Finally I get a chance to really check this out after a rut and a lot of backlog to work my way through. This album is rough and ready HC punk driven by in your face tempos and gruff guitar chord that almost ring as much from the garage as it does from the gutter. With these tools AGT blaze away at short, raw songs that take on such things as punk culture, drugs, classism, war, and maintaining in the face of adversity among other things. Along the way the band walks the fine line between hardcore angst and catchy melodic riffs, harnessing the anger into a sharp sonic weapon. While I admit I wasn’t able to get to this album sooner, I really find myself impressed. A damn good album I have to admit from a band I’d like to check out live somewhere down the road. (BOONE)

(BYO Records. P.O. Box 67609. Los Angeles, CA 90067. www.byorecords.com)

I know this has been around for a little bit, but as I try to get over the rut that seemed to hold me back the last couple of years, I find myself going through things I thought I took care of (but hadn’t) and checking them out. The fourth album from Akimbo is a loud intense sonic brew merging elements of punk, metal, and noise rock into an unforgiving mélange built of sheets of guitar skronk tones and aggressive as hell drumming. Their songs are unrelenting collisions of skronky guitar melodies, pummeled power chords and a raw fury that comes through both musically and vocally. What comes out of this possible chaos is music heavier than metal where intense riffage is as important as tearing the place apart. Didn’t know much about this band before but I want to hear more from Akimbo in the future. (BOONE)

(Alternative Tentacles Records. P.O. Box 419092. San Francisco, CA 94141-9092. www.alternativetentacles.com)

Came across this when I caught Eller performing live during the True/False film festival a while back (filling in for the Sierra Leona All Stars who couldn’t get into the country on time). Here Eller and company offer up a set of songs detailing the more cryptic side of things driven by banjo and minimalist instrumentation. Musically, the songs draw from sources ranging from country and bluegrass to jazz to create a sonic Americana that uses old time sounds to details the darker themes of some of the lyrics. It’s not a journey that everyone will get into, but Eller’s music manages to create its own vision. I know it’s been out for a while but finally getting to this has made quite an impression. (BOONE)

(P.O. Box 110. Madison Square Station. New York City, NY 10010. www.curtiseller.com)

This came my way after I saw them live a while back (I think they were opening for Groovie Ghoulies). On their debut (I think) this St. Louis band throws down a handful of short sharp punk songs with a rough crude delivery and a ton of attitude. Loud and fast, these tracks blare out of the speakers with a raw simplicity that call to mind early to mid 80s HC at times. While these songs could come off a cliché in some hands (or end up cheesy pop punk), FRF infuses them with an anthemic high-energy feel that dares you not to react. While I’m still not that familiar with this band (though I’ve seen the name thrown around), another listen to this has my curiosity piqued. Those amongst us who have a craving for vintage style punk/HC will probably dig this quite a bit. (BOONE)
(No address./ Shit!)

I’ve been meaning to get around to this single for a while but life got in the damn way. Formerly Billy Schuh and the Foundry, this newly christened band dishes out a couple of tracks of somewhat introspective indie rock laced liberally with some elements of power pop. These mid-tempo numbers are sonic stories of sorts painted with bittersweet toned guitar work and a personal vibe that can either seem totally endearing or totally alienating. As this band progresses their work seems to gel more with hooks that seem to get you when you don’t expect them and a confidence that didn’t seem to be on their earlier work. In the past I’ve been on the fence regarding these guys but I have to say they won me over this time around. A good single and a new chapter for one of Columbia’s flagship underground pop-rock bands. (BOONE)

(www.emergencyumbrella.com)

I finally picked this up when I saw the band play at the Creepy Crawl a while back and was curious about them on disc. This EP is no pretenses kick down the walls vintage flavored punk. These songs are driven by tight as hell hooks and crunchy guitar chord work that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. While the songs appear to be mostly in Japanese (a language I probably need to learn), there is a spirit here that transcends language barriers with a rock n roll swagger here that reminds one of what melodic punk can be when connected back to its early rock roots rather than copying blindly. This is as fun and energetic as the band’s live shows, so feel free to track down the CD and pick it up. (BOONE)

(www.candypoison.org)

