Category Archives: Pop

90's, Music, Music News, Pop, Punk, Rock

Gameface Announces First New Music in a Decade!!!

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Gameface

Holy crap.  Gameface has reunited.

It’s true.  Jeff Caudill himself sent me an email (and many others) stating the facts. Gameface is a band again and they have plans on releasing new material in 2014.

Signing to Equal Vision Records, the band is releasing a 7” featuring two new recordings – “Come On Down” and “The Only Chance We Get” – on November 5.

“Come On Down” is a brand new track, while the latter is a new recording of a previously released song from Gameface’s 1995 release, Three To Get Ready. The revamped version also now includes guest back-up vocals from Ingo Knollmann (Donots) and Mike McTernan (Damnation A.D.).

The reunited four-piece currently is working on their sixth full-length album, which is should be released by early 2014. Check out the following video that takes a personal look at Gameface’s recent decision to reunite as well as make their first new album together in over a decade:

Jeff Caudill had this to say about the band reuniting and recording new music:
 
“We’re beyond excited about the new material and a new chapter in our history.  We’re so fortunate and grateful to Equal Vision for sharing our vision and giving us this rare opportunity for a new beginning.”
 
Taken from the Equal Vision press release:
 
The Southern California-based outfit, now featuring Caudill along with Todd D. Trout (guitar), Guy Julian (bass) and Steve Sanderson (drums), originally formed in the summer of 1990 and has since released five full-length albums, each carrying the band’s dynamic, distinctive sound that has gone on to influence countless bands over the years.
 

Gameface’s debut LP, Good (1993), showcased unabashed pop punk at its purest, while Three to Get Ready’s (1995) offered redemptive lyrics and a nostalgic tone that drew fans into Gameface’s emotional triumph over tragedy following the untimely death of their drummer Bob Binckley in 1994. With Every Last Time (1999), and the addition of drummer Steve Sanderson, Gameface hit their songwriting and touring stride. During the recording of Always On (2000) rifts between members deepened and original bassist Paul Martin eventually left the band before the album was released. Guy Julian joined on bass for their final album, Four To Go (2003), before the band members decided to each go their own separate ways following its release. In 2012, the group reunited for a string of shows that eventually served as the catalyst to forge ahead towards something more permanent. It felt right again as Caudill penned their new single, “Come On Down”, sealing the deal to embark on this next phase of Gameface.

Pre-orders for Gameface’s new 7” will be available in the coming weeks, along with additional information on the band’s upcoming full-length album.  The band even announced today on Facebook that they are adding a re-recording of “Freezerburn” to the new album.  That song previously was only availble on a live recording.

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Music, Music Video, Pop, Punk

Music Video: Masked Intruder – “I Don’t Wanna Be Alone Tonight”

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It’s official, Masked Intruder have won me over once again.  Check out their latest video for “I Don’t Wanna Be Alone Tonight”, a heartfelt punk rock stalking jam off their Red Scare / Fat Wreck self-titled release:

I just adore the 8-bit reference throughout; especially the end.  I hope to hell someone with a lot of time on their hands will turn this video into an actual game.  I’d play it.  Props to Patt Fink for creating this.

The band is currently on the road in support of the Red Scare Across America tour.  Seriously though, I am not sure this band has stopped touring since they dropped their self-titled release.  Pretty impressive.  I still don’t trust them.

MI_By_Katie_Hovland

 

Akron, Cleveland, Emo, Music, New Release, Pop, Punk, Review, Rock

Album Review: Worship This! – Tomorrow, I’ll Miss You

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I always told myself that I would never review bands who were also my friends, but I’d be a fool not to review the debut release by Northeast Ohio’s very own Worship This!.  Having just signed to A-F Records, Worship This! is about to drop Tomorrow, I’ll Miss You next week, and let me tell you, this is one impressive debut.

