All Time Low - Put Up Or Shut Up (9 out of 10)
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by Kyle Shaffer
In an age of an industry that’s become too cool for pop-punk, putting out a record like All Time Low’s Put Up or Shut Up takes courage. Screw that, it takes balls.
While their peers are busy finding the most obscure band with the coolest hair-dos to worship, the boys in this band are busy crafting catchy-as-SARS punk rock songs that convey a fun sincerity that is bound to bring listeners back to a time when they felt like they were in on a music and culture that was distinctly their own.
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Posted by tim.towner on April 29, 2007
Armor For Sleep - Smile For Them (4 out of 10)
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by Tim Towner
This is Armor For Sleep’s first release on the major label, Sire Records. I can honestly say that this will probably be a short stay because there is nothing remotely near a single nor is there good songwriting on this album. If you sign to a major, you have to write singles (at least one). You have to sell 250,000 copies to even come near breaking even. We have already seen many bands way bigger than Armor, fail on major labels (Thrice, Thursday). We’ve seen a few prosper (AFI, Jimmy Eat World). Chalk this one up as a failure.
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Posted by tim.towner on October 26, 2007
Avenged Sevenfold - Avenged Sevenfold (8.5 out of 10)
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by Robert Fayette
Avenged Sevenfold is a band who I have grown up watching evolve from their days playing backyard shows in their very beginnings to now selling out arenas all over the world. Spawning from previous bands including Successful Failure, Pinkly Smooth and Suburban Legends, A7X as they are better known, hail from the Orange County, CA music scene which has produced bands including Rage Against The Machine, Atreyu, Social Distortion and Thrice, an area that I call home.
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Posted by robert.fayette on November 16, 2007
Blessthefall and Confide
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Uncertainty can easily arise following the departure of the lead singer. You're left with the questions: who, what, when, where, why and what do we do now. This was the recent case for TDC-supported Blessthefall during a recent tour in Europe with Silverstein following the depature of frontman Craig Mabbitt. As history would tell all of us who read their Myspace blogs and know those close to the band, all would be fixed to an extent with bass player Jared filling in on vocals for the remainder of the tour.
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Posted by robert.fayette on March 07, 2008
Canvas Waiting, The - In Search Of Beginnings
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by Kyle Shaffer
Originally released in 2005, In Search of Beginnings..., the debut EP from Texas quartet The Canvas Waiting, quickly gained the band a solid fan base and increased industry recognition. Playing huge music festivals like Cornerstone and SXSW couldn’t have hurt either. After selling out of their original pressing of the EP, the band released a limited edition version including a music video for their single “Carousel Ride” and four new acoustic songs.
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Posted by tim.towner on May 22, 2007
Circa Survive - On Letting Go (8.0 out of 10)
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by Matt Pagirsky
I owe my utmost gratitude to whatever words, place, object, stoned epiphany, dream, and/or traumatic event that caused Anthony Green to up and split from his former pop-rock entourage in Saosin. Seriously, if you’re reading this review and you are that person or thing, then give yourself one hell of a pat on the back.
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Posted by tim.towner on May 29, 2007
City and Colour - Bring Me Your Love (9.5/10)
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by Kyle Schnitzer
Sometimes I wish music acts would just break up. Many bands have hidden secrets that aren’t exposed like they should be. This art is called a “side-project.” These “side-projects” are usually only known by the true fans of the bands. It’s sort of like the rest of the world over looks this music because its hiding under a rock. A prime example of this is Alexisonfire’s guitarist Dallas Green’s solo project City and Colour. Besides the fans in Canada who look at this man as an icon, this JUNO winning performer doesn’t receive much credit in the states. With his critically acclaimed debut Sometimes, that dropped in 2005; many fans having been waiting impatiently for a new record. Dallas announced his singing to Vagrant Records and the fans have finally got their request; Bring Me Your Love
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on February 17, 2008
Earwig - Perfect Past Tense (8/10)
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by David Taintor
I have to admit I was a little surprised when I saw Earwig’s Perfect Past Tense in my mailbox, as it was released almost ten years ago. I was even more surprised by what I heard. The songs have stood the test of time and still sounding poignant today. Like any songs contained on a great record, they can live in their own timeless world. Columbus, Ohio natives Earwig have decided to coax the flames of their decade old full-length Perfect Past Tense, offering it as an affordable download on their website, and it’s a good idea.
