The Nerve Agents Days of the White Owl – Goofy piano intro and outros do no justice to the pretty killer punk/hardcore this quintet from San Francisco spurt out. Although the horror imagery -- complete with dark rings painted under the band members’ eyes -- would make any self-respecting music fan cringe, The Nerve Agents more than make up for this blunder with their drive and attack. Like the mutant offspring of The Misfits, 7 Seconds, Cro-Mags, and New York City youth crew bands, these guys rip through 16 songs in less than 30 minutes with ease. Admittedly, there are a few clunkers in the bunch (their cover of 45 Grave’s "Evil" just flops) and the songs start to sound samey after three or four listens. In any event, this band is one to check out if you even remotely pine for the old days of punk and hardcore. Revelation
Records JS

Niblick Henbane Go Away
Ah, the forgotten genre of Oi music. Niblick Henbane claim to be one of America’s first Oi bands, and have been supposedly stomping heads since 1987. Oi is more interesting than three-chord punk, but not as dynamic or energetic as hardcore. Vocals are usually razorblades and aspirin throat damage, we’re talking severe strain to the ol’ vocal chords for this rough and raw sound. Niblick Henbane is fun, talented, and simple. Not bad for a merry band of old geezers ... too bad they elected to print a collage of band photos (the lads aren’t the most photogenic bunch, either) instead of a lyric sheet. The song topics seem pretty tame and good natured though, especially the Ren and Stimpy reworking of "Happy Happy Joy Joy" to, yup, "Happy Happy Oi Oi." Those wacky Oi rockers! TKO Records JS

Oblivion Suckers From the Start
The gritty side of '80s pop punk. Short songs, silly antics. Minor Threat acting all goofy. Skate skate skate ... circle pit circle pit circle pit. Very good for this genre .... we like it! Sinister Label MH/AH

Organic
Despite the cover of their 7" looking a bit like a cheesy emo record,
Organic kicks out five tunes of melodic punk rock not unlike Fifteen. Tracksl ike "Flag" and "Tribulation" are good, straightforward sing-a-long pop punk while "Broken" and "Hot Words, Wax Lips" exhibit a somewhat more mellow, indie-rock slant but still kick into faster parts. The lyrics are extremely personal, contemplative, downtrodden, and sometimes even suicidal. The music is very well played and enjoyable. I'm sure if I'd lived in Berkeley, Calif. during the late 1980s and early '90s and been involved with the punk scene, a band like this playing today in the same style as many of the classic outfits would mean quite a lot to me. This is highly recommended for fans of Fifteen or Crimpshrine or people who dig good, old-style melodic punk but are sick and tired of the bands from the Fat Wreck Chords/Epitaph mall bilge that masquerade as such.
Microcosm BD

Owen Self-Titled
Seasoned veteran Mike Kinsella puts together a wonderful CD of acoustic songs for that library that you love to do reading in. He has been in bands like American Football, Cap'n Jazz, and Joan of Arc, none of which I care for too awfully much. But this I love. Mike plays every instrument competently and excells in his guitar and especially in his vocals. Excellent acoustic guitar sound. To me, this is thought-rock -- easy going so it lets your mind drift fluidly from thought to though but driving and exciting enough to keep new thoughts coming. Soothing on a hard day. To Mike's credit he recorded and produced his own album in his home studio and trust me you would never know. Excellent on every level. Polyvinyl Record Co. AH


Park No Signal
Lobster Records tour idea: match up Park and Mock Orange. This album sounds like Mock Orange and older The Get Up Kids material. So blatantly Get Up Kids from vocals to cheesy basslines it makes me sick. Your typical midwest indie/emo. Good vocals and harmonies but they lack their own unique sound, style or attitude. Park has good song writing but the album just lacks any original appeal that would put them forward of thousands of others. Lobster Records AH


Pele Enemies
This is pretty post-rock, if that's of any relevance any more. Now that we have that out of the way, Pele makes idiosyncratic, engaging indie rock with heavy nods toward fusion and progressive rock noodling. Enemies is jazzy in its complexity, informed by post-punk in its atonality and penchant for abrupt chord changes, and a little avant-garde in its digressions of tape manipulation. There are no vocals, but I think that Don Caballero (who Pele bear only a slight resemblance to; perhaps a midway point between that band and Tortoise) finally proved to us that rock music doesn't necessarily need vocals to have an impact. Post-rock, or whatever, this is slightly awkward, angular fusion music that neither employs nor needs vocals and hold your attention less through hooks than through twisting, bucking soundscapes on top of driving rhythms. You'll be amazed at how deep this record sounds while it's really not much more than a bass player, a drummer and a guitarist playing live in the studio with a few sound effects thrown into the mix for good measure. Even if you are rock purist, you had ought to at least make a little space for this stuff, because Pele packs more emotional content (i.e. elation, bemusement, uncertainty) into its music than a lot of bands you'll hear hollering about it. Polyvinyl Records CO

Pele Realize It
To me, Pele was this fabulous soccer player. In like the '70s and '80s, this guy dominated the field with his skill and dexterity. To wit, his charisma gained him international fame. Much like Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan or Fran Tarkinton but only the few select got an actual video game molded after them. Well, at least named after them. I think Tiger and Mike have a video game or two with their image on it, but Fran ... yeah, I don't know. Actually, I still have the "Pele's Soccer" for the Atari 2600; this maddening venture of squares upon squares that hit a square into this square field goal thing. Real bad for the thumbs because you are constantly jamming that fiery red button to run run RUN with the ball intact in front of you. Ugh, no wonder I drink so much Hamms just to make it through one round with this guy Vernon, some couch surfer who promises that, someday!, he'll move out and leave my friggin refrigerator alone. Anyway, Pele the modern band is quite different from the Pele athlete. I don't see the fast moving soccer hero really parrying up to the light instrumentals that convey the mysteries of our surroundings that are represented here on this disc. Two songs, that's all we get, but seeing as the first track is 11 minutes and the second just over 18, I think we can forgive them for the lack of "proliferation." Rather, I got the impression that Pele is more like a soundtrack to some lonely desert sojourn, as we hop skip and jump all the way to the next mirage. The thoughtlessness of modern and past lives is cut by the fickle wares of patterned beauty; suckling menders and full troughs of goat herd bearings. No more scrapes and boundaries, no more props and being taught words, this is the real deal and overall, the future looks dim and prosperous. There is no turning back ... only hope and severance. I'll see you there. Just bring the paddles man. ‘Cause "Kaboom!" is an even greater challenge. Crouton Records MW 1.18.2002


