Feral Babies - Live WMNF Radio 06/27/2012

Cool video of one of United By Rocket Science's favorite new bands. If you like this you can download the entire set HERE , and it's free...now that's what I call getting some quality music for nuthin'...Dave G.

Belt of Vapor - Buck 7 Inch EP

Spokane Washington's three piece Belt of Vapor have been playing together for eight years with two self released full lengths (Playing God and     The Complex Mating Game of Giants) and a five song self-titled live EP. Prior to receiving this I was completely unaware of the bands existence . Thanks to Jason at
"Whoa Boat Records" I now have yet another band to fully investigate and celebrate.

The opening track and records title "Buck" is a mid paced stunner with it's screamed anthemic vocals, spiraling guitar and crashing drums.
I felt an immediate Rye Coalition vibe on this one. One can't help but give in to the spirit and venom of the tune. Genius/Failure attacks the senses like a pitbull out for vengeance with it's Hard Rock bombast, swirling angular guitar and stand out bass lines. The track opens at a frantic pace that begins to spiral into a slow torturous descent into hellish territories
(I mean that in the highest form of praise) a little less than its half way point.

The 7 inch is available on green (100 copies) and black (200 copies) vinyl.
What happens after that is unknown. I'd highly suggest you get your hands on it while you can. Belt of Vapor is a band that definitely warrants further investigation.
I can't wait to hear more.  James Damion

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Bloody Gears - Landscapes of Disease (Deranged 2012)

I was really looking forward to this Lp after falling in love with the 7 inch ep  "Frozen Rain" that was released on Grave Mistake Records a few months back as a taster for what was to come on this full length Lp. My review of the 7" can be found right here.

I have to admit that upon initially hearing this Lp I was left a little flat, but after repeated listens I have come to realize that  the fault was all mine as I was just to amped for this record and it took a few listens for the cool vibe and wiperesque melodies to sink in and fully take a hold of me. There is something about the dark mood that the Bloody Gears conjure through their music that truly affects me and I hope you feel the same..Dave G. 

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Revelation Records 25th Anniversary shows New York City

You asked for it and you got it. Looks like 4 days in NYC. Wonder who's playing. If Quicksand plays then I may have to go.

We will continue to update this post as bands are confirmed.

Confirmed so far:

Thursday, October 11, 2012:
Texas Is The Reason
Underdog
Shades Apart
Gameface
On The Might Of Princes
Friday, October 12, 2012:
Chain Of Strength
Mouthpiece
Damnation A.D.
Shook Ones
TBA
Saturday, October 13, 2012:
Chain Of Strength
Bold
Battery
Shai Hulud
TBA
Sunday, October 14, 2012:
Into Another
Youth Of Today
Supertouch
Iceburn

Getting "Ugly" with the Screaming Females

Recently I had the honor of interviewing Screaming Females drummer Jarrett Dougherty. The band recently released their fifth album, 'Ugly' on Don Giovanni Records. The album, a product of mind-blowing rock, has received well deserved praise from fans and critics alike. It's clear to see how much they've grown over the past 7 years, and the progress they've made is inspiring for any DIY band. Every show I've been to is better then the last, the music more powerful, the crowd wilder. The intense energy they produce on stage is ignited through the audience in a way I have never experienced at any show. The bands record release show at Maxwells left me dancing until the sole of my boot tore off. But more importantly, the Screaming Females never fail to show how much they love what they do, and how eager they are to shout it out to the world.
Thanks to Jarrett for taking the time to thoughtfully answer my questions.
Jordann McAlinden

Photo: James Damion

Jordann: What do you enjoy doing the most when you're not touring or working on your music?

Jarrett: I have a bunch of pursuits outside of Screaming Females. 
I like to read. Currently I have been reading a lot of radical left political theory and history. 
I'm almost finished with 

Silvia Federici's fascinating book 'Caliban and the Witch.' Lately I've began trying to learn german. I currently only speak english and would rather not die monolingual. I also like sewing, cooking, baking, yoga, and small home construction projects.

Jordann: Screaming Females is known for the DIY style. Have there been any sacrifices you needed to make, for the sake of the band?

