Kansas City is known for its music. More precisely it’s known for jazz. But now comes The Architects, a hard rocking band with something to prove. And after a summer slogging through the heat on the Vans Warped Tour, the band is gearing up for a new trek across the US to promote their new record, Bastards At The Gates.
There is much to like about The Architects, comprised of the Phillips brothers- Brandon, Zach, and Adam, along with their longtime friend Kennan. Their music is a nod to the past with a good eye for the future.
“Bastards at the Gate,” the title track to their new record, showcases Brandon Phillips' expressive vocals, sailing over muscular riffs that blows through the mix without overwhelming it. The top production is credited to Aaron Conner, another Kansas City native with credits that range from 2Pac to Cher(!?). Another top song off their new record, and one that promises to smoke it live, is “Daddy Wore Black”, a post-punk pastiche of '70s hard rock and vintage alternative. With an immediately catchy sing-along chorus, simple driving riffs, and a tinge of Celtic attitude, “Daddy” is a barn burner in the making.
This is the perfect antidote to the current crop of pop punksters and over-reaching hard rock bands, so overproduced as to sound indistinguishable from one another. The Architects are currently working through the Green 17 tour along with, in an inspired billing, Flogging Molly and Frank Turner.
Remaining dates:
Feb 22 Norva Norfolk, VA
Feb 23 Ram's Head Live! Baltimore, MD
Feb 24 Asbury Lanes w/ Frank Turner, Dave Hause Asbury Park, NJ
Feb 25 The Webster Hartford, CT
Feb 26 Electric Factory Philadelphia, PA
Feb 27 House Of Blues Boston, MA
Feb 28 Main Street Armory Rochester, NY
Mar 02 Hammerstein Ballroom New York, NY
Mar 04 LC Pavilion Columbus, OH
Mar 05 House Of Blues Cleveland, OH
Mar 06 The Fillmore Detroit, MI
Mar 08 Egyptian Indianapolis, IN
Mar 09 Bogart's Cincinnati, OH
Mar 10 The Pageant St. Louis, MO
Mar 12 The Rave Milwaukee, WI
Mar 13 Aragon Ballroom Chicago, IL
Mar 14 Uptown Theatre Kansas City, MO
Mar 15 Cain's Ballroom Tulsa, OK
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - kiera
the album is called "the hard way," the single is "bastards at the gate." and it's keenan, not kennan. good lord. i will be seeing them in nyc on march 2nd, it's going to be a great show!
2 - kiera
oh, and "daddy wore black' is on "vice," not "the hard way!" get your facts straight, guys
3 - Casey
@ kiera,
Why not tell that to Skeleton Crew and their shabby embarrassment website and business. Wait aren't they a wanna-be pretend record label and publisher? Yet, limit info and what is presented publicly enormously contains spelling and grammatical errors in mostly everything of business related issues. FYI: Real Publishers do it right.
I mean, since you’re all up in arms, after a favor even mentioning the band, album, and label. Skeleton Crew is an embarrassment to the artists and the band's listeners. Even readers. Be thankful for any PR /AR coverage of their artists. As that coverage, similar reviews, and spotlights to the artists, sure as hell has nothing do to people running/ working at that label who are supposed to be there to help the artist's careers while artist‘s do their part.
Maybe you're aware, that if it wasn't for The Architects and Brandon Phillips (knowing and having managed previous(Anodyne) and present endeavors, booking themselves and even helping (their Skeleton Crew label mate) New Tomorrow on a previous tour) it'd be a no-name place. Copied like any other ridiculous celeb-run place: trying to make a buck off somebody else’s (Frank Iero’s) 15 minutes of fame while making a mockery out of business and real talented artists. Otherwise business would be handled as business - from PR/AR to booking, signing talent, etc.
Real industry labels/publishers don't pass up or neglect doing their jobs for talented musicians and/or writers. Notably to subside talent, going on to then sign nepotistic acts like run-of-the-mill clichéd acts like the NJ Scandals - when not handling already signed or would be artists effectively. Realistically, NJ Scandals weren’t signed for talent. Merely, keep a few people running in a money ponzy scheme that involve conflicts-of-interest in effect that that label has put in place. Dig deep.
