http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005-2007 by the authors Thu, 24 Aug 2006 09:25:01 EDT http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/ Phillip WinnSunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding. Administration0@blogcritics.org Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/08/24/092501.php Yohan BrohamskyI claim to be a music nerd - but not in the sense of "I think I know everything about music,” because I certainly don’t. I consider myself a music nerd in that I like to research the bands I am really in to; learn their history, see how and where they started and follow their trail through the years and see how they’ve developed and grown or haven’t. See what’s changed, and reflect on musical trends at the moment to see if that influenced or inspired them to try certain things, or to see how changing band members affected the music and the band. Is it really nerdy to be so inquisitive? I guess so.So, for the ever truth-seeking mind, a compilation documenting a bands progression over the years is perfect. I'm also big into being a label-nerd, asking similar questions stated above, but applying them to an overall output of one company and their impact on the music world. Many people turn to certain labels when they expect a certain sound. If one is looking for metal-core, you might turn to Ferret. If you are looking for poppy-hardcore, you may turn to Victory. If you are yearning for ska, you might turn to Asian Man records, or the defunct Moon Ska label. If you want pop-punk, you turn to Fat Wreck Chords. If you want grittier punk, you might look for the Hell Cat logo -- and if you want indie/emo, you look for that DIE logo on the back of Deep Elm releases. One label that has been making waves over the past 10 years is Suicide Squeeze, and they have done all my research work for me! The Squeeze have recently released a double-disc compilation featuring the label’s staple bands, and have filled it with out of print, demo, live, or previously unreleased tracks by some of our favorite bands. Some of these staple bands include Elliot Smith, Modest Mouse, Pedro The Lion, Iron and Wine, Les Savy Fav, Minus The Bear, and The Black Heart Procession. This compilation features many of their up-and-coming acts worthy of mention as well, such as Chin Up Chin Up, The Crystal Skulls, Russian Circles, Hint Hint, and These Arms Are Snakes. As with most compilations, you are getting more than you pay for. There are a few disposable tracks sprinkled here and there across the two-discs, but what you gain is so worth it. If it wasn’t for this compilation I wouldn’t have heard my new obsession band Hint Hint, whose song “Natural Collegiate” (track 16) sounds like a combination of the bands it is sandwiched between - Les Savy Fav (track 15) and We Regazzi (track 17). If any tracks are worth the sticker price of Slaying Since 1996, they are the out of print tracks by the Constantines and Les Savy Fav, and the previously unreleased tracks from Metal Hearts, Chin Up Chin Up, Russian Circles, and These Arms Are Snakes.Also, as with most compilations that are not genre specific, keep an open mind to enjoy it. That is maybe the only bad thing I have to say about this release and this label, is that it doesn’t really have a particular sound. But that isn’t all that bad. This is a label not out to make the most money or be the biggest, it exists to put out music it believes in, and sometimes that has to involve crossing genre boundaries and forming new ones. On no other compilation this year will you hear the 5 minute rock instrumental a-la Russian Circles, and the self-describing, trippy electronic “Rock Weird (Weird Rock)” from Goon Moon, or the straight-forward rocking of the Constantines (circa Shine A Light) and the depressingly emo “Now You’re Swimming” from 764-Hero. For more information, please visit the Suicide Squeeze records homepage. Music51901@blogcritics.org Thu, 24 Aug 2006 09:25:01 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/07/03/171329.php Yohan BrohamskySometimes there are bands that break up and should stay broken up. Sometimes there are bands that break up, get back together, and you wish they had stuck to their first instinct. There are some bands whose mark is left years after their break-up, before they even knew of their importance and influence. These bands make you wish you had known about them earlier so you had the chance to see them live just once. To me, some of these bands are Saetia, Lifetime, Mineral, and The North Atlantic; I will get my wish from The North Atlantic (and Lifetime).The North Atlantic was formed in 1999 in Kalamazoo, Michigan - yes, that is actually a real place. The band relocated to San Diego in 2000, and after many national tours, decided to call it quits in 2003. Singer/guitarist Jason Hendrix decided to leave the band and go to college in Chicago only three months after Wires in the Walls was self-released. Time passed, and distance couldn’t keep the band apart. One reunion show turned into a few tours, which turned into the decision to keep The North Atlantic going, just like the motion of the ocean.Wires in the Walls will be re-released in July 2006 by We Put Out, a label that is creating an indie-buzz. I have to thank them, and the band for coming together again and giving me a chance to be at the record (re-)release party in July in New York.Wires in the Walls is pure intensity, fueled by Jason Hendrix’s catchy