actually really liked. Oh sure, there's been a heap of albums that have graced my ears in the half decade … Read more
Make Do and Mend
Don't Be Long
Rise (2015)
Back in 2010, Make Do and Mend were taking over top 10 lists with their debut, End Measured Mile. The band went on to shake things up with, Everything You Ever Loved. They slowed things down and focused on finding the right formula for their songs to burst and bloom. Their newest record, Don't Be Long, takes every chance it … Read more
