Ratatat
Ratatat
XL Recordings (2004)
The hype machine works in interesting ways. It can make or break a band even if the wind changes direction. Music critics go from band to band and suck every little ounce of creativity and humanity they had left inside of them like the leeches they are, then they move on to the next wave of hyped bands. Bear in … Read more
Rational Anthem
It’s Only Permanent
A-F (2019)
It’s been a long time since the last Rational Anthem record, Emotionally Unavailable in 2014. The band is still similar but what jumps out the most to me with It’s Only Permanent is the clean, big pop hooks. The band has always been peppy and focused on those singalong moments, but this record is downright anthemic from start to finish. … Read more
Rations
Martyrs and Prisoners
86'd records (2013)
Released on 86’d Records, I came to Rations with a blank slate. Thirty seconds of research tells me the band is a four-piece from Long Island and includes, among others, 86’d Records’ own Wells as a member. Trivia aside, most folks don’t buy a piece of vinyl based on any of that info above. They buy it because it’s good … Read more
Ravens and Chimes
Reichenbach Falls
Better Looking (2007)
Lets paint a picture. After weeks of midterms and presentations in combination with 'seasonal' weather, I couldn't decide if I was more exhausted or cold. I was half asleep riding shotgun back to my parents house when I first slid Ravens and Chimes into the CD deck of my best friend's over sized SUV. About a week previously both of … Read more
Razor of Occam
Homage to Martyrs
Metal Blade (2009)
Blackened thrash metal has been getting a lot more popular recently with bands like Skeletonwitch and Toxic Holocaust getting more recognition as of late. Like most sub-genres, there are bands who are worthy contributors to the scene and then there are those who are simply followers and the United Kingdom's Razor of Occam, are without a doubt, more than worthy … Read more
Razorlight
Razorlight
Vertigo (2006)
In a recent poll conducted by NME magazine and the book of British Hit Singles and Albums, Oasis's Definitely Maybe was voted the greatest album of all time, fending off such paltry efforts as Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Revolver. According to Q magazine, the imaginatively titled Razorlight is the best guitar album since Definitely Maybe. Following this … 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
Razzle Dazzle
Strictly Saucers
Lockin Out (2008)
Detroit, Michigan's Razzle Dazzle (or Rzl Dzl for the vowely impaired) is two dudes named Will and Haroun who basically just want you and everyone to rage. They aren't asking for Molotov cocktail type carnage as you try and smash the "man" in an anarchist state of complete disobedience. Nope, I think Razzle Dazzle's drink of choice is probably whatever … Read more
Real McKenzies
Off the Leash
Fat Wreck Chords (2008)
What the world needs is more Dropkick Murphys, or perhaps something just different enough to spawn a new sub-subgenre. Unlike Dropkick Murphys, The Real McKenzies hail from Vancouver and parlay their Scottish heritage into a Celtic-fused melodic punk. Off the Leash is their fourth full-length release and second on Fat Wreck. If you can make it past the terrible cover … Read more
Real Numbers
Brighter Then EP
Slumberland Records (2021)
Last year took a toll on many, many people. It was rough. It was angry. It was painful. And most art reflected that.Sometimes it’s necessary to take a deep breath, relax, and think about that feeling when the sun shines through the clouds. And that’s what Real Numbers sound like to me. The clean and pristine guitar tones really define … Read more
Real Numbers
Wordless Wonder
Slumberland Records (2016)
There are a lot of traps in music journalism. Some, like genre, are the same traps that artists fall into. Because of the constrained vocabulary of describing sounds it can be a challenge to speak of a difference between influence, mimicry, and hybrids. So often when a modern band is described as in tune with an early sound, it’s nostalgic … Read more
Rebuilder
Local Support
Iodine (2023)
In an era of searching for nostalgia, Boston natives Rebuilder have managed to remind us that living in the present isn’t so bad after all —and if it is, there’s always support. With their sophomore album Local Support, Rebuilder has captured what it means to persist as a local, gnarly punk band in the ever-changing world both in and outside … Read more
Reclusa
The Anticonscience
Crucial Blast (2011)
Reclusa has joined the ranks of the crucial blaze releases and take little time to make their intentions known. While the group released a few short run cassettes this is their first big project. Their style matches seamlessly to the labels' general modus operandi revelling in a strained and disturbed combination of noise, industrial and black metal. The press release … Read more
Red City Radio
SkyTigers EP
Red Scare Industries (2018)
Today’s story about wrong first impressions will be about Red City Radio, a some-kind-of-hyphen-punk band from OKC. I’ll admit I’m already behind on first listening to the band just last year – they formed in 2007. That said, I caught a solo acoustic set by lead vocalist Garrett Dale and then watched their last two or three songs as a … Read more
Red Collar
Welcome Home
Tiny Engines (2012)
From the get-go, Welcome Home establishes Red Collar’s infectious brand of up-tempo rock and roll with tenacity and a working-class spirit. Known for their energetic live show that blurs the line between performer and audience, the Durham, North Carolina based band does well to translate that intensity onto a recorded format. Formed by the duo of Jason and Beth Kutchma, … Read more
Red Dons & TV Smith
A Vote For the Unknown
Deranged (2014)
Red Dons are a band I’ve meant to check out for some time. As a reviewer, perhaps I’m supposed to go check out the whole back catalog, but I often find it equally useful to approach a band tabula rasa, as that gives a better view of where this specific record is at. Past accomplishments, be damned, it’s the A … Read more
Red Fang
Whales And Leeches
Relapse (2013)
There's an untold amount of new bands just waiting to be discovered. Some will be discovered and just as quickly forgotten. Some will be discovered, appreciated for a brief time and then forgotten. The very lucky few will be discovered, loved and will continue to be loved by a few, who will spread the word to a few and, higher … Read more
Red Hot Chili Peppers
I'm With You
Warner Bros. (2011)
After a quiet five years of whispers, rumors, questions, confirming of rumors and, at last, the revealing of exactly what the fuck The Red Hot Chili Peppers have been up to, they finally release an album. Featuring a new guitarist. And a fly mounting a pill capsule as cover art. Let there be no doubt; the four chili peppers have … Read more
