Category Archives: Acoustic

Acoustic, Hardcore, Music, Post-Hardcore, Punk, Screamo, Ska

BHP BEST OF 2024

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This blog is not going anywhere at the moment. I am beyond grateful for anyone who stops by at any given time and has checked it out.

As a father of 2, my priorities are toward them and ensuring they have all the dad time in the world, so excuse the lack of content. I promise you I am listening to all the music all the time.

What that said, I never will not do a best of list as it helps me look back to all the amazing music that dropped throughout the year.

Enjoy.

BHP BEST OF 2024 LIST

State Faults – Children of the Moon

One of my most listened to albums of the year. This is an album that dragged me through emotion like none other and truly speaks for itself. It’s screamo, it’s post-hardcore, it’s perfect.

Maxwell Stern – In the Good Light

Max has outdone himself this time. This album is the greatest thing he has ever created, and I will fight those to disagree. He put something together special that will get stuck in the heads of so many for years to come. When I say I love watching someone mature as a musician, I am talking about Max Stern. I look forward to future releases, but it is going to be hard to top this one.

Glass Beams – Mahal

I was so into this sophomore album by Glass Beams upon listening to it that I stopped what I was doing to pre-order the album only later to find out I ordered an overseas copy and not the US version. When I try and tell people about this one, I just say things like disgusting and filthy and mean it in the best way. This band is phenomenal.

The Dopamines – 80/20

I was beyond stoked to hear after 7 years this Cincinnati punk band was dropping a new album. These guys have always been a great band, and this album is a blast to get into.

Hunden – A Calming Press

So much fuzz on this debut by Cleveland’s Hunden. Love to see pals from various bands connect and formulate insane tunes. They need to put this on wax already.

Hollow Suns – Free Fall

Caught these dudes in a basement earlier in the year and became an instant fan of their tunes. Their live performance pulled at all things 90s Sub-Pop roster related and on top of it they were just the nicest dudes. They hail from Tokyo, and apparently that night I saw them was the first time they ever played a house show.

IDLES – TANGK

This is the album that turned me into an IDLES fan. I did not really get into them before, but all is changed after becoming obsessed with this album.

Knocked Loose – You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To

I am getting up there in age, but I appreciate the hell out of this album. Insanity at its finest.

Beth Gibbons – Lives Outgrown

Forever a Portishead fan, there’s no wonder why I am obsessed with Gibbons’ solo release. This is a deep and personal journey set to her own town.

The Cure – Songs of a Lost World

I remember as a teen what this band meant to me. I was tossed feelings I tried to hide from then and was reminded how impactful this band is with this release. I am being serious when I say I teared up reminiscing about a young me Cure fan. The band has not lost their touch one bit.

Hey-Smith – Rest in Punk

The LP dropped in 2024 so I am saying this came out this year. This band is one of the best ska punk bands in the game. I adore them and listened to the absolute hell out of this release. I even got to see them open for the Suicide Machines and they put on one of the most energetic sets I have seen in ages.

Alkaline Trio – Blood, Hair, & Eyeballs

This band literally can do no wrong. Skiba and crew have written a start-to-finish classic.

Hot Water Music – VOWS

This band is easily one of my top 10 of all time and they have once again exceeded my expectations with this new album. Cresswell fits in ever so perfectly once again and the band seems stronger than ever. Happy to say I even got to see them live this year too.

Amyl and the Sniffers – Cartoon Darkness

Raw AF hits. I am not sure how else to describe this one. It is damn good.

SeeYouSpaceCowboy – Coup De Gr?á?ce

This one was wild. Jazzy, hardcore, and sewn together so perfectly. It is really a disaster of a masterpiece in the best way.

Omnigone – Feral

Wait… Some of the Link 80 dudes got back together and started a new band? Of course this is going to rip, but I did not expect it to slay.

Kill Lincoln – No Normal

This is one of the most fun ska punk bands out there. Every time I catch them live, I am just left with a sense of satisfaction. I was stoked to snag this album weeks before it dropped and love how they refuse to let off the accelerator.

Soft Play – Heavy Jelly

This album is just hard fun. Some of the lyrics had me busting up. The tunes are just insane too.

High Vis – Guided Tour

I will be forever kicking myself in the ass for missing these guys at a venue minutes from my house. I had no idea they were a supporting act. This album is just about as perfect as it can get.

Carpool – My Life In Subtitles

The emo album I needed this year to feel some feelings. It is so good.

