7 Angels 7 Plagues Jhazmyne’s Lullaby
It’s a given that meaty straight edge hardcore of the 1990s was a pretty deplorable genre. Every bit as one-dimensional as the metalcore (ex-straight edger) scene is today, the old X on hand/boot to head has been responsible for killing nearly as many brain cells as the dreaded demon juice it rallied against. In the case of 7 Angels 7 Plagues, combine the two useless, linked genres of yesterday and today -- feed them through headphones at high volumes, and downing 100 proof moonshine until liver explosion would be more intellectually stimulating. The nine songs on Jhazmyne’s Lullaby are punishing enough to please ex-Judge fans currently flailing in the pit and bleeding profusely to the new [insert seventh generation metalcore band name here]. Chuck a heavy nod to the Coalesce vocal style into this melting pot of shit and it’s time to submerge in a hot bathtub, set aside a sharp blade, engorge the wrist veins and begin slashing. Uprising Records JS

Aggression From Behind the Iron Curtain
Let me set it up for you ... Dig: I just got home from skateboarding, a fine sunless day in San Francisco, but the fog gives root to some actual heat that seems to permeate from the crooked asphalt below. I had a gleam shine of sweat and was ready for a tall water and dose of Elmo on mid-afternoon Sesame Street. But, I happened to catch my local mailman, Ferd (no not Fred ... Ferd) at my door sticking envelopes into the tiny slots. This is the same guy who always complains to me because there is no "package" drop off from all of the CD promos and whatnot I get (my payment for being a music journalist) who just happened to have a new one for me. Cool, I said. So I wished him well and off he and I went. Upstairs in my tiny shack, I opened the manila-sealed parcel and inside was a promo pack for this band called Aggression. Wow, I thought, I'd heard of these guys ... they rock! Yeah. But when I checked out the actual members, three young Aryan dudes sitting on some curb in middle America, I knew I had been thinking of the wrong band. I mean, wasn't there a band at one point called Aggression? I think so. I'm almost sure of it. If not please contact me and let me know otherwise. Regardless, I thought, three young tykes with a name like Aggression has to be fast and furious so let me crack open a tall boy and get into the groove, to quote Madonna a bit. With that, I plopped the silver disc into the machine, watched it slink into the stereo and waited for the sound ... that evanescent tuneage of pure aggro power rock, fast and devious with just a hint of old school thrash thrown in for good measure. But, what to mine wandering ears should appear, but nothing more than speckled power rock with no more than a flitty name to hold court in the reigns of some punk affiliation. It didn't work. Sorry boys, but WHAT is this? You whine about life, love, life and more crap about being young and obviously trapped in the urban confines of sub-America which we can all do without. Self-loathing can be dealt with in so many other ways; don't promise "aggression" and not deliver! Please. It sucks. But I wish you all the best of luck and, golly, call yourselves Castle Greyskull or Backwash or something. ANYthing but Aggression. Trust me. It'll work! Bailey Records MW 1.18.2002

Angelic Upstarts Live from the Justice League
Round two in TKO's "Ringside" live series documents a 2001 show in San Francisco by UK punk legends Angelic Upstarts. Their political lyrics and melodic sound put the Upstarts in the same league as the UK Subs. All the Upstarts favorites are here, including the anti-war anthem "Machine Gun Kelly" and anti-fascist rant "Leave Me Alone," as well as covers of The Clash and Sham 69. The between song banter is hilarious, Mensi's thick accent cutting into the rowdy crowd, who often heckle the slower, painful sounding tunes. "Solidarity" is downright embarrassing. When they go melodic, Angelic Upstarts sound tone deaf, but in stormers like "Last Night Another Soldier" they play formidable three-chord punk. The live sound is top notch too. TKO Records JS


The Anniversary/Superdrag Untitled Split EP
The first three songs belong to The Anniversary, an ether-toned outfit that enjoys elements of pure pop. It's perfect aural pleasure for the hungover beast. It begins with a grand tune titled "'Ol' Lady Butterfly," which shoots you into orbit in a cozy waffle iron and weaves a tapestry of neat little riffs and rhythms. The next tune, "Anais," is a definite Beatles take on nasal tones and sing-a-long breathy moans. "Up In The Sky" is a sludgepot full of trash rock goodness which drags a bit but you've got that thick blanket over you so you're well protected. Next up is Superdrag, one of those bands that gets a whole lot of hype for some strange reason. They're good, no doubt about that, but I've always considered them a sort of garage Oasis of sorts. Anyway, opinions aside (and to continue my review ... yeah), Superdrag are good at the slight and poppy thingy and do us proud with songs like "Take Your Spectre Away," which is much more than a great title. It is a repetition into loop hungry guitars and solid thick drumming with overall pleasantries involved. It really should pack the clubs. Next is the sorta sad "The Emotional Kind" and, yeah, it is just about what it says it is here. But what I really got into was the last song on this EP by them, "I Guess It's American," a grittier and louder and faster take on what we were delving into earlier throughout this fine collection. For those unfamiliar with either band, I highly suggest picking this EP up and deciding for yourself. The rest of you know what's going on so ... what are you doing reading my lowly opinions on your favorite bands? Vagrant Records/Heroes and Villains MW


Alien Beyond the Hell
Ah, the sweet waverings of some tunesmith gesticulating somewhere between the painful New Age fallacy and the stoned-up waves of hybrid fusion jazz. This is an instrumental astro parody to that former and latter sense of time and space music -- muzak? This Alien was born in Moscow and takes pride in jamming on his piano and Casio, inviting us all to float freely and headily through the big black above. Each song commodities a certain '80s-esque sci-fi soundtrack while at the same time laying down the grooves for a skin flick set amongst fog machines and astronaut mullets. Truly, this is an album of glib ambition, dorky as it may be, and, who knows, maybe this Alien himself can land a gig at the Parthenon. After huffing a bag of silver paint (high gloss) this album began to speak to me. I then realized that Alien was inspired by the Book of Revelations while composing. Well then ... off to the 700 Club with you then! Then off went this CD.
MW

