Senses Fail – The Fire

“The Fire” is already Senses Fail’s fourth full-length and on it they do exactly what is expected of them without adding anything new to their sound. You could say that the songs on here are a tad more aggressive this time around but that’s about it. Senses Fail still like to churn out aggressive yet melodic post-hardcore that comes with big choruses, courtesy of vocalist Buddy Nielsen.

Simply put, the band is sticking to what they know with only a track like “Landslide” standing out because of its sheer catchiness. As you work your way down the tracklisting, it does become ever harder to distinguish the separate songs. Safe is as good a word as any to describe “The Fire” I guess. And while I doubt they will be winning over new fans anytime soon, longtime fans should be satisfied by the band’s latest offering.
Score: 6 out of 10
http://www.hasslerecords.com
http://www.sensesfail.com

Trigger Effect – Versitis Maximus

I had no idea what to expect of these guys when I went to see them at this year’s Fest but fuck me, they simply blew me away! And what’s even cooler, they’ve managed to capture that same frenzied, crazy energy on tape so I get to relive it again and again from the comfort of my home.

“Versitis Maximus” is already the band’s second full-length and it’s pretty much flawless from start to finish. The band’s mix of punkrock, hardcore, metal and plenty rock ‘n roll swagger makes them sound like The Bronx’ evil twin and the effects will hit you harder than a six-pack of Red Bull. The fact that they have a songs made up entirely of Rambo quotes (“Leave Me Stallone”) just makes the whole thing even better.
Score: 9 out of 10
no label
http://www.myspace.com/triggereffectmtl

The Chariot – Long Live

When you have a band that is led by a former Norma Jean member, you know you’re in for something heavy. But heavy doesn’t do justice to the controlled chaos that is “Long Live”, The Chariot’s fourth release.

These christian dudes are all about spontaneity (they recorded their previous album in one take) and are hellbent on making a lot of ruckus. Something that opener “Evan Perks” shows right from the get-go. Think equal parts Coalesce and Every Time I Die and you’re getting there. You can expect a lot of twists and unexpected turns… I don’t know if it’s meant to be funny but they sure got a laugh out of me when they interrupt “Calvin Makenzie” with part of some country song before lunging right back into their insanity. And anyone who can tell me what that harp is doing towards the end of the album, gets a free beer from me.

One of the definite highlights is “The City”, another song that gives the words ‘unbridled aggression’ a whole new meaning, before building up to some melodic gang vocals at the end. It’s like watching a flower grow out of a slab of concrete if you’ll allow me to get poetic for a moment. The band sure as hell won’t mind, they crank out a couple of lines themselves on “David De La Hoz”!
Score: 7.5 out of 10
http://www.goodfightmusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/thechariot

First Blood – Silence Is Betrayal

Fuck the metrosexual man! Tough guys are still alive and they’re all a part of First Blood. After five years they’re back with a new album and on “Silence Is Betrayal”, the band’s second full-length, they sound even heavier and darker than on “Killafornia”. Expect a lot of uptempo moshcore with breakdowns in the right places. It’s nothing that hasn’t been done before and there isn’t anything particularly clever about the way they smash your face into the ground but it gets the job done just fine.
Score: 6.5 out of 10
http://www.bullettooth.com
http://www.myspace.com/firstblood

Wolves And The Radio – Wolves And The Radio

Wolves And The Radio is a relatively new band from Allston, MA who have just released their self-titled album on Anchorless Records. With driving rhythms and loud, jagged guitars they propel themselves through nine post-punk songs, only taking time out to kick back and have a drink towards the end. The dual gruff vocals are a natural fit and make the comparison to Hot Water Music something of an open goal.

While there are a couple songs on here that simply breeze by without leaving much of an impression, the band is at the top of their game in songs like “The Other Shoreline” and “Minus One”. These are the kind of songs with which they should have no problem at all getting the crowd worked up in a frenzy while belting along with the chorus.

Rounding out the album are two acoustic cuts (“One Sitting” and “Adelaide”) that sound surprisingly good. All too often acoustic songs are nothing more than filler but these guys manage to keep the energy intact without their distortion pedals at hand in “One Sitting” while “Adelaide” is pretty convincing as well. It makes this album a fun listen from a band that I think has a lot more up their sleeves.
Score: 7 out of 10
http://www.anchorlessrecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/wolvesandtheradio

The Roman Line – Morning Portraits

Produced by Joe Queer, The Roman Line’s debut is filled with the kind of uplifting pop-punk songs that I can never get enough of. Nothing too sugary or too heavy on the cheesy side of things. Instead these guys are all about rocking out with just the right amount of grit and pop sensibilities worked in there.

“Morning Portraits” starts off with a short intro before heading for the stratosphere with “Dawn After The Wreck”. After that they never look back and keep on cranking out one anthem after the other. Melodic and energetic as fuck are words that come to mind when describing The Roman Line’s sound. Throw in big hooks, singalongs and thumping bass lines and you’re about there. Think The Menzingers with Mike Ness on vocals… yeah, that would work.

Typical for me though to come across this band just as they are breaking up.
Score: 8 out of 10
http://www.mermanrecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/theromanline

The Sainte Catherines – Fire Works

The Canadians that make up The Sainte Catherines are back with another album. Whereas 2006’s “Dancing For Decadence” was still being released through Fat Wreck, these Cannucks have since moved on to Anchorless Records.

Still sounding like the younger cousin of Dillinger Four and The Larry Arms, The Sainte Catherines plow through 13 songs worth of Midwestern pop-punk on “Fire Works”. While the songs certainly aren’t a dud, they never quite manage to live up to the album title either. There’s just this sense of urgency that seems to be lacking. It’s only when they kick off a song like “Chub-E & Hank III – Vimont Stories Part II” that things start to get truly exciting.

