Sometimes I Get Drunk At Night

2012-03-04T14:08:00.000-05:00

This 2008 painting by Richard Price is worth over 3 million $$$. Gettin' paid, son.

Dead Rhythm Machine by The Letters Organize (2005)

2012-03-02T17:06:00.001-05:00

Kind of Like: The Refused, At the Drive-In, Every Time I Die
Genres: Punk, Post-hardcore, Screamo
Spotify: Affirmative
Preview: PUREVOLUME, YES

The Letters Organize were a blip in punk rock. They released this album on Nitro Records way back in 2005 and then promptly broke up a year later. I vaguely remember seeing these guys at the VFW hall in Northville when I was a young lad. They had crazy energy, the likes of which I hadn't seen often. I especially have vivid images of the vocalist even though it was 7 years ago. I picked up this on compact disc, because I don't remember many bands I liked back then selling vinyl.

This band also had an EP and a demo before this that I haven't heard yet. Honestly, I haven't even listened to this album in years. The other day I decided to try and find it because I had a feeling it would be well-received here. These guys weren't around very long, so this album went under the radar and was criminally underrated. This album is an intense powerhouse that never slows its pace (except the outro in "Costume in the Corner").

Randomness: The beginning of "Trouble Sleeping" sounds somewhat similar to the beginning of Small Brown Bike's "On Repeat". It is eerie, and I think listening to the Small Brown Bike song was what reminded me to look back into The Letters Organize.

Listen Here:

Streampad: The Letters Organize - They Call It Rock and Roll (And Other Lies)

Steve Reich - Music for 18 Musicians [1976]

2012-03-02T15:54:00.012-05:00

For Fans Of: Pulsating melodies

Genres: Minimalism, Contemporary Classical, Avant-Garde

Spotify: Facebook

Preview:

Here's something a litte different from what we usually post. If you have never heard of Steve Reich, he is an American composer and minimalism pioneer. His composition Music for 18 Musicians was written for a cello, two clarinets, four pianos, three marimbas, two xylophones, a metallopohone, and four women's voices. Each section of the work has its own defining melody that when stringed together becomes one great musical specimen. I'd recommend this to anyone with a passing interest in minimalism, contemporary classical, and/or music itself. It's also available on vinyl via Discogs if you happen to have $60 to spare.

Streampad: Steve Reich - Section IIIB

Ancre - Nacre [2011]

2012-03-02T15:01:00.010-05:00

For Fans Of: Maserati, Sed Non Satita, From Monument

Genres: Math Rock, Instrumental, Post-rock

Spotify: Facebook

Preview:

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://ancre.bandcamp.com/album/nacre"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Nacre by ANCRE&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Ancre is a

math-post-rock trio (formerly a duo, up until the bassist joined) hailing from France, whose sound lies somewhere between Maserati and Sed Non Satita. The Nacre 12" (pictured above) is available through Echo Canyon Records, and looks pretty nifty. Only 300 copies were released, so they are sure to run out quick!

Streampad: Ancre - Narval

Southern Shores - Atlantic EP [2011]

2012-03-02T14:23:00.007-05:00

For Fans Of: Washed Out, Air France, Pinemarten

Genres: Electronica, Lo-Fi, Chillwave

Spotify: Yes

Preview:

Southern Shores is an Air France-esque Canadian duo on Cascine Records, and this is their latest EP. With its catchy beats, soul vibe, and disco influence, I expect this album to be on repeat in my car as soon as summer finally rolls back around. It's also available on vinyl for just ten dollars!

Streampad: Southern Shores - Antibo

Delta Sleep - Mega Hits Vol. 1 [2011]

2012-03-02T13:57:00.009-05:00

For Fans Of: Part Dinosaur, Mimas, Quadrilles

Genres: Math Rock, Experimental, Indie

Spotify: Facebook

Preview:

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://deltasleep.bandcamp.com/album/mega-hits-vol-1"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Mega Hits Vol.1 by Delta Sleep&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Delta Sleep is a fivesome from Canterbury that formed in 2008. From their Lastfm: "Their music combines guitar-driven melodies, held together by jazz-influenced percussion and relentless bass, topped with sprinkles of left-fiele electronica." Basically, if you like fun Math Rock, you'll enjoy these guys and gal. They are currently recording an EP, so look out for that soon. In the meantime, clicking below will send you to their Bandcamp, where you can download the album for free.

Streampad: Delta Sleep - So Say We All

2012-02-29T09:04:00.008-05:00

^ I want this because of reasons.

In other news, we have a Facebook page! (Just in case you didn't know.)

"Like" to get updates on which bands we're featuring on the show for the week and/or what giveaways we're doing, etc, etc.

Awkward Breeds by the Sidekicks (2012)

2012-02-28T17:20:00.001-05:00

Wait...Why???

Kind of Like: Cheap Girls, The State Lottery,
Genres: Punk, Pop Punk, Indie

Spotify: Ya

Buy: No Idea Records

Preview: PunkNews.org

This is the brand new LP from the Sidekicks. A month or so ago their EP Grace was featured on here, and that was their introduction to the first single "Grace" off of this LP. If you really liked Cheap Girls latest release, then you can look forward to this one as well. Feel good pop punk.

If you really like them, you can also check out this track by track interview with their guitarist/singer, Steve.

Listen Here:

Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light II by Earth (2012)

2012-02-28T16:56:00.000-05:00

Kind of Like: Grails, Sun O))), Electric Wizard
Genres: Drone, Doom, Stoner Rock, Sludge, Post-rock
Spotify: Ya
Preview: Myspace

You may remember Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light I, from last year. That was one of my favorite albums of last year. I was wondering if the "I" at the end implied there would be more to come, and looky here. This leaked a while ago; I saw Music As Heroin featured this. But, this is my first go at listening to it. I am only a minute into the first song and can tell this is going to be another stripped-down, laid-back, introverted adventure (introverted adventure? LOL). As a listener, you really get to bask in the tones of the instruments. Compared to their earlier works of drone metal, Angels I and II is more like being in a desert. A dark, heavy, experimental desert. Perhaps one of Dali's deserts?

Listen Here:

Ancient Sky - T.R.I.P.S. [2012]

2012-02-27T09:28:00.009-05:00

For Fans Of: Cherry Coke, Chief Nowhere, Darkest Hour

Genres: Psychedelic, Stoner Rock, Blues

Spotify: Yes

Preview:

This Brooklyn-based foursome was formed by members of several different bands, including Darkest Hour and You Are The Drum. According to Last.Fm: "Think stoney, droning, trance-inducing psychedelic, without a bunch of meandering nonsense." People seem to really be enjoying this album. To my knowledge, they aren't touring as of right now, but here's footage from their performance at Death by Audio in Brooklyn on January 27th:

Clicking below will send you to their Bandcamp, where you can purchase the album for $5.

Streampad: Ancient Sky - Ray Bradbury

The Cinematic Orchestra - Ma Fleur [2007]

2012-02-24T11:28:00.007-05:00

For Fans Of: Skalpel, Bonobo, Ninja Tune

Genres: Jazz, Electronica, Chillwave

Spotify: Yes

Preview:

The Cinematic Orchestra is another British group on Ninja Tune records. They are probably best known for creating the new score to Dziga Vertov's 1929 classic Man with a Movie Camera. Ma Fleur is great for anyone who is a fan of suave electro-jazz. It hasn't generated a lot of great reviews, but I like it just the same. If this turns out to be something you dig, it might be a good idea to look into previous albums, as they seem to be recommended more by long-time fans of the group.

Streampad: The Cinematic Orchestra - Child Song

Bonobo - Black Sands [2010, Black Sands Remixed [2012]

2012-02-24T10:34:00.014-05:00

For Fans Of: B.Lewis, The Cinematic Orchestra, Andreya Triana

Genres: Electronica, Chillwave, Hip-hop

Spotify: Yes

Preview:

Here's an artist I found while researching B.Lewis. Simon Green, also known by his stage name, Bonobo, is a British musician/DJ/producer. His uncanny ability to intertwine samples and live instruments within his own electronic landscape captured my interest right away on Black Sands. I then was blown away once again upon hearing other musician's interpretations of the album on Black Sands Remixed. I highly recommend checking out Ninja Tune for more trip-hop/electronica artists such as this one. Their compilation albums are particularly great.

(Click the Mediafire links for the remixes)

Streampad: Bonobo - Prelude

B.Lewis - Plug EP [2011]

2012-02-23T18:24:00.006-05:00

For Fans Of: MNDSGn, fLako, Madlib

Genres: Instrumental, Hip-Hop, Soul

Spotify: Facebook

Preview: &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://blewis.bandcamp.com/album/plug-ep"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Plug EP by B.Lewis&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

This sums up how I feel about this album:

"If Plug EP were a planet, it would have a loosely dub, house, break beat surface that’s absolutely soul to the core. But, of course, it’s not a planet. Instead, it’s an eight-track adventure with synth, electro-piano and hip-hop drum cracks that’ll only sound extraterrestrial."

Streampad: B.Lewis - Cancel That

Cheap Girls - Giant Orange [2012]

2012-02-23T17:54:00.005-05:00

For Fans Of: The Sidekicks, Lemuria, Sundials

Genres: Indie, Pop Punk

Spotify: Yes

Preview:

I finally found a copy of this! So excited! Cheap Girls is a trio from Lansing, Michigan. This is their third full-length, and it was produced by Tom Gabriel of Against Me!. Bands like this are the lovechild of power-pop and 90's college rock. They aren't reinventing the wheel here, that's for sure, but the simplicity, sturdy craftsmanship, and potential for sing-along-ness makes for some great albums, and this one is no exception.

Strampad: Cheap Girls - On/Off Switches

Ahleuchatistas - Location Loacation [2011]

2012-02-23T17:27:00.006-05:00

For Fans Of: Sleeping People, Cinemechanica, Them Roaringtwenties

Genres: Math Rock, Experimental, Instrumental

Spotify: Facebook

Preview: &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://ahleuchatistas.bandcamp.com/track/a-little-effort-goes-away"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;A Little Effort Goes Away by Ahleuchatistas&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

I was a bit surprised to learn that we had not put these guys up yet. Ahleuchatistas, who take their name from a Charlie Parker composition, are two guys from Asheville, North Carolina. This is the first album released sans-bassist (he was featured on their previous five albums), and although the sound has morphed from it's jazzy-punk roots, the band still grinds pretty hard. Instead of feeling a little hollowed out by the lack of bass, the frantic arrhythmic heartbeat sound is still just as erratic as ever, which is what made me like them in the first place. They have just finished tracking for their new album, so look out for that on SIGD soon!

