Eight years is a long time for a band to be away. However California’s No Motiv have returned with a new EP,‘Winterlong’ and after such a lengthy period away, they sound refreshed and hungry as they deliver six alt-rock songs that are well-executed.
‘Beginning From the End’ and ‘Dead as the Day’ carry themselves along with an upbeat tempo and confident vocals from Jeremy Palaszewski.
Published in Stencil Magazine: Issue 12 on March 20th 2012.
“Plans Within Plans” is Bremerton, Washington’s MxPx’s ninth studio album and with a career now stretching nearly 20 years, the pop-punk group aren’t showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon, as “Plans Within Plans” is 13 songs of blistering, energetic punk that unfortunately doesn’t dare to step out of its comfort zone.
Nevertheless long-time fans of the band won’t be disappointed as tracks like “Nothing Left” and “Best Of Times” are energetic, punchy numbers with irresistible choruses. Whereas “Stay On Your Feet” and “In The Past” have that thriving, raw punk attitude that the trio have continuously pulled off throughout their career.
(Source: issuu.com)
Published in Stencil Magazine: Issue 12 on March 20th 2012.
Having spent the best of part of eighteen months touring on and off in both America and the United Kingdom, Leamington Spa’s SHARKS are now set to release their debut full-length “No Gods.” With the record being released by currently popular Rise Records (Man Overboard, Transit, Of Mice and Men, Hot Water Music and more) and being produced by Brian McTernan (Polar Bear Club, Senses Fail, In Fear & Faith, Fireworks and We Are The Ocean,) their somewhat high expectations for “No Gods.”
For fans and critics, it’s a record that thankfully delivers in abundance. “Til The Wonders Rise” sets bar high from the start with sharp, punk rock riffs being combined well with James Mattock’s infectious vocal melodies.
Recent single “Arcane Effigies” is next and keeps up the momentum in a bold manner; pounding drums with an irresistible chorus that plain and simply leaves you hooked. It is something that the quartet showcase throughout “No Gods.”
(Source: issuu.com)
Published in Stencil Magazine: Issue 12 on March 20th 2012.
Nottingham-based band Swound! have quietly been making a name for themselves over the last few years with sporadic EP and single releases, all which have received favourable attention from a number of publications and websites, as well as an appearance on Nickelodeon’s Yo Gabba Gabba. Now in 2012, the quartet are ready to unleash their debut full-length ‘Into The Sea’ on their own label, The Gremlin Corporation.
For those who aren’t familiar with Swound!’s style, expect to hear a mix of feel-good rock that takes its inspiration from Weezer and The Pixies. From the start this is something that is apparent as tracks like ‘Your Kids Are Gonna Love It’ and ‘In My Head,’ back up this fact. Whilst ‘Tokyo’ shows the bands capabilities of producing catchy, guitar-driven songs that have plenty of appeal and satisfying harmonies.
(Source: issuu.com)
Posted on UnderTheGunReview.net on March 13th 2012.
Since forming in 2000, the career of Say Anything has been a rollercoaster ride; from the label bidding war following the release ofMenorah/Majora to the well-documented personal troubles of frontman Max Bemis to parting ways with RCA after releasing their 2009 self-titled album.
Now in 2012, Bemis and company have found a new home in Equal Vision Records, and along with it they have found much needed stability, as Anarchy, My Dear sees Say Anything producing a concise record with self-awareness and confidence.
Longtime fans will more than likely quickly fall for Anarchy…. From the start the band showcase that indie rock angst that they have consistently shown throughout numerous releases; ‘Burn A Miracle’ is a thriving punk-fuelled number that is bold and brash, and is an ideal opener.
Posted on UnderTheGunReview.net on March 7th 2012.
With both bands releasing well-received EP’s late last year, New York’s Pentimento and Young English have teamed up to release an eight-track split through Panic Records. For fans of both bands, this split sees them keeping up the momentum previous releases had. While for new fans, it is an ideal introduction.
