Review / 200 Words Or Less
TV Crimes
Demo

Independent (2009) Michael

TV Crimes – Demo cover artwork
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 hardcore punk with alternative rock, similar to SST Records era The Meat Puppets and Sonic Youth. The pacing of the songs varies from fast segments - see the opening of "Freedom from Religion" and the end of "What We Need" - to mid-tempo pacing. The guitars dominate the songs, ranging from chugging hardcore slabs to rock infused rhythms and are complimented by Joel Lefkowitz's inspired vocal delivery. "Stone Statues" has a definite Suicide File feel and the final track, "Regrets," opens with a Fugazi-inspired guitar melody.

With their demo TV Crimes demonstrate you can be a hardcore band and not be limited by the usual stereotypes of the genre. The songwriting hints at a great future for this young group. You can download the demo for free from their Myspace.

8.0 / 10Michael • December 10, 2009

TV Crimes – Demo cover artwork
TV Crimes – Demo — Independent, 2009

Recently-posted album reviews

Miller Lowlifes

Pinch Hitters
ADD Records (2025)

The debut album from Florida punk band Miller Lowlifes features a vintage baseball theme, best enjoyed with a can of cheap domestic beer in hand. The metaphor fits, as Pinch Hitters focuses on the American dream -- and where it stands in 2025. The vintage educational TV audio clips add to this past-meets-present theme. It's an album that's equally about … Read more

Art Brut

Sorry, That It Doesn't Sound Like It's Planned! Battling Satan, 2009 - 2020
Edsel Records (2025)

I’ve never reviewed a box set before but Art Brut released my favourite sprechgesang anti-art-punk album of the early aughts so I figured I’d give it a go. 2005’s Bang Bang Rock & Roll placed Art Brut among the “Art Wave” scene but was more post-punk revival than “Indie Sleaze”. Argos has cited Jonathan Richman and Axl Rose as his … Read more

The Slow Death

No Light To See
Don’t Sing Records (2025)

Few bands have as fitting a name as The Slow Death. They play forlorn, self-deprecating punk that’s heavily influenced by lonesome country. The music itself is more driving and punchy, but many of the lyrics would fit just well in a somber old-timey country ballad. It’s forceful music that punches inward instead of at The Man. The first song is … Read more