Album Review #17

Circa Survive - Blue Sky Noise
genre: indie rock/experimental rock
released: April 20, 2010
label: Atlantic Records

Circa Survive has been around for 6 years now, and during that time, they have gathered quite the following. Their ambient, indie experimental outfit has gained them much praise and success and rightfully so. Their debut, Juturna, was a great indie rock album with heavy influences from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and House of Leaves (which is a book everyone should read). On Letting Go hit the charts and got the band signed to a major record label. Now we have the third album, Blue Sky Noise, which is an interesting release that should be sure to please fans. There is a lot to take in throughout the album and there are many different influences evident on each track.

Blue Sky Noise has it's own identity, much like Circa Survive's previous two albums. Each album has its own distinct sound, and this new album not only creates a sound of its own, but also takes the first two albums and draws influence from there as well. Anthony Green's lyrics are still great, and they fit the music beautifully. It's got a bit of a heavier, radio rock feel to it on a bunch of songs, while still maintaining it's indie-experimental rock side with ease. The first single "Get Out" is a great song that is really catchy and heavier than previous efforts. It's a good preview for what the rest of the album has in store. The album is very melodic, much like their older LPs, and Anthony Green's guitar playing has a very big role on the album, which is quite good.

Overall, I'm still not sure whether I like the new album more than the older ones. I think I'll be able to decipher that one after a few more listens, to which I am not opposed. When all is said and done, it's a new Circa Survive album, which should be enough of a reason for you buy it. This band has put out some great music before and they follow the same trend with Blue Sky Noise. Circa Survive follows suit with a lot of their peers and makes a solid record for their major label debut, that is littered with multiple songs that could ultimately be your favorite. I definitely recommend you pick up this album when it comes out, it's one of the better albums I've heard in 2010 and that fact will resonate when Blue Sky Noise hits stores and everyone is at the register buying a copy.

Favorite tracks: Get Out, I Felt Free, Spirit of the Stairwell

For fans of: Brand New, Cursive, Silversun Pickups

Circa Survive's myspace

Manchester Orchestra - Philadelphia, PA

The first time I ever heard Manchester Orchestra was when they opened up a show for Say Anything at the Theater of the Living Arts in Philadelphia back in 2007. Ever since then, I've jumped on their bandwagon and have been a big fan of their music. Their last album, Mean Everything to Nothing, was one of the best I had heard in 2009 and I got to see them open up for Brand New back in November while they were still supporting the new material. I was really happy to hear the new songs live, but the short set wasn't enough to fully appreciate their talents. Well their recent headlining performance at the Trocadero in Philadelphia was nothing short of spectacular and further cements their status as one of today's best eclectic rock bands.

Andy Hull, the band's lead singer/rhythm guitarist, sounded great live and hit all the same notes he touched on their recordings. His voice is very unique and is one that tends to stick with the listener with it's harmonic sound. The band sounded great as a whole ensemble, and they even switched positions for certain songs. At one point, Hull and the keyboard/tom-tom player switched positions, showing the band's versatility, with the overall creative process of the band being one that is contributed to by all the band members. They even switched things up with the sound of their songs too. Mean Everything to Nothing's first song "The Only One" is a fast, pop-influenced rock song that they stripped down to Hull singing and playing a light guitar track until the end of the song, where the whole band sent the crowd into a frenzy with their explosive ending.

The whole set was focused mainly on Mean Everything to Nothing, playing ten of the eleven songs on the album. I had expected more of a balance between this and I'm Like a Virgin Losing a Child, which was released back in 2006, but I have no complaints with the choice of songs for their set. They ended things with the epic "Where Have You Been?", where an entire drum set was scattered on stage, with each drum being played upon by a different person. With seven different drum beats coming together, it made for one of the best experiences I have seen on stage in some time. Manchester Orchestra is that much more amazing live than they are on record, and if you're a fan, I would suggest trying to see them as soon as possible.

Setlist:
Pride
100 Dollars
In My Teeth
My Friend Marcus
Shake It Out
Wolves at Night
Rejoice (new song)
Colly Strings
I Can Feel a Hot One
I've Got Friends
Everything to Nothing
The River
The Only One
Where Have You Been?

Album Review #16

MGMT - Congratulations
genre: psychedelic rock/experimental rock
released: April 13, 2010
label: Sony/Columbia Records

MGMT burst onto the music scene with their 2007 album Oracular Spectacular and produced big hit songs like "Time to Pretend" and "Kids", among some other great songs. That album was essentially split into two sections. The first half contained the radio hit singles and the synth-pop feel-good songs, while the second half consisted of the psychedelic rock tracks that were much more experimental and harder to get into. Well for their soon-to-be-released second album, Congratulations, MGMT has ditched their aforementioned "hit song" tracks and traveled in a more psychedelic direction, with heavy influences from Brit pop and shoegaze. Unfortunately, it's not a direction in which this particular reviewer had previously hoped.

