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…
Skindred “Babylon” (Bieler Bros. / MCA) Every year there always seems to be one artist who comes straight out of left field and kicks everybody’s ass. Skindred has set themselves up to be that band in 2003. Sounding like the…
Standstill ““The Ionic Spell”” (Level Plane) Get off your lazy fat ass and go buy this record right now! “the ionic spell” is easily the best hardcore album I have heard since Thrice came on the scene a little over…
Steve Von Till “If I Should Fall to the Field” (Neurot) This is the second solo CD of Neurosis frontman Steve Von Till. Clearly he’s easily established himself as the West Coast Michael Gira from his increasingly Swansish work with…
M.O.D. “The Rebel You Love To Hate” (Nuclear Blast) Billy Milano is back. Pushing the PC buttons of America in classic M.O.D. fashion with some new members. Replaced are the old Anthrax members Scott Ian and Charlie Benante from M.O.D.’s…
Mull Historical Society “Us” (XL Recordings) Mull Historical Society is written, produced and performed by Colin McIntyre. The bright indie-pop songs recall Badly Drawn Boy and the radio-ready Flaming Lips. There is a focus on melody and the song on…