Consisting of Josh Taylor (vocals, bass), Jeremy Provchy (vocals, guitar), Aaron Novak (vocals, guitar) , and Jeff Hart (drums), Worship This! has definitely put in their time since then band’s formation in 2010.  Hailing from the Akron / Cleveland area, Worship This! are not new to the scene as all of the members have been involved with various local bands for the past 15 years.  Forming through friendships and mutual acquaintances, the boys of Worship This! were almost meant to be.

“I, Human” started off with Taylor screaming “I don’t wanna be human” at the top of his lungs making for any music fan to turn their head and pay attention.  Full of energy and ideals that slightly reminded me something Propaghandi might make mention of, I really liked how I could hear an immediate chemistry throughout the band members.  The moment I heard that opening song, I knew it was in for something good.  “Jen, with 2 Ns” continued to fuel that feeling

I adored “Indifferent” for so many reasons.  Not only was the track catchy as hell, but it carried  the feelings of being too old for the scene, contemplating giving it all up, and then coming to a realization to move on without care.  This song was solid start to finish and one of my favorites on the entire album.  Full of catchy riffs, infectious drumming, and just an overall sense of pride of current state of being.  It is no wonder the band chose this song to make a music video.  Seriously, the following lyrics from this track have been stuck in my head for weeks:

“I’ve given my all, maybe its about time that I hang it up.  There’s so many things I never did, and I life I never lived. Maybe I’ll stop getting dirty looks from all these kids.”

I swear, I have had those same thoughts in my head numerous times over the last couple of years.  Look for the video to be dropped around the time of the album.

“Summit Tower” really was put together flawlessly.  Provchy took over vocal duties primarily while the rest of the band just jammed out alongside.  I may have caught myself signing along to this one the first time I listed to it.  The upbeat “Springs and Levers”,  moved along well thanks to Novak and Provchy exchanging lines throughout.

The lyrically deep “Purpose and Meaning” flowed directly into “The Fear Of Missing Out”.  The songs were like a masterpiece, but different.   Seriously though, these two combined songs were addicting from start to finish.  You can just hear years of hard work put into both tracks and they last less than 3 minutes total.  Secretly, I wish those tracks were of a “November Rain” length.

Novak painted a pretty vivid picture as he sang at the beginning “Bike Ride”.  The song, which told the story about a neighboring house that suffered a grim demise, really carried well throughout.  “This house is my reminder of what we have and and who we live for” bellows towards the end of the track with “our lives carry on” ending it.

“Whatever Happened To You Melissa” reminded me of Dinosaur Jr. at the beginning, but only because of how the lyrics started off.  The song, clearly reaching back to a torn relationship, had a strong effect while listening to.  Listening to Novak and Taylor sing “I’ve lost all hope, in everything I know…and everything I loved” just brought back some of those memories you can’t ever get rid of.  This was another track on the album that blew me away.

“Momophonbe” has radio playable qualities.  The chorus alone reminded me of, dare I say, Gaslight Anthem, sans the whole I’m-from-New-Jersey-and-love-Bruce-Springsteen-feel.  Taylor and Provchy made this song even better thanks to their singing styles bouncing back and forth.  “Anathema”, the closing track, started off melodic with singing that did not impress me, but moments later that all changed.  I loved the group signing on this track that eventually laid the album to rest.

Take everything you know and love about punk rock from the 90s onward and you can hear it in what Worship This! has brought to the table throughout the album.  This is far from a pop-punk band and anyone who labels them that needs to really reevaluate their opinion.  This is a band that successfully manages to merge all of their unique influences from over the years and package them into one great style.  We’re talking seasoned here folks, not young blood.

Fans of all of the current bands filling up the punk scene in basements, various self-funded punk fests, and even online should take note at this talent.  I could sit here and label off tons of bands, but why bother?  A-F Records has something good on their hands and I am sure they know it.  Add the fact that all four members are just genuine dudes who play music for the sake of playing music.

Friends or not, Worship This! has got my vote for album of the year with Tomorrow, I’ll Miss You.  Just like the Menzingers, Cheap Girls, Masked Intruder, and Luther wowed me back in 2012, Worship This! has done the exact same for me this year.  I can not stop listening to this album.  I can only image how crazy the kids are going to go for this release.  This is one album you should not sleep on.  Trust me when I say that.  Don’t believe me?  Head on over to PunkNews.Org and hear it for yourself.  You can thank me later.