Nor does anyone with a brain in business neglect being given the chance to sign new industry talent pioneers in the form of writers and musicians that are changing the landscaped molds. That's why it'll fail and be left sink or be pulled by its current artists till they get tired of it. Only The Architects and New Tomorrow are getting taken serious in the music biz out of that label. Architects have their own track record. New Tomorrow has deep merit plus talent. Definite. Faster ties are cut to that label, more they’ll prosper. And, each knows own value is worth more than what they've been putting up with through that label.
In short: be thankful for any coverage to anything Skeleton Crew related. Nobody owes any favors when that label disgraces talented artists. As a result, it's all going to run real dry quick. Remarkable aspect, everything just wrote, ample and plenty of evidence to prove it. However, its reserved for more formal settings.
Before running a quip about clearing facts, maybe you should get your facts straight about why The Architects are even getting any coverage. Instead of trying to harp about the review logistics - becuase its mroe than what their own current label is doing. Really, its due to their own talent and merit leading - why The Architects are were they are.
I do agree on the point, The Architects are great live. Honestly, they deserve better than that excuse-bound of a label.
4 - Casey
@ Scott,
Really, its easy to confuse the single track as being the title of the album. After all, though, the new album is “ The Hard Way”. Might help to fix that error and whatnot.
5 - Phoenix
@ Anyone interested in The Architects:
‘The Hard Way’ Tracks:
# 3 - Rope To Hang From
#4 - Knowing is Half the Bottle
# 6 - Hell Came to Breakfast
Even # 7 and #1 get the album up for showing what keeps 'em in the sonic game years and years later.
Up for a listen?
check it and preview The Architects Myspace page
More tour info & blogs
Follow ‘em on Twitter
Go all out and support ‘em - get tix for the current tour; purchase the new album directly from The Architects while you‘re there.
Lastly, learn 'Death Rides a Horse' - helps rowdy, feisty fun morning kids who enjoy breakfast tunes like 'Hell Came to Breakfast' crunch-a-tize antic kix plays and plays of sonix. Talk about a great wake up start. Alas, Enjoi!
6 - Deborah J. Draisin
Casey, as a fellow journalist, I am appalled at your attitude. For starters, it is our responsibility to get our facts straight prior to posting a piece, whether the publicist has sent us a shred of information or not. Your unwillingness to take responsibility for your own lazy journalism discredits your diatribe.
For the record, I deal with S//C all the time, and they maintain the small label attitude that I have always found to be more welcoming than the majors. Iero is a busy man who trusts those he hired to run his corporation efficiently during his absences.
The Scandals are a young band with talent and energy; what is the objection to their signage? Costa is also dynamic and worthy. It's nice that you credit NT and The Architects with true musicianship and hard work, but please know that they all speak very highly of their mentors.
I strongly suggest that you refrain from humiliating yourself again by hiring a fact-checker (and an attitude checker as well.) This is the most unprofessional exchange I've ever read. What is this, high school?
7 - Casey
@ Deborah J. Draisin,
What’s there to be appalled about? A strictly unbiased professional assertion of a business. One of the previous comments that was left, reiterated that the author of the article should correct the mistakes. Very clear cut. I do agree that it is the writing authors place to check facts.
Clarifying how that might have read, not saying Skeleton Crew sent out a press release. Rather that they lack giving PR & AR to their artists properly. Mostly any recognition the artists get from Skeleton Crew are due to independent sources, who decide that the artists merit warrants the review or spotlight. For the record: nor do I work for this blog / column, etc. Very quite the opposite.
I was linked to this article because of my insider ties to Skeleton Crew (S//C). I’ve no problem with The NJ Scandals or David Costa. Each is musical in their own right - of course. However, on that note, look at the history. Taken David Costa several years to release another record outside of his debut album with Skeleton Crew. Point could be debated to ‘creative process’ - look at the business side of a label handling its artist though. Shows he has performed live, have had little and close to nothing to do with getting gigs by those from his own label.