Streampad: Ahleuchatistas - Heraclitean

Yndi Halda - Enjoy Eternal Bliss [2005]

2012-02-23T17:04:00.009-05:00

For Fans Of: Godspeed, Mono, I Hear Sirens

Genres: Post-rock, Instrumental, Ambient

Spotify: Yes

Preview:

Here's a Post-rock group from Canterbury, United Kingdom. The band formed back in 2001, and Enjoy Eternal Bliss was their self-released EP that came out back in 2005. I know what you're thinking: "Sigh. Another Post-rock band. Sighhhh". BUT these guys can more than hold their own in this realm. I've been listening to this a lot lately and have yet to even begin to grow tired of it. Once the sprawling violins enter your ears, you won't be able to help but enjoy listening to this. As of right now, they are working on new material, and according to their website, this album will be available on colored vinyl very soon.

Streampad: Yndi Halda - Illuminate My Heart, My Darling!

Punch - Nothing Lasts (2011)

2012-02-22T22:30:00.000-05:00

Genres: Hardcore, Punk
Website: Facebook

I've been digging on this EP real hard over the past week. My only regret is I hadn't found out about this band 5 years ago when they started. Punch really stand out along all the hardcore/punk bands being done these days. No gimmicks or image-before-music here. Just straight up pissed-off hardcore that really hits you in the gut. There's a great balance of thrash and powerviolence being done here as well. The blast-beats never get in the way or become like a early 2000's grindcore band. I think the fact that they have a female vocalist (who's indeed a babe) also adds another unique sonic element to their sound. I like to think she's got Jacob Bannon's voice in a sense, but higher. This EP goes by with great speed and stamina. It doesn't feel short or too long. It's AWESOME!

Mediafire

Demo - Marietta (2012)

2012-02-22T13:57:00.000-05:00

Kind of Like: Old Gray, Braid, The Promise Ring, Dowsing
Genres: Emo, Math Rock, Indie
Spotify: Not Officially
Website: Facebook
Preview:
&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://whereismarietta.bandcamp.com/album/demo"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Demo by Marietta&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

These guys are bursting on the scene from Philly's seedy underbelly of emo. When my friend told me that these guys were a bunch of 18 year olds attending Temple, it made me appreciate it that much more. These kids are young, but as I told my friend, they have extremely mature sense of direction when writing music. Moreso than a lot of bands much older than them. I would like to say that this demo is dripping with potential, but that would seem like it is subpar. It's good in it's own right, but the fact these guys are just starting makes me excited to hear what they will do after this demo. So, double whammy; it's pretty damn good and it's got potential.

Listen Here:

StreamPad: Marietta - United Way

Radio Show Tonight!

2012-02-21T15:57:00.000-05:00

Love this picture, hate tequila. (click to enlarge)

Since we messed up last week do to microphone issues, we are going to try to feature the bands that didn't get a fair listen so that we can at least record the show and then throw it up here later. If you know the bands personally, let them know, I think they will like the attention, no? Until the show, you can check out that MF Doom live thing. I got the time messed up, it started at 3 PM EST, his set isn't on until 5 PM. They just had a bunch of technical difficulties, but I think it's under control now (we aren't the only ones!). Jneiro Janel is about to start spinning, and then you'll have a chance to see MF Doom DJ after him.

SHIT: I meant to put 7, not 8. The one thing I fuck up is one of the more important parts, hahaha. Join my label, I'm sloppy!

MF DOOM live video stream today/tonight!

2012-02-21T11:39:00.001-05:00

Heads up to you MF Doom, fans. The one and only (besides his various fake impersonators) will be DJing alongside Dr Who Dat? at the Boiler Room (UK?). If you aren't able to go to the actual event, you can watch a live video stream of his set at this link. It starts at 8 PM GMT, which translates to 3 PM EST for people around here. I think. I would take this opportunity to try and catch him live, because at least if he doesn't show up, at least you didn't pay for it...or did you?

Also, if you don't like MF Doom (or you do and have a good sense of humor) and want to listen to Aziz Ansari poke fun at him and Dr. Dre, here is a link to brighten your day.

StreamPad: King Geedorah (MF DOOM) - I Wonder (feat. Hassan Chop)

Jeromes Dream Interview via For All Masters

2012-02-20T18:28:00.004-05:00

The guys at ForAllMasters.com, recently did an interview with Eric from Jeromes Dream. After listening to it, I thought since we featured them before some people here would be interested in listening to this.

Click here

StreamPad: Jeromes Dream - Double Who? Double You!

Look Pa, Bigfoot - Drunk Neighbours (2012)

2012-02-19T16:08:00.000-05:00

Kind of Like: Crywank, Crude Drawings of Dicks
Genre(s): Acoustic-Punk
Download Free: Bandcamp
I hope that this valentine's day EP release hasn't arrived too late for anybody this year. I say, there is always time to settle that empty feeling in your life with the humble chords of a solo artist that screams and that sings about love and lonely hearts, sex and all the arts from that house next door that's always buzzing with those endearing old notes accompanied by the passionately honest delivery of each truth-bearing line. Despite the endless empties and haze of marijuana that would spill over into your lawn, you all admit to loving your Drunk Neighbours for exactly what they bring to your life. Lyrics will be posted soon.

Olympians - Foreign Language [2010]

2012-02-19T14:23:00.010-05:00

For Fans Of: Freelance Whales, Local Natives, Fanfarlo

Genres: Indie Pop, Math Rock, Folk

Spotify: Yes

Preview: &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://olympians.bandcamp.com/album/foreign-language-free-download-single"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Foreign Language (free download single) by Olympians&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Olympians are four strapping young lads from Norwich who play exhilarating sing-along math-pop/indie-pop. They started out by playing a guitar, bass, and some drums in one of the member's basements for fun. Since then, they've expanded to two guitars, a keyboard, a glockenspiel (one of my favorite instruments/favorite words in the English language), and a trumpet. They do a lot of cute ba-ba-ba-ing in their songs, like in the video for "Wake Up Old":

The song I put up for the preview portion starts off slowly, but if you hang on and listen to the whole thing, it's worth it! Their Bandcamp has a lot of stuff on sale as well as some free downloads.

Pouzza Fest Announces Schedule!

2012-02-18T12:04:00.001-05:00

Pouzza just announced the schedule for their festival in Montreal. Think of a festival a lot like Fest in Gainesville except in Montreal. I think I've said this before, but Montreal is awesome (sorry Gainesville, your city is awesome too, but Montreal blew me away when I visited, and hockey is a religion there). There still are a whole bunch of bands there that weren't at Fest this year though like the Suicide Machines, The Lawrence Arms, Cheap Girls, The Bouncing Souls and many others. Hell, a lot of the bands I am just plain not familiar with.

Peace Be Still is playing Friday right after Reservoir. Listen up, Montreal, go to Theater St. Catherine first and catch Reservoir and Peace Be Still. You'll have time after to make it to Foufounes Electriques to catch The Menzingers, The Flatliners, The Bouncing Souls, and Hot Water Music. Maybe try and catch Sundowner, somewhere in there and then end the night with Junior Battles.

I know most people in Quebec/Montreal are bilingual, but just in case here is a brief (and most likely inaccurate) French translation:

Écoutez, Montréal, allez à Saint-Théâtre abord, Catherine et attraper Réservoir et de la Peace Be Still. Vous aurez le temps après pour se rendre à Foufounes Electriques pour attraper les Menzingers, Les Flatliners, The Bouncing Souls, et Hot Water Music. Peut-être essayer d'attraper Sundowner, quelque part dans là-bas et puis finir la nuit avec des Batailles Junior (Junior Battles).

I might be heading out to this with Peace Be Still, but that's still up in the air. After Peace Be Still plays Pouzza they will be heading down to the east coast as mentioned before. We are still working on dates. As I said before we are talking to a whole bunch of people and everything is slowly falling together, if you wanna help send myself or the band a line.

And if you still have yet to give these guys a try, here is where our relationship initially started. Do you believe in love at first site?

Click here for the Pouzza schedule.

StreamPad: Peace Be Still - Echo

Bon Iver at Air Studios

2012-02-17T14:32:00.008-05:00

Seeing Justin Vernon surrounded by his massive touring band, churning out the jams on an ever-growing stage, is a magical thing. Or so I've heard. If you're like me and have regrettably managed to miss their live performances the last couple of times they've rolled into town, you can settle (at least for the time being) for seeing him and Sean Carey in a studio, re-interpreting their songs into smaller and more subtle re-inventions. This video is most definitely worth your time if you're a fan of Bon Iver.

Tracklist:

Hinnom, TX

Wash

I Can’t Make You Love Me

Babys

Beth-Rest

Beach Fossils - Shallow [2012]

2012-02-17T13:38:00.018-05:00

For Fans Of: Craft Spells, Wild Nothing, Surfer Blood

Genres: Lo-Fi, Surf Rock, Indie Pop

Spotify: Ya

Preview:

I've been in love with Beach Fossils ever since I heard "Golden Age" from their 2010 self-titled release. The carefree vibe of each catchy tune makes their albums the perfect soundtrack to a long drive on a sunny day. This 7" was just released last week (purchase here), and features two new songs. Hopefully we will see another great full-length from them soon.

Streampad: Beach Fossils - Lessons

Introducing the StreamPad Feature

2012-02-17T01:45:00.002-05:00

You may notice the little bar or "padding" on the lower part of our website. This is a new feature powered by StreamPad. Basically, this nifty little tool will automatically search your entire site for direct links to mp3s and then make them available to play directly from the StreamPad bar. So, you will also notice at the end of each post from now on, there is a small StreamPad link to a specific song from that artist. This is so that the application is able to find an mp3 for that post. I would recommend to click on the button that opens the player in a new window. That way you could listen to music while you browse the site without interruption, and if you hear something you immediately like, you can go to the player and click the song and it will send you right to the post it is featured in! Neat!

(Hint to the other authors of the site that want to use a specific song in their posts: Kiwi6)

Kubichek - Not Enough Tonight [2007]

2012-02-17T01:01:00.006-05:00

For Fans Of: Dogs, DARTZ!, Look See Proof

Genres: Indie, Indie Pop, Pop Punk

Spotfity: Yepyep

Preview:

Kubicheck! was another British indie group that formed back in 2004, and then dismembered four years later. They're perfect for anyone who likes a bellyful of bright, bold, guitar skewed pop songs. From their Lastfm:

"Creators of this year’s best indie rock debut; make no mistake, Newcastle’s Kubichek! are a devoutly special band. As incendiary as the intentionally explosive exclamation mark that doorstops their moniker, like all the best bands, they come armed with a musical manifesto – a mission statement if you will – that encompasses their lust for uncompromising DIY punk jitter, noir tinged, New Wave tainted atmos, and feedback swamped melodic sass. Said debut, ‘Not Enough Night’ is evocative of their variety in palate; a record that perfectly plots their brilliance over twelve explosive, contrasting melodic assaults, announcing their arrival to the world with aplomb. It is a stunning debut missive."

