Night Battles - Curse the Day / Locust Sky

Sometimes, a good thing just falls into your lap. Such is the case with the two-song offering from Raleigh, North Carolina's Night Battles. Featuring members of various local NC acts as well as old friend and guitarist Christopher Skelly. (Dahlia Seed / Static is a City) Night Battles lay down some diabolical post punk scripture on their debut two song release.

“Curse the Day” introduces Night Battles with devilish vocals and gasoline soaked riffs.

Dirty post core that kicked in like a shot of whiskey with a rattlesnake chaser. Knocking me off my balance while jacking my heart rate to dangerous levels. Side effects aside. I really dig the deviant nature it conjures up. The “Sinner takes all” vibe displayed here cannot go without noting.

“Locust Sky” follows. Providing a musically visual authority to its namesake with a slower, even more ominous approach. Imagine Afghan Wigs and Laughing Hyenas waist deep in the sludgy industrial complex along the side of the highway.

While these two teasers had “Best stuff around” written all over them. I was left wondering how soon the collected personnel would get back in the studio for more. Regardless of future collaborations. I appreciate Night Battles reminder that great things often come in small packages. 

Bandcamp

411 - The Side that you Cannot See Complete Discography 1990-1992

At a time when reunions are announced on a daily basis and every record ever recorded is being repressed, repackaged and reissued at ridiculous prices. It's good to see a lesser known, yet well deserved band get the Complete Discography treatment.  

411, a band that featured Dan O'Mahony (No For An Answer, Carry Nation, Speak 714)
Kevin Murphy (Farside, Headfirst), Josh Stanton (Farside) and Mario Rubalcaba
(Rocket From The Crypt, OFF!, Earthless,The Black Heart Procession), were, too say the least, a Post Hardcore powerhouse.

Musically, the band was ahead of their time. 411 grabbed the attention of the ever changing Hardcore scene with a melodic style that perfectly meshed the classic Southern California Hardcore sound with that of Washington D.C.'s
Revolution Summer melodies, emotion and musicality.

 The band backed it's sound with smart, thought provoking lyrics that questioned and explored topics such as spirituality, religion and nationalism amongst others.
"Those Homophobic" a song that, at the time, seemed light years ahead of it's time, addressed the topic of Homophobia head on. One that took on a the machismo culture of Hardcore and turned it on it's side.  Along with some of the great 411 songs such as 
Carnal Knowledge, Face the Flag and This Isn'tMe. There are covers of
Mad at Myself (Government Issue) and State Violence, State Control (Discharge)
The Side You Cannot See features 16 songs, including both the EP and LP versions of the bands aforementioned classic Those Homophobic.

Limited edition of 500 copies of color vinyl. Features a two sided fold out which features lyrics and images provided by noteworthy photographers Dave Sine and Chrissy Piper.
Aside from the absence of a digital download code. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing these songs for the first time in years. Melodic, energetic and thoughtful stuff that holds up well more than twenty years later. James Damion

Rev HQ  Get it Here

Holy City Zoo - Grandview Terrace

Holy City Zoo's latest single 'Grandview Terrace' is now available on Bandcamp for a 

"name your price" option.
The single is also available through the band as a limited 

Compact Disc. Packing of the CD hand cut, hand/computer printed and wrapped. 

As an added bonus, each CD contains a unique "Zoo Fact." Mine was Zoo fact #17 

"Soap is not overrated. Shampoo, maybe." 

You know what they say, "Knowledge is Power."

James Damion

Grandview Terrace

One Fell Swoop - The House Leaks

I've only been to Yonkers once or twice in my life that I know of. My one and only memory of the area comes from an 80's Lotto commercial featuring a group of so and so's talking up the dollar and a dream theory. Each person playing to the camera as they proudly announce where there from. The one memory that stands out is the half witted construction worker says "Yonkers" in an accent I'd best describe as "Stoner".

The band One Fell Swoop instantly erased that memory with the stellar six song EP 'The House Leaks'. Mixing elements of Punk, Screamo and Pop Punk with plenty of melody and harmony.
The bands fervently sung dual vocals and screamed anthems are highlighted with excellent breaks and chord changes throughout. Adding layer upon layer of praise worthy excellence to each track. One Fell Swoop's 'The House Leaks' serves as proof that big things can indeed come in small packages. Download the EP and see for yourself.
James Damion

One Fell Swoop  Bandcamp

Low Fat Getting High - Bad Yoga

Gritty and emotive post core that hits you like a rush of adrenaline into the blood stream. Four songs of thoroughly impressive rock that experiments with influences and sounds ranging from metal to post hardcore and grunge. The opener "Better, Better, Worse"  offers blazing guitars and pounding rhythms that bring to mind a fuzzed out power of Queens of the Stone Age and/or "Bleach" era Nirvana. "Childhood Friend" follows with similar speed and precision, while "The Claw" speeds things up. It's the closing track "My Hate", which is the longest song on Bad Yoga, and my personal favorite that brings the EP to a crashing, pummeling and titanic end.
"Bad Yoga" never lets up and never lets the listener down. Thus serving as an excellent introduction to a band with a less than inspiring name. I can't wait to hear more. James Damion

Archie Alone - S/T 3 Song EP

After seeing Archie Alone perform several time in a matter of weeks, objectivity didn't just go out the window.
It completely broke it on the way out. My only reservations with picking this up was it couldn't possibly live up to the  expectations their live performances had quickly created.