These guys have got it in them to write a truly memorable album. No doubt about that. But for now “Fire Works” isn’t it. Hopefully next time!
Score: 6.5 out of 10
http://www.anchorlessrecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/thesaintecatherines

Affiance – No Secret Revealed

“No Secret Revealed” starts off with some dude talking about it being a recession. It immediately shows what Ohio’s Affiance wants to talk about. But just when I was expecting the dramatic string arrangement that accompanies the soundclip from the movie “Network” to make way for some tired old metalcore, out comes this refreshing sound.

These dudes play a mix of melodic metalcore with rock leanings and end up sounding not unlike “Tomorrow Come Today” era BoySetsFire. It’s especially the dual guitar work and singer Dennis Tvrdik with his soaring vocals that end up stealing the show. That does however not mean that the drummer is a slouch because he’s kicking the living shit out of that drumkit.

Sometimes they’re a bit over the top dramatic (the falsetto vocals in “The Hive”) and maybe more diversity wouldn’t have hurt things either but that doesn’t take away from the fact that “No Secret Revealed” is as solid a debut as I’ve heard in quite some time.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
http://www.bullettooth.com
http://www.myspace.com/affiancemusic

Rosaline – The Vitality Theory

Rosaline is another one of those post-hardcore/screamo bands who think they’ve got a reason to exist. From everything that I’ve heard on “The Vitality Theory”, I beg to differ. This is just the somanieth act that sounds like everyone else in the scene without contributing even a shred of originality.

Silverstein, Underoath, half of the Victory roster,… they all sound alike. They all use the catchy choruses, the screams vs the clean vocals…. You know the ingredients too. They’ve been shoved down your throats way too many times as well. Do we really need another band doing the same thing? Don’t think so.
Score: 3 out of 10
http://www.goodfightmusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/rosaline

Poison My Blood – The Great Northern

For album number two, Belgium’s Poison My Blood signed with Let It Burn Records and together they are now unleashing “The Great Northern” upon the unsuspecting masses. Yes,these guys play metalcore and yes, normally I can’t be bothered because I’ve grown so tired of the genre over the years. But Poison My Blood know all the tricks and they went for a more organic sound that’s dark and gnarly as fuck.

The vocalist has the kind of bark that is utterly convincing while the rest of the band is banging away at their instruments as if their lives depend on it while injecting the material with plenty of groove. The result is one brooding motherfucker of an album that will appeal to all the fans of acts like Misery Signals, Norma Jean and Poison The Well.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
http://www.letitburnrecords.com
http://www.poisonmyblood.com

Astpai – Heart To Grow

Astpai is an Austrian punkrock band who have apparently been working for three years on what would become their third album. It’s called “Heart To Grow” and with all the work they’ve supposedly put in, you’d expect at the very least a less hideous cover.

Anyway, onto the music… Astpai plays some middle-of-the-road punkrock that never gets truly crappy, but they lack the melodies and hooks to make it stand out in the genre. The accent of the vocalist doesn’t exactly help things along either.

“Heart To Grow” is pretty much an unremarkable album in a very crowded scene that won’t be causing any waves, unlike what the album cover would like to suggest.
Score: 5 out of 10
http://www.jumpstartrecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/astpai

Angel Eyes – Midwestern

Following up their 2009 split with A Fine Boat, That Coffin (how's that for a crappy band name?), Angel Eyes is back with a new full-length called “Midwestern”. The four songs on here are not unlike a storm that engulfs you completely as the band hits you over the head with their their post-hardcore sludgefest.

Like the hardships many of us face every day, “Midwestern” is ugly and bleak yet at the same time it always leaves a shimmer of hope burning bright. It’s equal parts Godspeed You! Black Emperor post-rock and Neurosis sludge and the throat-shredding vocals fit the atmospheric guitar lines to a tee while the drums keep on leading the way through the wasteland.

It’s a pretty fucking intense album that won’t leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. But it’s executed in such a way, that you can’t help but go back to the beginning to endure it all over again.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
http://www.mylenesheath.com
http://www.myspace.com/angeleyes

Gifts From Enola – S/T

On album number three, Virginia’s Gifts From Enola still plays post-rock but they attack the genre with a metallic mindset. Meaning that the tasty soundscapes they dish out on their self-titled album are heavy as fuck. And I’m loving it.

The drummer on here sounds like he’s out for revenge and his drum kit is the culprit. The rest of the band assists him in executing the gnarly task at hand by swinging every heavy riff they’ve got at it, yet they never forget to inject the whole with a little melody or at the very least some cool sounds. The material on here is mostly instrumental but once the vocals do kick in on rare occasions, they simply round out the song. My one and only problem with them is that they are mixed way too far in the background.

There’s just five songs on here which clock in at a very respectable 37 minutes, yet the music on here doesn’t get tiring or boring for a second. If you’re into the likes of Pelican or Mogwai, you’d be doing yourself a favor by picking up a copy of this one.
Score: 7 out of 10
http://www.mylenesheath.com
http://www.myspace.com/giftsfromenola

Tera Melos – Patagonian Rats

Tera Melos is a trio that consists of Nick Reinhart, Nathan Latona and John Clardy. They have just released album number two. It’s called “Patagonian Rats” and it comes with lots of weird sounds and more time signatures than you can shake a stick at. Math rock meets psychedelic pop as interpreted by a couple of schizophrenics and a drummer with ADD. I’m sure there’s a market for this kind of music… you know, the kind that gets on your nerves immensely… but it isn’t for me.
Score: 2 out of 10
http://www.sargenthouse.com
http://www.myspace.com/teramelos

Last Days Of April – Gooey

Last Days Of April is one of those bands that has been going at it for years, but who have never really gotten picked up on by the masses. This despite some solid albums like “Angel Youth”. Must be frustrating as fuck, which probably explains why in the last couple of years there has been an ever-revolving cast around vocalist Karl Larsson, the only remaining original member.

