Yukon Blonde interview

Originally known as Alphababy, Yukon Blonde are starting to get a healthy buzz around their self-titled debut album. Comparisons to a band like Fleet Foxes are not that far-fetched and their recent European tour probably didn’t hurt things either. Here’s what bassist John Jeffrey had to tell us.

PRT: Is it true that blondes have more fun?
John: Yes

PRT: You were previously known as Alphababy. When did you ever think that was a good band name? 
John: Approximately up until two and a half years ago apparently

PRT: For people who haven’t heard you guys yet… if Yukon Blonde was the lovechild of two other bands, which acts would’ve had sex and which position were you conceived in?
John: The buzzcocks made love to the traveling wilburys... It was anal

PRT: You draw a lot of influences from the past but somehow manage to make it all sound fresh and modern. Do your songs come out that way naturally?
John: I think so.. We don't go for a throw back sound if that's what you mean but the songs we end up finishing seem to receive the said comparisons..

PRT: How do you guys go about creating those amazing harmonies?
John: Trial and error. It's a process of elimination really

PRT: You have a new album coming out called “Tiger Talk”… how did you come up with that title?
John: Jeff had a side project called "fucking tigers".. most of the songs were never intended for Yukon blonde but once the record started coming together almost all the tunes we worked out were originally from that project. I don't know where tiger talk came from exactly but we knew we wanted some kind of tiger reference in the title

PRT: Your debut was recorded live-to-tape, this one comes with synthesizers. Was this approach a decision you had to think about for a long time or was it more of a ‘fuck it, let’s do this’ kind of a thing?
John: A little bit of both I guess.. We wanted a crisper sounding recording and tracking individually helped get that.. Also let us be more conscious of our tones and just performance in general

PRT: There are a lot of good US bands out there but there are even more bands who just copy from one another. When I think of the Canadian bands I know however, they always seem to come with a twist or an edge. What is it they put in the water over there?
John: That's a tough question to answer.. I think there's great bands from everywhere obviously.. Canada is lucky enough to have an arts friendly government so a lot of bands get chances to do things they wouldn't without that support.

PRT: Your music has been featured on the TV show “Revenge” and there was a reference to the band in “How I Met Your Mother”… how important are these kind of things for a band these days?
John: They are helpful or sure. That h.i.m.y.m shout out came as a total surprise to us.. Apparently the actor is actually from Vancouver so we owe her a thank you.

PRT: You’ve played at SXSW in 2010 and you’re playing there again this year … does that kind of show open a lot of new doors?
John: Any help in this age of disposable music is great

PRT: You’re coming over to Europe in a couple of days. What should people expect from a Yukon Blonde show?
John: Hopefully to have fun, laugh, cry you never know what to expect.. Youll have to come and find out

PRT: Why did Yukon Blonde cross the road?
John: We didn't.. Yet

PRT: You have ten seconds to write your last words for our readers. Go!
John: Go to shows. Buy music.

Hit The Lights – Invicta

Hit The Lights is no longer the bouncy pop-punk band they were when they dropped “Skip School, Start Fights” four years ago. That much becomes clear as soon as opener “Invincible” kicks in with an intro that seems to be written with arenas in mind. It’s the sound of a band that still writes poppy tunes yet wants to be taken seriously.

Produced by Machine (Four Year Strong, Armor For Sleep, Cobra Starship) and Mike Sapone (Brand New, Taking Back Sunday, Crime in Stereo), “Invicta” is an album that’s more mature than anything they’ve ever done before. Sure, the lyrical content still deals with finding out who you are, failed relationships and a whole mess of other pop-punk clichés that kids can sing along to in their bedrooms because well, parents just don’t understand. But the lyrics are wrapped up in songs that burst out of the speakers and that sound huge. If you let them these guys will hit you over the head with tons of oooohs and aaaahs that seem to be present and accounted for in every single epic anthem alongside dramatic-sounding drums, big choruses and some nice synth sounds. Check out first single “Gravity” and you’ll get a good idea of what the rest of “Invicta” sounds like.
Score: 8 out of 10
http://www.razorandtie.com
http://www.myspace.com/hitthelights

The Menzingers – On The Impossible Past

I was already a fan of The Menzingers as soon as I had heard “A Lesson In The Abuse Of Information Technology”. I became even more of a fan when they released full-length number two (“Chamberlain Waits”) and I was fully converted into Menzingerism when I saw them live at The Fest 9. These guys are what punkrock is all about for me… they write honest lyrics that aren’t corny, have loud guitars and tie it all together nicely with some great hooks, gritty vocals and sweat-drenched enthousiasm. That is once again no different on “On The Impossible Past”.

The title of album opener “Good Things” is not only a great track but also serves as a promise of what’s next. One of the best things about The Menzingers are the vocals which come courtesy of guitarists Tom May and Greg Barnett. They take the lead in turns, occasionally blending together nicely and adding yet another layer of awesomeness. Not that they need it with excellent songs such as “Burn After Writing”, closer “Freedom Bridge” or “Gates”, the band’s most mature song to date.

