Tigers Jaw
Spirit Desire
Tiny Engines (2009)
Scranton, PA's Tigers Jaw has really captivated listeners since releasing their second full-length album last year. Sure, they released their first full-length two years prior, a release that A LOT of people missed, but sometimes it just takes time for a band to have an impact. Spirit Desire is a three-song 7" that follows through on the direction the band … Read more
Tim Easton
Porcupine
New West (2009)
This new release finds Easton actually fronting a band after many years of mainly playing solo acoustic. Electric guitar leads are abound, and the music is powered by the drumming of Sam Brown. But don't worry kids, the ace songwriting is still in full force. "Broke My Heart" is great pop song, but more heady subjects are also addressed. "7th … Read more
Title Fight
The Last Thing You Forget
Run for Cover (2009)
Pennsylvania natives Title Fight return with a collection of new and old on The Last Thing You Forget. This 7" contains three brand new cuts that build on their melodic hardcore background; a CD version contains a bonus fourth song from the recording session as well as their Kingston 7" and songs from their first release, a split with The … Read more
Tombs
Winter Hours
Relapse (2009)
Following their promising self-titled debut and their split with the European band Planks, Tombs drops Winter Hours (their debut for new label Relapse Records) onto an increasingly anticipatory public. Mike Hill (guitarist and vocalist) assembles a new lineup for this album, possibly out of necessity due to attrition or maybe just to possibly add different sounds to the band's palette. … Read more
Tommy Keene
In the Late Bright
Second Motion (2009)
New release from this accomplished singer/guitarist finds him continuing to offer us great songs, which are really hard to come by these days. Keene handles the majority of the instruments here, save for longtime mainstay John Richardson on drums. "Save this Harmony" features a laid back groove and a fantastic melody to carry this one home. "Tomorrow's Gone Tonight" has … Read more
Torche
Healer/Across the Shields
Hydra Head (2009)
Following up their much acclaimed full-length, Meanderthal, Torche gives the Healer/Across the Shields twelve-inch EP and DVD to tide fans over until their next record. The record contains two tracks on that full-length as well as two additional songs (their last with recently departed guitarist Juan Montoya) which are new and a DVD with the videos for the two album … Read more
Total Fucking Destruction
Peace, Love and Total Fucking Destruction
Enucleation (2009)
Grindcore is one of those genres where these days you are just as likely to come across an abject piece of music as you are something good. This could be said of all genres but you got to be skilled to provide something original with music where speed is the primary ingredient. The classics brought something new and did it … Read more
Transit
Stay Home
Run for Cover (2009)
Just as a clock comes full circle, so does the music world. Every couple of years the music cycle rotates back around from a previous time as it highlights a specific style, sound, or message of influence. Transit is part of the new wave of melodic punk bands that draw heavily from the 90's emo scene. Imagine tidbits pulled from … Read more
Trapped Under Ice
Secrets of the World
Reaper (2009)
Normally it would concern me seeing the amount of hype leveled at a band, let alone one with only three short releases to their name. The demo was released only two years ago; it was energetic and capable but not truly breaking any ground. Then they got signed to Reaper Records and released Stay Cold, a short EP that was … Read more
Trashcan Sinatras
In the Music
Lo-Five (2009)
The new record by this Scotland group features a finely polished veneer that glides smoothly through your ears from start to finish. The solid interplay of guitars between John Douglas and Paul Livingston continues to take each song to dizzying heights. Coupled with the sincere vocals of Frank Reader and the solid back-beat provided by Stephen Douglas, you are guaranteed … Read more
Trigger Effect
Dare to Ride the Heliocraft
Signed by Force (2009)
When first opening this record, I glanced at the cover art, track titles, and album length and made the assumption that this band must sound pretty damn cocky and aggressive. And I was right for the most part. The fact that there are only two songs on the whole record that are over two minutes and considering the first track … Read more
Troublemaker
Sons of No One
Neutral Territory (2009)
New Jersey's Troublemaker (not to be confused with the Westcoast one) bring forth seven new songs on their Sons of No One 7". The band offer up a raw hardcore punk approach that brings to mind Trash Talk and early Outbreak. Tracks like "Worse for Wear" and "Drone" are short and frenzied while "Enabler" and "Beating a Dead Workhorse" are … Read more
True Colors
Rush of Hope
Powered (2009)
The European hardcore scene has always fascinated me, and for many reasons. But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the world of hardcore on the other side of the Atlantic is that it always comes of as very nostalgic. I don't mean that in a disrespecting way, but more times than not, it seems as though the Euros go out … Read more
TV Crimes
Demo
Independent (2009)
I take pride in my local hardcore scene. I try to make it out to as many shows as I can, support friends in bands in any way possible, and occasionally book a show or two. So I'm continuing to do my part by telling you about TV Crimes, my favorite local band right now. TV Crimes fuse together early … Read more
Twin Killing
...If This Could Last Forever
Akashic (2009)
Well anyone that names themselves after Floorpunch most be good right? Well Twin Killing is. Fast youth crew styled hardcore with prerequisite breakdowns, singalongs, and everything else that makes a good hardcore good. However Twin Killing doesn't win any points in the originality bracket and everything on ...If This Could Last Forever you have heard before if you own anything … Read more
Two Tongues
Two Tongues
Vagrant (2009)
When the news of Max Bemis (Say Anything) and Chris Conley (Saves the Day) collaborating to create Two Tongues was announced, many were expecting stellar results from the duo. We all know how hard it is to live up to the hype, especially when your resume includes making some of the best pop-punk albums of the new millennium, which applies … Read more
Unholy
New Life Behind Closed Eyes
Prosthetic (2009)
Unholy returns with a brand new full-length effort, and with it comes a number of new beginnings. First off, the band has seen a major lineup shift, trading out vocalists and its rhythm section. Secondly, the band has upgraded to a more high profile home at Prosthetic Records. In spite of these changes, Unholy has continued to deliver a quality … Read more
Until Your Heart Stops
We are not Coming Down
Heart In Hand (2009)
The Bay Area of California was one of the original breeding grounds for hardcore not to mention a hot bed as of late - so it really isn't a surprise to hear new and impressive bands emerging on a monthly basis. Until Your Heart Stops is a fairly new group that has something new to offer, yet is closely tied … Read more