riffs and urgent vocals, his brother Cullen’s compulsive drumming and bound together by Jason Richard’s bass playing. The album starts off with about 25 seconds of hand-clapping, building momentum for the spazzy , turbo-charged opener to this 48-minute soon-to-be post-punk staple. “Drunk Under Electrics”. The two following tracks keep your head nodding as it’s blown back and forth by the rock coming from your speakers. The album takes a turn in momentum at its standout track, “Scientist Girl.” The bass-heavy song is by far the catchiest track on the album and the one song that hits home with me in particular. It’s a tell-off to a former lover and my former lover actually happens to be a scientist girl. The last verse is kind of juvenile but the statement rings true: “I’d rather listen to my Clash records all night than be with you.”After “Scientist Girl” is “Bottom Of This Town,” which is a synth-driven lament and marks a decline in energy, but Wires in the Walls never loses its intensity. The last track, “The Ministry of Helicopters,” closes out the album the way it started - fast and furious. The shouted vocals found in the beginning verses of the opening track are mimicked here but the groovy baseline and upbeat drumming definitely separate the two. "The Ministry of Helicopters" seven minutes will have your head in disarray with its tempo changes and danceable bridge. The North Atlantic’s Wires in the Walls combines New York post-punk with San Diego art-punk to form something they can call their own. It also sounds like they may have run into fellow Michigan post-everythingers Bear Vs Shark, who have a similar sound to The North Atlantic. If you are mourning the loss of Bear Vs Shark and hoping they take a hint and re-unite, then definitely give The North Atlantic a listen.Fans of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Hot Snakes, Bear Vs Shark, The Dismemberment Plan, The Blackout Pact, Lock And Key, The Blood Brothers, At The Drive-in, Cursive, Planes Mistaken For Stars, Hint Hint, We Regazzi, Forsake Ya To The Snakes, Les Savy Fav and Small Brown Bike will dig this album. Check out The North Atlantic, it’s not very often you are given a second chance to make a first impression.For more information, tour dates, MP3s, videos, or to pre-order the album, visit The North Atlantic’s homepage. Music49933@blogcritics.org Mon, 3 Jul 2006 17:13:29 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/06/01/063704.php Yohan BrohamskyThe term "original hardcore" has become disposable nowadays. In a sea of hardcore clones, it would be easy to mix and match singers with bands and no one would really even notice. It would be like trading baseball cards. "I'll trade you my singer from Hawthorne Heights for your Underoath singer." "OK, deal!"No one would have ever expected a real "original hardcore" band from Tucson, Arizona, but then, a lot of things wouldn't be expected from Versus The Mirror. Their full-length debut Home comes to us via Equal Vision Records (EVR) after EVR only released an exclusive online and tour EP from this band. There are so many reasons why this band stands taller than all their peers and I'll point them out so you can truly appreciate this album.The fact that this band is in their early 20's and the vocalist Davey Siebold is only 19 astounds me, especially since their music and recording sounds like seasoned veterans. For their debut album, Versus The Mirror recruited producer Bob Hoag (The Bled, The Format, Records) to help them record this powerful hardcore album. This is funny, because Versus The Mirror is the band The Bled wish they could be. Honestly, I am a huge fan of The Bled, but Versus The Mirror bleeds them dry.Unlike most hardcore bands who rely on breakdowns, Versus The Mirror "two-step" the patented chugga-chugga-breakdown formula. Another thing that sets them apart from heavy hardcore wannabes is the fact that there is no distortion in the guitars, meaning you actually get to hear Gabe Borquez and Kevin Ryan's playing instead of them being able to hide behind some false sound. And there are no false sounds on Home. The band recorded the entire album with Hoag without using a computer. No MAC, no Pro-Tools, no digital editing -- what you hear is what you get! Some of the younger fans who may not understand what this means, check it: imagine seeing your favorite band live and saying to yourself 'Hey, that's not what it sounds like on the CD.' That's because most bands use digital means to record their albums, to perfect and hone their sound through intense editing. Home was tracked with vintage gear and was recorded from analog to 2" tape. Rocking out to Home in your home will be just like rocking out to Versus The Mirror live, minus the sweaty bodies, intensity of the band, and emotions that only a live performance can evoke. To hone their sound, Versus The Mirror practice six times a week. Versus The Mirror knew quite well that with this recording style, "perfection" was a subjective word. Making the best record you can possibly make is perfection. Hard work never goes unnoticed boys; I commend and respect you.The music on Home is intense ear and heart grabbing hardcore. The vocals never falter from their pitch -- they are constant screams and howls. You won't hear one little, whiney whelp come from vocalist Davey Siebold. He says, "...in my lyrics, I'm very personal." What better way to let out some negative emotions then screaming them? I almost feel bad for