NME conducted an interview with MGMT, and they informed us that their new album would not have any singles on it, and wanted everyone to view it as a "complete body of work" instead of just listening to the two or three singles on the record. On their last album, the three best songs were the three singles, which goes to show where their strength lies. They can write some great synth-pop dance tracks that would draw in listeners from all different types of music backgrounds, but instead they've written an album directed at the "psych-rock" fans who enjoyed that experimental half of Oracular Spectacular. All the songs seem to drag on and don't change direction once. There is a twelve-minute drone of a song that could put you to sleep. With all due respect, MGMT have written an incomplete body of work that just isn't very good. Some of the songs are catchy at times, but not enough to keep you interested for very long.

The only positive thing I can draw from this is that it's just a phase for MGMT, and they will get back to writing more songs like "Kids" and "Electric Feel" which were simply great. But if Congratulations is a sign of what's to come, I'll be very worried. While some may enjoy the new MGMT material, I think the vast majority will agree that it is a major disappointment compared to previous efforts and isn't what the fans were hoping for. Apparently MGMT said their rise to fame had a big impact on the sound of their new album. Well Congratulations should take them back out of the spotlight so they can write good music again.

Favorite tracks: None

For fans of: Of Montreal, Yeasayer, Animal Collective

MGMT's myspace

Album Review #15

Coheed and Cambria - Year of the Black Rainbow
genre: progressive rock/alternative rock
released: April 13, 2010
label: Columbia Records

So it's finally finished. Lead singer Claudio Sanchez has finished the story of Coheed and Cambria, with the band's newest album, Year of the Black Rainbow being the prequel to the four-part epic. I must say, I have enjoyed Coheed and Cambria's entire discography, if not for the story told, but for the awesome rock songs that the band writes every time they release new material. Also, I was intrigued to see how the band would complete their story with the new record, and as Sanchez told the press while the band was recording, they have written a very melodic rock album.

The new album has both positives and negatives, as one would expect. The album is very melodic, whether at a fast or slow pace with harder or softer rock, and Coheed and Cambria have written a very pretty sounding record from start to finish. Also, the album has a real technical influence on it at points, but even those sections sound great. While there are no real duds on the album, not too many songs could particularly stand out on their own, and it's hard to see a solid single in the bunch if you ask me. This Shattered Symphony and Pearl of the Stars both stand out from the rest slightly, but I still think they pale in comparison to some of the other songs they've written in the past. Although depsite that flaw, the album does have a very epic feel to it all, and can really set quite an atmosphere while you're listening. Coheed and Cambria continue to be one of the most enthralling bands in modern rock and they show why with this one.

So while I believe the band's better days are behind them as far as material, they still sound good on the new album and have another addition to their already impressive catalog. The new material fits in really well with their older songs and should transition very easily into a live set, and the crowd will be sure to enjoy hearing the new songs as well. The album certainly isn't as poppy as some of their older material, taking a much more serious tone throughout. But through all the good and the bad, Coheed and Cambria have another solid album under their belt with Year of the Black Rainbow and will continue to keep their fans happy. But the only question now, since The Amory Wars storyline is complete, what comes next?

Favorite tracks: The Broken, This Shattered Symphony, Pearl of the Stars

For fans of: The Mars Volta, Circa Survive

Coheed and Cambria's myspace

Album Review #14

Against Me! - White Crosses
genre: punk rock
released: May 4, 2010
label: Sire Records

For the past decade, Against Me! has been writing such great folk punk records that continue to influence so many younger bands in today's punk genre with both its records and its live performances. They took a step in a more radio-friendly rock direction on their last album, New Wave, back in 2007. Now, with White Crosses, they follow the very same trend and have written a much more mainstream rock album, while still using their roots throughout each song. While the new album is different, it still provides us with a solid release from one of today's best bands.

Just like their last effort, Against Me! has brought on producer Butch Vig for their new album. Vig is one of the most prominent producers in all of modern rock music, with a resume of working with bands such as Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Green Day, and Jimmy Eat World, among others. So if there is one thing Vig knows how to do, it's to how to take a band's sound, and make it popular with a plethora of different types of listeners. The album still has a unique sound and is fronted by singer Tom Gabel's powerful lyrics. And even though the band is still growing to know their new drummer (George Rebelo of Hot Water Music), overall, the music sounds good and each song has its own identity on the record. Also, the song I Was a Teenage Anarchist is one of the catchiest songs Against Me! has ever written, and will be sure to coerce listeners old and new to pick up the new album.

