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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.

Alt Rock, Country, Electronic, Emo, Experimental, Hardcore, Hip Hop, Indie, Metal, Music, Outlaw Country, Pop, Post-Hardcore, Punk, Rap, Rock, Ska

BHP Best of 2023

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This year absolutely flew by and here I am scrambling to toss something together to validate myself for poorly running my blog.

Clearly other objectives in life got in the way of how I wish I could maintain the site and keep it current, but here we are, so I guess I just do what I can, when I can.

I will say this past year has been a wild ride and I was able to really to enjoy it with friends and family, but something tells me that next year is going to be even better.

The absolute highlight of 2023 was covering the Punk in Drublic fest (thanks Vanessa!!!!) in Columbus, OH. If you missed that you can check it out HERE. To see so many of my favorite bands with some close pals of mine was just perfect.

I may not have reviewed a lot of bands this year, hell, I think I only did one looking back…but I did listen to tons of music and wanted to share a few that really caught my attention in 2023.

Enjoy.

BHP BEST OF 2023 LIST

Codefendants – This is Crime Wave

Easily one of the best releases this year. When I heard Fat Mike got The D.O.C. to drop some lines on one track I knew this was going to be something special.

Lucero – Should’ve Learned by Now

I love Lucero and everything they stand for and have to admit this took me a couple of listens to truly get into and I am glad I did because there are some gems on this one.

Heart Attack Man – Freak of Nature

I love this album. I really do not know what else to say here other than if you have not checked it out yet, you really should change that.

koyo – Would You Miss It?

This band won me over this year in the best way. Melodic emo hardcore. Does it get any better than this?

Militarie Gun – Life Under the Gun

Catchy as hell sums up this release. This has been a weekly listen since it dropped.

Sincere Engineer – Cheap Grills

File this one under “Deanna Belos makes me cry again with her poignant lyrics.” Dammit.

Bollweevils – Essential

Dr. Daryl Wilson is back with the gang and completely blew me away with this release. It sounded even better live at a local dive bar. That was a true treat.

Blink 182 – One More Time

I grew up in the 90s. Did you seriously not think this was going to land here at some point? Old punks are still cool, we just go to bed at a reasonable time.

Spanish Love Songs – No Joy

This band always stabs me in the feelings. This album was no exception.

Svalbard – The Weight of the Mask

I found this band a few years back as a suggestion to Holy Fawn and have loved them since. I was so stoked to see a new album drop by them this year and it simply rules.

Hot Mulligan – Why Would I Watch

Pop punk fun. Honestly, I did not think I was going to enjoy this one as much as I did.

Chayla Hope – Damn, Feelings

True Cleveland talent here. I will not be shocked when she grabs the attention of the world. Chayla can do no wrong.

Joey Valence & Brae – Punk Tactics

Just got into these guys a few weeks ago and adore their style that really reached back to the 90s. This release is pure fun and begs to be listened to on repeat.

Lil Yachty – Let’s Start Here.

This was one of those releases I read a review on and knew I needed to stop what I was doing and check it out. It is wild.

Incendiary – Change the Way You Think About Pain

Meanest album of the year. I adore it and listen to it on my worst days.

MSPAINT – Post-American

Music-genre bending at its best. I certainly cannot tell you their style other than “all of the above.”

Flying Racoon Suit – Moonflower

Oh hi, this band takes almost all the sounds of music I adore, tosses it in a blender, purees it, and pours out one hell of a release. Do not let the band’s name fool you.

Kerosene Heights – Southeast of Somewhere

2023 was a pretty emo year for me and this band helped fuel that.

I want to thank all my friends out there for keeping me going. New and old, life rules when you are all around.

More importantly, shoutout to my amazing kids who continue to give me purpose in life and let me continue to be my goofy-ass self with zero apologies. I hope one day you come across this and are reminded of the joy you both bring me.

Happy New Year and thanks for reading. Let’s see if I can kickstart the blog in 2024. I think I am up for it.

90's, Music, New Release, Punk, Review, Rock

Album Review: The Bollweevils – Essential

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Sometimes a band from your past does the ultimate awesome and puts out new material 14 years after their last release. Chicago’s Bollweevils surprised many, including myself, and dropped an incredible album called Essential on the possible world-famous Red Scare Industires records.

The album title is a strong nod to the actual professions of the members of the band. No lie, aside from Dr. Daryl Wilson (yes, a real doctor who saves lives), there are first responders and educators who make up the Bollweevils.

This band has always resonated with me well because they had a few albums on Dr. Strange Records back in the 90s which I listened to frequently. They called quits in 1996 and came back into the scene around 2006 when they played Riot Fest but kept a low profile and clearly took the time they needed to get back at it without missing a beat.

“Predisposition” kicked things out as if the band never stopped. What a powerhouse of an opener. Wilson and crew sound better than ever and I hate to say this, but I was pleasantly surprised about this. Like I should have even carried that thought.