Check out this Streampad thingy we've got goin' on. You can now listen to songs while blogwalking for songs to listen to!

Streampad: Kubichek! - Roman Is Better

DARTZ - The Sad History Of The Village Of Alnerique [2008]

2012-02-16T11:13:00.005-05:00

For Fans Of: Tellison, Colour, Algiers

Genres: Math Rock, Indie, Indie Pop

Spotify: Yes

Preview:

I've referred to DARTZ! in a couple of previous posts, so I figured I may as well throw this up. This trio is from the U.K. and includes members of The Maple State, and Algiers. The more I listen to their albums, the more they become one of my favorite Math Rock bands. Those Brits really seem to know what they're doing in this realm. Sadly, the band dismembered back in 2009 because of internal conflicts between the three members, but they left listeners with a great body of work to explore. I highly recommend downloading their whole discog if you find this to be something you like.

Streampad: DARTZ! - The Arrival, Building Alnerique

Palo Verde - Zero Hour [2012}

2012-02-15T23:19:00.006-05:00

For Fans Of: Black Sabbath, Shellac, Jucifer

Genres: Metal, Noise Rock, Sludge

Spotify: Yessir

Preview:

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://paloverdeband.bandcamp.com/album/zero-hour"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Zero Hour by Palo Verde&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Palo Verde is a highly improvisational all-female, metal/sludge/noise duo from Portland, OR. The band initially formed as experimental double-drum duo called Stick-It-In, but evolved into the current improvisational guitar/drums incarnation. Since 2006, they have performed extensively in the Northwest and throughout the U.S., sharing the stage with bands such as Jucifer, Thrones, Black Elk, Japanther, and Kusikia. Drummer Lauren K also plays guitar in the blistering LKN. We rarely ever get to witness women participate in metal music, and it always makes me happy to see talented women musicians make a name for themselves. Here's a review from Bitch Magazine:

"If you like dark, pared-down, and unapologetic un-catchy music check out Palo Verde, a two-piece powerhouse of a band. Lauren K's smashing drums and Terrica Kleinknecht distorted guitar are like a metal show that could fit in your living room. Don't expect some pop song that will be stuck in your head. Their songs grow slowly and organically, turning into a swirling growl of psychedelic guitar and mesmerizing drumming. Streaming their songs online just barely do justice to their sound, and if you get the chance to see them live you'll be treated to some of the most intense drumming of your life. (Don't forget to bring your anti-face melting serum)." -- Bitch Magazine

Town Portal - Vacuum Horror [2011]

2012-02-15T22:53:00.004-05:00

For Fans Of: Maserati, Stage Kids, Dios Trio

Genres: Math Rock, Post-rock, Instrumental

Spotify: Facebook

Preview: &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://townportal.bandcamp.com/track/steaming-scrolls"&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Steaming Scrolls by Town Portal&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Town Portal is a relatively new band from Copenhagen. The trio mixed this six-track EP themselves last summer, with the help of the mighty Carl Amburn (Russian Circles, Self-Evident, Riddle of Steel, etc.) Here's a litte description they were kind enough to send to us:

"Town Portal play instrumental rock that crosses borders of genres. Tapping on experience from earlier endeavors in genres like death metal, shoegaze and math rock, the three members bring components of it all into a melting pot, creating a unique niche of original melodies and harmonies, fixated on a skeleton of complex and playful rhythm structures. Under the dogma of forsaking vocals and other superfluous effects, the band throw themselves into a search of new meaningful ways to compose tones over time, with a heavy and dry precision.

After a European tour in 2010 and a minor row of Danish shows, they released their debut EP entitled Vacuum Horror in late 2011. The EP was followed up by another European tour in the beginning of 2012. In Denmark the EP was praised in several large- and small scale magazines, and the opening track Rosini is currently in rotation on national Danish radio, DR P6. A surprising outcome for an instrumental band, with its roots heavily planted in the DIY scenes ethics and methods. At the moment they’re preparing the recording of their debut album set to be released later this year."

Looking forward to that debut full-length!

回帰する呼吸 (recur breath) EP by the Cabs (2011)

2012-02-15T22:20:00.001-05:00

Kind of Like: Climb the Mind, This Town Needs Guns, malegoat

Genres: Screamo, Emo, Math Rock, Post-hardcore

Spotify: For their old album, yes.

Preview:

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://zankyorecord.bandcamp.com/album/recur-breath"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;recur breath by the cabs&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Taking a little break from my paper thing I'm working on. Time to write about something that I REEEEALLY like writing about. Somebody in the chat box was asking for the new album by the Cabs called, Ocur (Occur?) Breath. I figured he was talking about the japanese band, the Cabs, that we featured back in December. I remember that this album by the Cabs was the one I initially wanted to feature/listen to, but I only had luck finding their first album that ultimately was put up on this site. Feel free to read that post here.

I figured I would give it another go trying to find this album that came out a couple months ago. It was a wild goose chase, but I found a link that worked. I am really glad because I like this new EP better than the one that I previously listened to. Excellent musicianship.

Hint: jpddl

Streampad: The Cabs - キェルツェの螺旋

Algiers - Blood 7 [2012]

2012-02-15T20:44:00.009-05:00

For Fans Of: African drums

Genres: Gospel, No Wave, Soul

Spotify: Facebook

Preview: Blood 7 Inch

Regular SIGD readers will remember Algiers as the Indie Pop duo with former members of The Maple State and DARTZ!. This, however, is a whole different kind of group, but with the same name. The trio describe themselves as an "experimental gospel no wave soul pulp band". They're based in Atlanta, Georgia, or as they refer to it: "the rotten hub of the Ol' American South, wehre W.E.B. Dubois once saw a riot goin' on, and where the hell and high water swirls 'round the trees." Check out the vid for the song in the preview up top:

I was enjoying the song right away but the video made me get into it more. I like when that happens.

Chasing Paperboy - EP [2012]

2012-02-15T20:10:00.012-05:00

For Fans Of: CSTVT, By Surprise, Algernon Cadawallader

Genres: Pop Punk, Indie, Emo

Spotify: Facebook

Preview:

Chasing Paperboy is an emo/indie/pop punk foursome from France. Their EP is set to be released in April, but you can listen to the whole thing and/or purchase the digital version via their Bandcamp. I'm really liking this EP more and more with every listen; it's one of those albums that's energetic and super catchy from start to finish. Unfortunately the digital download hasn't been leaked yet. If you don't feel like spending the money and would rather wait until a download is available for the EP, you can download their Demo below instead.

Creo En Mí - Nunca Más [2011]

2012-02-15T18:49:00.005-05:00

For Fans Of: Kid Dynamite, Dag Nasty, Paint It Black

Genres: Punk mothafunkin' rock. And some hardcore in there too.

Spotify: Facebook

Preview:

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://bajopresionrecords.bandcamp.com/track/domingos-para-siempre"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Domingos Para Siempre by Creo En Mí&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

It's been quite a while since I've heard a punk band as refreshing as this. Alex, Sebas, and Andres, also known as Creo En Mí, are impressive up and comers from Guatemala who are eager to share their music. As another reviewer put it, "They have that elusive combination of ferocity and melody that makes your blood feel like it's on fire."

Here's a short promotional made for their albume release show that they recently sent to us. I don't know what they're saying but it's well-done and features a cute doggie.

Radio Show, Featuring...

2012-02-14T15:40:00.000-05:00

BLAARRGHHH

Tonight the show will be featuring bands like: Barrow, Dr. Dog, You Blew It!, Dikembe, Weak Teeth, Invalids, Isosceles Mountain, and if I told you all of them it wouldn't be as fun. Background music this weak will be provided by The Flashbulb's Opus at the End of Everything. See you at either 7:00 PM, or it will be up for download tomorrow. Go Red Wings!

Remember: You can always call in and request music or even just shoot the shit with us. Especially if you are in one of the bands we feature. (313-593-5515, we are live tonight 7-8:30 EST)

update: sorry we had technical difficulties. We will play the bands that werent heard next week.

Opus at the End of Everything by The Flashbulb (2012)

2012-02-14T15:31:00.002-05:00

Nerd alert.

Kind of Like: Cloudkicker, Library Tapes, Venetian Snares

Genres: Electronica, Experimental, Ambient, Breakcore, Jazz
Spotify: Yesh
Preview:
&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://theflashbulb.bandcamp.com/album/opus-at-the-end-of-everything"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Opus At The End Of Everything by The Flashbulb&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

I featured Benn Jordan's last album under his alias, The Flashbulb back earlier last year. That album, Love as a Cold, Dark Hallway, was heavily jazz influenced; more so than most of his other albums. Most of his work still has a minimal jazz influence whether it be chords or what not, and this new album is no exception. However, this album reminds me more of the ambiance of Cloudkicker's latest album, Let Yourself Be Huge. There is very limited jazz and even very limited breakcore involved in this album which ends up being quite a deviation from what you usually hear from Benn Jordan. That's probably the best part about this guy's music though is that he is always experimenting with himself and his equipment.

I actually found out this new album dropped last night, and it really helped me get through my studies. It is simply massive as well. He just came out with Love about a year ago, and then he drops this hour long 25 track album. Granted, it isn't his most technical and impressive music I have heard, but I highly recommend all of Benn's work, he is a really great musician/composer.

Listen Here:

Streampad: The Flashbulb - It Never Ends

Isosceles Mountain "2010"

2012-02-13T13:22:00.000-05:00

Kind of like: Ativin, Carrigan
Genres: Post-Rock, Instrumental
Preview: Bandcamp

Isosceles Mountain are a local duo augmenting post-rock and like-genres with solid instrumentation and melody. I enjoy these guys because they really do remind me of the "Kind of like" bands. Instrumentation and composition aside, they have their own sound, and it rocks. With only three songs on their palette, I'm hoping to hear more in 2012

Taurus by Isosceles Mountain

"Scherbatsky" by Snowing (2012)

2012-02-10T21:25:00.000-05:00

Kind of Like: Def Leppard
Genres: Emo, Math Rock, Indie, Post-hardcore
Spotify: Not this release, but yes this artist
Buy: Square of Oppostition
Preview:

I just got my 7" in the mail a couple of days ago for Snowing's self-proclaimed final release. It is two outtakes from their recording session for their last LP I Could Do Whatever I Wanted If I Wanted. You've heard "Pump Fake" before, but it's a real treat that they rerecorded this jam. The other previously unheard song "Scherbatsky", is another catchy gem that's a wonder why it didn't make it on the LP (easy way to win me over? Use a Bukowski reference in the first line). If you really dig Snowing, this is a nice final piece to a collection. I found a link for "Scherbatsky" but not the new version of "Pump Fake"

Update: Visit the new blog Boss Koala for a link to the 7 inch including the new version of "Pump Fake" as well as "Scherbatsky".