Pinhead Circus Pinhead Circus EP
Can you imagine a circus of Pinheads? You would probably never laugh
more in your life. The ringmaster's regalia would consist of long johns coupled with a boot for headgear and would speak through a handful of warm oatmeal. Instead of a lion, the tamer would combat a bowl of chicken and barley soup. The high wire act would be two drunken bums battling for dominance and would only result in pratfalls. Oh, and rings of fire? Hey, everyone's on fire! I personally would be pissing my pants. Literally! I'd be drinking pudding and eating honeyed rocks and sitting in my own feces! Oh man, that would be amazing, because circuses these days are just dumb elephants and shit. Not Bad Records RG 1.18.2002


Pinq Quiet Games for the Hot Weather
Pinq's newest CD, Quiet Games for Hot Weather, is like a short journey into the noise pop revolution. Don't worry if you don't have a passport though, they provide a guide. The virtual reality setting is somber and your tour guide, the hypnotic Tim Mitchell, sings you through the landscape. This CD creates such a somber and almost meditative mood, it should come with a warning label: Do not operate heavy machinery. You don't remember exactly when it started, but you can't escape their funk once you are inside Pinq's world. The combination of keys, guitars, bass, drums, and "electronic stuff" transports you into a world of cooler. Pinq makes you feel like you spent a long night partying at a very posh bar; and, after you get home, this CD should warm you up faster than a hookah -- unfortunately the music does not taste as good. The introspective lyrics can be quite intense at times, but that is why the instruments play slow, powerful, and dream-like music. This emo-power-pop-rock doesn't highlight one song over any of the others. They all meld well into and out of each other. Another impressing factoid is that this is their first full-length CD, on their own label. If that's not fun then I don't know what is. JR

Pirx the Pilot Hit Single 7"
It would be tempting to dismiss Pirx the Pilot's new self-titled EP as unremarkable bargain-bin fodder. After all, the basic traits of generic garage alternative are there: the generally angst-y subject matter; the downright stubborn avoidance of any melody that might be considered "commercial"; and the homogenous feel of every song, eventually resulting in a sort of boredom for the ear. (A pretty amazing accomplishment for a CD that clocks in at just over 11 minutes.) The problem is, parts of it are really good -- good enough to make you wish the whole thing were better. The lyrics are sharp ("You keep me dancing on my grave/There'll always be pieces I want to save"), and the band gives off a definite Pixies vibe -- thanks in large part to Erica's hazily Deal-ish backing vocals. The one song on which she sings lead, "Potato Cannon Ricochet," has the skewed energy of early Throwing Muses. Unfortunately, there's not a "Debaser" or "Dragonhead" to be found here ... just the first few steps of what is bound to be an interesting journey. Here's hoping they send a postcard when they get there. GW

Pitch Black Self-Titled
While guitarist/vocalist Kevin Cross' last band, The Nerve Agents, were somewhat of a letdown, Pitch Black are a pleasant surprise. These Bay Area bashers manage to make the horror rock/Misfits motif work, something only AFI has recently been able to do (without looking like total fools). Even the current incarnation of the Misfits weren't able to make the spooky punk thing work post-2000. What makes Pitch Black successful is the ability to sound creepy and not take themselves too seriously at the same time. Lyrics revolve around digging graves, Halloween, and dark love stories, but also have enough depth to be relevant in the real world. And while their sound is heavily influenced by early Misfits and their hometown AFI buddies, Pitch Black are not squeamish about deviating from their formula to bust out power ballads (see: "Resting Place") or straight up speedcore like "Destructive Criticism." Grab the claw hammer and rip a few nails out of that coffin, Pitch Black need help exhuming the horror punk corpse. Revelation Records JS

Planes Mistaken for Stars Knife in the Marathon
Aggressive and harmonious with dual vocals and a distinct late Unbroken style. PMS (I wonder if that was intentional) gives their listeners straight forward lyrics, a plethora of tempo changes, and good musicianship. We love the Unbroken cover. Deep Elm Records MH/AH

Point Of No Return self-titled 7"
It's seven more inches of Xvegan moshX from Catalyst records! This time, the band is Point of No Return, hailing from Sao Paolo, Brazil. They chug through the record sounding like your standard straight-edge mosh band, but the lyrics seem to deviate somewhat from the norm. Instead of talking about "purification" and being drug free, they sing about Brazil being under the thumb of the US, child labor, TV advertisements, and prisons. They're on the whole a bit more interesting and less alienating than the stuff mosh-metal bands usually write about. Even if it's musically uninteresting, it's still good to see labels like Catalyst trying to make bands from foreign countries accessible to people who normally wouldn't be exposed to them.
Catalyst Records BD

The Priests
Totally unprepared, the no-fi sound of the Priests had the head-bobbing and the crotch-throbbing, if you can excuse the imagery. Goddamn, I haven't heard raw garage rock like this album's opener/intro "The Tingler" since the heyday of the Oblivians or early, early Jon Spencer. Too bad, this thing fizzles, like, real fast and gets downright creepy a few songs in. Like a dirty, old pervert in a trench coat, peeking in your window late at night, the Priests make the skin crawl of anyone within earshot. Too bad, I thought they were onto something for a moment. Garage Pop Records JS

The Promise My True Love
Holy shit! That's what I said when I saw the gnarly packaging for this thing, skulls galore! Holy fuck! That's what I said when we rocked this in that scumbag Geis's Dodge Neon. He has the am/fm cassette player and the car kit walkman CD player just like me, high rollers folks, I tell you. Dude can you believe that Microsoft Word wants me to capitalize walkman? I wonder how much sony paid them to do that? And now sony comes up as a spelling error because I didn't capitalize it, yet the word sony when capitalized appears in its dictionary, it's a crazy world we live in. Anyway this CD is so fucking rad. It is a two-song breath of fresh air into the incredibly stale hardcore world. Super-fast guitars, brutal blast beats, and angry vocals bring me back to when hardcore was interesting. This is a must for fans of Slayer, old Earth Crisis, '80s heavy metal, (not the hair kind, the I-want-to-kill-you-and-myself-at-the-same-time kind) Unbroken, Harvest, Sabbath, or anyone who likes just gnarly music. By the lyrics I inferred that the Promise is indeed straight edge and I have heard there are former members of One King Down, and Another Victim, but The Promise is something completely different than these bands. The vocals are harsh screams that don't sound generic like so many other shitty cookie-cutter acts today, there's classy solo riffs and an intense rhythm section which provides a wall of sound ala Black Sabbath or the Misfits. Can't wait for the full length! Deathwish Inc. CR