“Gooey” is the name of their latest album and once again I don’t think the masses are going to swoon all over this. Larsson and co. try their hardest to create an atmosphere filled with melancholy and a world of hurt in their indiepop songs, yet never really get further than an attempt. You already have to wait for the third song to hear something decent. “America” comes with some country influences and it gives the track just that little extra to make it stand out. After that it’s down the hill again with “I Can’t Control It” where one line is being repeated over and over… it’s a mistake they make more than once on “Gooey”.

“All The Same” comes with guest vocals by Evan Dando and it’s another good one but by then you’ve already made it halfway through the album. Not even the guest vocals Tegan and Sara’s Tegan Quin in the closing track can save this album at that point.
Score: 4 out of 10
http://www.badtasterecords.se
http://www.ldoa.com

Teamkiller – Bound To Samsara

Teamkiller’s debut “Bad Signs” came out in 2006 and they made a pretty good impression on me at the time with their energetic take on NYHC. Four years later they’re back with “Bound To Samsara”, an album that sounds like a German tribute to the likes of Leeway, Agnostic Front and Cro-Mags.

It’s pretty solid in terms of songwriting and it comes with enough diversity thanks to plenty of tempo changes, the use of clean vocals, melodic guitar lines and some hiphop influences . It’s especially the tempo changes that make “Bound To Samsara” a more dynamic release compared to “Bad Signs”, which was just fast from start to finish. I’m not too crazy about the vocals… not sure if it’s power or conviction that they’re lacking, but something is missing in that department. But hey, if you’re into groovy, aggressive hardcore and you’re not too picky, then Teamkiller’s final release will suit you just fine.
Score: 6.5 out of 10
http://www.letitburn.de
http://www.myspace.com/teamkiller

Bobby Joe Ebola and the Children MacNuggits - F

Dan Abbott and Corbett Redford aka Bobby Joe Ebola and the Children MacNuggits first started writing songs about death, animals, poop, girls and whitey in 1996. They’ve been tearing it up with their psychedelic/punky folkpop ever since, only taking a breather to start a label and organize Geekfest. “F” is the band’s first album in 10 years and it’s a good one.

Basically it’s social commentary in a funny jacket. But sometimes it really is just about farting. All this is wrapped up in catchy melodies and acoustic guitars and makes for good songs like “Sweet Shit Of Christ”, “Sandwiches & Ammunition” and “Time Is Crawling”.

There aren’t too many acts out there that manage to combine a sense of humor and biting social commentary with solid songwriting, but Bobby Joe Ebola shows that it is indeed possible. More power to them!
Score: 7 out of 10
http://www.silversprocket.net
http://www.bobbyjoeebola.com

Fucked Up – Year Of The Ox

The latest installment of Fucked Up’s 12” single series in celebration of the Chinese Zodiac is out and it’s called “Year Of The Ox”. Just like its predecessors, it sees Fucked Up stretching the fabric of hardcore like a fat chick dressed in lycra. You keep on expecting that it will burst at the seams, but something everything stays contained.

The 13-minute epic that is “Year Of The Ox” starts off with a string quartet before erupting into some loud riffage topped off with vocalist Pink Eyes’ typical bark. Halfway through the song there’s a very dramatic climax after which Zola Jesus' Nike Rosa Danilova gets to wrap her vocal chords around Pink Eyes’ for the remainder of the song. Pretty cool stuff.

Next is up is “Solomon’s Song” which is – only – twelve minutes long. It’s a little less accessible than its predecessor. Described as a gothic vampire love tribute to Twilight, it’s a little too experimental for my taste buds. I think it’s the five-minute saxophone solo courtesy of the Bitters' Aerin Fogel that finished me off in the end.

It’s all nice and well but when is that new full-length finally coming out?
Score: 6.5 out of 10
http://www.mergerecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/epicsinminutes

Alpha & Omega – Life Swallower

The band already hints towards it with their name, but Los Angeles’ Alpha & Omega are indeed influenced by both the old and modern sounds of hardcore. Taking cues from Leeway, Cro-Mags (whose third album was called “Alpha Omega”) and Biohazard, these guys claw their way through eleven songs on their debut full-length “Life Swallower” and end up sounding not too different from other current acts such as Cruel Hand and Blacklisted.

They do everything that is expected of a NYHC-influenced band (thrashy riffs, groovy mosh parts,…) and even throw in a couple of decent guitar solos. On top of that they have a vocalist who is equipped with an especially gnarly bark that fits the music to a tee. When you put it all together, you’re looking at an impressive debut by a band that I’m pretty sure we’ll hear a lot more of in the future.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
http://www.6131records.com
http://www.myspace.com/alphaandomegahc

We Ride – Directions

We Ride is a Spanish outfit that started going at it in 2009. Barely a year later they’re already unleashing their debut full-length… you can’t exactly say that they’re sitting around with their fingers up their ass.

This female-fronted band plays melodic hardcore and while the vocals may take some getting used to, they actually do work nicely. The band keeps things up-tempo most of the time but there’s plenty of tempo changes and breakdowns to keep things interesting. Think All For Nothing, Bitter Verses, Reaching Hand and you’ll get the gist of it.

