Album Review: Defeater - Empty Days & Sleepless Nights

“If this is how it’s going to be/ then I would rather die at the hands of my own family.”
Defeater - "White Oak Doors"


The relationship between heavy music and I has become more strained with every stilted display of aggression that leaves me jaded and unmoved. In a genre that needs honest passion as a backbone to function, where's the solace? With metalcore's sovereignty in recent years, overflowing with breakdowns devoid with emotion, I can remain grateful in being able to trust hardcore bands such as Defeater as my oasis and supplier of heavier music I can get behind. In the same way that 2010 brought me the introspective wildfire that was Pianos Become The Teeth's Old Pride,  2011 has broken down my doors and arrived with Defeater's sophomore double LP, Empty Days & Sleepless Nights.

City and Colour Announce New Album

It's been three years since Dallas Green released a City and Colour album. Which isn't too long, but after a release like Bring Me Your Love, fans are going to want more. Today Green announced he will release is third full length album. little hell will be released June of this year, an exact release date will be announced in weeks to come. Also, look for a track listing and possibly a song. After two solid releases from City and Colour, we can only hope for the same this time around. Check City and Colour's Facebook for updates on the new release.

New Moving Mountains Album

A Deep Elm alum, Moving Mountains is gearing up to release their second full length album, their first on Triple Crown Records. The atmospheric rock band is supposedly changing things up a bit for LP #2, shortening the songs and adding some heavier elements into the tracks. However, I'm sure whatever the band does will be great. From shorter, indie rock tunes such as "Sol Solis" to the ten minute post rock epics such as "Foreword", to the heavier tracks such as "With One's Heart In One's Mouth", Moving Mountains has shown diversity and excellence in every such style. Waves will be released on May 10th.

Unholy Tongues

Instrumental music has seemed to be quite a common occurrence here lately. From many of the Deep Elm reviews, to posts by several of the new writers, vocals have taken the backseat to beautiful instrumentals. Unholy Tongues is another band that deserves plenty of recognition. Jackal In A World Of Reassurance is a beautiful piece of work, combining ambiance with power. Making the album even more impressive is the fact that the band only has three members, including just one guitarist. That fact makes tracks like "White Widow" and "Trim The Edges" seem almost impossible, until you attribute it to the superb production and layering of instruments. The dark and heavy "Dedication" displays the band at a whole different level, bordering almost on being post-metal. Unholy Tongues release is one that came out of the blue to surprise me, and may end up being one of the stronger instrumental releases put out in 2011. Don't sleep on this album. Go stream and purchase it on the band's Bandcamp page here.

Album Review: Mogwai - Hardcore Will Never Die But You Will

In progression from The Hawk Is Howling in 2008, it seems as if post-rock group Mogwai has shifted their musical focus when one first inserts this new record. However, the experimental side of the Glasgow-based project really comes out on Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will. For the traditional fan of the band, the most surprising aspect of the album is a larger emphasis of the spoken word, provided by Luke Sutherland and Domenico Loiacano on “Mexican Grand Prix” and “George Square Thatcher Death Party.” The ambient effect provided from vocals is a new taste from their usual works, but is woven in impeccably with the dramatic buildup and release in each song, working a current of sound that moves the listener at his core.

My Brother The Vulture

A first EP is a perfect time to establish your sound. My Brother, The Vulture goes one step further with "Now's Your Chance", showing talent within two different sounds. The opening track "My Dad Can Beat Up Your Dad" takes much influence from Every Time I Die, with the southern infused riffs and understood shouts. The rest of the EP takes more of a post-hardcore feel not unlike Oceana or Decoder. The very young band already shows excellent skills at each of their instruments, and has plenty of room to progress in the future. However, they need to learn to perfect one of their sounds rather than keeping both in consideration for future albums. That doesn't mean that they should totally trash one of the styles, but infusing them both to create a somewhat unique style could prove very helpful in the band's future success. Stream and pay-what-you-want (including free!) for the EP on their Bandcamp page here.

Salvatore Bossio's Solo Project

Ryan Hunter wasn't the only ex Envy on the Coast member to release his own music; Salvatore Bossio (ex- guitarist, keyboardist and vocalist) released two solo songs under his own name. Both songs were written towards the end of the EOTC demise. "Fix Us" has smooth R&B vocals backed by a synthesized beat and light drumming. With Justin Timberlake on a music making hiatus, Bossio just may be able to fill the void with this R&B powered hit. But, for those who miss EOTC, Bossio gives you "Black Dog". "Black Dog" is a pop-rock track with vocals we're used to hearing from Bossio's EOTC days. To hear both of these new songs visit Sal's website, here.