Don't get me wrong, I do miss the old sound Against Me! burst onto the scene with, that folk punk rock sound without a rhythm section to lean on, that separated them from the norm. Although I don't like the new album as much as their earlier material, I think it's just as good as New Wave, and will follow in its footsteps by finding itself on multiple end-of-year lists for best albums of 2010. The guitars are still heavy and loud, with melodic sequences littered throughout the songs, while Gabel's previously ragged voice has calmed to more of a listener-friendly tone, it still sounds great nonetheless. White Crosses should be sure to impress its listeners and open the door to new fans to what is the already excellent discography of Against Me!.

Favorite tracks: I Was a Teenage Anarchist, Radio Decompression, Bamboo Bones

For fans of: The Gaslight Anthem, Kings of Leon, The Hold Steady

Against Me!’s myspace

Album Review #13

Ted Leo & the Pharmacists - The Brutalist Bricks
genre: indie/punk
released: March 9, 2010
label: Matador Records

It seems as if every Ted Leo & the Pharmacists album has it's own feel to it that separates it from the others. From their first full album as a band back in 2001 with The Tyranny of Distance to their last effort, 2007's Living With the Living, each album has that one ingredient in order to give itself a special flavor. Well they don't stray too far from the path on their new record The Brutalist Bricks, by infusing their indie rock sounds with political and punk influences littered throughout the album. And with this new album, Ted Leo and his mates keep you tuned in with a toe-tapping sound that doesn't reinvent the wheel.

If you weren't a big fan of the last Ted Leo album (like yours truly) you can take comfort in the fact that The Brutalist Bricks is a much more cohesive unit and really fills in the gaps left by Living With the Living. All the songs on the album are short, with all the songs lasting less than five minutes. If there is one thing I like about this album it's the short, fast songs that get their point across without dragging it's listeners along with a six or seven minute drone of a song stuck in the middle. And despite the heavy-punk influence, the album is very melodic at points as well, touching all sides of the TL/Rx spectrum. The band sounds great here and really have come together to make a solid record.

Whether you've been listening to the band since the beginning or are looking for a new band to get into, Ted Leo & the Pharmacists have provided you with an answer. The new album is the best one they've written since Hearts of Oak and will keep me listening for the next few months. It's a great album to listen to while you're driving in your car or while you're riding your bike in the coming Spring months. Ted Leo's lyrics are as poignant as ever and the music accompanies the lyricism beautifully. And while the album is great as a whole, there are at least three or four stand-alone songs on this album, that are some of the best the band has written to date (see favorite tracks). Overall, this one is a great indie/punk album, so if that is up your alley, I suggest you pick this one up.

Favorite tracks: Mourning in America, Bottled in Cork, Bartolomeo and the Buzzing of Bees

For fans of: Chisel, Against Me!, The Thermals

Ted Leo & the Pharmacists' myspace

Blacklisted - Philadelphia, PA

It seems as if lately that my music taste is drifting further away from hardcore music, a genre that dominated my tastes for years. But Blacklisted has been one of the few mainstays I have continued to enjoy, no matter where my musical interests were directed. With a brand new LP released at the end of November and an EP put out last month, Blacklisted embarked on a month-long tour around the country in support of their new material. Instead of putting together a package tour, they had different local bands open each show and had a plethora of good bands supporting them for single or multiple dates. Seeing as the last show of the tour was in their hometown of Philadelphia, I had to go.

Yesterday was such a beautiful day out, I decided to head up to the Blacklisted show a little later than the start time of 3 pm. When I arrived, The Rival Mob was setting up to take the stage. I had never seen The Rival Mob before, but I loved their LP Raw Life they put out in 2009. Yesterday they played a great set, playing songs old and new, and got a great reaction from the crowd. And unlike most sets, even the stage banter was entertaining. Seriously, The Rival Mob is one of the best bands in hardcore today, I highly recommend you listen to them if you don't already. Afterwards came Gods and Queens, a punk/hardcore/experimental outfit from Philadelphia. I had never heard/seen Gods and Queens before, and I wasn't really into their type of music personally. The band sounded really tight live but I wasn't drawn in as I had hoped. But if you like alternative hardcore, I would suggest checking them out.

Lastly, Blacklisted took the stage and immediately sent the crowd into a frenzy. I wasn't sure how the new material would resonate with the live crowd, but all the new songs sounded great and everyone was still moving around and singing along, despite the smaller quarters of The Barbary. I especially liked Eccentrichine live, which isn't a typical song that a hardcore band would write, but they sped it up live and it sounded excellent. They hardly talked at all in between songs, and as usual, let their sound do the talking for them. My only complaint about their set was the setlist itself. I personally went to the show in hopes to hear their newer songs, but they failed to play anything off their first album or their classic 7" Our Youth Is Wasted. It didn't take away from the show too much, it just would have been nice to hear one of those older songs thrown into the mix. Overall, I can't say enough good things about this band, their music, and their live show. They kill it every time I see them and I can't wait to see them play again this summer.

