Well folks, it looks like The Bronx is back and let me tell you, they are sounding pretty damn amazing. Setting aside their mariachi project, Mariachi El Bronx, the band is back in full rock-out mode and just dropped an all new, impressive release. Keeping up with trend of their previous three releases, The Bronx (IV) completely rules in every way possible. As a fan, I may be a tad biased, but having listened to it over and over for a week now, I can honestly tell you all that this album is one of the best I have heard of this year, and the year has not even technically started yet.
“The Unholy Land” started off the fun, poignant album with a more rock feel. Perhaps the Foo Fighters rubbed off on them a tad when Mariachi El Bronx toured with them a couple years back, but I assure you this track still owns. Caughthran sings “I am the anti-Christ of the holy ghost, do you want to die or just come real close” hard throughout this track with the rest of the band just cutting loose. I especially loved the latter guitar breakdown.
“Youth Wasted” had a certain 80s punk vibe to it that I came to appreciate early on. Sure, it was not broken down and raw as one might expect when you compare such an era, but perhaps the lyrics “youth is not wasted, I’m young” is what prompted me to think back. The heavy “Too Many Devils” did not capture my attention my first listen, but once I heard it again, I loved it.
“You can not change the life you’re born to live” started and ended the 90s alt sounding “Torches”. The lyrics were incredible throughout as was the music that spend up and slowed down this jam. Sure this was not the hardest, heaviest track on the album, but it was by far one of the best to listen to. “Under The Rabbit” followed with melt-your-face moments that recalled prior Bronx tracks from previous releases. “Ribcage” was another track that caught me in a good way. Maybe it was the speed of the song, or just the overall theme of the track with an apparent crime interrogation that just kept things so entertaining.
Caughthran cleared his throat throughout “Life Less Ordinary”. The track, which had nothing to do with that terrible Cameron Diaz and Ewan McGregor movie, might have been conceived during the Mariachi El Bronx days as it is toned down and carried duel vocals, but I am not complaining at all. I really dug this track a lot and just listening to it seemed like a confession “I’m not ashamed to say I’ve lost my mind” when sung just sounded so sincere.
The Los Angeles punk rock act has always been a band I have appreciated since their original release about 10 years ago. What is nice to see is the level of maturity they have reached. The lyrics are more meaningful than ever and spite that you may think, this band has not even come close to going soft. Where the mariachi side project was fun, I longed for some of their wholesome rock / punk / goodness and IV delivers. I firmly believe this is the album, if not already, that people will be talking about this year. There are so many bands you can hear throughout this album including Refused, The Strokes, The Pixies, Nirvana, Against Me!, and even Helmet that is not hard to find something about it to obsess over.
It just occurred to me this evening that I have not once talked about a band that I adore. This is one of those bands I feel everyone should have heard about by now, and for all I know, you have. I was introduced to them a few years back and pretty much have adored them since. The band I speak so highly of (I know the anticipation is killing you) is none other than Philadelphia’s post-punk indie rock outfit Restorations. Seriously, how in the hell did I NOT review these guys before?
Yes, I am a wee bit late on this one, but you know what? Screw it. So what if their self-titled debut album dropped in 2011 on Tiny Engines and was repressed on vinyl last summer because so many vinyl junkies ate it up? I feel the need to share this amazing group in hopes that they score one more fan per my recommendation and I am pretty certain that will be happening.
The moment “Nonlocality” started with the laid back intro, I just knew I was in for something good. The gritty, raw opener brought a certain country folk feel to my ears and then everything changed for the better when the singing started and the hypnotizing guitar solo floated in the background. With just one song in, I was sitting there pointing to it as my favorite. “West River” followed carrying that same intensity that impressed me from the get go. The songs really reminded me what would happen if Goo Goo Dolls and Hot Water Music collaborated, yeah I know, weird.
“Canadian Club” had an Against Me! feel to it at the start but soon mellowed into a great jam. I really loved vocalist Jon Loudon’s raspy singing style on this song but have the feeling that this track was intended to be heard live by all. “Sideways House” leaned more towards a 90s alt-rock that was welcomed to my ears. “Broken Vacuum”, I feel, showcased the band as musicians well. Hearing the distorted bass at the beginning joined with the drums and guitars just moments later sounded so good. So many songs these days are written so quickly that you sometimes miss hearing a well put together track. The same goes for the closing track “When You’re Older”. It was not just an end song, it was a crowning achievement by the band and any listener will be able to hear that.