Buffalo’s Pentimento open up the split with “L’esprit De Escalier (The Stairs),” a raw yet exuberant example of melodic punk rock; Jeramiah Pauly rough vocals combine well with the bands thick guitar riffs and complimentary drum work. Its an edgy, aggressive opener that makes the following track, “No Apology,” sound lighter.
It’s brighter tone and faster tempo give the band the ability to produce an approachable melody. Whereas “To The Bridge” keeps up the momentum with a thriving punk rock tempo and genuine, raw vocals from Pauly. Along with their appreciative, upbeat cover of Dashboard Confessional’s “The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most,” Pentimento are able to leave a valuable impression on their half of the split.
(Source: underthegunreview.net)
Posted on UnderTheGunReview.net on February 19th 2012.
After parting ways with Victory Records in July 2010, the future for Chicago pop-rockers The Audition was unknown; so much so that some fans were led to believe the band had called it a day. However now in February 2012, the band have returned albeit a slight line-up change; Joe Lussa has re-joined on bass and Jimmy Lopez has replaced the departed Seth Johnson on guitar. Nevertheless Chapter II sees a band that is refreshed and ready to take on the world.
With previous releases I have found The Audition to be slightly hit and miss, but on ‘Chapter II’ the band have produced a set of bold, blistering rock songs that prove to be striking with plenty of longevity.
Posted on Under The Gun Review on Sunday, January 15th 2012.
On first listen it’s clear why Boston’s The Saddest Landscape are part of the Topshelf Records roster, they have an abrasive post-hardcore sound that doesn’t hold back. It’s also no surprise that their past releases include split EP’s with Pianos Become The Teeth and We Were Skeletons, which should give you a general idea of what to expect with The Saddest Landscape.
Their latest release, ‘After The Lights’ is a blistering 24 minute tour-de-force of frantic post-hardcore screamo that instantly grabs your attention. ‘In Love With The Sound’ opens the record with delicate guitar plucks before bursting through with rolling, pummelling drums and stabbing guitars. It’s a combination that is instantaneous, and with the bands use of aggressive vocals, it adds to the bands overall energy and sets the tempo for what is to follow.
Posted on Play Crack The Sky Music on December 2nd, 2011.
Listening to “Neighbors,” the opening track from Young English’s new EP, “I Hate My Friends,” it is clear that the Orange County, New York band are influenced by post-millennium alt-pop rock bands such as Hot Rod Circuit, Saves The Day and The Get Up Kids. As “Neighbors” is a bright, thriving number that neatly sets the tone for this four-track release.
“Anchors” is next and keeps up the momentum, as Young English show an effective blend of melody and upbeat tempo. Whilst the bands guitar tone hints a mid-90’s emo sound. It’s a sound that is pleasing and highly favourable, and “New England” takes on a similar approach.
Posted on Under The Gun Review on Tuesday, December 6th 2011.
Earlier this year Frank Carter stunned fans by announcing he was leaving London Hardcore Punk mob, Gallows. Carter stated that the band were in a creative crossroads, and his ideas differed from the others. Shortly after Carter’s announcement, acclaimed Canadian post-hardcore group Alexisonfire disbanded with vocalist George Pettit stating two members had departed, and had ultimately led to the band splitting up. Wade MacNeil was one of those two members (City & Colour’s Dallas Green being the other,) and within days he was announced as Carter’s replacement in Gallows.
So you’re now up to date, how does Gallows version 2.0 sound? Well with Death is Birth coming in at a short 8 minutes, it could be considered to be a difficult task. Nevertheless MacNeil and company make an instant and heavy impact with “Mondo Chaos,” a riff-filled number with clear intentions showing this band are reinvigorated and passionate about what they’re doing. Whilst MacNeil quickly shows he is perfect replacement, as his raw vocals tear through the bands rough, thriving hardcore punk sound. Lyrically the band haven’t lost their way, with MacNeil declaring “Hey! Say fuck the world! I say it’s already fucked!“