Cursive – Devourer

I have been a Cursive fan most of the 2000s and will admit I was caught way off guard with this one. It is brilliant and ever so poignant. It really made my aging ass feel some emotion again.

Various Artists – Red Scare Industries: 20 Years Of Dreaming and Scheming

What a great collection of tunes to celebrate 20 years as a punk label. Toby has himself a label that has helped so many bands out there I love and adore. The Sidekicks cover on this album by that Laura Jane Grace person no one has ever heard about is one of the best renditions ever.

I am stopping here…for now. If you know me, I always find something else to talk about (and I did at least twice now). There are plenty more I can toss on here, but these were the ones I made note of and wanted to showcase.

Thanks, as always, for checking me out. I really would love to toss more content on here, but between raising the coolest kids, my big boy job, and building/slinging lamps with my homies at Whiskertin, my time sometimes is limited. I have no intention of disappearing and appreciate all the bands and the labels for continually fueling my head with the best tunes.

Happy New Year to everyone out there. Enjoy the day.

90's, Acoustic, Cleveland, Folk, Live Shows, Music, Post-Hardcore, Punk, Review

Concert Review: Hot Water Music, Quicksand, Tim Barry | House of Blues | Cleveland, OH | 06/14/2024

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If someone were to ask me how old I was when I first got into Hot Water Music, I would tell you I have no idea because it feels like they have been with me for most of my life. The amount of times that band hits my ears is likely excessive, but if you are a fan, you totally understand why.

I was slightly thrown back when I learned earlier this year, they were playing Cleveland in celebration of being a band for 30 years. Three freaking decades of being one of the most prolific punk bands out there. Wild.

To make things even more amazing with their anniversary tour, they announced special guests Tim Barry and Quicksand would be playing Cleveland. There was no way in hell I was going to miss that. Thanks to an old pal, I even was able to snag a photo pass to make it even more memorable by capturing the night.

Seeing Hot Water Music, Quicksand, and Tim Barry on a Friday night in downtown Cleveland was the best way to start the weekend. Outside there were boomers rocking their Rolling Stones shirts a night early to the show they probably spent more than they should have and just tons of other people were enjoying their evening with food and music on Euclid and around E. 4th.

I can tell you through that they all missed out on the best time inside good ol’ House of Blues. The best part was that it was not overcrowded and there were people of all ages in attendance. Worst part was that there was one dude doing merch for all three bands – nice dude, but come on, nothing beats not waiting in line. Back in my day we cut people to get our merch because we had the cash ready… Ok, I am done being grandpa punk.

Tim Barry started the night off to a slew of adoring fans. Armed with his trusty guitar, he came out and did what he does best. I loved that he played “Dog Bumped” with fans singing along, but the best was “Fine Foods Market” when everyone shouting appropriately how fine they were. Storytelling folk punk rock doesn’t get much more entertaining than Barry. He had a great span of tracks from his solo career, but I personally would have loved to have heard more.

Did I wish I was seeing Avail? Well yes, but seeing Barry live is one of my favorite things as I adore this dude.

Now I have been a fan of Quicksand for a long time now, but never had the chance to see them play. Seeing them rip through songs like “Omission”, “Inversion” and “Brown Gargantuan” had me in pure awe. They sounded amazing and, for a brief moment while I was in the photo pit, I just stood there and stared almost forgetting what I was supposed to be doing there for the first three songs.

I love how happy Walter Schreifels and Sergio Vega were on stage. They were just getting into their songs and eating up the crowd’s reaction. They were certainly well-received by almost everyone there.

Walter, Alan, and Sergio had no problem delivering one hell of a set. I hope some of the younger generation at that venue who may had never heard of this post-hardcore band went home and did their homework. My only complaint is I wished they were able to play a proper set. I understand they were a special guest so their time was limited, but come on, it is freaking Quicksand. Hopefully they will come back again soon.

Chuck Ragan and the rest of Hot Water Music took stage just around 10p kicking things off with “Menace”, a new track off their latest release with Chris Cresswell helping with strong vocals.

I about lost my shit when they moved into “Remedy”, perhaps my all-time favorite Hot Water Music track. Once again, I may have froze in that photo pit for a moment as the 25-yeal-old me was freaking the hell out. Needless to say, I was loving every moment of that track.

One cool part of the night was when Ragan paused and offered thanks not only to his band and stagehands but also to the entire venue crediting it not possible to have lasted this long in the business without their help.

