http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/ Stale & Juvenille Reviews since 2006 en Copyright 2009 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:53:28 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=3.2ysb5-20051201 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss The Prozacs - “Playing the chords we love” – I’m happy to say that The Prozacs are back with a new album. This album combines every aspect of music there is to be enjoyed, harmonizing whoa ohs’ in “Isolation”, hand claps in “Forever”, mild solos through out, well timed back vocals, and of course more hooks than Bass Pro Shop. The Prozacs have a new line up and it seems to have re-energized The Prozacs sound. The basic musical foundation is the same as it has always been, wide stance poppy 3 chord ballads, but “Playing the chords we love” takes a step back from The Prozacs last release “Questions, Answers & Things Never Found" and digs down deep and pulls out a variety of sounds, techniques, and fun that really comes out in this album. Adding the female backup vocals through out the album makes for a great addition to the album. This is definitely by far the best Prozacs album to date, which I think has put them on the next level as a band. There’s variety, hooks, energy, good song writing and just overall positive energy. I would put “What I Am” (Which is pretty much just one big hook of a song), “Attack! “(Throws everything at you including the kitchen sink), & “The Jam” s the top songs on this release. If you’re looking for solid grassroots pop punk album, than this is album is for you. 4.5/5]]> http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/the_prozacs_playing_the_chords.html http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/the_prozacs_playing_the_chords.html Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:53:28 +0000 Dogflesh – “Vision Of Hell” – To be honest when I first took a look at the cover of this album combined with their name “Dogflesh”& album title “Vision Of Hell” I thought I was going to be tortured with reviewing a death metal band. So when I heard the crusty punk sound of Dogflesh I was pleasantly surprised. Musically, Dogflesh are similar to the early UK Subs, but where UK Subs spit out balls of fiery rage, Dogflesh lighten their lyrical bile with sardonic humor. The music is rooted in the typical Oi! punk influences: the Sham 69, Cock Sparrer, and early UK Subs. It's melodic, punchy, and fast, delivering the necessary bite without ever becoming too abrasive or sugary for the average crusty punk. 3.5/5]]> http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/dogflesh_vision_of_hell.html http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/dogflesh_vision_of_hell.html Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:51:40 +0000 The Pogo - “Just a bunch of fucking punks” - http://www.myspace.com/3pogopunx Lots of drunken Oi! fueled anthems that have a middle-finger response to everything within society's boundaries. “Just a bunch of fucking punks” re-establishes the faith that there are still bands out there that can pull off the sound of old school 1977 Brit punk like it was meant to be heard; Loud, pissed off, & obnoxious-- a rarity in the world of over-polished mall punk. Some of the stand out songs on this seventeen song album are; ”Psycho Bitch”, “I Hate You”, & “Bobby Was A Bastard”. This album could have probably been reduced down to 10 or 11 songs to filter out some of the filler songs, but no harm, no foul. Overall this album is doused with anti-establishment attitude and more crust than a pizzeria. 4/5]]> http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/the_pogo_just_a_bunch_of_fucki.html http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/the_pogo_just_a_bunch_of_fucki.html Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:50:04 +0000 Be My Doppelganger – “Sonic Annihilation” 7” – Be My Doppelganger is one of those bands that I know I’ve heard and liked the songs I heard, but never actually sat down and listened to. I’ve been meaning to for a long time now, but just never got around to it until It’s Alive Records sent me this 7”. Son of a mother was I missing out on a fun band. The first song on this record “Get in line” is pretty hilarious & “Turning & Seventeen” is my favorite song on the record and is just really well written and addictingly catchy. Even though they’re a bunch of beardos they put out some solid records. This 4 song 7” is must have for any fans of Be My Doppleganger and/or fans of The Dopamines, Dear Landlord, or any other hairy faced hobo band. The music that It’s Alive Records puts out continues to amaze me.4/5 But it at, www.itsaliverecords.com http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/be_my_doppelganger_sonic_annih.html http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/be_my_doppelganger_sonic_annih.html Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:48:29 +0000 Dopamines/Till Plains Split 7” – The Dopamines continue to amaze me with their goodness. I haven’t heard a song they’ve done that I dislike. Sure I like some more than others, but WOW their songs are infectious. With this split they show another side of themselves by introducing an acoustic laden song with “You Must Be Joking” that