Siebold and for his vocal chords. His screams are really throaty and not from the gut. He should check into that Zen Of Screaming DVD before he loses his voice and I can't see them live! Home is definitely an impressive debut, containing 10 new tracks and two from their previous EP. If you love melodic hardcore that doesn't lose its edge in heaviness, then this should be your new favorite band. Expect to hear big things from this young band this year and don't be surprised if they turn up on the Taste Of Chaos or Warped Tour in 2007. If you've got something to say, don't whisper it -- shout it. Versus The Mirror have something to say and they want to be heard.Not only does the music on Home kick some major ass, the enhanced CD should really grip your attention and show you just why you should love this band. Fans of The Bled, Protest The Hero, The Bronx, Chiodos, The Fall Of Troy, The Hope Conspiracy, Fear Before The March Of Flames, Converge, and Atreyu will dig Versus The Mirror.For more information, tour dates, MP3s, and the like, please visit the Versus The Mirror homepage or their label, Equal Vision Records. Music48607@blogcritics.org Thu, 1 Jun 2006 06:37:04 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/05/30/090924.php Yohan BrohamskyMurder By Death is the name of the 1976 spoof mystery movie starring Eileen Brannan (also see Clue) which involves murder, death, and crime. Murder By Death also happens to be the name of a band you should know in 2006, and their music also involves murder, death, and crime. Murder By Death's third full-length release In Bocca Al Lupo is definitely the band's best to date. They have traded in amazing instrumentals for amazing narrative lyrics and tighter songs. The Death's current sound is based around the cello playing of the only female in this foursome, Sarah Balliet. This wasn't always the case though, as they used to have another member who played keyboard. Balliet has taken over the keys and continued her cello playing, which has affected the band's sound, both recorded and live. The always prominent cello adds to the haunting sound of Murder By Death, but the lack of a steady keyboard player forces Balliet to choose which instrument to play. This decision takes away from the sonic possibilities that Murder By Death used to be able to accomplish, which I like. Murder By Death went into the studio, probably with this thought; thinking of writing songs that would be possible to pull off live and still be able to be comparable to older tunes. In Bocca Al Lupo is similar to their previous full-length release Who Will Survive And What Will be Left Of Them?, with its integrated thematic tracks that fit together like links in a fence. Instead of following the tales of a small western town that is visited by the devil, In Bocca Al Lupo is based on the classic epic The Inferno by Dante Alighieri. Even the title, In Bocca Al Lupo, is Italian (The Inferno's original language) and roughly translates to "In the Mouth of the Wolf." Anyone who has read The Inferno will recognize the Wolf's significance. The She-Wolf in The Inferno is one of the beasts that blocked Dante's way to the Mount Of Joy, frightened Dante the most, and forced Dante to take his journey into hell. And in to hell Murder By Death takes us, as they touch upon themes of sin, transgression, punishment, and lastly, redemption. Aside from all these intriguing points about Murder By Death's themes and song writing, you may be asking, is the music any good? Oh hell yeah! The band mixes an old saloon style with rock 'n' roll that would have John Wayne taking shots of whiskey in the front row during a bar-room brawl as Murder By Death bring it back to after a criminal was gunned down in a duel outside by the sheriff. Top it all off with very encompassing cello playing and a scotch on the rocks. Yeah, it's that complicated and it's that amazing. Murder By Death dance between upbeat, rock 'n' roll tracks such as "Brother" and the jail-break anthem "Sometimes The Line Walks You," tango rhythms in "One More Notch," waltz tunes topped with pirate-like vocals and lyrics in "Dead Men And Sinners," and the devilishly sounding, bass-drum driven "Dynamite Mine" and that is only within the first seven tracks. Murder By Death is not a band for the faint of heart or close-minded. Many people will not like them, whether it is Adam Turla's crooning or whispering, or the fact that the band really is indescribable. Murder By Death is a band that breaks so many genre barriers to link them to a certain style would demerit the band. They are ever changing. In Bocca Al Lupo has some new Murder By Death tricks, such as an acoustic track, "Shiola," some stylistically simplistic yet powerful songs, ("Shiola," "Raw Deal," and "The Big Sleep"), and a very big finale worthy of much praise.All 12 tracks are superb, but some songs which really deserve your attention are some of the same songs which will require an open mind. One of them being "Dynamite Mine," which was the first track released on the band's MySpace page. The bass-drum thumps and hand-claps will send shivers down your spine - the most evil-sounding song on the album. As I noted before, the 3/4th's, waltz time-signature is used in a few tracks, and another example is "The Organ Grinder," which also has a small horn section accompanying Murder By Death. "The Big Sleep" follows a man who is sentenced to death, and knows he is going to hell, "at the end of the road, he calls