The Appleseed Cast
Sagarmatha
Vagrant (2009)
It's been almost three years since we were last graced with an album from The Appleseed Cast, 2006's much more straightforward Peregrine. This is the second album lacking original drummer Josh Baruth, being replaced by former The Casket Lottery member Nate Richardson. Anyone who had the privilege of seeing The Appleseed Cast live with Baruth on percussion understands the raw … Read more
The Black Heart Procession
Six
Temporary Residence (2009)
Can anyone truly describe the sound of The Black Heart Procession? At times there is an audible melancholy that seems to wrap itself in the music, and at other times the band produces a bit more of a "poppy" feel, all the while still maintaining something more dark. Pointless as it is, in an attempt to describe the group's style … Read more
The Blackout Argument
Remedies
Lifeforce (2009)
Germany's The Blackout Argument are one of the many new hardcore acts being spawned in the scene today. In their short career as a band, they have already released three EP's and a full-length and they have been building their reputation as one of the hardest working bands out there today. They recently faced the challenge of finding a new … Read more
The Bomb
Speed is Everything
No Idea (2009)
Considering how much I've heard about the Naked Raygun reunion, you'd think there would be more buzz regarding The Bomb. Speed is Everything is the Jeff Pezzati led group's first release for No Idea Records. When compared with Pezzati's more renowned group, I was expecting a more contemporary twist. Instead, The Bomb has a strong 80's feel to it, with … Read more
The Bonus Army
Negative Outlooks
Arrest (2009)
Well what do we have here? Ten songs on one 7", plus a cartoon image of a zombie getting their head lopped off by an axe. Yup, it's hardcore and the nastier side of it. Negative Outlooks reminds me of Think I Care with its heavy yet punishing fast hardcore with gruff shouted venom spewed vocals. Negative Outlooks is the … 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
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 City and Skyway
Everything Looks Worse In Black And White
Self Released (2009)
Being an objective reviewer, I will try and ignore the grossly overboard hyperbole contained in their press sheet. But this is fairly serviceable post-emo rock release from the mid-west. The guitars have flashes of hooks here and there throughout this record. The lyrics seem to have a very focused target on doctors, drugs, and the lack of healing in this … Read more
The Cold Beat
Dumbwaiter
Independent (2009)
Dumbwaiter is a decent enough EP from this Boston four-piece. The first track, "Watch and Ward" is the best one as it recalls a fuzzed out Pixies mixed with any catchy latter day Replacements songs. After "Watch and the Ward", The Cold Beat go through the motions of being your average indie/college rock bar band with their roots firmly planted … Read more
The Creeps
These Walls
Black Pint (2009)
What much can I really say? This style has been done numerous times. The Creeps play infectious, upbeat punk, born of the Ramones and sculpted by Screeching Weasel. Somewhere in the genre's history, bands like the Groovie Ghoulies shifted the concept from straightforward silliness towards specific niches. The Creeps carry that torch onward. On These Walls The Creeps play their … Read more
The Ergs!
That's It...Bye
Don Giovanni (2009)
Bands break up all the time. Sometimes they blow up on stage, storm off from a tour, grow apart, and on occasion they cordially agree that it's time to move on. In any case, they almost always leave fans wanting more. The Ergs! decided to hand one to their fans, announcing their decision ahead of time and releasing a 12" … Read more
The Get Up Kids
Something to Write Home About (Reissue)
Vagrant (2009)
The release of The Get Up Kids' debut full-length Four Minute Mile is something that I recall with the greatest of ease. My sister won a contest from a record store, getting a slew of just released CD's for free. Amongst the various punk compilations and releases from bands on Epitaph, Fat Wreck, and Lookout! was said album from The … Read more
The Golden Age
Unlock Yourself
Panic (2009)
Panic Records has been on quite a roll as of late. Releasing great records from Final Fight, Outrage, Make Do And Mend, and a 7" from a Texas hardcore band The Golden Age. This five-piece made quick work in the studio to record their new full-length, Unlock Yourself which is being described as "one of the best melodic hardcore records … Read more
The Guilt Show
Before They Know We're All Dead
Refoundation (2009)
Now this is more like it. After the slow burn of the opening track "Raise My Flag," The Guilt Show go for the throat with a violent thrashing attack of blitzkrieg type hardcore that reminds me of a cross between The Suicide File and Striking Distance. How awesome is that? Well yeah, it is awesome. The Guilt Show, like their … Read more
The Hold Steady
A Positive Rage
Vagrant (2009)
When it comes to live albums, it has to be a band I love or a band that puts on a spectacular live show for me to want to buy it. In the case of The Hold Steady, their live album, A Positive Rage has them put on a pretty good show with a good, varied set that even includes … Read more
The Hope Conspiracy
True Nihilist
Deathwish Inc. (2009)
Always an air of mystery or uncertainty surrounding The Hope Conspiracy due to their status and rare live appearances, the group provides us with a bit of a tease in the three-song EP, True Nihilist in order to remind people that they are still out there lurking on the edge of existence stewing in whatever fuels the angry sounds for … Read more
The Human Quena Orchestra
The Politics of the Irredeemable
Crucial Blast (2009)
Surprising as it was to me that The Human Quena Orchestra is a project featuring members of Creation is Crucifixion that flew completely under my radar, I am jumping at the chance to check out what some of those guys are up to with their music. Anyone that ever gave Creation is Crucifixion a listen may recognize the electronic nature … Read more