The band played “After the Impossible” after admitting they had not played it live yet. They all took a moment to look at one another and just tore into it. I am not sure about the rest of the folk in the house, but it sounded good.

A memorable part of the evening was when Ragan started talking about reaching out for help if you are in a dark place and admitted when he wrote the song he was about to play that he was in a very bad state of mind. He encouraged people to talk about it and not hold it in. Moments later he broke into “Drag My Boy” and I got chills.

I was thrilled they played “Trusty Chords” but it was their last song that just turned a great evening, into the perfect evening.

As they were thanking everyone for coming out, a stagehand ran out with a mic stand and picked up the mic that was on the ground. They broke into “Simple Song” with Tim Barry. I am fairly certain everyone in attendance sang along. I cannot tell you how thrilled I was to hear Barry sing that Avail song. Looked like I got some of that wish that I wanted.

No lie, this was one of the best nights of music I have had in a while. Three of my favorite bands playing their hearts out. It does not get much better than that.

Here are a few photos I was able to take. I love I get to do this. Enjoy.

00's, Acoustic, Country, Folk, Hardcore, Hip Hop, Indie, Metal, Music, Punk, Rap, Screamo

BHP Best of 2022

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If you know me at a personal level, you know that this year was a wild one and full of challenges and accomplishments. Needless to say, I have made the best of it and can tell you I have managed to take time for myself to enjoy it.

I went to more shows this year than ever and rekindled my love for live music. I reconnected with friends and even started a side gig making lamps with some of my fav people.

Even with all that has been going on, I still have listened to music on a daily basis. I may not have done as much as I had wanted to with the site here, but I am still going to take a moment to share with you a random ass list of albums that dropped in 2022 that caught my attention.

There are plenty more I am sure I overlooked. I am sure I will add to it here and there, but the following were amazing according to me:

BHP BEST OF 2022 LIST

STS x RJD2 – Escape from Sweet Auburn

This is one of those albums that just blew me away from the moment I checked it out. I am a huge RJD2 fan, but I had no idea of the talent that is STS. These two joined forces for a reason and the outcome is amazing.

SACK – Ripper!

This band rips so hard that I caught Covid at their show when they played Cleveland. No joke. Certainly, one of my fav punk albums of the year.

Cave In – Heavy Pendulum

Per Spotify, this was my most listened to album of this year. There is a reason for that. I absolutely love what this band has turned into. This album exceeded all expectations as a fan.

Curtail – When the Sway Sets

This album is like dipping back to my teenage years. So much 90s flair with a lo-fi sound that easily sucked me in. Added bonus, this band is comprised of some amazing humans.

Pool Kids – Pool Kids

This right here is the #1 album to not listen to when you are having a relationship change. It brought me to almost tears the moment I heard it, but honestly, I needed it.

Dream Widow – Dream Widow

This album was made specifically for the cult slasher flick Studio 666 starring everyone’s fav rock band the Foo Fighters. The movie was amazing, but this album is just insane.

Frank Turner – FTHC

This album was a little harder then the last few and carried some pent up angst that I fed on during tougher times this year. “Haven’t Been Doing So Well” seemingly was my theme song this year at times.

No Trigger – Dr. Album

Easily one of the best punk rock albums to drop this year. Do not sleep on this one.

Signals Midwest – Dent

I adore this band and everything they stand for. It was no surprise how much I got into this release. I will sound like dad here, but it is what it is: I am so proud of how this band has grown as musicians. This album is a total testament to that.

Cigar – The Visitor

It’s not every day a band busts out an album 22 years after their debut. With a slight lineup change, the band sounded as amazing as ever.

Soul Glo – Diaspora Problems

This band has certainly had some challenges over the years but haven’t let anything stop them. In fact, I think they just got stronger because of it.

The Flatliners – New Ruin

Cresswell and crew simply can do no wrong. Full of anger and angst, this release at times pointed back to the younger years of the band with heavier moments.

Gospel – The Loser

17 years after their debut, Gospel dropped this album. I cannot tell you how many times I have listened to this prog heavy masterpiece.

City of Caterpillar – Mystic Sisters

I am not complaining at all how many bands from years back dropped albums after an extensive period of time, but City of Caterpillar dropped a follow-up 20 years later and needless to say, it rules a lot.

The Smile – A Light for Attracting Attention

Comprised of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood and as well as Sons of Kemet’s Tom Skinner, this album really reached back to a younger Radiohead sound, something I absolutely adore.

