April 10, 2007

Tim Barry Rivanna Junction [4/5] As freak-folk confounds America and folk-punk becomes as conventional a notion as pop-punk, there’s no doubt we’re in the middle of some kind of folk revival. Against this trendy backdrop, the leader of Richmond, Virginia’s melodic hardcore vets Avail has released an honest, unhyphenated folk album, among the best of...

Tenacious D The Pick Of Destiny [3/5] Just when we thought we might never hear Ronnie James Dio and Meat Loaf trading verses on the same song, Tenacious D bring us "Kickapoo," the leadoff track from the band’s second album, which doubles as the soundtrack to the movie it shares a name with. And the...

Incubus Light Grenades [3/5] Incubus have been a bit off the radar: Their most recent album was 2004’s A Crow Left Of The Murder, and they haven’t done any significant touring in over two years. Light Grenades is the band’s official reemergence on the scene, and it serves up a nice balance of loud rockers-particularly...

Vains Of Jenna Lit Up/Let Down [2/5] This band’s got everything-great hair, street-hardened looks, bandanas and expertly faded Jack Daniels T-shirts-Vains Of Jenna are literally perfect, except that it’s not 1987, and there’s absolutely nothing original about them in 2006. The first release on Bam Margera’s (yes, that Bam) new label Filthy Note Music, VOJ...

The Transit War Miss Your Face [3/5] The Transit War have more going for them then owning one of the oddest band names in recent history. But after a listen to the proximity-centric Miss Your Face, it’s obvious the band’s name reflects their obsession with the “what” and “where” of life. That is, songs like...

Locksley Don’t Make Me Wait [4/5] After grunge broke, did everyone in England start wearing flannel and cease showering for the next decade? Selective memory prevents most Brits from answering that question, but years later it’s we Yanks biting on all things wiry and infectious, so long as they carry the proper accent. Brooklyn-based Locksley,...

Last Conservative Pretty New Things [3/5] In the ’90s, the Goo Goo Dolls emerged from Buffalo, New York, to become the quintessential mainstream-friendly, meat-and-potatoes alt-rock band-one that possessed a sure touch with a ballad, as well -of their decade. Ten years later, it’s Last Conservative’s turn. Produced by the Dolls’ Robby Takac (who also signed...

Klaxons Xan Valleys EP [4/5] Listening to the Klaxons makes you want to go to a party. Not just any party, but a huge blowout bash with bright, colorful lights, glow sticks hanging around everyone’s neck and a packed, sweaty dance floor where the raucous U.K. trio’s frantic beats and prancing synth has got the...

Foo Fighters Skin And Bones [3/5] As they say in the movie biz, let’s cut to the chase: Do you like Foo Fighters? Then you will absolutely love Skin And Bones. The disc is compiled from their three sold-out performances at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles this past August. The sound quality is top...