Listen Here:

StreamPad: Snowing - Scherbatsky

Mimas - Lifejackets [2011]

2012-02-10T15:57:00.008-05:00

For Fans Of: Tangled Hair, Colour, Rooftops, This Town Needs Guns

Genres: Math Rock, Indie, Post-rock

Spotify: You betcha

Preview: &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://mimas.bandcamp.com/track/application"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Application by Mimas&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Here's a foursome from Denmark, and their second full-length. Lifejackets hooks you right from the beginning with catchy harmonies and handclaps and horns. It is unique in its ability to span a huge range: acoustic/folksy parts accompanied with warm vocals, some post-rock/instrumental elements, and fast guitar/thumping drum parts. There are songs about mustache appreciation, songs about having the "manflu", and songs about shitty relationships. In fact most of the lyrics are pretty quirky/witty, which makes it even more fun to listen to. Here's a sample from the fourth track, "Sodapop Stalkers":

"The state stated that they will start stopping stalkers, stalking girls standing at stands asking for still-water after having spent all their cheddar on teeth-jobs and diet-soda.

Sodapop stalkers.

After having stopped five of these stalkers and spitting in a dollar-bill per minute per person, they stopped giving a flying fuck about those fuckers."

I'm not entirely sure how he manages to sing all of that so fast and not mess up.

Tangled Hair - Apples [2011]

2012-02-10T14:33:00.007-05:00

For Fans Of: Colour, Tall Ships, Pennines

Genres: Math Rock, Math Pop, Indie

Spotify: Yus

Preview:

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://tangledhair.bandcamp.com/track/im-calmer-than-you-are"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;I'm Calmer Than You Are by Tangled Hair&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Another Indie band from the U.K. on Big Scary Monster Records. This label has some great artists, and Tangled Hair is no exception. Former members of Colour formed this trio back in 2009, and they have cranked out some great tunes since the 2010 release of their debut EP, aptly titled First.

First was a great EP and I would say it is still their best work (see Just Like That), but

Apples is a close second. The first and last songs are probably my favorites from the album. Overall it is a good mix of complex and unstable time signatures, mixed with vocals that vary from slow whispers to shouts to full-on frantic outbursts. Good stuff.

Algiers - Four Priests [2011]

2012-02-10T13:41:00.008-05:00

For Fans Of: The Maple State, DARTZ!, Look Mexico

Genres: Emo, Indie Pop, Math Rock

Spotify: Yep!

Preview: &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://wearealgiers.bandcamp.com/track/for-the-drunken-sailor-swaying"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;For the Drunken Sailor Swaying by Algiers&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Algiers is made up of two guys from the U.K. who are former members of The Maple State and DARTZ!. This EP is the product of a chance encounter between the two band members which blossomed into four months of collaboration. It's an indie-pop gem if there ever was one - catchy and fun to listen to. Four Priests is a great little debut EP; it showcases the band's bright melodies and promises more good stuff to come.

Unfortunately I cannot seem to find a good digital version of the album, but you can listen on their Soundcloud. Alternatively, clicking below will send you to their Bandcamp, where you can purchase it for about $5.

Weak Teeth 7" by Weak Teeth (2010)

2012-02-09T18:12:00.000-05:00

Kind of Like: Code Orange Kids, Former Theives,
Genres: Hardcore, Punk, Emo
Buy: Sometimes I Get Drunk Records
Spotify: Not Officially
Preview:

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://weakteeth.bandcamp.com/album/weak-teeth"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;weak teeth by weak teeth&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;"Too fast, too furious, pissed-as-fuck hardcore from up North. With a slightly angular and technical edge to their musicianship, they offer more than your standard cookie-cutter hardcore band with a fuller, more musically aware sound that stands as a testament to their unflinching dedication."
-The Fest 9 write-up

Emo-damaged hardcore; negative youth crew; fast things, loud things, angry things, burritos, and having fun. These are all things that could be used to describe this band and this 7" record. This album starts off making you think you are about to be taken on a ride you've been on many times. A ride from bands that just want to sound exactly like they came out of American Hardcore. Instead of being another generic shitty hardcore band, this ride busts off the rails and takes you someplace much better. These guys are fast, gritty but surprising technical, melodic and intelligent at the same time. I jumped on the opportunity to help distribute this 7".

Listen Here:

StreamPad: Weak Teeth - You Have Selected "No"

Calista Divine - Calista Divine [2011]

2012-02-09T10:48:00.013-05:00

For Fans Of: God is an Astronaut, This Will Destroy You, Mono,

Genres: Post-rock, Ambient, Experimental

Spotify: Nah, but here's their Facebook.

Preview: &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://calistadivine.bandcamp.com/track/conflicts-on-venere"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Conflicts On Venere by CALISTA DIVINE&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

We've really been digging bands from overseas as of late, and these four lads are no exception. Hailing from Italy, Calista Divine has some of the coolest band member names I've come across, such as Marco Bologini (bologna?), Riccardo Scaramagli, and Lorenzo Ansenchi. Admittedly, they aren't really doing anything new with their sound, but it's enjoyable nonetheless. They also make great videos to go along with their songs. They're a perfect addition to one's "to be watched whilst tripping" list. Here's an example:

You can get the album via the link below, below, or from their bandcamp. They're working on new material right now - looking forward to that.

2012-02-08T22:05:00.000-05:00

You've made a huge mistake.

I think it goes without saying, but I will anyways. Initially I wanted to do a zine every three to four months, but now it will be more likely they will be done each year. The remainder of the zines will be put in with orders for records. I might make more at some point so people that order records will get a neat little zine thing with their orders. They will only be given with orders from Sometimes I Get Drunk Records.

With the removal of the Zine tab up top, there is a new addition. We have a radio show we do each week and we have been told it would be more convenient if people could download the shows. That way they can either listen in live or just download them and listen at their leisure. So look above and click the radio/podcast tab. Here is who was featured on the first show:

Oh yeah! Alternative Press used one of my videos of Restorations! Look!

Eunoia by Invalids (2012)

2012-02-08T13:39:00.000-05:00

Kind of Like: Maps & Atlases (old), Bulletproof Tiger, This Town Needs Guns
Genres: Math Rock, Emo, Progressive
Spotify: Here
Preview:

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://invalids.bandcamp.com/album/eunoia-2"&amp;gt;Eunoia by Invalids&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

I talked about Maps & Atlases on the radio show last night, and I brought up how I still enjoy their new sound. Their first EP was what initially blew me away, and it is still my favorite though.

When I heard this album by Invalids, I felt the same way I did when I heard Trees, Swallows, Houses. It's as if a band kept going with the sound that Maps did in Trees and maturing it more instead of diverging towards a more indie, arguably safer sound. Actually, it literally is exactly that.

It's even cooler that the two guys in this band met completely randomly and just decided to send music back and forth to each other. Kenny says that there is no excuse why you shouldn't record your own music if you play, and this is another reason why. With the amount of resources available for a fairly low cost, it is not really that hard to get an audio interface for a computer and a decent recording progran. Then you just go with that, with the kind of drum programs you can get, you no longer have to pay for really expensive recording without the drums sounding obviously synthetic.

I am foreseeing heavy, heavy rotation and hopefully these guys will eventually meet in real life to do shows or something.

Unfortunately, the only free download links that can be found seem to be a four song demo for this full length album. They don't feature vocals. The digital album on their bandcamp is 8 bucks though, which should be well worth it since they don't have other merch available yet.

Dikembe/You Blew It! Tour Video

2012-02-08T12:45:00.001-05:00

I snow, right?

Dr. Dog - Be The Void [2012]

2012-02-07T21:30:00.008-05:00

For Fans Of: Deer Tick, Delta Spirit, Fanfarlo

Genres: Indie, Folk, Indie Pop

Spotify: Yeppers

Preview:

Philadelphia's Dr. Dog, a psychedelic rock/folksy band that has been around for quite a while now (seven albums and counting since 2005), has had as many as 20 "honorary" members over the years. The core of the band, however, has always consisted of five musicians:

Scott “Taxi” McMicken (vocals, guitar)

Toby “Tables” Leaman (vocals, bass)

Zach “Text” Miller (keyboards, guitar)

Frank “Thanks” McElroy (guitar)

Eric “Teach” Slick (drums)

Tazi, Tables, Text, Thanks, and Teach just announced their newest release the other day. As per usual, the songs are pretty addictive and danceable - an overall fun and well-crafted album. It reminds me a great deal of summertime; I fully expect to rock out to it a lot once it gets nicer out.

Ps. Just click "Download"!

Radio Show Tonight!

2012-02-07T17:49:00.003-05:00

Tonight we will be playing new music from Cast of Cheers, Bon Iver (Live performance from SNL), ††† (Crosses), Library Tapes, Ma Jolie, The Sidekicks, and a bunch of other artists that we featured last week. We also will be trying to record it so that it can be a podcast that can be listened to whenever.

Here is what the show looks like from a word cloud as far as what music you will be hearing today and the amount of it. The bigger the word the more the show will be focusing on songs from that niche. Yay, visuals!

I would like to have more open discussion during the show hopefully we can get some people calling in. We take requests as well! Listen in at 7PM EST for the show (http://www.wumd.org, also on your iphone!), or hopefully it will be available for download later.

Poison Smoak by One Hundred Year Ocean (2012)

2012-02-06T20:15:00.000-05:00

Kind of Like: Superchunk, Pavement, The World is a Beautiful Place, Joie De Vivre
Genres: Emo, Indie, Post-rock
Spotify: Not Officially
Preview:

&lt;p&gt;&amp;<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">lt;a <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">href="http://<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">onehundredyearocean.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">bandcamp.com/album/poison-<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">smoak"&amp;gt;Poison <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Smoak by One Hundred Year Ocean&amp;<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Derrick from The World is a Beautiful Place & I am No Longer Afraid to Die just got in contact with me and told me his other project just released a brand new EP. We had met in passing in the Topshelf turntable.fm room. I am not sure if there is a Topshelf room anymore, but you could imagine there was never ending good tunes with the DJs they had. From what I can tell this is his solo project that is backed by a full band that features members from Book Slave, Lion Cub and I'm Ok.

