Review: The Firebird Band – The Setting Sun And Its Satellites
Incredibly diverse and intelligent indie rock. Name-dropping singer Chris Broach (whose previous band Braid broke much ground in the emo/indie rock world) should give a touch point to the warm direction The Firebird Band is heading.
Review: Vue – Vue|SP465
Lot’s of “Ohs,” “Ows,” and “Heys” pock the vocalists singing who sounds like Gwar’s lead singer, Dave Brockie, doing his best Iggy Pop impersonation. Thus, the ultimate irritation with this album has been dealt with.
Review: The Angoras – Self-titled
If you’re looking for light, friendly pop punk with a slight surfer sound lean to it then you need look no further than The Angoras.
Review: Earth Crisis – Slither
Metallic hard-core that has grown out of its tag and is pushing to further define heaviness. Riff jumping across ripping guitars, rumble low end bass and interjected doses of vocalist Karl Buechner’s best attempt at a Burton Bell (Fear Factory) howl, Earth Crisis put a lot of effort into the construction of their rage.
Review: Jimmy Eat World – Singles
After the brewha surrounding Jimmy Eat World’s last CD, “Clarity” (which sold well and was a darling among the critics), the band was still released from its contract with Capitol (oops, they’ll regret that one). Until a new home for the band is found, Big Wheel Rec has released, “Singles” which is a collection of cuts from 7-inches and compilation rarities that form a less-heard retrospect of the bands career.
Review: Apollyon Sun – Sub
“Apollyon” as far as I can discern is some sort of destroyer demon who lays waste to whatever needs waste laid on it. “Sun,” as far as I’ve been able to gather is the bright shiny hot thing in the sky. Together, “Apollyon” and “Sun” would seem to signify a sun of destruction as opposed to the sun as a warming, giver of life. Perhaps the band wishes to also be viewed from this aspect, as something good, but also with the potential for great awfulness.
Review: Rev. Neil Down – American Friend
I drove from Los Angeles to Las Vegas last month. I brought along fifteen or twenty of my most trusty CDs for the excursion, but I was unable to find one that matched the mood of the long, desolate trip down Interstate 15. If only I’d had Rev. Neil Down’s “American Friend” along for the ride-the best rockabilly album I’ve heard in, well…ever, I guess.
Review: The Hives – Veni Vidi Vicious
What the hell is going on in Sweden? Here’s another fine band from the chunk of land best known for a bikini team, whatever the fuck that is. At first, this Epitaph/Burning Heart release sounds a bit like the musical sex child of Iggy Pop and Tanner (seminal San Diego band), with the vocals by Joshua Todd’s kid brother.
Review: The Vandals – Look What I Almost Stepped In…
Dumb punks. (Not stupid just dumb). It takes a clever wit to construct the mentality that surrounds the Vandals approach at making a song. Which is typified by fast punk chops, laced with a pop sensibility and occasionally interjected with a breakdown of intentional reworking fluff (but all done with conviction).
Review: Leona Naess – Comatised
It’s so soft and pretty, I can hardly keep the rainy Sunday shivers away as I listen calmly. The album begins with a warm hum of a track called, “Lazy Days” that is mostly a shuffling cymbal, a kids keyboard and Leona Naess proclaiming, “Wide eyed and stupid, I’m waiting for the arrows of cupid (your love)”. Endearing and put together with a subtle charm. Now, why she couldn’t keep this mentality throughout this disk is a pity.