While I won’t be calling it the hardcore release of the year, “Directions” is definitely worth listening to and I wouldn’t mind seeing these guys (and girl) tear it up live. I’m just not too sure about the hip hop song they used to round out the album… I would’ve been just fine without that one.
Score: 6.5 out of 10
http://www.chorusofonerecords.it
http://www.myspace.com/weridehxc

Superchunk – Majesty Shredding

With Merge Records being home to so many great bands, it’s easy to forget that owners Mac and Laura McMcCaughan play in a band as well. No worries though, with the release of “Majesty Shredding” they found a way to remind you that yes, they do still play in a band and yes, they are still very, very good at it.

Superchunk may not have been one of the biggest indie rock outfits back in the 90s but they were always one of the most fun to listen to. It’s something they haven’t lost and it’s not hard to pick up on the sheer pleasure that exudes from these songs. While the guitars are buzzing along nicely, the rhythms will sweep you up and drag you right into the band’s carefree melodies.

“Majesty Shredding” is the band’s first album in nine years and I do hope we won’t have that long again just so that the fiftysomethings they will be then can prove they still know how to rock. No, I’d like a steady flow of Superchunk coming my way from now on.
Score: 8.5 out of 10
http://www.mergerecords.com
http://www.superchunk.com

Jeff Rowe – Barstool Conversations

Jeff Rowe sharpened his teeth in the punkrock outfit BoxingWater, before getting his ass over to Richmond, Virginia. After spending night after night on a front porch with a couple of empty bourbon bottles around, he picked up his acoustic guitar and started writing the songs that would make up “Barstool Conversations”. At least, that’s how I imagine it all went down. What do I know? I live in Belgium.

The album is off to a timid start with “Passenger”, a song that doesn’t exactly leap right at you. But it does show that Rowe is a very apt and descriptive lyricist. “Kate” is up next and finds Rowe strutting around with more confidence and the help of piano, drums and Smoke Or Fire’s Joe McMahon.

The album highlight comes halfway through the album in the form of “From An Island’s Point Of View” and is followed a bit later by “Service Of Hardship”. These are songs that Frank Turner hasn’t written yet and the album would’ve been even better with a couple more songs like it. But overall, “Barstool Conversations” is a pretty decent release by an honest guy I wouldn’t mind sharing a few beers with.
Score: 7 out of 10
http://www.anchorlessrecords.com
http://www.gunnerrecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/jeffrowemusic

The Creepshow – They All Fall Down

“They All Fall Down” is already The Creepshow’s third album and on it they dish out some more of those psychobilly tunes of theirs that go down ever so smoothly. This female-fronted outfit sounds kind of like the Horrorpops and comes armed with slick melodies and plenty of whoa whoa-singalong moments. They keep things up-tempo most of the time except for the song “Sleep TIght” which sounds like something you’d hear at a high school prom in the sixties.

This is not a very original album though and after a while it even gets kinda hard to distinguish the separate songs. Then again, it’s not like psychobilly is a genre that offers a lot of room for originality to begin with. The most important thing is that you do a good job and that’s exactly what these Cannucks are doing.
Score: 7 out of 10
http://www.peoplelikeyou.de
http://www.thecreepshow.org

Counterpunch – Heroes & Ghosts

I don’t know about you, but I fucking loved Break The Silence! So when members of that band start a new project, I want to hear it! And guess what, “Heroes & Ghosts” doesn’t disappoint in the least.

These gentlemen hail from Chicago and have no problem at all living up to that city’s reputation of putting out great punkrock acts. They blend right in with their sound that brought back memories of No Use For A Name, Inspection 12 and Rise Against. Whether it’s the phenomenal opening track or the trumpet-laden”And Everybody’s Right (Asshole)”, these guys know how to write catchy hooks and big choruses and are equally able to tie them together nicely in lightning-fast songs. Basically, if you were into any of the 90s Epitaph/Fat Wreck bands, you’re gonna love this!
Score: 8 out of 10
http://www.funtimerecords.com
http://www.counterpunchrock.com

To Kill – Antarctica

After a couple of releases on GSR, Italy’s To Kill switched labels and found a new home with Germany’s Let It Burn Records. Do you remember what the last common cause was that the Germans and Italians found? Oh yeah, fascism.

Anyway, back to To Kill… they’ve always been a more than competent band that seemed to work hard. They now get to show their skills on “Antarctica” for the last time, because apparently this is their eulogy as they have broken up not long after the release date. Expect a ton of metallic hardcore to hit you hard with the necessary breakdowns and double bass drum parts. The only downside to To Kill are the vocals… they are decent enough but they could’ve used a double dose of nasty.

While these Roman dudes have never excelled at originality, they knew how to get people moshing. And that’s no different on “Antarctica”… so if you were into the band’s previous releases, pick up a copy to round out their discography.
Score: 6.5 out of 10
http://www.letitburnrecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/tokill

For Today – Breaker

On album number three, these kind and caring Christian dudes start things off with the kind of intro that would’ve made POD proud when they still mattered. Some guy mutters a bunch of stuff with some softly strummed chords backing him up. Not a real song and actually quite boring. And they don’t do this once… no no, they repeat the same trick four times in total!

Other than that For Today is still their own self with plenty of chugga chugga riffage, single note breakdowns, tons of bass drops and an over the top vocalist. By the time the gospel choir came in singing ‘He is Here, He was There, He Is King, He is Faithful’, I was hoping judgement day would come around preferably sooner than later.
Score: 2 out of 10
http://www.facedownrecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/fortoday

Reignition – Epitome Of Free Will

One intro, two songs… that’s all Reignition needs to kick your ass. Wasting no time, they get right down to the nitty gritty on the intro is called, well… “Intro” before getting their foot evern further up your ass with “Firebreathers” and “Sinking”. These guys like their hardcore 90s-style and are not afraid to show it. Think Snapcase, Burn and sure, why not… a little Morning Again. Good stuff!
Score: 7 out of 10
http://www.thinkfastrecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/reignitionpa

Campaign – It Likes To Party EP

There’s only one dude in the band with a beard… which is kinda weird. Judging from what I heard on Campaign’s recently released EP, I’d have expected at least half the band to sport facial hair. At least half!