The EP opens with
"Living Like Kerouac". A track that almost immediately establishes a very credible presence with singer Nicole Mesce's passionate and urgent vocal delivery. The song, my favorite on the three song EP, kicks the emotions into high gear, reminding me of when emo still had muscle.
(Think Lifetime, Kid Dynamte) The lead guitar on these tracks is jaw dropping to say the very least. Adding bulk and muscle to the tracks while giving the music somewhat of a metal edge. The opening riffs on "Red-Staggered" serve as a perfect example of power and perfection.
"Waiting to Exhale" the Ep's closing track offers some tasty rhythms proving that Archie Alone are the complete package. Overall, this is the kind of band and EP that makes me wish that Me and Dave would expand and take the blog to the next level and start releasing records. So much for that objectivity thing. James Damion

Modern Chemistry - An Introduction

"An introduction" is probably one of the most understated titles to ever accompany a sampling as good as this. Modern Chemistry come out of the gate like seasoned pros with a distinct style and approach that is seldom seen in a band this early in their development.
"Remember this Bridge" and "Holla Atcha Boi" are instantly addictive tracks that have warranted countless listens.

The bands sound is a perfect mix of rock and post core with outstanding riffs complimented by an  impressive rhythm section and emotionally anthemic vocals. All of which blend together perfectly. Putting on a display that is emotionally charged without losing any sense of angst or aggression. I sensed a
Rise Against influence mixed with the appeal of New Jersey's The Wait.
The band itself sites Brand New and The Outfield amongst their influences. Pretty cool if you ask me.

New Brunswick has always had a proud history of producing one outstanding band after another. It looks as if Modern Chemistry are ready to join in that proud linage.
If this is an introduction to what Modern Chemistry can bring to the table... then we can look forward to  something very special.
James Damion

Modern Chemistry  Bandcamp

Holy City Zoo - Nobody Sells For Less EP

As I headed downstairs I peaked downward into the hallway thinking to myself "this is the day that fucking record is going to show up in my postal box." "This is the day my train of thought will get the tracks it needs to plot its course."
As of late the mail man has been putting most of my records inside the door due to a rash of thefts in the neighborhood." Truth be told, I've been listening to the record for some time now. I just needed to have my hands on the actual product in order to give it the treatment I felt it deserved. That alone would unleash the Hunter Thompson within. Holding the record would rejuvenate the thoughts and feelings that crystalized the numerous conversations and transactions with band members about the songs, the recording, the packaging; All building up to the sonic orgasm that would be "Nobody Sells For Less".

Holy City Zoo are a hard band to generalize. The New Brunswick, NJ powerhouse take all the best elements of Hard Rock, Post Hardcore and Punk to form this unstoppable juggernaut. As I put the needle to the record I was immediately hooked by the full blown chaos that ensues with the the opening of "WW5". The track is a mind fuck with it's sonic prowess. Match that chaotic discord with an anthemic, singalong chorus and you've got a track that will have you climbing up the walls.
"Afterburner" opens with post core guitar riffs that immediately had me thinking of the band Quicksand. Joe Lanza's voice cries out like a madman, perfectly highlighting the controlled chaos that surrounds him.
The B side opens with "Paper Beats Rock" a track highlighted by a dynamic, layered guitar sound that has its share of beauty and eccentricities. "Meadowlark Lemon" opens with a nice sense of melody that gives way to a crash and burn style that really ties the record together nicely.
Add to that the bonus download tracks and you've got a record that's worthy of worship and celebratory human sacrifice. I had very high expectations for this record coming in.
Thanks to Holy City Zoo for far exceeding them. James Damion


Get it Here

Death By Steamship - Facetious

Seattle Washington's
Death By Steamship is yet another stellar band on the
Whoa Boat  Records roster.
As I'm listening to this three song teaser I find myself hearing influences ranging from Fugazi's experimental sound,
Murder City Devils and perhaps a louder, dirtier Modest Mouse. All of it served up with a heavy dose of grungy bombast and Post Hardcore swagger.
The kind of band that would bring a chainsaw to a knife fight.
The record opens up with the anthemic "Smoke and Sweat". Excellent riffs and carnage which is slightly overmatched by it's drunken chorus. All coming together to conjure up the image of a whiskey soaked singalong in the back of a dark, dirty bar. "Dirty Venetian Blinds" follows with a similar vibe.
"You Need A Special, Specialized, Specialist" brings the record to a close with it's  manic ride. There's a lot of cool elements here that make this my favorite song on the record. Twisting guitars and sludgy drums take center stage here. All in all, it's nice brooding record that's worth checking out. James Damion


Get it Here

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