Album Review: The Sidekicks - Awkward Breeds

Album Rating: A

Something new and refreshing is a precious gem in today’s music scene. Such releases deserve great accolade and attention. However, when someone takes something seemingly tired and broken and makes it new again, even greater consideration is demanded. This is exactly Ohio’s The Sidekick’s newest full length, Awkward Breeds. Released through Red Scare Industries, the record takes generic musical themes and, through a unique identity and attitude, makes them exciting again.

Artist of the Day: The Story So Far

A few months ago I wrote a review of The Story So Far’s debut LP, Under Soil and Dirt. Although I still completely stand behind everthing stated in the review, my attitude toward the release is vastly different. The review, found here, is a very accurate characterization of the Under Soil and Dirt. However, it does not do the emotional impact of the album justice.

The band is a really fun pop punk group that plays off the trend toward heavier production and songwriting in a tasteful manner. Though, when broken down the individual pieces are generic, there is some intangible hidden in the sum of the parts that is unique. The lyrics are just as they were when I wrote the full review, yet I have found much more depth in them through repeted listenens. Maybe it says something about album reviews. More likely, it says something about listening to music.

Today, I would have given the record an A-, so the least I can do is offer The Story So Far my artist of the day. Regardless of what the real motivator was in the change of my perception of the album, there’s a lot of good stuff going on that everyone should check out. If you already have, try giving it another spin. I did and it was well worth it.

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Artist of the Day: The XX

With surprising frequency I find myself sitting at my desk growing tired of silence but incapable of choosing something to listen to. These moods are difficult to deal with, as doing nothing about it is frustrating but forcing myself to listen to something is often worse. A common resolution to such unfortunate situations is England’s The XX (also Jack Johnson’s On and On, but that is for another day).

Though my knowledge of the group’s history and discography is limited, I have a hard time turning down their 2009 release, xx. The group’s sound is pretty minimalistic, featuring programmed percussion, light guitar work, thick bass lines, clever orchestration and a male and female duet that is endlessly pleasing. Though occasionally edging on artsy, there is no pretentious attitude lurking to detract from the release. Anyone looking for an interesting soundtrack to their work or play will find something to value in The XX.

Definitely check out their Facebook page here.

Artist of the Day: Veils

About a month ago I was lucky enough to stumble upon UK natives, Veils. The group is a four piece hardcore band fronted by a female whose performance is convincing and brings a new dimension to the group. After being sucked in by the aesthetically pleasing album art of their debut EP, I was no less satisfied with the substance of the release. Clarity starts off with a Brand New reminiscent dark and moody progression that sets the tone for the duration of the release, featuring impressive instrumentation and equally impressive production for such a small group. Driving yet sludgy at times, the sound tips its hat to larger acts in the scene such as Pianos Become the Teeth or Touché Amoré while still maintaining a definitive identity. After signing to Tangled Talk Records, I think we can expect big things from these energetic newcomers.

Check them out on their Bandcamp or Facebook page.

Album Review: TS & the Past Haunts - Gone and Goner

Album Rating: A

The past few years have been a busy time for ex-Piebald front man Travis Shettel. After a few years of inactivity, he’s back in the spotlight. In 2010, Rise Records took it upon themselves to rerelease much of Piebald’s catalogue, resparking interest in the group, a pop rock band from a few years ago (if you are unfamiliar with them, I highly recommend checking them out). Shettel reintroduced himself to the world through a guest spot a year later on Aficionado’s “Honesty,” an impressive display that greatly heightened my anticipation for his full length release Gone and Goner. The album was to be released with supporting “The Past Haunts,” a group consisting of husband and wife Ben and Heather Heywood. Released through No Sleep Records, the debut LP is an eclectic yet fantastic collection of songs that are distinctly their own.

Album Review: No Trigger - Tycoon

Album Rating: A-

After falling off the map, No Trigger is back with their first full length release in six years. The group’s old catalogue consists of high octane ‘melodic hardcore,’ whatever that means. At the beginning of 2011, the band announced that they had signed to No Sleep Records, a surprising yet intriguing decision from both parties. No Sleep has little on their roster that resembles No Trigger. This left me wondering whether the second LP would be a great deviation from their original direction or whether the old guys still had their spunk. I was not disappointed.