AMFM Getting Into Sinking
Two-person Beatles pop band, using electronics and melancholy to bore the listener. Like a dull Joan of Arc (imagine that), AMFM’s 12 songs on Getting Into Sinking are a meandering blend of acoustic numbers. With this much pop, it’s surprising none of the songs are catchy or memorable after a few listens. Although, this album does feature the best song title since Swallowing Shit’s "If Assholes Could Fly, This Place Would Be an Airport," offering up the equally clever "If We Burned All the Assholes the Earth Would Look Like the Sun." Too bad the music isn’t as interesting as the names of the songs. Polyvinyl Records JS

Anasarca Discography 1994-1997
What a difference a couple of years makes. If this emotional hardcore record had come out two years ago, Second Nature would have sold it by the truckload. Today, Dan Askew and company will be lucky if anyone bats an eyelash at this discography, as the label fills yet another huge Blood Brothers order for the fashionable masses. Anasarca was a relatively unknown band from the Washington DC area who only released a 7", split 7", and demo tape in their three-year existence. Lulling, brooding hardcore with excellent soft/quiet, hard/loud change-ups and some really inventive song intros to set the mood. One song starts off as if you’re camping, with sounds of crickets and frogs all around you, before heading full steam into an assault on the heart and head. If anything suffers, it’s the vocals, with an all too familiar prepubescent Kermit the Frog flavor that rubs against raw nerves after a few songs. Other than that, a great band, sadly ignored in their time, without much change in sight, despite this retrospective discography. Second Nature JS

Appleseed Cast Mare Vitalis
At first I thought this was just a Sunny Day Real Estate band, but while it is in the same vein it's a great release on its own merits. The guitars and sometimes the vocals sound a lot like early Cure. This has a real easy feel to it while the vocals are inspirational enough to not put you to sleep. Deep Elm Records MH/AH

The Appleseed Cast Low Level Owl: Volume I
I'm not sure what kind of a fan base the Appleseed Cast has, but the "Low Level Owl" sessions are sure to please anyone who's followed this band. Semi-new, to new listeners (like me) will find a lot of the audiophile aspects of the music self-indulgent and an irreparable dent in any pacing these songs could have. "Blind Man's Arrow" is a tune of true beauty, but ends in the senseless tape loop of "Flowers Falling from Dying Hands." And so goes a lot of this album -- right when the songs start to get interesting, they dip into a endless vortex of loops and delays. Count me out for Volume II, but you have to give the Appleseed Cast massive credit for making the records they want to make, even if the end result is generally unlistenable. Deep Elm JS


The Appleseed Cast Low Level Owl: Volume II
The second installment of the Appleseed Cast’s Low Level Owl recording session is just as unlistenable as the first. These 12 songs, half of which are random sound effects or tape loop samples, are a continuation of the self-indulgent creativity found on part one of this overwhelming, soul-sucking project. Once again, track two, "Strings," is a thing of true beauty, much like "Blind Man’s Arrow" off the first batch. The rest of the album alternates between semi-interesting but way too long songs (most clock in over six minutes) and those aforementioned litter of sound/instrumental tracks. Albeit, big kudos for making the kind of music only they and their minute fan base can understand and appreciate. After enduring this, it’s time to fire up some Twisted Sister. Deep Elm JS

The Applicators What's Your Excuse?
The Applicators are four really hot girls who play even hotter punk rock and are here to set the gurgling music scene on fire! When the CD ended, I threw it back into rotation and pressed play again. An old buddy of mine, Greg, a true metal head, had this to say: "Dude, that song, you know, 'I Don't Bleed,' man ... that's a good song." Coming from a snob like him really means something. Really. In any case, What's Your Excuse is one of the coolest albums I've come across in quite some time. When they are not jamming it early Go-Go's style with a belly fulla Lone Star, they are driving their instruments toward true punk glory, by keeping it lean and mean and true to the game. Try this one: the four ladies from Austin, Texas do an awesome cover of Sleater-Kinney's "Good Things," making them almost viable for heavy rotation in your local college radio station. This is true Girl Power music set for the next wave of those who know better and will do all they can to keep the proverbial wrecking ball of female-driven angst-ridden rock and roll alive and smashing. Stars I tell ya ... STARS! That's what these girls are gonna be. I see a three picture deal and diva-nation in creepers and leather skirts. Well, maybe not yet. Let's just enjoy it while we can. Cornerstone Recording Arts Society MW


Arco Coming to Terms
Arco are good tenants. It seems that as they wrote their Pehr label debut Coming to Terms they didn't want to wake up any of their neighbors so they created a soft, atmospheric ode to the dour, which, while not filled with urgency, casts an affective spell of haunting melodies. Though mostly filled with deliberate ballads, Arco even finds moments to take things in a more charged direction, with the feedback driven "Accident" and similarly with "Alien" -- though both know better than to make that the whole of the melody. Instead they let if drift in and out, cutting back to their acoustic melodies as quickly as they let their guitars get near the speakers. In fact, Arco is in such control of their sound that their restraint is almost to their detriment. Though proving that they know what rock sounds like, Coming to Terms is more typified by songs like "Speak," "Babies' eyes," and "Movie" that concentrate on only a few instruments and the soft and purposeful voice of singer/guitarist Chris Healey. On the ending piano ballad of "Lullaby", Healey sings: "Another day calls out for you/ To make your own/ This one goes where all/ The other days have flown." It's a fitting commentary on Coming to Terms. While Arco knows the correct ingredients, they have yet to let themselves soar out of their own boundaries. Pehr Records RG