Let’s talk business. Reason why artist(s) sign to labels or publishers - outside sources that will get their art to the public - is a type of assurance that is supposed to back it’s artists/ signed acts. Support and aide them on their creative journey - so to speak. All while the artist(s) helps do thier own part too.
Ask yourself: How can any label (S//C) afford the leisure to sign on new artists - bands - when it has greatly neglected business diligence to its already signed acts and those whose work merit and possess serious talent?
Look at Skeleton Crew’s history. Where’s F.T. Willz’ book; oh, what about the first signed writer - Keith Buckley; oh don’t forget Joey Southside. How much has Skeleton Crew done in actually helping David Costa grow as an artist and New Tomorrow? They’ve each been signed for years and have literally been left to fend for their own careers. Gross negligence from Skeleton Crew’s professional etiquette and behavior is responsible.
A serious aspect dilemma, anyone in the industry can clearly see and pinpoint: The conflict-of-interests of several people within Skeleton Crew. Vinyl Raccoons, Red Devil Press, etc. are not Skeleton Crew. Ask this: Why is not detailed focus being given to Skeleton Crew endeavors - first and foremost - when those hired were hired for Skeleton Crew endeavors. Skeleton Crew is its own business?
Simply due to a person may participate in several business ventures simultaneously - doesn't grant a right to mix those businesses as one in the same, when they are clearly not. S//C must come first and foremost without a doubt. Not left to sit on a back burner, while those with conflicts-of-interest in the company, pay tribute to their outside companies while on Skeleton Crew’s time.
Skeleton Crew announced it was a give-back initiative outside of personal self-interest after all. Here, and I quote “In each endeavor, we promise to infuse our value of hard work and dedication to a cause much larger than personal gain. Some of our proceeds will be donated to an organization of the contributing artist's choice…” - Skeleton Crew Website. Now, whether artists or consumers - “we promise to infuse our value of hard work and dedication to a cause much larger than personal gain.” not living up to that intent and ‘promise’ has serious implications that can easily result.
Real companies don’t limit public info. If it was a legit company, (notably a publisher) easy to service those needs. Items would be readily available for public presentation that entail what Skeleton Crew is about, does, information relating to its business aspects readily available. Yet, why does a publishers website page have numerous, enormous grammatical and spelling errors - anywhere? Par of publishing as any writer knows is the editing process. Which as a journalist, I’m sure you would agree on that part. Especially, since it concerns /deals with maintaining a professional business persona to that given industry field.
Want questions, simply ask. Email for questions to know more. A simple communication method shouldn’t be so difficult or complex. Anonymously email Skeleton Crew as an outsider, check to see how long you wait for a reply. The response will be an action and regard that is an insult to business communications being vital. Time and again, businesses who’ve sought interest in Skeleton Crew to do business, have had communications simply hang up in the air or unanswered / unresponsive.
Ever heard “Don’t rob Peter to pay Paul”? Tactless to implement ponzy schemes. Enron taught lots of people business lessons and savvy. Focal point, any business will suffer consequences when taking money from its core company to pay for services from a another company that has ties to line the pockets of those who work in both companies doing business. That’s a serious conflict of interest. Exact reason why insider trading is a no-no involving stocks. Everything in time, gets exposed for what it is. Besides, the negligence of business, conflict-of-interest, its got its hand are marred in several discriminatory practices.
Does anyone honestly, whole heartedly think that Red Devil Press or Vinyl Raccoon are providing free services to Skeleton Crew / Skeleton Crew artists? Same people running each one. Yet, who currently has Skeleton Crew’s best interest at heart as its own business? Not the majority of whose working at Skeleton Crew currently obviously.
Previous reply noted upon the lack of industry diligence that Skeleton Crew has abound itself by. Excuses are invalid. IF a person - famous or not - fails to maintain a business to make sure these types of things don’t happen - the business shouldn’t be open at all. Otherwise, directly or indirectly involved - owners, managers, staff, all take the hit. Frank Iero may have hired certain people, but as an owner it is in his responsibility to be in the loop of what happens and prevent negligence and provide due care. On one side - a business persona that results in showing. On the other side that person’s credibility and character shows.