“On The Impossible Past” is no doubt the album that is gonna get The Menzingers all the attention they deserve and I’m seriously looking forward to seeing them tear it up at this year’s Groezrock!
Score: 8.5 out of 10
http://www.epitaph.com
http://www.myspace.com/themenzingers

Gallows – Death Is Birth EP

Gallows is back and even though their return will only take up eight minutes of your time, it’s a very welcome return. For those of you wondering if Gallows is still the same kick-ass band it was before vocalist Frank Carter left the band, I can assure they are still a force to be reckoned with. Just have a listen to opener “Mondo Chaos” and you’ll notice right away that former Alexisonfire guitarist Wade MacNeil has no problem filling Carter’s shoes.

And the music? Well, these guys are still pissed off at pretty much everything and the production job by The Bronx’ Joby J. Ford only helps highlight the unadulterated hate that seeps from every single song.

Pretty much my only qualm with “Death Is Birth” is that it’s too short.
Score: 8 out of 10
http://www.shock.com.au
http://www.gallows.co.uk

Tribes – We Were Children EP

The Kooks. Kaiser Chiefs. The Libertines. Oasis. Pigeon Detectives. Do I need to go on? Yup, Tribes is another UK band that is going to be the best band in the world and that plays that oh so typical Uk rock we’ve heard over and over and over and that – to be completely honest – got tiring oh say, ten years ago?

This EP is just four songs long and and by the second song it had already worn out its welcome. And that was even before I had to sit through two acoustic songs. These guys may have a lot of swagger and bravado. They are however severely lacking in the ‘good songs’ department.
Score: 4 out of 10
http://www.universalrepublic.com
http://www.tribesband.com

The Naked Heroes – Demon The Whiskey Down

Soul redeemin’ rock ‘n’ roll is what they call it and that’s exactly what you get on The Naked Heroes’ “Demon The Whiskey Down”. If you think The Black Keys have sold out and you need something a little rawer to get you through the morning, then make sure to check out this duo. With a mix of Led Zeppelin’s hard rock, noisy blues sounds and a fist full of soul, they keep on rocking throughout all ten songs and don’t disappoint for a second.

The Naked Heroes are George Michael Jackson and Merica Lee and despite their terrible taste in names and artwork, “Demon The Whiskey Down” is excellent air guitar material!
Score: 7 out of 10
http://www.drugfrontrecords.com
http://www.thenakedheroes.com

El Caco – Hatred, Love & Diagrams

- by Thomas

El Caco is (despite what its name might suggest) a Norwegian band that started out as a stoner act back in 2001. They have diversified their sound since and while there are still some stoner influences lingering around, these days you’re better off lumping them in the alternative rock/post-grunge scene where they blend right in.

On “Hatred, Love & Diagrams” they do their thing quite convincingly with some lines they borrowed from Tool (opener “After I’m Gone”) and Alice In Chains (“Sixty To Zero”). Despite some obvious points of reference, they do have a sound of their own and it’s one I like. This is not in the least thanks to the brooding atmosphere that haunts “Hatred, Love & Diagrams” but equally thanks to vocalist Osa’s standout vocals.

I had never heard of El Caco before and I imagine a lot of you out there haven’t either, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s about to change with the release of this new album.
Score: 8 out of 10
http://www.indierecordings.no
http://www.elcaco.com

Templeton Pek – Slow Down For Nothing EP

- by Thomas

Apparently this UK-based trio previously dropped two full-lengths which I completely missed. They’re back now with a new 5-song EP they recorded with producer Greg Haver (Bullet For My Valentine, Manic Street Preachers,…).

It all sounds pretty good… straight-up punkrock akin to Sum 41 and Rise Against. It has everything these songs should have and even comes with praise from Bruce Dickinson himself. Check out “Slow Down For Nothing” if you’re up for some solid yet unsurprising tunes! Naming yourself after a character from the A-Team is kinda lame though.
Score: 7 out of 10
http://www.peoplelikeyourecords.com
http://www.templetonpekofficial.com

On Bodies – Planet Hospice

- by Thomas

This is just ridiculous! On Bodies consists of Rich Thurston (Culture, Terror, Blood Has Been Shed), Damien Moyal (As Friends Rust, Culture, Morning Again, Shai Hulud), Richard Walbert (Destro, Where Fear And Weapons Meet, Until The End), Julio Martin (Destro, Glasseater) and Chad Kishick (Dead Weight, Know The Score). That’s an awful lot of hardcore history in one band.

On their debut EP these guys race through nine songs, the longest of which barely reaches the two-minute mark. Aggressive, urgent and mosh-inducing, this is premium hardcore that is akin to bands such as Mouthpiece or Battery. Check out “Love Like That” and start redecorating that living room of yours!
Score: 7.5 out of 10
http://www.eulogyrecordings.com
http://www.myspace.com/onbodies

The Safety Fire – Grind The Ocean

- by Thomas

Shit, a progressive metalcore band? Mathcore from the UK? What am I gonna eat tonight? Do I really want to hear this? After all I’m not the mathy, progressive kinda guy. I like my music focused, short and to the point. I need to get my laundry sorted out! These were some of the thoughts that went through my head while reading The Safety Fire’s bio sheet.