As Friends Rust Won
In the early days of hardcore music, that fine melding of heavy hitting guitars, super-bolic drums and lyrics spitting out images of nuclear winters sure to come and the absolution of beer, the idea of being a good friend came only to certain select groups. In unto themselves were 7 Seconds, Minor Threat, and the lot. Here though, in the 21st century, we tend to meld the likes of "I love you like a brother, but fuck you right now" to such an adverse extent that the meaning gets clogged much like the music scenes of today. So many various styles and links have drawn blood from one another only to form a mass-market/coming-soon-to-a-theatre-near-you type of amplified rot that we as individuals -- we the ones who love quality music and can feel a shit sandwich ten miles away -- are imbued with the resident malaise and have to sift through the muck to find that one golden ticket. Having friends rust is pretty cool. Doncha think? Sure ... it means that, yes, we do have buddies, they mean a lot to us, but at the same time, we know darn well that they too will melt away with the rest of the surface slush, only to leave behind some pan flash legacy one can hope to embody sometime in the distant future. Hardcore bands will always exist; the suburban heart and soul is just as fragile and pertinent as any other. And when all is said and done, it too will need to be heard and shout it out loud for the rest of the world to hear and try to understand. That's why when bands like When Friends Rust come around we have to drop what we're doing and open up, both internally and aurally. This is tight packed punk 'n' roll with some flair that will keep us all intact until the next round. Your friends will all agree. I think. Doghouse Records MW 1.18.2002

As It Stands The Turning Point
As It Stands is a band of very young men featuring Paul Long, drums, Jake Szafranski, guitars and vocals, Christopher Evensen, guitars and vocals, and Michael Larson, bass, and its album The Turning Point has a punky driving-rock sound too unvarying for my taste, but it is redeemed by their lyrics and attitude (honest, loving, humorous). The song "Thinking Of ..." is a naked affirmation of love, and surprising, though the half-chanted, half-brayed vocals, and fuzzy, scraping electric guitars and heavy drums are no surprise. The contrast could make this seem like masculine reticence (hiding feeling behind bravado) or, simply, the mix-and-match style of today's youth, a style that mirrors a state of becoming (no longer a child, but not yet a mature adult). "Running in Place" is about confusion regarding personal direction. In "Pieces of You" a relationship ends, and a boy regrets with a charming candor, but the music grates -- the energy, testosterone, and amps revved up. More variety of tempo and structure within the song would improve it, though the vocals, almost a call-and-response approach, are good. The song "Know It All" is preceded by the "you're just a kid" speech given by Robin Williams to Matt Damon in the film Good Will Hunting, and the song is about the fear of admitting feeling and also about self-disgust. "Ninth Life" begins with a quote about a cub scout preparing to survive a bomb's explosion. The song itself is about human connections, with the singer admitting "But I'm thinking, Is your vision of my life keeping you awake at night?" There are bonus tracks and spoken TV and film quotes at the CD's end. Distant Rise Records/Common Sense Records DG

The Atari Star And Other Smaller, Brighter Worlds
People will differ on what they think is the best Atari game. Pitfall is usually heralded as the number-one game for the Atari 2600 system. I preferred River Raid and Contra, once Nintendo was invented. Playing video games is pretty sweet, but only if you have tons of time on your hands and hanging out with girls isn't too important to you. Of course, some girls really dig video games, and God bless them, but none of them are going to be cool with you playing games all the time and not chilling with them. Now I was never very smooth, but I'd say I easily prefer girls to video games. It's a lifestyle choice more than anything else. Nowadays, with the advent of XBOX and GameCube, you could easily convince me to play some Halo or whatever blow-em-up shit is currently out there, but I'd be the first out the door if there was an opportunity to meet a special lady. What I lack in smoothness, I make up for in a bonafide desire to find love. You see, I'm a romantic, and in these electronic times, that can be overlooked. I live in Chicago now, just like The Atari Star. I bet we visit the same local music venues, and we're probably looking at the same girls, hoping to start conversation and not look like a pervert. Now they're rock stars, so they have it easy, like Barry Manilow. That guy got tons of chicks. Think about that. Life is often out of balance. Like jewels being guarded by giant scorpions and a joystick that sitcks, and flying over a river that serpentines like, well, a snake. And sometimes love is hard to find. If it wasn't, we'd certainly have less time to play video games. Johann's Face Records RG

Bad Religion DVD
In late December of 1990, Bad Religion had a show in Hollywood. Unfortunately, it was very oversold and the fire marshal closed it down. A “riot” broke out and a guy with a camcorder (who was trying to tape the show) caught it on film. A bunch of pissed off kids smashed the theater quite a bit and milled around in the streets throwing bottles. The cops came and hit them with fire hoses. Besides this 20 minutes of riot footage, there is a show from the Suffer tour on this disc. The sound and video quality are below average for a camcorder. There’s also footage of the band backstage getting their picture taken, milling around before a set and rolling up a banner after the set. Completist fans will absolutely love this. The rest of us (especially those who remember seeing Bad Religion during this time period) will be bored out of our minds. Buy this if you paid more than $50 for a vinyl copy of Into the Unkinwn. Music Video Distributors MM

Bakunin's Bum Fight to Win: A Benefit for OCAP
This CD is a recording of a speech by two activists from the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty backed by music from members of Godspeed, You Black Emperor, and Rhythm Activism. Included with the CD is an extensive booklet with information on the direct action taken by the grassroots organization since the mid-'90s. Actions by the group include opening the US/Canada border for demonstrators to pass freely, staging mass panhandling actions after the government imposed anti-panhandling bylaws, and taking over abandoned buildings for housing. My personal favorite, though, was them evicting the Ontario Minister of Finance from his constituency office and throwing his expensive furniture out onto the street to give him a small dose of the "extreme disruption, intense suffering, and extreme humiliation" tenants feel when bailiffs evict them. The speech by the two OCAP members is excellent and inspiring, and the music by Bakunin's Bum is interesting and challenging. Best of all, the music and speeches intertwine, with neither taking the forefront, and both allowed breathing room in the mix. A very worthwhile project that deserves your support, with all proceeds going to the OCAP. G7 Welcoming Committee JS

Zuzu Bailey Self-Titled
Not too sure if this is considered "modern" rock or file under Christian rock. Who knows? But, the question remains: IS this rock? Not really, even though they have guitars and stuff. This is more along the lines of quasi-girl, synth-pop, but on the cutting edge of sorts -- so don't try to train us into a tunnel of standard flitty chicks who handle their male band members with an iron fist. Basically. Anyway, all I know is that they all thank Jesus in their bio and talk about the greatness of God now and then. Plus, the drums are mixed in real squelchy, so it sounds as if a tin toy is keeping time off in the distance. The lead singer, Erin, has a good voice and she does well with the two other dogmatic boys and female drummer that back her up. This kind of feels like sitting next to a swimming pool on a cold day -- there, but ... just outta reach. It was fine and all, but I wasn't doing cartwheels. Maybe you will. Think Kristin Hersh meets Jars of Clay. Sort of. But ... not really. Bailey Records MW

