"Preacher"
Anko Records
The second Johns review in one month. I've been waiting for this one.
Ever since I heard the "In Tune" single I've been in love with this band. This album really finish what the 7" started.
Opening track "Let Me Down", already a classic, got my attention right away and it pretty much sets the standard of the rest of the record. "Creep Out" really has that Rob Milucky sound that I talked about in the 7" review and title-track "Preacher", more of a down-tempo rock'n'roll song, really sticks in your head for hours after listening to it. "High On You", a faster tune, starts off the second half of the record and is followed by "Issues" and then my favorite "Crack City". It's all good! After listening to closing track "In Tune" all you can do is walk up to the stereo press play again.
This is already a classic in my collection and it hasn't even been released yet! This just might be my favorite record of the year... /CD
"Concrete Death" 7"
RLD Records
First The Johns and now The Jacks, a lot of good records this month. This is the first time I hear the band and I really like it. The Jacks' mid-tempo punk rock makes me think of bands like Smogtown etc.
"Outta Line(s)" and "Nothing in Common" are my two favorite tunes on this 4-track. I like the vocals and the raw sound of this record. "Too Young" is a bit faster than the rest of the songs, also a good thing. Over all, I think this 7" is fantastic!
This first release from RLD Records is a must-have if you're into the whole old-school west-coast skate-rock stuff (even though The Jacks are from the east coast...). Very good no-bullshit punk rock! /CD
"Blue Collar Biography" CD
Self-released
From Tempe, Arizona comes The Last Action Zeros. This 15-track album was released last year so you might have heard of it already. This is some good punk rock, Hellcat style, at times it reminds me of Rancid and Operation Ivy (in a good way!). The Zeros have a raw sound which is fun to hear in a time when most music is being over-produced.
"Better Way", "Jaded" and "Red, White & Bruised" are my favorites on this album and the rest of the songs are good as well. I like this band and suggest you check 'em out if you like the first Rancid album! I'm looking forward to hear more from this band in the future. Good record! /CD
"Dying is Your Latest Fashion" CD
Epitaph
Well, this is probably the worst record that has been sent to me for review so far. I would be really surprised if this band isn't on MTV within a month... Once upon a time the Epitaph label on a record meant quality. Nowdays, I'm not so sure...
Escape The Fate are mixing up some metalcore with some pop with some hardcore with some emo with some glam... Gimme a break! /CD
THE JOHNS
"In Tune" 7"
Anko Records
A perfect tease before the release of the band's debut-album "Preacher". The Johns' (feat. members of The Hunns, The Bleeders etc.) first 7-inch is packed with energy! Opening track "In Tune" has got that Rob Milucky signature sound and I can't help but think of his old band The Pushers. I really loved The Pushers when they were around and this is probably a perfect band to fill their spot! "Crapped Out" and "Wanna Die" are just as good as the first song. This is a great introduction to the band and I want more! I can't wait 'til I get the album! Go get this 7" today! /CD
THE HIGH FIVIN' WHITE GUYS
"Ate Songs" MCD
Meatier Media
This 8 track MCD from Portland's High Fivin' White Guys is my first encounter with the band. Think early 90's skate-punk and you pretty much have it. I first got into punk listening to this kind of music and I'm glad to hear a band that reminds me of the good old days! The HFWG play high-energy skate a la NOFX and they sometimes remind me of swedish punks Targetpoint. I really enjoyed this record the first time I heard it and after a few listenings it's still good. This release is as far as I know the bands' first and they're doing a good job.
Singer Josh Malia has a great voice and the band is tight. My personal favorite on "Ate Songs" is the opening track "Emotional Music". Check this out if you are into the old FAT bands! Good record! /CD
"Ate Songs" MCD
Meatier Media
This 8 track MCD from Portland's High Fivin' White Guys is my first encounter with the band. Think early 90's skate-punk and you pretty much have it. I first got into punk listening to this kind of music and I'm glad to hear a band that reminds me of the good old days! The HFWG play high-energy skate a la NOFX and they sometimes remind me of swedish punks Targetpoint. I really enjoyed this record the first time I heard it and after a few listenings it's still good. This release is as far as I know the bands' first and they're doing a good job.
Singer Josh Malia has a great voice and the band is tight. My personal favorite on "Ate Songs" is the opening track "Emotional Music". Check this out if you are into the old FAT bands! Good record! /CD
THE POLITICIANS
"Welcome to the War" MCD
Anchor Steady Records
This is my kind of band! If you are into classic '77 stuff like The Clash and Stiff Little Fingers mixed up with a bit of The Pogues it's probably your kind of band too! The Politicians are from Orange County and have been around since 2002. They have been supporting a lot of well-known acts such as the Swingin' Utters and The Forgotten and if you ask me, it should have been the other way around. These guys are really good. From the first tune "Save Yer County" to the closing-track "Time is Running Out" I tap my feet and sing along with singer Andy Wilker. When is the album being released? /CD
"Welcome to the War" MCD
Anchor Steady Records
This is my kind of band! If you are into classic '77 stuff like The Clash and Stiff Little Fingers mixed up with a bit of The Pogues it's probably your kind of band too! The Politicians are from Orange County and have been around since 2002. They have been supporting a lot of well-known acts such as the Swingin' Utters and The Forgotten and if you ask me, it should have been the other way around. These guys are really good. From the first tune "Save Yer County" to the closing-track "Time is Running Out" I tap my feet and sing along with singer Andy Wilker. When is the album being released? /CD
LEFT ALONE
"Dead American Radio" CD
Hellcat Records
16 new songs from Left Alone. I must admit that I didn't really like it the first time I played it but this record grows on you. This record got some punk, some ska and even some country stuff on it. A mix that makes this album quite interesting. Tim Armstrong is doing some singing on "City to City" and Patricia Day of Horrorpops is singin' in spanish on "La Pregunta". "Done Wrong" and "Waiting For You" reminds me a bit of Mike Ness. A good mix.