The CD drops this Tuesday and a vinyl pre-order should be announced through A-F Records soon.

Music, New Release, Pop, Punk, Reggae, Review, Rock

Album Review: Authority Zero – The Tipping Point

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Hailing from Mesa, AZ, Authority Zero combines various levels of music and mashes them into their own style.  Punk rock, thrash, reggae, and even a hint of skate rock can be heard throughout their years of material.  The band really take pride in incorporating those styles to their catalog as well as carries a strong love for bands like Bad Religion and Pennywise.  Having been kicking ass and taking names for almost 20 years now, spite many challenges in their career, Authority Zero has not calmed down one bit.

This Tuesday, Authority Zero will be releasing an all new album titled The Tipping Point.  These West Coast punkers have dropped an impressive release full of energy and fast-paced fun.  With plans of touring Europe in a month to support their new release, Authority Zero really seem to be moving in the right direction.  Ask anyone in their infamous Zero Crew and I am sure they will agree.  Still, I am just as pleased as I am shocked this is only their fifth studio release.

The very fast-paced “No Other Place” started off the album with plenty of speed and aggression sure to entice a circle pit.  It was almost too easy to hear the gracious nod to Pennywise and Bad Religion in this track from Jason DeVore’s singing style.  Add some necessary group vocals aside with quick and heavy guitar riffs, you can hear the influential bands that helped build Authority Zero.

“Undivided” continued with more of a 90s punk feel with DeVore having a great flow from start to finish.  The chorus was catchy as hell, the drums were just non-stop, and the guitars carried well.  My only distraction was the Dicky Barrett sounding scream that ultimately stopped the song for a moment, but then jumped right back in.

“For the Kids” had a Good Riddance feel to it that I really enjoyed.  I really caught on to these lyrics because they really hit home to me as DeVore sang “this one’s for you” about more or less – me.  Well, at least young me.  Great song about yesteryear to any music fan who was surrounded by friends in any scene.  Age may be catching up with a lot of us, but those memories will last forever.  This track is worth a listen.

I really was beginning to wonder if Authority Zero dropped the reggae from their sound and then “Struggle” started.  It’s not terrible by any means, but the current me never really got into this version of Authority Zero.  “On The Brink” followed returning to their punk sound.

“Today We Heard The News” was another reggae track on the album, but this one I actually enjoyed.  The horns throughout kept the track interesting while I tried to figure out what DeVore was singing about.  From what I gathered, it was about a protest about something and not giving up fighting the cause. (EDIT: apparently it is about the passing of Tony Sly.  I am kind of kicking myself for not grasping that.  Thanks to a reader for that one.)

“Shakedown in Jaurez” also kind of hit home to me, but in a different matter seeing how I currently live 30 minutes away from that city and am more than aware of everything that goes on there.  The song itself, mixed punk and reggae for a sound I just could once again not get into.

Ending the album was “21st Century Breakout”, a sped up punk track that got stuck in my head.  I could not help but think about Bad Religion once again as DeVore sang just like Mr. Greg Graffin at times.  Setting that aside, this track was killer and pretty much was my choice cut on the entire album.

After all the changes Authority Zero has gone through in the last few years, it is almost admirable to see them continue on.  With a revolving door of members leaving and joining along with countless other setbacks during the band’s existence, the band seems to have finally found some well-deserved stability.  With all those drawbacks though, I am shocked they did not call it quits and start something new already.

Case and point, just 2 weeks ago, the band’s long-time bassist Jeremy Wood announced on his Facebook page he was leaving the band to spend more time with family and other personal reasons.  Luckily lead signer, and the last of the original lineup, Jason DeVore quickly announced the band had a touring bass player to join them on the road in support of their upcoming release The Tipping Point.  Somehow, I have the feeling this album was properly named by the band for more reasons than one.