Bane It All Comes Down to This
As much love as I have for Bane keeping heart-thumping, dancy rage alive, the formula is getting a bit old. In the new release, I hear the same chords and vocal patterns as its older brother when I was hoping to hear something different. What happened to your catchy lyrics? This fan was hoping for another "Superhero" and was disappointed. Equal Vision Records MH/AH

The Belltones On Deaf Ears
Oh the wit of cliché punk rock. Imagine The Vindictives at their worst and you're close. Sometimes I think they are going for a Ramones vibe, other times they miss at a Germs direct approach. This is bad because bands like this were a dime a dozen in 1994 even! At least they aren't emo, but give them five or six years to catch up. TKO records MM

Beltline These Things You Do at Four am
Following in the footsteps of bands like Sebadoh and Pavement are newcomers Beltline with their first album which they rightly call these things you do at 4 am. Recorded during various periods over the past three years or so, Beltine puts together an interesting mesh of slacker and post-prog rock with a dash of studio effects to keep it's listener busy through the 15 songs. The majority of these songs started off as a framework and over the years organs, cello, and guitars were added ... unfortunatley that's the biggest downfall of this album. These Things You Do at four am seriously lacks the cohesiveness that makes a pleasant listen and a good album. It's a noble first attempt by Portland's Beltline, but in all honesty one thing I won't be doing at 4 am, or any other time of the day for that matter, is listening to this album. Jealous Butcher Records NH


The Beltones Cheap Trinkets
Ah ... finally! A band that gets it right for a change. See, it's cool and all to be into punk rock, be into drinking beer, and get tattooed and all, but sometimes this notion gets marred by inner tension and adverse anger and becomes a cacophony of messy guitars and hateful lyrics. But when a band like The Beltones come along, you tend to sigh in relief from the backlog of inert crap groups that ruin it for the rest of us. Cheap Trinkets is a classic affirmation that rock and roll is still alive and punk is far from dead. It dies many times over with copycat outfits coming around claiming to be the OG's of some punk movement. But these guys, man ... they get my vote for the ones to watch in this New Year. It is a display of finely crafted if not slightly beer soaked punk and roll inciting many a copycat band themselves. Think of Stiff Little Fingers gone hot damn and you may have The Beltones in a slightly humbling fencing in. They do an amazing cover of Bob Marley's "Concrete Jungle" and get rather punny on you with the ditty "Shitty In Pink." If you dig '50s era rockabilly, '60s mod, and '70s punk, you will thoroughly enjoy The Beltones and Cheap Trinkets. Trust me this one time. Please! Mordam Records MW

Benjamins The Art of Disappointment
Benjamins are trying really hard to sound like Weezer or The Rentals, who in turn are trying really hard to be The Cars. The ironically titled "The Art of Disappointment" is at least third generation and third rate '80s pop, complete with sickly sweet lyrics like, "So hello, and it’s goodbye again/I’m going home to cry again/You still have all those letters I wrote you/And I still have my song." Blleeeaaarrgghh!!! Drive-Thru Records JS

The Blood Brothers This Adultery Is Ripe
When a new sub-genre of punk/hardcore takes over the scene, it’s inevitable some people will be left in the dust, wondering what the fuck happened and where it all changed. When it comes to the stylish, artsy bands like The Blood Brothers, I am one of those shaking their heads in disbelief and confusion. As far as I can figure, these silly bands are a byproduct of Nation of Ulysses, who begat Rye Coalition, who begat The VSS, who begat the whole tight pants, black hair dye scene that’s taking over the world as we speak. But really, what is this shit, and how are we supposed to react to it? Is it supposed to be funny? Serious? Political? Ambiguous? Artsy? Goofy? What? Who in their right mind wants to listen to sassy men trying to sound like 10-year-olds with lisps, singing "shocking" garbage like, "Yesterday I shaved every inch of my body and mailed the hair to you?" Like a horrible, ten car pile-up, it’s hard not want to observe the Blood Brothers’ carnage, but extended listening just made me draw a bitter blank. Either I'm too old, or I'm totally missing the point here. Regardless, I welcome an explanation. Second Nature Recordings JS

Bloodjinn Leave This World Breathing
I'm sure most of you are aware by now, but my patience is condom thin for the entire metalcore genre. So when I say Bloodjinn impress me with their metalcore sounds, this is not just the naive ravings of an Eighteen Visions or Poison the Well fan. In actuality, the tendency is to automatically assume I won't like any clean-cut band of young pups who claim a Gothenberg influence and refer to their "punishing" live show. Luckily, this North Carolina five-piece sound more like disciples of Metallica's Ride the Lightning than any Swedish import, and nothing here gives evidence of them "going off" in a live setting. What results is an epic sound not often heard on the helter-skelter metalcore that dominates the scene right now. Acoustic intros and outros, soft-spoken female guest vocals, flaming guitar solos, and even a 12-minute modern day version of "For Whom the Bell Tolls" to close the album, all work wonders in Bloodjinn's favor. Okay, I'm getting a bit carried away likening anything here to one of metal's all-time-best songs. No bullshit though, Leave This World Breathing is a splash of cold water in the face from a band who take their craft seriously, cut back on the pretension and deliver a complete package that is razor conscious of pace and timelessness. Goodfellow Records JS

