Music Reviews of Unsigned Bands, Demos, Promos
Band Spotlight
Chiodos
Perhaps no one can explain the sheer ferocity and timid quietness it is better than when vocalist Craig Owens says “we don’t want to let the kids down” when discussing the group’s intense vocals live at shows. Well they never let a single kid down with their vicious assault on the ears and grip on the jugular...
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Current Top Ten Chart
Skinny Puppy - Mythmaker
Converge - No Heroes
The Graduate - Anhedonia
Death By Stereo - Death Alive
Comeback Kid - Broadcasting
The Snake The Cross The Crown - Cotton Teeth
Dear and the Headlights - Small Steps, Heavy Hooves
The Geeks - Every Time We Fall
Limbeck - Limbeck
WinterKids - Memoirs
03.09.2007 by J-Sin
Music Reviews of Unsigned Bands, Demos, Promos
Seraphim Slaughter — Scum Terror Buy it at Amazon
Aw it’s cute when pale white dudes from New Jersey try to record an “old school” sounding black/thrash metal album. Sorry just ‘cuz you call yourself, Creepo or Carnifex, or Christ Von Kieck or Archduke Odnanref, doesn’t mean you scare anyone. In fact it’s quite laughable, sort of like your overly distorted guitars, thrashy drums that can’t play fast enough to do proper blast beats, or those throaty excuses for bleating growls. Don’t bother unless you’re in for a laugh. Oh wait, that’s right I was supposed to be impressed with your pencil drawings of an anarchy symbol, a pentagram, needles, and a woman’s vagina spurting (with arrows pointing to it from the song entitled “Cervix Ripping Sex”) and your songs about rape, AIDS, and death. Maybe I should draw some sweet pics of me shaking in my boots!
- J-Sin
Movie Star Kiss — Sunset Junction Buy it at Amazon
Still tight and catchy, Movie Star Kiss return with their new EP, “Sunset Junction” following hotly on the heels of “Starting Over”. Dreamy pop vocals pepper “Sunset Junction” with juggled guitars and glistening bass grooves. Definitely a fun act to listen to, you can hear that their music will influence many a foot to tap. Nice.
- J-Sin
Lorus — Deluge Buy it at Amazon
Complex progressive metal anthems with heavy influence from the doom metal and jazz scene, Lorus is punked up metal that refuses to lay still for a mere moment. But that resistance to resting on one’s laurels is a good thing. For “Deluge” is an album worthy of exploration with its unique song structures and steady appetite for crushing skulls and blowing minds. Intriguing!
- J-Sin
Empty Promise — Conscience Today Buy it at Amazon
DIY punk rock that would sound great if the vocals were on mute. It’s pretty much you’re a-typical proto punk band with some old school riffs and thrashy drums. The attempt at harmonizing vocals just falls flat. Really flat.
- J-Sin
Cold Dead Hands — Novelization Buy it at Amazon
Wow this is really not very good. Indie rock, that’s bland, predictable, and boasts horrid lyrics, encapsulated in power-pop hooks that you will shrug off as soon as you hear them.
- J-Sin
Fell Far Behind — Reaching the Red Line Buy it at Amazon
Fell Far Behind are an engrossing pop-punk band that boast magnetic catchy hooks and deliberate anthem-creating technical pop swirls. Pulsating with bass grooves and sing-a-longs, “Reaching the Red Line” has elements of a lot of the popular music of today like emo, pop-punk, and mall-rat pop. Think Bowling for Soup meets Sum 41 with a lot less edginess. It’s damn addictive and pretty clever, thumbs up big time!
- J-Sin
Partly Cloudy — Arm Their Weapons Buy it at Amazon
DIY punk band Partly Cloudly boasts rich songwriting and gnarly choruses thoughout their steady “Arm Your Weapons”. Strong writing and catchy hooks aside, the group has something to say with smart lyrical content and a great independent spirit that is breathtaking and refreshing. Nice!
- J-Sin
Gyre — The Veins of Everyone Buy it at Amazon
Rockin’ good indie rock that gives a firm nod to post-hardcore groups like Quicksand, Handsome, Helmet, and Refused. Gyre blends combustible guitars with melodic vocals, stirring bass lines, and steady melodies. Powerful rhythms amp you up while the background screams punctuate each anthem nicely. For an unsigned band, Gyre is amazingly polished. “The Veins of Everyone” could easily be heard on mainstream or college radio with its crossover appeal—but don’t mistake the group for some cast-off wannabe fashion group; instead we’re greeted with a group that damn well feels honest and true, what a pleasant surprise.
- J-Sin
Steve Lieberman — Last of the Jewish Pirates Buy it at Amazon
Once again the Gangsta Rabbi slams our cranium into the floorboards with his unique brand of flute-punk-crust. This album is his second covers album all for charity and features hits by Led Zeppelin, Motorhead, Queen, KISS, the Cure, Beach Boys, Jethro Tull, Judas Priest, and Bruce Springsteen. While I’m awaiting his amazing song that he promises that he will write about yours truly, I can rock out to his off-kilter kitsch-rock. Saturated in swampy bass grooves, distorted mayhem, and Casio synths, “Last of the Jewish Pirates” finds our likable hero awash in some of the most groundbreaking covers in a long ass time. Irreverent as ever!
- J-Sin
Larry Bagby — On the Radio Buy it at Amazon
Country tinged singer/songwriter Larry Bagby knows how to rock it. His sparse arrangements are complemented by his tough vocals and honest songwriting. Passionate lyrics and talented musicianship round out a fine album.
- J-Sin
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