But not to worry, Campaign has the gruff vocals, strong melodies and sense of urgency down pat. Don’t you just love bands who wear their Hot Water Music and Small Brown Bike influences on their sleeves? I do. Seriously… can’t seem to get enough of them. And the funniest thing is that they’re pretty much always good.

It’s not like the guys in Campaign just invented fire or anything but they damn well know how to set a place on fire. You can hear it for yourself on “It Likes To Party”, an EP that you can download for free over at http://www.itlikestoparty.com. Yes, that means you just ran out of excuses why not to check out this band!
Score: 7.5 out of 10
no label
http://www.myspace.com/wearethecampaign

Banquets – This Is Our Concern, Dude 7”

From the artwork to the Big Lebowski reference of the title, there’s a lot to like about Banquet’s debut 7” before you’ve even heard a single note. Rest assured, the songs are equally likeable.

The members of Banquets have already sharpened their teeth in bands like Static Radio NJ, The Banner and Let Me Run before starting a new band together for the fun of it. So it’s not like you’ve got a bunch of newbies here who are still trying to figure out how to tune a guitar like yours truly. Nope, they know a song needs a head and a tail and a chorus that invites to be belted along. So that’s exactly what they deliver on “This Is Our Concern, Dude”. It’s rock ‘n roll wrapped up in punk and it doesn’t sound unlike a rawer version of The Gaslight Anthem or The Loved Ones.

While they’re not quite up to those bands’ level just yet, I’m pretty sure that once they’ve got their heels dug in, we might be in for a serious treat when they roll out a full-length.
Score: 7 out of 10
http://www.theblacknumbers.com
http://www.myspace.com/banquetsamerica

Avenged Sevenfold – Nightmare

I have to admit that this time around Avenged Sevenfold is off to a good start on album number five. “Nightmare” sounds like something I would imagine Alice Cooper to sound like if he started out now. Hard rocking, big chorus and just the right amount of theatrics to pull off the drama.

Unfortunately we’re immediately disappointed by the following songs where Avenged Sevenfold sounds desperately like a band trying to please every single Hot Topic customer out there. It’s a little bit of everything except for the good stuff. And at the same time it’s too much of everything else… which would be the bad stuff. An over the top flair for bombast and drama (that ‘grand finale’ in “Danger Line”… seriously?), pointless solos, songs that are way too long for their own good,… the list goes on and on.

I still wonder from time to time where that band went that made the album “Sounding The Seventh Trumpet”. One thing is sure, you won’t find them on “Nightmare”.
Score: 3 out of 10
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.be
http://www.avengedsevenfold.com

Latin For Truth – Diatribe Or Die

From Scottsboro, Alabama comes Latin For Truth, a hardcore-tinged pop-punk outfit that commences kicking your ass at a very high pace right at the beginning of their latest release. Opener “Mexicaine De Perforation” shoots off a thrashy riff, backed up by drums that come with an equally short fuse and some shouted gang vocals. Call it a drive-by skating if you will. Halfway through the song the clean vocals come through and things take a turn for the unexpected. One that is more representative for the rest of the EP as it turns out.

The material remains powerful but is infused with catchy melodies and kickass vocals that reminded me a lot of a band like Craig’s Brother. Another highlight comes in the form of “88 Says”, a great song with some solid vocal interaction and more energy than a six-pack of Redbull. “Natural Tailor Of Natural Joy” is the only song that slightly disappoints. It just lacks some of the charm from the other songs. Luckily they immediately set this straight as they sink their teeth in “Phuckette Motorsports”, a Lifetime clone if there ever was one but a very good one so I’m not complaining.

Latin For Truth are onto something good here and I’m already looking forward to hearing more from these guys.
Score: 7 out of 10
http://www.mtsrecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/latinfortruth

Ghost Robot Ninja Bear – S/T EP

These last couple of months I haven’t been spending as much time writing as I would’ve liked. Life got in the way I guess. One release that I have been listening a lot too though is Ghost Robot Ninja Bear.

On this self-titled 4-song EP Oscar Albis Rodriguez picks up right where he left off with his previous band, Nakatomi Plaza. Expect to hear lots of post-hardcore goodness and angular rhythms played with lots of energy and catchy melodies.

For once you don’t have to take my word for it. You can download the EP for free over at http://www.ghostrobotninjabear.bandcamp.com. And rejoice, a full-length is already in the works!
Score: 7.5 out of 10
no label
http://www.myspace.com/ghostrobotninjabear

Our Last Night – We Will All Evolve

With some of their more recent releases (Heartsounds, Off With Their Heads, Bad Religion), Epitaph proved that they still know what solid punkrock sounds like. But that’s not the only kind of music they’ve been releasing these past couple of years.

Take the youngsters that make up Our Last Night for example. On “We Will All Evolve” (makes sense if your vocalist is only 17 years old) these guys do the whole grunts vs. clean vocals thing, complete with metallic riffage and nifty haircuts. It doesn’t affect me in any way but they’re definitely not the worst band in the scene.
Score: 5 out of 10
http://www.epitaph.com
http://www.myspace.com/ourlastnight

The Saddest Landscape – You Will Not Survive

The Saddest Landscape has already been around since 2002 but went on an extended hiatus for a while. They resurfaced in 2008 and are now hitting back strong with their first full-length in seven years. It’s called “You Will Not Survive” and combined with the band name, you should know that this is not a happy go lucky kinda album.

