The Casket Lottery
Real Fear
No Sleep (2012)
When bands you adore get back together after breaking up or reconvene following a hiatus, there is both a sense of excitement and a feeling of trepidation as the band members become reacquainted with each other (moods, skills, shared synapses, seeming simpatico, etc) behind the scenes, and there is always this standard (whether fair or not) that the band’s previous … Read more
The Casket Lottery
The Door
No Sleep (2012)
There was definitely a time a few years back (or ten if you are keeping score) where I followed (along with my wife) The Casket Lottery around the middle Atlantic states like some people followed (or even still do I guess) The Grateful Dead; during that time, we devoured every note that the three piece outfit saw fit to release … Read more
The Casting Out
Go Crazy! Throw Fireworks!
Fail Safe (2009)
Nathan Gray was the lead singer of what was one of the most important band in the late 90's, Boy Sets Fire. There are plenty of people out there that would just love to refute this fact. Nevertheless from Boy Sets Fire's performance at More than Music where they had members of the audience come up and talk about being … Read more
The Casualties
We are All We Have
Side One Dummy (2009)
Yes, this is the same Casualties which have been producing album after album of spiky haired "drunk" punk for some years now. But first, please allow me to digress and paint a picture for you. Turn the dial on the way back machine and sidle up with a steaming cup of coffee for a little "fireside" chat. My first exposure … Read more
The Catalyst
Marianas Trench
The Perpetual Motion Machine (2007)
When The Catalyst made a stop in D.C. over the summer, Mass Movement of the Moth's drummer perfectly described the band: "Welcome to Headbanging 101 with your instructor's, The Catalyst." The Catalyst then proceeded to break necks, and more than likely got drunk doing it. Rewind a few hours before, a front porch full of D.C. straight edge vegan punks, … Read more
The Catalyst
Swallow Your Teeth
The Perpetual Motion Machine (2009)
It's hard to believe that Richmond, Virginia natives The Catalyst are only releasing their first full-length record in the form of Swallow Your Teeth. But I suppose that is a testament to their craft. They've kept fans satisfied with a series of split recordings and EP's over the years so that fans haven't had a chance to really yearn for … Read more
The Cavemen
Euthanise Me
Slovenly (2020)
The Cavemen are a garage band from New Zealand with a ton of releases to their name. You know the style: it’s abrasive, it’s risqué, and full o’ swagger. But it’s also catchy, highly energetic and upbeat -- perversely positive, if you will.This 4-song EP runs at about 10 minutes (to be generous) and delivers a wallop. Fittingly titled Euthanise … Read more
The Chats
Get Fucked
Bargain Bin (2022)
So, then, is it sabotage? Or is it just punk? After 2017’s knockout hit single, “Smoko,” and a solid sophomore album, The Chats have been brushing up awfully close with mainstream success. The Australian trio is one more Wet Leg cover away from rising above the underground. Poised for evening talk show circuits and stadium tours they do what any … Read more
The Cheats
Life's Short...
Da' Core (2006)
When bands attempt to emulate the punk rock sounds of the late seventies, there are a couple elevators to enter. The first elevator travels in the direction of older bands at a trajectory so similar to them, it's scary. Scary good. If the newer band had released their songs in the past, they would be remembered alongside bands like The … Read more
The Christian Family
The Raw and Primitive Sound Of
Voodoo Rhythm (2022)
Repent, Repel, Rejoice, Rejuvenate, Respiritualize, Requiem, Repeat Friends, I come to you today with a message of hope and salvation. In a world filled with darkness and despair, it is easy to lose sight of the light and The Christian Family's love. However, I urge you to remember that no matter how complex your circumstances may be, The Christian Family … Read more
The Cinema
The Cinema EP
Secret Society (2004)
Every once in a while you find that band that is outside of the realm of music you generally listen to and they just catch your ear. A lot of times this could become a "guilty pleasure," which I believe is a terrible term. There is no reason I should feel guilty for still thinking The All-American Rejects were a … Read more
The Claudettes
Dance Scandal At The Gymnasium!
Yellow Dog Records (2018)
Do you like to be challenged every now and then? Just so that you are forced out of your comfort zone? Some say the best things in life happen just there: outside of your comfort zone. Although there is reason I like to stay inside that zone (it is quite comfortable there, after all) I enjoy the musical challenge of … Read more
The Claudettes
Go Out!
40 Below Records (2022)
I’ve written two reviews about the previous two albums of The Claudettes. As it took me ages to write this review you could be tempted to think I would not cover their latest album. You could not be more wrong. I was so happy Johnny Iguana shared this album with me for review purposes. I blame corona for the late … Read more
The Claudettes
High Times In The Dark
Forty Below Records (2020)
Usually I get to pick what I review. This (partly) explains why you might sometimes feel I am an overrating bastard. To counter that I accept my portion of homework from our grand commander. When he assigned me to review The Claudettes’ previous album Dance Scandal At The Gymnasium! two years ago I was pleasantly surprised that my homework was … Read more
The Clever References
Hamish's House
Independent (2022)
Some say Australia is a very nice place to spend your life, saying it's the safest place on earth with its protective system for its citizens. I know it's kind of dumb for thinking that any band that is from a more "wealthy place", like Australia, will always have its own privilege to get known wider around the globe though … Read more
The Cocker Spaniels
Withstand the Whatnot
Artbreak (2004)
The notion of a one-man band has always seemed like a bit of a novelty to me. Whenever I used to hear or read of an artist who supposedly played every single note on his or her recordings, the image I conjured would be something along the lines of this: That, or Prince. It wasn't until one fateful day in … Read more
The Colour
The Colour is Out and About
Monarchy (2004)
"The Colour" are out and about - I guess. Yeah, okay. Center singer dude here sounds kind of like Robert Smith, guy from that one band, and sometimes sounds like...like notimportantenoughformetoknowhisnameleadsingerofHOTHOTHEAT (who are pretty much over at this point). The Cure is kind of 'in' again so yeah, who knows if this band will rise to fame or not with … Read more
The Constellation Branch
The Dream Life, The Real Life, The Empty Glass
Independent (2008)
"To sleep, perchance to dream - ay, there's the rub." Hamlet (III, i, 65-68) Man's relationship to his dreams has been the subject of his art forever. Nothing else seems so beyond our realm of control yet so integrally personal - it is us but outside of us. And so, myriad records have been made in reflection of that ponderous … Read more