Album Review: I Call Fives - Someone That's Not You

Album Rating: B-

New Jersey natives I Call Fives have been a small name in the pop punk scene for quite some time now. After signing to Pure Noise Records, the group has put out an EP to build hype for their debut LP, to be released this summer. After a few years of lurking in the shadows, they’re soon to be right in the spotlight. The pressure is on, but whether or not I Call Fives can deliver is a bit of a mystery.

Someone That’s Not You is a 7" sporting only 4 tracks, and it seems that they weren't concerned about front loading the release. The EP kicks off with a bang as opener and title track “Someone That’s Not You” quickly builds into a ferocious pop punk jam. It's an impressive specimen that highlights the more recent trend toward hardcore influenced songwriting and energy in pop punk (think Veara or The Story So Far). The group goes so far as to incorporate a hardcore shout as an alternative vocal presence, which feels ever so slightly forced, but not out of place enough to really detract from the song. Driven with great purpose, the track sets the tone for the rest of the release.

Album Review: Kurt Travis - Wha Happen?

Rating: A-

Kurt Travis has been on a bumpy ride the past few years. Getting scooped up as the replacement for Jonny Craig in Dance Gavin Dance for two albums, Travis was dropped as suddenly as he was hired. The pathetic drama that Travis was not even allowed to participate in aside, Travis found himself without a job, eventually to become the vocalist for another Sacramento band, A Lot Like Birds. However, in the void of time between acts, Travis recorded various solo tracks, many of which made their way onto his now defunct bandcamp. After the release of his debut with A Lot Like Birds, Travis took it upon himself to put together some of these songs as well as a few unreleased tracks for an EP titled Wha Happen? The EP is released through Doghouse Records on January 24th and is quite an experience.

Album Review: A Loss for Words/Such Gold - Split

Rating: B-

A Loss for Words and Such Gold come together for a 7" split through No Sleep and Mightier Than Sword Records. Though short, the release is great fun with a polished sound but a local band feel that fans of pop punk will definitely enjoy jamming out to.

Album Review: The Story So Far - Under Soil and Dirt

Album Rating: B-

Newcomers in the scene The Story So Far plant their flag with their debut Under Soil and Dirt. Recently scooped up by Pure Noise Records, the album was released June 21st. An energetic and relentless effort, it is difficult not to enjoy what The Story So Far has to offer.

Under Soil and Dirt is largely power chord driven pop punk. Though it is pretty generic, some of the lead lines and song structures are interesting enough to keep your attention. Every song hits with high gain guitars and pummeling drumming, but The Story So Far had the maturity to provide the listener with numerous laid back breaks, giving the hooks a bit of room to breathe. Though by the end of the record Under Soil and Dirt feels a bit monotonous, it’s hard to deny that the hooks aren’t enjoyable. I consistently find myself tapping my foot to "Daughters".

Kyle's Albums of the Year 2011

2011 has been a year of both disappointment and pleasant surprises. My taste in music is in constant motion, but at the end of the day, the following are, in my humble opinion, the most impressive and enjoyable releases of the year. 

Album Review: Drake - Take Care

Album Rating: A

Toronto’s very own Drake may have rushed his debut Thank Me Later, but sophomore effort Take Care finds Drake hitting his stride. The daring 17-track 80-minute behemoth is as enticing and mysterious as it is lengthy. Rarely do I enjoy every song on an 17-track effort, and even more rarely am I somehow convinced that I share emotional struggles with an international icon worth millions. Drake is at his best on Take Care, his most significant release to date and one of the best releases of the year.

Album Review: Luther - Siblings and Sevens

Album Rating: B

Philadelphia’s Luther makes their first mark on the music industry with their debut release Siblings and Sevens. The EP is a seven track journey of sincerity and ambiguity. Luther walks the fine line between not trying hard enough and trying too hard with great dexterity, an impressive feat worthy of great praise for a band of only two years.

Siblings and Sevens is a punk rock effort at its core. Most of the tracks are driving and simplistic, catchy but not overtly so. While there is a great deal of backbone and attitude to the record, there is no effort made to be heavy or particularly aggressive, instead often nodding to folksy roots. Luther also displays a vulnerable side with great consistency, frequently lamenting about personal tribulations. While the lyrics tend to be vague and introspective, the delivery seems genuine, to the great benefit of the record. Luther leans on no gimmicks to draw attention away from a lack of substance, and in this respect, Siblings and Sevens delivers. Luther finds their greatest strength in their relatable character and honest delivery.