Album Review: Our Fair City - A Most Clever Disaster

Do you still get misty eyed when you go back and listen to Hidden in Plain View's Life in Dreaming? Are your bedroom’s walls covered in posters of the large flux of bands feeding off of emotionally raging lyrics and semi-similar production from the early 00’s? Well history repeats itself, and Our Fair City's debut A Most Clever Disaster will have those looking at the past decade with a smile pleasantly satiated. If you're looking for something new and attention-grabbing however, Our Fair City's first venture may not be your speed.

Deep Elm Review Of 2010: I Am Sonic Rain - Between Whales And Feverish Lights

The entirety of I Am Sonic Rain revolves around water. The band's name could stand for the combination of sound and water. The album cover is underwater. The album title, Between Whales and Feverish Lights, mentions a marine animal. Even the music sounds like it could take place in the ocean or under falling rain. Opener "Jellyfish Are Murders" (yet another marine reference) features electronics that sound like a bloom of jellyfish are swarming the area, before stinging and destroying their unfortunate prey. "Fog Is Drowning Us" begins with a distorted guitar riff that feels exactly as the title dictates. However, it then clears up and becomes an ambient journey through the band's world. Electronics are abound, at times reminiscent of 65daysofstatic. "As Rain We Fall" is a building storm, from the onset of a drizzle to a raging and destructive flood. "Just To Rise The Day After" is a follow up of the previous storm, as the sun finally comes up and begins restore things back to normal. "Between Whales and Feverish Lights" is the sound of playful whales, moving throughout the open sea, with keys and other electronics expressing their every move and emotion. The band's brand of post-rock takes its influence from the simplest of sources. The behaviors of nature and weather fuel this powerful album, and allow a listener to forget all that's around them and bask in the harmony of the music. You can stream and purchase the whole album on the band's Deep Elm page here.

7 Months Later

The first thing that crossed my mind after seeing a picture of 7 Months Later was “These guys look so young.” And with that initial judgment, I didn’t expect much. But, to my surprise, I was really impressed. This band is putting out songs that you expect from other alternative rock bands that have being doing this for twice as long. After being welcomed by a simple, yet pleasing melody from keyboardist, Adam Sliger, I was interested to hear more. The first track, “Outline”, on 7 Months Later’s upcoming album Time to Decide, graces your speakers with a beautiful mix of keys and rhythmic drumming. This then leads into powerful, clean vocals which are paired with dual backing vocals. There are plenty fast paced guitar solos that soar at times adding to their alternative sound. The band slows things down on some tracks and offers more amazing melodic keys and a soft acoustic guitar. 7 Months Later is definitely a band to keep an eye on, 2011 has a lot in store for these guys and they’re aiming to please. Check out the band here and look for their full length Time to Decide on February 19th. The album can be bought on iTunes here.

Album Review: Water And Bodies - Light Year

It's quite fitting that Water and Bodies' debut full length is titled Light Year. It's felt like that long since Kaddisfly released their final record. Four of the five members of Kaddisfly create what is now Water and Bodies, but the band's sound drastically differs from its predecessor. The guitar tapping and technical riffs that were prevalent in Kaddisfly have been replaced by more straightforward riffs, keys, and stronger hooks to make what can only be called a "rock" record. Although Light Year may not totally fill the void left by Kaddisfly, it should at the very least satiate one's hunger for the band.

Album Review: Sims - Bad Time Zoo

Is there any other label than Doomtree that so successfully exhibits its familial qualities while consistently churning out some of the best individual records in recent memory? If there is, I haven’t found it. Along with being an impressive collection of some of the most talented emcees, the individual efforts of Doomtree’s artists have been consistently fantastic in recent years. From 2009 and P.O.S.’s Never Better to 2010 and Dessa’s A Badly Broken Code, Doomtree has capitalized on having its artists build up the label’s reputation for impressive lyrical depth, crisp production, and superb flow across all of the individuals involved. Sims’ Bad Time Zoo is in many ways a continuation of these things we have come to expect and love about the Doomtree family, and in many others one of the most accessible records from the label yet.

Braveyoung

When it comes to musical scene within my state North Carolina, it's difficult to pick one artist that shines through as the proud spine of talent in the area (other than say the obvious choice, The Annuals). That's not to say we don't have our fair share that try, but it often takes patience and a big magnifying glass to sift through the mess of cookie-cutters to find the gems underneath. Look no further today, because today's North Carolinian jewel is the crowning Braveyoung with their breathtaking upcoming debut We Are Lonely Animals. Beginning their career under the name Giant, Braveyoung have transformed since their name change in 08' and are rapidly approaching the release date of We Are Lonely Animals on March 29, 2011. If the adjectives ethereal, haunting, and beautiful sound great to you when coupled with post-rock a la Mogwai and Explosions In The Sky, you'll find something to love in Braveyoung. If you need more convincing, the entire album is streaming on their website now and is available to pre-order from here.