If you dig The World Is, then you probably can get into this pretty quick. Kind of similar, but more of a Superchunk/Pavement feel to them and the occasional female supporting vocals that fit really well.

Listen Here:

Ormai by Fine Before You Came (2012)

2012-02-06T12:07:00.003-05:00

Kind of Like: La Quiete, Daitro, Crash of Rhinos, Kidcrash
Genres: Post-hardcore, Emo
Spotify: Not Officially
Buy: Triste
Preview:

I just realized that even if an album isn't on Spotify yet, I can still make a playlist on my Spotify and share it with anyone else. So now every album featured on here will be Spotify-friendly.

Crash of Rhinos repped these guys earlier on today, and I am already considering getting this on wax. I have to stay strong though, I told myself I wouldn't purchase anymore records for a few months. This is an Italian band that isn't a screamo band. They have been around for over a decade, and make some really great emo music. You guys are gonna love this.

Listen Here:

StreamPad: Fine Before You Came - Sasso

††† (Crosses) - EP †† (EP II) [2012]

2012-02-05T18:52:00.020-05:00

For Fans Of: Matthew Dear, Deftones,

Genres: Electronic, Experimental, Ambient

Spotify: Yes'm.

Preview:

††† (pronounced "Crosses") is the side project of Deftones singer Chino Moreno, Far guitarist Shaun Lopez, and Scott Chuck. They came out with EP † (I) last year, and this is the follow-up. Pretty catchy electronica with some darker elements mixed in there as well. Moreno described the project as "minimal and soothing and it's sort of like the stuff I like listening to when I'm not screaming my head off." If you like this, you can download their debut EP on their website.

Ps. Click "Download"

Volume Three by I Am The Agent (2012)

2012-02-05T12:22:00.000-05:00

Geeked out.

Kind of Like: The World Is...(a really fucking long name), Sonic Youth, Run Squirrel
Genres: Post-rock, Post-hardcore, Noise Rock, Emo, Indie
Spotify: Nope
Buy: Oh, Silence Records (CD-R only ;( )
Preview:

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://iamtheagent.bandcamp.com/album/volume-three"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Volume Three by I Am The Agent&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Happy Super Bowl Day! Who do I want to win? Well, I'm a Michigan man, so I'm rooting for my boy Tom Brady.

If you are too lazy to hit play and take a listen, just think of a darker form of The World is a Beautiful Place mixed with influences of noise rock/grunge bands like Sonic Youth. They consider themselves an alternative/indie band but I would consider them more specifically an emo band; these guys are prickled with emotion. The vocals sound sincere and the music ranges purgative, noisy dissonance to calm, but solemn passages.

These guys hail from Australia, and this is this is the first album I have heard from them. They have two others (volumes one and two). I am only just finishing the fourth and final song of volume three, but I have a feeling I will be exploring the other volumes in the near future or at least be absorbing this one for awhile.

Listen Here:

Ladders by Ma Jolie (2011)

2012-02-04T11:13:00.001-05:00

Kind of Like: Signals Midwest, Spraynard, Joyce Manor
Genres: Punk, Pop Punk
Spotify: Nope
Preview:

&lt;p&gt;&amp;<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">lt;a <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">href="http://<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">majolie.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">bandcamp.com/album/ladders"&amp;gt;Ladders by Ma Jolie&amp;<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

I had the pleasure of seeing these guys in Philly last month for that great house show. They feature members from other bands, but the only one that I remember is Restorations. They have members from that band and their name is a Bear vs. Shark reference, but they don't sound a whole lot like either of those bands. These three songs show some great pop punk potential, and if I had known this was out on the internet I would've featured it as soon as I got home from Philly.

Funny randomness, the day after the show and after we stopped by Algernon's warehouse, Peter recommended a pizza place right down the street because we were starving. It was really good, and the owners were really nice. After we had our fill, a guy walked in the door and picked up some food, and I remember recognizing him. We got in out car and he got in his which happened to be right next to ours, and we looked at each other and we had one of those moments where we both realized where we knew each other from. It turned out it was the drummer from Ma Jolie and he just happened to be ordering food there on the other side of town.

We asked him about record stores in the area and he recommended one we hadn't even had on our list to check out called the Milk Crate. it was a really cozy place; the ground level is a cafe/coffee place and the downstairs in a record store. Talk about a great combo.

Listen Here:

Library Tapes - A Summer Beneath The Trees [2008]

2012-02-03T14:55:00.020-05:00

For Fans Of: Feeling melancholy

Genres: Ambient, Piano, Experimental

Preview:

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://librarytapes.bandcamp.com/track/pieces-of-us-were-left-on-the-tracks"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;pieces of us were left on the tracks by Library Tapes&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

I've been meaning to throw this up for a while now. Library Tapes was formed by Swedish musicians David Wenngren and Per Jardsel, who recorded two albums together before Jardsel quit the band in 2006. Wenngren has since continued to release his own material, as well as collaborations with various other artists under various other names, all of which are worth listening to at least once. A Summer Beneath The Trees features him together with Peter Broderik, who complements Wenngren's piano with violin, guitar, accordion, trumpet, celesta, viola, and banjo. When I started to write about this, I honestly had no idea how to truly to describe it, other than to say it's one of those pieces of music you can truly be moved by. I had trouble even deciding which track to put up for the preview, because really you have to listen to the whole thing beginning to end. One track just doesn't cut it. So instead of trying to illustrate how this album might make you feel and why you should listen to it, I'm just going to take a short cut and use another reviewer's, ahem, review, of it. He used the exact words I would have used if I would have thought of them first:

"It's neither a stereotypically sad record nor a happy one - just human, highlighting emotional extremes to imply the whole range between them."

Library Tapes has released a number of other albums, all of which are excellent, and you can preview them all via the bandcamp. Recently, Wenngren announced that he's letting fans buy a small piece of a piano track he's compiling for 5 euro. Basically the idea is that you send him a piano piece you want him to use, and he names it after you or whoever you want it to be named after, and once he has all of them, they will be arranged in a much longer composition he's putting together. All the details/info for the project can be found on his website, or through the Facebook event he created for it. I think it's a really neat project, and a great way to get fans involved.

Cast of Cheers - "Family" single [2012]

2012-02-03T13:55:00.016-05:00

For Fans Of: Bats, Adebisi Shank, Enemies

Genres: Experimental, Math Rock, Indie

Preview: The video below, silly.

The Cast of Cheers (A four-piece Adebisi Shank-esque band hailing from Dublin that Poo describes as "spazzy, dancy electronica math rock driven by persistent thumping bass and snare drum") has released a new single, and it is now available for pre-order on 7" vinyl at Rough Trade. The release is set for Feb 20th, and it also features a shiny new previously unheard b-side, "Loose Talk At A Party", on the flipside. Check out the cool video:

If you haven't heard of these guys yet, I suggest heading over here to read up on them and get your hands on the 2010 release. You will be happy you did.

The Church of Rock N Roll by Foxy Shazam (2012)

2012-02-02T18:54:00.000-05:00

Kind of Like: Queen, River City Rebels, Tub Ring
Genres: Rock, Punk
Spotify: Yessum
Preview: Myspace

Foxy Shazam has been an ever-mutating band and along with that is a polarization of their listeners. Either people hate them or they love them, or they love their old sound and hate their new sound, or they love their new sound and hate their new sound, or they like all of their music for a different variety of reasons. I fall into the last group. When I was first introduced to them, they were fresh off releasing Flamingo Trigger; an experimental post-hardcore effort with a surreal mix of piano and pop elements at times. Even way back then Eric was a focal point of this band. His visceral screaming, catchy singing and his quirky oddities not only fit in with the experimental style of music but you knew before even seeing this band that this guy could put on a show.

As they continued to release records the began to focus less and less on the hardcore focus to rock n' roll and eventually even glam rock. Their last album was almost an epitome of this glam rock phase, but I still found that I was incredibly hooked on the songs and found myself singing along.

Soon, there were rumblings of a new album. And I caught the video for the single off this album, "I Like It" and while I thought it was funny, overall I thought it was too gimmicky and not really a song that I liked. So, I had this bad feeling that maybe they were just plain wearing off on me.

I listened to this album once and wasn't sure how I felt about it. But I also felt that same way after listening to their last album for the first time. I have revisited it again, and now I am finding that I love the songs just like I did from their last album (Except "I Like It", I just don't like it).

There are still the strong glam rock influence and I feel like Eric really wants to be Freddie Mercury at times, maybe a little too much. But, what amazes is me is that he still does things to his voice that totally catches me off guard in a great way. For example, the screech in 1:56 into "Holy Touch" (Great song by the way), and the squeaky vocals in "Wasted Feelings". As I said, the whole Queen thing is there, but I feel like this album is deviated from their last album in that this is less glam rock and more just rock n roll (Hence the name, Church of Rock N Roll).

Even if you don't enjoy Foxy Shazam's music, I challenge people to go see them live. It's a freakshow (cigarette eating, ceiling hanging), comedy show (Eric's stories inbetween songs), and rock show rolled into one.

Listen Here:

Record Status Update

2012-02-02T18:20:00.000-05:00

Click to enlarge

Peace Be Still: We are a tad behind track on these then originally planned, but this is our first record release and it's been quite a learning process. There was a problem with the album art, so it was redone, hopefully you guys still like it. We originally planned to have these ready to ship out by the end of February, but we plan on sending these to be pressed this coming week, so now we are expecting them to ship out to you guys closer to late-March.

I am currently helping Peace Be Still set up a small east coast U.S. tour after they play Pouzza fest on May 20th in Montreal. They will be coming down through Vermont, to Boston, Rhode Island, New York, Philly and then back up to Buffalo before heading home to Toronto. I already am in talks with people for the Philly show and Rhode Island show, and Peace Be Still is in talks with people for the Vermont show and such. However, if you are a booker/promoter and also want to lend a hand, we would love to work with you.

Adaje/Lizards Have Personalities split: These have been sent in to be pressed and I should be getting these near the end of the month. However, if you ordered the package deal, your order will be shipped once the Peace Be Still record is in as well.

Algernon Cadwallader: If you ordered any of their stuff in the past couple days I will be sending those out tomorrow.

Weak Teeth: We will be carrying Weak Teeth 7"s for distro in the very near future.

We will have shirts soon. Lots of things brewing, stay tuned.

Grace 7" by The Sidekicks (2012)

2012-02-01T21:48:00.000-05:00

Kind of Like: The Menzingers, Cheap Girls, The Dopamines
Genres: Punk, Indie, Pop Punk
Spotify: Yessuh
Buy: Red Scare Industries
Preview: PunkNews

I remember my introduction to this band was at Mac's in East Lansing. I had gone out there to see Bomb the Music Industry!, who was on tour to support Vacation. I remember ordering a pitcher and drinking it like it was a giant beer mug. I also remember telling someone when the Sidekicks were about play that I hadn't heard them before. I was then called a "poser", and I remember thinking about how the last time I had been called that was in high school by crust punks, and followed by wondering what exactly I was posing as. Either way, apparently I should have known about this band.