Bloodlet Three Humid Nights in the Cryptic Trees
If memory serves, Bloodlet were a big deal in the early to mid-'90s --neck and neck with Neurosis in the "heavy band everyone is raving about" department. Why then, after a dramatic reformation and promise of stellar new material, and especially in light of the genius still being discovered by the mighty Neurosis, does Three Humid Nights in the Cryptic Trees suck so badly? It really stinks. Singer Scott Angelacos sounds like his vocal cords were left behind in Denver (where he moved when the band dispersed). He did manage to bring along his diary full of half-baked lyrics and ideas for some of the worst vocal lines this side of [insert really annoying singer from bad, demo-quality local band here]. The rest of the band sounds tired as well, with new drummer John Stewart Jr. (fake name?) sounding more limb-challenged than Rick Allen. Perhaps he is without an arm and a leg? Even production wiz Steve Albini couldn't salvage these tired tunes, and this is the guy that made Page and Plant sound good post-1971, so he has been known to work miracles. Geez, I'd take nu-metal over this any day; Bloodlet in 2002 is a simply horrid proposition. Victory Records JS

Blueline Medic
Australian for Jawbreaker. If you are one of the many who miss Jawbreaker and think of Jets to Brazil as unacceptable replacement, check out Blueline Medic. From the very first song, this thing rocks somewhere between 24 Hour Revenge Therapy and Dear You. This is incredibly good! Although they wear their influences on their sleeve, they are quite an original and solid band. I really like this record a lot.
Fueled by Ramen MM

Blutos Revenge Use Once and Destroy
Reminiscent of Helmet’s glory days and some good old-fashioned guitar rock, Blutos Revenge pummel you straight ahead and with no safety equipment given. You can almost smell the grease from the
car-yard just beyond the tracks of the freight trains. This release should get the floor moving, the heads bobbing, and the beer flowing. The best way to see this band I think is if they play in some ramshackle shed in that car-yard with the freights constantly rolling by off in the distance. Cleveland seems to dole out good "workin’ man" rock with grit and simplicity and this is a fine inclusion to that ideal. Monkey wrenches are optional. The PBR is not -- it’s required.
Thunderous Records MW

The Bodies Firepower is Our Business
Hot diggety, this is punk rock brother! Get on the floor and work that pit man. The Bodies have the affluence of the sound down to a T-ball perfection. They rock, they roll, they jimmy the jam and then they leave. You are then left to put the needle back to the beginning and start anew. But perhaps that boot to the cranium is starting to sting, so perhaps a moist towelette may help. Hailing from Sonoma County, Calif., this quartet delivers the goods like Sam Meats Alice. A little bit of OI!, a nod to gutter punk, just a dash of Lemmy style vocals and boom!, you are in for a hardcore treat my friend. Honestly, I had a blast with The Bodies. The sun was down, the curtains were drawn, the pants were off, the Schlitz was open and the stereo was up to 11. Suddenly, a knock came at my door. It was that jackass in #4. He was saying that I had my music on too loud. Well, what else am I supposed to do at 3:30 in the morning except blast The Bodies and do a merry jig on my hardwood floor? Regardless, he came in, drank some beer and is still on my couch at present. "What happened to the music?" he uttered once. "The Bodies man ... play The Bodies again!" So I did. Mind you, this is an extreme version of what you should do while enjoying the band. In the viscous life of the rock journalist, you have to take it as it comes. Rock on Ohio! Mordam Records MW

Bonny Billy More Revery
Imagine the boneyard at the end of a long night drive. That thick blue of dawn is coming and some bland filling station coffee is all you have to keep you going. You park your rig by the front gate and walk inside. Its chilly and filled with white marbled monuments to bones in boxes. You're about to sit down when a noise off in the distance breaks the cold still of the pre sun. A band, and a good one at that, wafts over the well kept lawn as you sip that coffee, ponder your own fate and begin to notice shadows. It is a cooing drift of slight rock/country lounge/B-movie overlay, and it helps with the immediate situation. They play for about 20 minutes then stop, leaving you wanting more. So you go back to your car, get in, and turn on the radio. But, its been stolen. Now what? Temporary Residence Ltd. MW

Brandtson Fallen Star Collection
This is better than I thought it would be. I thought it would be sleepier like Karate, but this is fairly poppy. Though it's nothing too original, the lyrics and the music are interesting. Unlike most bands of this genre, you can actually tell the songs apart. Fans will love it. Deep Elm Records MH/AH

Brandtson Trying to Figure Each Other Out
An ethereal sound permeates this six song EP by Cleveland, Ohio’s Brandtson. With Jesus himself making tops on their thank you list, it’s positive the boys in the band would love that compliment, good little angels that they are. Sickly sweet but beautiful tunes here, similar in scope and sound to later Jimmy Eat World. The bass line in "12th & Middle" envelopes the ears like a warm pair of earmuffs, and swirls in and amongst your cake hole. Brandtson are one of the few bands who can get away with a short EP without leaving a feeling of being ripped off or wanting to hear more. Any longer and this would have been boring, any shorter and it would be a tease. Great little batch of songs courtesy of a pretty band of melodic, God-fearing cupids. Deep Elm Records JS


Brandtson Dial in Sounds
There are just too many styles of music out there. Fifty different factions of heavy metal; at least a hundred of rock; even more with hip-hop and electro. So, I'm gonna try my hand at a new label of rock. How's this? "Dentist Rock?" It makes NO SENSE whatsoever, but believe me, when I tossed on Brandtson here, that's the only thing I could think of. Basically I was having episodes of flashbacks regarding that misfit elf himself Hermie, the fresh lidded imp from the holiday classic "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer." That kid would be way in to this band. How, why, what you may ask. Well, here's the scoop-a-roo. These guys divvy up the goods with a fine selection of distortion, melodies, basic aggression, and some infectious-style lyrics jamming the neo-spiritual thing at you. But for some odd-ball reason, it just misses the mark by a hair. Almost grabbing my codpiece but letting go at the last minute when things just start to get really hot n heavy. Hence: Dentist Rock. One day in the very near future, when our kids, the same ones who were introduced to hardcore music at the get-go and the barrage of advertisements to deaden the inner soul all together, are getting their job on for basic survival (and some may be dentists) they may be apt to play this kind of stuff. Just think what the kids of our kid's kids will be into! Wow. It staggers the mind. And Brandtson just kind of staggers. Too much novocaine I suppose! Deep Elm Records MW