Since you deal with S//C “all the time”: Do you think for a mostly based online company, that it was a wise professional business move to take down a company forum for several months? Between mid-July 2009 to near end December 2009. Now consider how most of its business has been drove in through that company forum. Plus, it being the fastest way to gain information on its artists and artist’s community.
Why was the Skeleton Crew forum taken down? Supposed cover stories were - 1) There was a severe sudden system glitch and everything needed to be re-put in and it was such a tedious task. 2) It was planned undergoing regular maintenance. Which was it? Oh right what was actually happening. Skeleton Crew’s own community exposing its indiscretions to build the company right back to what it was supposed to be in the first place. Did those hired clarify or address anything of concern when the forum re-opened? No, nor were there any statements addressing what was brought up.
Rather the forum was taken down to try and sweep things under the rug. Motivating factor of action was treated to disconnect individuals who know what’s going on. See, this is where research and fact checking gets you. Skeleton Crew tried to shush those that aren’t afraid to address the truth and matter of the situation. Strange, yet, Red Devil Press and Vinyl Raccoon - the conflict-of-interest companies and workers were still up in operation and putting themselves ahead at that time while Skeleton Crew as a business itself suffered. In that whole time, all those asking questions of what happened to the forum and for simple information were ignored/unanswered unless part of the self-interest group. Was a release of information or press release done, so to minimalize those inquires and keep people in the loop - No.
By the way, notes, recordings, even people trying to scam to the top of Skeleton Crew by paying tribute to workers instead of artists are all caught on tape. Involving and thanks to those doing it. Diligence does pay off for those who stood behind Skeleton Crew with right intent from the go. All thanks to technology. Don’t you love the internet?!? See, being actively involved, plus researching into stuff goes along ways.
Also, this is clearly better left said to you not I: "I strongly suggest that you refrain from humiliating yourself again by hiring a fact-checker (and an attitude checker as well.) This is the most unprofessional exchange I've ever read." Meaning since you're a music industry journalist You should be more aware of these types of things. Seemingly so, since Deborah J. Drasin works for the music webzine 'Jersey Beat' @ http://www.jerseybeat.com/
8 - Scott Deitche
Wow- most comments a piece of mine ever generated.
Unfortunately I deleted the press release that was sent. I believe they did indeed have Barbarians at the Gate listed as the name of the new record. Regardless, I should have checked a second source on the album name.
As for Keenan- my mistake on the name typo.
Anyway, a very good band, and a tour to check out.
9 - Jax
Deb,
I’m intrigued at your professional ethic as a ‘journalist’.
More so you’d assumed Casey worked for “BC” without checking. One would think that discredits what you could bring to the sake of points given.
Kinda seems you’re too close to the subject spilled & slipped overboard avoiding reading the comment objectively.
Per se, why’d you blame or point the figure at commenter who spoke (technically wrote) thoughtfully? Even if it highlights on a different view. Freedom of Speech.
Lately, by now, you’d hope to notice excruciatingly awful predicament the media has frenzied in vulgarity of thoughts. Like what’s worse? Option A. those who want everyone to conform. Or option B. people who ignore introspection [+ self thought] to a topic.
Media is bad enough taking dives, now-a-days. But if that mentality continues seeping like zombie goop into people who work w/ media relations that’s a bigger problem the whole world faces.
Just the insinuating assumption you made of Casey working with “BC” - showed a lack of responsibility or accountability on behalf of your own journalistic style. Unless you privately contacted them - which rationally is absolutely unlikely.
Then you twitter ranted about it?!? Small world. Know somebody, who knows somebody, and so on & on & on. So, who’s acting like in ‘high-school’.
If that’s any reflection on the majority types of Skeleton Crew supporters that is a bad public image to send out.
From what I’ve gathered [read] here & elsewhere about how its been, that label wouldn’t be anywhere if it weren’t for marketing schism of using Frank Ieros’ fans opening up a market cliché to get people buying S//C stuff. Fame propaganda? Like, ooh.
My question would be: Why center around that type of marketing ploy when that hasn’t been getting the company anywhere? At best, it’ll get an extra minute of product shelf-life. Essentially, it’s always going to turn people off to its products or services in the long haul.
