2010 Sucked! And Here's Why... (A "Best-Of's" Mix) [2010]

2010 has come and gone quickly, but in that seemingly small amount of time a large amount of good music has been put out. So now is the time when we celebrate. Here's 23 of my favorite songs this year. It's 22 completely different artists with only 1 group having more than one song (I'm sorry, I just loved Settler's album so much). So hopefully you'll give it a listen, find some new music, and discover why 2010 was really that good. Some albums I've reviewed, some I haven't (shame on me) so some will have links to the full album set up. Hopefully 2011 will be half as good as 2010.

Tracklisting:
1. Gypsyblood - Take Your Picture (From the EP GYSPYBLOOD)
2. Circa Survive - Get Out (From the album Blue Sky Noise)
3. Portugal. The Man - 1000 Years (From the album American Ghetto)
4. Tides Of Man - Home (From the album Dreamhouse)
5. Zach Hill - Face Tat (From the album Face Tat)
6. Motion City Soundtrack - Disappear (From the album My Dinosaur Life)
7. What's Left Of The Trees - Wake Me! You're Not Waking Me! (From the EP Where There's Water, There Must Be Shore)
8. Foxy Shazam - Wanna-Be Angel (From the album Foxy Shazam)
9. The Black Keys - Sinister Kid (From the album Brothers)
10. Native - Ponyboy (From the album Wrestling Moves)
11. Maps And Atlases - Solid Ground (From the album Perch Patchwork)
12. The Xcerts - Slackerpop (From the album Scatterbrain)
13. Look Mexico - They Offered Me A Deal (I Said No, Naturally) (From the album To Bed To Battle)
14. Fang Island - Sideswiper (From the album Fang Island)
15. Lost Apparitions - Hey Zeus (From the album Old Friends On New Planets)
16. Tera Melos - Frozen Zoo (From the album Patagonian Rats)
17. Settler - * (From the album War Wolves)
18. Minus The Bear - The Thief (From the album OMNI)
19. Settler - War Wolves (From the album War Wolves)
20. Options - Static (From the album Some Light)
21. Snowing - Mark Z. Danielewski (From the album I Could Do Whatever I Wanted If I Wanted)
22. The Dear Hunter -B. Linus (From the EP The Branches EP)
23. Tubelord - Night Of The Pencils (From the album One For The Grandparents)


- A

Fang Island - Fang Island [2010]

Fang Island have been on my radar for about a year and half now when I first heard their early EPs, but when I found out they were releasing their first full-length on Sargent House I got super excited. My favorite label meets with an awesome band? Good things are bound to happen. And they did. Their self titled record is a anthemic rock album that sounds like, as the band describes it "everyone high-fiving everyone." The semi-instrumental songs are epic in scope yet have a really fun feel to them, making you want to dance sing along. The album starts off with Dreams Of Dreams which is builds into the head-rocking Careful Crossers and sets the tone for the record. The rest of Fang Island is a roller coaster of excitement, never giving the listener time to cool down until the closer Dorian. Fang Island has created one of the most fun records I've heard in a while and is definitely one of the best of 2010.

Genre: Funrock
For Fans Of: Settler, Tera Melos, Andrew W.K.
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Dreams Of Dreams
2. Careful Crossers
3. Daisy
4. Life Coach
5. Sideswiper
6. The Illinois
7. Treeton
8. Davy Crockett
9. Welcome Wagon
10. Dorian



- A

Rx Bandits - The Resignation [2003]

I don't know why I originally looked up Rx Bandits (probably because of The Sound of Animals Fighting) but when I did, the first song I heard by them was Prophetic off of 2003's The Resignation. For anyone who's heard this song, they know it's a great jumping-off point from a great album. The record in general is another step away from the 3rd wave ska that the band started. It's more experimental, more intricate guitar work, and more powerful than what they'd released before. The use of horns was slowly being phased out, eventually having ...And The Battle Begun be the least record using them but on The Resignation they accent the music beautifully. The songs flow excellently from one to the other, using instrumental transitions and ambient sounds, the whole album feels connected rather than just a collection of tracks. This album is another reason 2003 was an amazing year in music and is one of my personal favorites of all time.

Genre: Experimental, Progressive ska
For Fans Of: The Sound Of Animals Fighting, The Mars Volta,
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Sell You Beautiful
2. Prophetic
3. Newstand Rock (Exposition)
4. Overcome (The Recapitulation)
5. Never Slept So Soundly
6. Taking Chase As The Serpent Slithers
7. Republic
8. Mastering The List
9. Falling Down The Mountain
10. Dinna-Dawg (And The Inevitable Onset Of Lunacy)
11. Pal-Treaux
12. Decrescendo



- A

Snowing - Fuck Your Emotional Bullshit [2009]

The only reason I regret not being a teenager in the 80's/90's (I would have preferred early 2000's, honestly) is that I missed out on emo bands. Not the My Chemical Romance emo, mind you, but the Cap'n Jazz and Joan Of Arc style emo, which is exponentially better (no offense, scenesters, just not a fan). Fortunately, I've been blessed to discover what seems to be a resurgence of emo out on the East coast. Snowing, while not on the forefront, is one of those great bands coming from it. The band has somewhat technical guitar work over-lying generally upbeat songs with raw vocals on top. One of my favorite parts of Snowing is the singing which would better be characterized under "yelling" because it's harsher than singing but not really screaming, think Bear vs Shark. Another awesome part of the record is the production. Rough around the edges, the EP sounds like it was recorded with the cheapest equipment the band could find, and it very well could have been, but that's one of the reasons it's so great. I don't think the sound would work very well being recorded in a big studio with fancy equipment, it works much better when it's unpolished and direct. Basically, everything from this band works because of how raw and untouched the sound is. Awesome album for driving or just sitting around listening to, you can't go wrong either way.

Genre: Emo
For Fans Of: Algernon Cadwallader, Cap'n Jazz, Street Smart Cyclist
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Sam Rudich
2. Important Things (Specter Magic)
3. Pump Fake
4. Kirk Cameron Crowe
4. Methuselah Rookie Card



- A

Circa Survive - The Appendage EP

The boys of Circa Survive work fast. Their last album, Blue Sky Noise, was released in April and only 7 months later they put out the Appendage EP. The EP is a short 5 songs long which include 4 new tunes and full band remake of Everyway (the song was originally released on the deluxe edition of Blue Sky Noise as an acoustic bonus track). Overall, this release feels a little lighter for the band. The songs feel a bit less organized than on other albums, they seem to float by and don't have much direction. One of the highlights is the explosive ending of Lazarus. Though I don't like it as much as the band's previous record, it still is a great EP and adds to Circa's already impressive discography.

Genre: Melodic Post-Hardcore
For Fans Of: Tides Of Man, Coheed And Cambria, In:Aviate
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Sleep Underground (Demo)
2. Stare Like You'll Stay
3. Everyway
4. Backmask
5. Lazarus


- A

Dredg/Circa Survive Concert

After every Circa Survive concert that I have been to, I've thought that it was the best concert that I've ever seen, and this time was no exception. They just keep improving their show. They expanded their setlist, added a captivating light show, had glow-stick filled beach balls bouncing over the audience, and as always, displayed their immense musical talent.

Before the actual concert, I was able to attend an acoustic performance with the band where they played "unplugged" versions of Get Out, Imaginary Enemy, I Felt Free, and Every Way. The set had a very personal feeling, with the small stage and crowd, and the band sounded excellent. It was a great beginning for the evening, which just got better from there.

The first opening band at the concert was Animals As Leaders, a band I hadn't heard of before the show, but one that I very much enjoyed. Their lineup of two guitarists and a drummer (who really impressed me with his relentless style) played an intense set of instrumental progressive metal that was quite irresistible live, and I'd definitely recommend checking out. After them Codeseven was up, and, while not as impressive as the first band, they were decent enough.