everyone home/and the fire will consume us." He leaves a message for his wife, "live honest and love again," before he is electrocuted and his soul is sent down to hell. For all the sin, transgression, and punishment presented in In Bocca Al Lupo, there is hope of redemption. Just as in The Inferno, after Dante passes Satan and the last circle of hell he sees a light at the end of an inclining tunnel, In Bocca Al Lupo leaves us with the words "there's still time to start again." These lyrics are driven home by the Turla and his accompanying gospel choir.As Murder By Death sing, there really is time to start again. If you have never been exposed to Murder By Death this may be a good time to confess your sin and pick this up (before your soul is sent to hell for eternal damnation). This is Murder By Death's masterpiece, and I think it will be very hard to top this one - not only by Murder By Death, but also by any other band this year. Their excellent musicianship is only enhanced by the band's live performance. I was lucky enough to be at the record release party for In Bocca Al Lupo, and their live show is not to be missed. The hauntingly eerie music is accompanied perfectly by footage from old, silent movies. If you are lucky enough to catch this Bloomington, IN quartet in your city you will agree that the songs are taken to a whole new level.Fans of Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Pogues, Cursive, William Elliot Whitmore, Black Heart Procession, Muse, Arcade Fire, Volta Do Mar, and Johnny Cash might dig this album. For tour dates supporting In Bocca Al Lupo, MP3's, videos, or more information on Murder By Death, please visit their homepage. Music48503@blogcritics.org Tue, 30 May 2006 09:09:24 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/05/28/233450.php Yohan BrohamskyI did it! I think I have discovered the cure for depression! Bring It Back! Mates Of State's newest is an album full of infectious indie-pop, from which the only disease you will catch is love. As far as gimmicks go, this band has got the very best - a husband and wife duo, who recently had a daughter, dropped their day jobs as a teacher and a cancer researcher, and have been touring the world since 2001. Of course, Mates Of State are the real thing and don't need a gimmick to make a fan of you or me.Bring It Back is the couple's fourth full-length album (among a handful of EPs and singles), and it marks a new evolution for the band. Technical knowledge acquired from the road through extensive touring over the years was "brought back" to the studio, leading to greater experimentation in the studio during the recording of Bring It Back. Also, their writing and recording style had to mature as they had to also be a mommy and daddy. Instead of their normal way of writing in small durations throughout the year, they had to compress their efforts into a few hour shifts and then fine-tune their work individually. As much as I love Mates Of State, I have to say that the songwriting shift can be heard. Bring It Back does not stand up as tall as their last full length, Team Boo. Fans of the Mates' previous works will definitely be able to tell contemporary Mates Of State from older releases. That being said, Bring It Back still has that 'classic' Mates Of State sound lead by the bass-heavy organ of Kori Gardner and the creative drumming of hubby Jason Hammel. Fans will still hear the vocal harmonies of these lovers over the complex and lighthearted music. Bring It Back begins with "Think Long," which sets the pace for the rest of the album. The very upbeat, chipper drumming and shouts of 'get up or get out' in the background by Hammel lay the foundation for Gardner's sultry voice which takes us back to Mates Of State days past. The vocals at times overlap and then other times are alternating, and are sometimes hard to discern because of Hammel and Gardner's similar voices (that's a nice way of saying "Jason Hammel sounds like a girl).Things turn down-tempo for the track "Like U Crazy," which is an organ ballad complete with "wah, wah-ooo's" that belong in a do-wop song. The fade out drums and organ segue perfectly into the upbeat "Beautiful Dreamer," which becomes one of Bring It Back's down points. Within the next few tracks they alternate between really peppy and zesty to snoozey and boring. The "snoozey" tracks are very good, if you listen to them out of the context of the album. It's a tease. The essence of Mates Of State- that really upbeat, put a smile on your face indie pop - gets dragged down by too many mellow organ ballads. Bring It Back finishes up strong, with the one of the catchiest choruses on the album in "So Many Ways." This Barsuk Records debut lacks that weird, off-kilter organ playing of Kate Gardner in many of the tracks, but "Punchlines" is one that fans of former Mates tracks such as "Ah Ha" will love. "Running Out" is the perfect closer for this ten track indie-pop gem. It has everything you could want in a Mates of State track - lush music, perfect vocals, great lyrics, a choir, a didgeridoo, and a fade-out chorus that will have you singing along all two minutes, and trust me, you won't get "tired of singing" either! As Mates Of State have evolved and adapted over the years, so has their music, and fans will definitely be able to tell. So, if you have never heard Mates Of State before, this may be the perfect introduction for you! Their older material may be a little weirder and harder to digest. The