Restorations combines the right bunch of genres of music including rock, country, and punk making for one hell of a listen. You say like Elliot Brood? Listen to Restorations. Lucero? Listen to Restorations. Gaslight Anthem? Yeah, listen to them, I seriously doubt you will regret it and if you do, sorry. I am surprised this album is not bigger than it already is and I can not wait to hear what they come out with next. I am predicting something amazing.
Starting their year off right, Hot Water Music has just dropped an all new music video for “Drag My Body”. This is their second video off their recent release Exister (the video for “State Of Grace” was dropped last summer). Directed by Josh Hegard, the video has dropped just 2 weeks prior to the band hitting the road once again.
Check it out:
I enjoyed the video, but wish the old dude would have regulated at the end. At least his daughter put two and two together. I am also craving some whiskey now. Ok, where was I? Exister, check it out if you have not done so already.
Additionally, Hot Water Music and No Idea Records recently announced plans to release Live in Chicago on limited edition 3xLP and 2xCD+DVD on January 15. Recorded at the Metro in Chicago on February 1-2, 2008, the triple LP (with download code) includes 30 songs that clock in at 90 minutes from both nights at the Metro, and will be available on six different colors (Blue, Red, Yellow, Green, Purple and White), all of which are limited to 550 copies each. The double CD will include the same set of songs, plus an 80 minute, 24 song live DVD of the February 2 show, which features a few alternate versions, plus one song not found on the album. Fans are invited to pre-order Live in Chicago now though No Idea’s website. I already ordered mine!
Hot Water Music Tour Dates (w/The Menzingers, La Dispute):
Jan 16 – Tampa, FL – Orpheum Theatre
Jan 17 – Orlando, FL – Beacham Theatre
Jan 18 – Gainesville, FL – Florida Theatre of Gainesville
Jan 19 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
Jan 20 – Charlotte, NC – Amo’s Southend
Jan 22 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
Jan 23 – Pawtucket, RI – The Met Cafe
Jan 24 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg (SOLD OUT)
Jan 26 – Philadelphia, PA – Electric Factory
Jan 27 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount
Jan 28 – Montreal, QC – L’Olympia
Jan 29 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall
Jan 30 – Pittsburgh, PA – Altar Bar
Jan 31 – Chicago, IL – Metro
Feb 1 – Minneapolis, MN – Mill City Nights
Feb 2 – Omaha, NE – Slowdown
Feb 3 – Denver, CO – The Summit Music Hall
Feb 5 – Los Angeles, CA – Echoplex
Feb 6 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory
Feb 7 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
Feb 8 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
Feb 9 – Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre
Feb 10 – Seattle, WA – Showbox at the Market
For More Information:
http://hotwatermusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hotwatermusic
And if you have not seen “State Of Grace”, you can check it out below:
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 – LocalBusiness
-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.
Do I really need to sit here and type an intro for Teenage Bottlerocket? I am sure many of you who are reading this know who this band is and what they are all about. In the last few years they have been turning heads with their pop punk fun and special humor. Currently the band has become one of the more talked about bands on the Fat Wreck Chords roster with their recently dropped album Freak Out!. It’s easily one of my favorite releases of 2012.
I’ve been privileged to have caught this act years ago and knew back then that they would be going places one day. A few years back I was fortunate to have the chance to interview Ray just as the band signed with Fat Wreck Chords. They were still getting noticed at the time and it just a fun experience. When I heard that they was going to hit the road this summer headlining their own tour, I was stoked and felt the need to chat with them again.
This time around I was able to talk with Ray and Kody about their new release as well as whatever else came to mind. Enjoy!
How’s it going guys?
Ray: Going Great, Thanks for asking.
This is killing me so I need to get it out of the way, but last time we chatted we were talking about the worst city you ever played in and Ray said Las Cruces, NM. Well, recently I moved to Las Cruces, NM, and have caught a minor case of depression knowing you may never come down this way again. I understand. Perhaps that can change one day as I would love to see you guys live again. Can I bribe you all with chicken tacos or something?
Ray: Chicken enchiladas might be a bribe we would take.
Kody: I love Mexican food so you’re on the right path with the chicken tacos, but you’re going to have to throw something else in there too. 6 pack of HAMMS?
Photo by Shane Salazar
HAMMs….check. Seriously though, I am sure a lot has changed in the last two years since we first chatted. First off, congrats on an all new album! How stoked are you for all your fans to hear?
Ray: Very stoked to see the fans reaction to the songs, especially live. I cant wait to get out there and play these songs.