Dredg was awesome to see live, playing their dynamic style of progressive rock. Their guitarist laid down some catchy hooks while Gavin Hayes' vocals ranged from soothing to shouting, and occasional keyboards added an additional element of complexity. At times mellow, then crescendoing into a heavier rock section, then a dance-ready groove, their set had a lot of variety. This very talented band makes quality music that deserves so much more attention than it gets (so if you haven't heard them listen to them, and I'll review an album of theirs soon,) and they have a new album coming out next year.

At last, it was time for Circa Survive. With a huge banner of the Blue Sky Noise album cover as the backdrop, the band entered the stage, and although I've seen them several times this year, they amazed me yet again. They opened with the first three tracks of their latest album, and from there, played a nice mix of older and newer songs including In Fear And Faith, Mandala, and The Difference Between Medicine and Poison. There were also some unexpected additions, like when Anthony brought out the acoustic guitar for the intimate Spirit Of The Stairwell. The new interludes they played in between some of their songs were fun to hear, and may offer a taste of what The Appendage EP (which is now available for pre-order here and is out November 30) has in store. The music and vocals were perfect, and Anthony provided his entertaining, talkative, and at times hilarious, stage presence I have come to expect. Circa closed with an encore of Compendium and the wistful Dyed In The Wool, which seemed a fitting and satisfying ending for most spectacular concert I've attended.

-T

PS. I still want to see Circa play Fever Dreams live. Hopefully they will next time.

OK Go - Last Leaf - Official Video

Brilliant music video, made with toast, for OK Go's song Last Leaf off their latest album. Watch it:

-T

Underoath - In Division Video

The new Underoath music video for In Division off their soon to be released album O (disambiguation). Also, the entire album is available to stream on Underoath's myspace, so go give it a spin.

-T

Bayside/Senses Fail Concert

I attended the Bayside concert last Saturday, and they are incredible live. After enduring the mediocre at best opening bands, Bayside played a perfect set featuring a lot of songs off The Walking Wounded, a few off their self titled and Shudder albums, and their new song Already Gone. They are amazingly talented musicians, and Anthony's voice is possibly even better live than on the albums; he sings with an added energy and plenty of help from the audience. One of my favorite parts was watching their unbelievable guitarist Jack O'Shea shred on the solos. One thing I would have changed about the set was their cover of My Name Is Jonas. While it is fun to see a band do a good cover of a song they like, it would have been more satisfactory to see them play another of their own songs (perhaps I and I or Masterpiece.)

I would have loved it if Bayside could have played for the remainder of the concert, but instead their set ended and Senses Fail played next. They played an enjoyable set, but had one problem with their live performance: the vocals. Buddy sounded far better singing the band's newer songs than their older material. I guess he just doesn't have the range he used to, and couldn't hit many of the high notes on songs like The Irony Of Dying On Your Birthday. This is understandable though as it has been about six years since the release of that album, and other than that, they were fun to watch.

-T

Just Like Vinyl - Just Like Vinyl [2010] [Leak]

After The Fall of Troy broke up earlier this year, I've been highly anticipating new material from Thomas and his new band Just Like Vinyl. I'll unfortunately be missing them on both of the SLC stops on their tour but on the bright side the album just leaked. I haven't had much time to listen to it, but I'm really stoked to. Going through the tracklisting there's a few things I noticed. 1. Kite is originally a Tribune song (Thomas and Jay's old band) and 2. D.R.U.M.S. is probably making fun of Craig Owen's new band D.R.U.G.S. Again, I haven't listened much but I just wanted to get this up, so have fun.

Genre: Experimental/Mathcore
For Fans Of: The Fall of Troy, The Thirty Years War, Tribune (yes, I did just list Thomas's old bands)
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Wisdom Teeth
2. Cardiac Harassment
3. The Circulatory System
4. Big Words
5. Death of the Sheep
6. D.R.U.M.S.
7. Kite
8. Epiphany
9. No Friend of Mine
10. Pulled Apart
11. It's Over



- A

Chiodos - Illuminaudio [2010]

Imagine the Transformers without Optimus Prime. Or pizza without cheese. Neither would be any good. I expected the same thing to happen to Chiodos when lead singer Craig Owens left. I am a huge fan of all of his musical ventures, and especially of his work with Chiodos. With his departure, and the other lineup changes the band went through, I had fairly low hopes for any of Chiodos future releases. But since I enjoy Chiodos' other albums so much, I decided to give Illuminaudio a spin when it came out, and was pleasantly surprised with what I heard.

With Craig left a lot of the band's unique sound provided by his irreplaceable voice. The new vocalist, Brandon Bolmer, does very well most of the time. He makes the smart move of not trying to copy Craig's style too closely, and instead, makes the music his own. His voice still soars through the high notes, but in his own style, and he puts much more emphasis on the screams. This has both positive and negative repercussions, because while it distinguishes his vocal work from the old style, it also makes the music sound a little more generic. Some of the instrumentation suffers from the same problem, and at times the lyrical content on the album just sounds lazy (e.g. Those Who Slay Together.) The added number of breakdowns and bass-drops give parts of the album an already-been-done-by-other-post-hardcore-groups feel.

Luckily, that feeling constitutes a minor portion of the album. More often while listening to Illuminaudio, I am impressed with the band and satisfied with the music. There are songs that show Chiodos experimenting with their sound, like Notes In Constellations which shows a more melodic, mature side of the band. There are also many moments on Illuminaudio when the signature Chiodos sound of their earlier albums comes through. They are still able to adeptly include gorgeous keyboard parts into their songs better than almost any other band in the genre. One of the qualities that originally made me a Chiodos fan is the intensity of some moments in their music, and they still deliver plenty of those, such as the first moments of frantic screaming on Scaremonger and about halfway through Modern Wolf Hair. The guitar parts fly across the fretboard on Hey Zeus! and Stratovolcano Mouth, two of the most irresistible tracks, even though the latter sounds a lot like an alternate version of Thermacare.

If you listen to this album expecting the old Chiodos, you may be disappointed, but if you go in with the same open-minded attitude with which you would listen to a completely new band, Illuminaudio delivers. It has a somewhat different sound, but is still easily enjoyable. This album holds onto parts of the band's old style, and still leaves room for improvement, but also represents an immensely important moment in Chiodos' musical career. At a pivotal moment when they could have called it quits, they decided to continue making music. Illuminaudio is the rebirth of Chiodos.

Genre: Post-Hardcore

For Fans Of: Peirce The Veil, Emarosa, The Receiving End Of Sirens

Contact: Myspace

Tracklisting:

1. Illuminaudio

2. Caves

3. Love Is A Cat From Hell

4. Modern Wolf Hair

5. Notes In Constellations

6. Scaremonger

7. His Story Repeats Itself

8. Let Us Burn One

9. Hey Zeus! The Dungeon

10. Stratovolcano Mouth

11. Those Who Slay Together, Stay Together

12. Closed Eyes Still Look Forward

-T

Circa Survive - MySpace Transmissions [2010]

Circa Survive recently put up their MySpace Transmissions, which consists of alternate versions of some of the songs off their latest album Blue Sky Noise, and a brilliant cover of Nirvana's Scentless Apprentice. You can download the EP for free, watch videos of performances of all the songs, and videos of interviews with the band about influences on the album, thoughts about their songs, and more. Although you don't necessarily get much "new material" on the EP, this is incredible stuff for anyone who loves Circa as much as I do, and is without a doubt worth checking out (it's one of the best bands out there giving you some awesome music!) Circa's live performances are, as always, entertaining to watch; their talent as musicians is evident and their improvisations on some of the songs are fun to hear.