first time I heard Team Boo (which was my introduction to the band) I was very weirded out by them. Bring It Back is a gentler introduction to the world of Mates Of State, but won't leave you smiling any less.Fans of Belle & Sebastian, Rilo Kiley, Stars, Jenny Lewis, The Concretes, Page France, Rainer Maria, Neko Case, Tilly & The Wall, The New Pornographers, Sufjan Stevens, Death Cab For Cutie, The Flaming Lips, or David Bowie might dig this album. For more information, tour dates, MP3s and the like, please visit the Mates Of State homepage or their new label, Barsuk Records. Music48453@blogcritics.org Sun, 28 May 2006 23:34:50 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/05/19/055958.php Yohan BrohamskyA lot of indie bands like to stick to a minimalist sound, which is not the case for Crystal Skulls. They have the standard guitar/vocalist (Christian Wargo), guitar (Ryan Phillips), bass (Yuuki Matthews), and drums (Casey Foubert) set-up; but that is the only conventional part of Outgoing Behavior.The Seattle four-piece's new album is the follow-up to their debut, which was released only about a year ago. Outgoing Behavior is Crystal Skulls' latest release on the up-and-coming Seattle label Suicide Squeeze. You may recognize the Suicide Squeeze logo found on the back of Minus The Bear's full lengths as well. It seems the peeps at Suicide Squeeze have really stumbled upon something. Outgoing Behavior is full of melodies that will have you humming for days. Wargo's soothing, dreamy vocals are layered perfectly over melodic, encompassing instrumentation. Crystal Skulls have a sort of lounge-like vibe to them, but not in a cheesy tuxedo wearing way. Every track has something special to it, whether it be a catchy guitar riff, an accompanying organ, whistles, handclaps, or a Midwest-sounding slide guitar.After reading what some other reviewers thought of Outgoing Behavior, I have to say I really disagree. As I don't think this will be in many people's "Top 10" of the year, the tunes are definitely worthy of being listened to. If you are in the mood to relax, put a smile on, and be mellowed out, then Outgoing Behavior is an album you'll really enjoy.Wargo's vocals don't really change pitch, which adds to the drowsiness of this album, but his crooning and slurring definitely make up for it. Even to upbeat jams such as "Baby Boy" and "Hey, It's Easy," his lounge-like swagger and half-hearted intensity doesn't shift - which I love! So maybe Crystal Skulls aren't breaking down any musical barriers or revolutionizing indie music - they sure as hell are making some tight, well produced, great tunes to feel good about, though. I would love to see this quartet live to see how they pull off some of the smoothest songs I've heard this year so far. If you are into sly, clever, poppy indie rock then I highly suggest picking this up. Sometimes you can't believe what other people say; you've got to just go out on a limb and check it out for yourself. Have an outgoing behavior!If you're a fan of The Concretes, Mates Of State, Built To Spill, Headphones, The New Pornographers, Flaming Lips, Chad Vangaalen, Chin Up Chin Up, The Decemberists, Minus The Bear, Death Cab For Cutie, or other Seattle-area indie rockers, then definitely give Outgoing Behavior a chance.For more information, MP3s, tour dates and the like, visit Suicide Squeeze Records or check out the Crystal Skulls MySpace page. Music47978@blogcritics.org Fri, 19 May 2006 05:59:58 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/04/13/033815.php Yohan BrohamskyWhen I first heard The City On Film was Robert Nanna's solo project, many thoughts came rushing in to my mind. I was wondering if it would sound exactly like Hey Mercedes or Braid, then I wondered if it would be a one-man acoustic side project a la Dashboard Confessional. Either way, I was anxious to hear it. Both of my suspicions were correct -- and then some. The City On Film began as Nanna's creative outlet between tours in 1998, and finally produced a full-length released in 2005 -- In Formal Introduction. Later that year, Nanna gathered up some friends from an up-and-coming Seattle head-turner, Minus The Bear, as a backing band and released this emo/rock, six track gem we call American Diary.If you are a fan of the rockier tunes that Nanna cranked out as the front man of Braid and Hey Mercedes, then you will love "Pony's Last Track" and "You're Gonna Need That Patience Soon." They are a little "quieter" than Braid and Hey Mercedes tracks, but they still have Nanna's soothing voice delivered over catchy, hook-filled melodic rock. On the other hand, there's the track's opener, "Mary, I'm Ready", lead by its lo-fi recording, acoustic guitar picking, and straight up depressing vocals. The album's closer, ironically named "Conclusion", is an identical instrumental version of "Mary, I'm Ready." The subtraction of vocals is replaced with a piano, and it allows you to hear the breaking glass and dog barks in the background. These remind me a lot of Great Lake Swimmers tracks, or other various lo-fi acoustic indie albums containing random background noises.American Diary is an excellent title for Nanna's debut on Redder Records, as it progresses past his defined sound from previous bands. There are hints of other distinct American musical genres, most specifically Americana/Country. The upbeat, very countryish "Astray! Astray!" is the song that will put a smile on your face when listening to this