There is no doubt in my mind if you are a fan of the punk rock genre that you have heard of this band or seen them live at a Warped Tour or heard them on a video game soundtrack.  They have been in the game for nearly 20 years and it can definitely be heard in The Tipping Point.  No matter how many changes this band goes through, it would appear that Jason DeVore has no intention giving up something he truly loves.

Alt Rock, Folk, Grunge, Indie, Music, Pop, Pop Rock, Post-Hardcore, Punk, Rock, The Awesome

BHP Best Albums of 2012

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For the record, I suck at blogging and I apologize.  Maybe one of my New Year’s resolutions will be for me to pay more attention to this blog of mine.  In all seriousness though, I have been busy with the paying gig and school, so please excuse the lack of posts and whatnot.  I really do plan on changing that.

Moving from Ohio to New Mexico earlier this year was pretty hard on me for more reasons than one.  The number one thing, aside from extremely missing all my friends and family back home, is the lack of continual live shows out here.  Sure, I could drive to Albuquerque to catch something, but that is a 6 hour round trip I would prefer to avoid alone.  El Paso even had a couple good shows I was all about until I found out they were either sold out or that I had to be up at 5 a.m. the next morning.  Yeah, getting old sucks.  Luckily for me, I still can keep up with new music and pretend I know what is going on.  That is not to say that Las Cruces doesn’t have a music scene, I just have not gotten my feet wet in it yet.

Regardless of my situation, 2012 was an exceptionally good year for music.  I am sure you can easily think of 5 albums that blew your mind this year.  I know I can, in fact I have a whole bunch.  With 2012 is coming to an end,  I suppose it is my time where I get to tell everyone my top albums of 2012.

I think what kills me the most about talking about all these great releases is that I was not able to review them like I originally intended to.  So, do me a favor if you can; if you have not heard of any of my top picks below, please check them out.  Thanks.

In no particular order, here are a bunch of releases that amazed me in 2012:

 

Masked Intruder – Self-Titled Release

-Surprise release of 2012 if you ask me.  The most unique pop-punk you could imagine by a group of fun dudes in ski masks.  I can not even tell you how many times this album played over and over in my car this summer.

 

Luther – Let’s Get You Somewhere Else

-I was so looking forward to this release by these Philly champs.  Easily one of the best releases of the year.  This band is going places.

 

Ma Jolie – …Compared To Giants

-More Philly love.  Once upon a time, Ma Jolie played a basement show for a couple of cool dude’s birthdays in Akron.  They rule and you need to check them out.  Still shocked no one has signed them yet.

 

Cherry Cola Champions – Self-Titled Release

-Last year they made my 2011 Best of list with their EP.  This year they debuted their full-length release and it just rules.  I can not even tell you how many times I have spun this amazing album.  Solid dudes too.

 

Lucero – Women & Work

–A bunch of good ol’ boys making some good ol’ music.  I really dug this album a ton.

 

Tony Sly / Joey Cape – Acoustic Volume Two

-This covers project sequel by two of the best names in punk rock was just all so good to listen to.  Sadly as many of you know, Tony Sly passed away on July 31st.  Needless to say, this record is more important than ever to this fan of Sly who has been providing tunes to my ears since I was a young punk rocker.  RIP Tony…

 

The Menzingers – On The Impossible Past

-This band continues to impress me and I am so stoked to watch them mature as musicians in such a short amount of time.   Now that they are on the Epitaph roster, I am pretty sure things will only excel for them.

 

Cheap Girls – Giant Orange

-This is one of those bands that if you have no idea who they are, you need to familiarize yourself with them immediately.  I loved this release from start to finish.  I am also so bummed to have missed them live twice this year!!!  Oh well.

 

The Sidekicks – Awkward Breeds

-Right at the beginning of the year, The Sidekicks shot out an incredible release.  I love this northeast Ohio band.

 

Annabel – Youth In Youth

– Right at the end of the year, Annabel shot out an incredible release.  I love this northeast Ohio band.  Deja vu.  You have no idea how proud I am of these guys.