These Boston/New York/New Jersey natives play a kind of screamo that was big in the late 90s… you know the kind… big on catharsis, full of despair. It sounds not unlike early Thursday mixed in with some Modern Life Is War. Vocalist Andy Maddox is the star here, screaming his lungs out and spitting his lines while the rest of the band is losing themelves completely in these post-rock soundscapes that simply explode from time to time. Listening to “You Will Not Survive” asks a lot from the listener but it doesn’t even come close to what these guys poured in it.
Score: 7 out of 10
http://www.panicrecords.net
http://www.thesaddestlandscape.net

Weezer – Pinkerton Deluxe Edition

When “Pinkerton” originally came out, critics and fans weren’t too crazy about it. The band was following up their hugely successful first album which was just chock full of hits and then came out with a sequel that was darker and more abrasive. It just wasn’t what people were expecting.

Over time though “Pinkerton” became somewhat of a cult album and now deservedly gets a second chance. Like all the Weezer albums that followed it, this one is not flawless. “Tired Of Sex” for example is about as empty as the song’s lyrical matter. But when Cuomo is good, he’s really good. That’s when the sun-drenched melodies pop up over distorted guitars with Cuomo singing about all the girls he wants but can’t get or about the ones that he did get but that got away. That’s when you get songs like “The Good Life”, “Pink Triangle” or the acoustic treat that is “Butterfly”.

The deluxe edition comes with a whole mess of live cuts and alternate takes along with a couple of previously unreleased B-sides. Not that it needs these. “Pinkerton” already was a great album that never got a fair chance the first time around. Hopefully it gets to redeem itself this time.
Score: 8 out of 10
http://www.interscope.com
http://www.weezer.com

Chuck Ragan interview

Our buddy Ricky from Wrong Way Round recently sat down and talked to Chuck Ragan. We of course immediately leeched it from him. No thanks necessary. There's even some talk about a new Hot Water Music album... consider me psyched!

PRT : So we are here with the man himself Mr. Chuck Ragan. How are you today sir?
Chuck: Very well, thanks for having me!

PRT : I’ll crack straight into the questions...
Chuck: Sure fire away

PRT : So right now you’re on tour with The Gaslight Anthem and a few months ago you were here with Frank Turner. Do you find these short tours beneficial as you’re playing to a different crowd every night compared to your own shows in America?
Chuck : Sure, always. I think that's the case for any artist or band doing support slots. That's the key, that's what your trying to do, to have a chance and opportunity to share your music with an audience who have no idea who you are, don't care who you are and just to get out there and have that chance to put your music out there.
Whether they like it or not that is a whole other story. Some people care about that, some people don't. For me, I respect the fact that my music is not for everybody and I have always felt that way. If people get something from it that's wonderful, if they don't that's fine also. There's plenty of other artists out there!
We feel really blessed to have the opportunities we have over here. The UK has always been wonderful for us. From Hot Water Music to the solo stuff, we've got a lot of really great friends over here. Nowadays we come to different towns and see friends and feel comfortable and familiar, we feel really lucky you know.

PRT : Is this your first time in Southampton? I know you played with Hot Water Music years ago in a youth centre. Do you remember that at all?
Chuck : Ha! yea vaguely, I thought I had played at this venue at some point, it looks really familiar, but I’m not sure when.

PRT: Would you say it’s fair to say that you as Chuck Ragan is the next step for you after Rumbleseat when that became defunct?
Chuck: Yea sure, somewhat. But I was playing that sort of music before Chris and I ever started Rumbleseat. The stuff that I’m doing now isn't that far of a stretch from music I’ve been writing and playing for the past 17, 18 years. I just never put as much focus on it as Hot Water Music was always the main focus and not as many people cared (laughs).
So this music for me has been something ever since we (HWM) took our indefinite hiatus some years back. I never stopped writing and one day my wife said ‘hey, you should be recording some of this stuff’ and I said alright! Then Side One Dummy wanted to put some records out and so I stopped building houses and put more attention into writing and playing music. But yea, Rumbleseat is somewhat similar. I've somewhat progressed or least I hope so! Ha, if not I’m doing something wrong ( laughs )

PRT : So you’re doing this split with Brian from The Gaslight Anthem. Is it going to be full band or is it back to bare bones for you?
Chuck: Yea, it’s not even much of a split. We are doing a full length record. So far we've just been writing songs on our own and sending them back and forth and singing on each other’s songs and playing on each other’s songs. The game plan is to try and record some stuff on this tour. We will see what happens and if we are able and have time, we will write together which will be wonderful. He is a brilliant songwriter. I love his fire and his energy and he's a good fella all round.

PRT : Do you feel you have some years more experience when it comes to writing?
Chuck: To be honest I don't look at it that way at all, it’s all relative in time. These boys have been trucking so hard in the past 5, 6 years especially... you know? They've seen and done more than most bands will ever do in a lifetime.

PRT : Do you think the revival tour will ever come to the UK?
Chuck: Absolutely! Yeah, we attempted to put one together last year, but we got sidetracked because of all our other schedules. It’s been tough because my wife and I basically coordinate that whole tour and we have a little help from some friends here and there. For the most part my wife and I make the schedule and the decisions but just doing that and the solo stuff and balancing simple everyday home life and now hot water music is doing more stuff, it’s quite a juggling act.
We've been really excited to bring it over here. I’m not sure exactly when we’re going to be doing it but we are planning it for 2011. As far as what month I’m not sure right now, we are getting ready to lock in the US dates and the Australian dates and once that's locked in we will have a idea, we will do the UK, Europe then Canada then just repeat the cycle

PRT : With Ben Nichols and Tim Barry as well?
Chuck: Possibly ( smiles ) we will see what happens! I can tell you , you won’t be disappointed. A lot of the people that are good friends and artists i've never played with have shown interest in the tour, I mean if it’s half the tour that it seems like it’s going to be it will be amazing.