Buck Wild Full Metal Overdrive
Ah, geez, this whole pop-punkers paying homage to heavy metal thing has to stop. Buck Wild appear on their CD cover doing their best glam metal impersonation, including fishnet spandex outfits, but sound like every other NOFX clone when the disc spins. In a way, it makes sense, I guess. A few years back, pop punk was to punk/hardcore as glam was to true metal in the ‘80s. Laughable, clone bands making goofy faces and doing way too many scissor kicks onstage. Today, this silly attempt at a metal tribute is just stupid -- it’s more likely Buck Wild discovered metal as the current trendy way to act cool, rather than the disturbing and obsessive underground subculture it really is. These guys are too well dressed and hip-looking to listen to Ronnie James Dio and use the lyrics to "Rock ‘N’ Roll Children" as a metaphor for their loneliness and despair like a true metalhead would. Lobster Records JS

Buck Wild Beat Me Silly
A band that truly lives up to its name. Not that these guys are so freaky that you end up in coniptions or start eating the sofa because the music coming from your stereo is so insane, but, you get the idea. Unfortunately, the four boys come across sounding like some jock frat bros who wanna be in a rock band and are just one notch up from the evils that lurk within the truth of beer bongs and going "woo!" at intervals of mild celebration. Nothing Earth shattering, but not bad either. Good for a backyard kegger or playing in your Jetta on the way to it. They try to lower that notch a bit by putting an image of a sqashed mouse on the album cover -- guts coming out and that last look of hellish pain on its face. It depressed the heck outta me. Maybe these guys are assholes. I don’t know. The music is alright. Lobster Records MW

Burning Heads Escape
When you think of France, you rarely conjure up images of mosh pits or hear the blistering tones of rampant hardcore. But, here it is: four dudes from Orleans who bust it New York punk style, fast and furious, no holds barred, and without the pretention us yanks here have come to know and loathe about those who worship Jerry Lewis. If you like relentless youth-soaked hardcore at its pop finest, then Burning Heads is for you. "Escape" is a 15 tracked melange of uzi drums, sweaty guitars and harmonious vocals completing the cycle of continuous contributions to angst release through music rather than abject discordance. You know you’re in for a treat when the band includes a picture of them playing live and all of the frontmen are jumping in syncopated mania. There should be a term for this or a new style of punk and hardcore: those who choose to constantly be airborne in promo shots. I don’t know. I just see a lot of that. Victory Records MW

The Casket Lottery Survival Is for Cowards
Some people spend their whole lives trying to recapture a single, defining moment. Others scramble to recollect many different experiences and feelings throughout their lives, hoping that the replication of good times will bring similar feelings of optimism and solace. The Casket Lottery remind me of the feeling I had seeing a band I'd never heard of called Sunny Day Real Estate play in a tiny record store to 15 people before their now-classic Diary album came out. I'll never forget being such close witness to music so life-affirming. Or the first time I heard Mineral and was filled with an overwhelming sense of hope in a world of hopelessness. Or the anticipation of seeing another live band play with heaps of emotion and being able to say to myself: "I believed that. That was real." Therefore, The Casket Lottery are a great band, and many will rejoice at the chance to reclaim a small part of their lives while forging entirely new memories at the same time. Second Nature Recordings JS

Casket Lottery Choose Bronze
Very nicely designed package. Great harmonies and musicianship (especially the drummer). This band seems to exemplify everything about a great emo band. They are aggressive and seem to be constantly pushing thmesleves. A poppier, more modern, spunkier version of Sunny Day Real Estate. Second Nature Recordings MH/AH

Caulfield's Aside Last Minute EP
This album made me think of all the morons in the world, conceited sonuvabitches always getting in my face. I got so goddam mad I almost broke the lousy jewel case against the wall. It reminded me of when I was in college with these people who thought they so goddam perfect. My manager at the lousy college radio station warned us at the beginning of term not to "get wasted" during our shows. That killed me. What a phony. He was always getting high during his hip-hop shows, but wanted us to think he had straightened out his act now that he was a manager and all this Polyanna crap. So, one night I brought in a bunch of friends to the studio, made margaritas and talked for two hours to some activist for marijuana legalization who would ramble on for about things that didn't make sense. I taped the whole show and still got an "A" from my teacher. That killed me. School is for phonies. Tree of Woe Records RG

Cellblock 5 & White Trash Debutantes What's It All About
The girl in fatigues on the cover of this record is pictured playing with dolls. See, that's fun. Punk rock forgets that sometimes it's good to just sit a spell and comb Barbie's hair. The photos of both bands printed inside are proof that both enjoy fun. Whether they're rocking onstage, drinking beer, or standing around looking cool, these two musical powerhouses are obviously seekers of mirth. However, the winner of fun would be the White Trash Debutantes because they have wacky false names and have chicks in the band who wear only underwear. That's utter funosity! See, even if you have a bad day, say you haven't found a decent cup of coffee but you have to go onstage anyway, and you're all bummed out but you have to rock, you'll require inspiration. Then you look over at your fellow bandmate, clad in bra and panties and you realize that life, even in it's most disappointing moments, is a real hoot. Orange Peal Records RG 1.18.2002

Cerberus Shoal Mr. Boy Dog
Cerberus Shoal have always been a strange band. Even when they were on the emo-hardcore tip in the mid-'90s, there was still something odd about their delivery. With each subsequent release (and really, who can keep track?) they've just gotten weirder and weirder. It's no surprise then, that with this double disc set, Mr. Boy Dog, it has come time for the Portland, Maine band to plummet into an unexplored void of strangeness. First off, each disc is less than 40 minutes long, which means the double disc package is merely for aesthetic purposes as everything could have been crammed onto one disc. If anything, the switch over between CDs leaves time for reflection on what was just heard, and with too much reflection listeners might never be able to explain it. Mostly instrumental and hauntingly beautiful, the sounds here run the gamut of emotions, genres, and vibes. The six players use too many different instruments to list, but horns, percussion and bass guitar are the most frequent channels of communication. While Cerberus Shoal has alienated a lot of listeners with each new release, they open doors to new and enthralling sounds like no other band in the underground, and that counts for a whole lot more than any attempts at being listener-friendly. Mr. Boy Dog is perfect for a cross-country train trip or a night on the back porch when it is too hot to sleep. Temporary Residence Limited JS