Genre: Melodic Post-Hardcore, Progressive

For Fans Of: Saosin, In:Aviate, Tides Of Man

Contact: Website

Tracklisting:

1. Glass Arrows

2. Get Out

3. I Felt Free

4. Imaginary Enemy

5. Through The Desert Alone

6. Scentless Apprentice (Nirvana Cover)

-T

New Bayside Song - Already Gone

Bayside recently released Already Gone, from their new album Killing Time. Stream it at Absolute Punk. For this track they bring back their Walking Wounded era style with a hint of the rawness of their self titled showing as well. Definitely worth a listen, and shows a lot of promise for their new album dropping in February 2011. Preorders for that album start soon.

-T

Brand New - Deja Entendu [2003]

Brand New plays an incredible blend of aggressive post-hardcore and acoustic indie, filled with groovy bass, sing-along choruses, and introspective, soul searching lyrics. Deja Entendu (french for "already heard") is, to me, their masterpiece.


The album opens with the soft spoken intro Tautou, then dives straight into their catchiest track, Sic Transit Gloria, which is full of dance-inducing energy, and will certainly make you nod your head along. Up next is I Will Play My Game, with mellow verses and an engaging chorus, and Okay I Believe You, which starts out very quietly, and then explodes into a loud and perfectly contrasting rock chorus where Jesse Lacey declares "I just wanna believe, in us." The Quiet Things enters with a powerful oscillating guitar, and keeps up the energy throughout the whole song by increasing the frantic, near-screaming vocals, making it one of the best vocal performances on the album.

The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot returns to Brand New's more subdued, acoustic side, and the song feels exquisitely thoughtful with lyrics like "Call me a safe bet; I'm betting I'm not. I'm glad that you can forgive. I'm only hoping as time goes, you can forget." Jaws Theme Swimming is the most anthemic track on the album with driving guitars, and urgent vocals. Me vs. Maradona vs. Elvis is the most stripped-down song on the album; a single guitar and candid, harmonizing vocals for nearly the entire song with the rest of the band joining in at the end for a strong finish. Pounding drums usher in Guernica, an intense, energetic song with interesting lyrics allegedly about Jesse's grandfather being diagnosed with cancer. Brand New definitely displays their talent on Good To Know. It's the longest song on the album at just over seven minutes, but they easily keep it interesting for the entire length with the music (especially the wonderful guitar in the outro), the vocals, and especially the lyrics with lines like "Am I correct to defend the fist that holds this pen? It's ink that lies, the pen, the page, the paper." Deja Entendu closes with Play Crack The Sky, a final, reflective acoustic song complete with a Beatles reference at the end.

Deja Entendu is nearly flawless. Brand New simply makes genuine, original, intelligent music, so if you are into that kind of thing as much as I am, I'm certain you will also love this album.


Genre: Post-Hardcore, Indie

For Fans Of: Manchester Orchestra, Taking Back Sunday, Circa Survive

Contact: Myspace

Tracklisting:
1. Tautou
2. Sic Transit Gloria... Glory Fades
3. I Will Play My Game Beneath the Spin Light
4. Okay I Believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don't
5. The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows
6. The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot
7. Jaws Theme Swimming
8. Me vs. Maradona vs. Elvis
9. Guernica
10. Good to Know That if I Ever Need Attention All I Have to Do Is Die
11. Play Crack the Sky





-T

The Dear Hunter - The Branches EP [2010]

Now I was pretty hesitant to put this out. It was originally released with the Lifetime Fan Club Package as an exclusive download. Casey even wrote a little note saying he wanted to keep it within the members. Well I was holding back putting it up for that reason, but now it's going on here for 2 reasons, 1) it already "leaked" a while back and 2) when I talked to Josh (guitarist) at their show he just emailed it to a random kid that asked about it. If the band's down with sending it out, then so am I. And it's a good thing too, this little EP is pretty excellent. It's only 3 songs long but there's a lot of variety there. B. Linus (presumably named after the Lost character) is upbeat and sounds like a b-side of Act III. One of the really cool things about the track is that it's in 7/8 yet still has a really nice groove to it. The next song, Isabella is a slowed down soulful song ala Son or Life And Death. It's mellow, laid-back, and fits in great with Casey's voice. Closing the EP is Owls 1 which is really a strange song. Overall it's pretty simplistic and uses some different instrumentals such as a bell kit and electronic drums. Not a huge fan of the song but I know some people love it. If this EP is a tell of how the Colors EPs will sound then I'm beyond excited.

Genre: Indie
For Fans Of: As Tall As Lions, Circa Survive, Coheed and Cambria
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. B. Linus
2. Isabella
3. Owls 1



-A

New Underoath Song!

Illuminator, the first single from Underoath's upcoming album, O (disambiguation) is here. Go stream it on their website and check it out. It has a similar feel to Lost In The Sound Of Separation, but is definitely fresh and quality. It actually reminds me a lot of Norma Jean's new album. So basically you need to listen to it now.

-T

What's Left Of The Trees - Where There's Water, There Must Be Shore [2010]

Absolute Punk's Free Music Friday is a godsend. I've found some awesome local groups from it and this is one of them. What's Left Of The Trees is a two-man group that has been kicking my musical ass for the past few days. The sound is reminiscent of Portugal. the Man's Church Mouth as well as As Tall As Lions and I'm loving it. Southern-ish but also soulful, it's kinda difficult to describe but also really familiar. The singer's vocals are pretty different from a lot out there, it's normal at some times then every now and again he'll do some vibrato-sounding bits as well. Really this is one that's kinda hard to critique but super fun to listen to and addictive. Support local music, yo.

Also, I'll have my download up as well as the band's bandcamp link in case you'd rather DL it from there (so they can have an accurate download count).

Genre: Indie
For Fans Of: Portugal. The Man, As Tall As Lions, Circa Survive
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Wake Me! You're Not Waking Me!
2. Always Was
3. As Long As We're Being Honest
4. All That Gold
5. Sugar And Brass


Bandcamp

- A

The Strokes - Is This It [2001]

Is This It is the debut album from the five member group, The Strokes, and is in my opinion, one of the best albums ever made. While that may sound like quite a pretentious claim, it is without a doubt justified in this case. Full of insightful lyrics about everyday life, laid over the relaxed, yet engaging music, the combination is flawless. Despite the laid back impression the album gives off at first, there is an underlying urgency to the music which nearly reaches anxiety at some points. This incredible helping of emotion drives Is This It far above other music of this style (including later albums by the band) and, for me, ascertains it as some of the most quality music of the decade.

Another quality of Is This It that I enjoy is the somewhat do-it-yourself sound. What I mean by that is you can actually hear the band behind the music; it doesn't sound overproduced at all. The guitars are infectious and the basslines will have you nodding your head along. The drumming fits into the music perfectly and Casablancas' vocals are raw and natural. Rather than having any one member stand out, each member of The Strokes' work blends together so well, almost intuitively, to produce their very distinctive sound.

One critique I would make is that the vocals on this album, while unique from any other band's vocal style, can get a bit monotonous at points (especially on Barely Legal) and don't vary much throughout the album. That being said, Casablancas' mouth-too-close-to-the-microphone style distorted singing is just what the music needs, and it never gets excessively tedious.

Is This It is a nearly perfect collection of songs, and an imperative album for any music lover. Personal favorites include the title track, Hard To Explain, and Someday, but each song contributes to the masterpiece as a whole. This album is a classic. Front man Julian Casablanca puts it very well in an interview with Rolling Stone: "[As] a songwriter, you play a few chords and sing a melody that's been done a thousand times, and now you're a singer-songwriter. I think it takes a little more than that to do something that matters." Well Julian, Is This It is just that.