PRT: When you first sat down to record the 'blueprint sessions' did you ever plan to tour worldwide and release as much as you have?
Chuck: No I didn't, I wasn't thinking about touring at the time. I didn't want to tour at all. I was actually trying to get away from touring and my wife and I were actually planning on starting a custom home building business just on my own as a independent contractor & builder and then the music started doing better and we were able to get out.
Before I was making more money at home with my trade and then I would have to lose money to go play some music which was always fine and then it started getting a little better where we could make ends meet but the last thing I wanted to do was to get back into the machine of it all , the only thing that kind of rectified it for me you could say was that I was doing it solo and my wife and I could make the schedule and we were making our own rules and dictating our life.
It was a completely different feeling than being in a band because hot water music just got to this point where it was wonderful, we had great times and great shows and everything but definitely after a while we had the label and managers and all these people on payroll and all this going on, then you don't dictate your own schedule any more your just a piece of the puzzle.
There's pros and cons to it, its wonderful because you have this big family kind of thing but at the same time personal space disappears, personal agenda disappears, you miss birthdays and funerals and births and anniversary's you name it, its just extremely taxing.
So it was different then when I kicked it off again in my own way, but I had no idea we would have done as much as we have.

PRT: I remember the first time you came over you played by yourself, was there a point you decided to go full band?
Chuck: No not necessarily I still play by myself quite a bit, tonight its just Jon Gaunt and I. The Cool thing about it in a non selfish way but kind of a selfish way (laughs) is having the control of being able to say I'm going to do this show by myself or get just John or get a whole bunch of people and just go for it. Its just nice to be able to have those options to me it feels more creative and free all round.

PRT: A lot of the older bands I talk to such as yourself, lagwagon, NUFAN etc, I always pose the question do you still actively follow the punk rock scene? And where do you think its gone in the last 5 years since its died down a lot in England especially!
Chuck: Yea I always feel like i'm completely saturated with music and sometimes a little over saturated to me I feel punk rock to me has always been more of an ethic rather than a style or a fad or even a genre, punk rock to me when I learnt about it 24 years ago was a completely different thing to what it is nowadays, it has some of the same elements but it was more frowned upon more than anything else.
You weren't accepted at school, we just weren't you know the punks , the skateboarders we were the ones that were always hassled, it was cool to us but it wasn't cool to anybody else ha!
Over the years as i've grown older i've believed a lot of those ethics are still there with some people, and some of those people who I believe still hold those ethics may not be considered from a outside perspective punk rock people at all! Some of the most punk rock people I know are more farmers and ranchers, its more about this DIY ethic of knowing how to grow their own food and knowing how to hunt and fish and live off of the land and be completely self sufficient. Growing up when I learnt about punk rock it was more about rebelling against the norm, rebelling against society, church and school and all the rules, and I was this 12/13 year old kid that happened to know everything in the world! So for me the best part about it one way or another there will always be an underground and they'll always be that undeniable ethic of doing things yourself and maintaining and sustaining on your own.

PRT: When you play live you tend to have a lot of stories behind your songs, I love this because its educational and its not just a song, where do these tend to come from? Books? Family? Friends?
Chuck: All of the above really, i've just always felt like song writing for me is something that I always more or less have to do rather than a choice, I say that meaning its like therapy to me its more or less like someone keeping a journal or a diary its something I need to do to get it off my chest, I do it for that first and foremost and I love releasing records.
I love to make these journals and diary's into a song and get them out and I feel like when I put them on a record and I them 'out' away from me its almost like i'm able to step forward with my own life and choice.

PRT: So essentially your records are history books?
Chuck: Absolutely , as far as where the stories come from think about what effects you everyday from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to bed, all these people that you see, the positive things, the negative things just everything you've faced throughout the day just like day to day life.
With your family, job and society to me i've always felt that if something, anything effects you in an extremely positive or negative way most likely for me its worth getting it off my chest and telling a story about it.

PRT: Last question... what's going on with Hot Water Music at the moment? I know you've done random shows, but George is playing for Against Me etc. Are there plans to record?
Chuck: yea we are actually writing a new record, so that's kind of new and it’s fun and the best part about it for us is that it’s like the beginning again.
We don't have any contracts, no label, we have no managers, so no one telling us when and where, even though we have always done a good job in doing what the hell we want to, ha! But still it feels like we are not expected to do anything and it definitely got to that point when you’re this band and you’re going and you put out a record and you tour on it and you let everybody know yea we are going back in the studio, everybody's waiting for the next record and the next tour and there's that pressure there and for us.
The main focus now is just to write new songs and when it feels right and ready to record we will do it , and when we feel like getting a label we will do it.

PRT: Do you feel records come out better without the pressure and having no time limits?
Chuck: yea, if we just relax and we do exactly what we want to do it'll come out great. And if it doesn't, at least it will sound good to us aha! No one else may like it but as long as you’re happy that's fine! Ha ha!

PRT: Ha! OK Chuck... huge thanks for your time and we shall see you soon
Chuck : My pleasure! I appreciate it!

Samiam – Orphan Works

It’s been a while since we were treated to a new Samiam album. And while “Orphan Works” is not a new album, it’s good to hear from these guys again. I don’t know about you but I’ll take Samiam outtakes over the latest screamo band any day of the week!