Charlie Brown Gets A Valentine Commencement
FINALLY! A band name that strikes a chord and actually outlives the product in which it is representing. Oops, now ... I didn't mean to dis the band, but, I will say this: CBGAV is no more than your standard guy power punk-ish rock with vocal stylings that punctuate ol' Billie Joe of Green Day, yet a bit less snotty if you catch my drift. I mean, c'mon, you've seen these blokes at the club, pounding out the fret dangling chord progressions, pissing off the floor staring shaggys that await instructions from the next disillusioned band to step up and depress the rest of us who know darn well life is easy but damn if it don't make no sense. Lighten up Brad, it gets worse! So have fun. Anyway, Charlie Brown Gets A Valentine is a heartfelt and grand name for a band and I applaud madly in their general direction. Good work boys. Lets all go fishing and I'll provide the sandwiches. Just, please, don't bring along a recent demo for me to get a gander of, because, really, I've heard it all before and I really wanna like you all after this trip is over. When a buddy came over to borrow a cup o' sugar, I laid this thing down on him. Now (unfortunately) he hails such bands as Alien Ant Farm and System of a Down as "great," so his opinion I trust only on the level that he appreciates Sabbath and early Metallica, and he had this to say: "Not bad. Well, you know ... I wouldn't kick them outta bed!" With that, he started to laugh. It was then that I realized that his eyes were burning red and he kept complaining about cottonmouth. Right! So we leaned back and listened more. Pretty soon the bland pop punk-esque grew thin and we tossed on some Electric Wizard and rocked out. Great name though. Good job! Wyndel Records MW 1.18.2002

The Chase Theory In Pursuit of Excellence
They claim to be In Pursuit of Excellence, and I think they're almost there. The fifteenth release from One Day Savior records is a nice one. The Chase Theory finally put out an EP of their own (they had appeared on Emo Diaries Chapter 3 on Deep Elm and other comps), and the band has come together nicely. Matthew Burke's vocals are refreshing, and the band's straight rock is addictively melodic. Danny Burke's vocals back up nicely and create an almost atmospheric effect at times. Too abrasive to be emo, not straight enough to be guitar rock, not poppy enough for punk, The Chase Theory is just good. In Pursuit of Excellence is a quality record from a band whose limited resume may belie their real experience. Overall, the Chase Theory's first release is worth picking up, and One Day Savior did a good job to snag these guys on what deserves to be an upswing. One Day Savior CS


Chinkees Peace Through Music
Anti-racism ska/punk with a racist title. Well, they can get away with it seeing as they are all Asian, but, you know -- do your thing. It’s like African American bands that use the word "nigga" or us white folks who call each other "honky." It works on a glib sense, but it always comes across as vapid attention getting before drifting off into obscurity. Regardless, this band is tight and does a great job rockin’ quick step ska and jazzing it with a punk tune now and then. No lyrics printed inside, rather they equip us with a story of how each song evolved or a story behind them. It’s cool. It’s all about the message, you know. Yeah. Go Chinkees, go! Unfortunately, racism will never go away, but it is good to know that at least six people in a band are doing their part to help the cause against it while leting us dance in the meantime. Asian Man Records MW

Cipher Protoculture – Christian chugga chugga rock that’s so fifth-generation it’s laughable. Come on guys, have you looked at your calendars lately? Yes, 1993 is long past, and you need to get up to speed with the current day; a time when bad, hardly heavy hardcore like this hits the recycling bin faster than you can say, "There ain’t no god." Amen. JS

Closer Than Kin / None But Burning – A split disc between two bands who seem to have buddied up on a recent batch of shows, although the explanation is basically undecipherable. Closer Than Kin play straight edge hardcore as generic as it gets, complete with the perfectly placed breakdowns, monotone vocals, and inklings of metal riffery here and there. None But Burning are a bit fresher, and even bring to mind tolerable bands like Grade and Hot Water Music at times. Not a must-hear band by any means, but they did put some much needed brightness and energy into this mostly junk-heap production. Fleshban Records JS

Coalition The Ignition: From Friction to Fire
Youth crew gang vocals hardcore. Seven songs running together to sound like one ... weak vocals ... cliched lyrics ... those same chords and riffs heard too many times to count ... a wonderfully droll listen. Three cheers for the 18-minute EP! Smorgasbord Records JS

Cock Sparrer Runnin Riot Across the USA
When I was in college, I got an internship with Alternative Tentacles Records, which as many hardcore fans might recognize, is owned by Jello Biafra. It was a cool job, mailing stickers and T-shirts and listening to college radio around the small apartment Jello had turned into a bustling indie record company. I got free CDs and T-shirts, and got into shows for free. The only crappy thing was how much my manager hated me. For a punk working for a punk label she was a bit high-strung. One day she asked me in a snide tone, "You probably like Sea and Cake, huh." Well, I did, and do actually. This admission was quite uncool to her so she turned up her Built to Spill EP and went back to work. I resumed calling record stores around the US. I don't know what she thought I'd done that was so awful. I guess I wasn't impressed enough that I was working for Jello Biafra with musicians like Gary Floyd just stopping by. One day I did meet Biafra. He was looking a bit disheveled and was carrying a lot of bags and things. I was told two things about him privately: never let him know you have a car (he will always want a ride) and never loan him money. My favorite errand for AT was visiting the warehouse of distributor Mordam Records. Those guys really had it made. Packing 45's and tapes into boxes with college radio blasting really loud in a much larger room. Next to Mordam employees, I was merely a fetus. They were the real deal. I could've been there all day, but eventually had to return to the girl who didn't like me. Oh, Mordam also distributes TKO Records which released this live album from Cock Sparrer. The press release says this album will be an absolute must for any Cock Sparrer fan. I'd say that's true enough. Live albums exist almost primarily for pre-existing fans of the group. Except for Frampton Comes Alive, which anyone can dig, from your grandma to a little fetus like me. TKO Records RG