Jarrett:  I'm not sure what you exactly mean when you say sacrifices. You can only lead one life and that necessarily means that you have to forgo possible life paths. I prefer to think of life in a constructive sense. Because of this outlook I tend to see the amazing things I've been able to do in the past 7 years with Screaming Females because of our commitment to each other and this project.

Jordann: Sorry to hear some shows had to get cancelled this month. Has Marissa's episode with mono made her think twice about mic swallowing?

Photo: James Damion

Jarrett: I think she might finally cave in and buy her own microphone to use on tour rather than whatever happens to be where we are playing. 

Jordann: Not everyone has a sound that turns the mountains into sand. What comes first, the lyrics or the music?

Jarrett: The music always comes first. The three of us get in a room together and just start playing until something cool happens. Then we work on that rough part until it turns into something we like. 
Marissa writes all the lyrics and they usually don't appear until the instrumentation is pretty much finished.

Jordann: How would you say Ugly differs from your past albums?

Jarrett: It is the 5th rather than the 4th or 3rd or 2nd or 1st. We recorded Ugly outside of NJ which was a first. It cost a lot more money and we put a lot more time into refining the songs. We were able to have a level of self-criticism that I feel can only come with a longstanding relationship. Because of that the songs were the absolute best they could be by the time we got to the studio.

Jordann: Do you think you have a sense of humor in your songs that you don’t necessarily get credit for?

Jarrett: I think we bring to Screaming Females a wide range of expressions. We are thoughtful people. We discuss what the band means to us individually all the time. At the same time we also like to laugh. I feel like we have an exaggerated sense of humor. We play music because it is fun but also, maybe more importantly, because it is fulfilling. I hope that comes across.

Jordann:I feel like this album really exemplifies the growth you guys have had within the last few years. What image do you think your music conveys?

Jarrett: I hope that both musically and the way in which our band operates shows that artists don't all have to take the same path. Diversity is good for society and it is good for the arts. 

Jordann: I really admire the artwork for Ugly. Any symbolic/deeper meaning to the album’s artwork?

Jarrett: Marissa had been starting to draw those monstrous creatures before we came up with the 
album title but once we decided on 'Ugly' she saw those figures as representing the concept well. As the art started coming together I think Marissa realized there were some similarities going on to Nick Blinko and Albrecht Durer. Both of those artists, though separated by hundreds of years, visually dealt with demons and Hell. I think a lot of that imagery represents the struggles within oneself and also one's struggle with "evil" forces in the world. 

Jordann: Have any advice for fellow DIY bands?

Jarrett: Don't drink too much booze. Drink a lot of water. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. 
Always remember why you started playing music. 

Jordann: What legacy do you hope to leave behind?

Jarrett:  Legacy is a strong word. I hope that someday people look at Screaming Females and are amazing at the quantity of quality work we managed to produce over many years. And that we created those albums and played those shows our own way. Most relationships don't last very long, especially band relationships. 


Screaming Females

Tiny Giants Showcase Invades The Meatlocker

A blueprint for a good Saturday night: get a friend and head for the comfortable dinge of the Meat Locker, especially when there's a Tiny Giant showcase on tap. We were way early, so we found a bar and sat in outdoor Montclair for a beer. Construction zones, crowded sidewalks, diesel engines - an odd recipe for a moment's peace, but that it was.
By the time we got back, opener Science was just about done setting up.

Science; Image James Damion

Science made the most of their short set, quickly justifying their band name by showing a tendency to experiment. Each of their four songs toyed around with a different style, from
four-to-the-floor indie rock to chugging post-hardcore, all done convincingly. Tying it together were their blippy keyboards, pining vocals, and a steady backdrop of churning guitar. It was brief, but this was a promising performance from a band that only seems to be scratching at its musical identity. I'll be staying tuned to see what they do next.

Reese Van Riper; Image James Damion

The next act was described by my friend as "southern sludge pouring off a hot redneck's body," and I'm guessing Reese Van Riper & company wouldn't take issue. The Ringwood-based trio played some new songs from their upcoming record, which step a bit further towards the anthemic while preserving all their grime and swagger.
The familiar tunes, meanwhile, were absolutely towering. "Pitchfork" and
"Whiskey Queen" sound arena-ready. Reese himself was on as usual, imposing and charismatic, never missing a step. If you can, catch these guys at a bar. I felt displaced without a glass of bourbon in my hand, but, at least they were offering up beer-chicken at the merch table.