Over all the punk rock songs are a better than the country and ska stuff but they should keep doing their thing. I like it! /CD
"Dead American Radio" CD
Hellcat Records
16 new songs from Left Alone. I must admit that I didn't really like it the first time I played it but this record grows on you. This record got some punk, some ska and even some country stuff on it. A mix that makes this album quite interesting. Tim Armstrong is doing some singing on "City to City" and Patricia Day of Horrorpops is singin' in spanish on "La Pregunta". "Done Wrong" and "Waiting For You" reminds me a bit of Mike Ness. A good mix.
Over all the punk rock songs are a better than the country and ska stuff but they should keep doing their thing. I like it! /CD
TOWERS OF LONDON
"Blood, Sweat & Towers" CD
TVT Records
I really tried to find something I like about this record. It didn't work out... I find it a bit hard to take these five guys from London seriously. According to their website, brothers Donny Tourette (guitars) & Dirk Tourette (vocals) started out playing Oasis tunes in their room and on this album they have a song called "Kill the Pop Scene". Shouldn't they be thankful for the pop-scene? Nah, I won't be listening to this record anytime soon... /CD
"Blood, Sweat & Towers" CD
TVT Records
I really tried to find something I like about this record. It didn't work out... I find it a bit hard to take these five guys from London seriously. According to their website, brothers Donny Tourette (guitars) & Dirk Tourette (vocals) started out playing Oasis tunes in their room and on this album they have a song called "Kill the Pop Scene". Shouldn't they be thankful for the pop-scene? Nah, I won't be listening to this record anytime soon... /CD
THE CASUALTIES
"Under Attack" CD
Side One Dummy
This one is sooooo good! I haven't really listened to The Casualties before this one but I'm gonna have to check up on some of their earlier stuff. This is what I call energy! The opening title-track is like a punch in your guts and the rest of the record just keeps hitting you! Everything from the aftermath of hurricane Katrina to "overrated people in overrated back stages" is being dealt with on this record and The Casualties are not afraid to speak their minds. "No Solution, No Control" is one of the best hardcore punk rock songs I've heard and the list of good songs just goes on and on! The Casualties just turned into one of my new favorite bands! This album was produced by Bill Stevenson (Descendents, All, Black Flag) /CD
"Under Attack" CD
Side One Dummy
This one is sooooo good! I haven't really listened to The Casualties before this one but I'm gonna have to check up on some of their earlier stuff. This is what I call energy! The opening title-track is like a punch in your guts and the rest of the record just keeps hitting you! Everything from the aftermath of hurricane Katrina to "overrated people in overrated back stages" is being dealt with on this record and The Casualties are not afraid to speak their minds. "No Solution, No Control" is one of the best hardcore punk rock songs I've heard and the list of good songs just goes on and on! The Casualties just turned into one of my new favorite bands! This album was produced by Bill Stevenson (Descendents, All, Black Flag) /CD
HIT BY A SEMI
"Midnight Riot" CD
Harmless Cherry
I should have reviewed this record a long time ago, it was actually released in 2005. You might know this band from the interview I did with the band a few months ago. Nice people, great band! This is their second full-length and I like what I hear! "Midnight Riot" is a 13 track record packed with good tunes. My favorite is definitely the title-track (check out the video on MySpace to see what I'm talking about). This is a great sing-a-long-punk-rock-record and you should have it! 'Nuff said! /CD
"Midnight Riot" CD
Harmless Cherry
I should have reviewed this record a long time ago, it was actually released in 2005. You might know this band from the interview I did with the band a few months ago. Nice people, great band! This is their second full-length and I like what I hear! "Midnight Riot" is a 13 track record packed with good tunes. My favorite is definitely the title-track (check out the video on MySpace to see what I'm talking about). This is a great sing-a-long-punk-rock-record and you should have it! 'Nuff said! /CD
SHOCK NAGASAKI
"Late 4 Life" 7"
Slab-O-Wax
One of the best bands around if you ask me! Two songs, "Late 4 Life" and "Classified Information", great as usual! If you've somehow managed to miss Shock Nagasaki, I suggest you look 'em up as fast as possible. This is something you should listen to every day. Good '77-ish stuff! The first press of this 7" comes on white/red-splattered vinyl, looks great and is limited to 500! What are you waiting for? Buy this one today! /CD
"Late 4 Life" 7"
Slab-O-Wax
One of the best bands around if you ask me! Two songs, "Late 4 Life" and "Classified Information", great as usual! If you've somehow managed to miss Shock Nagasaki, I suggest you look 'em up as fast as possible. This is something you should listen to every day. Good '77-ish stuff! The first press of this 7" comes on white/red-splattered vinyl, looks great and is limited to 500! What are you waiting for? Buy this one today! /CD
WITHOUT A TRACE
"Seek Silence Beyond E.P." 7"
Zorch Productions
Ok, these guys are very good friends of mine so I guess I'm a bit partial but I'll review it anyway! This band has truly evolved during the last year.