I have to hand it to these guys though… on “Grind The Ocean” they show off their technicality with tons of rhythm changes and odd twists and turns, yet they never forget to inject their material with just the right amount of catchiness and more atmospheric parts. This way of working allows them to switch from a nice melody with clean vocals to pure fucking shredding in a matter of seconds. And they pull it off without allowing things to go to shit.

While it is a lot to take in all at once that can get tiring after a while due to the sheer amount of different things going on, “Grind The Ocean” is an impressive debut full-length by a new band that fans of everyone from Dillinger Escape Plan down to Protest The Hero and Fair To Midland should check out.
Score: 7 out of 10
http://www.insideoutmusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/thesafetyfire

Christian Mistress – Possession

- by Thomas

Listening to “Possession” is like being caught in a time warp. It is obvious right from the start that Christian Mistress have a thing with eighties metal. Opener “Over & Over” is a fast one that comes with an early Metallica vibe. Plus it immediately shows off Christine Davis’ pipes. The same can be said for “Pentagram and Crucifix” which comes with a nice solo towards the end. One thing that draws attention is the production, which is very spartan and stands in stark contrast to most albums that are being released today where everything is plastered shut with noise. I have to say… it took some getting used to.

On the follow-up to 2010’s “Agony & Opium” EP, Christian Mistress prove they can keep things interesting throughout an entire full-length by switching faster tracks with slower ones like the title track which is built around a doomy riff or “There Is Nowhere” which starts off as a power ballad.

I’m not sure if they’ll revive the whole NWOBHM sound and inspire a slew of other bands to do the same thing but by going back to an older sound, this band does end up sounding surprisingly fresh.
Score: 6.5 out of 10
http://www.relapse.com
http://www.christianmistress.com

Homer CD release party // March 10th // JC De Klinker

Wild Flag – S/T

- by Thomas

While the indie scene nowadays seems to be reserved for the most part for either men with beards and a 70s folk fixation or electronica nerds who record a whole album without ever leaving their bedroom, there is still some room left for loud yet playful guitars.

Take Wild Flag for example. Consisting of two thirds of the legendary Sleater Kinney (Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss), former Helium vocalist/guitarist Mary Timony and The Minders’ Rebecca Cole on keys. Yes, in 2012 it’s apparently up to the ladies to bring the rock. And if the result is an unpretentious yet highly entertaining album like this self-titled release, I’d like to see more ladies shake their ass onstage. Actually, I would still like to see that even if the music is not as good.

Opener “Romance” is a fun song and a great example of what’s to come… it’s cool, jangly, sexy and catchy. Plus it comes with a nice sixties shimmy shake part that will no doubt trigger the abovementioned ass-shaking. Further down the road they’ve got the pop angle covered (“Future Crimes”), go psychedelic on our asses (“Glass Tambourine”) or step on the gas (the appropriately titled “Boom”).

While you’d be hard-pressed to find anything innovative on Wild Flag’s album, it’s a solid rock album nonetheless. Kudos!
Score: 7.5 out of 10
http://www.wichita-recordings.com
http://www.myspace.com/wildflag

Good Luck – Without Hesitation

- by Thomas

For five years now the overtly positive outfit known as Good Luck has been cranking out indie-pop that is as cute as it is sweet. That’s once again no different on “Without Hesitation”, their latest offering.

Guitarist Matt Tobey and bassist Ginger Alford share vocal duties and between the two of them they are responsible for most of the cheerful abundance. Like a slightly louder Mates Of State covering the Weakerthans, they hopscotch through eleven songs while obviously enjoying themselves most of all with “The Story Rewritten” as my personal favorite.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
http://www.noidearecords.com
http://www.facebook.com/wearegoodluck

Dear Superstar – Damned Religion

- by Thomas

“Damned Religion” is the name of Dear Superstar’s new album. These UK natives manage to mix up glammy hardrock with emo and tip it all off with a nu metal sheen. That’s three musical genres I don’t like rolled into one… guess what? I don’t like it one bit.

I imagine this is what you would hear if Funeral For A Friend and Disturbed went in the studio together to record some Mötley Crüe leftovers. Commercial appeal? Sure. But it’s pretty much polished crap that stands in stark contrast to the promise that the band name holds. You’re better off listening to Papa Roach’s “Paramour Sessions” instead!
Score: 3 out of 10
Blast Records
http://www.dearsuperstar.co.uk

Matt Pryor – May Day

- by Thomas

Matt Pryor self-released “May Day” with the help of Kickstarter, a site where people can pledge money to a certain project. When enough funds are raised, the project gets a go. If not, well… you’re shit out of luck and you’ll have to figure out another way to get your Russian bride into the country.

Luckily Matt Prior got to make his album because it’s definitely worth being heard. Next to his work with the Get Up Kids, the New Amsterdams, the Terrible Twos, Pryor keeps on cranking out great tuneage. The difference with his other work is that the songs on “May Day” are more subdued and dreamy with Pryor sticking with an acoustic guitar or a banjo instead of his usual distorted guitar.

