They are bluesy enough to sound authentic when they put harmonica over the romper of a song “Fuck Up” and rootsy enough where you can hear the country and rockabilly influence in even their most hard-charging guitar licks. … read more
Review: The Slow Death – No Heaven
No Heaven is a combination of fast, loud and angry Oi! music, with whiskey-soaked vocals, layered with dark, depressing lyrics. So, like the number “I Need A Drink,” I need to get myself a pick-me-up after this one. … read more
Review: The Ska-Skank Redemption – Wicked Bees
Songs like “Hit ‘n’ Run” and “Age of Wine” resemble the traditional dance-like ska beat. “Minnesota” brings a lot more emphasis on the guitar, giving the song a more raw, punk rock edge to the EP—all while lead singer Dan Christianson upholds clean and emotional vocals similar to that of Billie Joe Armstrong. … read more
Review: The Lawrence Arms – Metropole
Keep in mind, diehards—it’s been eight long years since The Lawrence Arms released a full-length album. In that time, they were signed to Fat Wreck Chords and cultivated a sound similar to Dwarves. Now, through Epitaph, they have released an album that shows a more dynamic approach toward their music. … read more
Review: The Reserves – Made in Tennessee EP
This is blue collar rock n’ roll from the Volunteer State. If nothing else, Made in Tennessee holds the marked distinction of featuring a punk cover of the old folk standard “Oh Shenandoah.” … read more
Review: The Traps – Boom Pow Awesome Wow
Fans of the old Sun Records artists will find themselves at home in the blues number “Get Up,” both in the lack of pretentious musical build-up and sound quality. But there is a GG Allin brand of perversion here that might repel listeners who like their rock n’ roll with a hint of cute irony, because there’s none of that. … read more
Review: The Tower of Light – Self-Titled
This debut album has all of those things we like to associate with dream-inducing, cinematic doom: dark and brooding soundscapes; swirling, droning guitars; airy, repetitive vocals and drums that burst above the rising haze. … read more
Review: The Men – Tomorrow’s Hits
It seems that The Men have been moving away from their aggressive roots in favor of piano riffs, harmonicas, and slow, steady guitar solos. It is a step forward. … read more
Review: The Menzingers – Rented World
Well, The Menzingers have delivered another album that the disgruntled and eccentric youth can tap their feet and bob their heads to. … read more
Review: The She’s – Dreamers
Smack on some lip gloss, grab an ice cream cone and head down to the beach with Dreamers as your soundtrack. This three-piece gal band is perfect for summer tunes, with garage pop-punk melodies to get you bouncing as you skip around and smile about how great your life is. … read more
Review: The Shrine – Bless Off
I’ve kept The Shrine at arm’s length for some time, mostly because I get annoyed when 16-year-old nu-metallers-turned-skaters try to “educate” me on Sabbath (my first intro to this band), but also because I’m a huge, gutless jerk who doesn’t get into stuff unless he thinks HE discovered it first. … read more
Review: The Shackeltons – Records
Records resonates the same essence that Test Icicles did, only after the caffeine (or whatever stronger stimulant) had begun to wear off. … read more