combines acoustic into and exit with a sped up (not acoustic) creamy center. The lyrics to “You must be joking” are a well written story many can relate to. On the B side Till Plains makes their debut to the world (along with Soapy Hand Records debut). I just couldn’t really get into them. That’s not to say they’re a bad or crappy band, nothing really pulled me in enough to pay attention. Maybe it’s how the instrumentals over-power the vocals on it or if the vocals just aren’t interesting. I don’t know they just sound like so-so filler on this record, but on the other-hand sound like they could be a great live band. The jury is still out for me with Till Plains, but as far as this split goes they didn’t tickle my fancy. This record is obviously worth having in your collection solely based upon the Dopamines songs and Till Plains might interest you. 3.5/5]]> http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/dopaminestill_plains_split_7.html http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/dopaminestill_plains_split_7.html Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:46:37 +0000 Zatopeks/Accelerators split 7” – The accelerators really are one of the best pop punk bands in the European scene right now. They have energy, grit, and a solid presents. “I don’t want to know” Ox Accelerator has a great voice that has enough angst/snottiness/ and/or attitude (whatever you want to call it) mixed with the ability to harmonize nicely with bands aggressive pop punk style….The Zatopeks on the Z side of the record combine their refined mellowed pop punk sound with a touch of their revved up pace with Scum on the river. Really the Zatopeks just keep putting out solid releases filled with their signature harmony and solid instrumental sounds. Combing the amazing consistently solid sounds of The Zatopeks with the youthful brashness of the Accelerators on this album puts it in my top five 7” of 2008. Really with great bands like The Zatopeks and The Accelerators, playing great songs can you really go wrong? 5/5]]> http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/zatopeksaccelerators_split_7.html http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/zatopeksaccelerators_split_7.html Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:44:41 +0000 World War IX – “Brown Bagging It” 7” - http://www.myspace.com/worldwarix - First I have to note that the Packaging for this 7” is A-1 prime cuts solid. It’s a brown paper bag with black print that looks hand done with a black marker. Visually, it really just makes the record stand out from the bunch, but you can’t judge a book by its cover. Or can you? One of the coolest things about World War IX is that you can hear all of their musical influences, but not once do you get the impression that they are trying to play music like them. You can hear the influence of GG Allin, Circle Jerks, and Angry Samoans in each of their songs, but just enough to make you interested. This record is just straight up punk rock, with no message or underlying rockstar admirations. The music on this record is the reason that I love punk rock. It’s politically incorrect, fast, and obnoxious set to drunken sing along fun. I’d say if you like bands such as the Circle Jerks, Angry Samoans, Murphy’s Law, or The Meatmen you will with out a doubt be into World War IX. As a bonus Justin Melkmann (the guitarist for World War IX) included some great magazine quality punk rock comic books. Each is hilariously put together with plenty of adult humor and politically incorrect sarcasm. Plus one of the issues is solely dedicated to GG Allin, which in himself was complete comedy gold. These comics are much better/ entertaining than anything you’ll find in Maximum Rock-n-Roll or Razorcake. I highly recommend picking up “Brown Bagging it” and a comic book or two for a double penetration of mental entertainment. 4.5/5 ]]> http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/world_war_ix_brown_bagging_it.html http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/world_war_ix_brown_bagging_it.html Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:43:08 +0000 Knockout Theory – “Killing the past” - http://www.myspace.com/knockouttheory - Knockout Theory is a highly politicized band, although never given to polemics. Over the albums 11 tracks, the band strike out against a wide range of issues, while interweaving environmental, economic, and social concerns into their politically conscious concerns. What sets them apart from their equally radicalized brethren is the band's ability to personalize politics. This all may have lit a fire under me 20 years ago, but at this point in my life the melodic approach to this material just bores me. During the intro song on the album “Melancholy” Knockout Theory’s singer has a touch of a “grunge” sound to his voice, which in no way is meant to be a compliment. Really as I listen I would more likely categorize this song as more Alternative Rock than a melodic punk song. Ok luckily only “Melancholy” really has that awful Seattle sound, but that’s not to say that this warped tour side stage band is worth listening to. Overall the songs tend to be over produced and over sung. The singer’s voice just doesn’t have the range it seems their trying to reach (on most of the songs) and well that sound isn’t good anyway. I did however find a needle in the haystack with “Miss Antarctica” which eliminates all the bullshit and lets them just jam out with solid passion and a sense of true identity. Sadly, this is the only song that I can find on this album that I would consider listening to again. Sorry Charley this one’s a cold fish. 2.5/5]]> http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/knockout_theory_killing_the_pa.html http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/knockout_theory_killing_the_pa.html Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:41:18 +0000 CDCP – “040” hate brigade” - www.myspace.com/completedrunxandchaospunx - Combining punk, hardcore, and metal, “040 hate Brigade” is a 5 song introduction to CDCP. While some of the lyrical material may be elementary with lyrics of hate and alienation its 100% punk rock shoved in your face with fiery and rage. Throaty, rich vocals emphasize the material, making it all the more real and the pain even more legitimate. Nice, fat grooves and plenty of fast beats make this a great success for the band and more importantly for the fans of punk and hardcore. While this style isn’t incredibly original, hardcore has never been known for its innovation, and thusly for their field, CDCP grind their axes quite proficiently.3/5 http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/cdcp_040_hate_brigade.html http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/cdcp_040_hate_brigade.html Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:38:23 +0000 Killradio – “Good Americans” - http://www.myspace.com/killradio - I think the name is supposed to be sarcastic. I only say that because everything I hear in this band is made for commercial radio. The lyrics follow the general trend of safe governmental disobedience; really the political satire has been played out pretty heavily over the past eight years. Believe you me I think our country has been exploited and run into the ground by a shitty president, but the song writing on this album is made to exploit the state of political arena for the sale of records. The songs on this album have a clash-ish rock-n-roll dub sound , which to me is just scenester indie rock Unfortunately, they sound like a parody of a punk band, that is all formulaic, tired radio produced “punk rock” that doesn't have the aggression or purpose. I sure they'll show up on a Warp Tour side stage preaching about fighting the good fight or some other bullshit clique. 2.5/5 http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/killradio_good_americans.html http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/killradio_good_americans.html Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:36:32 +0000 Rebel Dead – “S/T” - http://www.myspace.com/therebeldeadrnr – Formally “The Devilles” I don’t know what happened to cause the name change, but Rebel Dead are just as good as they were when they were The Devilles. The Devilles made one of my favorite rockabilly-ish songs ever “Johnny Sings The Blues” (Not just because of the name either, fuck face). As far as rock-n-roll. Rockabilly-ish music goes, Rebel Dead have this shit down to a science. The guitars sound lean, sharp, and powerful; the vocals are better controlled than ever before; and the drums have a tight snap that suits both the punkier songs as well as the slower, blusier tunes. I’m not a huge rockabilly guy, but if I was Rebel Dead would probably be one of my favorite bands of all time. The band tears through a fair share of rollicking, straight-ahead hard rock with songs like "I Got It Bad" and "Break Me Down" but they also show a reflective, heartfelt, country-inspired side with songs like "Bottomed Out" and not to forget the blue collar classic, “Cheers, Fuck Face”(the best title on the album). If your girlfriend looks like a pin up girl or your boyfriend’s idol is Mike Ness, this album is a must have for your collection. Otherwise regular listeners to Rockabilly or fans of bar room gang vocal rock songs will more than likely enjoy this album. 4/5]]> http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/rebel_dead_st.html http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/rebel_dead_st.html Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:33:42 +0000 Bulldozer – “The Hammers” http://www.myspace.com/bulldozerrocks - At first glance I assumed that Bulldozer was a straight edge NYHC band in the vein of Judge or someone like that. I did get one thing right, they are from New York City. Bulldozer though is one of those bands that doesn’t really fit the mold for any single sub-genre of punk music. So we’ll start a new sub-genre for them and others that fall under the same categorizing “problem” (only as far as review or hipster music arguments is it really a problem),we will forever going forward call this Mutt Punk. Just like the dogs of similar generalization they have a mix of many breeds/influences. As far as Bulldozer goes there’s a little Rockabilly, some straight up punk rock, hardcore and a small touch of some hard rock in their musical DNA. No matter how huge and bludgeoning the guitar chords are, there is a clear sense of space and restrain in each of the songs on this album. Overall the album couldn’t keep my attention long enough to really get into them, but there are a few songs worth mentioning. “Panty Sniffer” is alright and made me smirk a few times; Guido Beach lyrically is funny, especially if you’ve ever been to the New Jersey or New York shore. Otherwise there really isn’t a song that I would consider memorable. Not bad, just not memorable.]]