Propagandhi Today’s Empires, Tomorrow’s Ashes
Propagandhi have really outdone themselves this time. With the addition of distorto-bassist Todd, who used to play in another great Winnipeg band called I Spy, the band has amped their sound and intensity. Chris, who used to be the band’s screamier vocalist, now takes on the melodic vocal compliment to Todd’s gravel-pit pipes. A raunchy ode to the thrash metal they grew up on, but still maintaining the pop sensibilities that make their songs so fucking skull ingrained after two listens, Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes has Propagandhi at the absolute pinnacle of their careers. While previous albums dipped and soared, their third never lets up. Highlights among an album of highlights are the angry frolick of "Back to the Motor Leagues," the quintessential anthem "Natural Disasters" (in just over two minutes), and the progressive thrash (complete with blazing guitar solo) of "Purina Hall of Fame." Really, every song here is a winner, and no two of the 14 songs sound the same, showcasing a band that have the talent and creativity to single-handedly redefine the whole melodic hardcore genre. In 20 years, when every tenth generation Epitaph/Fat band is forgotten, Propagandhi will be the reference point for a style of music that did have redeeming value, if only played by people with the right motives and intelligence to pull it off. But, the music is just the beginning. As always, a Propagandhi lyric sheet and booklet is a life-changing learning tool, with the kind of personal touch and honest approach that makes you compelled to listen, think and act. One step further on this record is an enhanced CD-ROM track for your computer including video shorts about the band, and social commentary by authors Ward Churchill and William Blum. This is the best and most honorable use of an enhanced CD to date. Truly more than music, Propagandhi’s latest CD has it all. G7 Welcoming Committee JS

Psuedo Heroes Betraying Angry Thoughts
The cheap cover art of this release betrays what is a solid album by Down By Law guitarist Sam Williams, joined by Kevin Coss on bass and Williams' childhood buddy Carlos Collins-Valez on drums. They must've owed a favor to a friend or something. Though it doesn't seem to cover any new territory, Betraying Angry Thoughts sounds really refreshing. It pleasantly transports you back to a time when you hadn't listened to a thousand punk LPs, and bands like the Descendants were totally new to you. Milo Goes to College? That's sounds interesting, you said to yourself, What? The lead singer's going to study chemistry at UCSD? What is this strange new world called punk rock? Good times. For me, that was also a time where I wasn't getting laid. Thank God that's over. Theologian Records RG

Purification Vessel Of Wrath
With this release, Indiana's Catalyst Records brings us another platter of tiresome vegan mosh metal. Purification, who hail from Italy, play music in the standard moshing fare in the vein of bands like Earth Crisis with metallic guitars, plodding drums, and a bass that chugs along with lots of open-E action. The vocals are barked above the din in the way that just about every other mosh band does them. Accompanying the record are the lyrics and writings on consumerism and the effects it has on the environment, animals, and people. While I can for the most part agree with the environmental views, it's extremely hard to take bands like this seriously when they have lines like, "From this era of decadence the righteous ones will rise with burning eyes to set the world ablaze" and constantly refer to some sort of mythical "purification." It's ridiculous, unintentionally cheesy lyrics and writings such these that ultimately serve to make vegan, straightedge bands extremely inaccessible to the people they are trying to reach (read: "those outside their movement"). This record will probably appeal to anyone who likes the traditional vegan, straightedge mosh -- I'm almost positive that this crowd won't be disappointed. Catalyst Records BD

Qualm Preventing Explosion
It is always good to hear a story or read a tale of some boyhood experience, even in this era of overexposure to too much man-dominated information and the ever-increasing amount of pulp slop begot by some uber suburban truant. Malls, skateboarding, chicks: we know the drill, right? Still, without them coming, the other entries in the world would seem trite and dull, because that's all we would have -- just that, nothing more. It's no different in the hardcore music scene. Just how many outfits do we really need in the same ilk before we get the main idea? Who's to tell? In any case, Qualm is a fine understanding that young boy angst is all too important and that tract house malaise demands to be addressed and dealt with accordingly. So they learn to play instruments and start a band. Thus, giving us a tight retribution of the qualities that we still need in informative pop culture entertainment. Punk has always been a fine outlet for nervous energy trapped in a body going through rapid change preparing for the doom of unstoppable adulthood. Besides, slam dancing is fun and everybody should get to tell their side of the story, in any form they want! Not Bad Records MW

Quest for Quintana Roo
Lo-fi packaging immediately resonates a warm and fuzzy feeling, as Quest for Quintana Roo do their best quiet/loud attempt at screamo. Ah yes, screamo, it’s emo but screamier. It’s wearing your heart on your sleeve, and then ripping it off your sleeve and crushing it in your hand. "I’m sensitive but I'm fucking angry. I love the bunnies and the trees, but fuck the world needs a real kick in the ass!" To their credit, this band seems fairly intelligent lyrically, and the music is done well. Don't expect any musical breakthroughs or songs to latch onto here, the songs are mostly binge and purge material. It's so hard to tell if this stuff is contrived or from the gut, but Quest for Quintana Roo is still one zillion times better than all of those goofy tight jeans/greaser bands around today. New Disorder Records JS

The Quitters Are King!!!
At my orthodontist's office in 5th grade, there were pictures on the wall depicting kayakers braving rapids with motivational phrases next to them like "Winners never quit, Quitters never win." I'd sit in the chair and read that over and over again while my teeth sat in plaster. I think the phrase is true. Next to the kayak photos were photos of my orthodontist flying biplanes He was a pilot. He, one could say, never quit. John Denver was also a pilot, and was a crossover success as a folk act. Christ, that's incredible. He did die on his plane though. But he never quit, not once. Neither did my orthodontist who also died in a plane crash. Man, this world is bumming me out lately. At least we know who the leaders are: the Quitters, our self-proclaimed royalty. That'll make knowing who to bow to a lot easier. Garage Pop Records RG 1.18.2002