Kody: I’m stoked. I think it’s our best record yet.
The album rules. Once again you guys have impressed the hell out of me with your fun punk rock jams. Thank you.
Ray: You’re very welcome.
Kody: All in a day’s work!
You all crammed back into the Blasting Room again to record Freak Out. How did it feel to be in the recording studio working with Andrew Berlin?
Ray: Very comfortable. It was great to work with Andrew again, he is the secret 5th member of the band.
Kody: Working with Andrew is awesome. He’s one of us.
Any reason for calling the new album Freak Out!?
Kody: Yes.
Ray: We usually try to name our records after songs. Originally we were going to call the record Summertime. After we recorded, Summertime just didn’t really fit the feel of the album. We all agreed Freak Out! was a better title.
“Necrocomicon” is amazing. Who came up with that brilliant song?
Kody: Me. It’s about the comic book of the dead……get it?
Ray: I love it.
Photo by Emi Dimaggio
Are there any songs on the album you happen to favor?
Kody: It’s hard to pick a favorite. Songs you write for a record are like children. It’d be tacky and wrong to claim one as your favorite.
Ray: I really like “Go With The Flow” and “In The Pit.” I have a special place in my heart for all the songs.
Did you do anything differently this time around or did you keep with the same sound?
Ray: We have developed our sound a little more, nothing too out there, but I think we have all gotten better at our instruments.
Kody: We used a keyboard on one of the songs. Aside from that….no.
So tell me about the video you shot for the first single off the new album, “Headbanger”.
Kody: We threw a party at Brandon’s house and a bunch of our buddies showed up sporting all kinds of heavy metal gear. So we got wrecked and recorded it.
Ray: Its a Heavy Metal party. Our friend “Magic Cyclops” is in the video, he’s the headbanger.
That song was actually written by a previous band you guys were in, SACK, right?. How long ago was that band in full force?
Kody: SACK was around for about a year and a half maybe. It was never really full force. We played three shows and they were all a fucking disaster. I blame the booze. It was a fun band though.
Ray: They were back when the “Get Wrecked” album was recorded. I think it was sometime in 2003. SACK shreds!
Any other videos in the works?
Ray: None at the moment.
You are about to embark on a huge tour in support of Freak Out!, how does it feel to get back on the road?
Kody: Awesome. This last break we took [from touring] has been the longest since we started. It’s always fun playing shows and hanging out with earth other and all our buddies in other cities.
Who are you most excited to be sharing the tour with? I must say I am bummed the hell out to not be in Cleveland to see Nothington play with you guys… (and The Beat Kids…haha)
Ray: I’m excited to hang with everyone. I really like all the bands we are touring with.
Kody: I’m stoked to have all the bands out with us. We’re lucky that we can have a say in who we take out with us. So it’s always a blast going out as a headliner cause we get to take our buddies with. I’m stoked to see Masked Intruder. That ep they put out cracks me up.
So who in the band decided that Teenage Bottlerocket needed to cover some Joy Division songs?
Ray: Kody came to me with the idea and I was all about it. I wasn’t familiar with “Ice Age”, but I knew “We Walked In Line.” The 7″ turned out great. It was cool to have Clearview involved with one of our releases again.
Kody: Todd Greene at Clearview brought it up cause he knew that we were into Joy Division. He picked “Ice Age” and we picked “Walked in Line.”
Any chance you guys will do something like this again?
Ray: We are doing a special vinyl release with Clearview, but I don’t want to give too much away. It’s going to be really cool.
Kody: I would say yes. We’ve always had fun covering other bands tunes and recording that shit.
Did you guys ever think your bad would get where it is today?
Kody: And where is that?
Ray: I never thought it would, but I always wanted it to.
10 years together as a band; that is pretty damn impressive. Are things getting easier for you all?
Ray: Yes, We just know how to do it a little better now, not too much better, but a little.
How was insubordination Fest?
Kody: It was rad.
Ray: It was alot of fun. Great bands, and Natural Bohemian beer.
“Bigger Than Kiss” made it on Rock Band. Dudes, you totally have a video game song. Is it weird playing it yourselves?
Ray: Haha, I haven’t ever played it. I was stoked “Crashing” got into Skate 2. I like skateboard video games more than the Guitar Hero stuff. I really suck at playing those guitars.
Kody: I’m more of a Guitar Hero kind of guy. Next question.
