The Silence “Audio Alchemy” (Whiskey Records) This thing started out with a tricked out ladies’ voice whispering, “Now children, are you sitting comfortably?” and then faded into a little synthesized beat and I was like, “Damn, man, more techno.” T…
Various Artists “The Sound of San Francisco” (Alive) This not merely a sample of San Francisco bands. Each track here was recorded especially for this release. The selected band converges on a ’60s-inspired edgy garage rock feel. Whether it be…
The Light Wires “Self Titled” (Tiberius Records) Listening to The Light Wires is like stepping into 1993 when Counting Crows put out their best album, “August and Everything After.” I can still feel the effect that “Omaha” had on me…
The Album Leaf “In A Safe Place” (Sub Pop) The big promo line for this album (that’s stamped all over the press sheets) goes something like “…by Jimmy LaValle of San Diego’s The Black Heart Procession” but why include “San…
The Blow “The Concussive Caress” (K Records) This is the second release from the Blow, which is essentially Khaela Maricich and whoever else she has to help her flesh out her songs on her recordings. The last time I saw…
The Briggs “Numbers” (Disaster Records) Someone asked me the other day what “Oi” means. Sort of a tough question, isn’t it? I mean, if you’re talking to your buddy in Liverpool and you say, “Oi,” you’re saying, “Hey,” but if…
The Cinema Eye “A Complete Arsenal” (Sound Virus) Sleater-Kinney’s latest album shows how much they have grown as a band through their career. One Beat is great from the first kick to the last riff. The impressionistic art covering the…
The Code / Whatever it Takes “Split” (A-F Records) The Code and Whatever it Takes tear their way through this little six-tracker without so much as a pause for breath. From the opening chords of “In Hope” to its final,…
The Descendents ““Cool to be You” (Fat Wreck Chords) So, ““Cool to be You”” is the Descendents’’ first full length in eight years, and it sounds pretty good. Relying on their catchy, melodic nature more than their earlier hardcore influenced…
The Distance “Your Closest Enemies” (Bridge Nine) Time for a little hardcore courtesy of The Distance. These guys don’t go for the growling, grrr-hardcore that seems to be so prevalent these days, opting instead for a more Mad Ball flavored…