The Quitters Second Album
The Quitters' Second Album is too much of a bad thing. The white CD jacket is similar to those from the 1950s and early '60s, with large letters, lots of musician photos on the cover, the phrase "high fidelity," and various exclamations, and I made the mistake of raising my expectations to the level of its boasting cover. There are about 23 mostly short rock songs with undistinguished lyrics on the album, including a bonus song. The first song, "Monkee Suit" (sic), sounds a bit like the early The Specials circa 1980, a mocking song about conformity. "I Got You, Babe" is a mean-sounding love song (very unlike the Sonny and Cher song of the same name). "Let's Get Real," is punk crossed with country. "Believe," one of the better songs, is about belief and brain-washing, and the singer has high energy and great lung capacity as he sings lines such as "believe what they won't see ... believe what you don't know." "Midnight at 7-11" seems to say "The jungle is full of monkeys -- they're reproducing" and "People [are] trying to sell Pampers so they can buy a little refreshment, liquid courage," and while there is a form of wit here, I couldn't decide if this was social criticism or racism. "No Silly" has a quick intense beat, punky, with a shouting voice, and is about betrayal, and it's not bad; it is what some of the other songs might have been if better-arranged or performed. "How to Mummify A Cat" is spoken and ends disgustingly, with a cat as soup. Garage Pop Records DG

Raccoons Self-Titled
"Eh, you hear that 'ma?"
"What, boy?"
"Them critters is out in the garbage, rooting around the chicken bones.
I can't stand it no more, Ma! Every night they're out there tearing up the place and I gotta clean it up." I'm a gonna kill 'em."
"Don't do it boy. Leave 'em be. It's nature."
"It's nature to kill weakly animals, Ma. It's nature for me to hunt, and tonight I'm gonna hunt for raccoon hide. I'm gonna get you a coat, Ma, a beautiful new fur coat, just you wait and see."
"You spoil me boy, you spoil me." Crouton Records RG

RAGE: 20 Years of Punk Rock West Coast Style DVD
This was a fun documentary. Jello Biafra, Jack Grisham, Keith Morris, and a few other minor players from major bands in LA and SF talk about the history of west coast American punk rock. Yes, this has been done before (and probably better, too). It was still fun to see some Dead Kennedy’s live footage accompanied by Biafra talking (again) about how he became a target for Tipper Gore. I thought it was sad that so many great LA and SF bands were completely omitted. There was no mention of Black Flag, Fear, Minutemen, Avengers, or Descendents at all, and only passing references to the Nuns, X, Crime and the Dickies. This was a criminal act. Sometimes this shit never gets old, even with big holes missing. This DVD comes highly recommended for anyone who thought The Decline of Western Civilization was as good as Citizen Kane. Music Video Distributors MM

Rah Bras Ruy Blas!
A wounded animal needs to be put out of its misery. The suffering must end, it’s the humane thing to do. When an animal needs to be put down, no one wants to be the one to pull the trigger, but when the ghastly sounds of the beast in pain are all that can be heard, it doesn’t take long for someone to grab the gun. Boom! It’s over. Rah Bras are a sick, dying animal of keyboards and best forgotten new wave; a limping, festering beast with hind quarters shattered to dust and thick runnels of snot and blood coming from its ears, nose and mouth. Their time is over. Featuring ex-members of Men’s Recovery Project. Lovitt Records JS

Rally Boy Hooks & Crutches
College rock in the Yo La Tengo, Superchunk, Archers of Loaf, Pavement vein. The mighty Sebadoh also rears their heads, especially in the schizophrenic pairing of "Low E," a straight-out ballad, and "Slang Tips," a Jason Lowenstein bit of unbridled rage, and noisy as hell. Six songs from a band who are quasi-listenable, yet utterly boring, because of too much reliance on the styles of their obvious influences. Jealous Butcher JS

Rational Solution Self-Titled 7"
Rational Solution plays your standard crust, mid-paced, sloppy punk with "cookie monster" vocals and political lyrics that don't amount to much more than mindless political sloganeering. It's not that this is unlistenable -- they actually remind me of a slower, sloppier Civil Disobedience -- it's just that I feel like I've heard and seen this stuff a million times before. The lyrics are just plain cliche, giving you nuggets of wisdom like, "Fight racism, not each other/ Erase the hate and not your brother" and "There's no end for violence/ There's no end for war/ There's just one question/ Who'll stop the violence." The band also packs the record with a bunch of fliers they've lifted from PETA and other groups and a silly, badly written rant on flag burning. The cover is the usual photocopied deal depicting a rather poorly drawn picture of Ronald McDonald crucified, and the circle A's and E's and peace symbols are slapped on wherever a place can be found. With other interesting, thoughtful, sincere politically oriented acts that refrain from mindlessly regurgitating ideology gleaned from some other band's lyric sheet, is this record really even necessary? Microcosm Records BD

ReJx 300 Orchard Place
Some take pride in being a dork. That’s cool. Be what you are, be proud and sing real loud! Better yet, start a band so you can crank your idiocisms up to 11 and get the crowd moving to your maniacal energy of stupidity. ReJx sing mainly about the title of the album --some punk-rock flophouse casbah located at 300 Orchard Place, somewhere in Pittsburgh, Pa. Apparently you can pee on the floor if you really have to go and the kitchen reeks of rotting food. Ah, paradise! Otherwise, it is a lost cause rebel’s crash pad and beer swill hideout/hangout. Other tunes deal with their childhood, which is long since past so lets act like drunken fools and mess things up. Yeah. The music is standard dirt punk. Sometimes irresponsible guys with amplifiers get lucky. Uprising Publications MM