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on April 29, 2008
Ghost of a Stranger - Hers And Yours (8/10)
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by David Taintor
On Ghost of a Stranger’s myspace page, the band describes their music as indie/garage/shoegaze, and it’s an acceptable list of terms to detail the band’s sound. Now, shoegaze is a term that I’ve only recently become familiar with. Apparently named originally for the live performers’ habit of remaining motionless, only gazing down upon their shoes, hence, “shoegazing.” Groups like My Bloody Valentine and The Verve can fit comfortably in these parameters. Personally, I’m not terribly fond of the trend of scrutinizing and categorizing bands into strict genres. Post-rock, post-punk, industrial, emo, power-pop, I’m sure we can all think of one or two bands that fall into each of these categories. I prefer to evaluate a piece of music and think of it subjectively as it stands alone. Whether Ghost of a Stranger really is “shoegazey” or not might be your decision. In all honesty, when I listen to Hers and Yours, I picture Peter Torrey and co. tapping their feet rather than staring at them.
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on May 06, 2008
Hello Tokyo - Sell the Stars (7.5/10)
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by David Taintor
This record may have come to me at the perfect time. I have recently returned from a trip to New York City, and it just so happens that Hello Tokyo live in Brooklyn, one of my favorite parts of the city. Perhaps I passed by them unknowingly, and walked the same streets that have inspired the songs of Sell The Stars. At this point, they have me dangerously close to booking another flight to JFK. It's also a good time for Hello Tokyo, seeing as the borough they reside in has lately received some much-deserved press for being an epicenter of some the most exciting music in the country. While I strive to remain unbiased, I can't help but feel some endearment for this band. Context can be everything when it comes to discovering new music, and so far Hello Tokyo are in good stead with this reviewer.
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on April 04, 2008
Ion Dissonance - Minus The Herd (6.5/10)
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Man, what the hell happened here?
On Solace, Ion Dissonance showed they knew how to handle the oversaturated metal-core genre quite well, incorporating some technical elements ala Dillinger Escape Plan while still borrowing the brutality from other bands in the scene such as At The Gates and As I Lay Dying. Unfortunately, Minus The Herd simply fails in every way a heavy sophomore album can.
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on June 22, 2007
Jimmy Barnett - I Hate The Fall (8.5/10)
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by David Taintor
I remember it well; I had just started my freshman year of high school when I heard Dashboard Confessional's Swiss Army Romance. How great, I thought, that there's an album out there that identifies the same out-of-whack teenage emotions that I was experiencing. Eventually I grew out of it, graduated high school, and began to think I had things figured out, but that emotional, acoustic music always stayed with me. Jimmy Barnett's I Hate The Fall has me feeling pretty nostalgic. I am taken right back to the middle school halls I once knew so well, when I was so glad to find a songwriter who knew how to pen the words that I could never express. If Swiss Army Romance was the emblem of my teens, then I Hate The Fall is the answer for my twenties.
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on April 07, 2008
Linden - The Future Is...
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by David Taintor
Memomonie, Wisconsin’s Linden has come a long way since their humble beginnings. Starting out as a power duo of sisters Kara and Casi Carlson, they have since grown into a (almost) full band and musical force to be reckoned with. With frequent shows in the Minneapolis area it’s not surprising to see they have stirred up a considerable amount of attention. Being featured on this very website’s top unsigned bands list doesn’t hurt things either. The buzzword I can’t help but mention about The Future Is… is potential.
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on April 24, 2008
Lorien - The Ghost In The Parlor (9 out of 10)
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by Kyle Shaffer
First things first. This band should not be as good as they are for how long they’ve been together. Not even two years into existence at this point and Lórien have managed to craft an EP that lies somewhere in between the quirkiness of Gatsbys American Dream and the feel-good pop of Phantom Planet.
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Posted by tim.towner on May 31, 2007
Maritime - Heresy and the Hotel Choir (8/10)
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“You are gonna have to lie to me.”. So starts the beginning of Maritime’s new record "Heresy and the Hotel Choir", and like vocalist Davey von Bohlen in this first song, I must say I’m left wanting to be deceived. I want to love this record. Maybe it’s because they’re hometown heroes of mine, representing life in a music scene that seems to be dying in a pile of its own filth. Maybe it’s because I got so emotionally attached to their last release, 2006’s "We, The Vehicles." Whatever the reason, something in me wants to believe it’s not impossible to follow up a breakthrough release with something even better. But it seems if your expectations become unrealistic, you can only be disappointed.