 

All Dinosaurs – Rules Of Civility And Decent Behavior

–Right in the middle of the year….just kidding.  All Dinosaurs did release an hard album that I am still having trouble getting my hands on the vinyl version.  I am not even sure if that is the right album cover above, that is how hard of a time I am having finding it!

 

Old Flings – Spite

–Found this pop punk folk indie 90s rock awesomeness totally on accident.  This Asheville, NC trio has my approval.  Looking forward to seeing more from these guys.

 

Joyce Manor – Of All Things I Will Soon Grow Tired

-This was the quickest and most well written release of the year if you ask me.  9 songs in 13 minutes and it all makes perfect sense.

 

Dikembe – Broad Shoulders

-This was a release I almost overlooked – I said almost…  Boy am I glad that did not happen.  Killer album.

 

Hot Water Music – Exister

-It took me exactly two listens of this album for me to fall in love with it.  These punk rock heroes have not lost their touch at all.

 

Japandroids – Celebration Rock

–An amazing follow up to their debut that continues their musical expression of fun and living life the rock n roll way.

 

Dinosaur Jr. – I Bet On Sky

-I have adored Dinosaur Jr. since I was a kid.  This release shows no wear and tear of the boys whatsoever.  Love this release.

 

The XX – Coexist

– I remember years ago when I heard Portishead for the first time and the chills I got.  The XX brought back that feeling on their sophomore release.

 

The Gaslight Anthem – Handwritten

-Haters, hate.  I loved this release.  Catchy as hell.

 

Brendan Kelly and the Wandering Birds – I’d Rather Die Than Live Forever

–It’s like The Lawrence Arms unplugged, but different.  Seriously though, this was a solid release by a great musician that may have slipped through the cracks for many.  If you like honest, real situations expressed in music, listen to this.

 

The Avett Brothers – The Carpenter

-This band continues to impress and remains one of my all time favorite bands out there.  I will admit, this album took a couple listens for me to fully appreciate it and now I just can not stop listening to it.

 

The Fake Boys – Pig Factory

-Once upon a time, a bunch of dudes from hardcore bands decided they wanted to play the music that they grew up on.  The result is this gracious nod to the 90s that is enjoyable as hell by this music lover.

 

Titus Andronicus – Local Business

-There is just something about this album that appealed to me.  Punk / Indie / Rock goodness.

 

NOFX – Self-ENtitled

-I was like 6 years old when this band first started.  I have been a fan of them since high school.  They have once again not failed in putting out a clever, hilarious pop-punk gem.  If you can not appreciate this band for doing things their way for over 30 years, then I must tell you, they probably do not care, nor do I.

 

Mixtapes – Even On The Worst Nights

-Pop punk dudes and a nice young lady from Ohio continue to make fun singable tunes for all to love.  It was almost impossible to not like this release.

 

Minus The Bear – Infinity Overhead

-I really can not say much about this release aside from how great it is.

 

I am sure I missed a couple there and for all you know, I added more after I initially posted this.  Like I previously mentioned, 2012 was a great year for music.  It seemed like every other week something new and noteworthy dropped.  I really think that this year was the best year for music releases in a long time.

I am proud of all my friends who are in bands that released albums this year as well as the ones who played tons of shows and toured their hearts out.  Nothing pleases me more than seeing you all do what you do for the sake of loving music.  Keep it up everyone.

In 2012, a bunch of bands called it quits or parted ways.  Leatherface broke up as did Daytrader (I really thought they were going to find a replacement for Tym too).  I was so bummed when Spraynard announced they were finished.  Refused broke up again, although I was not really phased by this.  I was bumming when I learned Ween announced they were no more.  Apparently Chumbawumba disbanded too but no one cared.   Ninja Gun even announced at the Fest that they were through – that sucks in my book.

Luckily for us music lovers, as fast as bands break up, new ones form and release sounds for us all to hear.

Let’s see what 2013 has in store for us all.  I can only hope it is just going to continue to get better.

Happy Holidays everyone!