Gameday Regulars - Nobody Likes A Quitter

I first caught Gameday Regulars back in February of 2012 when they played with Man on Fire and Brick + Mortar over in nearby Jersey City.
At the time the band really stood out. However, as the year progressed I never really heard much from or about the band.
I chalked it up to them being just another band passing through the area while on tour. Fast forward and almost a year later their latest EP "Nobody Likes a Quitter" fall in my lap. To my surprise, Gameday Regulars were from nearby Bronx, New York and not some working class part of Boston or Chicago, like I had thought.

On "Nobody Likes A Quitter" the band deliver four memorable songs of straight forward working class Pub Rock that feature warm but driving guitar sound and gravely vocals delivered by singer/songwriter/guitarist Gino Romero. There's a live and in your face vibe about these four songs that bring it all to another level. I couldn't help feel as if I was inches away with beer in hand, drunkenly cheering and singing along with every note. Rounding our the band respectively is brother Will Romero (Bass) and John Ryan Clifford (Drums) respectively on drums and bass. While the band may draw instant comparison to acts such as Gaslight Anthem, Dropkick Murphy's, The Menzingers and even Hot Water Music.
Gameday Regulars and each of the four songs offered on "Nobody Likes A Quitter" deliver more than their share of raw energy and authenticity. Here is an EP and a band more than worthy of clinging onto. 
James Damion

Get it Here  Bandcamp

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

Buy it Here

Bandcamp

Hot Water Music - Exister LP

Eight years is a long time between releases. Time that often causes the chemistry and song writing ability of the best bands wear thin and fray. Luckily for fans of Hot Water Music, this was not the case. For those picking their brains and biting their fingernails; Wondering if the return of their favorite Post-Hardcore Floridians will produce anything worthy of their worship can put their minds at ease. "Exister" is a damn good record and one that should put to rest any questions about the bands return.

On "Exister" HWM seamlessly make up for lost time. The opening riff on "Mainline" is a wake up call to anyone who might have lulled themselves into any musical comas. The songs energy and energy have Chuck Ragan sounding like a man on a mission. Though Chucks vocals show a bit of wear largely due to eight years of recording and touring as a folky American troubadour;  I don't feel that the change took away from any of the records appeal. I found "Exister" is a solid record from top to bottom and a noteworthy return from of musics finest."Paid in Full" ends the record on a high note that can only leave the listener wondering how long before they'll be sinking their teeth into another HWM release.
James Damion