Genre: Indie Rock
For Fans Of: The White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party
Contact: Website
Tracklisting:
1. Is This It
2. The Modern Age
3. Soma
4. Barely Legal
5. Someday
6. Alone, Together
7. Last Nite
8. Hard to Explain
9. New York City Cops
10. Trying Your Luck
11. Take It or Leave It


-T

New Just Like Vinyl Song

After TFOT broke up earlier this year, Thomas (guitar/vocals) went on to form Just Like Vinyl. Just today they put up a new song entitled "Death Of The Sheep" and I'm diggin it. It sounds like a more punk version of The Fall of Troy and I'm really interested in seeing where this will go. Hopefully I can get a ripped version of this to download but if not you can hear it on their Myspace here.

This Town Needs Guns - This Town Needs Guns [2008]

This self-titled record from This Town Needs Guns is some of math-rock at its finest, with all the technical guitars and intricate melodies you could ask for. Tim Collis rockets over the fretboard with some ridiculous ability but still is able to keep the overall mood very chilled out and relaxed, which is not easy to do. Singer/rhythm guiarist Stuart Smith's vocals are absolutely perfect for the music, his crooning slides gently from song to song and somehow adds a laid-back atmosphere to the most eccentric of pieces. It's hard to accurately describe this band's sound in one paragraph so I recommend you just download the album and hear it for yourself. Let me know what you think!

Genre: Indie Math-Rock
For Fans Of: Maps and Atlases, Dartz!, Tubelord
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. 26 Is Dancier Than 4
2. And I'll Tell You For Why
3. I'll Forget About You Throwing That Rock Cos That Dance Was Pretty Funny
4. 1470 Man
5. Want To Come Back To My Room And Listen To Some Belle And Sebastian?
6. If I Sit Still, Maybe I'll Get Out Of Here
7. Japanese Ultra-Violence In D-Minor (The Saddest Chord)
8. It's Not True Rufus, Don't Listen To The Hat



- A

Maps And Atlases - Tree, Swallows, Houses [2006]

Before Maps and Atlases got their folky vibe, they were a LOT more math-rock based. Tree, Swallows, Houses has some incredibly frantic guitars that make mince meat of the fret board. Dave Davidson's vocals are quirky as always and somehow sound right over the technical music regardless of his unique voice. Now I love me some technicality and crazy guitar work, but I feel like M&A took it a little too far with this EP. The noodling gets somewhat overbearing and can only be taken in small chunks, but it's still terribly impressive nonetheless. I think my favorite track is Stories About Ourselves, it starts off with an awesome Blink-182 ish bass line that then bursts into some typical M&A math-rock. The album might be a little heavy on the fret-jumping but it's still a classic for an math fan.

Genre: Math-Rock
For Fans Of: This Town Needs Guns, Good Old War, Piglet
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Everyplace Is A House
2. The Most Trustworthy Tin Cans
3. The Ongoing Horrible
4.Big Bopper Anthems
5. Stories About Ourselves
6. The Sounds They Make
7. Songs For Ghosts To Haunt To



- A

Tides of Man - Dreamhouse [2010]

Tides of Man has been on my radar for a while now, but I was never really able to get into the band before now. Sure, Empire Theory was good, but it just didn't catch me like I was hoping. So last night as I was talking to Jack Appleby (editor/writer of Mind Equals Blown) he suggested I check out Tide's new record and I was blown away. The band has taken their sound to the next level and has moved to a more progressive sound, which I love. The guitars are technical and the vocals are excellent (they accent the music much better than I expected). Really this album is a great expansion on what ToM have already created and is now a contender for album of the year.

Genre: Melodic Post-Hardcore
For Fans Of: Closure In Moscow, Circa Survive
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Not My Love 2
2. Statues
3. Home
4. Sunshine
5. Dreamhouse
6. Salamanders and Worms
7. Chemical Fires
8. Echoes
9. A Faint Illusion
10. Only Human



- A

Motions & Miles - Grace EP [2010]

While In:Aviate is on hiatus, some of the members formed the new group Motions & Miles. They recently released the short Grace EP, and even though it is only four songs, it is some of the best music I've heard this year, and I'm very stoked to hear more from this band. They sound a bit like a stripped down version of In:Aviate, with a less complex sound, but just as much power in their music.

The EP kicks things off with the title track, Grace, which isn't as intricate as any of In:Aviate's work, and instead has a straight-forward rock feel similar to The Almost. Grace builds up from a simple beginning into a fun jam perfect for playing loudly in the car with the windows down. Up next is Solipsism, my favorite track on Grace. It sounds quite a lot like In:Aviate, and it has a killer bassline driving it which contrasts nicely with the ambient guitar work. Every Day Between The Facts And Faith brings a nice mixture of the sounds of the first two songs, with some technical sounding elements, great vocal work and a sing-along chorus. The final track, Safe In Sound, has one of the coolest moments on the EP about halfway through the song with the bass and maracas jam (you'll see what I mean when you listen to it.)

The lyrics on this EP show that the band members still have plenty of talent in that area, with lines like "Keep yourself honest, but never too obvious. The only victim is the truth, and sometimes fabrications are win-win situations," and "At night you sit and talk to God, did he ever respond?... I really hope He'd understand or know the struggles of a man." The themes are deep questions about life and dealing with personal struggles, and the lyrics always sound sincere and intelligent. Ryan's eloquent vocals are full of emotion and energy and soar wonderfully over the music, which provides the perfect melodic backdrop.

Genre: Post-Hardcore, Indie Rock

For Fans Of: In:Aviate, The Almost, Closure In Moscow

Contact: Myspace

Tracklisting:

1. Grace

2. Solipsism

3. Every Day Between The Facts And Faith

4. Safe In Sound

-T

Circa Survive - Blue Sky Noise Bonus Acoustic Tracks [2010]

These tracks were originally released with the deluxe version of Blue Sky Noise and they're all awesome versions of the normal songs. The last track, Every Way is a b-side from the album that I think sounds more like an Anthony Green solo song. But either way, it's awesome and worth giving a spin.

Genre: Acoustic
For Fans Of: Anthony Green,
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Get Out (Acoustic)
2. I Felt Free (Acoustic)
3. Dyed In The Wool (Acoustic)
4. Every Way (Acoustic)



- A

Algernon Cadwallader - Some Kind of Cadwallader [2008]

Algernon Cadwallader sticks in my mind for 2 very distinct and important reasons. 1. They sound like a 90's emo band that somehow stayed underground for 15+ years only emerge now and show us how damn good they are, and 2. Their name is awesome (pronounced al-jur-non kad-wall-uh-der). The name aside, these guys are just kickass. The guitars have a technical tinge to them, but it's not overbearing and not the focus of the group. Vocals-wise, I just absolutely love it. The singer isn't amazingly talented and he can't hit high notes very well, but that's one of the draws. It feels so raw and emotional when he's yelling to try and reach the notes that are just outside of his range. I know some people won't like it, but I totally dig the sound. But overall, the band is happy and upbeat. I can imagine they would put on one of the best live shows just based on their energetic and fun-loving sound. The music is a little samey, but that's just how this genre is. Honestly, if you can catch them at a basement show anytime soon, go to it and tell me how it went while I sit at home and cry in envy.

P.S. If anyone has this on vinyl, I'll trade you some Tera Melos stickers and a copy of Soul Caliber 2 for it.