They had a great set, and I remember making a note to try and find their material when I got home. I never really got around to it, but I saw this recently dropped and now I had an excuse to listen to them. This little 7" EP is four songs long and gets progressively more indie and stripped down as it goes along. They have that folky twang that I really enjoy in indie/punk bands.

Apparently, the single "Grace" will be featured on their full length Awkward Breeds which comes out next month through Red Scare.

Listen Here:

StreamPad: The Sidekicks - Grace

Beware and Be Grateful Teaser Trailer

2012-02-01T21:28:00.002-05:00

Dishwasher by Old Neighbors (2012)

2012-02-01T13:35:00.000-05:00

Kind of Like: The Fucking Cops, Spraynard, Cain Marko, Stable Boys
Genres: Punk, Pop Punk, Rock
Spotify: Nope
Preview:

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://oldneighbors.bandcamp.com/album/dishwasher-ep"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Dishwasher EP by Old Neighbors&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Here's a group from out of Grand Rapids that features members from Cain Marko, Traffic & Weather, North Lincoln and The Fucking Cops. Hopefully that's enough to make you want to pick this up, but in case it isn't, it's being given out for free by If You Make It, which has proven time and again to be associated with some great releases. I am not really sure if these guys are going to do more besides releasing this considering all the other bands they are all associated with.

Some great americana State Lottery type punk going on mixed with the raw emotive pop punkness of Spraynard and noisiness of a recent band featured here: Stable Boys. That was a horrible sentence.

Listen Here:

Radio Show tonight: Win copy of Prawn's "You Can Just Leave It All"

2012-01-31T16:50:00.000-05:00

Tonight on the radio show (7 PM, http://www.wumd.org), we will be giving away a vinyl copy of Prawn's LP You Can Just Leave It All. We also will be playing new music by Good Old War, LVL UP, &U&I, FACT, Foxy Shazam, and such as in South Africa and, uh, the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and, I believe that they should, our education over HERE in the U.S. should help the U.S., uh, or, uh, should help South Africa and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future, for our children. See you in a couple hours?

Light Bearer by &U&I

2012-01-30T22:40:00.004-05:00

Kind of like: Blackfish, Brontide, Hold Your Horse Is
Genres: Math-Rock, Post-Hardcore
Preview:

The British scene seems to be blowing up right now with amazing bands. &U&I release their first full length album and they didn't pull any punches. Light Bearer contains an earnestness that remains even when a super catchy chorus or hook pops up in between heavy and discordant post-hardcore. Even after one listen, I was hooked. This is an example of what I love about the post-hardcore style; melody and power blended with experimentation, groove, and emotive dynamics. If you are in the UK, keep an eye out for live shows. I know they just supported La Dispute the other day in Bristol. I would kill to see these guys slay it. Hopefully someday....

Listen Here

You Wanna Kiss About It? by The Bulletproof Tiger

2012-01-30T21:56:00.004-05:00

Kind of like: Rooftops, And So I Watch You..., Piglet
Genres: Math-Rock, Progressive, Indie
Preview:

This came out in December and had I known, it would have topped my best of '11 list. Coming back with 34 minutes of jaw dropping technicality, Toronto's finest craft a pinnacle full length Math-rock album. These guys really grow with this release even approaching a progressive indie rock feel at times. The dynamics are spot on and help the movement of the songs beautifully. The melodic interplay between instruments is improved upon with more nuance than their earlier EP, weaving in and out of odd syncopated rhythms and technical structures with ease. I strongly urge you to head over to their Bandcamp and throw them a few dollars for a high quality version. It's only $5 CAN (even cheaper in USD) and maybe someday we can hope to see it on vinyl.

Listen

Buy

Secret Somethings: Vol. 3 by Hightide Hotel (2012)

2012-01-30T13:29:00.001-05:00

Kind of Like: Bravebird, By Surprise, Snowing

Genres: Emo, Math Rock, Indie

Spotify: Not this release, but others.

Buy/Preview:

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://hightidehotel.bandcamp.com/album/secret-somethings-vol-3-2"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Secret Somethings: Vol. 3 by Hightide Hotel&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;
There are a couple neat things about this EP. First off, when you download it off their bandcamp (name your price), there are also a bunch of bonus tracks included that you can't preview on there. Mostly live performances of their songs.

Another cool thing about this EP is that if you choose to buy it, all of the funds are donated to a suicide prevention organization.

The coolest thing about this EP though, is that it just plain sounds cool.

Listen Here:

Collected by Birds in Row (2012)

2012-01-30T13:14:00.001-05:00

Kind of Like: No Omega, Goodtime Boys, Caravels

Genres: Hardcore, Screamo, Punk

Spotify: Yezzir.

Buy: Vitriol Records

Preview:

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://vitriolrecords.bandcamp.com/album/collected-lp"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Collected LP by Birds in Row&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Where the fuck did these guys come from? Well, France, but they have become immediately prominent in the United States. Here is the blog Curran Reynolds summing up why:

"Vitriol Records - the LA label founded by Justin Smith of Graf Orlock, Ghostlimb, and Dangers - presents Collected, a compilation of all the recordings to date of French hardcore band, Birds In Row. As Birds In Row prepare to record their debut full-length for Deathwish Inc, Collected serves as a complete introduction to this explosive band."

This album is a 7" and EP of theirs put together to form something really special. Their vibe will get anybody's attention stateside that like bands like Beau Navire and Caravels, but they also have a bunch of other stuff that is great as well. These guys are just plain fulminant, and are bursting with emotion at every moment. I think Curran Reynolds put's it best with: "The heart is laid bare but the spine is intact."

It certainly was enough to get Deathwish's attention, they have promptly signed them to release a full length sometime this year. Pick this up right now and get yourself acquainted.

Listen Here:

StreamPad: Birds in Row - Words in Astaroth

Old Gods by Old Gods (2011)

2012-01-28T13:06:00.002-05:00

Kind of Like: Dillinger Escape Plan, The Armed, Tharsis They
Genres: Mathcore, Experimental, Chaotic Hardcore, Punk
Spotify: Not as of this posting
Preview:
&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://oldgods.bandcamp.com/album/old-gods"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Old Gods by Old Gods&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

I saw these guys at a show that featured them and a bunch of other great Detroit punk/hardcore bands like Golden Torso, Child Bite and Hellmouth. I couldn't stay for the whole show because I had clinicals at 5 in the morning, but I managed to catch these guys. Solid rock n roll. There was a ton of Black Flag covers as well because this 7" was given out for free by Detroit's Bellyache Records.

This EP by Old Gods takes a minute to break open, but after it does, it's all over. These guys have already proven themselves from being in bands like Dillinger Escape Plan and The Armed.

Listen Here:

Good and Well by Waypoint (2011)

2012-01-28T11:43:00.001-05:00

Kind of Like: Moving Mountains, Balance and Composure, Appleseed Cast
Genres: Emo, Post-hardcore, Post-rock, Indie
Spotify: Not as of this posting
Buy: Bandcamp
Preview:

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://waypoint.bandcamp.com/album/good-and-well"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Good and Well by Waypoint&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

These guys have been waiting patiently for me to have time to do a write up on them, After about 15 hours of sleep and nothing to do today but work at 3:00, I think I can do this now. It's time to get some stuff done.

Waypoint are from the dirty dirty, but play some clean melodic post-hardcore/indie that reminded me immediately of newer Moving Mountains and Balance and Composure. Specifically, they are from Mississippi, near Jackson. I really don't know too much about the scene down south, but I keep finding more and more bands from around there and it's been eye-opening (ear-opening?) for sure. So far I am liking "Eros" and "I Am Sun" the most.

My only concern with this album is that it might get old for people about halfway through. There are certain hooks and guitar parts that are unique, but sometimes the vocals/harmonies and choruses sound somewhat similar to the ones before it. That's why I really liked "Eros", for some reason it brought something different to the table than the other songs.

Other than that, the production is pristine, the songs are catchy and epic at times, and this is certainly a solid debut full-length.

Edit: the band asked that the mediafire link be removed and just be directed to their bandcamp. Hopefully some of you guys are down to buy this.

Listen Here:

Wanna play a show and be on the radio?

2012-01-26T13:39:00.002-05:00

WUMD is looking for some local artists/bands who would like to play at University of Michigan - Dearborn and let us interview them. If you know anyone or have any suggestions, or if you're a member of a band who's interested, please let us know!

Harris Harris Harris EP by Tawny Peaks (2012)

2012-01-25T13:53:00.001-05:00

Kind of Like: Tigers Jaw, Girl Scouts, Owen
Genres: Emo, Indie
Buy: Songs From the Road Records
Preview:

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://songsfromtheroad.bandcamp.com/album/harris-harris-harris-ep"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Harris Harris Harris EP by Tawny Peaks&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

"Formerly a porn star, now an emo band named after aforementioned porn star."
-Last.fm

I met Jesse, who runs Songs From The Road, randomly on Turntable.fm, I think. Either way, he has been doing what we do here at SIGD for a couple years longer than we have. I just found out a couple weeks ago he also has a record label extension from his site: Songs from the Road Records. This is one of the releases he has put out. The way the vocals are recorded almost makes this seem like a live album in a good way, like you are listening to these guys play an acoustic set in someone's basement.

It looks like these guys don't normally play acoustically live, but I think this entire EP is acoustic guitars. Not complaining though, the tones are great.

Listen Here:

Special Soul Edition for the Radio Show!

2012-01-24T17:55:00.001-05:00

Due to the massive amount of schoolwork this week, there wasn't enough posts to fill a radio show with. Conveniently, the post we just did on Soul Deep 100 has a whole bunch of songs from different artists. So, for this week we are going to be doing a show that features soul, jazz, funk, and motown. There will be tracks played from the Soul Deep mix plus our own favorite songs of that nature. Listen in in one hour?

Soul Deep 100 (2012)

2012-01-24T17:51:00.001-05:00

Kind of Like: James Brown, Edwin Starr, Jackson 5
Genres: Soul, Motown
Spotify: Not this mix cd, but you can find all the artists on there
Website: Facebook

This is a change of pace for you guys. Time to stop pushing and shoving and just dance your ass off. Soul Deep, like Funk Night, is another cool thing that happens around Detroit. It's run by this DJ, Mike, that has a whole slew of old 45's from the 60's. He does Soul Deep at Frank's in Wyandotte on Sundays, and at the Sky Bar in Detroit on Thursdays.