Meet Pause w/ Adam Bird: Image James Damion

Meet Pause were next. Their recordings bring an earnest, expressive sort of alt-rock, upbeat but with gravity ... the performance Saturday night had a different aftertaste. Leading man Scott Thompson came through the Meat Locker PA with a newfound snarl, and the band was loose, raw, happy-go-lucky. It was my first time seeing them, so I shouldn't say whether this is their usual live sound, but it's always worth noting when a band delivers something at shows that you don't get elsewhere. The new bassist looked quite at home on stage, as the band mowed through almost-sinister sounding versions of Cluster Cascade mainstays like "Coworkers" and "(Don't) Get the Fuck Out of Jersey." Adam Bird joined onstage for the closer, a surprise Cheap Trick cover ... why not?

Cinema Cinema; Image James Damion

Cinema Cinema is another band I had yet to see. This is a two-piece that fills the room with sound and drags you utterly into their set until it's done. First of all, Ev Gold's guitar-playing palette never seems to tire. The moment he's through with the bottomless bag of riffs, he turns out a left-field melodic passage here, a pitch-shifted squeal and groan there... it's unpredictable and beautiful. This was a good room to see them in, too. Gold's vox were tucked neatly behind the band, fighting vigorously for the top of the mix. Occasionally, when the music settled back, he'd slip into an Ian MacKaye-esque croon before charging back up, making their peak volume hit with satisfying chest thwack. If you like a loud band that gets both your blood and your brain going, Cinema Cinema are must-see.

Feudalism; Image James Damion

The penultimate group was Feudalism, one I've been wanting to catch since hearing their EP Consonance/Dissonance. By now I have got to be late to the folk-punk train, but, whatever - count me in.
Their reckless energy and downtrodden lyrics are a marriage worth witnessing first-hand. "Venture Capitalist" stood out best to me, highlighting the accordion/trombone combo as well as the mad-genius structural turns. All goes down with a self-aware grin. There's no gimmickry here... just a spirited live set that does their excellent music justice.

Those Mockingbirds; Image James Damion

And so, the closer. Every time I think Those Mockingbirds have reached a new level as a band, they grow again.
They took the stage at 1 a.m. and treated us all to better-than-record versions of their finest earworms, such as "Don't Stray," "Honest? Honest," and recent single "The Difference Between Love + Addiction." The highlight of the whole night might have been hearing unfamiliar TMB. "Salt" sounds like fresh ground for the band, a slick groove drowned in atmosphere, while in another still-untitled tune, frontman Adam Bird insists that "maybe we're both going to hell" - as far as I'm concerned, that might be their most memorable chorus yet. I'm still jonesing to hear these again.

Six bands played this one, and no two brought the same thing to the table. If nothing else, TG made the Meat Locker a playground for music geeks, with a lineup as diverse as it was loud. A majority of these groups have new albums in the works. You're gonna want to watch out for those. Darrel Norrell


Review Darryl Norrell
Images James Damion

Whatever Brains LP 2012 (Sorry State Records)

 Welcome to the wonderful,strange and compelling world of the Whatever Brains.

 This brand new Whatever Brains  Lp is a mis-mash of Angry songs, artsy songs and even a song called "Summer Jammin" that sounds like Built To Spill on 10 tabs of acid. Honestly, while listening to this Lp I had an overwhelming sensation  that I was listening to the soundtrack to a very strange and creepy traveling sideshow.

 Overall, this Lp takes the listener on an  interesting ride that I think may take multiple listens to really sink in, but I think it will be worth the effort...Again, Welcome to the wonderful,strange and compelling world of the Whatever Brains...Dave G.   

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The Wait - Systemic LP

The Wait (formerly known as Endgame) have been building a reputation as a New Jersey Post Core Powerhouse since deciding to move on from a straight up Hardcore style to a more mature approach.
The results seemed effortless with the band building on their already stellar musicianship, song writing ability and ever so catchy hooky riffs. I was first introduced to The Wait through my buddy Brain Macko back in 2010 and have been following the bands steady progress with a sense of awe since.

