Posted on AlterThePress.com in April 2011.
Since their (semi-)breakthrough hit with ‘Save The Word (Get The Girl)’, The King Blues have lost a few members and seemed to gain some at the same time, nevertheless as ‘Punk & Poetry’shows the bands origins are still firmly in tact. These origins being made up of ska, punk, reggae and folk as well as being politically motivated.
The bands anti-Government is instantly shown with ‘We Are Fucking Angry’ with frontman Itch stating “Cut the bankers, cut the MP’s, Cut the rich and the riot police, Cut the state and cut the war, But they cut the poor.” As expected the band are musically aggressive (something that isn’t often seen by The King Blues.)
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(Source: alterthepress.com)
Posted on AlterThePress.com in April 2011.
For some this full-length from the Scottish rockers have long overdue. Since releasing ‘Vivarium’ towards the end of 2009, the band have combing their time with touring and recording this record, ‘Free’. Its a record that ultimately extends the bands longevity and overall appeal.
Although the opener, ‘Edit Me’ is somewhat sub-par the driving guitars and if you’re familiar with Twin Atlantic you know what you’re getting. ‘Time For You To Stand Up’ brings the album alive with Sam McTrusty’s strong Scottish tongue taking centre stage during the soaring chorus. Whilst ‘Apocalyptic Renegade’ keeps up the momentum, as producer Gil Norton’s work has added a large, arena-size feel to the bands sound.
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(Source: alterthepress.com)
Posted on AlterThePress.com in May 2011.
Every few years a band comes along who consistently produce superb after superb release with ‘Simple Math’, Manchester Orchestra solidify this statement as their third full-length sees the Atlanta band further cult-like legacy.
Unlike previous releases, the band open in a delicate yet warming manner in the form of ‘Deer’ which subtly stirs up with light instrumentation whilst Andy Hull’s poignant words draw you. Understandably its not the passionate opener that fans have come a costumed to, but thankfully ‘Mighty’ wakes up the album with rough undertone, dramatic orchestral strings and an overall strong structure that is a stark reminder of what makes Manchester Orchestra so great.
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(Source: alterthepress.com)
Posted on AlterThePress.com in May 2011.
After releasing several EP’s and a split release with Tigers Jaw, Doylestown, PA’s Balance and Composure are now ready to unleash their first full-length with ‘Separation’, a record that surpasses any expectations and sees the band making a huge statement of intent.
Opening up with ‘Void’ a stirring, atmospheric number that builds to a satisfying melodic pay off and ultimately sets the tone for the rest of the album. The title track kicks in immediately with urgency with Jonathan Simmons’ warming and suitable vocals adding to the bands appeal, whilst the bands structured post-hardcore/indie style is shown in a good light. Its a style that is somewhat open and does falter by being too heavy thus allowing the band to sensibly show their melodic side, something that continues throughout the record.
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(Source: alterthepress.com)
Posted on AlterThePress.com in June 2011.
Since releasing ‘This Will Be the Death of Us’ in 2009, it doesn’t feel like San Francisco Bay Area’s Set Your Goals have been away; constantly touring on both sides of the Atlantic. Nevertheless Set Your Goals have returned with their third full-length, ‘Burning at Both Ends’, a record that fixes the flaws of the former and on the whole is a more melodic and well-rounded.
Kicking off with ‘Cure For Apathy’, the six-piece instantly bring the energetic pop punk that is expected from the band, along with a bold and very favorable chorus, as ‘Burning at Both Ends’ is a record that delivers catchy hooks in abundance; from ‘Start The Reactor’ with its gang vocals to the driving, stomping tempo of‘Certain’, Set Your Goals are firmly in their stride from the start.
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(Source: alterthepress.com)
Posted on AlterThePress.com in June 2011.
Despite a name change (from Cynics) and the transformation from a solo act to a trio, Great Cynics’ debut full-length is the perfect follow up to last year’s ‘Stones I’ve Thrown’. Ten songs of honest and laid back punk rock made for lazy summer days.
Throughout Giles Bidder shows a sense of realism; on ‘Nightcaps’he sings “open my eyes without a reason, I just get up because it’s sunny outside” whilst the rest of the band provide a bright, loose and upbeat style that bounces along at a good pace.
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(Source: alterthepress.com)
Posted on AlterThePress.com in June 2011.
Last years ‘The Upsides’ opened many doors for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s The Wonder Years. Most notably it saw the band jump over to Hopeless Records (the vinyl release is still on the bands old label - No Sleep Records.) However despite it a new home, ‘Suburbia I’ve Given You All and Now I’m Nothing’ thankfully picks up where ‘The Upsides’ and in places takes it to another level.
As always, vocalist Dan “Soupy” Campbell and company pull off the task of documenting their life in and outside of the band brilliantly well. On ‘Came Out Swinging’ Campbell sings; “I spent this year as a ghost, and I’m not sure where home is anymore” whilst the his band mates back up with a radiant and focused pop punk energy that does not distract and leaves you hanging on Soupy’s every word.
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(Source: alterthepress.com)
Posted on AlterThePress.com in June 2011.
With bands like All Time Low, you more or less know what to expect; fun, catchy pop-rock that is made for the masses and their major label debut, ‘Dirty Work’ is no different.
Opener ‘Do You Want Me (Dead?)’ sets the tone with its punchy, glossy tone that after a few listens has you helplessly singing along. Nevertheless All Time Low quickly show their goal for this record; quick and slickly produced radio-friendly hits with little to no space for variation. Lead off single ‘I Feel Like Dancin’ is terribly off putting yet has the appeal to become a guilty pleasure, and its accompanying music video dosen’t help the bands cause.
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(Source: alterthepress.com)
Posted on AlterThePress.com in May 2011.
Over the past 12 months, both La Dispute and Koji have been gathering a strong following, and with a close friendship between the band and the singer, this 12” split is an ideal release.
On the La Dispute half, ‘Sunday Morning, at a Funeral’ provides a soft, dreary opening that slowly picks up pace but never quite gives the pull off you expect. Nevertheless, the bands musicianship makes the admirable and gives a good idea of what La Dispute are about. Whereas ‘Last Blues’ shows the bands ability to stir up strong emotion at times, however the scarce use of Jordan Dreyer’s vocals in places give the track an empty feel. However when Dreyer is brilliantly used, he is able to provide a reaction and an overall intense feeling.
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(Source: alterthepress.com)
Published in Stencil Magazine: Issue 7 on May 20th 2011.
Album Review: Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
Album Review: Sileverstein - Rescue