While some of the songs on here are little more than Pryor’s voice along with the abovementioned guitar/banjo (opener “Don’t Let The Bastards Get You Down”, “”), there are several tracks that come with somewhat richer arrangements that make them sound warm, rich and intimate all at once. The organ in “Like A Professional” is subtle but it adds just that little extra to make it even more appealing and the same goes for the piano and harmonica combo in “Your New Favorite”.

My personal new favorite, you ask me? Well, that would have to be “Polish The Broken Glass”, by far the best song on what is already an excellent album which proves that Pryor doesn’t need loud guitars to make himself stand out as one of today’s songwriters you need to hear.
Score: 8.5 out of 10
Nightshoes Syndicate
http://www.myspace.com/mattpryorsongs

Driven Fear – Contender

- by Thomas

Just like Affiance, Australia’s Driven Fear start their album with the “I’m mad as hell” speech from the movie Network before unleashing some excellent hardcore tuneage. On “Contender” – the band’s first full-length – they keep things interesting throughout the entire duration by messing around with different rhythms, heavy yet melodic riffage and raw vocals that are often supported by a slew of gang vocals.

They’ve got a whole lot of energy going on and bring back memories of bands like Comeback Kid and Raised Fist whereas more moody tracks like “The Hunter” take us deep into Defeater territory. To top it all off, things sound great yet still raw enough and they’ve got more passion than a young couple getting it on for the first time. If you want to hear an impressive hardcore debut, “Contender” is definitely what its title makes it out to be.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
http://www.peerecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/drivenfearhc

The Story So Far – Under Soil And Dirt

- by Thomas

First there’s this cute litte intro and then… Wham! What was that? That was the opening track of The Story So Far’s latest release. Right away the drums are pounding, the guitars are shredding and then the vocals come in roaring as well. These guys don’t like taking their foot off the gas for a minute during their pop-punk attack and they’ll race you to the end of the album any day.

“Under Soil And Dirt” is filled with the kind of poppy punkrock songs I fell in love with back in the 90s and that has been making a seriously welcome comeback thanks to the likes of The Wonder Years and Fireworks. Seeing as this is only the band’s debut full-length and they’re all under the age of 20, I think this is definitely a band to keep an eye on.
Score: 7 out of 10
http://www.purenoise.net
http://www.facebook.com/thestorysofarca

Nightlights – So It Goes

- by Thomas

“So It Goes” is like listening to a Latterman tribute. The guys that make up Nightlights obviously spent a lot of time with that band’s discography and that’s probably why they ended up with songs that come with the same kind of thumping bass lines, the funny song titles, the gruff vocals and the melodic yet potent riffage.

While they are not quite as impressive as say Iron Chic or Banner Pilot, these guys do a pretty good job nonetheless and if this is the kind of sound you’re into, you won’t be disappointed by Nightlights’ “So It Goes”.
Score: 6.5 out of 10
http://www.eulogyrecordings.com
http://www.nightlightsband.tumblr.com

Therapy? – A Brief Crack Of Light

- by Thomas

On lucky number thirteen, Ireland’s Therapy? are still doing what they do best… writing rock songs that are full of piss and vinegar and which are best served loud as fuck. Opener “Living In The Shadow Of The Terrible Thing” and “Stark Raving Sane” are great examples of this and it’s nice to see that these veterans still go at it with the same kind of enthousiasm they had back in the days of “Teethgrinder”.

There is a more experimental streak as well that runs through the album. Like the instrumental and upbeat “Marlow”, the unpredictable and very noisy “The Buzzing” or “Get Your Dead Hand Off My Shoulder”, which is the band’s interpretation of a dub song. It only adds more diversity to the album, always a good thing.

The best thing about “A Brief Crack Of Light” however is that Therapy? managed to maintain their trademark sound while throwing in some new elements at the same time, making it one of their best albums in their 20-year-long career. Kudos!
Score: 8 out of 10
Blast Records
http://www.therapyquestionmark.co.uk

Smith & Burrows – Funny Looking Angels

- by Thomas

Can you imagine Tom Smith doing the voice of a character in a Disney movie? Shit, children would be depressed for years! Best known as Editors’ vocalist, “Funny Looking Angels” sees Smith teaming up with former Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows for a christmas album. A slightly depressing christmas album that is.

“Funny Looking Angels” starts off with a short intro before “When The Thames Froze” kicks in. Well, it doesn’t as much kick in as slowly fade into being. And while it may sound like a traditional, it’s actually been written by Smith & Burrows. It’s one of four originals on the album, the rest of the songs are covers (Black’s “Wonderful life”, Yazoo’s “Only you”,…).

These self-proclaimed funny looking angels know very well that there is a fine line between kitsch and lush yet sincere arrangements and manage to stay on the right side throughout the entire album. The abovementioned “When The Thames Froze” is a beautiful example… while it’s filled with horns, backing vocals, marching rhythms and so on, it never sounds fake. And when Burrows takes the lead in songs like “As The Snowflakes Fall”, it’s like hearing a couple of previously unreleased Elliott Smith gems.