On Systematic, the bands debut album, The Wait continues to evolve and mature without losing any of the energy, honesty or appeal they displayed on prior recordings. Marked by excellent musicianship, melodies, lyrics and those ever so joyous riffs. "Systemic" is a record that has a sound and vibe that immediately resonates with the listener. The records opener "Ounces Away" grabs you from the moment the needle hit the record and never really lets go. The record also has very Jersey signature to it with songs like "Passaic River High", "Route 7" and even "My Last Employer".

"Systematic" is a must for fans of Quicksand, Hot Water Music, Jawbreaker and just about anything that's catchy as all fucking hell. The wait on this record is finally over. Now you just have to get yourself  a copy. James Damion

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Boy Things - Equations EP

Boy Things first captivated my ears in early 2012 with their self titled six song EP.
Upon hearing the bands warm, upbeat pop sounds, I was convinced I was listening to some seasoned Indie Pop veterans that I had somehow missed the boat on.  Lucky for me, the boat was just beginning to set sail and I was getting the opportunity to see/hear an amazing new act still in it's infancy.

The EP's  title track "Equations" features a lush acoustic guitar sound that's followed by synthesizers and drumming that add a certain degree warmth and texture to the track. But it's when Beth's hypnotic and beautiful voice enter the fray when the senses hit overload.

The B side opens with "Sit, Stay, Rollover". The songs losers lament carries a light hearted wit about it with it's chorus, "There's no hope, in Jersey. I'm a loser, so kill me!" I found myself dancing around my apartment spastically to this one. 

Cap'n Hook is catchy as all hell with crashing guitars and drums that will having you calling out "More Cowbell please" The hooky vibe presented is tasty to say the very least.
Overall, "Equations" shines with all it's quirky pop goodness. I really can't wait to see how this band evolves. If this three song jaunt is any sign of things to come, I'd say the possibilities are endless.

"Equations" is a combined effort between Boy Things and Bedside Manor Collective.
If you're a fan of Tegan & Sara like I am you absolutely need to get your hands on this. There are only 300 copies available on vinyl so I suggest you pick this up and give it a spin before it's gone. James Damion
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Eastern Anchors - Herzog Help Me

I don't know much about  the Eastern Anchors in all honesty. I actually saw a song come across my Facebook page and gave it a listen and liked what I heard so I figured I'd do a short post here on UBRS to give the band some well deserved exposure. The Eastern Anchors  have made one rough mix track available for our listening pleasure and based on this song I'm really looking forward to their full length Lp that is currently in the works.

The song called "Herzog Can You Help me " has a cool Quicksand/Torche/Hum feel to the big main riff with melodic vocals laid over the top...very promising song for a rough mix, bring on the Lp...Dave G.

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Morbid Saint - Spectrum of Death 2012 reissue on Relapse Recordse

Now that Rocket Science blog is dead I am going to start sharing some metal news here on UBRS whether you like it or not...First up the repress of Morbid Saint's underground classic 1988 thrash metal Lp Spectrum of Death. Give this one a listen if you are a fan of 80's thrash/death metal. This was a big money record on Ebay for years so thanks to Relapse for having the smarts to reissue this mother..Dave G.

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Gaslight Anthem Unveil Video for Their Single "45"

The Gaslight Anthem unveil the video for their recently released single "45" which will appear on the New Jersey bands upcoming major label debut "Handwritten", due out on July 24th. Check it out here. James Damion

Pelican - Ataraxia / Taraxis 12" ep Southern Lord Records

I'll admit that I lost interest in Pelicans brand of instrumetal music after the album Australasia, but I have to say that I think I may be back in their corner after spinning their new 4 song ep "Ataraxia/Taraxis"  nonstop over the past few days.