Following up was “Galt’s Gulch”, a well put together track similarities gravitating towards an Ayn Rand novel. The fact they repeat “who’s John Galt”, which in the novel was about the sad current state of affairs much like today. “Atlas Shrugged” is the book I speak of, and if you ever read it, you’ll understand more.

One of my favorites on this album was “The Cutting Solution”. This track was well supplied with some insane drumming that just kept the energy high. Wilson’s singing was just so on point here.

“Theme” was just that. If the Bollweevils had their own show like the Aquabats do, this would certainly be the song that played at the start. Certainly, this a tongue and cheek track, but goddamn this was so fun.

Then there was “Bottomless Pit”, another banger. The entire band came together so well on this one. Fast and to the point, it was exactly what I would expect from these guys.

The track that just won me over was “Resistance.” In true punk fashion, this track had me wanting to memorize the lyrics so I could play it over and over while singing along. Loved the breakdown as well as the group vocals. It was not a complicated song yet got the job done.

“Liniment and Tonic” should be the old punker anthem moving forward. All the old punkers who are reading this with their arms crossed in the back, this one is for you. Enjoy.

The Bollweevils are timeless in my book. They have definitely put in their time years ago and Essentials has no indication of a break ever with their sound. They are still energetic and catchy as ever. Fair warning though, this album clocks in at just over 22 minutes. I assure you there is no lull in this release and there are plenty of playback opportunities.

As I find myself closer to 50 these days (punk is dad), it is beyond refreshing to hear a band from your teenage years still killing it. In a day and age when most punk rock does not even rest on the edge of the genre, it’s the punk rock veterans who continue to remind me why I adore this kind of music.

Available on CD and LP, the album is out there for you to obsess over. Do not sit on this one. Trust me.

Listen to it: CLICK HERE

Buy it: CLICK HERE

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.

Cleveland, Live Shows, Metal, Music, Punk, Review, Rock

Album Review: SACK – Ripper

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Party thrash punkers SACK rip so hard that I got Covid when I saw them live.

No seriously, they played Cleveland at the end of June at a local BBQ joint/bar/venue and I went with a few pals. Two days later, I tested positive for that stupid bastard virus and was knocked off my ass for a week. Totally worth it though, it was one of the better shows I went to this year.

Disclaimer: Not everyone who sees this band is guaranteed to contract a virus.

SACK hails from the Denver area and honestly have had changes in their lineup since they started making music in the early 2000s, but have always entertained the hell out of me.

Currently, Kody of The Lillingtons and Teenage Bottlerocket fronts the band along with a couple of dudes from Peru, some gym teacher, and apparently a local electrician.

Ripper is a 12 song banger of sorts that was recorded at The Blasting Room and released earlier this year on Red Scare Records. This album is for the drunks, the punks, some more drunks, and anyone looking to just rock the hell out. From start to finish, Ripper absolutely slays, slaps, shreds…shit like that.

“I Hate The Beach Boys” has zero love for that surfer boy band your mom and grandma probably batted lashes at in their younger years. The distaste for the band is evident with Kody just screaming out reasons why he hates them.

“The Return of Mr. Bong” is definitely to be adored by all the stoner heavy metal lovers. Clearly a tale of a party encounter with a superior water pipe taking on everyone.

True story real quick: I was driving somewhere with my windows down blasting “I Tried Suicide” recently and stopped at a light and looked over just in time to see that the song offended another driver enough to make a face of disapproval while rolling up their window. This song is about ending it all with no buffer.

“I Used to Give a Shit” has been my theme song lately. All about not caring and just living life sometimes is the best logic to carry in this day and age. Take it from SACK, caring is stupid.

“Night Shift” for whatever reason reminded me of something that should have been playing in Repo Man when Otto and Bud were driving around L.A.

I loved “The Thesis”, even if it was just a complete train wreck that clocked in at 0:43. I guess I just appreciated the raw, insanity of the track. I could see it as paying homage to a few 80s punk acts.

“Turf War” was upbeat, but clearly tied gangs maintaining their hood. I kind of wish SACK did a music video for this one. It could be like Warriors meet Grand Theft Auto or some bullshit like that.

Ripper was just that when describing the sound held within the album. I literally listened to this for weeks on end over and over. It is fun, raw, and just aimed at having a good time. Sure, if you like Teenage Bottlerocket you will likely be into these dudes especially since “Headbanger” was originally a SACK track. Kody really gives it his all with this band vocally and there is no doubt about that.

Also if you like Guttermouth, FEAR, or even Zeke, chances are you will eat up SACK. Yes, I wrote that on purpose.

No LP yet for Ripper (hint hint), but the album is out all all $treaming $iteS or you can snag a CD from Red Scare if you still rock that compact disc life.

If SACK happens to play a show by you, go. Seeing Kody try and pound a 12-pack during their set was impressive as hell. Just make sure you let the man hit the bathroom after because chances are, he is going to need to relieve himself after that feat.