Sure, Frank Iero is an owner. And soo.
People are buying the artist’s talent products; not a name of a person who owns the place. That’s what keeps companies alive. Who’s to say, so I like The Architects that I’d like Frank Iero or his company. More so if out of his Warner Brothers target demographic of My Chemical Romance listeners. Especially, if considering how business affairs are managed. Signifies there’d be a bigger underlying problem sooner-or-later.
Via what Casey posted, if a company can’t take or consider feedback several possible results. Failure. Boycotts. Poor public image. List goes on and on. Jeez, even Domino’s just revamped pizzas to appease customers and those who‘ve stood loyal.
Lastly, as a ‘journalist’ or reviewer wouldn’t you opt and be more prone and open or receiving feedback from a neutral commenter? Constructive criticism instead of judgmental bickerments about paying attention fixing a mistake due to an oversight or typo. Heck or ignoring double check method of writing. Ya know, versus, attitude comments --- ie "good lord" --- can't be bothered handle rant on every little point acting as if it’s the end of the world.
Yeah, no excuse in not double checking titles. Who knows, could've been a faux-pas of an auto-corrector switching words automatically running rampant via vices of people's reliance on technology. Or has everybody gotten so stuck-up and unappreciative that effort alone isn’t worth what it used to be. Small things in life, make it worth the value it holds. The thought that counts, ya know.
The reviewer could’ve simply ditched even writing about The Architects. [Jive kickin’ tunes btw]
Casey nailed it and served it up, finito - anyways.
On a public forum, like this, I’m intrigued if you’ll answer all the info presented or try to turn a blind-eye to that as well.
: : : Jax
10 - Chevelle
Support all indie acts like The Architects by supporting the bands directly!
Buy the albums and merch directly from the band by going to see them at live concerts. FYI: on the internet most indie bands have their own webstores that are separate from whatever label they are on. Purchase the gear from the band sites, not the record label's store! 'Cos unless you're giving that $$$ ka-ching $$$$ directly to the bands, most labels won't disclose exactly how much money goes to the artist. Help indie acts alleviate middle distributors - record label designated stores - overcharging and cutting into their profits.
Overall industry treatment of new artists and indie bands needs to change. Press for making that movement a reality. Labels are nothing sans artists. Cheesey as it sounds, it starts with you the listeners and where you are purchasing the band's music.
Long live the place where true talent is abundant: Viva la indie!
11 - Deborah J. Draisin
It was a logical assumption at first to presume that "Casey" was connected to the article as they pointed to S//C's poor press release as reason for the article's gross errors. My mistake, but how exactly would you have liked me to verify their connection or not, and why would I do so?
My point was and still is that a review should contain accurate information. The author has come forth with an apology and promise to correct said information: kudos to Scott.
Otherwise, I'm not sure why Casey or Jax felt a need to personally attack myself or the other commenters for pointing out errors in the article.
12 - Casey
@ Deborah J. Draisin,
Well, hello again. My comment(s) weren't intended as 'attacking' to you or anybody personally. I'm just rather one for exposing raw truths most tend to overlook. If that is what you felt, so be it. That wasn't the intention. Ditto that point to whoever else might have read too much into it in that manner.
Please, avoid trying to turn it into a victimization petty head-game guilt trip either. Very tacky when people act like that. Also, due to, I have no guilt about my comment. As completely unnecessary to even attach an emotion to that type of issue. I’m not heartless, but there is a clear definite distinction in professionalism and setting emotions aside. Wiser to lean towards a preference of reservation in feelings in select settings. Emotions in business dealings / issues, only weigh on whether people are capable of looking clearly at the issue. Notably, as what was addressed when you started character assumptions at me and opened the door for everything that followed.
We are both adults. Fully own your actions. You went on to make false assumptions about intent of my comment. And, jumped the gun assuming my involvement. Based or informed by what? Method/ approach of how I commented? Without having asked me personally; seems very illogical. I mean, it’s a terrible image to assume expectations of others. Specifically, if you don’t know or know whether or not you know them or have crossed paths before.