A Common Thread Blind Solution
The cover of this 7" by Birmingham's A Common Thread proclaims the band as "positive hardcore," and one look at lyrics like "a small step in a forward direction to make a change is better than a futile thought wasted in vain. We'll make the difference" certainly reinforces this.
Musically, they're quick, punchy, danceable youth-crew hardcore with lots of gang shout-outs made for singing along. I can imagine that they've probably got quite a local following in Birmingham and that kids have a great time at their shows. While most "posi-core" has never been my cup of tea, I can still appreciate the fun, unpretentious accessibility that posi kids bring to their music. If you're a fan of this style, I really can't think of a reason not to get this record. Fleshban Records
BD

Contempt One Justice
Allen remembers getting thier demo about six years ago at a Canton YMCA show. So far nothing has changed. They still stick to chugga chugga Syracuse-style and animal/vegan rights that was more popular back in the day. I would describe it as tiger metal since the vocals have that raw, well, tiger sound to them. Songs seem to be recorded in 1996, we wonder what they are doing now. Good entry-level hardcore band, especially if you're into animal rights. Catalyst Records MH/AH

Contender Hit Single 7"
Here's what you do: take The Get Up Kids. Poke them in the eyes with sharp sticks. Repeat until they're thoroughly pissed off. Voila! You've got Contender. To be fair, this band is well on its way to breaking free of comparisons and establishing its own unique brand of alternative --no small accomplishment for their very first EP. On "Scenic Overlook," the Colorado foursome mixes melancholy melodies worthy of No Motiv with smart (if sometimes awkward) lyrics and unflagging energy. The guitar work is solid, and the vocals range from generic Billie Joe punk-pop to primal scream therapy, often within the same song; bonus points for the ambitious emotional and melodic reach, even when the technical mastery isn't quite there. (You've gotta admire a band that writes beyond its abilities ... far too many do the exact opposite.) They've just signed with Negative Progression Records, and are working on their first full-length release; the production values associated with a "real" label should certainly help to hone their sound for a larger audience. In a world of countless ho-hum punk-pop acts, they certainly are contenders. GW

Corn Doggy Dog and the Half Pound Good Clean Filth
There is a line for the film Animal House that comes to mind: "Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life." Remember that part? Then Flounder threw up all over Dean Wormer's desk. Yeah. Now, I'm not saying that Corn Doggy Dog (cool name) and the Half Pound are indeed all of the afore mentioned adjectives, but I do believe a good portion of their following live up to that ideal. This is the kind of semi-hard/almost mad, adroit beer gut pub-rock that gets the shirtless fools sweaty, riles up a drunken body or two, inciting much flailing around and slurring along to the words, while trying to pick up a girl in feathered hair before puking on the sidewalk and then screaming "Wooo!" This album is pretty fun in that respect, by infecting dirt rock with basic punk while letting you know they also enjoy rap and some good honky tonk. But, it is missing some element of salability I just can't snap my fingers to. It's ambitious: 22 songs in almost and hour, but their fear of invention, sensitivity, and general lunkheadedness gets in the way. At the same time, maybe I should shut up and just have fun with it! Corn Doggy Dog is loud and a good time so check your craniums at the box office and ignore everything I've said. That's a good idea. Forget it. Long Beach Records MW

Cripple Bastards Misantropo a Senso Unico
Extreme Italian negative grind that kicks a lot of ass, despite the nihilist bent of the lyrics. Fifteen new songs in Italian, as well as re-recorded version of their 94-song demo which originally came out in 1993. You can't go wrong with a group whose band members have names like Giulio the Bastard, Alberto the Crippler, and Schintu the Wretched. They also have a thank you list that simply says, "Thanks to no fucker except ourselves." A wild, wild ride, assuming you don't get bucked off halfway through. Deaf American Recordings JS

Cripple Kid/The Little Dipper
Split CDs are a sensible idea for upstart bands like Cripple Kid and The Little Dipper. With the demo tape nearly extinct, it’s much preferred to fill a disc with the better part of an hour’s worth of demo style recordings, rather than the all too prevalent five-song CD-EPs that come a mile a minute. Less resources wasted on bad music, that’s the bottom line. Less pieces of 5" round aluminum in the landfill when all is said and done. Cripple Kid are like the doe-eyed but dim offspring of Jawbreaker and Tiltwheel. Not the most desirable place to be right here, right now. The Little Dipper deliver their best Promise Ring/Get Up Kids send-off, but do it with remnants of flair and originality. A welcome surprise. Two demo tapes for the price of a CD, not a bad deal, but don’t expect tip-top quality from this package.
Microcosm Records JS

Cross My Heart Temporary Contemporary
I heard this band broke up? That is a shame since this is a great piece of work -- the indy/emo scene is definitely at loss for this is a great example of a mature and experienced band. Every part of this CD is great. Yes. Every part, cross my heart. They have their own sound that is backed up by solid musicianship and song writing, creating a mood and versatility where the listener doesn't get bored. From the very bluesy intro on the first song to some tight upbeat rhythms in "London Bridges" this release offers something others do not, variety. The best part of the band has to be the vocalist, he could carry any band. Some of the catchiest lyrics I have heard. I love that I don't have to read the lyrics to understand what he is singing. Maybe if everyone buys this they will get back together and record again. Deep Elm Records AH

Crosstide (self titled)
This is like a nice walk through the park, all alone, wrapped in a thick jacket and thinking about the most recent breakup. At times, Crosstide takes you by the hand and starts running, but, overall, their quiet "hard" rock incites foggy afternoons spent looking out the window, cheap wine while writing poetry and slowly nodding your head when you catch them down at the club. Fans of Elliot should take note and definitely check these guys out. Rather than overt sadness to drive the tunes, they imbue a confident energy which sways the tracks into sub ether tones backed by a humming amp and rock ethic. Still, images of lonliness kept coming up. Maybe that’s what they want. Maybe I’m going about this all wrong. Whatever the case may be, the album is full of great shots of WWII airplanes in flight and battle. Not that I like war or anything. Oh, forget it. Chapel Hill Records MW

Eddie Culjak Climb
Eddie has "one man and his guitar" syndrome. The assumption is that he recorded these five songs on his own, playing all of the instruments, but confirmation on that is impossible since the liner notes tell nothing. Mr. Culjack, however, d