Setlist:
Our Apartment Is Always Empty
Always
Stations
No One Deserves to Be Here More Than Me
Skeletons
Circuit Breaker
I Am Weighing Me Down
Matrimony
Everything in My Life Is for Sale
Eccentrichine
Palisades
I'm Trying to Disappear
Memory Layne
Canonized
Wish

Blacklisted's myspace
Gods and Queens' myspace
The Rival Mob's myspace

Surfer Blood - Philadelphia, PA

Picking up the debut album from Surfer Blood when it came out in January was one of the better decisions I have made in the new year. It's easily the best album I have listened to from 2010, and is completely addicting, as I continue to listen Astro Coast constantly, even though the album came out 2 months ago. Needless to say, when I found out that Surfer Blood was making their way up north to Philadelphia, I purchased my ticket promptly. If you like their album on record, you'll be sure to love hearing it live. I was glad I went to see how much fun this band is on stage, I just hope next time they get to play longer.

The show was at The Barbary, a small bar in the city that R5 Productions now uses to put on live bands and entertainers. Unfortunately, I got to the venue late and didn't see either of the opening bands (Past Juror and Turbo Fruits), and after a couple drinks at the bar, Surfer Blood took the stage downstairs. Immediately that feel-good attitude began to resonate on stage with the first song and lasted throughout the entire set. Just a bunch of happy-go-lucky college kids playing great music on stage. The guitars were enthralling throughout the entire set, and every song sounded just as melodic live as they do on record.

Unfortunately the venue needed to open their downstairs bar, along with the already open upstairs bar, to actually make some money. With that, came Surfer Blood's set needing to finish by 10 pm, so the set list was a little shorter then previously expected. They managed to get 8 of their 10 songs in, and didn't waste too much time talking between their songs. If you liked what they did on their album, I would advise going to see them in person, because they are just as good of a listen live. Hopefully the next time they come to play in the tri-state area they won't have to play such a short set, but I'm sure they will be playing bigger venues on their next time around anyway.

Setlist:
Floating Vibes
Take It Easy
Harmonix
Twin Peaks
Fast Jabroni
Anchorage
Catholic Pagans
Swim

Surfer Blood's myspace

Album Review #12

Crime in Stereo - I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone

genre: hardcore punk/experimental
released: Feb. 23, 2010
label: Bridge Nine Records

Over the past few years, Crime in Stereo has put out some of the hardcore scene's most enjoyable records, each one different from the rest. From raw punk to post hardcore, this Long Island band continues to put out one catchy record after another. When I read that Crime in Stereo was putting out a new record, I became very intrigued as to which direction the band would go in when they wrote their new material. Once again, Crime in Stereo has written another record to be proud of, and will be sure to draw a larger fan-base.

This album is discernibly different from its predecessors, but is still a very captivating record nonetheless. They've gone away from writing one and two minute songs, instead putting together four and five minute songs. They've strayed from writing fast punk rock, and have written a lot of melodic hardcore songs here, including multiple transitions with a Brand New-esque feel to them. They've continued to develop as a band over the years and have put together a more mature, more technical album on IWTTDYTS.

While creating a whole new sound, influences from their older material on this album are still very prominent. A couple songs are reminiscent of ...Is Dead (Not Dead, Odalisque) with a couple Troubled Stateside influences as well (Dark Island City, I Cannot Answer You Tonight). If you are a fan of all previous Crime in Stereo releases, you'll be sure to like the new album as well, because it's a great progression the band has made. I'm sure this album will be met with criticism from some listeners, because it is different from what they used to sound like. But I feel that the good outweighs the bad on this record, and is going to appeal to a whole new branch of listeners, along with many of the band's older fans.

Favorite tracks: Not Dead, Type One, I Cannot Answer You Tonight

For fans of: Brand New, Title Fight, Polar Bear Club

Crime in Stereo's myspace

New Found Glory - Philadelphia, PA

Last night, New Found Glory and company rolled into Philadelphia for the 10-year anniversary tour of their self titled album. From the day I heard these bands were going on tour together, I knew I was going to see multiple dates of this tour. New Found Glory's self-titled album is one of my three favorite albums of all-time and with Saves the Day on the under card, the expectations for this one shot off the charts. Luckily for me, New Found Glory never disappoints.

First on stage was Fireworks, an up-and-coming pop-punk band from Detroit who just released their debut album last year. I just saw Fireworks at the First Unitarian Church back in September, and I feel like I was watching a completely different band last night. In September, the energy level was through the roof and everyone was into the set. Granted the Electric Factory is a much bigger venue, but Fireworks didn't do much to get the crowd involved in the show and they sounded flat their entire set. I know it's hard to captivate a crowd who is waiting for the headliners to go on, but I was let down and had hoped for more out of Fireworks.