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on October 16, 2007
Mercy Mercedes - Casio Rodeo
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by Kyle Schnitzer
I find myself an internet person. Staying up at late hours, talking to people on the computer. Going on Craigslist reading peoples ridiculous offers. One of the most interesting things about the internet, is how music itself is a huge camaraderie on it. Different sites such as Purevolume and Myspace helping small bands break through. I found myself where I had a myspace and random bands would add you. Usually the bands weren't very good, but sometimes you'd get a legit band to pass by. About two years ago, a band named Mercy Mercedes requested me. With only demo's up, I rejected the request. Two years later, I'm listening to the band's debut EP "Casio Rodeo."
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on February 05, 2008
Metal Blade Records X-Mas Party
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This past Thursday night, December 20, 2007, Metal Blade Records took over the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana, CA for their annual Christmas Party. Unlike your typical office holiday party consisting of a catered meal from the local restaurant in your not so favorite designated breakroom, this was truely the way to spend it, Metal Blade style.
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Posted by robert.fayette on December 22, 2007
Nada Surf - Lucky (9/10)
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by Josh Select
"Lucky," Nada Surf's fifth LP is a strong album that maintains a balance of upbeat and down tempo songs. Besides the note-worthy guest appearances (Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie, Martin Wenk of Calexico), Lucky proves to be an album that stands on its own 2 feet.
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on February 07, 2008
PlayRadioPlay! - The Frequency EP (5.5 out of 10)
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Well, there's no real easy way to do this.
Had this record ended up in the hands of another reviewer working for this site, the outcome for this review could potentially and very likely turn out differently. But, alas, it has fallen into my hands and after giving the album a listen that means trouble.
PlayRadioPlay!, the electronica/pop brainchild spawned from Texan Dan Hunter and his laptop, has been getting plenty of attention on the web. With an impressive stint on this summer's Warped Tour, it's only a matter of time before PlayRadioPlay! becomes a suburban household name among preteens discovering what they consider underground music.
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on July 03, 2007
Polar Bear Club - Sometimes Things Just Disappear (8 out of 10)
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by Josh Select
My best bet is Polar Bear Club is named after the Silent Majority song as opposed to the Coney Island winter bathing organization, if so, it seems to be such a fitting name. Thought one of the many bands carrying the torch for their select style of music, they definitely present it well on their most recent release "Sometimes Things Just Disappear."
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on January 28, 2008
Portugal. The Man - Church Mouth (9/10)
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I remember the day I first heard Portugal. The Man like it were yesterday. It was shortly after their first full-length release "Waiter: You Vultures!" in 2006 and as I walked into my music industry class I was greeted by the band's unique sound.
I was intrigued by the use of different musical instruments in combination with John Gourley's distinct vocal style. It seems my professor Rich Balling from The Sound of Animals Fighting had been just as impressed with the band because he put them up on the board as 'rock band to know'.
Rich was right to take notice of the band and as awe-struck as I was by their first Fearless Records release, the second-full length "Church Mouth" has taken the experimental-rock style of Portugal. The Man to new levels.
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on July 24, 2007
Radiohead - In Rainbows (10/10)
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by Kyle Shaffer
It’s no secret that Radiohead are one of the most creative, influential voices in modern music today. Having defined a genre and generation of alternative music and just as easily turning it on its ear, what was there left for the band to accomplish after over 20 years? An answer was hopefully to be delivered October 10th, 2007 as the collective music world held its breath, anticipating a veritable music-industry-Y2K, complete with anarchy, the long-awaited fall of the “system”, and the new Radiohead record "In Rainbows" rising from the ashes; a phoenix for the new age of music.
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on October 29, 2007
Raining & OK - The Devil On Your Shoulder (10 out of 10)
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by Tim Towner
An unsigned band isn’t supposed to make a timeless wonder out of ten songs. That’s left to bands like U2, Foo Fighters and Oasis. Take those bands and add some current flavor like Muse and Coldplay and you have Raining & OK.
Their debut album entitled The Devil On Your Shoulder combines all the music from our favorite rock bands, adding thought-provoking lyrics with endless melodies. The visual imagery that’s created from their music, their lyrics and even their CD artwork is enough to put them in a league of their own.
