Contributions
Bréag Naofa - Bréag Naofa
Bréag Naofa Bréag Naofa It's important to remember that Neurosis were at one point, literally speaking, a post-hardcore band. They formed as a crust punk-influenced act who eventually embraced heavier, doomier and more ambient metal atmospheres, so much so that they came to be known as one of the originators of “post-metal.” Literally speaking, Bréag […]
High Dive - High Dive
High Dive High Dive High Dive are an indie-punk project comprised of singer/songwriter Toby Foster and two members of folk-punk superstars Defiance, Ohio. While their self-titled debut is nimble and playful, and runs just a little over 20 minutes, it has plenty of meaning. Foster's solo musings tend to center around the difficulties of being openly […]
Sonic Avenues - Television Youth
Sonic Avenues Television Youth Sonic Avenues' sophomore full-length delivers more of the classic punk sound they've been rejuvenating for a few years. Hell, even its title, Television Youth, conjures thoughts of a ’70s cultural rebellion against the increasing presence of television in the family home. As dated as that might make Television Youth sound, its […]
Anthony Raneri - New Cathedrals EP
Anthony Raneri New Cathedrals EP Anthony Raneri's cultivated a dedicated fanbase over the last decade with his band, Bayside, who have delivered one solid album after another of their biting, emotional, melodic rock. After how well the band's 2006 acoustic EP was received, it's surprising it took even this long for Raneri to offer hungry […]
Troubled Coast - I've Been Thinking About Leaving You EP
Troubled Coast I’ve Been Thinking About Leaving You EP Having started out playing derivative hardcore, California’s Troubled Coast are now barely a shade of their old selves. More interesting layers and nuances have complemented each release, and their progression culminates in this impressive four-song offering on Pure Noise Records. Even during the band's improvement, there […]
Grey Area/The Reveling/The Copyrights/Luther - 4-Way Split
Grey Area/The Reveling/The Copyrights/Luther 4-Way Split Black Numbers' four-way split acts as a primer in underappreciated melodic punk, and it spans from long-running veterans Grey Area to newcomers Luther. Each get a pair of songs to make their mark. Grey Area's recent split with Go Rydell provided hungry fans an idea of what the band […]
Daylight - The Difference In Good And Bad Dreams EP
Daylight The Difference In Good And Bad Dreams EP There are a couple indications on Daylight's newest release, The Difference In Good And Bad Dreams, that the band are moving forward from their deeply depressing, Small Brown Bike-indebted sound of yore. One is when they harmonize on opener “On The Way To Dad’s” that they're […]
Young English - I Hate My Friends EP
Young English I Hate My Friends EP Young English are at a crossroads with I Hate My Friends, their debut EP for Panic Records, Much of it is generic (though admittedly competent) pop-punk, but sprinkled in are welcomed doses of more thoughtful, emotional rock. Take the opening 23 seconds of the first track, “Neighbors”: There's […]
Mouthbreather/Worn In Red - Split EP
Mouthbreather/Worn In Red Split EP This split between a pair of reliable, enjoyable Virginia acts has been in the works for more than a year, but is only now seeing a proper release. It's a platter of sonic, creative fury that's mostly worth the wait. Mouthbreather are up first, and unfortunately, it's their farewell material. […]