Ataraxia/Taraxis creates a cool mood between it's extended lullaby like intro that leads us into a big warm riff fest before slowly bringing us back down to a calmer place as the record moves towards the finish line.  If you are familiar with Pelican's back catalog then you know what to expect from these guys and I can't say that they have taken any real risks here as far as the music goes, but what they have done is deliver a very good slab of thick, warm and dare I say emotional  instrumental quasi metal that sounds so good I think I have to go back and give their last few records a listen to see what I have been missing...Dave  G

Into Another Launch New Website

After a decade and a half of inactivity Into Another have launched a new website and have announced they will headline the opening night of Revelation Records four day celebration of the labels 25th Anniversary. The event kicks off Thursday, June 7th at the Glass House in Pomona, California. The band will be sharing the stage with former label-mates Sense Field, Ignite, Gameface, In My Eyes and Kiss it Goodbye. Check out their new website here: http://www.intoanother.com/

James Damion

Gorilla Biscuits X Revelation Records 25th Anniversary

If vinyl toys and hardcore are your thing then here you go...enjoy...Dave G.

On June 7~10th, GORILLA BISCUITS will headline the Revelation Records 25 Year Anniversary shows at The Glasshouse in Pomona, CA. Also on the bills are Youth Of Today, Sick Of It All, Shai Hulud, Bold, & more -- 15 bands in total! To commemorate this Silver Anniversary event, we have prepared a very special Silver Anniversary edition of the Gorilla Biscuits toy!

Standing 4 inches tall, the GB mascot is cast in metallic silver vinyl, with grey, teal, and dark blue sprays, with white detailing. This limited edition figure will be packaged in a deluxe two-piece gift box, foil stamped with the GORILLA BISCUITS logo.

The toy will debut at the GORILLA BISCUITS merchandise booth at the concerts on June 8th, and available online Thursday June 14th at 12:00 noon PST.

The Silver Anniversary GB figure retails for $65.00.

For more info about the concerts, please visit Revelation Records 

Suit of Lights - Shine on Forever LP

Sometimes I can get a feeling for and bang out a review of a record after one, maybe two listens. While there are other times when I find myself having to listen maybe a dozen times to get the overall feel of one.
To hear notes I may have missed the first or third time around. Time to allow myself to gain a relationship with that record. Such was the case with Suit of Lights latest offering "Shine on Forever".

It's been two years since I sat down with the bands singer/songwriter Joe Darone to talk about Suit of Lights, his Dad and UFO's. Those two years since have been cluttered with countless bands, releases and shows that might have made me forget what an incredible songwriter and complete artist Joe has become. Lucky for me, "Shine on Forever" arrived just in time to remind me.

Suit of Lights started in 2004 as a studio project and have evolved through a revolving door of talented musicians from various bands such as Streetlight Manifesto, Mr. Bungle, The Rosenbergs and others with Joe Darone and Trevor Dunn being the key components. Their focus on weaving impressive song writing and beautiful instrumentals that have collected guitar, keys, stand up bass, brass and percussion has been impressive to say the very least.

"Shine on Forever offer stellar musicianship and songwriting with Beatlesque harmonies and melodies that are as beautiful as they are boundless. As I listened to these tracks  I couldn't help but think, "This album might be to big for this blog." Of course that's not true but Suit of Lights are honestly on a level all their own when it comes to lush, atmospheric songs and soundscapes that take the listener on a journey that awakens the senses and challenges you use every one to fully listen. I can go on forever but it would be better if I just told you to pick up a copy of this gem and listen for yourself. I think you will be greatly rewarded. "Shine on Forever" was produced by Joe Darone himself and recorded over in Jersey City at Big Blue Meanie Studios. James Damion

Bad American - Pretty Ugly Lp 2012

"Pretty Ugly" opens up with a pretty/ugly slow menacing song called "Dirty Waters" and then blasts off at breakneck speed with the second song "Jumper"and  from this point on the Lp alternates between foot to the floor burst of speed,anger and adrenalin  that will leave you gasping for breath to slower mid tempo songs that will give you a minute or so to recover before Bad American abuse your senses with more speed and anger.

Overall, Bad American have managed to release a fine slice of hardcore aggression that should satisfy fans of the old bands like "Black Flag" and also fans of the new school bands  like "Total Abuse"... Anyway, this Lp is a great first full length release for these Bethlehem PA maniacs, and I highly recommend  you grab a copy if you see it, as I believe this record was self released in a very limited run that is selling fast from what I have been told...Dave G.