It’s that vocal diversity along with the beautiful, warm arrangements that make “Funny Looking Angels” a Christmas album worth listening to well into the new year.
Score: 8.5 out of 10
http://www.playitagainsam.net
http://www.smithandburrows.com

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones – The Magic Of Youth

- by Thomas

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones have been doing their thing for a very, very long time already and they still haven’t tired of it. Which is a good thing because I haven’t either. Their latest album is called “The Magic Of Youth” and on it the horns are blazing yet again.

While I have grown tired over the years of most of the ska bands, the Bosstones continue to serve excellent tuneage and that’s no different on “The Magic Of Youth”, an aptly chosen title when it comes to these guys. From raging cuts like opener “The Daylights” and “The Package Store Petition” to more mellow ska tracks such as “Sunday Afternoons On Wisdom Ave”, it always sounds great and comes with plenty of punch, power and melody.

With 11 songs in 35 minutes, this is one album that doesn’t wear out its welcome and if you’re into any of the albums they’ve released since 200’s “Pay Attention”, you should have already ordered your copy of the Bosstones’ latest.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
http://www.ruderecorz.com
http://www.bosstonesmusic.com

The Lemonheads – Hotel Sessions

- by Thomas

When Evan Dando found himself holed up in a hotel room in Australia somewhere in the early nineties, he laid down demos for the songs that would go on to become “Come On Feel”. Armed with just an acoustic guitar, a walkman and a cassette (a what now?), he recorded these songs in a stripped down version, sounding ever so vulnerable.

There’s the occasional comment between the songs and along with the hissing of the tape, it makes “Hotel Sessions” a very charming album for the fans. Everyone else will probably not be overly impressed by these hotel sessions.
Score: 6 out of 10
Hall Of Records
http://www.thelemonheads.net

The Mighty Fine – In Revival

- by Thomas

There’s something endearingly arrogant about calling your band The Mighty Fine. This San Luis Obispo-based outfit is allowed to do so though because on “In Revival” they crank out some fine rootsy punkrock. Armed with a powerful rhythm section, a knack for writing catchy melodies and a vocalist who wouldn’t sound out of place in a Tom Gabel impersonation contest, The Mighty Fine race through a dozen songs that will get you belting along at one of their shows in no time.

With just enough grit in place, these guys rock out in a way that you might not actually expect based on the artwork. If you’re Against Me or The Menzingers, you should have no problem getting into “In Revival”.
Score: 7 out of 10
http://www.solidarityrecordings.com
http://www.themightyfine.com

The Menzingers interview

- by Thomas

The Menzingers have worked themselves up to a punkrock powerhouse and I doubt that'll be stopping soon now that they've signed with Epitaph and just released a new album called "On The Impossible Past". Make sure to check them out at this year's Groezrock fest and read on to see what vocalist/guitarist Greg Barnett had to tell us.

PRT: First things first… one thing I’ve always wondered about ever since I first heard you guys… what the hell is a Menzinger?
Greg: The world may never know.

PRT: Things are going pretty good for you guys… you’ve toured with the likes of Against Me and The Gaslight Anthem, you signed a deal with Epitaph, you have a new full-length coming up. What does it feel like to see all your hard work paying off?
Greg: It's amazing to say the least! I honestly never thought I'd be fortunate enough to be in a band that people care about. The biggest appeal to me is being able to travel around the world and make new friends. It's the most rewarding "career" path anyone could ever ask for. Im the luckiest kid in the world.

PRT: You’re on tour now with Rise Against and A Day To Remember. How’s that working out for you guys?
Greg: It's incredible! I never thought it in a million years that my band would ever play places this big. I mean our dressing rooms are professional sports teams locker rooms! It really is the most surreal experience I've ever had in my life.

PRT: Your new album is called “On The Impossible Past”. I’m guessing it’s a reference to how you can’t change things that have already happened. Am I close or completely missing the point?
Greg: It means whatever you want it to mean. It's a quote from Vladimir Nabokovs "Lolita" and the record title is shortened from the quote: "I was weeping again, drunk on the impossible past". Nabokov is my favorite writer and I always loved the complex layers of his prose. I think it would be silly and dishonest to offer a clear cut explanation here. This record is essentially an accidental concept record that runs along the theme of "On The Impossible Past". Hopefully listeners take what they want from the concept, lyrics, artwork, and title and make it their own.

PRT: While the album still contains all of the elements I’ve come to love about The Menzingers, it’s a big step forward for you guys with some of your most mature material to date with songs like “Gates” and the title track. Is that something you talked about when you started work on the new album or is it just the way the songs turned out?
Greg: Yeah, absolutely. We obviously didn't want to write the same record again and wanted to create some type of lose fitting story. I think the major difference between our previous records and this one is that "On The Impossible Past" was written with the idea that it should be listened to in full. I think the digital age has really fucked with the way albums are digested. Its a bummer.

PRT: You once again worked with Matt Allison. What is it that makes working with him so easy for you guys?
Greg: It all comes down to trust. We're very fortunate to say that Matt has become a very close friend of ours and we respect him and his work immensely. I can't even begin to say enough wonderful things about the guy! He knows how to get the best stuff out of us for sure.