Genre: 90's Emo, Indie Math-Rock
For Fans Of: Snowing, American Football, Native
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Casual Discussion In A Dome Between Two Temples
2. Horror
3. I've Got Piano
4. In Response To Irresponsibility
5. Katie's Conscious
6. Motivational Song
7. Serial Killer Status
8. Some Kind Of Cadwallader
9. The Stars
10. Yo Soy Milk


- A

Underoath - O (Disambiguation) Preorder

The new Underoath album, named O (Disambiguation), is coming out on November 9. You can preorder it right now from their merch site here. Underoath is one of my favorite bands out there, and I am so excited to hear this album. I anticipate it will be some of the best music this year, and hopefully it will still be as good as their other albums even without Aaron on it. Now just a few months of waiting to go...

-T

The Bronx - They Will Kill Us Without Mercy

I really wish I was as cool as this guy. The Bronx make music that makes you feel like a badass just for listening to it, and this music video perfectly captures that awesome feeling. I think you even get a little cooler just by watching this:

-T

The Matches - Decomposer [2006]

Decomposer is the only album by The Matches that I really like, but I adore it. It is full of incredible guitar riffs, sing-along choruses, and is just quality music. As Alek and I have commented while listening to this album, there are some moments in the songs that are musically perfect.

Despite repeated listenings, I can't manage to get into the first track. It sounds completely awkward with the carnival music and slow tempo and seems a poor choice for an opener. But don't let that keep you from listening on, because the second song, Drive, quickly picks up the slack with a jamming guitar intro that leads on to one of my favorite songs on the album. Continuing the great songs is Papercut Skin, which has probably my favorite lyrics on the album, and more great instrumental work. Following is Clumsy Heart, my favorite Matches song, and so perfect in every way. After two mediocre tracks, comes Sunburn Vs. The Rhinovirus, another of my favorites, which has a great shout-the-words chorus.

Lazier Than The Furniture is next, and is one of the weakest tracks, mainly because it is so repetitive. Didi (My Doe Pt. 2) features great harmonizing by the multiple vocalists, and has a different, more mellow, sound. You (Don't) Know Me shows off The Matches penchant for making music that sounds, for lack of a better word, weird. It totally works on this song though, and My Soft & Deep continues this weird sound, but is a bit heavier. Shoot Me In The Smile sounds much more straightforward and is an enjoyably rockin track with some of the best vocals on Decomposer. The Barber's Unhappiness closes the album on a softer note, but I'm not sure the sound really works for the band, and the song seems a little too long.

The Matches strongest point is by far their creatively experimental instrumentals. The guitar hooks are catchy, the bass is groovin, and the drums perfectly accent. The vocals (by all three vocalists) are full of emotion, and fit each song well. Which brings me to Decomposer's lyrics. At times they are brilliant (I've been waking all my life to become what I'm going to be... A headstone), at times just strange (In the half-life of balloons,we will measure how our hair's grown) and, as the title promises, there's plenty about decomposing. It seems that the album starts out fairly straightforward and by the time the last track ends it is quite odd (the wide range of sounds could be because nine producers worked on it.) But that really works out for the best; Decomposer is an original, creative, and enjoyable listen.

Genre: Indie, Art-Punk

For Fans Of: Bayside, RX Bandits, Matchbook Romance

Contact: Myspace

Tracklisting:

1. Salty Eyes

2. Drive
3. Papercut Skin
4. Clumsy Heart
5. Little Maggots
6. What Katie Said

7. Sunburn vs. the Rhinovirus
8. Lazier Than Furniture

9. Didi (My Doe, Part 2)
10. You (Don't) Know Me
11. My Soft and Deep
12.Shoot Me in the Smile
13. The Barber's Unhappiness

-T

The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band [1967]

The fact of the matter is, if you don't have this album in your music library yet, you're a bad person. So go ahead and download it in order to save yourself the embarrassment of someone discovering that your itunes lacks one of the most important records of all time. It's ok, I won't tell anyone. It can be our little secret.

Genre: The Beatles Damnit!
For Fans Of: Happiness
Contact: Myspace (They actually have one. Weird)
Tracklisting:
1. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
2. With A Little Help From My Friends
3. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
4. Getting Better
5. Fixing A Hole
6. She's Leaving Home
7. Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite!
8. Within You Without You
9. When I'm Sixty-Four
10. Lovely Rita
11. Good Morning Good Morning
12. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)
13. A Day In The Life



-A

Circa Survive - On Letting Go [2007] and On Letting Go B-Sides

Circa Survive's second album is a solid progression from their first. The guitar work is harder and more expansive, Anthony Green's vocals are more impressive and flow with the music, and the sound has just been stepped up. That being said, I'm still not sure whether I like it more than Juturna since both have such well written songs so the title of "Best Circa Survive Record" is still up for grabs. But one thing's for sure, the album has more "hard" songs that Juturna did. It's less "airy" (for lack of a better word) but that doesn't make it any less good. Just give it a listen and let me know which one you think is best (maybe you even like Blue Sky Noise the most, I wanna know!).

Also, I've included the 2 b-sides that were released after the album was put out. I included them in the main download and also put them as a separate download for those who just want those.

Genre: Melodic Post-Hardcore
For Fans Of: Coheed and Cambria, The Dear Hunter, Closure In Moscow
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Living Together
2. In The Morning And Amazing
3. The Greatest Lie
4. The Difference Between Poison And Medicine Is In The Dose
5. Mandala
6. Travel Hymn
7. Semi-Constructive Criticism
8. Kicking Your Crosses Down
9. On Letting Go
10. Carry Us Away
11. Close Your Eyes To See
12. Your Friends Are Gone

B-Sides:
13. 1,000 Witnesses
14. The Most Dangerous Commercials


- A

In:Aviate - Speak EP [2007]

This is the first release from St. George, Utah's In:Aviate, and while the sound isn't as refined as their full length album 1985, this is still an incredible EP. All the songs are so powerful, both from the raw energy of the music, and from the intelligent lyrics that really make you think after hearing them. The themes are similar to those on 1985, with deep, meaningful lyrics about religious and life questions (which is apparent from song titles like The Saints We Portray). Every song on the EP has superb lyrics, but some of my favorite lines come from Conversations With The Scenery: "What's the difference between gossip and gospel and what does it mean to believe? And if you do will all of your sins come back to haunt you? It's time to stop preaching and start practicing... Everyone know you're living a lie, But there's a little truth in every lie now isn't there?" In:Aviate makes good use of catchy choruses, intricate drumming and the mixture of ambient and jamming guitar work, which when combined with the wonderful lyrics make Speak a brilliant EP.

Genre: Melodic Post-Hardcore
For Fans Of: Circa Survive, Closure In Moscow, Harvard
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Volupsa
2. A More Agreeable Form Of Escapism
3. The Saints We Portray
4. The Quickening
5. Conversations With The Scenery
6. Speak American Standard

PS. While In:Aviate is on hiatus, some of the band members formed Motions and Miles. Check out their Myspace to hear some new tunes.


-T

Minus the Bear - My Time (Official Music Video)

Some Minus The Bear for your enjoyment. This video looks like it was very fun to film, and the song's one of my favorites off their new album.

I also recommend putting Minus The Bear's discography on shuffle as a great way to start your weekend.

-T

Tera Melos - Patagonian Rats [2010] [Leak] and Bonus Tracks

The band actually just put this out for fans to hear early so it's not technically a leak but the "official" release date is in September so we can pretend it is. I'm only about halfway through it (on Frozen Zoo) and it is SO good. Could be album of the year. They've incorporated a LOT more vocals this time around, which is awesome. I love Nick Reinhart's voice and it fits surprisingly well with the music. It reminds me of bygones (Nick and Zach Hill's collaboration project) quite a bit, which isn't a bad thing because that band is great.



