The Milwaukees “This is a Stickup” (Does Anyone Stare?) The Milwaukees offer nicely produced yet uninspiring emo. It’s sad, because you know these guys just want to rock and release the tension or demons or whatever it is that’s bothering…
The Rumblers “Hold On Tight” (Switchblade Records) I’ve been getting a lot of this greaser punk stuff lately. What’s the deal, they all ran out of Meatloaf albums to listen to? The Iron Butterfly eight-track got stuck in the player…
The Sheila Divine Secret Society “Self-Titled” (ARRCO) I’m on the fence. On one side is a nice backyard with a swing set, pool, clubhouse and cool indie rockers drinking imported beer and listening to The Shelia Divine Secret Society’s “back…
The Secession Movement “We Need A Hill” (Keep Safe Records) Not the best thing to come out of a stereo. A bit too indie for indie’s sake. Sometimes alternative, sometimes instrumental, a lot of times sung off key and mostly…
The Common Cold “Bleep…Bleep…Bloop” (Action Driver) Does the term ‘instrumental’ create any interest in music anymore? There was a time, say, right around Tortoise’s debut, when instrumental bands were blowing minds. Now though, most of them, save a few, are…
The Return “Build Me A Reason”” (Missing Words Records) The second full-length album from this unbelievable reggae, ska, and rock influenced band out of Ventura, CA. I fortunately had a chance to see this band earlier this year and their live…
Tommy Guerrero “Soul Food Taqueria” (Mo Wax) As the name suggests, this indie-funk album is as comfortable as a your favorite ethnic eatery and sly and downbeat, to boot. Slowed down from Bones Brigade speed, Guerrero lets roll out the…
Tone “Ambient Metals” (Dischord) Instrumentals. It can be tough to get into them, especially when they fall into the post-punk/post hardcore/three-guitars-riffing-and-noodling-at-once category. These six guys, longtime members of the D.C. scene, capture fragments of the Fugazi/Jawbox guitar sound, but this…
Stolen Babies “Self-Titled” (No Comment Records) Are you watching Laker playoff games? All of Southern California seems to be watching Laker games right now. I’m not a Laker fan, I’m just going to come out and say it right now.…
Tarantula Hawk “Self-Titled” (Neurot) An absolutely stunning second full length by San Diego’s Gods of death-prog: Tarantula Hawk. Like a cross between Black Sabbath, King Crimson and the Locust. An extended, but intricately composed, instrumental session full of blistering, twisted…