#244 - Forever The Sickest Kids
Forever The Sickest Kids Anberlin The Gaslight Anthem Atreyu Alkaline Trio Jaguar Love Senses Fail The Bronx Rise Against The Maine
#244 – February 2010
IN THE RAG >>>
FOREVER THE SICKEST KIDS
The six-headed Dallas/Fort Worth party monster have gained traction in the hearts of many with their loopy, feel-good pop. Rachel Lux traces the band’s roots, catches up with their hijinks and wonders exactly how long “forever” is, anyway.
FEATURES >>>
RISE AGAINST
When lead singer Tim McIlrath started “the fourth-best punk band in the world,” he hoped the outfit would be as popular as his heroes in Hot Water Music. Talk about overachieving….
ANBERLIN
After six years of operating in the indie music scene, the pathologically friendly quintet have made the jump to the major leagues. Not surprisingly, it’s everything they’ve wanted, barring a few more showers.
THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM
At a time when many new bands are influenced by acts celebrating their fifth anniversary together, this New Jersey aggregate decided to go back 50 years for inspiration. Ironically, the Gaslight Anthem sound remarkably more contemporary.
SPECIALS >>>
THE RETURN OF THE ART BRUTES
Last year, we put the spotlight on rockers who were creating visual art in their time away from stage and studio. The response to the feature was so positive, we’re doing it again. This month, members of Alkaline Trio, Atreyu, the Bronx, Jaguar Love and Nora display their mad skills with everything from acrylics to X-Acto knives.
GAME BOYS: AP’s VIDEO GAMES SPECIAL
Sure, you love to play video games, but have you ever thought about what goes into creating them? AP chats with the programmers and producers behind Rock Band, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, God Of War and Wanted to find out just how nerdy the gamerz community really is (or isn’t).
SECTIONS >>>
INCOMING: LOVE LETTERS, HATE MAIL & SOUND ADVICE
OPINION
Rock For Health’s Kristina Grossman talks about the importance of health care coverage for musicians in Op-Ed; and everyone from Chiodos to the Devil Wears Prada (and you, of course) tell us if “good” is the new “bad” in the AP Poll.
NEW RELEASES
We preview albums from Of Montreal, Hatebreed and more; and In The Studio checks up on Lamb Of God, the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and Saosin.
WIRETAPPING
Yeah, school’s already well underway. But how are geometric algorithms and the Treaty Of Versailles supposed to help you get your band off the ground? For that lesson plan, you need to study our AP: DIY section for tips and guidance from people who have been (and are) there. This month, your professors will be the members and crew of Motion City Soundtrack, New Found Glory, Blessthefall, the Academy Is… and Reel Big Fish. AP&R introduces you to eight unsigned bands who may not stay that way for long; Chalkboard Confessional talks inspiration with Jenny Lewis; we catch up with Andrew McMahon of Jack’s Mannequin for an exclusive interview; and Hydra Head gets the Label Profile treatment.
AP RECOMMENDS
Do you like to know the “next big thing” while everyone else is jocking the last big thing? Then you need to familiarize yourself with the Maine, Future Of The Left and Good Old War immediately.
AP STYLE
Style is as style does-AP just provides the road map. This month, we check in with Pete Wentz and Clandestine Industries. Also featured are election-inspired swag and products made by illustrious musicians.
SCREENING
This section is not yet rated, but it does include conversations with Kat Dennings and Clark Duke, plus info on what you need to see in theaters or add to your Netflix queue this month.
REVIEWS
October? More like Octo-brrrr! (Yes, we’ll be using that joke for the next two months, too, so get used to it.) Stop by the AP Record Store to take advantage of our central heat, as well as new reviews for Senses Fail, Off With Their Heads, the Pink Spiders, Annuals, Trivium, the Mighty Underdogs, Bayside, Unearth, Jonezetta, Deerhunter and more; our In-Store Sessions with Chris Wollard, Fucked Up, Ben Folds and Dear And The Headlights will get your blood pumping; keep your good circulation up with our classic-rock and classic-punk columns on Frank Zappa and the Pagans; and top it all off with Playlist, Collector’s Corner, Readers Chart and Listening Station.
10 ESSENTIAL SONGS TO PWN ASS AT HALO 3 WITH
Grab a six-pack of Game Fuel and fire up your iTunes library; it’s time to assemble the perfect soundtrack for a virtual ass-kicking. AP’s resident Master Chief, Casey Lynch, helps you prep your playlist for decibel-driven domination.