Genre: Post-Math
For Fans Of: Hella, bygones, Giraffes? Giraffes!
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. So Occult
2. Kelly
3. The Skin Surf
4. Aped
5. Trident Tail
6. Frozen Zoo
7. In Citrus Heights
8. Sky Watch
9. Party With Gina
10. Another Surf
11. Westham United
12. A New Uniform/Patagonia


P.S. Buy the album on bandcamp here or on hellomerch here. It's 7 measly bucks on bandcamp so hopefully you'll show support for them.

- A

The Fall of Troy - Live at the Boardwalk [2007]

This little 4-song CD came with my copy of Manipulator and I quite enjoy it. Though it's pretty obvious already, the CD is 4 of their songs performed live with the latter 3 being found on Manipulator. I've been to 3 or 4 TFOT shows and this is a pretty good indication of how they are live. Everything is executed really well instrumentally but vocally Thomas cuts in and out, though when you're actually there it doesn't matter because everyone is going crazy and it's tons of fun. The song I Just Got This Symphony Goin' has an intro which they've used every time I've seen them play it live and it blends really well into the song as well as the jam at the end of the track. Some of the lyrics are different in Cut Down All The Trees and Shhh!!! probably since they were earlier versions of the songs. No new material but a fun collector's album nonetheless.

Genre: Mathcore
For Fans Of: Tera Melos, Red Museum, The Number 12 Looks Like You
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. I Just Got This Symphony Goin'
2. Ex-Creations
3. Cut Down All The Trees And Name The Streets After Them
4. Shhh!!! If You're Quiet, I'll Show You A Dinosaur


- A

The Sound of Animals Fighting - The Tiger And The Duke [2004]

I was talking with my buddy Alex about these guys today and he told me that he's only heard The Ocean And The Sun (my review can be found here) which surprised me, I'd figured most people had heard Tiger, especially those who have already listened to Ocean. But hey, there's always an exception. Well Alex (and anyone who has yet to listen to this gem), Tiger is this super group's first album and it kicks seven different types of ass. The music is basically Ocean minus the Lover influences (Lover, The Lord Has Left Us is the band's second album, which I do not care for), so it's a lot of experimental guitar work ala The Mars Volta or more appropriately, RX Bandits. Anthony Green is the main vocalist with some appearances by Rich Balling and Alexander William Bentley (thanks to Wikipedia for that one). While Anthony usually just sings, he does scream at some points and it's siiiiick. His screaming is unique, awesome, and perfectly accentuates the rest of the ensemble. This group combines some of the best talent in the scene and the result is amazing. Since this is actually the re-release it contains longer interludes and 7 remixes of songs from Lover as well as a live version of Horses In The Sky. Not a big fan of the remixes but I included them anyways because I enjoy full albums.

Genre: Experimental, Post-Hardcore
For Fans Of: RX Bandits, The Mars Volta, Circa Survive
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Overture
2. Act 1: Chasing Suns
3. Interlude
4. Act 2: All Is Ash Or The Light Shining Through It
5. Interlude
6. Act 3: Modulate Back To The Tonic
7. Interlude
8. Act 4: You Don't Need A Witness
9. Un'aria Elettronica (Technology)
10. My Horse Must Lose (Portugal. The Man)
11. De-Ceit (Portugal. The Man)
12. This Heat In Dub (Technology)
13. Skullflower: Sorcerer's Mix (Portugal. The Man)
14. Horses In The Sky (Live Version)
15. St. Broadrick, His Mistress, And The Blacksmith (The Optomist)
16. The Heretic (Evol Intent)


- A

The Thirty Years War - Martyrs Among The Casualties [2002]

Back before Thomas Erak, Tim Ward, and Andrew Forsman were in The Fall of Troy they were in a band called the Thirty Years Wars. The line-up isn't much different from TFOT's, just with the addition of rhythm guitarist Mike Munro. I think the most impressive part of this EP (and band in general) is that it was recorded when they were 16 and 17. That's just ridiculous. I'm 19 with 6 years of experience and I can barely play, Thomas is 17 with 2 years of experience and he absolutely rips. But anyways, the sound quality is less than stellar but that's to be expected from something like this, a home-made EP with a bunch of kids just trying to get it done. I actually really like the gritty, raw sound and the simplistic manipulations to it (i.e. only a few distortion pedals). The music isn't unlike The Fall of Troy's, even one song (Reassurance Rests In The Sea) made it to the band's self titled release. The guitars are still technical (not on Ghostship Part 4's caliber) and Thom's vocals are raw and unique. I know a lot of people won't really like his singing but I love it and it perfectly accents this awesome EP.

Genre: Post-Hardcore
For Fans Of: The Fall of Troy, At The Drive-In, Blakfish
Contact: Website (full of lols)
Tracklisting:
1. A Tribute To Orville Wilcox
2. Chain Wallet, Nike Shoes
3. The Tears Of Green Eyed Angels
4. Mirrors Are More Fun Than Television
5. Reassurance Rests In The Sea
6. The Day The Strength Of Men Failed
7. Knife Fight At The Mormon Church



P.S. Does anyone have any other pre-TFOT stuff? I'm trying to find the 30 Years War demos (has Chrysanthemum on it), any Tribune music, and any of The Hills Have Eyes because Thom did vocals on that. If you do, email me at PunchPunchStabKill@gmail.com or AlekW2113@gmail.com. Thank you tons :)

- A

Tubelord - Our First American Friends [2009]

Oh, United Kingdom, you've done it again! You've created an awesome math-rock band that ranks up with the greats of this era. Tubelord is that band, and they rule when it comes to technicality and crazy time signatures. What really makes the band stand out is their more upbeat and catchy melodies. How can you not just smile when the chorus of Night of the Pencils comes on? It really hooks you in and keeps you bobbing your head. The group walks the line between math-rock and indie math-rock (yeah, I'm a genre nazis) with light vocals and happy music while still being able to rock out to it. The previously mentioned Night of the Pencils is my favorite track but ones like Propeller and the title track are great.

Genre: Math-Rock
For Fans Of: This Town Needs Guns, Faraquet, Dartz!
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Your Bed Is Kind Of Frightening
2. Somewhere Out There A Dog Is On Fire
3. Night Of The Pencils
4. Stacy's Left Arm
5. Propeller
6. He Awoke On A Beach In Abergavenny
7. I Am Azerrad
8. Cows To The East, Cites To The West
9. Synthesize
10. Our First American Friends


- A

The Dear Hunter - Vinyl Sessions

Recently, The Dear Hunter put out Act I and II on vinyl (finally!!) and along with the 3xLP goodness that's already provided the group threw in a download card that enabled the buyer to get 4 alternate versions of a few songs online. It's really cool to hear the different styles that these songs can be played in and the different instrumentation that can be used (I'm looking at you, banjo). I've actually seen this version of Oracles live twice before, they have a lot of fun playing it and it sounds great. There were some other songs in this style that were cut from the final mix (His Hand Matches His Tongue and Red Hands, if I remember correctly) so that sucks, but 4 is better than none, eh?

By the way, that thumbnail is totally the real artwork... <.< >.> Ok I lied, but I couldn't/didn't care to find the actual art so that's what you get. The full size image can be found here.

Genre: Experimental
For Fans Of: Circa Survive, Coheed and Cambria, As Tall As Lions
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. The Oracles Of The Delphi Express
2. The Pimp And The Priest
3. What It Means To Be Alone
4. Where The Road Parts



- A

Zechs Marquise - Our Delicate Stranded Nightmare [2008]

Formed by the younger brothers of Omar Rodriguez-Lopez in 2003 (though don't think of it as musical name-dropping), Zechs Marquise began playing energetic shows and creating a unique sound which is exciting and eccentric. The group's musical style is not unlike that of Omar's The Mars Volta, with heavy Latin and jazz roots that take the funky sound to a new level. Even though the group is instrumental, they have a huge amount of power that exerts itself in some key songs, namely Sirenum Scopuli. The record is made up of ambient tracks, jazzy jam sessions, and vast sound-scapes that flaunt the group's talent. The record, while containing some stand-alone tracks, (namely, Sirenum Scopuli) should be played straight through to get the full effect. Like many groups, the live shows are much better than the group on record so if you can catch them then do so, you won't regret it.