PRT: “On The Impossible Past” will be your first release on Epitaph. What does being signed to a label like that change for you guys exactly?
Greg: Mainly it gives us more resources to grow as a band. We're still the same drunks essentially.

PRT: Epitaph has released its share of albums that have helped shape the punkrock scene… do you still remember the first Epitaph release you went nuts over? Greg: Rancid's "...and Out Come the Wolves" and Bad Religion's "No Control" blew my fucking mind when I first heard them. I'll always remember skating around Lake Ariel, PA and feeling like everyone was ok in the world.

PRT: While you’ve already achieved quite a lot, what is the one thing you’d still love to accomplish with The Menzingers?
Greg: "I'd love to be that lucky one on chill avenue, one to keep your heart warm when ice has turned it blue".

PRT: In the movie “Almost Famous” there’s this one scene where the band is in a plane and they think they’re gonna crash and so they come out with all these big confessions. If you were in that situation, what would you confess?
Greg: Haha I have no idea what I would confess... I still love 311? In reality I'd just run to the booze cart and get loaded before my impending doom.

PRT: Why did The Menzingers cross the road?
Greg: To get burritos and liquor.

PRT: In April you will be playing at the Groezrock festival in Belgium… have you already heard about that festival and are you excited about it?
Greg: Yeah! Groezrock is a festival I've always dreamed of playing and the lineup is completely insane this year. A bunch of our European friends are coming as well so it's gonna be pretty incredible. I mean the fucking Refused are playing!

PRT: You have ten seconds to write your final words for our readers. Go!
Greg: Zoltan!

Butch Walker And The Black Widows – The Spade

- by Thomas

After having previously dabbled in arena rock, glam rock and alt-country tunes somewhere during his decade-long solo career, Butch Walker and his Black Widows went for yet another sound on “The Spade”. This time it’s poppy rock songs all around that are all about having a good time. Echoes of the past still linger in songs like the glammy “Every Single Body Else” and “Bullet Belt’, which reeks of hair spray and latex pants.

But it’s songs like opener “Bodega And Blood” and “Summer Of ‘89” that make this album a real treat. “The Spade” is not without its flaws but at 42 years old, Butch Walker doesn’t seem to care anymore. He just does whatever he feels like and you can hear the fun in just about every song. It’s an attitude you can only embrace, especially if it makes for albums like “The Spade”.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
http://www.lojinx.com
http://www.butchwalker.com

Deadman – Take Up Your Mat & Walk

- by Thomas

Austin, TX’ Deadman released “Live At The Saxon Pub” not too long ago. It was a good way to get some attention but now they have released an even better calling card. There is not one flawed song in sight on “Take Up Your Mat & Walk”!

Their particular brand of country and folk is heartbreakingly beautiful at times and truly shines in songs like “Till The Morning Comes” and “”… echoes of The Band are never really that far away. They also throw in some soul in songs like “Don’t Do This” and “We All Need Love” whereas “This Old World’s Not Gonna Change” has a bit of Dylan in it… I’ll leave it in the middle whether I’m talking about Bob or Jakob.

Whatever route they go for, they always pull it off with subtle rocking, gentle vocals and great melodies and it makes “Take Up Your Mat & Walk” a great album that you should check out if you’re a country kinda guy.
Score: 8 out of 10
http://www.rootsy.nu
http://www.deadmanonline.com

Nekromantix – What Happens In Hell, Stays In Hell!

- by Thomas

Psychobilly die-hards Nekromantix are back with a new album called “What Happens In Hell, Stays In Hell!”… which is a seriously lame album title! To make things worse, they haven’t changed a thing about their sound. That means they still use the same rhythm in basically every song, the same ticking bass sound and while we’re at it… the same subject matter and the same cartoon-ish artwork.

This genre is already not known for its diversity but from a band that is as big in the genre as Nekromantix, you would expect a little bit more time and effort. Seeing as they’re so fond of puns in their titles, I’m thinking “Napocalypse Now” or “From Dusk Till Yawn” would work pretty well for their next album.
Score: 5 out of 10
http://www.hell-cat.com
http://www.nekromantix.com

New Found Glory – Radiosurgery

- by Thomas

Radiosurgery is not only a type of surgery where radiation is used to treat brain tumors or epilepsy, it’s also the name of New Found Glory’s seventh album. Why you’d want to associate your album with a brain tumor is beyond me but hey, to each his own, right?

Working with producer Neal Avron for the first time since 2004’s “Catalyst” was good thinking on the band’s part because he knows how to make them sound poppy while maintaining an edge unlike anyone else. On songs like opener “Radiosurgery”, “Drill It In My Brain” (again with the brain surgery!) and “Map Of Your Body”, you’ll hear plenty of Green Day influences. “Memories And Battle Scars” however showcase the band’s fiercer side and along with the gang vocals and breakdowns strewn throughout the album, New Found Glory prove the punk in pop-punk is still there for a reason.

