Local Review: The Contingency Plan – Self-titled demo (2002)

The Contingency Plan Self-titled demo (2002) The Contingency Plan = Drive-Thru Records + sincerity   Oops … this is what happens when you lose a band’s press kit in your car’s trunk for two years. This four-song demo is a neat, tight conglomeration of polished emo pop-punk with sharp production (Boho Digitalia), tight performance and

Local Review: The Jukejoint 45’s – Self-Titled EP

The Jukejoint 45’s Self-titled EP The Jukejoint 45’s = The Cramps + Elvis + Robert Johnson   Grammar, children! If I see another Salt City CD’s or Go-Go’s emblem again, I’ll maul. Plurals don’t have apostrophes! Anyway, The Jukejoint 45’s make some really kick-ass rockabilly that’s not different from a dozen other rockabilly bands you’ve

Local Review: The Legendary Porch Pounders – A Little Gift: Authorized Bootleg

The Legendary Porch Pounders A Little Gift: Authorized Bootleg Self-Released LPP = Muddy Waters + Bob Dylan I swore off drinking yesterday, but halfway through the emotionally exhausting second track, “Up for Days,” I had one leg swung back up on the wagon. Dan Weldon’s lyrics are more folk-poetic than would traditionally accompany many of

Local Review: The Brobecks – Happiest Nuclear Winter

The Brobecks - Happiest Nuclear Winter album cover

The Brobecks Happiest Nuclear Winter Self-Released The Brobecks = Weezer + They Might be Giants + Flaming Lips + Alkaline Trio This album isn’t over-cute, it’s just cute drawn out. Happiest Nuclear Winter struts clever through 12 tracks of electro-pop subtle-saccharine with bummed-out lyrics and occasional near-jazz piano ditties. Sad, socially conscious, mostly strange and

Local Review: The Gorgeous Hussies – Self-Titled

The Gorgeous Hussies Self-Titled Self-Released Street: March 2007 The Gorgeous Hussies = Mothers of Invention + The Pres of the United States + Barenaked Ladies Remember those big guys in high school that weren’t the cool kids, but they were still friends with everyone because they were so funny and too damn happy all the