> http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/bulldozer_the_hammers.html http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/bulldozer_the_hammers.html Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:30:25 +0000 Dead Birds & Blind Kids – “If It Bleeds...We Can Kill It”-Dead Birds & Blind Kids doesn't pull any punches on “ If It Bleeds...We Can Kill It”, packing a surprising amount of heart and thoughtfulness into 15 blazing tracks of Vindictives inspired pop-punk. There's a definite Chicago feel to their sound, though the guys use their time to address various sources of dorky subject matter such as Aquaman, Zombies, Werewolves, Princess Leia, and a few others, instead of merely days whining about their brokenhearts and the girl that got away.. Dead Birds & Blind Kids is as disillusioned as the next band, but their frontman articulates the lyrics in such a direct and concise manner (coupled with his fierce and unwavering delivery) that songs come off more empowered and defiant than just angst-ridden or dorky. Especially coupled with the minimal production, songs like "Sympathy for Aquaman " and " Bill O'Reilly / it's clobberin' time " evoke images of '90s acts like The Vandals or, at times, an early Guttermouth, while " That's how much I fucking hate your guts " delve into The Vindictives terrain with its powerfully sarcastic and witty, well written lyrics(which turn up throughout the album). With most songs hovering around the two-minute mark and many barely even making that, the band proves that 30 minutes is really all the time one needs to make an impression. “If It Bleeds...We Can Kill It” is a definite throwback to the days when Epitaph and Fat Wreck reigned supreme and were worth listening to. Miss those days? Dead Birds & Blind Kids is here with vigor to take you back. http://www.myspace.com/deadbirdsandblindkids ]]> http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/dead_birds_blind_kids_if_it_bl.html http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/dead_birds_blind_kids_if_it_bl.html Mon, 01 Dec 2008 03:38:00 +0000 The Fake Boys- “Pop Punk Is Dead” – I wish I could tell you that “Pop Punk Is Dead” was just a sarcastic tag line. This album however The Fake Boys really did kill any bit of Pop Punk that they once possessed. It seems that The Fake Boys have moved more in the direction of College Radio Indie Rock, “Pop Punk Is Dead” seems to have morphed the once poppy sound of The Fake Boys into the confluence of new wave, post-punk, and early alternative rock. Although it could be arty, it isn't quite as experimental or detached as much post-punk; and where much early alternative/American underground rock is rooted in punk. I can’t say that The Fake Boys are bad, just not something I can wrap my arms around and embrace. They combine jagged, roaring guitars and stop-start dynamics with melodic pop hooks, turning convention inside out, melding punk and indie guitar rock, classic pop, surf rock, and stadium-sized riffs with fragmented lyrics. The more I listen I realize that the thing that really makes The Fake Boys sound Indie Rock is the elongated syllables of the words as they are sung, giving them an almost whiney pitch. So to sum it up The Fake Boys aren’t a band I can listen to, but fans of bands such as; Husker Du, Sonic Youth, and XTC would eat this album up like a fat man in a candy factory. www.myspace.com/thefakeboys ]]> http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/the_fake_boys_pop_punk_is_dead.html http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/the_fake_boys_pop_punk_is_dead.html Mon, 01 Dec 2008 03:36:17 +0000 Watch Your Step – “Taking you down with me II” – Basic hardcore punk rock with only two songs going over two minutes and each song is a fast-paced punk slugfest, geared toward the group's angry young male fan base. The album's speedy kinetic energy and lyrical content indicate a large Hatebreed influence. Watch Your Step, gives their compositions the New York City treatment, meaning there are mosh-ready breakdowns and an overall heaviness that is present in most hardcore punk these days. I enjoy the energetic gang vocals on “Take you down with me”. Otherwise there isn’t much to this album that stands out from the rest of the hardcore community. A majority of the songs are laced with predictable hooks, but there are a few stand out songs worth checking out such as “Not Your Friend”, “Your Golden Rule”. The best song on the album, “War More Than Peace” is just fast as hell down your throat with thrash power riffs that you can’t stop from getting your blood pumping. Overall “Taking you down with me II” is good, not great, but well worth checking out. www.watchyourstephc.com ]]> http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/watch_your_step_taking_you_dow.html http://punkrockreview.org/blog1/2008/12/watch_your_step_taking_you_dow.html Mon, 01 Dec 2008 03:34:35 +0000