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An Interview with Andy Stern of Feral Babies

Tampa's Feral Babies first came onto my radar when my buddy Dave reviewed the bands demo back in September of 2011. After listening to the demo and the 7 inch that followed, it was safe to say that I was a fan. So when I heard they were hitting Brooklyn's 

Stolen Sleeves Collective for an intimate show; I knew I couldn't miss the opportunity to catch them live. Prior to their set I spoke briefly with the bands guitarist Sulynn. About an hour later I was standing about six inches from the band as they played a rip your face off set to a collection of punks, nerds, geeks and hardcore kids. (Basically, the kind of people you'd want to fill a room with.) Although I really enjoyed listening to their tunes from the safety of my computer; seeing the band live and feeling that incredible energy was inspiring. As the tour wound down and the band headed back to the sun city; I got the opportunity to ask the bands drummer a few questions. Here's what transpired.  James Damion 

(Interview; James Damion Photos; Nicole C. Kibert)

The Feral Babies are Left to Right Sulynn Hago - Guitar Andy Stern - Drums 

Justin Arnold - Vocals Marc Cody - Bass

Photo: Nicole C. Kibert

James: You were in bands prior to forming Feral Babies. Was the band born out of anything in particular or was it just a case of wanting to start something fresh?

Andy: The band started when a project that Justin and I were previously part of was coming to an end. We started writing songs in the style of the 80's hardcore punk that we've always loved. Knowing that we didn't want to do Feral Babies as a two piece, we immediately thought of Sulynn for guitar and Marc on bass. We were super stoked that they wanted to do it and had the time. All of us play in multiple bands at any given time. The idea of being stagnant musically drives us nuts.

Sulynn is an insanely good guitarist. Where did you find her? Has she received any offers to do her own version of Guitar Hero?

We "found" Sulynn playing in a band called Lights Out when Justin and I were playing in INJ/SYS. Her stage presence and playing was incredible so she was easily the first guitarist we thought of. As for her own guitar hero, no offers yet... hello Activision!

James: When you started the band did you have any lofty goals in mind? What was the game plan?

Andy: Early on the game plan was to not have Justin die of exhaustion. Talk about out of shape! After that we really just set out to start writing songs we liked and see what happened. We never expected the response that the band's gotten and certainly aren't complaining. We have songs for a split recorded and a handful of new ones for a full-length in the works. Other than that, we have no "5 year plan" etc.

James: You just got off of an East Coast tour. Was this your first excursion as a band?

Andy: Our first Feral Babies trip outside of Florida. Each of us has toured with other bands but crossing the Florida/Georgia border with the babies felt good. It was a long time coming.

James: What were some of the highlights and low lights?

Andy: Justin throwing up on himself all the way from Brooklyn to Richmond was probably a low light. Justin blaming dirty hippies for not washing their hands before preparing our food was a highlight. Oh and we also found out which states consider smoking Spice legal thanks to Marc's indulgences. Consider this a public apology to North Carolina for Marc's behavior.

What the hell is Spice?

You obviously live in a non-legal spice state. It's a synthetic form of pot that while getting you high, also can cause heart palpitations. Man did Marc love that stuff. Now we are trying to get him into "bath salts" since the Miami face eating thing. He isn't biting though.
Get it? biting? ugh.

James: You opened for OFF! What was that like? Did you get to mingle and such before or after the show?

Andy: Playing with OFF! was awesome. We are all big fans of the band and they put on a hell of a show. Keith Morris couldn't have been nicer. I went out drinking with the rest of the band after the show and can't say with any certainty but I think they were good dudes.

James: When your opening up for a big name band and you know that most of the people are there to see them; Is there anything you do a little differently to leave your mark?

Andy: I don't think it matters if we are opening for a big name band or headlining a house show, we always play with the same level of energy and engage the audience as much as possible. If we aren't having fun, can't expect anyone else too.

James: When I saw you perform in Brooklyn it was in a very tiny space, yet you were all moving around like kids on caffeine and candy bars. As a band do you prefer those tighter, more intimate spaces?

Andy: Smaller spaces make us realize how fat we are getting and motivate us to lose weight. We are very vain people. Sulynn always looks in shape though. That said, we prefer intimate shows to larger venues. It creates more of an opportunity to an opportunity to connect with the audience on a more personal level and enjoy the heckling THAT much more.