Stephanie Rearick The Long Picnic
Imagine someone playing the soundtrack to her dreams for you. A woman sits down to her piano and painting an intimate picture for you. She guides you by the hand through a series of situations and pictures and bizarre stories, and you've got Stephanie Rearick's solo CD. Rearick's unusual piano harmonies and melodies set this trippy mood, but mainly she uses her voice as the most powerful instrument of imagery in The Long Picnic. Her unusual piano compositions sound like a despondent twist of classical and experimental melodies. The music progresses through stages in each song and throughout the CD, but it is hard to tell where she will turn next. Rearick has mastered the soulful piano instrumentals in the first track, "Folk Tune," and last track, "Cosmic." These songs are slow and sweet and transition well in and out of this dream world. Rearick moves fluidly between her instrumental songs and her lyrics. Her playful lyrics match the unusual piano melodies and harmonies. Moving from the sarcastic to the romantic in, Rearick proves that she has dreamed about, or at least thought about most scenarios, and she expresses herself through her piano. Rearick presents so many images and moods in her songs, the only consistency is that they are all unusual. Uvulittle Records JR

Red Level Eleven Fort Seduction
Intense climactic rock. Twangy at times, rhythmic at others. Building, driving music with incredible female vocals reminiscent of Chinchilla. The lyrics are well written and emotional. The music is distant and familiar. They use guitars for intros then break starting back up again with an eruption of sound. Think talented indie rock with strong female vocals. The nostalgic "Freshman Year" is my favorite track. Cool name, cooler packaging. CR

Red Shirt Brigade Home of the Cannon Saints
The Red Shirt Brigade makes me tap my feet through their peppy-pop-power-pieces. Listen to the 13 tracks off Home of the Cannon Saints while skipping through the mall to buy your new frock from a favorite franchise. What comes to mind when you hear the song title, "Thugs with Venom?" Well, they don't play it like that, no not that way either. Keeping with the unwritten rules of indie-rock, their songs are somewhat introspective, a pinch catchy, and just enough different from anything else you have heard to earn them a place with everything else you are listening to in your indie-rock collection these days. These guys have a certain way of making sense of somewhat nonsense lyrics. Where else would you find "complete ... always since the day we try" sung in chorus with guitars and a synthesizer? It is hard to categorize this band, or group them with some others, because their style changes a little from song to song. They are keeping you on your toes. RSB definitely have been listening to some Radiohead and Elvis Costello, and let me tell you, these off sides influences have come together quite nicely. The CD picks up in the first few seconds, and won't let you down. Quite catchy RSB, really quite catchy. Team AV/SSM JR


Remembering Never She Looks So Good in Red
This boring metalcore release is significant only for its lyrical content. She Looks So Good in Red is basically a concept album about killing women who have ended relationships with the boneheads in the band. Geez guys, keep writing songs about stabbing or choking your ex-girlfriends in their sleep and I'm sure it will only be a matter of time before you all find your soul-mates. Fuck this band and fuck Ferret for releasing this shit smorgasbord. Boycott violence against women-core. Ferret JS

Remembering Never Suffocates My Words to You
I think I can save you some valuable time and $10 to $15. Remembering Never is not very good. They try to mix overrun, generic hardcore with occasional indie/emo moments of sincerity and serene harmony, and none of it works. I see no interesting contributions from the band, and everything seems like crappy déjà vu. It makes me sad to be completely honest. Maybe ten years ago, I might have given these kids a nod that at least they were doing something new, but Suffocates My Words to You is just re-done hardcore meets half-assed emo. It just shouldn't be done. One Day Savior records has put out some good releases, but Remembering Never is a group that, hopefully, I will remember never. One Day Savior CS

Scott Richter
Coffee house acoustic. Vocals are flat (like Courtney Love flat) but interesting enough. Good to be sad to and share the secrets of your life with your best friend over a cup of joe. I Can't Believe it's a Record Company MH/AH

The Rise Signal to Noise
We all know what The Refused did to hardcore; some say it was the best thing that could ever happen, others believe it was the death of real hardcore and the beginning of the Casio takeover. One thing is certain: The Rise, and many other hardcore bands incorporating electronics into their sound, owe their very existence to the Swedish moppets, for better or for worse. The Rise combine electronic dance beats with screamy, stop/start hardcore. When it works, they sound semi-revolutionary, when it doesn't, they come off as contrived and silly, such as "An Automated Response If You Will" which uses a painful CD skipping effect over and over and over. At 41 minutes in length, Signal to Noise begins to spiral around itself, repeating ideas that were interesting in earlier parts of the album ad nauseam. When "The Fallacy of Retrospective Determinism" hits the ground running, however, it's easy to get a bit swept up in the stylish glory of it all. Don't worry, the feeling will pass soon enough. Ferret JS

River City Rebels Racism, Religion, and War… – Very competent ska/punk from a seven piece band who average just over 18 years of age. The lyrics on these 14 songs tread the line of cliché punk rock, as "Fuck You" repeats the cuss words in its chorus ad nauseam, but the River City Rebels seem genuine and from the heart. The lead track (also a video if you are lucky enough to see it), "Hate," has an effective anti-racist message -- not without bitter irony from the only record label dumb enough to put out a record by One Life Crew. Victory is doing their best to make up for past stupidity, but it remains to be seen if they will repeat the same bone-headed mistakes. So, the boycott is still on, and I’d only recommend taping this off a friend or scooping it online. Victory Records JS

River City Rebels Playing to Live ... Living to Play
Count them: Seven guys, all bent and ready and full of fuel to shake the foundation loose and truly slam it back in your face with the audacity and vigor of a true punk rock outfit, set in modern terms and teetering close to the brink of major success. This is what the scene needs more of. Fine craftsmanship, sing along anthems and the old school punch of annihilation and rejection of most social norms, just for the sake of being young and knowing darn well that conformity is for squares man. Like, can you dig it? What ... no, the River City Rebels are far from beat, but they do have a penchant for dictating gut wrenching poetics in the guise of ska influenced punk and gathering the tribes together for one last maniacal fist waving before the end of the world. In the late-'70s, punk really was something, meant something, and these boys from rural Vermont know how to pick the bones clean of S. Vicious and a still pumping Iggy Pop into a virile force of dance-worthy aggression and all around preaching about living life to the fullest. It's easy to get hooked on these guys. It's even easier to shut me up and get on with it! Victory Records MW