EP. Although the rock-oriented tracks are energetic, this is a country-influenced pop song at its best! The track "Well, It Goes Like This" reminds me a lot of an old, '50s classic, in the vain of The Platters' "Earth Angel." Maybe it's just me, but I can imagine this being played at a sock-hop themed prom this May, and most high school seniors not even noticing it was recorded in 2005. Maybe I'm not so crazy, as Nanna's newest project is learning and recording his top 100 favorite songs. The tracks he has already recorded can be downloaded through The City On Film My Space page. Who knows, maybe we'll see a Nanna-version of "Earth Angel" up on there soon!The City On Film has put forth a great EP for Redder Records, and any Braid or Hey Mercedes fan should definitely pick this up. I am very glad to hear Nanna's voice in varying and refreshing songs, and I expect this indie staple to keep supplying me with my dose of sincere musicianship in the immediate future. Fans of Hey Mercedes, Braid, The Get Up Kids, The New Amsterdams, The Promise Ring, Hot Rod Circuit, Bright Eyes, Cursive, The Smiths, Mineral, and late 90/early 2000 emo will love this album. For more information, MP3's, and tour dates, check out Redder Records Music46317@blogcritics.org Thu, 13 Apr 2006 03:38:15 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/04/04/091628.php Yohan BrohamskyAttention: hipsters, poseurs, fashionistas, scenesters, fakes, trend-followers, crew-members, faux-hawkers, metrosexuals, corporate-punk fans, emo-hair supporters, etc... STOP READING RIGHT NOW! Now if you are not labeled as one of aforementioned persons, or you dislike them, finish reading this right now. Save Yourself A Lifetime was released just for you!After releasing an EP, being featured on Deep Elm compilations, and a triple split album, Deep Elm records released Burns Out Bright's debut full-length album Save Yourself A Lifetime on March 28th. The Columbia, SC quartet delivers a mix of post-punk, post-hardcore, and emo with a punk rock spirit. The whole thing about Burns Out Bright is that although they are serious musicians, their music is full of irony and laced with humorous, self-directed depreciation. With lyrics like "no need to fight, this is only your life/ just close your eyes and hope it turns out right" in the opening track, you can tell the constant absurdities will be abundant. Even before popping in the disk, it is obvious from the artwork on the cover and back track listing these boys are here to make music to feel good about. The bright colors, wacky fonts, and absurd song titles clash with the four pairs of feet hanging (by unseen nooses); justifying their sense of humor.Save Yourself A Lifetime kicks off with two songs obviously directed towards the groups of people listed above, and their contribution to eradicating anything that "punk rock" stood for. "The World Is Going To Hell, We Don't Have A Record Deal, & I've Never Had A Better Time In My Life" is the perfect title for the opening track which shouts "they'll market everything/ poison everything you love/ and sell it to the ones you hate," and is full of discontent towards sell-out bands. The next track pretty much has the same "I hate you for ruining what I loved" vibe to it as it goes on to ridicule the fans of the music being exploited in the previous track. Personally, I've felt this way for so long about the state of punk rock and underground music, and it feels great to hear my thoughts come through my stereo speakers; "Here we are, punk rock is dead in the trunk/ and you're asleep at the wheel." Most bands wouldn't even have the credibility to despise corporate and major-label music, but Save Yourself A Lifetime will be released on one of the most reputable indie labels out there that claims "Indie Til Death." "Replication Is The Highest Form Of Replication" continues with Burns Out Bright's despise for cheapening what they love - the music. Needless to say, these are some pretty pissed off young men when it comes to the mass-produced music that is being released today - which is the opposite of Burns Out Bright. Every song on Save Yourself A Lifetime is delivered with a great deal of sincerity, and although it's dusted with irony, all ten tracks are straight from the heart, gut, and soul. Burns Out Bright's flame won't be burning out any time soon if they keep this up.A subtle joke that I found very funny in the track "My Other Band Is A XHardcoreX Band" was the use of the all-too-common hardcore calling-card of putting "X" before and after words. Also, the use of a breakdown during the song put a smile on my face. Mostly because Burns Out Bright is not a breakdown band at all. Save Yourself A Lifetime is chock full of guitar hooks that border on the edge of heavy, but break before they become unlistenable. This full-length debut is an impressive show of musicianship. The guitar harmonies compliment each other like salt and pepper, the bass is rich throughout the whole album, and the drumming is spot-on. Burns Out Bright's technical abilities, honesty, and sincerity really elevate them to a level above some of their more mainstream peers. The only problem I have with this album is that while it has a punk rock spirit to it, the songs last longer than almost every punk song. Save Yourself A Lifetime's close to 53 minutes and can get boring and monotonous at times if you prefer your songs to be short, sweet, and stripped to the bone. If you really like The Appleseed