Hellogoodbye came out next, and I was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed their eponymous EP back in high school, but my musical interests have strayed from electronic power pop over the years. But despite all that, HGB played a good set and the crowd seemed to get into their songs. They had a very entertaining and playful demeanor on stage, which was great considering the material they write. Couple their set with a Descendents cover (Bikeage) and overall Hellogoodbye was pretty solid.

Saves the Day took the stage and sent the crowd into a frenzy immediately. For a band who switches members so often, STD sounded great live and didn't skip a beat on any of their songs. They played a great mix of old and new material, taking a couple songs off of each of their albums for the most part (and the only song I like on In Reverie, which pleased me greatly). My only complaint was that they just stood still playing their instruments up until the last song, when they went nuts. Overall, they played a great set and compared to other sets on the tour, this one is the best I've seen so far.

Setlist:
All-Star Me
The End
Radio
Anywhere With You
Firefly
Holly Hox, Forget Me Nots
Getaway
Eulogy
Freakish
Always Ten Feet Tall
A Drag in D Flat
Rocks Tonic Juice Magic
At Your Funeral
Shoulder to the Wheel
Kaleidoscope

As for New Found Glory, they were simply amazing. If you haven't seen them play yet, you need to change that immediately. The energy level was through the roof for the entire set and everyone on stage was moving around, having such a great time. It's so inspiring that in today's throw-away society, where bands replace members at the drop of a hat, that the same five guys in New Found Glory can stick together and have so much fun playing music for 13 years now. The kings of pop-punk are one of the best bands to see live on the planet. If you've been to their live show before, I'm sure you agree.

Setlist:
Better Off Dead
Dressed to Kill
Sincerely Me
Hit or Miss
Second to Last
Eyesore
Vegas
Sucker
Black and Blue
Boy Crazy
All About Her
Ballad for the Lost Romantics

Encore:
Understatement
Don't Let Her Pull You Down
Head On Collision
All Downhill From Here
Truth of My Youth
Forget My Name
No Reason Why (Gorilla Biscuits cover)
Truck Stop Blues
My Friends Over You

New Found Glory's myspace
Saves the Day's myspace
Hellogoodbye's myspace
Fireworks' myspace

Album Review #11

Blacklisted - Eccentrichine
genre: hardcore, grunge rock
released: Feb. 9, 2010
label: Deathwish Inc., Six Feet Under Records

After putting out a new album in 2009, Blacklisted continues to make music and tour, becoming known as one of the hardest working bands in hardcore music today. On the new album, No One Deserves to Be Here More Than Me, Blacklisted went away from their typical fast, angry hardcore sounds and wrote songs with more of a grunge, post-rock feel to them, broadening their horizons. With the new 4-song EP, Blacklisted has explored some more new sounds on Eccentrichine.

Many people complained about the new LP, saying it wasn't as heavy as their older material. Well, after listening to the new songs, I can see just how heavy NODTBHMTM really is, and how much softer their new music is, which is still head-banging material by many standards. Two of the songs on the EP are different versions of older songs with new twists thrown in (an electric version of The P.I.G. and an acoustic rendition of Wish with some new backing vocals). But as for the new songs, the sound is vastly different from any sound they've put out before. But if you liked the new album, you'll be sure to like the changes Blacklisted has made here on the new 7".

The opening song, Stones Throw, begins with distortion and a spoken word stanza with George Hirsch. As the song progresses, we introduce female backing vocals, until eventually the song breaks down and turns into a jam session, with Hirsch screaming some of the best lyrics he has ever written. His lyrics truly encompass a wide range of human emotion and can easily relate with many people who listen. On the title track, the band goes right into a two-step drum beat and give us the most melodic song they've ever written. The drums are the bass line are very catchy and the "do-do-do-do" lines in the choruses are the cherry on top. The guitars are great too, making for another winner.

There are a couple weak points, like when Hirsch tries to sing. I am the biggest Blacklisted fan out there, but George needs to stick to screaming and yelling. I've always seen Blacklisted as a high energy act, and simple singing isn't something I look for when I put these records on. But all and all, we've got another gem from the band called Blacklisted. Newer, more melodic, more accessible. They are clearly the head of their class and continue to expand their horizons with each new release. The bar never stops for Philadelphia's finest.

Favorite tracks: Stones Throw, Eccentrichine

For fans of: Swans, The Carrier, Dinosaur Jr.

Blacklisted's myspace

Album Review #10

Alkaline Trio - This Addiction
genre: punk rock, alternative rock
released: Feb. 23, 2010
label: Heart & Skull, Epitaph

I'd like to apologize for my lack of updates in the past two weeks, I attribute that to bad weather and a wave of school work recently. But I have finally gotten my hands on some albums worth reviewing lately, and I was excited to get my hands on the new Alkaline Trio album. After a string of successful punk rock anthems with their first four studio albums, ALK3 has disappointed many, including me, with their last two albums, Crimson and Agony & Irony. Both albums lack what their previous efforts had, and with their new album, they took a step in the right direction.