James: How would you describe the chemistry in the band? Which one of you is the creative genius in the group? Who's the malcontent?

Andy: None of us wears the creative genius hat. We have a vision for the sound we want and all write equally. I've never played in a band that writes songs so easily together. As for malcontent, we are all pains in the ass.... except Sulynn. When we returned from tour, we all liked each other a little less. That passed quickly though.

James: Being somewhat of an artistic head case myself. I found myself completely related to your song "Violent Boredom". Can you tell me how you go about maintaining your sanity when there's an inability to be creative?

Andy: Who says we maintain sanity?! We all have at least one other band at any given time, write our our music, and have various other hobbies. The idea of being stagnant creatively is unbearable. Yeah, Violent Boredom paints a very true picture of who we are.

Feral Babies

Songs For Snakes - Charcoal Heather 2012

Songs For Snakes immediately bring San Francisco and Gilman Street to mind which makes perfect sense being that they bill themselves as a pop punk/indie band hailing from San Francisco CA. Songs For Snakes  formed back in 2005 and have a full length and an ep's worth of songs up on their bandcamp page for your listening pleasure.

If you are a fan of well crafted pop punk  ala Jawbreaker, Pegboy and even Husker Du then I think you will enjoy the sounds that Songs For Snakes are creating.  The bands bio describes their music as  "Imagine Husker Du and Jawbreaker having a pleasant cup of green tea with Simon and Garfunkel"... I think this statement is an accurate description of what is going on here. On the album "Charcoal Heather" the band delivers 12 songs of catchy yet melancholic pop punk that really does reflect their stated influences. Good stuff from this long running band who are deserving of your attention...listen to their music, visit their facebook and give these guys some likes on the ole Facebook page because they are deserving of your attention...Dave G.

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The Jealous Sound - A Gentle Reminder ( Burnt Toast 2012)

When the needle hit the grooves on "A Gentle Reminder" it felt like a long lost friend had finally returned home for a much anticipated visit. It's hard to believe that 9 years have past since the release of  The Jealous Sound's last album 2003's "Kill Them With Kindness" and surprisingly the band hasn't really skipped a beat.

Still intact is Blair Shehan's beautiful soft spoken vocal delivery and knack for writing simple vocal hooks and phrases that will get stuck in your head long after the record has been returned to it's sleeve and placed back on the shelf. 

Overall, "A Gentle Reminder" is a very good record that doesn't really contain any surprises but does manage to expand slightly on  Blair Shehan's fairly well worn, but comforting style of song writing that dates all the way back to his previous band Knapsack.

A few notes of interest in closing...A Gentle Reminder was recorded at Dave Grohls  Studio 606 where the Foo Fighters recorded their last Album Wasting Light. Also, ex-Sunny Day Real Estate and current Foo Fighters bassist Nate Mendel lent his bass playing talents to 8 of the 10 songs on the album.
.
Dave G.

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U.B.R.S. Welcomes Jordann McAlinden to the Staff

We here at United By Rocket Science would like to welcome Jordann to the U.B.R.S. family. She did her first ever band interview with

Secret Country a few weeks back and will be contributing to the blog regularly in the future. 

We can only hope that she doesn't tire of us quickly because we can use all the help we can get. Having her energy, enthusiasm and experience working with Killing Horse Records just makes us better. That and the fact that she can dance with the best of them makes us look cooler by mere association.

As the blog enters our first year of existance we hope to add more writers, photographers and music nerds to our family. Drop us a line if you're interested in contributing or submitting music, news or show reviews. 

Write us at;

UnitedByJames@gmail.com

Dave88@optonline.net

Those Mockingbirds Launch New Website

New Jersey Rock Gods Those Mockingbirds have launched a very impressive new website. The site features News, info on shows, video, downloads and all the rocking' excellence you've come to expect from the band. Be sure to check it out and bookmark so you can visit on a regular basis. Tell 'em James from United By Rocket Science sent ya. James Damion

>> Find it Here! <<

Cinema Cinema - Lady Abortion (Live) Video

I just wanted to take a moment to post the new video from Brooklyn's Dynamic Duo 

Cinema Cinema. I sat down with Ev and Paul for an interview over a pint of tiger blood last month and will be posting our talk in about a week. Thanks to the guys for letting me take the blood oath with them. 