Cast, Benton Falls, Fightstar, Russian Circles, Pelican, or instrumental bands then this shouldn't bother you. Fans of Small Arms Dealer, Armor For Sleep, Thursday, The Blackout Pact, Brandtson, Latterman, and Red Animal War will like this album. For more information on Burns Out Bright, visit their homepage at BurnsOutBright.com or at their label's page, Deep Elm records. Music45919@blogcritics.org Tue, 4 Apr 2006 09:16:28 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/03/13/095847.php Yohan BrohamskyIs it too early in the year to start claiming "Top Ten Favorite" or "Top Five Debut Album" of the year? I hope not, because I see this album being listed in both of those categories for 2006 - at least in my books. March 28th will bring England's own Free Diamonds debut album to America via Deep Elm records, and I don't think us Yanks will be the same again.There Should Be More Dancing suggests just that. The album cover is a pair of Converses with bricks tied to the bottom of them, which leads me to think of some abstract reasons as to why. Then I think of the easiest answer - people are too scared to just DANCE now a days! This is an album that in its most broad description would be called dance-rock or dance-punk, but that's probably the only thing it has in common with its peers. I would really hate to limit Free Diamonds with this label because it is so much more. Speaking of labels, this release is far off the radar for Deep Elm, the label that is known for releasing "classic" emo and indie albums. There Should Be More Dancing proves that pigeon-holing and labeling music is now sillier than before. Free Diamonds is a three-piece band made up of eccentric folks. Guitar/vocalist Scott Anderson's voice is strange, off-kilter and at times, bratty. His guitar lines go from harsh and punky to clean and cheery. I'm glad to hear that the guitar is not the lead instrument on There Should Be More Dancing. The percussion section really steps it up and is prominent throughout the whole album. At times Paul Cosgrove's bass playing is very groovy, and at other times it sounds like he should be playing upright bass in a jazz-trio. As a bass player myself, I am so glad to hear the bass really come through on the recording; it reminds me of Hot Water Music tracks like "Driving Home" and "Ebb And Flow." Dave Morton's infectious drumming holds Anderson and Cosgrove's playing together - which at times seems like they are going in different directions but are headed towards the same goal.There Should Be More Dancing begins with the irresistible "International Gathering of Champions,", with Anderson referring to his bandmates as "a vampire who cannot fly" and "a werewolf who's afraid to try." After hearing this, you know you should be expecting half-ridiculous lyrics to match the obscure vocal delivery. Also see "The List Of Everyone" for silly lyrics: "there is a list of everybody I don't like, alright/ Congratulations, you're number one, two, three, four, five." Anderson and Cosgrove share the vocal duties, and combined their voices sound like the singer of the Blood Brothers/Neon Blonde - if he actually sang instead of screamed. The down tempo "Blind Boys" contains the most autobiographical and emotional lyrics on the album, "I've gotta heart that keeps getting broken a lot/I've got a heart that I've gotta keep fixing a lot.""Lovers Die Young" and "The Day We Conquered," sound like modern-day swing songs. While hearing these songs, I can just picture guys in zoot-suits and suspenders swinging women with beehive hairdos around them to the beat. Think the dance scene while Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is playing on stage in the movie Swingers. "The Day We Conquered" also combines two of Anderson's vocal oddities that add to the overall weirdness of the album- his squealing of certain words, and whispering others. Dancing away from the swing vibe is the track "M Is For Missing," which sounds like a modern day rockabilly tune, with a toe-tapping, simple drum line and ultra-catchy bass line. The album's stand-out track to me is "Cuban Heels, Cuban Deals," which is a simple diddy with simple verses. What makes it stand out are the air-guitar inducing guitar lines, the stand-alone bass grooves, the head-nod drumming, and the spastic vocals. Another audio-weapon in Anderson's vocal arsenal that is unleashed on this track is the stutter that he delivers with oh such genius - "smoking cigarettes in va-vintage, va-vintage c-c-c-c-cars." The album closes with "J.P.L.D." and is as thrashy as the Diamonds get here. It's a great closer, and I imagine this being played as an encore, ending a show while all amps and instruments get destroyed as the band unleashes all their unused energy. I shouldn't say unused energy, because I sincerely believe these guys have A.D.D. and haven't been taking their Ritalin. If Bloc Party was 2005's voice of dance-rock from the UK, then 2006 is the year for Free Diamonds. There Should Be More Dancing is a solid, fun, energetic debut that should land the band as much critical acclaim as it should land fans spazzing in their Converses on the dance floor. If critics can praise Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Wolf Parade because of their original vocal stylings, then Free Diamonds should be the next band on their radar and yours as well!Free Diamonds will be coming across the pond to the United States for a three-week tour in April to support the release of There