Tag Archives: Review

Music, Music Video, New Release, Punk, Review, Rock

Album Review: The Flatliners – Dead Language

27 September, 2013 Brian Mc Leave a comment

Dead Language, as expected, has blown me away and turned me into an even bigger Flatliners fan.

I am not even sure I need to write more than the above sentence when talking about The Flatliners most recent release on Fat Wreck Chords. It has been three years since the punk rock band have put out new material and the wait was well worth it.

After making music and hitting the road for most of their 10+ year career, Dead Language really showcases the band in a mature, collective way without missing a beat. Having been on the Fat roster for a good part of their existence (this is their 3rd release on Fat), many music lovers are well aware of them and cherish everything they do.

Opening with “Resuscitation Of The Year”, the album started off strong with the band taking no time to get down to business. With heavy drumming, appropriate gang vocals, and fun guitar playing (that at times reminded me of 90s Fat Wreck songs), I couldn’t help but think that this really was one of the best tracks on the album.

Although carrying a slightly slower tempo, “Birds Of England” was just a solid track to listen to. I really dug the lyrics that hinted about the band’s extensive touring during their career. This is one of those songs I feel would be fun to see the band play live. “Hounds” was another song that I feel the band would really have fun playing live with all the sporadic shouting and crazy guitar playing.

“Drown In Blood” continued with Chris Cresswell just giving it his all vocally. I was seriously impressed listening to him clear his throat throughout. Just wait till the gang vocals pop in. This song was one of my favorites on the album.

“Sew My Mouth Shut” was the track that really had me thinking to myself how much this band has grown together. Everything just sounded so right on this track and I just loved it when Cresswell crooned “sew my mouth shut so I can’t say a word, just gets me in trouble, trouble I’m not worth.”

The one song on here that I even remotely scratched my head at was “Quitters” and honestly I think it is because it was just a lot to take in. At just over 2 minutes, I think song could have been stretched out in some parts. Overall, still a good jam, but there were a couple of drumming moments that seemed overly compressed.

“Brilliant Resilience” closed down the album with as much fury as the opener did. Once again the gang vocals were fun to listen to. Non-stop drumming, fun guitar playing, and of course Cresswell doing what he does best.

I will say that Dead Language is no Calvicade, but it is damn close and who knows, maybe after I listen to it about 15 more times, I’ll change my opinion. Still, I’m pretty sure The Flatliners were not looking to repeat Calvicade, but rather continue forward with it. For a band that started more of a ska band and then changed their sound because they wanted to, I would have to say they are matured and exactly where they want to be. Dead Language really proves that.

Check out this video for “Drown In Blood”:

Electronic, Indie, Music, Rock

Album Review: Streaming Satellites – Slipstream

30 August, 2013 Brian Mc Leave a comment

Sometimes I find out about bands the hard way and I miss out on them. Other times, as in this case, I am given a proper heads up by someone who believes in the band and knows the world needs to hear them. It’s my turn now to follow their lead and tell you all about a band called Streaming Satellites.

Already a big deal overseas, Austria’s Streaming Satellites are about to drop their sophomore release on Monday titled Slipstream, and all I can say about it is I have a feeling it will be grabbing some attention. I really was caught off-guard with this release and was thinking after hearing they were an electronic-indie band that they would have sounded a lot different than what I was treated to.

Synth-heavy, indie rock with serious soul singing was my initial reaction about what Streaming Satellites were all about. Then I listened to them some more and started thinking about Pink Floyd, especially the female singing in many of their songs (someone please tell me you know what I am talking about). Then I picked up some Dan Auerbach howls and riffs hiding behind groovy 70s music.

I will admit, it took a moment for me to get into them and at first I was expecting more 90s Daft Punk with the opening track, but things soon shifted into an entirely different direction. I loved “Timezone” with plenty of funk groove synch music layered under catchy indie rock jams. “No Sleep For The Damned” was almost too fuzzy, but it sounded just right. “Shadows Collide” was astray from the others, but equally as entertaining.

Towards the end of the album, things get even better with a horn section playing and full out jam sessions. Seriously, what is not to like about this?

Slipstream truly is full of a unique blend of music from today and yesteryear aimed at anyone who just likes to get down. Max Borchardt really has a unique signing style that carries well throughout the release. At times his voice reminds me of a calmer J. Roddy Walston as well as a younger Robert Plant.

I usually steer clear when I hear the words “Electronic” and “Indie” put together in a sentence, but this is different, and this is good. Try not to let Slipstream sneak past you. If you are looking for something a little different to check out, but full of music and styles similar to bands you your parents playing on the good ol’ turntable, you really owe it to yourself to check out Streaming Satellites. They really are a unique band.

Kent, Music, Music News, New Release, Punk, Review, Rock

Album Review: Banquets – Banquets

18 August, 2013 Brian Mc Leave a comment

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of seeing New Jersey’s Banquets play a small show at Euro Gyro in Kent, OH. Having been a fan of this foursome for a couple of years now, I was really disappointed in myself to learn that they dropped an all new self-titled release back in May.

I found this out right after I said hi to the band in the back of the bar and noticed a foreign-looking release sitting on their merch table. Honestly, I was a little pissed at myself for not keeping tabs on this band like I do with so many others.

Prior to Banquets taking the tiny stage that night, my pal Aaron asked me if I had heard their new album yet and I was quick to confess to him that I had no idea they even had new material. He assured me I was going to enjoy it and that I did. The new tunes they played live that night were incredible. After their set, I made sure I secured a copy of their new release on vinyl for future listening.

It’s been about 2 weeks now since I purchased that Banquets self-titled release and I am pretty sure I have listened to it at least once a day. With 5 months left in the year, I have already moved this album up to my top 10 list for 2013. There is no question in my mind that it will remain there. This is definitely a surprise release for me this year.

All the tracks on this album were full of countless hooks and catchy lyrics that make for anthem-like jams music lovers can easily absorb and appreciate. “Call It A Comeback” proved to be one of my favorite tracks on the album with the group vocals throughout and Travis Omilian’s singing style. “Fade From Gold” was also a solid song that deserves to be heard.

I liked their prior release, Top Shelf, Bottom Shelf, a whole lot, but I absolutely adore this album. Hopefully you all are already privy to this and if not, now is the time to check them out. Think old Gaslight Anthem and Loved Ones leaning towards more of a rock sound in a good, good way.

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

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

10 May, 2013 Brian Mc Leave a comment

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

31 March, 2013 Brian Mc 1 Comment

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.