Basically, this is a fairly standard New Found Glory album without any surprises or it would have to Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino joing forces with Jordan Pundik on “Caught In The Act”. Despite this album being standard, it’s still a good place to start if you’re looking for some decent pop-punk tuneage.
Score: 7 out of 10
http://www.epitaph.com
http://www.newfoundglory.com

Dangerous! – Teenage Rampage

- by Thomas

Dangerous! is a rubbish band name simply because every time you type their name in Word, the first letter of the next word automatically becomes a capital. Luckily their music is not annoying at all… when you use the words rock, garage and Australia in the same sentence, a lot of you will automatically think of The Vines. Well, now there’s Dangerous! to add to the list.

On “Teenage Rampage” these guys tear through twelve songs that sound like The Hives gone wild or a poppier version of The Bronx with tons of energy, attitude and a whole lot of oh oh oh’s to boot. They’re not exactly reinventing the wheel here but if you’re looking for a fun album, then “Teenage Rampage” will do just fine!
Score: 7.5 out of 10
http://www.epitaph.com
http://www.d-or-die.com

Kevin Devine interview

- by Thomas

Kevin Devine released a new album called "Between The Concrete & Clouds" and if you haven't heard it yet, go pick up a copy! It's very good and it's out now on Razor & Tie. Here's an email interview we did with the good man...

PRT: Between The Concrete & Clouds” is the first album you’ve done under your own name that doesn’t have a single song where it’s just you and your acoustic guitar. Was there a specific reason for working that way this time around?
Kevin: I just felt like the songs worked better on record this time around all backed with fuller instrumentation. It wasn't really too dramatic a shift given that most of the last two, three records were predominantly band-backed. This one just totally is. Most of the touring on the last record was me with my band, also.

PRT: So what exactly is there between the concrete and the clouds?
Kevin: Your life, reality, the present moment. Your brothers and sisters. Look around.

PRT: I read somewhere that you wanted to keep the lyrics more straightforward this time. What was the idea behind that decision?
Kevin: Not so much straightforward as concise. I wanted to keep the songwriting in general more economical, compact. I'm still a wordy writer, a pretty verbal person, and I still very much like playing with metaphor and abstraction in writing. I just wanted to keep an eye on meandering or overstating my case.

PRT: Two names that kept coming up while listening to the new album are Elliott Smith and Nada Surf. Are those artists you feel comfortable being compared to?
Kevin: Sure. I like and respect both very much.

PRT: Last year you released an album with Manchester Orchestra under the Bad Books moniker. How did that come about?
Kevin: We'd done a whole bunch of tours together, from 2007 to present, and always discussed making music together, actually writing something. My manager John reminded them of those conversations backstage at one of their shows in LA late in 2009; the next day Robert & Andy wrote me, we picked out some dates, and I flew down to Atlanta and we made the record.

PRT: And was that a one time thing or have you already talked about doing another album?
Kevin: We definitely have discussed doing another one. Probably sometime next year.

PRT: If you could pick any other artist to collaborate with, who would it be and why?
Kevin: I'd above all else love to have Sinead O'Connor sing one of my songs, or to write a song with her. I think she's totally amazing, principled, specially talented, and just someone I'm really in love with as an artist and a citizen of the world. Just such a bad ass.

PRT: You already have quite the discography. Are you one of those guys who when he has written new songs, just wants to get the songs out there as soon as possible?
Kevin: I guess. It just feels like what I do. I write songs, I put them together, I record them, I release them, I play them in front of people. It just feels like my spot in the world.

PRT: So what’s up next for you? A whole lot of touring? Any plans for coming over to Europe?
Kevin: I've got another 3.5 weeks of US/Canadian touring initially supporting the record's release that'll take me through October 27th. Afterwards, I do the Harvest Festival in Australia in November and then some regional dates back home to close out the year. Next year, yes - UK, Europe, both Australia & US/Canada again, hopefully. Everywhere the record comes out.

The Wild – A Collection

- by Thomas

From Atlanta, GA comes The Wild, a folky bunch that swear by DIY ethics and who released an album called “A Collection”, which is just what the title might lend you to believe… a collection of songs from splits, live cuts and EPs thrown together. I have to say, it all gels together surprisingly well. But that might be because The Wild’s jangly folk-punk has the tendency to sound the same-ish after the first couple of songs. Feel free to think of everyone from Bob Dylan and Woodie Guthrie to Andrew Jackson Jihad to get on the same page RIYL-wise.

Earnest lyrics, male/female vocals and more harmonica than you can shake a stick at… it does become a bit too much if you have to listen to it for an hour. But hey, it’s a compilation and the band’s enthusiasm is addictive so here’s to hoping they offer a little more diversity on a regular album!
Score: 6.5 out of 10
http://www.asianmanrecords.com
http://www.quoteunquoterecords.com
http://www.thewildatl.com

Tony Sly – Sad Bear

- by Thomas

Tony Sly is back with another solo album called “Sad Bear”. It did make me feel a little bit like a sad bear because the songs on here are plain boring. Don’t get me wrong, I love singer-songwriters. The arrangements on here however are very basic, even if they are enhanced with an organ or a tin whistle here and there. Basically, these are pop-punk tunes played acoustically which never really leads to the most exciting songs out there. And then there’s the fact that Tony Sly’s voice is a bit too limited to carry this kind of music.