North Korea

North Korea is a new band formed in the aftermath of the Envy on the Coast breakup last fall. Made up of vocalist Ryan Hunter and guitarist Brian Byrne (both ex- Envy on the Coast) and bassist Michael Sadis and drummer Billy Rymer (both of The Rivalry, with Rymer also in The Dillinger Escape Plan), North Korea have so far released just one song, "Master Plan B". Based on this track, it seems North Korea play a brand of southern-influenced post-hardcore, at times sounding like a mixture of letlive. and Every Time I Die. The drumming is tight and utilizes the snare plentifully resulting in a punk-type vibe, while Hunter's vocals often resemble Jason Butler's of letlive. Byrne and Sadis complement the sound by playing gritty riffs, reminiscent of some of Byrne's work on Envy on the Coast's last album, Lowcountry. Hopefully, future tracks are just as solid and culminate in a full length or EP in the near future. With such talented members, North Korea has the potential to explode in the scene.

Listen to/download "Master Plan B" here

Longwell

Longwell is simply two friends singing about life. Isn't that pretty much the basis of what a band originated as? A folky album based mostly on guitar strums and simple drum patterns, All The Streets Look The Same From The Air may be difficult to enjoy at first, but once the vocals become tolerable, it instantly becomes great. There is quite a bit of Elliott Smith in the band's music, especially stylistically. The album flows smoothly between the styles of songs, as in the pairing of the electric "How Nice To Hear You" and "Self-Defense Mechanism" right into the acoustic "Flares" and "Intentions". Longwell deserves plenty of respect, and as the band matures even further, underground popularity could be in the band's future. Stream and download the album for free on their Bandcamp page here.

Free Run For Cover Sampler

Run For Cover just keeps affirming the fact that they are one of the best pop-punk/emo/indie labels out there. Their latest sampler promotes all of the label's excellent groups, from the recently signed to the recently signed away.    Although Man Overboard and Transit, both of which donated songs to the sampler, recently were signed to Rise, the label still has considerable depth. Fireworks, Daytrader, and Hostage Calm can more than satisfy a hunger for pop-punk, while Seahaven and Koji successfully work a mellower style.  The label even shows their willing to diversify with the rapper GDP. All these bands, plus a few more great ones, can be downloaded from the sampler on Bandcamp here.

Album Review: Sleeping At Last - Yearbook - February EP

Keeping up with Sleeping At Last's monthly EP progress since last October has been an enthralling, if a little exhausting journey. But for every cynical thought that's entered my mind, doubting the consistency of quality in their next release, Sleeping At Last have been able to wash all doubts and misgivings I've had about their eventual span of 36 songs. While Yearbook - November saw the advent of my favorite Sleeping At Last material to date and Yearbook-January saw the birth of beautiful instrumental work, Yearbook-February seems to have reached a stagnant phase within the project.

Patrick Stump Announces New EP

Although Patrick Stump has not announced a release date for his first solo album Soul Punk, he will not keep us waiting for a first proper release. On February 22nd, he will release Truant Wave, a collection of songs that did not fit "within the narrative" of Soul Punk. Half of the tracks on the EP feature friends of Patrick, allowing him to have a bit more fun with this digital only release. Hype for Soul Punk has been growing with every a cappella performance he puts on his site, and this EP will no doubt just ignite the hype even further. The track list can be viewed below.

Sims

Doomtree promises at least one excellent solo release per year from one of the collective. 2008 gave Cecil Otter's Rebel Yellow. 2009 brought P.O.S. and Never Better to stardom. 2010 featured Dessa's A Badly Broken Code. Now, 2011 brings a release as good if not better than the above with Sims' Bad Time Zoo. Sims proves himself as possibly the best overall rapper of the collective, blowing through his lyrics, barely stopping to take a breath between phrases at his best. Lazerbeak shows off his top notch production skills, supporting Sims with schizophrenic beats and a full on horn section, while also sprinkling in drum beats. Doomtree's signature punk infused hip-hop has stayed fairly underground, even though excellent records are released one after another. Sims latest release could become the collective's flagship album, and should finally push the group to stardom. You can stream and purchase the band on Bandcamp here.

Album Review: The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die - Josh Is Dead

Let's welcome Kyle to posting here. He used to run his own site, and will be generously donating his time here.

When thinking back on The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die's debut EP Formlessness, I cannot exactly recall what made the first release of the band so forgettable. The release was by no means uninteresting or a poor introduction to the band's sound, but as soon as Formlessness stopped spinning it was instantly forgotten by me. Regardless of first impressions, Josh Is Dead, the new 7" being released through Topshelf Records and cassette pushed by Ice Age Records, is a small gasp of The World Is A Beautiful Place's unique sound that will truly ingrain itself in your head if you give it the chance to.