With their new album, Alkaline Trio produced the music along with an old hometown friend who they used with most of their earlier material (including their first three albums). The album does sound better than recent efforts, and its clearly evident throughout the album. It does have a Goddamnit-esque feel to it at many points in a few songs. The stripped down, "return to their roots" sound ALK3 is looking for is a good thing, going back to just playing punk rock instead of some of the other directions they were heading in before. And with only three songs being written by bass player Dan Andriano, most of the creativity on this album comes from band leader Matt Skiba. Skiba provides a much greater effort on this LP, with much better lyrical content and a higher wave of emotion expressed on this album.

Unfortunately, this album isn't anything special. It's not as good as their better albums, but it certainly isn't as bad as their worst material either. The tempo on this one is still much slower than the pace set in their younger years which is the biggest flaw. Punk rock is fast and loud; this album is neither. It's definitely got a punk rock feel to it, but it isn't what the band used to be, with its raw edge and constant quick pace. Maybe the band is just maturing into something different, but they need to get fast and get loud if they hope to recapture their glory days. Also, the album doesn't have any stand-alone songs. I like a few songs and I dislike a few songs, but nothing really sticks out as the song I want to keep coming back to. Along with an immediate Give Up The Ghost steal for album art, this one has plenty to complain about.

Despite the obvious flaws, this album is solid. It's more typical rock than anything else, which is easy enough to get into. This one is the middle of the road, not a favorite yet not hated album for Alkaline Trio. Nothing stands out, good or bad. This album is a step in the right direction as far as getting back to a punk rock sound, but there is still a journey ahead of the threesome if they hope to get back to their From Here to Infirmary days.

Favorite tracks: This Addiction, The American Scream

For fans of: Rise Against, The Lawrence Arms

Alkaline Trio's myspace

Album Review #9

The Wonder Years - The Upsides
genre: pop-punk, pop rock
released: Jan. 26, 2010
label: No Sleep Records

When I heard The Wonder Years were coming out with a new full-length album in 2010, I was a little skeptical. I know plenty of people who were excited, but I wasn't included in that group. Something about cheesy pop-punk songs centered around Cap'n Crunch and the Kool-Aid fruit punch bowl don't keep me interested. So when I put on this new record, I was expecting more of the same. While I was pleasantly surprised about the album's lyrical content, I still found plenty to complain about.

The major positive about the new album is that Dan Campbell stopped singing about the same stupid crap he was spewing out three years ago. At least now he's writing about himself and his band, something that will keep more people interested than before. And the whole "I'm not sad anymore" gimmick is a nice touch, because there really is nothing to be sad about, especially if you're in a band with a record contract and a busy touring schedule. And the songs on the album are catchy too. Good guitars, poppy drums. It's another typical pop-punk record musically.

My biggest complaint, however, is the fact that Campbell isn't sad anymore. We get it. You're not sad anymore. You don't have to remind me in every song. You're really beating a dead horse here. Not to mention that some of the best songs have been written by artists who are clinically depressed. And secondly, while still more mature than past efforts, The Upsides isn't mature by any stretch of the imagination. Still complaining about the city you live in and how nothing ever goes your way? Boo-fucking-hoo. If you aren't sad, stop whining and write more mature tracks, instead of name dropping cereals and video games every time I turn around. Now and again is fine, but every song is too much.

If you're looking for an easy to listen, catchy pop-punk record, this one is for you. It doesn't take much effort to get into this one, and it's definitely better than past Wonder Years' releases. Hell, it's definitely the best thing I've heard from their catalog. But unfortunately, sometimes your best isn't good enough, and I simply can't get into this kind of mindless pop-punk. It's a step in the right direction, but the boys in this band have a long walk ahead of them at this rate. And no matter what this guy says, it is ALWAYS sunny in Philadelphia. Always.

Favorite tracks: Melrose Diner, Washington State Park

For fans of: Four Year Strong, A Loss for Words, Man Overboard

The Wonder Years' myspace

Album Review #8

Surfer Blood - Astro Coast
genre: indie rock
released: Jan. 19, 2010
label: Kanine Records

Here comes what will be one of, if not the best new band of the year in Surfer Blood. Their hit single "Swim" brought on a wave of high expectations for their debut album, Astro Coast, which should ultimately reach all your lofty expectations and keep you listening. What makes this album so great is its catchy simplicity with its major theme being the guitar throughout. With a classic indie rock feel reminiscent of Pavement, this Florida foursome creates multiple comparisons to bands from the nineties, all the way up the ladder to Weezer's rung. Not too bad of a response if I must say so myself.