So, just a random out of nowhere question, does it freak you out that so many of the bands on the covers of music magazines like AP and whatnot are more or less dressed in drag?
Not at all, its nothing new, take a look at the front cover of the 1st New York Dolls records, or Look What the Cat Dragged In by Poison. I think its cool. I don’t know any of those bands, but they look different, and that’s cool with me. I get bummed out on the way every one in my hometown of Laramie, Wyoming, wears North Face jackets, and they try to look all “Colorado”. I wish they dressed like the New York Dolls, so I guess its sort of a breath of fresh air, in kind of an odd way.
Kody: It would freak me out more if they weren’t dressed.
Both valid points. I still question what happened to some of these kids…
Kody: Bath salts!
Enough of me sounding like grandpa punk… Let me turn this interview over to you. Any thing you guys would like to say?
Ray: Please come check us out if we are playing in your area. It would mean a lot to us.
Teenage Bottlerocket is currently on tour in support of Freak Out!. Check out their dates below and for the love of all things punk…go see them live. They really put on a good show.
08/17/12 – Cleveland, OH – Now That’s Class w/ Nothington, Masked Intruder
08/18/12 – London, ON Canada – Call The Office w/ Nothington, Masked Intruder
08/19/12 – Toronto, ON Canada – Horseshoe w/ Nothington, Masked Intruder
08/20/12 – Montreal, QC, Canada – Les Foufounes Electriques w/ Nothington, Masked Intruder
08/21/12 – Cambridge, MA – Middle East w/ Nothington, Masked Intruder
08/22/12 – New York, NY – Santo’s Party House w/ Nothington, Masked Intruder
08/23/12 – Asbury Park, NJ – Asbury Lanes w/ Nothington, Masked Intruder
08/24/12 – Philadelphia, PA – The Barbary w/ Nothington, Masked Intruder
08/25/12 – Baltimore, MD – Otto Bar w/ Nothington, Masked Intruder
08/26/12 – Pittsburgh, PA – Garfield Artworks w/ Nothington, Masked Intruder
09/13/12 – Omaha, NE – The Sandbox
09/14/12 – Minneapolis, MN – Cabooze w/ NOFX, Dilliner Four, Arms Aloft
09/15/12 – Chicago, IL – Riot Fest
09/17/12 – Lansing, MI – Mac’s Bar
09/18/12 – Indianapolis, IN – Deluxe w/ NOFX
09/19/12 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts w/ NOFX
09/20/12 – Nashville, TN – The High Watt
09/21/12 – Little Rock, AR Downtown Music Hall
09/22/12 – Dallas, TX – Riot Fest
10/09/12 – Des Moines, IA – Gas Lamp w/ Masked Intruders
10/11/12 – Madison, WI – The Frequency w/ Toys That Kill, Masked Intruder
10/13/12 – Detroit, MI – Magic Stick- Lounge w/ Toys That Kill, Masked Intruder
10/14/12 – Fort Wayne, IN – The Brass Rail w/ Toys That Kill, Masked Intruder, Flaming Nosebleed
10/15/12 – St. Louis, MO – Firebird w/ Smoke Or Fire, Masked Intruder
10/16/12 – Kansas City, MO – Record Bar w/ Smoke Or Fire, Masked Intruder
10/17/12 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Conservatory w/ Smoke Or Fire, Masked Intruder
10/19/12 – Houston, TX – Walter’s w/ Smoke Or Fire, Masked Intruder
10/20/12 – Austin, TX – Red Seven w/ Smoke Or Fire, Masked Intruder
10/21/12 – Corpus Christi, TX – House of Rock w/ Smoke Or Fire, Masked Intruder
10/22/12 – San Antonio, TX – Korova w/ Smoke Or Fire, Masked Intruder
10/27/12 – Atlanta, GA – The Loft w/ Propagandhi, The Menzingers
Well folks, it looks like The Bronx is back and let me tell you, they are sounding pretty damn amazing. Setting aside their mariachi project, Mariachi El Bronx, the band is back in full rock-out mode and just dropped an all new, impressive release. Keeping up with trend of their previous three releases, The Bronx (IV) completely rules in every way possible. As a fan, I may be a tad biased, but having listened to it over and over for a week now, I can honestly tell you all that this album is one of the best I have heard of this year, and the year has not even technically started yet.
You are about to embark on a huge tour in support of Freak Out!, how does it feel to get back on the road?
“Bigger Than Kiss” made it on Rock Band. Dudes, you totally have a video game song. Is it weird playing it yourselves?