Album Review: A Loss for Words - No Sanctuary

Album Rating: C+

Abington, MA’s A Loss for Words became the third of four of Rise Records’ current pop punk roster. Together since 1999, A Loss for Words is one of pop punk’s most veteran groups still active. However, A Loss for Words has over the years had very little luck getting the attention of a serious record label despite having such hype. In 2009 they released fun yet ultimately underwhelming The Kids Can’t Lose, followed by a Motown classics cover record a year later. However, that much time spent in the industry is sure to draw some connections, and on the 2011 Warped Tour the Rise Records tent distributed The Kids Can’t Lose. Given Rise’s recent pop punk push, A Loss for Words’ contract with Rise came as no great surprise. A Loss for Words stays true to form on their Rise debut, No Sanctuary.

Album Review: Transit - Listen and Forgive

Boston, Massachusetts' Transit have had a quick rise to the top. Transit has been less interested in gathering a following based off of standard gimmicks such as big hooks and cliché lyrics, preferring to have a more 90’s emo influenced sound. This approach gave Transit a unique vibe, garnering critical acclaim and recognition from the industry itself, earning a surprise signing to scene giant Rise Records. Rise has a reputation for being concerned more with the viability of a band to be successful rather than having quality music, quickly catching on to trends within the scene, and they have been so successful in doing so that they are now in a position to set the trend. Rise saw the potential in Transit and quickly scooped them up. Thankfully, Transit has much more substance than most of the rest of Rise’s roster, and with the financial resources of Rise, Transit has managed to create their most impressive effort yet, Listen and Forgive.

Album Review: La Dispute - Wildlife

Late one evening I was lucky enough to stumble upon Here, Hear III, a four track free release by a band with a strange name. The title of the release grabbed my attention, as the play on words was clever and I was drawn to the modest vibe of the name. Blown away by the beauty and depth of the release, I moved on to what was La Dispute’s most recent release, Somewhere at the Bottom of the River between Vega and Altair. The artsy title and album art made me weary, but the emotional ride that was the short intro track quickly vacated my concerns. Jordan Dreyer’s harsh and emotional cry over a dark soundscape made for one of most honest and real pieces of art I had been exposed to. I fell in love with the album and found myself collecting the rest of their releases with confidence. La Dispute released Somewhere in 2008, and in the time since that release they put together a pretty strong reputation for themselves. Now, three full years later, La Dispute releases their follow-up, Wildlife, through No Sleep Records on October 4th.

Album Review: Saves the Day - Daybreak

Genre giants Saves the Day have thus far had quite a remarkable career, spanning three separate decades with seven full length releases, and it’s quite clear that all the hard work has paid off. Save the Day’s Daybreak is as daring as its title. Released on September 13th through Razor & Tie, Daybreak is Saves the Day’s most impressive album yet.

Album Review: Hope I Die Virgin - Is Forever No Way

Spacey, comfortable, and at times edging on creepy, Hope I Die Virgin’s debut record on Fysisk Format, Is Forever No Way, is just as daring as it is advertised to be. The Oslo, Norway based group spends much of their time creating moody, synth driven soundscapes that take the listener for an emotional ride. Rarely concerned with appealing chord progressions or basic song structure, Is Forever No Way is an unrelenting barrage of atmospheric noise that has its own charm and appeal.

Album Review: Banquets - Top Button, Bottom Shelf

Jersey City based Banquets is set to release their debut LP Top Button, Bottom Shelf on August 23rd. The group was lucky enough to record with Will Putney at the Machine Shop, and the investment shows. Crisp and modern with an old school attitude, Top Button is a solid debut sure to garner the attention that Banquets deserves.

Album Review: Sainthood Reps - Monoculture

There are plenty of methods of expressing angst and disapproval. Music is a common vessel for such an endeavor. Often these efforts result in the screaming of cliché symbolism and the relentless pounding of double bass, or minute long songs with hectic yelling of anti-establishment sentiments. While effective, these methods of expression feel overdone and rarely leave those responsible with any personality or identity. Sainthood Reps chooses a different path for their artistic expression. The Long Island natives choose to have their voice heard over a dark, grunge influenced indie rock soundscape. Signing to Tooth & Nail at the close of 2010, Sainthood Reps’ debut, Monoculture, is out August 9th with production by Mike Sapone (Brand New, Crime In Stereo).