Reminiscent of brief social commentary. As far as technology has come in advancements, seems to have really fallen short in maintaining social proficiency communication interaction between people, mannerisms in communicating and etiquettes. In this digital age, due to the huge disconnect of one-on-one involvement replaced with chords and wires, too many people rather take situations and comments all too personally. If a person can't look at a matter objectively, presumably a good idea is to remove themselves from encountering that situation. As practically anything said or shared in that ‘setting’ could trigger that reaction.
Clearly, nobody was stating anything other than raw basics sans personal nature or regard to you directly as a person or others. I read Jax's comment. And, totally legit on a action you were demonstrating and somehow trying to call me out on? Self-induced diatribe is: how is you being called out for your behavior an 'attack'?
Honestly, was noting indecencies in your own methods from your comment. You’ve probably heard childhood refrain “If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen”; “Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.” Particularly, nor am I implying how you expressed yourself was a crime. Just regarding the nature in how you did it wasn't up to par of how you then expected to get treated in return. That’s all.
Again, second paragraph in my first comment stated it best.
“I mean, since you’re all up in arms, after a favor even mentioning the band, album, and label. Skeleton Crew is an embarrassment to the artists and the band's listeners. Even readers. Be thankful for any PR /AR coverage of their artists. As that coverage, similar reviews, and spotlights to the artists, sure as hell has nothing do to people running/ working at that label who are supposed to be there to help the artist's careers while artist‘s do their part.”
For your misunderstanding, I wasn’t excusing errors of info, which the reviewing author acknowledged. Merely, that, be thankful and appreciative there was even a review to help spotlight The Architects. Considering state of affairs with the label they are on. Rather than pettily moaning/gripping vs. a more constructive criticism technique of offering those same type comments, like Jax noted.
Triviality, honestly, I’m curious as to why you would call me “childish” behind my back via on a social networking site only based by limited present interaction thru a comment? Anything you care to say here?
Seriously, if it wasn’t for independent sources helping take these bands and give them their rightful acknowledgments due to their talent and merit, anybody would hear little and next to nothing of those artists. They are being held by those ones who take matters into their own hands and not by slackers that were hired/currently working for Skeleton Crew.
P.S. Pointed to close to nothing aka zip of any PR & AR happening from Skeleton Crew ; not what you implied that I meant a PR error. Nor would I doubt if the Press Release Scott received had errors. Plenty of proof elsewhere for that as the norm. And, to figure out the connection to remain probably credible as a journalist and your reason for doing so, could have been for professional integrity - shortly, all you had to do was ask.
13 - Casey
@ Deborah J. Draisin,
Unless you somehow want people to quote your name like "Deborah J. Drasin" every time your name is mentioned, please don't do so to mine either. Completely weird off-key; referring to how you put "Casey". My name is Casey - born and raised. Hello?!? It isn’t: quote Casey unquote. Or is that how you write / say everybody else's name and have people say your name? What's that the newest fad?!? Air quote names?
14 - Deborah J. Draisin
Casey, no matter what your "connection" is to S//C, you are without a doubt extremely unprofessional.
This was and is about shoddy reviewing. The article is about The Architects.
15 - Deborah J. Draisin
P.S. Scott, now that you aware of the errors, are you planning to fix them?
16 - kiera
man, i didn't think pointing out a couple errors would end up in an all out comment war type of thing. everyone makes mistakes, right?
leave s//c alone, they are great intentions. just because you might have had a poor experience does not mean they are monsters. not even close.
17 - Casey
@ Kiera,
Please avoid over dramatization of the comments ie “war”. It was more the approach, again over dramatic nature your comment had in it to addressing the mistakes/errors. Be thankful and appreciation, any coverage is given to S//C artists because of the less than favorable reputation Skeleton Crew has created for its business affairs and communication practices.
People do make mistakes - is easily agreed. Yet, the nature, severity and frequency of mistakes and the habitualness of separate occasions, those ’mistakes’ is what fosters into issues. Also, in the broader scope of circumstances, shows what is an actual mistake versus an intentional deliberate act.