Resent Title Self-Titled 7"
At first, I was a little bit worried when I saw that this 7" was put out by the same label who did the atrocious Insurrection 7". While not really spectacular, this 7" is MUCH better than the Insurrection 7". Resent is a pretty standard mid-paced crusty political hardcore band that is reminiscent of Aus-Rotten on their first LP. The lyrics are about what you'd expect, but they do seem to flow along well with the music. The sleeve is the standard cut 'n paste job with a picture of a blindfolded/gagged guy that I've seen on about 100 other records. This band doesn't really standout from the crowd much, but I know there are people who can't get enough of this style and will probably eat this up. Autonomy-Resistance-Equality Records BD

Anthony Rochester Music for Listening and Relaxation
I think I saw this guy playing at a Holiday Inn in suburban Indiana. Not really. This is total lounge music reminiscent of Sebastian and Belle with a huge dost of lame '70s TV theme trappings and electronic bits thrown on top ala Stereolab. This is the CD that they play at that one record store in town where they have absolutely no "rocking" records. Non-essential. Dogprint MM


Rocket from the Crypt Group Sounds
Hear that? It's a collective sigh of relief from all Rocket from the Crypt fans. After the humiliating defeat of their self-titled record and subsequent drop from a major label, the boys in blazers are back with a blazer of their own; the infectious Group Sounds. While their previous album (the aforementioned self-titled travesty) had only one decent song in an attempt to win over No Doubt fans with its ... actually, let's not talk about it. Group Sounds is chock full of total rockers. Out of the 13 songs on this album, at least ten are better than anything Rocket has done since their glory days of Circa: Now. An infusion of speed and chaos feeds songs like "Carne Voodoo," "White Belt," and "Savoir Faire," leaving the party stomp of "Return of the Liar" to flatten anyone left on their feet. As with most Rocket albums, we do get a couple of rusty melons, the disjointed five minute-plus album closer, "Ghost Shark," being the best example here. The band must be drinking lots of wheat grass, though, because even their often annoying change-up songs are done with style, as tidy little slow rides like "SOS" and "Dead Seeds" equal any of Superchunk's best ballads. Wow! That's enough time wasted writing about Group Sounds, it's time for another listen. Vagrant Records JS

The Rocking Horse Winner Horizon
This band should be called Rocking Horse Loser or Weiner or better yet Whiner. A must for fans of such shitty bands as Dashboard Confessional (a member of Dashboard is the "guest vocalist") somehow guest vocalist transforms into singing all the tracks (or at least the two I listened to before falling asleep) and she also writes the words but isn't in the band? Hmm. Speaking of the words they are so generic and run of the mill they make Chris Conley's 100s of almost the same song songs look original. Poppy, boring, uninspiring emo pop. What the hell is Equal Vision thinking? Is the whole world on drugs? Equal Vision Records CR

The Roswells Self-Titled 7"
This 7" has the Roswells playing four tracks of punk on the poppy end of the spectrum. The songs are pretty well written with enough speed, hooks, and changes to pull the band above the army of pop-punk bands that are around today and keep them interesting. The guitars have a welcome edginess to them which seems to be absent from a lot of melodic punk bands today. The sleeve is actually pretty humorous in a juvenile way, as opposed to the multitude of lame bands that try to be funny only to fall flat on their face. What self-respecting punk can't be down with a song called "Crass Not Christ" about "MxPx and how religion + punks = dumb?" Microcosm Records BD

Rupture Cunt of God
I thought the band would be better titled Rapture instead to stick with the God theme. I mean when the Rapture comes won't everyone be speaking in tongues -- this vocalist is already ahead of the game and in fastforward nonetheless. Short songs, there are 22 tracks. Bad recording. An Anal Cunt wanna-be. With track one titled "Toilet Paper Bible," you must be sure to recognize the silliness. Rhetoric Records MH/AH

RX Bandits Progress
Progress is a big word. In light of all that is happening in the global scheme of music, and the rest of us, there is always one more band to come across and let us all know that, sure, they can play and, gee, isn't it great to be in a cool band that most folks enjoy? But progress takes a big toll on history and traditions, and what the RX Bandits are trying to accomplish here is most likely on their own terms, in their own universe, and, sure, they are getting bigger and better within that vast confine. What these dudes from Orange County revolve around is the mild punk/ska that spawned so many others to fall in the wake of No Doubt and Rancid ... perhaps even 311 or Sublime. The music is good and tight and totally unoffensive or even, dare I say it gentle reader, progressive? No, I am not that harsh. I will not put down a fine inclusion to the rest of the scene. Even though my toes were a tappin' and each tune did its job with success, there was just that groinal pull that needs to be included to send a good bunch of well meaning cats into the further depths of outer space, never to return, only to be admired from afar. I liked it, but they need to progress just a bit more. Sorry. I drink too much. Drive Thru Records MW

Bob Schaeffer Buy One, Get One Free
Bob Schaeffer's album, Buy One, Get One Free, comes in an attractive, green CD package, with drawings, photos, and lyrics provided, and the CD itself is generous, with four bonus songs, and all the songs seem to strive for an intensity that suggests a live rock music show. The album begins with the song "Sylph," with a crisp electronic guitar sound but mediocre vocals (there is also, later, a second version of the song, acoustic); it is a song about a brilliant, beautiful but lonely girl who is cruel. The lyrics state these facts, but do not delve deeper than that recognition, so the girl is nothing more than a typical fatal female. "Dead Twin," about an abusive dead twin, incest, and scrambled thoughts presents paradoxes such as "I died at birth," and has a throbbing guitar, heavy drums, layered noise (and I mean noise in a mostly good sense). The title song "Buy One, Get One Free" is against conformist, consumerist life with the conclusion, "everything is free when you learn how to see exactly what you need," with a terrific stop-start rhythm and melodious chorus. "Washout" is a surreal rock ballad with shouts of "how I wanna be" that bring to mind Nirvana and Springsteen, with the best line being "If you reach for the stars don't be surprised if you burn your hands from time to time." The song has a good, even surprising arrangement with changing tempos and moods. This is an album, a CD, with dark feelings, otherworldly dreamscapes, intelligence, humor, and social relevance, though some themes are unclear and some songs monotonous. One hears the ephemeral nature of contemporary life clearly in this album and that is an honest accomplishment. Cornerstone Recording Arts Society DG