James Damion

"Demo-Lition" Opening Night Images and Thoughts

Last night Freddy Alva and Eric Wielander celebrated the opening of their installment of the "Demo-Lition" Exhibit with a packed house at the East Village's L'Asso. Featured were a collection of demos and demo art from the colorful 80's, early 90's Hardcore and Punk scene. Featured were demos from such classic bands as The Cro-mags, Breakdown, Violent Children, Sheer Terror, Born Against, NYC Mayhem, Youth of Today and many, many more. The entire show was put together with the greatest of care and looked impressive to say the very least. There were also demo art from many of Hardcore's the less than household names including Our Gang, All For One and Stand Proud. Some of the demos were accompanied by anecdotes by the bands. Something that added a especially personal touch to the whole affair.

Stand Proud guitarist Andrew Monseratte also created the cover  for Unite Fanzine's 2nd issue.

Familiar faces that included Rich Derespina and Ed Sayago (All For One), Hobi & Carol Klapuri and Lew Dimmick (Our Gang), Al Gaydos (Dog Tired, The Deviators), Brian Musikoff (Stuyvesant) and
Eric McGuire made my intention of stopping by for a few minutes to sticking around for a few hours. Running into John Hiltz (Born Against, GreyHouse) after almost twenty years and talking about his infamous basement shows was one of many highlights of my night. Congratulations to Eric & Freddy for a job well done. The work and thought that went into this really showed.  Now get your ass down to  L'Asso's before it's gone.
James Damion

Al & Brian 

Left to Right; Eric, Kristine, Brian

Left to Right; Hobi, John, Rich 

Lungfish - "A.C.R. 1999" LP

For all you Lungfish fans excited to see a new record from their favorite Dischord sons. Let me say that
 "A.C.R. 1999"is not a collection of new songs. As the title suggest, these song were recorded in 1999 at Baltimore's A.C.R. studios. Songs that slightly predated the recording for "Necrophones" written and produced shortly after at
 Inner Ear Sudios in nearby by Arlington Virginia. At the time the band decided to hit
Inner Ear to write and record new tracks. As I listen to the ten songs presented here I can only let my imagination wonder why this particular collection of songs were scrapped and ignored for so long. I've always enjoyed the artsy, quirky vibe that Lungfish brought to the table and as I listen to these ten tracks I'm beginning to realize how much I missed them. I've always enjoyed Daniel Higgs vocal delivery, often comparing it to a more subtle version of that of Perry Ferrel of Jane's Addiction. I'm also pretty fond of the Bass playing skills of Nathan Bell.

As I listened to "A.C.R. 1999" I felt, perhaps for the first time ever in my listening history,
a nautical vibe on the record. Whether that vibe was intended or something of my own making:; I was definitely along for the journey. Each of the ten songs presented here felt as if they shared that relationship with one another while still maintaining their own unique feel. Leaving a lasting impression on me. A excellent record all around that had it's share of surprises and highlights. James Damion


Get it Here

Failure Face - Discography 1993-1996 Give Praise Records

"From Florida, Failure Face existed from '93 - '96. They played in-your-face and down-your-throat hardcore. Fueled by the sounds of punk rock inspired hardcore that moves along as a guide to original hardcore music. Fast, combined with catchy elements and negative lyrics to get you angry about the state of the world around you - this is a statement of early 90's hardcore. With sound elements of INFEST, Failure Face proudly makes it's claim on the hardcore map"

Great somewhat underrated band who had the ability to meld musicality and hooks with power violence...highly recommended...Dave G.

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We Got Power (Bazillion Points Book) preorder 2012

Deluxe 304 page large-format hardcover featuring essays by David Markey, Jordan Schwartz, Jennifer Schwartz, Henry Rollins, Keith Morris, Chuck Dukowski, Dez Cadena and…Presenting nearly 400 first-generation L.A. hardcore punk photographs...Including complete color reprints of We Got Power fanzine 1981–1983 and beyond.
Dimensions: 12″ x 9″ (30.5 cm x 23 cm); 4 lbs. (2.5kg)

I got mine now go get yours!!!

Dave G.

Preorder