Coliseum
Goddamage
Auxiliary (2005)
Coliseum's Goddamage EP must be listened to in order to be believed. Hell, looking at the cover art, one has to know what to expect. That is not to say that the record is so obvious. The cover simply represents the mood and salvo of sound on the record completely, even down to the faux sticker on the back: "As … Read more
Coliseum
House With A Curse
Temporary Residence (2010)
One of the beautiful things about making music and sonic art, is that the artists and bands can take their work to interesting places at the drop of a hat if they so choose or are somehow led (by emotions, life changing events, calculated maneuvers, etc) to make such a sonic shift (through songwriting changes, production changes, personnel changes, etc); … Read more
Coliseum
No Salvation
Relapse/Auxiliary (2007)
In less than four years, Coliseum has proven to be a busy band with their touring crisscrossing the United States as well as Europe, undergoing multiple line-up changes and configurations, and releasing a bunch of records (a self-titled full-length, the split 7" with Lords, the Goddamage EP, and the split with Young Widows); sometimes I take for granted that they … Read more
Coliseum
True Quiet / Last Wave
Deathwish Inc. (2009)
Yes, a new Coliseum record! Although they are not as prolific as they used to be, Coliseum continues to give listeners new music at least semi regularly. And even though we are still quite a ways away from hearing a new full-length from this touring machine, they still drop this single in an attempt to tide us all over. Although … Read more
Coliseum / Doomriders
Not of This World
Level Plane (2005)
At a recent Coliseum show, vocalist/guitarist Ryan Patterson made mention that Glenn Danzig was a big influence and source of inspiration for him for years. On Not of This World both Coliseum and Doomriders pay tribute to that man. Although short by most standards, this split EP packs enough of a wallop that it shames a majority of the full-lengths … Read more
Coliseum / Young Widows
Split
Relapse (2006)
First off, the packaging on this limited release is top notch. It's a screen-printed, foil stamped, cardboard "case" that is all folded like a bit of origami (not really, but it is cool nonetheless). It is a tour CD (you might be able to get from the Auxiliary web store) that served as a teaser for the Young Widows' full-length … Read more
Collapsar
Integers
Escape Artist (2007)
Let's be honest here, if a band is going to be an instrumental group that is completely devoid of vocals than they need to be pretty damn impressive to make up for that obviously lacking human element from the group's oeuvre. Collapsar are an entirely instrumental group that I have been drawn to checking out because of their usually eye … Read more
Comadre
The Youth
Bloodtown (2005)
Whoever said there's only so many different ways to say you like something lied. Actually, I don't remember anybody ever saying that. But here we are, and I get to attempt to convey to you why I think this album is worth your time to listen to because I like it. Not only do I like it, but it has … Read more
Combichrist
What the Fuck is Wrong With You People?
Metropolis (2007)
Andy LaPlegua is a man of many talents. He's tried his hand at everything from hip-hop to metal, from industrial to hardcore, from punk to trance. After forming the now highly successful Icon of Coil in 1997, LaPlegua has gone on to establish three side-projects, each equally successful in their own right. Among these is aggrotech group Combichrist, whose accomplishments … Read more
Come Closer
Pretty Garbage
Pirates Press (2021)
J. Wang has played in a lot of bands: Dan Padilla, Tiltwheel, Altaira, and Shallow Cuts, to name a few. In other words, he’s an active musician and when his other bands broke up, or went on hiatus, or live too far away – throw in a year-plus pandemic -- well, a creator’s gotta create. Come Closer actually kicked off … Read more
Come Closer
We Died With Print
Independent (2022)
Members of Come Closer have played in Dan Padilla, Pinback, Tiltwheel, and more. While that background is helpful for setting the tone, though, it’s not really essential. They are a new-ish group and We Died With Print is their second album. J. Wang is the ringleader of the band, which is rooted in DIY basement punk but expands their sound … Read more
Come Sleep
The Burden of Ballast
Version Studio (2007)
That old saying attests that "you only get what you give." Nowhere does this apply better than heavy metal. The genre can somehow simultaneously be an embarrassing parody of itself and push musical boundaries to new creative planes. The resurgence of "thinking man's metal" came with an increased presence of amplifiers, New York Times profiles, and expensive LPs. It's safe … Read more
Comeback Kid
Wake the Dead
Victory (2005)
This has been one of the hardest reviews I have ever written simply because I do not like this album whatsoever, yet I still feel compelled to review it. Instead of writing a wordy explanation let me draw out a Comeback Kid timeline for you. 2003: Turn It Around is released on Christian label Facedown Records. Record is embraced by … Read more
Condominium
Warm Home
Independent (2011)
The title of Twin Cities trio Condominium’s latest is quite misleading. Warm Home is not the record you put on for an evening in front of the fire place with hot chocolate and a novella. This is anything but comforting. Instead, imagine the following scenario: The clock strikes 2AM just as the pot cookie you ate between your first and … Read more
Confront Hate
Diabolical Disguise of Madness
Hell Xis (2011)
We all have artists we love, artists we want to emulate. That's part of what makes each person's music unique: we bring in elements of a wide array of influences, and the music we create is decidedly original. That's why two artists can be in the same genre and sound almost nothing alike. Of course, sometimes a band can get … Read more
Conor Oberst
Conor Oberst
Merge (2008)
It's rather interesting that I've found the work of Bright Eyes to be wholly underwhelming since the release of Fevers and Mirrors back in 2000. Sure, there are been standout tracks throughout the years, but as a whole, not one entire album has quite captured the sincerity, the emotion, and the songwriting skills that Conor Oberst displayed on that album. … Read more
Constantines
Kensington Heights
Arts & Crafts (2008)
Kensington Heights is the fourth album from Ontario's Constantines and their first since 2005. The group, best known for a powerful live show, has yet to capture their stage presence on a piece of wax. However, the record takes strides and shows flashes of that magic energy that sets the group apart from many other indie rockers. The band uses … Read more
Constantines
Shine A Light
Sub Pop (2003)
I'm from California. I live near the ocean. I like driving. I like watching baseball. I'm the outside world's perception of a fairly typical American guy (except for my slightly unhealthy obsession with noise-rock, but this is neither the time nor the place to get into that). And like most Americans, Canada isn't really something with which I find myself … Read more
