The opening track, “All the Action,” bursts out with an upbeat rocking ballad, sung with wailing, western-styled vocals. “She Satisfies” follows with a heavy bass line and sick guitar riffs that no doubt take influence from Keith Richards. … read more
The beats, crafted by band member Billy J, are clean and resounding, and Lindsay Mound’s layered and dreamy vocals nicely complement the album. But to me, nothing about the album screamed innovation, and it wasn’t all that memorable. … read more
“Hip-hop barely breathing, I’m that fresh breath,” raps Chris Gatsby in a song aptly called “Reckless.” Both sentiments are bullshit. It may not be 1993 anymore, but there’s a lot to like about hip-hop these days. Additionally, Gatsby’s resistance to change is a big part of what robs this album of relevance. … read more
I don’t know if Gavin Mays, the man behind Cities Aviv, is trying to rap. All I know is it’s pretty fucking clear that he can’t. He produces really cool beats, though, and that makes up for a lot. Come To Life is by no means bad. It is, nevertheless, deeply indebted to Death Grips. … read more
It’s amazing to me that Chuck Ragan has become as good as he is. A punk guy playing folk rock seems like it might just be interesting, in the sort-term, because of the juxtaposition of it, but here we are with a fourth full-length and he’s only gotten better.
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The amount of aggressive music that is released here took me by surprise. I was expecting more of the same club-style dance tracks, but was pounded with metal/thrash, track after track. … read more
Long Road offers a soul-filled mix of jazz and downtempo reggae that is pleasant to the ears. … read more
Collapse Under The Empire = Sleepmakeswaves + 65daysofstatic + Aerogramme … read more
Comeback Kid Die Knowing Victory Records Street: 04.04 Comeback Kid = Bane + Figure Four + Terror Most reviews of Comeback Kid are mired in the details of the band’s circumstance, singers, Victory Records, etc. Here’s the deal: Die Knowing is one of the most energetic and invigorating hardcore records I’ve heard in a while.
Cloud Boat = Oasis + The xx … read more
City Saints = Cock Sparrer + Reviler … read more
It is almost as if they grabbed some unreleased music and mixed it with today’s technology, making a very nostalgic yet aggressive and stimulating release. … read more