Should Be More Dancing. They will be playing in New York City three nights in a row, and I will be there all three nights - front row and getting jiggy with it. Fans of Q and Not U and The Blood Brothers will love this album. If you are into such bands as We Are Scientists, Bloc Party, Arctic Monkeys, Clap your Hands Say Yeah, Wolf Parade, Neon Blonde or are into very energetic and fun music, then this album is for you.For more information, tour dates, and MP3s please visit Free Diamonds homepage or their label at Deep Elm records. Music44863@blogcritics.org Mon, 13 Mar 2006 09:58:47 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/03/02/044026.php Yohan BrohamskyWhen most people, including myself, think of Long Island, NY, we think of screamo, emocore, L.I. hardcore... lame-core. I can almost always tell if a band is from Long Island. They just have that distinctive quality that makes me not like them. For example; I saw The Sleeping in November 2005 and knew right away they were from Long Island -- with their faux-hawks, absurdly tight pants, and unoriginal sing/scream sound. There are exceptions to the cardinal "Strong Island" rule though, and one of those exceptions is Small Arms Dealer.Small Arms Dealer's A Single Unifying Theory is a great modern punk rock debut. With the opening riffs of "A Fire In The Mine" to the bass-heavy "Things Explode For No Reason," this album is chock full of great punk hooks and a cigarette-scarred vocals. Even the softest song, "My Headlocks Are (Crazy)," which is filled with female backing vocals and acoustic guitar, has an undeniable punk rock vibe to it. One good Long Island trait that Small Arms Dealer shares with their fellow island-castaways is their "unity" (ha ha, get it?). Bands from the Longest of Islands have been known to share lyrics, help each other book shows, and lend each other band mates- and Small Arms Dealer is no different there. Members of such bands as On The Might Of Princes, The Devil Himself, Fellow Project, Contra, and Explosivo! bring their instruments and silly names (c'mon, one guys name is Guitarbeard) to A Single Unifying Theory, which was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Phil Douglas of the band, and label mate, Latterman.There are more than one, single unifying theories on this album. One of them is that the word 'fuck' is used in seven different songs. Another is the overall gloomy nature of this upbeat sounding album. Lubrano (vocals) must live a week under a black cloud that rains constantly, where he gets drunk three times a week, gets betrayed on two days, and by Saturday and Sunday he's able to stand united with his friends and believe in himself. I guess every rain HAS to let up at some time. For the most part though, A Single Unifying Theory is dark in nature. I know it sounds cliché, but it sounds as if Lubrano has accepted the fact that he will die someday, and he is totally fine with it, as can be heard on the albums opener. Lubrano huffs 'no one escapes/ no one makes it out alive/ just like a fire in the mine.' A theme of death drifts over all 12 of these tracks. Even the positive "Tonight... On A Very Special Episode," is so depressing. He sings about suicide, and giving life another try despite all the failures one might experience -- but his use of words make this song sound somewhat autobiographical. Like this thought had run through his own mind, and his conscious was the one being positive about life -- meanwhile in the song he is the one singing 'I'm not the boss of you/ (not me) you can give in if you want to/ (not me) razor blades and running water/ (not me) but hey, I'm no messiah' to someone contemplating suicide. This song reminds me A LOT of "Driving Home" by Hot Water Music. The similar "Perpendicular Cross-Talk" repeats 'life's not fair and it's a bumpy ride/ so keep your chin up motherfucker/ have some pride.' But like I said, the sun shines on the weekends only for Lubrano, and the previous 5 days are hell. Any sense of positivity you may have taken away from the former mentioned tracks will be shot right down by A Single Unifying Theory's closing three tracks. "Galactus: Devourer Of Worlds" sounds like the theme song to why people go to Alcoholic's Anonymous: 'a tear rolls down my cheek, and off my chin/ it burns like hell, and it tastes like gin/ I'm a mess and it scares the shit outta me.' "What Would Bruce Campbell Do?" is no better, with its most emo lyrics stating 'I make a point to disappoint/ I wrote the book on self defeat.' You would think that admitting to alcoholism and self-defeat would be a great way to end a downer of an album -- but think again. "Things Explode For No Reason" closes the almost 33 minute long debut, and has it's most brutal and blunt lyrics about deception- '(one of us) got kicked in the face by trust/ (and one of us) is getting away with it." Damn, this is one bitter young man.Personally, these last three tracks are my favorites because of their straight-from-my-journal, heart-on-my-sleeve lyricism. This album might appeal to fans of Smoke Or Fire, Latterman, Kid Dynamite, Strike Anywhere, Hot Water Music, Against Me! or Alkaline Trio. This appealed to me because it was released on one of the most reliable record labels in the business, Deep Elm. For more information on Small Arms Dealer or for MP3's please visit their homepage at SmallArmsDealer.net or their label at DeepElm.com. Edited: [!--GH--] Music44357@blogcritics.org Thu, 2 Mar 2006 04:40:26 EST