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CRUSH DOWN - LIKE THIS - MCA 088-112-363-2
These guys have the Pearl Jam routine down pat. The singer sounds like he has a mouthful of marbles when he sings. But for some reason after a couple of listenings I tend to start liking some of the songs. The songs are witty and well performed. "Monday," is definitely the hit, it sounds totally deferent from the rest of the CD. It has an Oasis buzz, this should do good on the radio, at least it would stand out in the ocean of crap. B. Jones |
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SUPERGRASS - SUPERGRASS - Island 314-542-3882
This is their best Cd yet. (I don’t care what anyone says.) Opening track "Movin’" reminds you of one of those great 60’s movie soundtrack songs except this one’s got singing. And what a great vocalist Gaz Coombs is. In "Your Love" he easily slides from the Bono type verse straight into a chorus that The Chocolate Watchband would be proud of. This whole CD reminds me of how great "Between the Buttons" by the Stones was. D.Webb |
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6X - THUNDER BOMB - Daemon DAM 19027
Fun rock ‘n’ roll. This reminds me of the energy that was happening in California around the time of the band X. With the female vocals it sound like early Exene or maybe the Donna’s. They even do a cover of "Come On Down To My Boat," by Every Mothers Son. But funny enough my favorite song is "I Feel Better," it’s the only one the guy sings lead on, but it stands out in and Elvis Costello kind of way. Fun time music. B. Bradshaw |
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LOVELIGHT SHINE - MAKES OUT -Big Wheel Recreation 0235BWR
If you like your pop with mucho punch, this CD will have you beating your dashboard like the guys in "Wayne’s World." "Freedom Fighter" and "X-ray Vision," begin the assault in . "Earth’s Last Lifeline" is as cool as the best of Cheap Trick. Great vocals and Guitar melody line. Chill inducing. "The March Is On" is grand epic pop (wonderful guitar solo at the end). Bowie and Mick Ronson would have been proud of this. D. Webb |
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THE CANDY SNATCHERS - COLOR ME BLOOD RED - Black Lung BL-21CD
These guys have always been great fun. This is a live record a somehow it suits them better. From start to finish it kicks butt. At times I even get a Misfits buzz from it, but not to mislead you, cause this is straightforward garage/punk at it’s best. I think they are better on this live recording than on some of their studio stuff. You can’t see the blood in the studio, you have to see it live. B. Bradshaw |
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CLOSE CALL - TOO CLOSE - Espo 14
Nice hardcore from Massachusetts. This six song e.p. rocks. From the first song, "If It Bleeds," to the last "Like Pieces To A Puzzle," is fast paced/hard hitting hardcore to the maximum. "Slipping Away," has some nice changes in it with some good guitar work in it. "The Question At Hand," at times sounds like Gorilla Biscuits. This is a must have for any hardcore fans. M. Anders |
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SHUTDOWN - FEW AND FAR BETWEEN - Victory VR132
More of the New York hardcore. This is probably Shutdown’s best record yet. Even though they seem to fall into familiar style. "Homestretch." stands out along with "The Judged," these two songs would make a perfect seven inch. These guys are good, no doubt, but I get a little tired of the same old sound. I think they would be great to see live. Roger Miret from Agnostic Front did a great job of producing this one. B. Jones |
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FLOGGING MOLLY - SWAGGER - Side One Dummy SD1219
If the Pogues reunited with Shane Macgowan today is what Flogging Molly sounds like. I also hear a slight punk edge to some of the songs. Great Sam Smith oatmeal stout or Guinness drinking songs. "The Likes Of You Again," and "Salty Dog," are wonderful upbeat Irish influenced songs. The Chieftains now have someone to give them a run for their money. B Bradshaw |
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GAMEFACE - ALWAYS ON - Revelation REV99
Gameface have gone through several different styles over the last couple of CD’s. This one seems to lean toward the rural pop style more than emo. "Laughable," could have been off of a Gin Blossoms CD. This is definitely their most commercial effort. Overall I like this CD, it has some very well written songs with catchy hooks in them. The singing is getting better with each CD. "Anyone Can Write A Song," is my favorite. This might turn off some old fans but will surely gain many new ones. M. Jagger. |
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7 SECONDS - SCREAM REAL LOUD..LIVE -Side One Dummy SD71223
Recorded live at the Troubadour, 7 Seconds sound better than ever. This is early California hardcore that still kicks butt. Kevin Seconds voice gets better each record. The band is tight. All of the classics are here, "Walk Together, Rock Together," "The Crew," etc... My favorite is, "If The Kids Are United." Great cover of "99 Red Balloons." This is a must for 7 Seconds fans. B. Bradshaw |
