United By Images; Thursday (Geoff Rickly)

I was heading towards the cashier when "Understanding in a Car Crash" came over the speakers. I remember mentioning to the cashier how it reminded me if The Smiths had gotten together with Quicksand to make a baby.  Though I don't remember the cashiers response. I picture the counter persons eyes rolling to the back of his head as he thought 

"Why me God? Why me?" I added  Full Collapse to a stack that included Johnny Cash
and Tupac Shakur and headed home.

A few weeks later I was asked by Karen at Define the Meaning (RIP) to cover Thursday,
Rise Against and Circa Survive at Atlantic City's House of Blues. That night my wife and I had a huge dinner, hit the slot machines and watched a bunch of kids go nuts over Thursday. It was a great show and our first trip to Atlantic City since moving to New Jersey.
We've since returned for weekend jaunts, music and good food. While Rise Against continues to shape and inspire me till this day. Bands like Thursday and Circa Survive quickly greyed and faded from memory. Geoff Rickly has since formed the band
United Nations while co-founding the independent record label Collect Records.

Looking back, I was just grateful to be given the opportunity to,  not only cover the show, but to test my skills at one of the larger venues. 

James Damion

Vanishing Life - People Running / Vanishing Life

Vanishing Life, featuring Walter Schreifels, (Gorilla Biscuits, Quicksand, Rival Schools)
Zach Blair, (Rise Against) Jamie Miller and Autry Fulbright (...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead) release their first single via Collect Records, a label fronted by Geoff Rickly, (Thursday, United Nations) and Norman Brannon. (Texas is the Reason)

Considering how the term "Supergroup" gets thrown around more frequently than a frisbee at a Phish concert. I'll do my best to avoid such references and stick with the music itself.
The two songs on the bands debut 7' EP feature a sound that, though not generic by any means, doesn't really stray far from the 90's Post Hardcore roots of what Walter was doing with Quicksand.
"People Running" has a nice fast paced grove to it. Highlighted by aggressive guitar leads and jangly bass.
The records B side
"Vanishing Life" sticks to the fast paced rhythm.
Vanishing Life's debut took a few listens to sink in. Initially sounding a little too polished and corporate for my tastes. However, after several or so flips of the record. I found myself slowly warming up to it. I think I'll have to wait until their full length before I make any serious judgements. Until then, the juries still out. I managed to snag on of the first 500 copies which come on transparent w/blue haze vinyl. Mint (700 copies available.) and Black (800) are also available. Digital downloads of the record have not yet been made available, so stay posted. Please note that the cost for this 2 song EP, seven dollars, plus shipping, seems criminally overpriced. While I can't come up with any reasoning behind it. I think that's a bit steep. Choose wisely. James Damion

Dead Ending - S/T

If it were not for the fact that I've been stalking Jeff Dean on Facebook for years,
I might not have even heard about the formation of Dead Ending.

Lucky for anyone reading this,
I keep tabs on things.
To say the very least, this record is far too good to let slip through the cracks or be considered as just another side project by former/ current members of Articles of Faith, Alloy, All Eyes West,
The Bomb, Alkaline Trio and
Rise Against

The bands debut EP features a stripped down, early 80's Hardcore sound delivered by one of the genres great voices Vic Bondi. Though just a small sample of this bands organic sound, Vic's voice serves as somewhat of a mission statement. A blueprint for the often overstated Supergroup. Each of the five songs on this EP work perfectly together to quicken the pace and get the blood pumping.
However, Dead Ending save the very best for last with the rousing and anthemic
"All the Way Down". Solidifying Dead Ending's presence as one of the best things the genre has produced in years. James Damion

Bridge 9 Records Buy it Here

Nations Afire Streaming Debut Album 'The Ghosts We Will Become'

Nations Afire are streaming their debut full length 'The Ghost We Will Become'. The album is due out July 2nd on Redfield Records. The South California Hardcore band features current and former members of Ignite, Rise Against, Death By Stereo.


Get it Here: The Ghosts We Will Become

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