Genre: Experimental
For Fans Of: The Mars Volta, The RX Bandits, The Sound of Animals Fighting
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. In Strange Love
2. MagMar
3. Mistress Abyss
4. The High Anxiety Arkestra
5. Chase Scene
6. Rotten Candy
7. Attack of the 40ft. Wave
8. Pigeon Shit
9. Lady Endless
10. Strapped to the Mast
11. Sirenum Scopuli
12. The Sounds of El Morro
13. Wahaka Chop
14. Black Ark Dub
15. Our Delicate Midnight Opera


- A

Settler - War Wolves [2010]

In researching an MEB article I stumbled upon Settler, an awesome 4-piece from Massachusetts and I'm so glad I did. This band, though purely instrumental, has some of the most heart-felt and raw music I've ever heard. The group has an incredible amount of energy with guitars that soar and drums that kick. I don't really what to say other than download this album. It's 6 songs and you won't regret it. I actually had an opportunity to do an interview with Jimmy, the band's drummer and it was just recently posted up here. They're really an awesome group with a great sound and worth delving into.

Genre: Funrock
For Fans Of: Fang Island, Native, Fang Island again
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Peace Tigers
2. War Wolves
3. Spare Rooms
4. *
5. Growing Up
6. Oxbow Bridge



- A

The Mars Volta - Amputechture [2006]

The Mars Volta's 3rd album is just a basic progression of the band. The songs became longer (see 16 minutes) but there seems to be more music per minute than Frances the Mute. Rodriguez-Lopez (guitarist/songwriter) has called it their "autistic" album, which can either be taken as a compliment or an insult. Regardless, it has my favorite TMV song on it, Meccamputechure which clocks in at around 11 minutes and is basically just a solo jam session with a sick back riff and some cool lyrics which are interspersed throughout the song.
Some weird tunes, some awesome ones, and some ambiance. A standard The Mars Volta album and I love it.

Genre: Experimental
For Fans Of: Zechs Marquis, The RX Bandits, The Sound of Animals Fighting
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Vicarious Atonment
2. Tetragrammaton
3. Vermicide
4. Meccamputechture
5. Asilos Magdalena
6. Viscera Eyes
7. Day of the Baphomets
8. El Ciervo Vulnerado



- A

Rufio - Anybody Out There [2010] [Leak]

Much to my excitement, the pop-punk band Rufio reunited (kinda) back in 2009 after a 2 year break up. Their last album was released in 2005 and I felt a void when I discovered I wasn't getting a new one until now. In the 5 years they've been gone, the band has grown up and their sound has grown with them. The most notable difference is singer Scott Seller's deeper voice. Gone are the days of his unique, nasaly vocals, something that I suppose I will miss but hopefully it'll grow on me. The music has somewhat backtracked to the 1985 or Perhaps era though it still sounds different (as different as pop-punk can be). It feels less sophisticated than The Comfort of Home and more generic than most of their material. Halfway through my first listen I'm gonna say it's my least favorite album by then, but I won't give up on the record that easily. This band deserves more plays than one.

Genre: Pop-Punk
For Fans Of: Bayside, Sum 41, Yellowcard
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Little World
2. Drunk in Love
3. Under 18.
4. What You Wanna Here
5. Deep End
6. Gold and Silver
7. Anybody Out There
8. All That Lasts
9. This I Swear
10. The Loneliest
11. Run
12. Moonshine



- A

In:Aviate - 1985 [2008]

Hailing from Saint George, Utah, In:Aviate is a nice tidbit of melodic post hardcore that I love. The album starts off with the instrumental and anthemic In the End before rocketing into Redefining Automation which has a hard hitting intro/chorus and a light, melodic verse. This song, and the album of a whole have a lot of lyrical content that deals with religion, or more correctly, anit-religion. I personally think it's directed at the Mormon church since they're from Utah, but it can be taken any way. The rest of the album mixes it up a lot music wise, keeping it mellow at some points and screaming at others. Admittedly there's not very much screaming, only a few songs but it's REALLY well done at those parts, makes you with there was more. A solid first record and though these boys are on hiatus I'm excited to see where they go next.

Genre: Melodic Post-Harcore
For Fans Of: Circa Survive, Closure In Moscow
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. In the End
2. Redefining Automation
3. Question Everything
4. Through the Light Darkly
5. Transcendental Weather
6. Ascension
7. Eulalia
8. Awake
9. We All Seek the Truth
10. Kissing Tigers
11. And the World Will Know
12. In the Beginning



- A

The Black Keys - Next Girl

Funny video for one of The Black Keys' songs off their latest album. It's got a dinosaur puppet singing a really catchy song to girls by the pool. So yeah, it's that good.

Seriously, this song's so catchy; makes me want to sing along with that dinosaur.

-T

Medications - 5 Song EP [2004]

When I think of mathcore, I think of Botch; when I think of indie math-rock, I think of This Town Needs Guns; and when I think of normal math-rock, I think of Medications (and Faraquet, for that matter). This 3-piece from DC has technical guitars that jump fret boards and time signatures. The entire band is able to work together to make a really cohesive sound. Each song hits almost 4 minutes and over so it's a pretty nice and lengthy piece of work and cool background music.

Genre: Math-Rock
For Fans Of: Faraquet, Deleted Scenes, Tubelord
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Safe And Sorry
2. Excercise Your Futility
3. Domestic Animals
4. Reconcile Awake
5. The Perfect Target



- A

Coheed and Cambria - Neverender [2009]

In 2008, Coheed and Cambria announced that they would be doing a series of concerts known as Neverender. The 4-night event would take place in 4 different cites around the world; New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and London. The group played 1 of their first 4 expansive albums each night with a total of 16 concerts. I, unfortunately, was not able to make it but I know many people who had life changing experiences when they went, I guess that's just how this band is. Generally speaking, the songs are the same, some (such as Delirium Trigger) were actually dumbed down from what they normally play so that it would be album-accurate. Keyboardist Wes Styles joined them during the shows in order to make it a more full sound. Though I prefer it key-less, it definitely adds a new layer to the sound which a lot of people like more. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Genre: Progressive Rock
For Fans Of: Circa Survive, At The Drive In, The Dear Hunter
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
I'm not putting the whole list here because it's about 50 songs.


- A

Minus the Bear - The Myspace Transmissions [2010]

I know, I know, Minus the Bear overload. But what can I say? I love the band. This little diddly was released a little while after OMNI and consists of 5 live tracks played for, you guessed it, Myspace. 3 are off the band's newest album while the other 2 come from previous releases. The band performs amazingly live and it shows in this EP. No new material, just a collector's item of sorts.

Genre: Indie
For Fans Of: As Tall As Lions, Portugal. the Man, Everest(?)
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Hold Me Down
2. My Time
3. Knights
4. Pachuca Sunrise
5. Into the Mirror



-A

Inception [2010]

Just saw Inception, and it is without a doubt the best movie I've ever seen. It was an enthralling, dreamy, adventure unlike anything else I've seen. Christopher Nolan has created another mind-blowing masterpiece of film to add to his already commendable filmography. Top-notch acting, effects, script, soundtrack and story. The way the story is told is so engaging, and intrigues you from the first moments. It is a surreal, thrilling, story that questions what is real and what is only what we want to be real. Inception is deep without being pretentious, and keeps you thinking for the entire movie, and for hours after. Really thought provoking, psychologically stimulating story and beautiful special effects make this a must-see. I won't ruin the plot by saying much about it, other than that it is spectacular, and combines some elements of James Bond and some of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind while still being completely original. If you haven't already seen it, definitely go watch it ASAP. It more than lives up to all the hype.