It’s about damn time I got around to this as I deal with taking care of the rut I seem to be in the last year or so. On this seven inch, this Springfield, MO band offer up a short slab of melodic punk that almost veers into straight ahead hard rock territory along the way. These seemingly personal tales of life, regret, and the like are dished out with a midtempo vibe and an almost bittersweet feel at times. While the band obviously ain’t reinventing the wheel, there is something here that listeners should find interesting. The harder core than thou types might not dig it, but those amongst us who cut their teeth on hard rock before they discovered punk (even today there’s more of them than you’d think) should find something to like in these songs. I actually liked it. (BOONE)

(Wee Rock Records. P.O. Box 333. Springfield, MO 65801. www.weerock.com)

I’ve been curious about this for a while but never got around to checking this out until now (spurred in part by the video featured on Videology at the Witch’s Hat show recently). On their debut EP, Shannon and company create a collection of catchy danceable indie rock songs fueled by electro beats, hooks that seem to have rubber cement in them and lots of crunchy guitar to lead the way. Poppy yet far from what many consider pop these days, this is music that stays relative low key while luring you into its sonic trap. I wish I would’ve checked this EP out sooner. I really need to see her live one of these days. (BOONE)
(www.apoprecords.com)

As I got up this morning I realized that it was about time to go through some review stuff before going on with the rest of my day as the rut related backlog has gotten insane around here. As I was going through the singles, I came across this. The Maggots unleash two catchy songs of high–energy garage punk full of dirty guitars and a lot of attitude. Loud, somewhat snotty and melodic as hell, this Swedish trio calls to mind the best of the Nuggets era bands of the 60s and early 70s. While I’d never heard of this band before, they have a power that makes you feel like having pop rocks and soda just to see what would happen (go find out for yourself). Nice to see that good rock n roll can be found is one will just look for it. If you have a turntable check this out. (BOONE)

(Hipsville International Records. 2591 S. Meade St. Denver, CO 80219)

This is another album I was hyped about and wanted a copy of when I heard about it. The latest from Mecca Normal finds this legendary duo in fine form with songs tackling the online dating, junkies, oil and disruption of caribou migration, et al. Musically, the band’s trademark minimalism is intact with sparse layered guitars and vocals in the forefront, yet keyboard, percussion and saxophone all make appearances. The result is a sonic world where experimental confrontation is as typical as melodic rock hooks in getting the message across. Once again Mecca Normal challenges the expectations of what punk and rock bands are supposed to approach things and that’s a very good thing indeed. Get this. (BOONE)
(Kill Rock Stars. 120 NE State Ave #418. Olympia, WA 98501. www.killrockstars.com)

I got this when I saw the band at Eastside a while back and had listened to it a handful of times, but couldn’t get around to reviewing it until now. Once again, Modern Machines dishes up a collection of melodic up-tempo punk rock that goes straight for the jugular while somehow managing to avoid stepping in both the pop punk and hardcore camps (with a seeming country leaning influence on one song). The songs are anthemic and tend to deal with everyday issues such as boredom, a love song in two characters, and women playing music among other things full of tasty guitar work and a ton of energy. High energy and fast moving, it almost seems to end before you realize it. The sonic equivalent of a strong cup of coffee, this EP will wake you up and give you a well needed bit of energy. Get this. (BOONE)

(Recess Records. P.O. Box 1666. San Pedro, CA 90733. www.recessrecords.com)

This came my way a while back but I couldn’t get around to it for a number of reasons until now (you know the reasons by now, including the rut). The Numbskulls offer up catchy straight-ahead punk rock with no frills songs and a stripped down sound. Melodic yet pretty damn gruff around the edges, these are personal tales of angst and survival that somehow can exist as both catchy and sneering. While comparisons to Social Distortion could be bandied here, this band is attempting to put their own twist to the sonic enchilada. Whether this is really their last disc or not may be up for debate; I hope it isn’t though. I want to hear more from this band. (BOONE)

(www.thenumbskulls.com)

This is what I’ve been itching to review cine this came our way in the midst of the rut I was in over the last few issues. This compilation is a collection of the more memorable tracks from the queercore legend’s decade and a half career. Musically it touches on the range of the band’s musical forays from their trademark melodic punk and indie pop they’re known for to their ventures in hard rock and dance music along the way. As expected, their tales of gay life are upbeat, high energy and fun with a vibe that intends to kick ass and take names. The DVD in the set compiles a handful of videos (including one with relatively erotic overtones) and some concert footage from their time as Green Day’s opening act and from an Italian TV show. Pansy Division have always been a somewhat underrated act in underground rock, but this comp is a good jumping off point. Now here’s hoping their earlier albums get reissued some time soon – newbies who get this will want to hear more in my honest opinion. (BOONE)