For years they have been working hard to define their sound and I'd say they've really found it on this, their first release. This was actually recorded over a year ago but somehow it wasn't released up until a month ago. Quite a shame if you ask me.
Musically I'd put them somewhere between Comback Kid and Tragedy. Both Erik and Jani are great behind the microphone and Tom has really brought a new sound to the band. Along with Tobbe's drumming this release is really a strong debut. Three songs in english and one, "Livets Skarpa Kant", in swedish (feat. Mårten, ex-Bombshell Rocks on vocals). This is good hardcore punk and I suggest you look'em up if you like the fast & angry stuff! /CD
"Seek Silence Beyond E.P." 7"
Zorch Productions
Ok, these guys are very good friends of mine so I guess I'm a bit partial but I'll review it anyway! This band has truly evolved during the last year.
For years they have been working hard to define their sound and I'd say they've really found it on this, their first release. This was actually recorded over a year ago but somehow it wasn't released up until a month ago. Quite a shame if you ask me.
Musically I'd put them somewhere between Comback Kid and Tragedy. Both Erik and Jani are great behind the microphone and Tom has really brought a new sound to the band. Along with Tobbe's drumming this release is really a strong debut. Three songs in english and one, "Livets Skarpa Kant", in swedish (feat. Mårten, ex-Bombshell Rocks on vocals). This is good hardcore punk and I suggest you look'em up if you like the fast & angry stuff! /CD
CHIP HANNA
"The Old Country" CD
Self-Released
Chip's back! This is his third self-released CD and he's better than ever! Opening track "Gotta Travel On" (written by Paul Clayton) made me smile right away and I knew that this record was gonna be a good one. There's a whole bunch of good covers on this record. What about "Get Rythm" (Johnny Cash), "The Long Black Veil" (Lefty Frizzell), "I Fought The Law" (The Clash) and "The Way We Were" by Deadline? I'm still amazed by Chip's voice and I know it may sound weird but this is one of the best country-records I've ever heard (and I've heard a lot of country records...)! "Deep in the Heart of Louisiana" is one of the new originals and I must say that Chip is not only a great singer but a very talented song-writer as well! I'm not quite sure of how to get a hold of this record but I suggest you get in touch with Chip at MySpace. He's a nice guy and I'm sure he'll hook you up! Good stuff! /CD
"The Old Country" CD
Self-Released
Chip's back! This is his third self-released CD and he's better than ever! Opening track "Gotta Travel On" (written by Paul Clayton) made me smile right away and I knew that this record was gonna be a good one. There's a whole bunch of good covers on this record. What about "Get Rythm" (Johnny Cash), "The Long Black Veil" (Lefty Frizzell), "I Fought The Law" (The Clash) and "The Way We Were" by Deadline? I'm still amazed by Chip's voice and I know it may sound weird but this is one of the best country-records I've ever heard (and I've heard a lot of country records...)! "Deep in the Heart of Louisiana" is one of the new originals and I must say that Chip is not only a great singer but a very talented song-writer as well! I'm not quite sure of how to get a hold of this record but I suggest you get in touch with Chip at MySpace. He's a nice guy and I'm sure he'll hook you up! Good stuff! /CD
MERCY KILLERS
"Bloodlove" CD
Hellcat Records
I'm not into this whole ghost/scary thing. I was really looking forward to hear this band though, since Craig from The Forgotten (great band) is the frontman. But unfortunately I was dissapointed. This reminds me of a band called Pitch Black that released a record on Revelation a few years ago, but worse... Not my cup of tea...sorry... /CD
"Bloodlove" CD
Hellcat Records
I'm not into this whole ghost/scary thing. I was really looking forward to hear this band though, since Craig from The Forgotten (great band) is the frontman. But unfortunately I was dissapointed. This reminds me of a band called Pitch Black that released a record on Revelation a few years ago, but worse... Not my cup of tea...sorry... /CD
PERISH
"Our Sin" CD
Anko Records
Metallic hardcore with a poppy edge, ok... It's really hard to review something like this. I must say that these guys know how to play but this isn't something I would listen to. You might wanna check 'em out if you like the new AFI records and stuff like that... I don't know, but I guess it's ok, or maybe not? I'm not sure... /CD
"Our Sin" CD
Anko Records
Metallic hardcore with a poppy edge, ok... It's really hard to review something like this. I must say that these guys know how to play but this isn't something I would listen to. You might wanna check 'em out if you like the new AFI records and stuff like that... I don't know, but I guess it's ok, or maybe not? I'm not sure... /CD