Once you dive into this album, you are hooked onto one guitar riff after another. The beauty I find in this is that any song could be your favorite on this album, it's that good. And not only do the guitars entrance you, but the vocals are very strong on this album too. If I could sum this album up into one word, I would have to say melodic. It's a very raw, stripped down version of indie rock that traces back to the roots of the genre. Fortunately, they take ideas from some more modern bands as well.

Sufer Blood throws in little influences of other genres as well on their debut. The album has a very pop-influnced feel, while still taking pages out of the books of both The Shins and Vampire Weekend. They use a nice array of instruments from multiple genres on each track that all provide for a catchy song. All this coming from a band who created their album in their college dorm room, this says a lot about how solid this album is.

Overall, there is really nothing to complain about. They keep you happy from beginning to end and even include their hit single "Swim" on the album. Surfer Blood hits the nail on the head here with a strong foot in the door for early 2010's bright spots. I'm definitely considering going to see this band live due to how much I like the album, and I'm sure they'd put on a great show. They put such a great feel into an album that could very easily resonate live on stage, and this band will continue to expose new listeners to their extremely catchy sound throughout the calendar year.


Favorite tracks: Swim, Take It Easy, Twin Peaks

For fans of: Pavement, Weezer, The Shins

Surfer Blood's myspace

Album Review #7

Motion City Soundtrack - My Dinosaur Life
genre: pop-punk/power pop
released: Jan. 19, 2010
label: Columbia Records

I can't believe it's already been eight years since Motion City Soundtrack has released their first album. Eight long years of ups and downs, Motion City Soundtrack is still here, and is now bigger than ever, releasing their fourth album on a major record label. Despite numerous line-up changes and the troubles that have befallen lead singer Justin Pierre, they continue to defy the odds and wow their most loyal listeners, while gaining more and more fans each day. So with all this hype, Motion City Soundtrack has released another album that is sure to be a hit.

There are a few major positives on this album, along with some negatives. But where MCS went right was by getting Mark Hoppus to come in to produce the album. For someone who hasn't been producing albums for very long, I've liked every album Hoppus has produced that I've listened to, and this one is no different. Just like Commit This to Memory, Hoppus has led Motion City Soundtrack in the right direction and leaves us with a very well produced album. Another major plus is the lyrical content. Major label or not, sell-outs or underground, Motion City Soundtrack doesn't change their style for anyone but themselves. Pierre curses out loudly on this album "You all need to go away, you motherfuckers. You all need to leave me and my homeboys alone" which is a fun chorus sing-a-long, while still sending a message. And the energy level is still very high, one of the major reasons this band became a favorite for me back in the day.

Unfortunately, I do have some complaints to coincide with the positive notes. One major miss is the lack of synthesizer on the album, which was a staple on their previous works. Much like when Cursive lost their cello player, it feels like a little something is missing on each track. Also, the album tends to deviate from the typical pop-punk sound they have come to play over the years. Granted, I like the slight changes on this album, but I fear for the future. Many may see this as a positive as well, but there are so many generic rock bands in the world today, and I'd just hate to see such a talented group end up amongst the likes of those bands.

Despite anything good or bad I could say about this album, it's catchy as hell. Pierre's lyrics are as good as ever, and the drumming by Tony Thaxton is on point, showing his progression, along with the rest of the group. The band sounds tighter than ever on this record, and its maturity shines through. "Disappear" and "Her Words Destroyed My Planet" are great choices for singles and the album is littered throughout with catchy tunes that could latch onto a listener as a favorite. It might not be my favorite Motion City Soundtrack release, but it is very good. It's nice to see a band I loved in high school make it big and enjoy commercial success. Kids are going to love this one, and rightfully so, they should.


Favorite tracks: Disappear, Pulp Fiction, The Weakends

For fans of: The Academy Is..., Fall Out Boy

Motion City Soundtrack's myspace

Album Review #6

Owen Pallett - Heartland
genre: indie/experimental
released: Jan. 12, 2010
label: Domino Records

Owen Pallett is a Canadian artist who has been around for years, writing songs under the moniker Final Fantasy and contributing string arrangements to bands such as Arcade Fire, Grizzly Bear, and Fucked Up. His compositions on the 2006 Final Fantasy album He Poos Clouds won him the inaugural Polaris Music Prize, which is now given annually to the best full-length Canadian album based solely on artistic merit. After hearing this accolade, I figured I need to check this guy out for myself. So I decided to jump right into the new album head first.

Pallett, dropping the Final Fantasy name as to end confusion with the popular video game franchise, really knows how to stretch the listener's imagination. He Poos Clouds is an album simply about the schools of magic from the game Dungeons & Dragons. Pallett goes one step further on Heartland. Taken from Pitchfork.com, the album is about an "ultra-violent farmer" named Lewis, who lives on a planet called Spectrum. Lewis is trying to come to grips with his creator, who is Owen Pallett. Strange, right?