(Alternative Tentacles Records. P.O. Box 419092. San Francisco, CA 94141-9092. www.alternativetentacles.com)

As I go through the backlog this came across the pile so I decided to put the disc in and play it. Program The Dead’s debut is a collection of melodic alternative rock songs that combines elements of electronica within the guitar driven hooks and personal lyrics. The band has an obvious knack for songcraft that could find them on modern rock radio someday. I admit part of me was curious while another part wasn’t expecting to be into it. However, I find something in this band that has keeps me more curious about them than anything else (at least judging from the songs on this disc). While Program The Dead’s music might not appeal to all reader, I think they’ll have a place amongst those readers who have a taste for melodic alt rock stuff. (BOONE)
(www.lowaltituderecords.com)

After way too damn long I finally got around to checking this out (you already know the reasons so let’s not dwell on them). This DVD is a concert documentary of sorts of an April 2004 show by Submachine at the Smiling Moose in their native Pittsburgh. Musically, these guys play raw hardcore with near corrosive dual guitar blasting over often speed of light beats. Framed in an in your face live show, it seems to start a little rough but quickly picks up speed and almost seems to explode out the speakers. The disc is interspersed with behind the scenes footage of fans, band interviews (including their tale of a confrontation with some Nazis at one of their shows) and the like. The result captures the band’s live show in all its raw fury that should appeal to fans of vintage style HC. I wasn’t sure at first but this was I’m interested in these guys. Interesting – to say the least. (BOONE)

(Da’Core Records. 1407 Bowes Ave. West Mifflin, PA 15122. www.da-core.com)

Another thing I picked up when I saw the band live a while back. The debut disc from this local band offers up a collection of country tinged power pop songs (yes, I actually wrote that – sounds hard to picture as a phrase) full of catchy hooks, stinging guitar lines, and personal songs that seem to detail the darker side of relationships and life. Since becoming a quartet (as mentioned elsewhere this issue, much of the show I’d seen them play was as a trio), the band has fleshed out their sound and become tight and aggressive without losing their quest for the hook. Divided into three acts (starting with cheap wine and ended at bad beer), these nine songs find a pop b and willing to risk a little bit and come up with a few surprises. Turned out to be a somewhat pleasant surprise indeed. (BOONE)

(www.theunfashionables.com )

This was something that I was curious about when I found out it was coming out so I managed to get a copy. The latest from Witchery continues the band’s onslaught of pure thrash/death metal viciousness combining scooped death guitars and rampaging dual bass beats with melodic lead lines and lush ambient synth pads to create a collection of songs of impending doom, plagues, hell, war, and other darker than normal themes dealt out with aggression and fury. There is a rawness here that explodes out the speakers and adds to the edge this type of music demands. Readers who have a thing for metal’s more extreme side will most likely be into the new Witchery album – if they aren’t already listening to this. (BOONE)

(www.centurymedia.com)

TILLY AND THE WALL, NEVA DINOVA, ORINDA FINK, DAVID DONDERO

Monday September 12, 2005                               The Blue Note, Columbia

     I admit things have been busy lately.  A change of projects at the paying job has me tied up and in a rut of sorts.  Also, coming back from vacation hasn't done much to help matters in that regard.  However, once in a while something comes along that piques my interest just enough so I don't fall completely into lethargy.  When I learned about this show, I knew I wanted to check it out.  Thus, I made arrangements in regards to the paying job scheduling and took steps to be ready for it.  Come that Monday night, I was off to the Blue Note for this show.

     I got to the Note partway through David Dondero's opening set.  Backed by a drummer, Dondero performed a set of indie rock laced with folk and driven by his acoustic guitar.  Part introspective and part storyteller, these songs had the feeling of an old pair of jeans - comfortable yet there's omething that draws you in that's different each time.  While I wish I knew some of the newer material, catching David Dondero again after all these years was worth it (I saw him at the Ranch a long time ago).  Check out this guy when you get the chance.