Viagra Boys – Cave World

Viagra Boys are like Ween and Electric Six on a cocaine bender. This band is a new level of fun and this album helps prove that.

Vein.fm – This World Is Going to Ruin You

This is a post-hardcore / nu-metal release that may be my favorite thing this band has done to date.

EDIT (6-JAN-2023) Shocking….I totally forgot these few too:

A Wilhelm Scream – Lose Your Delusion

Easily the catchiest punk album of 2023. I listened to this probably too much. That opening track alone…

The Interrupters – In The Wild

Solid release by a band that certainly deserves all of the attention. I almost wish Rancid would have just recorded this for themselves. Not dismissing the band at all, but def has that Hellcat love.

Cory Branan – When I Go I Ghost

Cory is easily one of the best song writers out there. This album confirms that statement.

Arlo McKinley – This Mess We’re In

Sad and emotional songs sometimes are the best. Arlo has really taken a few steps forward with this amazing release.

Birds In Row – Gris Klein

I was sucked into this album instantly. Powerful and moving I think is the best way to describe it.

Big ups to the bands, the labels, and the readers of this blog. I feel like I say it all of the time, but if it wasn’t for y’all, this blog would not be here.

Special thanks to my friends and family who have gone above and beyond in a time of need. You have no idea how much I value you all. Detail not needed, but I offer my eternal gratitude for helping me get though the low times and keeping me going.

Here’s looking at 2023. I can sit here and say this and that about the blog, but we will see what happens with it. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Acoustic, Cleveland, Music, Punk, Review

Concert Review: Kali Masi, Sam Russo, Tane Graves [Tightwire] @ Hatfield’s | Cleveland, OH | 22-OCT-2022

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A strange series of events led to a very chill, quaint punk show last night at Hatfield’s in Westpark.

Flashback to a couple of days ago when my pal Nick reached out to me asking if I was still going to see Kali Masi and Sam Russo still. I responded that I would not miss it for the world, and he was quick to tell me the show was sold out and they were not able to get tickets.

I jumped online to see what I could find out, because no offence to the bands, but this was not a show I was anticipating to even come close to selling out. Do not get me wrong, the three acts on the bill are some of my favs, but I was expecting to just snag a ticket at the door.

Sure enough, Hatfield’s had posts saying the show was sold out and that they were actually moving it from upstairs to the main floor. I was floored to see this and highly excited too, but still was wondering what was going on so I reached out to not only Kali Masi, but also Toby at Red Scare to see if the show really was sold out.

Kali Masi pretty much asked me what the hell I was talking about and laughed. Toby said he would get back to me, and he did as promised soon thereafter. Both confirmed with me the show was not sold out and to head up to the venue as planned. Hatfield’s even responded to my pal’s wife saying they had opened up some tickets so they were able to grab a few.

Apparently, bots bought all of the tickets being sold by Hatfield’s online. This is a common trend these days where tickets are bought up by bots and then resold for more money. One might think this is a good thing overall, but the inconvenience and slight stress this put on Hatfield’s and even the acts was a true bummer.

Hatfield’s staff scrambled thinking they were going to have a full house and rearranged their business to accommodate. A vacation was cut short, staff was bulked up, and a lot of time and effort was put into preparing for the show. Sadly, a lot of this was not necessary at all.

In the end though, I think it was a nice shift from expected calamity to an intimate evening of amazing music. The fans that showed up were truly stoked to be there and Hatfield’s accommodated the hell out of everyone in the house.

Ken Hatfield, the owner of the venue/eatery, kept joking all night about the bots in the house. He even took a moment to show me the list of names on his phone who bought tickets and just laughed at how crazy the whole experience was. He credited the whole bot experience likely with the Kali Masi rockumentary that has been getting a lot of attention on YouTube lately.

The result was almost 200 tickets bought by bots, and a handful of fans showing up to take in the show. I have to give it to the staff at Hatfield’s, they took it in stride and handled it well.

So yeah, that was a little odd, right? The show was far from sold out and I am hoping to hell all those tickets that were purchased by the bots are not disputed down the way because this whole ordeal caused a ton of work that was not exactly necessary.

Anyways, felt I should share that given how unique the situation was.

Bots or not, the show was great. It was certainly not a late one, but enjoyable by everyone who attended.

Tane Graves of the amazing band Tightwire took the stage and also was the first person to play on the venue’s new PA system. Blasting through a handful of songs and even a proper Blink 182 cover, he performed like there was a full house in front of him and showed gratitude to this tourmates and also the venue.