After reading that, I became a little intimidated, which is exactly how the album starts out with it's heavy string arrangements. The album really has two parts for me when I think about it. The first four tracks have a very brooding, ominous feel to them, especially the first two tracks. They end abruptly with the collision of strings and drum loops that are very, well, intimidating. Everything takes a turn for the better though with the album's single "Lewis Takes Action". I'm really glad this farmer fellow decides to do something, because the album flips into a much lighter and happier experience. This song is simply beautiful, with the powerful violins leading the way with Pallett's harmonic voice. The drums provide the perfect backing along with the rest of the instruments provided on this track.

The next two tracks, "The Great Elsewhere" and "Oh Heartland, Up Yours!", are written in the same vein as the previous one, using the violin, drums, and looping them throughout the song, while Pallett entrances the listener with his voice. And to think that the live version of this is done completely by Pallett himself is amazing. By plugging his violin into a loop pedal, he is able to do everything you hear on the album. Pallett's talents shine on through the rest of the album right up until the very end.

I can see why many people wouldn't want to listen to this, or "couldn't get into it" at all. But I'm truly glad that I can appreciate this entire ensemble Pallett has given us with Heartland. He has created something beautiful and I believe that anyone who listens to it and gives it a chance will walk away liking it. The vocals and the strings are clearly the highlights, but the incorporation of so many other instruments truly puts a cap on another fine job for Owen Pallett. Once you can get past the intimidating first couple tracks, the rest of the album is a great listen and has me anxious to explore into his older albums. Only after I listen to Heartland a few more times though (which is up on his myspace for the time being, link below).


Favorite tracks: Lewis Takes Action, Oh Heartland, Up Yours!, E Is for Estranged

For fans of: Arcade Fire, Antony and the Johnsons, Grizzly Bear

Owen Pallett's myspace

Album Review #5

Vampire Weekend - Contra
genre: indie rock
released: Jan. 12, 2010
label: XL Recordings

After taking a week to enjoy the holidays with friends and family, I figured I'd start off 2010 the right way by reviewing the album I've been dying to get my hands on for months now. I never listened to Vampire Weekend in 2008, but they were all I listened to since school started this past fall. The band's eponymous debut was a great record, and I couldn't wait to hear more new material. The New York-based foursome has not disappointed me one bit with Contra.

Vampire Weekend doesn't stray from the path on their sophomore release, sticking with their own indie sound, heavily influenced by both African and classical music. The arrangement of instruments throughout the album sound perfectly collaborated and frontman Ezra Koenig's lyrical prowess is evident through the entire 36-minute record. Just like the first album, they get in and get out on this record, with only one song lasting more than five minutes. They spend just enough time on each song, keeping you coming back and wanting more. The album is also produced by Rostam Batmanglij, the band's organ/guitar/piano playing mastermind behind the album's overall sound.

The album's opener, "Horchata", is a great song to set off the album, complete with xylophones and big beats to accompany Koenig's rhyme scheme to the song title. This one is a light sing-a-long which really sets the same mood I felt with their first album, one of fun and enjoyment. "White Sky" and "Holiday" keep the ball rolling, with their collaborative sounds and poppy vocals. "California English" distorts Koenig's vocals but speeds up the pace, giving us yet another indie-pop sing-a-long, while acknowledging the ever popular Philadelphia cheesesteak all at the same time. "Taxi Cab" slows the album back down, with a key-driven arrangement while Koenig's slowly drones along with the beauty of the piano. This song lacks a little something I can't put my finger on, but it doesn't capture me the way their other tracks do.

The next song, "Run", is slow like "Taxi Cab" but throws a beat and more drums into the mix, getting me back to where I left off. The album's single, "Cousins", is simply great. Fast, loud, fun. It's a great single and one of the strongest songs on the whole album. "Giving Up the Gun" and "Diplomat's Son" are the longest songs on the album, reaching almost 10 minutes between the two of them. While the songs are longer, they are still good listens with catchy beats and Koenig's infectious vocals. The record closes out with "I Think Ur a Contra", a slower ballad that is extremely vocally driven, with a constant drum and lighter instruments to back up the vocals. A good way to close out an already very strong effort.

I don't want to say this album is better than Vampire Weekend's self-titled debut quite yet, because that's a very tough task to undertake. But I am very pleased with what I've heard on Contra and Vampire Weekend has added another great album to a short but excellent repertoire. More and more listens to this album are needed to fully appreciate how good it is, but it is clearly evident from the start how good Vampire Weekend has become and how much more is ahead of them. I'll be waiting patiently for them to support this album on tour and when they come around to my area, you can expect to see me at the show.


Favorite tracks: Horchata, Holiday, Cousins

For fans of: Grizzly Bear, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

Vampire Weekend's myspace