If you’re new to the band, then this is as good of an introduction as you can get to what these guys are all about. And if you’re a longtime fan, then I’m pretty sure that the energetic as fuck live versions of songs like “Bad Day” or “Clean” will win you over. Oh, the covers of Iggy Pop’s “Search And Destroy” and Pixies “Here Comes Your Man” in the middle are pretty cool as well.

In the end what you get is an 18-song document covering the six busiest years in the history of a great band who attacked everything they did - whether it was a live show or recording in Billy Joe Armstrong’s basement - with the same amount of energy and sincerity. Only a completely new album could’ve made me happier!
Score: 8.5 out of 10
http://www.noidearecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/samiam

The Arrivals – Volatile Molotov

Chicago’s The Arrivals are back with a new album called “Volatile Molotov” and it needs to be said, the band is on fire on this one. Whether they’re pounding away in pure punkrock mode in songs like “Two Years” and “Children’s Crusade” or when they slow things down a little, the hooks and the energy are always there., making this album nothing but a pleasure to listen to.

I’m not sure how to describe these guys because they’ve got a bit of everything going on. It’s kinda like a mixture of Midwestern punkrock with British pop influences thrown in for goo measure. I can compare these guys to Dillinger Four (bassist Paddy is in both bands) and Naked Raygun with touches of Elvis Costello. But I can just as well tell you that they have this American Steel vibe going on mixed in with some of The Clash and The Jam.

Whatever you make of it, there’s no denying the quality of these songs. They’ve got the hooks and melodies to reign you in before hitting you over the head with intelligent lyrics that are actually worth spending a thought or two on.
Score: 8 out of 10
http://www.recessrecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/thearrivalsrock

Screeching Weasel – Television City Dream

“Television City Dream” originally came out in 1998 and while arguably not their best album, this is still a Screeching Weasel album worth listening to. Ben Weasel apparently felt the same way, made a couple of adjustments and re-released the whole thing. The re-mastered and re-sequenced version comes with new artwork (way better than the tripped out original) and five outtakes that didn’t make the album back in the day.

What else is there to say about this one? Screeching Weasel was one of the best-known snotty pop-punk bands around and you either loved or hated them. Apparently the band is back in full effect (without Jughead) and are working on a new album. While waiting for that one, you can always pick this one up.
Score: 7 out of 10
http://www.fatwreck.com
http://www.screechingweasel.com

V/A – Fat Music vol. 7 : Harder, Fatter, Louder

It’s been a while since we had one of these… eight years to be exact. I remember when vol. 2 came out in the mid 90s. It taught me pretty much everything I needed to know about punkrock and I never looked back since.

It’s 2010 now… that means there’s no more Hi-Standard or Diesel Boy to be found on here. Fat Wreck mainstays such as No Use For A Name and Good Riddance are still featured on here along with the Mad Caddies and Swingin’ Utters. In today’s music scene there aren’t a lot of bands that stay with the same label for a long time, yet over at Fat Wreck they prove that it’s still possible.

The newer bands on the label’s roster are represented as well of course. And listening to the songs by Old Man Markley, The Flatliners, Pour Habit and Cobra Skulls, everyone can rest assured. Even if all the trusty Fat Wreck names should call it a day tomorrow, the future of the label is already guaranteed.
Score: 8 out of 10
http://www.fatwreck.com

Down – Diary Of A Mad Band

Back in 2006 Down was barely back together again after some time apart, when they decided to come over to Europe for the first time without a new album or without a label backing them. The result of that tour is the live CD/DVD “Diary Of A Mad Band”.

It has a very seventies-feel to it with lots of shaky handcam shots and gritty sound quality. Could’ve been better but that’s cool… Down is a gritty kind of band. And you are treated to a shitload of material from the all-star band’s first two albums. “Lifer”, “New Orleans Is A Dying Whore”, “Stone The Crow”, “Bury Me In Smoke”… they’re all featured on here.

What could’ve been done a whole lot better is the documentary part. Pretty much all it shows is lame backstage footage with inside jokes that are probably only funny to the band members themselves. Oh, and there are a couple of monologues by Phil Anselmo that are pretty much meaningless. Probably a result of whatever he was strung out on at the time.

As a live album, I’m all for this one. But for those of you who were hoping to get a better understanding of what was driving this band at that point in time, you’ll be in for a bit of a disappointment. I’m sure album number four will be a lot better than this one!
Score: 6 out of 10
Down Records
http://www.down-nola.com

Young Guns – All Our Kings Are Dead

Things went pretty fast for this UK outfit. Barely a year after the release of their first EP (“Mirrors”) they’ve already played shows with everyone from LostProphets and Taking Back Sunday to Bon Jovi. They’re tipped as one of the hottest new acts in the UK and have now just released their debut full-length. Does it live up to the hype? Fuck yeah!

Opener “Sons Of Apathy” and single “Crystal Clear” kick down the door without knocking. These guys sound huge and powerful, they have a knack for writing catchy hooks and anthemic parts and vocalist Gustav Wood has a solid voice that at its most powerful sounds a lot like Thrice’s Dustin Kensrue. It perfectly accompanies the crushing wall of sound that the rest of the band whips up. It has to be said though… they sound a little less convincing when they slow things down (“Meter & Verse”, “After The War”) but quickly redeem themselves every time with songs like “Weight Of The World” and “Winter Kiss”.

Things may sound alike as you get near the end of the album but by then Young Guns have already shown that they are indeed a force to be reckoned with. Fans of LostProphets and early Funeral For A Friend can rest assured, they’ve got another band to fall head over heels in love with. Hell, 30 Seconds To Mars could already learn a thing or two from these guys.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Live Forever Records / PIAS
http://www.myspace.com/youngguns