I like the guy and everything he did with No Use For A Name but his solo output is wasted on me.
Score: 4 out of 10
http://www.fatwreck.com
http://www.myspace.com/tonyslymusic

Citizens Patrol – 2006-2011

- by Thomas

Named after a terrible, terrible movie in the Police Academy series, Holland’s Citizen Patrol has been spreading the hardcore reality since 2006. In those five years they have released a demo, two 7”, a split 7” with The Shining and a full-length. To celebrate the band’s first five years, there’s now “2006-2011”, a collection of everything they have released so far plus a couple of previously unreleased tracks and a complete live set.

That makes for a whopping 50 cuts of 80ies inspired hardcore along the lines of MDC and Black Flag. It’s a bit much to take in all at once with the only diversity on here being the quality of the recordings, but other than that this is a solid introduction to Citizens Patrol!
Score: 6.5 out of 10
http://www.shieldrecordings.com
http://www.myspace.com/citizenspatrol

Alcatraz – Smile Now, Cry Later

- by Thomas

I’m guessing Alcatraz didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about their band name seeing as they get to call San Francisco home. Other possibilities were Transamerica Pyramid and Fisherman’s Wharf but out of those three Alcatraz sounded the most badass. Which is what they are going for with their music as well so I guess it makes the most sense.

Featuring former and current members of outfits such as First Blood, Embrace The End, Allegiance and a whole bunch of other bands, these guys tear through a whopping 20 songs on their debut full-length. It’s fast-paced hardcore with a punky edge that takes cues from Death Threat, Integrity, Ringworm, Hoods, and Buried Alive and I’m kinda digging it… it’s just that 20 songs is a bit much to take in all at once. But hey, the album does come with the songs from their sold out demo tape.
Score: 6 out of 10
http://www.demonsrunamok.de

Do Or Die – The Downfall Of The Human Race

- by Thomas

Belgian noisemongers Do Or Die are back with a new album called “The Downfall Of The Human Race”, which – let’s be honest here – is kind of a lame title. And to make matters even worse, the songs on here are as cliché-riddled as the album title. It’s metalcore that taps from the same vein as Bring Me The Horizon and Hatebreed… lots of chugga chugga riffs, more guitar squeals than you can count and a rhythm section that doesn’t think it’s necessary to switch gears every now and then.

If you want to mosh your little heart out, this will do the trick. If you’re looking for something however, then you can just skip this one because it’s next to impossible to tell the songs apart.
Score: 4 out of 10
http://www.demonsrunamok.de
http://www.myspace.com/officialdoordie

SOS interview

- by Thomas

SOS. Stop.New hardcore band. Stop. With guys from Terror and Hatebreed among others. Stop. Here's something that barely qualifies as an interview with Scott Vogel. Full stop.

PRT: How did you guys first get together?
Scott: Just basic stuff. Five guys from separate bands and cities whose bands played together and toured together, that talked about making music. So we did.

PRT: You’re all involved in other hardcore bands, how come you felt the need to start a new band?
Scott: It's cool to step outside the band you're with all the time and try something different. New ideas and angles.

PRT: SOS is a distress signal… is that what you want to send out to the world?
Scott: That music today is mostly watered down garbage. No pulse. No truth.

PRT: For people who haven’t heard you before… if you were the lovechild of two other bands, which acts would’ve had sex and which position were you conceived in?
Scott: Agnostic Front and Brotherhood. Standing up.

PRT: You recently released “I Owe You Nothing”, an EP with a very personal and in your face title… are those characteristics that reflect on SOS as a whole as well?
Scott: Of course. This is all about a quick calculated assault.

PRT: Being involved in other bands with busy touring schedules, are there any plans for heavy touring with SOS?
Scott: Not at all.

PRT: Was “I Owe You Nothing” a one-time thing or are you already thinking about a sequel?
Scott: Only time will show

PRT: Any last words for our readers?
Scott: Listen to Hatebreed. Feel the realness.

Guillermo Del Toro & Chuck Hogan – The Night Eternal

- by Thomas

From the authors of the New York Times bestsellers “The Strain” and “The Fall” comes the final chapter in their vampire trilogy. “The Night Eternal” picks up right where we left the CDC’s former head of the biological threat team Eph, his colleague and former lover Nora and the Russian exterminator Fet behind with vampires now ruling the world under the guise of nuclear winter.

The Master – an ancient vampire with enormous powers – controls everything with our freedom fighters as the only real threat. Like cattle, people are either interred in camps to breed or to be bled in order to provide sustenance for the Master’s vast army. Meanwhile Eph’s son Zack is being held by the Master and Eph is torn between rescuing his son and helping the others overturn this new world order.

Our freedom fighters do get help from Mr. Quinlan, the halfbreed offspring of the Master who is hellbent on revenge. But is it enough now that there is evidence of a traitor lurking in their midst?

The final installment in this collaboration between director Guillermo Del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy) and novelist Chuck Hogan works well with the combination of Del Toro’s rich fantasy and Hogan’s blistering pace. Basically it’s just one hell of a fun read you can really sink your teeth in.
Score: 8.5 out of 10
http://www.harpercollins.com