The biggest bummer about working the weekends is that now I miss Soul Deep on Sundays. It's at a hole in the wall bar, but the drinks are cheap and a ton of young people show. So, it's always a good time.

I go on Thursdays at the Sky Bar now, and I don't get why more kids don't come downtown to go to this one instead. The Sky Bar is swanky as hell and there is no cover charge. It is just a lot nicer of a place and they have cool lights and such. I am all for a Detroit revival, and since kids are already coming out on Sundays, it would be nice to start seeing them come down to the one in Detroit. They are known for their martinis, and even though I felt like a tool with a martini glass, two of those things had me in a...superb mood.

This album is a collection of the songs Mike spun for the New Year's Day Soul Deep. He got them off of the vinyl retaining great quality and even added in the fade outs for a seamless dance session.

If you head out to Frank's this Sunday, he will be doing a special set in respect of the late Etta James that passed on the 20th.

Wait, I have to type all the artist names in the label section anyways. Dammit.

Listen Here:

(Updated) Plexiglass Penis Smash by Beer (2008)

2012-01-24T11:00:00.000-05:00

Kind of Like: At the Drive-In, Snowing, Moneen
Genres: Emo, Math Rock, Indie
Preview:

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://sigd.bandcamp.com/track/plexiglass-penis-smash"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Plexiglass Penis Smash by BeEr&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;
I needed to take a picture with me to Kinko's (Fedex) to get printed, and I grabbed an old flash drive that had my old camera memory card in it. Not only did it contain a bunch of old photos from the past, but also a bunch of music. I was excited to get reintroduced to some tunes I listened to 4 years ago, when I noticed the file at the very bottom. It was a music file I had thought I had lost a long time ago. I am not sure if I should do the backstory now, or wait and see what you guys think of this band before because this file has some crazy sentimental value for me. Let's make this interesting. I will update this post in a couple days after I post it now.

Edit:
Alright, I got a good response, so I will do the back story on this as I said I would. There wasn't a lot of ratings for this post (I don't think many people use the star thing anyways), but there actually were a lot of listens on the bandcamp and a ton of downloads, more than I anticipated. It is really cool to think that people liked this enough to want to save this on their computer and listen to it whenever.

This was a band that I jammed with for a good few years of my life. We all originally knew each other from different ska bands, and we had always wanted to do a new project with each other. We eventually grew out of the ska scene for the most part, our bands disbanded and we decided to start a new project together. Originally, I played trombone and we were kind of going for an RX Bandits kind of band, a progressive rock band with horns and such. We tried out a couple guitarists without much luck. Finally, we met up with a guitarist, and before we started playing he asked, "do you guys wanna smoke a joint?". And thus began a really fun era of my life. Over time, I moved from trombone to guitar to give the band a fuller sound, and the trumpet player moved to keyboard (which never got tracked).

Over the course of three years was a lot of good inebriated times and jam sessions, but there were several downfalls to our group. We had a poor writing process, when we did focus on key parts and direction it turned out really well. The problem was taking initiative to direct the writing process; there was no real leader. The booze and such wasn't much help either for getting down to business.

But I was perfectly fine with not being serious. In reality, we just were really good friends that happened to like jamming together. We wrote a few songs, but eventually we seemed to get stuck. We never got around to tracking the keyboard, horn parts, and vocals. Without any progress forward, we ended up just....stopping playing. Then a bunch of really horrible drama happened and nothing is really the same as it used to be. There is no need for specifics; it isn't important.

Part of me wanted to share this song in hopes that maybe the acceptance and buzz would maybe somehow jumpstart things again in one way or another. It's really frustrating because even to this day, what I look for in these emo/math rock bands are the same things we were doing years ago. Melodic, noodly guitar parts, a really great drummer (arguably the best in our area), bouncing non-redundant walking bass lines (probably my favorite part of that recording), and just an overall clever development of themes. I had a feeling that this 90's emo resurgance was going to get huge over the next few years and it would be nice to be one of the few Michigan bands a part of that.

The bass player has moved on to working with several bands including the Armed and sometimes writes on here. He is the only real member I still hang out with. He is also the only one that is not in the picture above. The drummer is playing with a funk band that is well-paying from what I heard. The guitarist and trumpet/keyboardist live together and have good...medicinal....business going (The only thing this kid is more passionate about than guitar is hydroponics).

Meanwhile, I have been trying to keep busy. I am in nursing school, but I always want to music to be a part of my life as well. That's why I started this. I don't have the time/people to jam with, so I made this, and it's been a great creative outlet. I've actually been fairly surprised by the number of musicians I run into that are going into nursing. The drummer from the Suicide Machines, Tank, the drummer from Algernon, and others. I think it is a combination of coming to the realization that music rarely pays the bills, nursing is and will always be an in demand field, and the whole "be nice and caring to people from all walks of life" punk ideology translates really well into the gratitude experienced from taking care of people.

I am not trying to be like, oh my life was so cool, listen to me talk about my life. This is more of a therapeutic thing for me to write all this and revisit this. If this somehow gets us jamming together and being friends again, then that would just be an added bonus, I guess.

Oh yeah, as for the weird name. We once saw a video that showed a guy literally crushing his penis between two panes of plexiglass. At some point we were trying to find it again, so we were googling for it, and this was one of the many grotesque keywords we tried to find it with. Beer? Well, we jumped between ideas for a name for awhile but never settled on anything. I just put BeEr as the artist name when I saved it on my computer. I capitalized the second E on accident and never changed it.

Listen Here:

The Mercury Program - A Data Learn the Language [2002], Confines of Heat [2003]

2012-01-23T19:28:00.023-05:00

For Fans Of: Maserati, The Six Parts Seven, Pele

Genres: Post-Rock, Instrumental, Math Rock

Preview:

The Mercury Program - You Give Me Problems About My Business

Apparently I am on an early 2000's kick, because here's another band from that era. Formed in the summer of 1997 and based in Gainesville, Florida (I'm a big fan of Gainesville - it was the Fest 10 destination last year and we had a blast), The Mercury Program started out as a three-piece. A couple of years later they added a new member, and the three-piece morphed into a more dynamic quartet. I would describe this as Post-rock/Math-rock mixed with some smooth jazz. But really, the fun in listening to such bands such as this one occurs in each of the members' parts meshing into a song that's not too much of anything in particular.

These guys rarely, if every, take to the stage in a live forum, choosing instead to record music they love in their spare time without necessarily making it the focus of their lives. That being said, they have made an impressive amount of albums over the years: their first two featured sparse, spoken vocals, then they became entirely instrumental with the release of their 2001 EP, took a much-needed break in late 2003, and returned with their newest album in 2009. The two I have posted below are my favorites: the first is their 2002 release, and the second is their 2003 split with Maserati. I should admit, however, that I have yet to listen to Chez Viking, which one user on Last.fm referred to as "Incredibly calming. Best heard during a sunrise." I'm most definitely intrigued, and will be checking that one out as well.

If "You Give Me Problems About My Business" (the song in the preview) sounds familiar to you, it is because it's used a lot on NPR. I know! I always wondered who the artist of that song was too!

Listen here:

burundanga by FACT (2012)

2012-01-23T17:01:00.000-05:00

Kind of Like: Dragonforce, A Wilhelm Scream,
Genres: Post-hardcore, Emo, Pop Punk, Metal
Spotify: Not as of this posting, they do have previous albums though
Preview:

I posted their Eat Your Words EP here, way back in March. It became a sort of guilty pleasure for me. I am not a huge fan of pop punk in the clean and bubbly sense, but the combination with post-hardcore and fast metal riffs did me in. These guys have that pop punk feel at timse, but they are also fast, and just really, really easily accessible. They blow their melodies to epic proportions, have lazer, Dragonforce-esque riffs at times, and even the occasional breakcore electronics. This is certainly something that will not sit well with a lot of people that read this, but I am posting this on the off chance that it might with a few. However, there are even parts of this I just plain don't like, like the beginning of "Pink Rolex".

I would also recommend trying out their original self titled LP on Spotify if you like this. It is most people's favorite.

I got a 94% on my first exam (so psyched). Two more to go tomorrow. Back to the books, but expect news on the radio show later and other things that will be worked on after this slew of exams.

Listen Here:

StreamPad: FACT- GSMD

Tony Clark - As Dark As A Moonless Night [2012]

2012-01-23T16:53:00.009-05:00

For Fans Of: Prawn, Owen

Genres: Indie, Acoustic, Singer-Songwriter

Preview:

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://tonyclark.bandcamp.com/album/as-dark-as-a-moonless-night"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;As Dark As a Moonless Night by Tony Clark&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

You know Tony Clark as the guitarist/singer of Prawn [if not, you should get with the program and check them out - not only are they talented musicians, but they are also a really nice group of guys]. This is the first EP of his solo project, which he started writing for in the Fall of 2011, and released just this month. In his words:

"After touring and traveling throughout the summer of 2011, I decided to sit and write some songs away from Prawn. The songs I wrote originally were all acoustic, But as time progressed, these 5 songs eventually evolved into more full, robust tunes. After demo-ing a bunch of them, I decided to invite some friends to play and sing on them. It turns out six different friends and musicians make their way onto this EP. I realize now I couldn't have done this without them, and for that I am eternally grateful for their generosity and skill - Kyle Burns, Beatrice Naumann, Blythe Armitage, Frank Graniero, Greg Maniago, and Greg Dunn. I plan on playing a few shows and seeing what the future holds. Thanks for giving me your time and ears!"

If you are a fan of Owen, you will most definitely dig this. Tony combines Prawn-esque electric guitar parts with soft melodies and complex acoustics. Cementing the richness of each song are some nice violin, horn, and keyboard parts. All in all, a great debut, and we look forward to hearing more of his solo work.

Listen Here:

Quasimoto (2000, 2005)

2012-01-22T19:12:00.001-05:00

Kind of Like: Madlib, J Dilla, MF DOOM
Genres: Hip-hop, Experimental, Jazz
Preview: Myspace
Spotify: Yes
Buy: Stone's Throw

Taking a quick study break. Like the new Spotify thing? I am hoping you guys have hopped onto the Spotify train, it will help you preview/download things a lot faster.

"One day in the studio, Madlib decided to rap to his own beats. He didn’t like the sound of his voice (his friends in Oxnard call him ‘Barry White’ in reference to his deep voice) so decided pitch the vocals up while recording to produce Quasimoto’s distinctive high pitched voice. The debut album was conceived and recorded by Madlib during a week long psilocybin mushroom binge."
-Last.fm

I admittedly, was not aware that Quasimoto was in reality Madlib until yesterday. I just heard him pop in and out of J Dilla, MF DOOM and...Madlib tracks. I never took the time to figure out who he was until now. After I figured it out, I have been listening to his tow albums "The Unseen" and "The Further Adventures of Lord Quas". The album that is a product of a shroom binge was not lost on mainstream critics when it came out. SPIN put this release alongside Outkast and Madonna in their best of the year list for 2000.