Seafood Surviving the Quiet
You can tell Seafood are from England, from the Joy Division/New Order bass lines to the bouncy Elastica stutter chops. Wall of sound guitar and soft-spoken banshee Radiohead/Coldplay vocals complete the English homecoming. It’s nice to see an American indie label releasing a European band, even if they are a bit generic. Still, Seafood is miles above most of the dung being released under the banner of "emo" in the past few years. It’s easy to listen to and pleasantly done. Big Wheel Recreation JS

The Secession Movement Ak-e-dem-ik
What is it that sets bands like the Secession Movement apart from like-sounding emo/indie sassy rock bands? A bit of extra spunk, perhaps, or a couple years in age (older or younger, it doesn't matter). Whatever it is, it makes a significant difference. Not to say this is essential, nothing could be further from the truth, "Ak-e-dem-ik" is about as permanent as those fake tattoo thingies. Still, whatever listens one can garner from this nine-song album are a hint more enjoyable than the zillions of other Promise Ring/Piebald clones out there. Keep Safe Records JS

Seven Story Mountain Based on a True Story
What a surprise this was. This is a great release. There is so much depth here. There is no discernible formula, and each song has a different feel to it. In these seven tracks I hear Foo Fighters, The Cure, Nine Inch Nails and some great ‘80s bands, but none of which are too overpowering. Bottom line it's alternative pop, and it make me dance. Deep Elm Records MH/AH


Seven Storey Dividing By Zero
They did it again. Seven Storey, formerly Seven Storey Mountain produced an album that I didn't like at first, but steadily grew on me and broke me down by my third listen through. After a weak instrumental opening, Lance Lammers' vocals emerge with grating force and mix well with the band's driven guitar rock. The flurry of strong guitars, ripping bass, and steady drums create an orchestrated pandemonium. Seven Storey's organized confusion, which is just fun, grows on you, and their cynical lyrics are balanced by their aggressive music. Another solid Deep Elm release, I have to tip my hat to Seven Storey, despite early inhibitions. It's a good record, and they're just too strong a band to overlook. Dividing By Zero is another solid release from a band that keeps improving. Deep Elm Records CS

Shark Attack Discography
Well, obviously Agnostic Front and Negative Approach were a huge influence on Boston's now-defunct Shark Attack, so let's just get that out of the way right off the bat. Thankfully, their sound was not a complete retro knock-off, as Shark Attack knew their way around their instruments and, although they were confining themselves to a certain style of hardcore (late '80s crossover/tough guy-core), they also knew how to throw in little snippets of their own doing. Lyrics were toxic and much like a Great White (not the band) attack; limbs and digits are ripped clean from their sockets even before the blood starts to flow. Shark Attack really hits full carnage on what was originally the second side of their Blood in the Water 7". The songs "Persist," "Feeding Frenzy," and "Accept Yourself" are just as venomous as "Friend or Foe" was back in the day. The second half of this discography is a live recording at CBGB's that is unlistenable trash, repeating the same songs that were actually audible on the first half of the disc. Bad idea. Man, these guys sound a lot like Agnostic Front. Like they say, imitation is the highest form of flattery, and as long as the Shark Attack dudes can stay out of jail (or out of Madball), they'll do just fine in their new musical endeavors. Reflections Records JS

Sharks Keep Moving Desert Strings and Drifting
I kinda liked this EP of four songs. It’s melodic and sweeping, with definite talent and use of instrumentation. The kind of good band sound that fills a room -- a room full of cocktail sippers and curious young club goers in search of a respite from the standard Electro fare and pounding rock. But it interferes with your usual conversation. Sharks Keep Moving keep it interesting, they keep you guessing and fingers tapping on sticky table tops lit up by red globed candles. You can relax to this kind of musicality without feeling cheated or lazy. It is slight, kind of moody, but a simple gem, perhaps a bit rusty, pure, and engaging. They know how to write songs, how to manifest sounds from the basic tools and not to overwhelm with lyrics bent on sadness or dyptheric poetics. The wind was blowing heavily outside, moving a large pine tree all around and casting frenetic shadows on a red curtain. Desert Strings and Drifters was playing and I felt good. I didn't take notes; I just leaned back and watched the wind play with the tree, which in turn played with the curtain. Then a viola swoops over the guitars and drums and adds an even extra element. The phone rang and I ignored it. The instrumentals incite my eyes to close and I am there with you at the club, in the candle lit room, sipping a cocktail, and not saying a word. After the set, we find a quiet booth and make out like crazy. Second Nature Recordings MW

Sick on the Bus Set Fire to Someone in Authority
Total piss and vinegar punk rock, with no apologies for being lewd, rude and loud. A number of these caustic little ditties are about singer Biff’s love life, but songs like "Just Sex," "I Hate You," and "Rich Bitch" are hardly the kind of tunes you play for a romantic evening in front of a crackling fireplace. Hate, rebellion and three chords are the Presto Log for this blaze, essentially a re-mastered version of their almost decade old debut record. Fans of old school punk/hardcore with strong stomachs will enjoy. Go Kart Records JS

Sides of a Cube First Grade – Thankfully, this is only a four-song EP of horrid Casio-puked art rock. Sides of a Cube is definitely not fit for public consumption and should have stayed in the messy teenage bedroom it was conceived in. Gotta admit though, it takes a huge set of gonads to put something this bad to compact disc for all eternity. Mothball Eyes Records JS

Sig Transit Gloria Self-Titled
Amidst the hyperbolics there is a guy on keyboards, which adds an almost spunky teen flick soundtrack aura to each of the ten songs presented here. This is the kind of happy, bobby sox jump around anthems to get the junior prom dates ready for action; and surely at least one pimply faced outcast will get the chance to make out with a fairly hot sophomore. That is if they're lucky. Regardless, Sig Transit Gloria is a shimmery example of what's awfully right when kids band together and just let it all come out. It is reminiscent of modern age power punk, jangly pop, art school ballistics and some slight '80s throwback tune-smithing which translates into a fully accessible and enjoyable record. Its as if they know darn well that youth is transitory and difficult, so they smash the hit-making machine right on the head and let us all in on their sugary sweet secrets: it's fun to drive fast, it's boring in the suburbs, and the mall is the last place you want to be when the sun is shining bright. Tradgedy is always at hand, so why not smile and dance now? Perhaps it is not as bad as you thought it was. Johanns Face Records MW