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Posted by tim.towner on September 10, 2007
Secondhand Serenade - A Twist In My Story
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Written by Tim Towner
Edited by John Murphy
Brace yourself. This is more than just a review of an album. This is a review of the internet phenomenon turned touring musician, John Vesely, aka Secondhand Serenade.
John was one of the original internet “buzz” artists. He successfully created a diehard following mainly due to his love for fan interaction. Through his dynamic use of MySpace, web chats, phone calls, and acoustic shows, he quickly built his fan base and achieved an incredible 27 million plays on his MySpace. Instead of signing the first deal to come his way, John was patient. He waited for the right deal, and ended up choosing to sign with Glassnote Records. Hindsight is 20/20, but John and his team had the foresight to see that this would be the best route for developing his career.
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Posted by tim.towner on February 19, 2008
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Pershing (8.5/10)
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by Kyle Schnitzer
The seasons are changing. So does the music. I find myself bundled up at night in the winter listening to David Bazan or Pedro The Lion. But, I was pondering in my English class last week about all the new, tasteful releases being dropped. It’s about time our ears have something to dine to. Indie band Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin surely helped me support the claim of enjoying new music. Not only is the name one of the weirdest names; the music speaks different for the name.
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on April 24, 2008
Sounds Under Radio - Cinematica (8.5 out of 10)
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by Matt Pagirsky
Sounds Under Radio is the newest melodic rock darling on the Epic roster. As an unsigned band, they accomplished quite a lot to attract a great deal of widespread attention across the industry. They were the only unsigned band on the Spiderman 3 soundtrack, which also featured big time rock acts such as Wolfmother, The Killers, and The Flaming Lips. They also wrote the end-theme to a huge Hollywood production, Wargames 2, which debuted earlier this year. A few months ago, high-powered booking firm, The Agency Group, picked up the band. Soon after that occurred, A&R’s from a variety of labels, such as Geffen, Sony/BMG, and Warner Bros were flying out to their shows in Texas on a nightly basis. So how is it that this Austin quartet accomplished all of these incredible feats in a time when the music industry is in great peril, searching for the next big hit? My guess would be because of this album.
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Posted by tim.towner on May 18, 2007
SS Nova - Self Titled EP (9 out of 10)
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Being the heavy music extraordinaire that I am, I've decided to take a shot at doing my first review for TDC. From the amount of bands new and old that I discover everyday, some who blow me away and some I don't ever want to hear again, I was lucky enough to discover SS Nova who just happens to be from the same area that I call home.
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Posted by robert.fayette on July 18, 2007
Streetside Symphony - The Curse (6.5/10)
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Memphis natives, Streetside Symphony, have big shoes to fill. Memphis, Tennesse has been the launching pad of colossal musical acts including Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and B.B. King. Even Paul Simon has sung about it on his still-imitated album, Graceland, and many people consider the state of Tennessee to be synonymous with great music. It remains to be seen whether Streetside Symphony will join the ranks of epic musicians who have cut their teeth in Memphis. I’m not holding my breath.
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on April 07, 2008
Take Action! Tour
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In it's 7th year of existence, the Hopeless Records and Sub-City annual Take Action! Tour has featured some of the most diverse and intriguing lineups since it's creation. The tour has featured such bands including Avenged Sevenfold, Jimmy Eat World, Paramore, Plain White T's and Scary Kids Scaring Kids.
This years lineup however was one of it's heaviest and most brutal since it's 2003 edition. It includes Every Time I Die, From First To Last, The Bled, August Burns Red and The Human Abstract. Last Thursday, I attended the HOB Anaheim tour stop and as I expected, I was in for one amazing night!
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Posted by robert.fayette on March 07, 2008
The Bay State - Self Titled EP (7/10)
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by Kyle Shaffer
Readers, friends, foes, and enthusiasts: sometimes it becomes increasingly important to realize the differences between an audience and your perception of taste. Sometimes it becomes even more important to embrace your futility and realize at the end of the proverbial day, what you think doesn’t particularly matter in certain circles. Humbly admit defeat and move on. Such has been my own aural and philosophical voyage with The Bay State’s self-titled debut EP. But, existentialism and punk-rock politics aside, let’s get to the music.
