Modern Chemistry - We'll Grow Out of This

Back in High School there was no fear quite like the fear of chemistry class. Year after year I struggled with the subject to a degree where it almost kept me from graduating my senior year. I'd long since put the subject on the back burner and focused on subjects I can conquer without the help of cheat sheets or lowering myself to any other devious levels. So when I was sent this new offering with a note attached that read "No testing required". Let just say I was up for the task.

On "We'll Grow Out of This"
the sophomore release from New Brunswick's Modern Chemistry. The band delivers a six song EP that builds on all the strengths and promise "An introduction" offered. Guitar driven post core that features emotive vocals and inspiring harmonies. And though the recording is tight and professional sounding. It manages to maintain a certain edge and grit that is evident throughout;
Giving it somewhat of an intimate and personal feeling. The EP's third track"Remember this Bridge" stands out with it's tasty guitar parts and Geoff Rickly (Thursday) inspired vocal delivery. While the following, "Part Two" is an emotional acoustic that just might get the ladies panties wet. Kind of a "Hey there Dellilah" for the Jersey kids. Overall, it was a good listen that offered a little bit of everything to this listener.  James Damion

Modern Chemistry  Facebook

Reese Van Riper - The Paper Mache Bandits EP

Reese Van Riper mix Bluesy Indie Rock and elements of Metal and a slight Alt Country vibe with impressive results. There's a dirty vibe about the music that's really appealing to the ears. As I listen I can't help but imagine myself in some dirty old New Orleans watering hole being served whiskey by some floozy in a corset while having my pocket picked by Tom Waits. Call me crazy but the sounds on
"The Paper Mache Bandits" are just that atmospheric and lofty.
Each of the five tracks have their own distinct identity and charm. With "Pitchfork" and "Whiskey Queens" being my favorites of the five tracks. The three piece consists of bassist Matt Kearns
(ex- Loreane Drive) drummer Greg Infante (ex- The Murder and The Harlot) and guitarist/vocalist Reese Van Riper. These road warriors spent a lot of time touring in recent years. Lucky for us they stopped long enough to make this record. Definitely worthy of a listen or three. James Damion


Reese Van Riper  Facebook

Invisible Lines - Wise Up EP

With all the amazing music flooding my mailbox recently you'd think it was Christmas here at UBRS.  As more and more submissions come my way I find myself having trouble focusing my thoughts on one particular release. That is until today. I decided to take some time to devote my thoughts and praise to one particular release that's been in heavy rotation for here for or  over a month now.

Invisible Lines hail from Kearny, NJ and have been building a reputation as a  "must see/hear" band since their start in 2007. Blending different elements of rock that vary from Indie, Punk and Post Core. Each element coming together to bare very good results.
Though "Wise Up" was released back in 2010 (KillingHorse Records). Invisible Lines is  a relatively new band to my ears and though it's not what you would consider a new release. It is certainly one that I felt deserved attention.

The EP opens with "Medula", a track that immediately puts the listener on alert. It's frantic pace is a total adrenaline rush. I found myself dancing around spasticly as if I were some outcast "Peanuts" character. Jangly, frantic and a bit eccentric while still holding on to a sense of agility. It's an attention getter to say the very least. "Painmaker" takes a similar approach with more fluid results. "Clean the Mess" is a little more relaxed but still contains a lot of the excellent riffs your treated to throughout. "2 Stops 1" mixes more great vocals and a mix of choppy and driving guitar mixes. The EP finished up with "Release" a track that seems to benefit from a battle of musically split personalities. Relentless, the record never gets lazy or allow the listener to leave the edge of their seat. Throughout the record I felt a lot of different influences, including Quicksand, Fugazi, At The Drive Inn and others. Those influences however,  never overshadowed any of the bands sound, originality or overall excellence. James Damion

Band Site
KillingHorse Records

Images from the CMJ

Last week I got off my lazy butt and attended day two of the CMJ Festival. I got to see some of my favorite new bands and was treated to some new ones. The people were awesome and the vibe was laid back. I started my day with a visit my old stomping ground on the Bowery. Hung out at Bowery Electric and ended my night at my home away from homes Maxwells. I added a shot of The Nico Blues who lit up the stage a week prior at a "Tiny Giants" showcase over in Jersey City. James Damion

The Nico Blues

Soft Reeds 

Capybara

Canon Logic

Those Mockingbirds

Invisible Lines

Marvin Glover

Lost Romance

Lights Resolve