Sinch Self-Titled
Ah, the familiar refrains of radio-friendly nu-metal. Perfect listening for the coma patient, or someone just getting home from a double overtime shift. Sinch are a Pennsylvania quintet that could fit onto a bill with Disturbed, Papa Roach, or Linkin Park, maybe even squeak by with The Deftones in their more emotional moments, such as album opener "To Die in Fall." As for their gimmick, in their ranks is "visual performance artist" Jay Smith and his Ocular Noise Machine, an interactive video device that is played like a guitar and projects images that move with the rhythm of the band. Some bands have latex masks and goofy facial hair, Sinch have an Ocular Noise Machine. Another intelligent signing from those geniuses over at… Roadrunner Records JS

David Singer The Cost of Living
Just what the world needs, a cross between Beck and Elliot Smith. Like either of those two aren't excruciating enough on their own, now David Singer comes along with the worst of both worlds. Geeky, high pitched vocals, tongue barely in cheek lyrics, and space missile/rocket ship sound effects to drive anyone with hearing insane. It's hard to believe that people dig this kind of masturbatory dreck, but if you are out there, then may I introduce you to Mr. David Singer. Best wishes and have a good life. Deep Elm JS

Sissies Look Back and Laugh
Good ol snotty indie rock who employ the DIY stance and give it to you straight and full of promise. These two girls and guy do a great job of jammin’ garage style while the girls overlap themselves on singing duties, making it almost kaledascopic. Hannah and Ali come across as punk rock Janeane Garafolos, only instead of doing crummy movies, they’re in a fun band. Pure pop-punk antics by some of Indiana’s finest. What more can I say? There is not one track that lingers stale and unispired, which is a rarity. All of them shake and move making you wish you were in a great band too. Or at least had a cool older sister that practiced in her room and then one day you catch her act at the rec center and are blown away by her ability. The same girl who locks the bathroom door on you and takes up the phone too long just happens to rock out with the best of them. Could be a great movie. Janeane, listen up! New Disorder Records MW

Silent Majority You Would Love to Know
Poppy emo. I really don't care for the vocals on this. They sound like hair-band metal to me. It doesn't really fit the music. Lyrics don't make much sense either -- too vague. Nothing to original and only five songs. I guess I would compare it to a bad Boy Sets Fire. Initial Records MH/AH

Six Going on Seven American’t (or Won’t)
The push is on for Boston’s Six Going on Seven to make it in the big time rock music world, or so it sounds on "American’t (or Won’t)." Their third full length is a straight forward rock record with tracks that would not sound out of place on a classic rock radio station. Play this back to back with some John Cougar Mellencamp, or perhaps some Boston, and mainstream radio rockers wouldn’t notice an indie band invading their precious airtime. The difficult bit about this record is there’s no "Jack and Diane," and certainly no "More Than a Feeling," to be found. Instead it’s filled with meandering little ditties that start out interesting but don’t venture past the front doorstep. Plodding and pacing on their safe welcome mat, Six Going on Seven quickly become Lungfish as an adult-oriented rock band. Songs choke and die in their listlessness, and Six Going on Seven become the kind of faceless, nameless band that has you reaching for the radio dial in search of some AC/DC. You know, to get the party started. Big Wheel Recreation JS

Sixer Saving Grace
My buddy Jose kept doing the "'80s dance" to this record. You know, that Molly Ringwald move in The Breakfast Club or when Bruce Springsteen picks Courtney Cox out of the crowd in that video for "Dancing in the Dark" and they both do that arm contortion to and fro while staying glued to the floor? Yeah. He kept doing that. "Why are you doing that?" I had to ask. "Well," he said, "it kind of has that rhythm. You know, to dance like this. Except ... this is the music of the devil!" With that, he inadvertently hit it right on the proverbial head. Sixer has that booty shaking beat, handclaps, and several jump around the living room antics, but still the heavy guitars, gruff vocals and skull on the cover keeps it real and lets you know that even though these guys like to get down, they're still a rock band and, hey, do they mean business. Regardless, this is a fine album of rock club bombastics, inviting the punch of punk and the groove of garage swing into the ring and let them battle it out on your stereo. And Jose kept dancing around. When he started to do the white man's lip bite (even if he is Cuban) I had to turn the CD off. It ... it was just getting plain creepy. TKO Records MW


Slackjaw Darkest Hour
Indie rock is basically the backwash of punk gone lower lip stuck out arty. I know I'll get a lot of flak from Indie-heads but trust me, that's a general history of the whole movement. Regardless, bands like Slackjaw come along and try to fill the holey shoes of past great bands in that arena. But kind of fail. I really was very unimpressed with this album and band I am sorry to say. Their sound is like being slowly dragged through dirt or drinking ultra watered down Kool-aide. I wanted to like it, but it just didn't do anything for me. Perhaps this CD was sent to the wrong person. I'm really into doom metal and hurty-gurty music. This is the anti of each. It plods along, it's kind of sad and it could be interesting but it just doesn't go there enough to be considered so. SO ... I asked others what they thought of it. It was pretty much a series of "Zzzz!" from the lot of friends that seem to huddle around my tiny place in San Francisco. Even the usual gloomy Katia didn't get into it. "They should go full gloom or full indie," she said. "They sort of waver in-between." And there you go. But if you're into that, go for it! It's here at my house. Come on by and get it. No Karma Recordings MW

Sloppy Meateaters Forbidden Meat
In all of their supposed cartoon buffoonery, Sloppy Meateaters come across as major players in the modern punk scene today. They know their chops, they do it well, and they're not afraid to express a penchant for harmonies. These three boys have the right amount of speed, pitch, heaviness, and a cool swagger that lets you know you're all invited but don't touch because they have a job to do. You'll be glad you came. Seriously, SME is on their way to a brighter stage ahead if they keep doing what they're doing and don't meander around the cesspool of teen idol-dom (i.e. Blink 182) and stick to their guns. Each song rocks, there isn't a stinker in the bunch, and I'm glad bands like this come around once in a blue moon to remind us that quality definitely smashes a quantity of crap. There is probably a lot of other bands just as good out there, its just that they need to be signed and play some shows. Well, then ... go do it! The populace