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on January 28, 2008
The Color Fred - Bend To Break - (8/10)
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by Kyle Shaffer
So for those unaware, guitarist/backup vocalist of Taking Back Sunday, Fred Mascherino, has indeed up and split from the emo juggernaut to pursue his solo project The Color Fred which released its debut in late October. Aside from celebrating the possible breakup of one of the most annoying bands on the planet, I was also proud of him for making such a gutsy decision (can anyone else figure out what the deal is with lead guitarists ditching this band? Anyone remember John Nolan?).
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on December 12, 2007
The Lives of Famous Men - Modern Love, The Wooden Vehicle
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by Kyle Schnitzer
In the music business today, I find it very rare for a band to have two releases in one year. Usually if a band does this, one album tends to lack something, almost as if they'd rushed it. But there are a few who can pull this off, and go on to continue the incredible uproar of new music. One of the lesser known bands, The Lives of Famous Men, have managed to pull this off. Earlier in 2007, the Portland quintuplet delivered the high, heavy hitting dance EP "Rehearsal." When they announced they were going to be releasing another EP, fans couldn't be happier. They now deliver the short, "Modern Love, The Wooden Vehicle."
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on February 11, 2008
The Morning Of - The World As We Know It
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by Katie Nowak
If I had been living under a rock for the last few years, I would probably unabashedly love The Morning Of’s debut, "The World As We Know It." As it is, though, I know enough music to realize that TMO sounds pretty much like everyone else I’ve heard before. With their style gleaned from groups such as Mae and Paramore, it might seem like TMO doesn’t really have anything new to say.
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on April 24, 2008
Thrice - The Alchemy Index, Vols I & II: Fire and Water (9.5/10)
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by Kyle Shaffer
Thrice’s latest project, The Alchemy Index, was an ambitious one. Recording for the two-by-two release of four EP’s all corresponding to the four basic elements: fire, water, earth, and wind seems like an idea that died with the prog-rock dinosaurs. Or one spawned from the record label from hell. Interestingly enough, Thrice actually opted to leave their major label support and release their latest effort on Vagrant Records.
The band’s first installment, Volumes I & II: Fire and Water, sees the band growing in directions that appear to be polar opposites, but that are somehow reconciled on the same release. Any potential qualms about the project, release, or band are quickly dispelled after the first listen.
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on October 31, 2007
Tokyo Police Club - Elephant Shell (9/10)
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by Kyle Schnitzer
I remember the first time I heard Tokyo Police Club. It was about two years ago when "A Lesson In Crime" dropped. It didn’t really catch my ear so much; but it was enjoyable. I completely forgot about the band for about a year. Until the "Smith" EP came out, the band was second tier on my play list. But it seems as if one of the most unique bands are giving people music to drawl to in Elephant Shell.
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on April 24, 2008
Waking Ashland - The Well (7 out of 10)
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by Landon Scates
Having followed Waking Ashland for a few years now, I was greatly anticipating the release of their new CD The Well. I was excited to see not only what the guys had to offer but how much they have grown from their previous full length and EP's. And this time around I was very pleased with the entire CD from start to finish and what they brought to the table musically this time.
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Posted by tim.towner on May 03, 2007
Weaver at the Loom - I Was Searching and I Found (9/10)
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by David Taintor
Ethereal, atmospheric and thematic: These are words that come to mind upon listening to Weaver At The Loom's debut EP, "I Was Searching And I Found." This is not surprising to see when Weaver At The Loom cites such influences as Explosions In The Sky and The Album Leaf. This band began as co-lead vocalists Izaac Burkhart and Dan Smith's brainchild in 2006. Both had experience in other Minneapolis bands, but wanted to strive for something more intricate and melodic. Burkhart's home studio space, and 2 of the four members' enrollment in McNally Smith College of Music is to thank for the well performed and polished songs that make up I Was Searching And I Found.
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on March 19, 2008
You Me And Everyone We Know - Party for the Grown and Sexy (8/10)
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by David Taintor
Many of us have downloaded music from the internet. Some of us have paid for it, and some have not. Record sales are at all time lows, and things are getting worse. More people plug into MySpace and iTunes than their local record store. Some artists attempt to counter act the plummeting music industry by releasing fully digital albums. CD free is the trend of our 21st century. I can’t recall the last time I saw a Sony Discman being toted around by a student on campus, but we all happily plug in our iPod every morning to shake the sleep on the way to class. It is truly a digital world out there. You, Me, and Everyone We Know's debut EP, Party For The Grown and Sexy was just that, a digital venture.
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Posted by matt.pagirsky on March 19, 2008