Once upon a time S//C might have been of great intentions. That time passed awhile ago. Deal with what’s going on now and has been - is still. Nobody is referring to ’intentions’ alone. Intentions are not the main point case, it’s the display of actual actions. Actions and behaviors from Skeleton Crew that have repeatedly and increasingly keep happening. Along with the motivating factors from ‘intentions’ garnering those actions. Well, those intentions are greatly opposite of ‘good intentions’ from S//C.
Tell that remark to all the S//C artists whose careers are currently being affected. Over the past summer - 2009 - peak season for concerts and music sales, S//C main hired workers left Skeleton Crew in a long hiatus while doing little for Skeleton Crew and furthering outside companies. The main point, easily gotten is that resulted in business being deterred away from the artists and the core of Skeleton Crew being treated as its own business. Huge discrepancy of business practice and neglect. Then, multiply in all the occasions of discriminatory practices that have been happening consistently.
18 - Casey
@ Deborah J. Draisin,
Firstly, you are entitled to your own opinion like any person. I disagree, clearly. Once again seems blinded by your own work ethic and inappropriate behavior called out seen for what was displayed. It is what it is. Please, set your personal nature tendencies aside. Why would you even start casting judgmental remarks that showed on your professional integrity in responding to comments? See the situation as it-is, for what-it-is might help greatly. In life and the professionalism. Due to, what you claim to have is questionable by your display of comments towards myself. Nor does it matter how you think. As lots of people would greatly disagree with you.
You are right the article is about The Architects. IF by chance your method of thinking deeming unprofessional from - well, what does this have to do with The Architects? Everything. Is it appropriate to post such information on a review? Yes - without a doubt. As what is addressed affects their artistic careers while those actions wrote of earlier are overall effecting The Architects (plus, current other label mate bands, writers, and possible artists).
Public should be in the loop. Having easy access to this type of information that is happening at the label The Architects are on currently. More so, so that whoever listens to them, backs them directly. As one stated - buy from The Architects directly. IF such information so happens to be posted in a comments section, so be it.
Public opinion is what keeps companies in business. “The Court of Public Opinion is the only court that corporate executives, their assigns and ‘spin doctors’ can't control.” When issues were addressed privately without remedy, acknowledgement, ignoring / avoidance to addressing the issues, it is expected that there is only so much that can result before going public. A good quip from a mentor : “Better to be quite open about what you're trying to accomplish, which allows you to work from a position of strength, both in the court of public opinion and, ultimately, the court of law.” This is the beginning of that point in time. Media in all its various forms, has a unique method of aiding the “voice of the people” to the mass public.
Lastly, I wonder if anybody (Kiera or you) would raise qualms to such an exposition, exposing raw truths, when it involves places like Wal-Mart and those work conditions. Think of it as a public service, opening the eyes of what is being dealt with in workplace conditions with/ inside Skeleton Crew. If anybody doesn’t understand that element of work ethic professionalism - Speaking up for the greater benefit of the community itself; and, 'speaking up for the little guy' - that mentality and work ethic is an area whoever will have to figure out. One I would hope most don’t have to encounter throughout working years. Or are does an apathetic unaffected type mentality who only cares when they personally get screwed over whether in business or private life to blame?
19 - Aeric
... | _ C'mon. Archtiect's music is friggen' @ top of game right now.......
... | ._ Hitchcock's odd dimension of today's music scene /industry how can any of this pass on ultimately all that is + more of The Architects greatness!
... | --. Brandon Phillip n' all, pulled their weight more than enough thru years of grueling scenester wanna-be music & tourin' nights........ This is the thanks? … Only some listeners stickin' up for 'em while others deter label issues to only focus mistakes in a review? priorities. Sounds like somebody’s do-or-die, time is up served on the table to whaz happenin’ happenins. …….
... | _ Touché. Whaz w/ minds liberty today? Gotta entertain how some makin’ out to be like cold war era rogues. Cross wired sending signals that it’s okay to let fave artists be confined so long as to sit aside that boxed think small. Do minds shrink. *%&#^@%! Fricken’ undoubtedly outrageous.