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BREAKDOWN - BATTLE HYMNS FOR AN ANGRY PLANET - Thorpe TR01
These guys seem to fade in and out of the scene, but they always come back with a winner. They have always stayed on the edge of New York City hardcore. This is probably their best effort yet. This seems to be more sure of themselves and more together. The songs are better written and have more aggression. Definitely check it out. M. Anders |
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DEAD EMPTY - BLAME LUCK, BLAME FATE - Cyclone CY-117
Street punk is back, this time with a little garage rock thrown in. This sounds more like the Buzzcocks in early days. I’m glad this sound is coming back, but these guys update the sound and meld it into new street anthems. "Black Tar Silver Spoon" and "Destroyed" are my favorites. This will always please the thrash crowds everywhere. B. Bradshaw |
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FUNKER VOGT - MASCHINE ZEIT - Metropolis MET 175
The newest in a running line up, Funker Vogt has taken a step in a new direction. While keeping its pounding bass beats and war oriented lyrics, they have a somewhat softer feel and added background vocals. This difference in tone is of no consequence and goes to prove why Funker Vogt remain among the leading electro-industrial groups today. DJ. Incubus |
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ASTROPOP 3 - LIGHT YEARS AWAY 7" - Asian Man AM 063
Nice dreampop, this could be the Swirlies, Magnetic Fields or Velocity Girl, but it’s Norfolk’s own shoegaze band. "Light Years Away" has female and male counterpoint vocals that adds a nice dreamy flowing effect. "Agatha" on the other hand sounds almost too similar to a My Bloody Valentine song, but that’s not a bad thing. I think the drum mix is a little dry, and need some effects too. B. Bradshaw |
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THE KRAYS - A BATTLE FOR THE TRUTH - Temperance TEMP 22
The Krays have a good sense of melodic chord structure, bands like Stiff Little Fingers, Buzzcocks come to mind. They definitely have the power and the energy of the early eighties bands. "Battle" and "Truth," really stick out from the rest of the album. Non-stop anger and aggression, what a great mix. A must have for streetpunks. B. Bradshaw |
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DOWNWAY - NEVER BE CLEVER AGAIN - Two-O-Six 206-015
This is a modern day Gorilla Biscuits with a little of A New Found Glory mixed in. Downway have more vocals than older straightedge bands, which seems to be the way things are going. "Spokane," and "Caballero" in particular brings back memories of earlier hardcore. This is great skate-rock. The land of grunge seems to be putting out good hardcore lately. M. Jagger |
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HOCICO - SANGRE HIRVIENTE - Out Of Line
Originating from the dark abyss that is Mexico City, Hocico reaches out for your soul. Incorporating samples, eviscerol lyrics, dark melodies and heart crushing electronics, they send you on a surreal journey into the darkest recesses of your mind. This sythscape of dark harmony is not meant for the weak or narrow minded. DJ. Incubus |
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THE EXPLOSION - STEAL THIS - Revelation REV 98
This is hardcore mixed with rock n roll. These guys have the energy and rawness of the Sex Pistols mixed with early Clash. "E.X.P.L.O.S.I.O.N.," reminds me of what the Bay City Rollers would have been like had they been a hardcore band. This CD is short but sweet. They have a unique sound of their own. If you get a chance also pick up their CD’s on Jade Tree. B. Bradshaw |
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JEJUNE - R.I.P. - Big Wheel Recreation BWR0227
This is five new songs, five songs from 7" sessions and 2 older songs. Unfortunately this is their last CD, they should have been much bigger than they got. This is nice dreampop, with wonderful flowing melodies and lyrics. Nice harmonies. They were always put in an emo category, but I think it’s popier than that. Why this didn’t get radio play I don’t know. I can’t seem to rave enough about them, but it’s too late the band is no more, R.I.P. M. Jagger |
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NEW FOUND GLORY - NEW FOUND GLORY - Drive Thru 088 112 338-2
I slammed this bands last CD in the last issue, but this new CD is a whole different story. This is hard hitting pop/punk, with lots of catchy melodies and hooks. This CD has more harmonies than before. This will appeal to fans of Green Day and Blink 182, but they are not as wimpy as either of those bands. This CD is a very big improvement in their sound and should get them tons of new fans. D. Washburn |
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