The Cuts “Self-Titled” (Birdman Records) Forged from the same sonic style crucible that gave us Blue Cheer and The Seeds, psychedelic rock from The Cuts comes at us in a heady pre-Mudhoney way. Fans of 13th Floor Elevators that wish…
Radio One “Self-Titled” (Disaster Records) This group, formed from ex-members of Pushers and Bleeders, has a guitar-driven old school punk approach that recalls early GBH and The Clash. This also goes right along with the anti-establishment and direct action message…
The Mooney Suzuki “Electric Sweat” (Columbia) It’s so great to know the kids still know how to rock. Firmly rooted in the dirty 60’s garage rock, The Mooney Suzuki kick out the jams all MC5 style. Full on, balls out,…
Rag Men “Self-Titled” (Eulogy) Barking hardcore. Broken breakdowns. Meaty guitars. A snarl of vocals. Since the formula is anything but original, we go to the next question. Does it rock? Does it do it well? Rag Men do. Catchy guitars…
Raising The Fawn “The North Sea” (Sonic Unyon) The North Sea isn’t the kind of album you’d put on to get roused-up for a night of raucous drinkin’ and hell-raisin’. Taking a page from the school of introspective, melodic songwriters…
Soundtrack “The Rocky Horror Punk Rock Show” (Springman Records) With names like the Alkaline Trio, The Ataris and Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies it’s no wonder “The Rocky Horror Punk Rock Show” packs such a punch. This pseudo-soundtrack puts…
Rogue Wave “Out of the Shadow” (SubPop) Floating through the tunes on “Out of the Shadow” my index finger hovers flexed and quivering. I can’t quite pinpoint where I’ve heard these songs before. The decade and genre they evoke are…
Sharks and Minnows “The Cost of Living” (Two Sheds Music) Alright, here’s a scenester stock tip. Sharks and Minnows. Start dropping this band’s name when you are standing out front of the bar this Saturday and then in 6 months…
SmogTown “All Wiped Out” (TKO Records) Smogtown fuckin ruled. I’m reviewing this from the stand point of someone who saw Smogtown play twenty million times. I used to be in a band called The X-Used (way before The Used) eventually…
Some Kind Of Hate “Undisputed” (Bridge Nine) The first time I heard Slayer’s Reign In Blood, it was deliciously naughty. It felt like I was doing something wrong; that my parents would undoubtedly disapprove and to this day I love…