If you played Tony Hawk Underground, you will probably recognize "Low Class Conspiracy". Here is the video:

I also really like Jazz Cats Part 1, where Quas goes through all of his jazz artist influences. And the kermit like voice that is in songs like "Greenery". Pass it around.

Back to the books.

Listen Here:

Auto!Automatic!! - Another Round Won't Get Us Down [2006]

2012-01-21T21:40:00.015-05:00

For Fans Of: El Ten Eleven, Giraffes? Giraffes!, Volta Do Mar, Rooftops

Genres: Math Rock, Post-Rock, Experimental

Preview: This is For My Ringtone

I realize that this is super old, but I've been listening to these guys a lot lately, so I figured I would go ahead and put it up. They came out with Self-Titled last year, which is also really good and features their new bassist [it's also available on vinyl], but I am a bigger fan of this album. This is math rock at its finest. Songs like “That's Some Sick Mouth And Knee Coordination” and "Owl Do It Later" are great representation of their sound: ear-friendly and complex, with just the right amount of subtlety. And the subtlety is not a bad thing - they keep your attention by playing their share of random and intricate chord and tempo changes, along with plenty of nice melodic parts. Their song names are also pretty fun. I really wish I could find a copy of THIS album on vinyl.

Listen here:

Will Sessions (2011)

2012-01-19T17:38:00.000-05:00

Kind of Like: Nujabes, The Avalanches, Madlib
Genres: Hip-hop, Funk, Soul, Jazz
Preview:
&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://willsessions.bandcamp.com/album/the-elmatic-instrumentals"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;The Elmatic Instrumentals by Will Sessions&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Whether it be MF Doom, Madlib, J Dilla, or any other really cool vinyl records or reissues coming out, Stone's Throw is usually behind it. I love their catalog, and whenever I find a good contemporary hip-hop record (or classic reissue) in there, I always see their logo in the corner.

People around Detroit may know Will Sessions as the organizers of the now-staple-of-Detroit-night-life: Funk Night. It started as random meet ups at abandoned warehouses or swanky mansions that were advertised on facebook for the last friday of every month. Eventually hundreds showed up every night. It was great because there was no cover, it was BYOB (or anything for that matter) and there was great live funk bands and djs to dance your ass off to. The police eventually caught on, and they were usually shut down earlier than expected. If they weren't shut down, you could bet they kept going well into 5 or 6 in the morning.

They still do Funk Night, but it's at a venue. So, there usually is a cover charge of 5 dollars (not bad), and you have to buy drinks from the bar and no smoking (bad). Needless to say, they aren't the same as they used to be.

Now that these guys are legit, they are starting to gain a lot of recognition. Listening to these albums makes me so proud of Detroit hip-hop artists. In a world full of autotune and mainstream garbage, these beats, nay, compositions are incredibly intelligent. Here are two releases that I have been listening to on repeat during my mass studying for my exams in all three classes next week (how convenient, college).

The Elmatic Instrumentals are a collection of beats that would put many bands to shame. The Real Sessions is a collection of live performances by various Detroit hip-hop artists within the Will Sessions movement: Mayer Hawthorne, Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, and Phat Kat. The overall feel of Real Sessions is great, you get that feeling of being at the show, but it is still mixed really well.

Oh yeah, and Megaupload just got shut down by the feds. The good news is that maybe now legislators will recognize they have the power to shut down sites that host pirated music without idiotic/far-reaching acts like SOPA and PIPA. The bad news is that I have a feeling all the other sites like mediafire and fileserve will be next.

StreamPad: Will Sessions - One Love

SOPA/PIPA Strike!

2012-01-18T12:37:00.003-05:00

Today we will not be posting anything in recognition of the SOPA strike.

Radio Show: Now on your iPhone

2012-01-17T14:36:00.004-05:00

"Story by...so there will be a story. That's encouraging!"

The folks at WUMD have created an iPhone app to not only listen to WUMD Radio on the go, but also view all the Show profiles and such (Android app coming soon). We are finally coming back from an extended hiatus, usually we say who we are going to play, but since there is so much ground to cover since we last aired, you will probably just hear a variety from throughout December until now. We will be giving out a copy of "Parrot Flies" by Algernon Cadwallader to one lucky listener (or "Some Kind of Cadwallader", your choice). We start at the same time as usual, 7 PM EST. We get an extra half an hour for being with the station for at least a semester, so we will end at 8:30 (Just in time for the Wings game!). I may do the whole show as Seth Galifianakis, rate this post/shout out if you want to hear that. Either that or the "Would ya lookit that?" guy. I am pretty sick, so this will be even more interesting.

(Classic) In Bocca Al Luppo by Murder by Death (2006)

2012-01-16T17:33:00.001-05:00

Kind of Like: Seasick Steve, The Snake the Cross the Crown, O'Death
Genres: Folk, Indie, Rock, Punk
Preview:
&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://murderbydeath.bandcamp.com/album/in-bocca-al-lupo"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;In Bocca al Lupo by Murder By Death&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

When I mentioned these guys in the last post, I realized I never really shared them on here. It may not be something you all will like, but hopefully some of you will. It was hard pinning a genre on them because they have been in so many forms since they began.

I was first exposed to them in a trailer/showcase for Michigan's Scrambled Visual, a group that used to record different artists including The Suicide Machines, Snoop Dogg, Murder By Death, Anti-Flag, and fordirelifesake. I have no idea what happened to them, I always liked their videos. Here is the song I heard on that showcase/trailer that first got me into this band like 8 years ago.

This is one of their earlier albums and it kind of electronic/folk/post-rock going on. I never shared this, but I became so obsessed with the chord progression in this song, I used it in a song I wrote for a ska band at the time. Listen to the trombone part after the dumb intro thing in the song Rethink and Regroup, then go back and listen to the above Murder by Death video, can't miss it. And yes, I have a ska history. So does Max from Signals Midwest. We had a good time talking about being in ska bands.

Rethink and Regroup
Rethink and Regroup
(I also did the skramz in the chorus, how embarrassing. Kenny is going to love this post.)

Anyways, I only liked a couple songs on that album besides "...Virginia Wolfe", and then In Bocca Al Luppo came out, and I was shocked with how much their sound had changed. I didn't like it at first. This album was a prime example of a grower for me. They were much folkier, not electronic at all, and somewhat old-fashioned. Eventually, I came to love the old-fashioned folk/western feel to it and I especially loved the narrative throughout the whole album. Each story seems like a clip out of an old western movie, and even Adam has provided all the lyrics to the songs on their website along with an explanation of them.

The artwork to the album is awesome, I had the CD at one point and I remember it folded out into an elaborate insert that followed the tree's roots down through the bowels of the earth. I wasn't into record collecting when I first heard this album, but I really would like this to be part of my collection now.

Listen Here

Dialects by Les Doux (2011)

2012-01-16T16:44:00.002-05:00

Kind of Like: La Dispute, Murder by Death
Genres: Screamo, Post-hardcore, Folk
Preview:
&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://lesdoux.bandcamp.com/album/dialects"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Dialects by Les Doux&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;I reviewed these guys before with their self-titled EP. They are a promising take on screamo with an addition of heavy southern/folk riffs. I can appreciate anybody that tries to take on combining two genres. The problem for me with this album was how long it took for me to come around to it. The first song was redundant and didn't really hook me. This is a concept EP. The four songs on the EP (Interrogative, Declarative, Exclamatory, Imperative) were each written with that particular sentence structure and each is from a different perspective of a person involved in the story of a son leaving his home. That's good and all, but it doesn't matter how cool a concept is if it doesn't grab me from the get go, especially an EP.

Now for the good news, the second half of this EP is way better than the first half, in my opinion. It's unfortunate that this EP really hits its stride during the last song. There is even a really cool folk/blues part that fits in perfectly at about the 2:35 mark of the last song, it's something you don't normally hear in this kind of music and it reminds me of Murder By Death; a really cool folksy sounding band from Indiana.

One other oddity, for some reason Declarative is significantly quieter than the other songs. Just jump between Declarative and Imperative and you probably will notice it. Maybe they were recorded or mixed at different times or something. Maybe that's why Declarative just doesn't have the same "umph" for me.

I hate being a critic sometimes.

Listen Here:

Coming soon to a city near you!

2012-01-15T11:46:00.007-05:00

"The New Face of Vinyl is a project that explores why young people across the United States have started a digital “devolution” by becoming vinyl record enthusiasts. Throughout the country, young people are buying more and more vinyl, thus getting back to the analog roots of listening to music. Collecting and listening to vinyl l has become a unique experience for many teens and young adults throughout the world who have chosen to explore the once forgotten black wax. Photographer Ben Meadors and writer Owen McCafferty are setting out to discover what vinyl means to these enthusiasts, and will create a full color photo book along with a narrative to tell the story."

Just found out about this. Apparently these guys are making a book full of interviews with young people about why they collect and listen to records. The cities they are visiting include San Francisco, LA, Cleveland, NY, and Nashville. So if you live in those areas and/or are an avid vinyl collector, make sure to fill out this survey and they just may interview you!

Sadly, Detroit seems to be missing from the list. When I filled it out, I made sure to include a little blurb about how they should visit us because we have some incredible record stores and people out here are really passionate about their vinyl. So if you're from Detroit or the surrounding area, please fill this out and be sure to include why they should come here. Hopefully they decide to come by our neck of the woods!

Cloud Nothings - Attack on Memory [2012]

2012-01-14T17:13:00.007-05:00

For Fans Of: Beach Fossils, Weekend, Small Black

Genres: Lo-Fi, Indie Pop, Shoegaze

Preview: Could Nothings - Our plan by Lorina Karreci

While trotting Insound for a copy of Your Favorite Weapon, I came across a pre-order for Cloud Nothing's newest LP. Although filled with remnants of the usual lo-fi indie pop we have come to expect, Attack on Memory is just different enough from their previous works to hint that the band has way more up its sleeve than just upbeat poppiness, choosing instead to anchor its ambition with simpler indie-punk jams. This is a more diversive work that carries the band into considerably heavier territory than the previous two releases. But not to worry - the catchy melodies are still interwoven into each song, just more obvious in some than others. There's also a great instrumental track about halfway through the album. The band will offer many opportunities to catch this new material live on their upcoming North American tour, which runs from February to April.