     Up next was Orinda Fink, who I knew pretty much absolutely nothing about before her set.  Backed by a five piece band, Fink and company mined ethereal piano based art pop with a hard driving guitar edge to create a sound that hints at Flaming Lips or PJ Harvey but may have much more underneath the surface.  The set was fairly short but they attempted to take us to another realm and brought us back as it ended.  I admit I have to hear more of Orinda FInk's material before I judge, but I'm totally curious now.

     After a very brief set up, Neva Dinova came up to play.  Featuring several members of FInk's band, this quintete played a set of indie rock merging lilting, almost twangy elements with vintage sounding hard rock feel and triple guitar power to drive it home.  Songwise, they're a little on the introspective side but the roots rock elements emerge in ways you don't expect.  Admittedly I knew nothing about this band so I can't say I'm totally familiar with them.  However, the crowd seemed to get it and this band will have their following. 

     Finally Tilly and The Wall was up to play their set.  From the start, the band was on fire with a set of endearing indie pop-rock based largely on acoustic guitar and their unique percussion (Stomping on platforms and assorted percussion instruments in lieu of drums).  Personal and low key, TATW is one of those bands that sneaks up on you and takes you by surprise by their harmonies and tales of life, love, and youth among other things.  Catchy and somehow addictive, this band can be addictive and lure you into their gooey sweet hooks and want you coming back for more.  Highly recommended.

     Musically, this was a cool night.  However, one thing managed to set me off and ruined it for me.  Some dumb neohipster fuck was being annoying the whole goddamn night (at one time early on while I was taking notes he put his hand on my shoulder and asked in a sarcastic tone, "Do you need space?").  Once TATW started, this guy started screaming at the top of his lungs like a little teenybopper, distracting from the music.   It got toi the point where I Finally had to scream at the little argument for abortion to stop.  Now, I'm into fan appreciation but screaming at the top of your lungs at a band that's mostly acoustic actually distracts those of us who want to hear the show.  Basically this piece of shit put me in a bad mood the rest of the night with his annoying antics.  However her did serve as proof of two things.  One, how much I really find neohipsters annoying.  and two, he was a walking argument for why abortion should not only be kept legal but should be encouraged. 

    Still, I know I shouldn't let him get to me but I needed to vent.  The music was good and it was at a place that's one of my homes away from home.  However, I do wish neohipsters would realize that the scene is more than their little pose (I get a creepy feeling that once this little turd leaves college he'll become as annoying and neoconservative as his waste of space parents who chose wrong when they decided to have this assmunch).  Oh well, I'll probably never see that fucker again.  A good show marred by one fucking asshole not affiliated with the bands.  Oldest story in the world.  I need to get some sleep. 

     - Boone

NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALL STARS

Saturday September 17, 2005                          Vintage VInyl, St. Louis

     There seems to be a lot going on right now.  Combine that with just geting back from vacation and other expenses and money is getting a little tight at the moment.  Needless to say that means I have to be careful in regards to going out and all that.  When I heard this band was coming to town, I was interested but knew I didn't have the money to go.  However, when I learned about this instore gig, I made the decision to try and be there.  Thus, on this Saturday afternoon, I was off to the St. Louis area (okay, actually U. City but you get the idea) to look around at Vintage Vinyl and check out this instore. 

    After a litle bit of anticipation and a more than crowded place near the stage area (normally known as Vintage Vinyl's Jazz Section), North Mississippi All Stars came on to play an acoustic (for the most part) set.  Pared to a trio again (and on this set with drummer Cody Dickinson on acoustic guitar), the band wasted no time blazing away a set of blues and rock influenced as much by hill country blues as by jazz, country, or the various jam band influences they get lumped in with.  Low down and more than a little rough around the edges, this band proceeded to rock the house and got the crowd riled up and in gear for the rest of the day.   While I hadn't seen them in this context (last time was a few years ago as a quartet), NMAS proved they didn't need amplification to pull off their music and win the crowd over.  A good show that probably got people interested in seeing htem that night (which I sadly couldn't afford to do). 

   After the show there was the usual autograph, meet and greet thing.  For a brief moment me and Luther DIckinson connected over my 7 Seconds shirt leading to a brief discussion of both of us seeing Black Flag (in his case - at a records store) and learning why Luther takes in stores seriously because of that.  I wish we could've talked a little more but things were busy and I had things to take care of.  I still have a little adjusting to do after coming back from the coast but I'll be okay.  I need to check this band out again. 

     - Boone

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