Peace,

-T

Minus the Bear Concert

This weekend has been amazing. Alek and I got to see Minus the Bear and they were very enjoyable. The opening bands were also both great. First was Mini Mansions, a three part band (drums, keyboard, and bass) who put on a very energetic live performance playing unique, groovy jams. Everest played next, with classic rock tinged style, and an awesome drum battle that really got the crowd involved.
Finally it was time for Minus the Bear to play. They put on an engaging show that had us all dancing, singing along, and pumping our fists to the choruses. Minus the Bear played a long set with a satisfying variety of old and new, mellow and dancey songs, and then came back onstage for a three song encore of The Fix, Into The Mirror, and Absinthe Party. Definitely a fun and memorable concert.

-T

Minus the Bear - OMNI Bonus Tracks [2009-2010]

Bonus tracks, b-sides, cut songs; whatever you want to call them, Minus the Bear's latest album has them. The 3 tunes have just recently come to my attention and so I had to grab them. Broken China originally was used as the B-side (ha!) to the Into the Mirror 7" which was released last winter (or late fall). I tried to grab a copy but they were sold out on tour. Anyways, I'm kinda kicking myself because Broken China is actually really good and for some reason I just neglected listening to it. The other 2 tracks are just as solid and work well at the end of the normal album.

Genre: Indie Rock
For Fans Of: Sharks Keep Moving, Portugal. the Man, As Tall As Lions
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Broken China
2. Your Private Sky
3. South Side Life



- A

Field Music - In Context

Sick music video for this chill British indie band I just discovered. Watch till the end, the art blows my mind. Clever idea for a video and it makes sense with the song name. Enjoy:

-T

Arctic Monkeys - Humbug [2009]

I dig British music. There's just something about it that makes it rockin, but at the same time, so classy, and that is just the case with the Arctic Monkeys. They play percussion heavy indie punk, with super catchy guitar hooks and groovy baselines which really catch your attention and pull you in, and then witty lyrics and a unique vocal style that keep you listening over and over.

This is the Arctic Monkeys third release, and it really is some of their best. Tracks like My Propeller, Dangerous Animals, and Cornerstone, are instant classics, and the entire album shows a different side of the band than their first two albums. Humbug is much more experimental, which is a turn off to some of their fans, but just the opposite for me. I love their previous albums, but I've especially been enjoying this album. The band shows off so much more variety of sounds and styles than their previous work. The Arctic Monkeys are in the studio working on their next album with an expected release date sometime in 2011. And if you need one more reason to check out this band, they are featured on the soundtrack of The Inbetweeners, one of my favorite television shows, which I'd also recommend you check out.

Genre: Indie-Punk, British Groovy Dance Jams

For Fans Of: The Strokes, The Dig, The White Stripes

Contact: Website

Tracklisting:
1. My Propeller
2. Crying Lightning
3. Dangerous Animals
4. Secret Door
5. Potion Approaching
6. Fire and the Thud
7. Cornerstone
8. Dance Little Liar
9. Pretty Visitors

10. The Jeweller's Hands

-T

Bayside - The Walking Wounded [2007]

Just another really good Bayside album. It came after their self titled (and acoustic, obviously) and doesn't progress too much from the older sound. Which isn't a bad thing, in fact, I love it. Really solid from start to finish and chalked full of great lyrics from Anthony.

Genre: Pop Punk
For Fans Of: Four Year Strong, The Matches, New Found Glory
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. The Walking Wounded
2. They're Not Horses, They're Unicorns
3. Duality
4. Carry On
5. I and I
6. Choice Hops and Bottled Self Esteem
7. Head on a Plate
8. Dear Your Holiness
9. Landing Feet First
10. Thankfully
11. Rite of Passage
12. (Pop)ular Science


- A

Circa Survive - The Inuit Sessions [2005]

The first official release by Circa is this little gem, The Inuit Sessions. The EP contains "Act Appalled" and "The Great Golden Baby" which both appeared later on Juturna, the band's first LP. Though you really will only get 2 new tracks (assuming you already have Juturna), those are both quite good and sound just like classic Circa Survive. The songs feel like b-sides and actually flow into the album really well (such as the feedback from Oh, Hello is the same as the feedback that starts Suspending Disbelief).

Genre: Melodic Post-Hardcore
For Fans Of: Anthony Green, Coheed and Cambria, As Tall As Lions
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Act Appalled
2. The Great Golden Baby
3. Suspending Disbelief
4. Handshakes at Sunrise (Demo)



- A

The Bronx - The Bronx [2003]

I've known about these guys for about 8 months now but only just recently (today) got their album because I'm dumb as a rock. The group is hardcore, and I mean a awesome hardcore that makes you want to dance as much as it makes you want to mosh. I just finished listening to the album and I already know I need to share it, so just get it and hate yourself for not listening since 2003.

Genre: Hardcore Punk
For Fans Of: Every Time I Die, Cancer Bats, Mariachi El Bronx
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Heart Attack American
2. False Alarm
3. White Tar
4. Cobra Lucha
5. They Will Kill Us All (Without Mercy)
6. I Got Chills
7. Guns Without Bullets
8. Notice of Eviction
9. Kill My Friends
10. Strobe Life



- A

Underoath - Define The Great Line [2006]

Blasting out of Tampa, Florida comes the melodious sounds of my favorite christian metal band, Underoath. It's about time we get some Underoath up on this blog, so here goes. This is Define The Great Line, their fifth record. Underoath has been around since 1997, but now that drummer and vocalist Aaron Gillespie has left to work with his other band The Almost, none of the original members remain in the band.

This album has a very powerful and energetic sound, from the kickin intro of In Regards To Myself, and that energy continues throughout the album. One thing that sets Underoath apart from other metal/post-hardcore bands is how perfectly they blend Chamberlain's screams and the chugging guitar parts with Gillespie's beautiful singing and the more peaceful moments. I realize that this style of music is now commonplace, but Underoath is one of the pioneers of this genre and they clearly stand head and shoulders above every other similar band. One listen to this album makes it obvious that they really are quality music rather than just another talentless group jumping on the post-hardcore bandwagon. Their lyrics and vocals, which are possibly my favorite part of Underoath, are truly an unequaled blending of screaming defiance with introspective soul searching.

While they are a christian band, don't let that prevent you from listening to this band. After all, they aren't singing hymns here. As vocalist Spencer Chamberlain says in an interview with Europunk, "It’s not like every song is a lesson from the Bible or something." Their music and lyrics are more about real life experiences and struggles and overcoming them.

The instrumentals on this album are all top-notch with amazing break downs, guitar work, and really standout drumming by Gillespie. There are some some of my favorite moments to rock out to on In Regards To Myself, Moving For The Sake Of Motion, and Writing On The Walls. This is definitely one of my top albums, and one that everyone should give a listen. I can't wait to see what their new album sounds like later this year.

Genre: Metal, Post-Hardcore, Christian,
For Fans Of: The Almost, Saosin, Norma Jean
Contact: Website
Tracklisting:
1. In Regards to Myself
2. A Moment Suspended in Time
3. There Could Be Nothing After This
4. You're Ever So Inviting
5. Sālmarnir
6. Returning Empty Handed
7. Casting Such a Thin Shadow
8. Moving for the Sake of Motion
9. Writing on the Walls
10. Everyone Looks So Good from Here
11. To Whom It May Concern


-T