... | ._ Casey: lovin' vibe on fundamentals +rights. Kick it old-skool. Keep indie freedoms alive… More need to keep it up. Speak up. Humanities affairs are on the line. Hint the clueless in and burn eyes of any who'd sit in dumbstruck awe to mysterious well, well, well, times trice, conundrums when it sinks in 'n hits 'em. Truth is truth. Alpha to Omega.
... | --. Guess all that "The more you know" campaign ads circa gained leeway entrance.
- attcha chant it n' pass it --..Scio me nihil scire
20 - Scott Deitche
changes submitted.
21 - Deborah J. Draisin
Thank you, Scott.
Jesus, for all the verbiage going on in here, not one person is focusing on the goddamned album, so I'm going to do so for all of you:
"The Hard Way" is among my top five favorite releases of 2009. Brandon's lyrics are powerful and the songs are catchy.
My favorite cuts are the ever-brilliant first single "Bastards at the Gate" (full of so many hooks that I frequently wake up humming it,) the opening track, "Year of the Rat," ("You call this hell, I call it holiday" is a line that just stays with you, makes you nod your head and murmur "Fuck yes,") "Knowing is Half the Bottle," a punkish singalong and "Big Iron Gate, a heavy-hitter that you can't help but nod along with.
It's so cool to watch a pet band grow, and The Architects are making shit happen this year by sharing a bill with Flogging Molly on The Green Tour. They're also playing Asbury Lanes this coming Wednesday, which is a rad venue. Super stoked for that one!
22 - Jamie
uh... all that 'verbiage', peeps are keepin' focus on The Architects - album include.
excuse you for avid peeps recognizing can't have an album sans a career gettin' em ahead. Just sayin'
Point blank: all the individuals here, so far are commenting to show support of The Architects & new album. No need to try to force-feed any generated version of elitist down gutter nature to what people may say in comments.
Comments are for feedback of diverse various nature, regard, sky fallin', earth quakes happenin', twisters oh, you’re not Kansas City Kansas anymore toto but rockin w/ Kansas City Missouri - Mo pleasure for your buck, fo’ sho, looters, rebels, punx, endless stream of whatever. Deal or adjust.
Lots read comments for the commentary - hence thus therefore unto = comments. Aaaaannnndddd ...... wait for it .... when posting its written " ADD YOUR COMMENT, SPEAK YOUR MIND".
23 - Jamie Esposito
Aaaaaaannnnndddd ... passin' along a some valuables pertainin' to The Architects.
Got to, want it, have it, got to, want to, have to want - it - aka The Hard Way tunes, now? Purchase the album Online via an array of sites.
After reading all that above, pretty clear why vs. an elsewhere online spot.
The Hard Way via I-tunes
Want to keep a digitalized format or browse via a digital catalogue?
Check The Architects I-tunes page
Want to do your part and help keep indie music alive even more:
You can get the digital format via all shocka shockin' needs via Shockhound
Save the best for last, Ready for it:
The Architects Official Online Store
Suits. Suits are snazzy. The Architects have defined suaveness.
“The Hard Way” & “Vice” & “Keys to the building” are available on their official online store. Need a shirt? They’ll get ya covered.
Per chance care for all the bells, whistles hoopla , liner trinkets, etc? Go to a show - there is no finer experience. Dig in that pocket money liner and proceed to turn over funds for the hard disc and paper filler. Step thereafter, go to nearest speaker audio hot box, listen till completely brimming from The Architects sonic freshness delivered yes indeedy!
24 - Jamie Esposito
Just sayin' people were already pumped up about the album + writing about it on here. Phoenix put it short + eloquently. Arithmetic = Eureka.
25 - Deborah J. Draisin
Yes, Phoenix was the only other person to focus on the album rather than S//C, so thanks for that, Phoenix, and thanks for your second post, Jamie, with all of the links.
Although The Architects are being complimented here and there, the main focus appears to be a group of friends attempting to deflect the shoddy reviewing displayed above, to which the author has already admitted and submitted for correction.
Just because a comments area states that you should "Speak your mind" doesn't mean that the review itself should be excused from accuracy.