The funny thing about Sam Russo is that he was supposed to play Hatfield’s well over a year ago with Brenden Kelly, but Covid had other ideas and forced him to sit that tour out. I thought it was only proper that he was able to play the stage in time and honestly, I have been looking forward to that moment for a long time.

I’ve been a huge fan of Russo since he started playing music almost 10 years back. His folk/punk, storytelling is what captured my attention and I was not the only one. I saw a few other fans singing along through Russo’s set and taking it in.

Hearing “Sometimes” and “Runaways” pretty much made my night. If you have no idea what I am talking about, you need to probably change that. This guy is pretty damn talented. He also learned that what he called fence-talking is called shit-talking here in the states.

Russo was easily the most humble musician I have had the pleasure of meeting. We chatted briefly after the show and the dude was just as real as they come. He was so excited to be on tour with a couple of his favorite bands and was excited to head down and play Fest. I really had hoped more people showed up to take in this amazing Englishman, but there is always next time.

Kali Masi took the stage and Sam Porter was quick to make mention he was not feeling hot and the set was going to be less than what was planned. He credited his illness to possible gas station food that he grabbed on their commute from Chicago to Cleveland. Poor guy looked like he was hurting and I was impressed he even decided to play a few songs.

In a sense, a six song set was a bummer, but also looking at things differently, if by taking it easy for one night so Porter could rest and feel better meant a cut set, that honestly is acceptable. I know these guys will be back again soon.

I was happy to hear them play “Sputter”, “Powerline Days”, and “Some Friends”, and they sounded killer, so zero complaints here. I was just happen to have even had the change to check them out finally.

After the show I decided to snag merch from everyone to just help kick off the tour and give them a bit more room in their van too. Everyone was friendly as hell and not an ounce of disappointment was seen. I think having that relaxed evening did everyone some good.

I will say I had an old man moment and could not remember if I have [LAUGHS] already on vinyl. I even made mention to John Garrison, the drummer that I for the life of me could not remember if I had it. He was quick to reminder me I can always hit up their Bandcamp, Well, I checked this morning, and sure as hell I do not have it. So looks like I will need to be securing a copy of that soon.

It certainly was a night that will not be forgotten anytime soon. I am just glad the show went on and everyone enjoyed themselves. That is what it is all about, right?

Acoustic, Alt Rock, Hardcore, Metal, Music, New Wave, Post-Hardcore, Punk, Rap, Rock, Ska, Solo

BHP Best Of 2021 List

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Oh look, the year is about up already. Guess that means it is time to drop my fav releases of yet another messed up year.

The good news about 2021 is that I went to exactly one show, but it was a great show with amazing humans all around.

Anyways, I am busy as shit with the paying gig and that dad life, so I am going to try and keep things short and sweet this year. With any luck, I will add to this some content on why these hit me the most. To be continued I suppose.

Check out the albums in no particular order that caught my attention throughout the year:

BHP BEST OF 2021 LIST

Turnstyle – Glow On

Heart Attack Man – Thoughtz & Prayerz

Lars Fredericksen – To Victory

One Step Closer – This Place You know

Johnny Dynamite and the Bloodsuckers – Sleeveless

Kali Masi – [Laughs]

Haunt – Beautiful Distraction

Neighborhood Brats – Confines of Life

Shitty Neighbors – People I Know

Heart & Lung – Twistin’ The Knife Away

Joystick – I Can’t Take It Anymore

Descendents – 9th & Walnut

Jeff Rosenstock – SKA DREAM

Lucero – When You Found Me

Jonathan Richman – Want To Visit My Inner House?

Sincere Engineer – Bless My Psyche

Juice Newson – Suburban Soul

Needles//Pins – Self-Titled

Brain Cave – Log World

Section H8 – Welcome to the Nightmare

Fiddlehead – Between The Richness

Bands: Thanks for doing what you do.

Labels & Promoters: Thanks for helping out the bands to their thing and release their music be it physical or digital and for supporting them while trying to tour in these most uncertain times. Also, thanks for the consideration when pimping them out. I am a lucky guy for this opportunity.

Finally: Thanks to YOU (yes, you). If you are even looking at this. I struggle every year if I want to keep blogging, and honestly I figure if someone out there can take some time to log in and look, then I can at least try and do my thing.

Here’s to 2022. See y’all soon.