When it Counts, Archie Alone and One Fell Swoop Highlight a night of Local and Touring Bands at Montclair's Meatlocker

Not wanting to wait around I got to the Meatlocker at about 10:30, thus missing the opening band, whose name escapes me. As I entered the room local favorites Archie Alone were just launching into their set. If you're familiar with the blog and have read my show reviews Here, and Here or my review of their EP Here you'll know fully well how much I enjoy this Essex County band. Each time I've seen them perform live they've kind of upped that level with their all out performances. Nicole Mesce's passionate vocals and emotional delivery are nothing short of amazing. You can't help but feel the honesty and unflinching emotion of the music as she leaves everything on the dance floor. Add to that the incendiary guitar work of Cindy Ward  ....and an unrelenting rhythm section that lurks only inches away in the foreground and you have what is, without a doubt, one of New Jersey's rising powerhouses. The more familiar I get with their songs the better prepared I am when those notes, riffs and rhythms are just about to explode.

Archie Alone  Bandcamp

Yonkers One Fell Swoop continued the bi-state vibe with an amazing set that really kept those in attendance on their feet. Before the show I found myself lurking by the merch table wondering what the band would offer musically. What I got was a shot of adrenaline and a double dose of five hour energy that had me listening to their EP "The House Leaks" all  the way home. Overall, I found the bands mix of anthemic punk and melodic Hardcore to be quite uplifting.

 One Fell Swoop  Bandcamp

Scoutmaster Jack followed with a set that was both energetic and animated. Though their stage presence reminded me of so many of the intense Hardcore acts I've seen over the years. (The pointing, attacking the mic like a vandal, the over testosterone guitarist who launches in the air like a caffeine fueled monster.) The bands music seemed somewhat tame in comparison. Not really my thing musically but with influences ranging from Blink 182 to New Found Glory and Yellowcard, it doesn't suprise me in the least. To each their own, right? Regardless, they put on a good show and looked good for the camera.

Scoutmaster Jack  Bandcamp

As When it Counts began their set I was in the midst of trying to find my wallet within the various compartments and sub compartments of my camera bag. Being the unorganized goof I tend to be I often find myself forgetting where I put things. After running to the car to find it on the passenger seat I decided to run back to see just what these kids from Staten Island had to offer. Though the band didn't make an immediate mark on me I felt myself being won over by this Staten Island band. They ended the night on a high note, their songs still fresh in my ears by the time I made it to the Lincoln Tunnel.

When it Counts  Bandcamp

I've always felt that the intimacy level at the Meatlocker was compromised by the owners videotaping of the shows. Maybe I'd consider it less invasive if his choice of cameras wasn't the size of a 1970's boom box, or if the giant light that accompanies it didn't blind me when it was turned on the audience like that of an LAPD helicopter routing out a gang of Crips or Bloods out on a killing rampage. This time out I witnessed a first at both the Meatlocker and when I think of it, any other show I've ever attended. An older and somewhat out of place photographer had a set of two studio lights fitted with soft boxes at stage left at the far right corner of the stage. "It helps to illuminate the entire stage." he exhaled like a true rocket scientist. I asked him for a card in order to later see his results but he evaded me saying "I have many cards." By then the douche chills began running up and down my spine like a winter wind. Quickly and without haste I removed myself from the conversation. Be careful out there. Big Brother is definitely watching.

For as much as I piss and moan about this place. The venue does a great job of booking both local talent and touring bands. They also keep the prices low. Add to that a Dunkin' Donuts, Pizza, a liquor store, available parking all within a block of the place. You've got all the god damned ambiance you need. Until the next time, mind your pee's and eat your meat.
James Damion

Explosion Theory - S/T EP

New York City's Explosion Theory is a three piece featuring Maurice Vega,
Peter Harrison McWhinney and
Dino Sex. Each formerly of the long running indie rock band Accidental Tribe.
While separately performing in acts such as NYHC's
Under Pressure and alongside the legendary G.G. Allin.
The band features elements of Rock, Jazz, the Blues and yes, Hardcore.

The seven song EP opens on a high note with the instrumental 'Looking in from the Outside' highlighted by it's lush leads and funky jazz inspired rhythms. It serves as a welcome mat as to what's to come.

'Interference' follows taking the listener out of their comfort zone with it's hardcore assault. Mixing highly elevated musicianship with primitive Bad Brains meets Cro-mags vocals.
The closing track and personal favorite'Over' features Jae Monroe of thE influential NYC Punk band A.P.P.L.E. on vocals. Thus perfectly closing out one of the most surprisingly inspiring records of the year.

What makes Explosion Theory really stand out is their musicianship and song crafting ability that allows them to fuse so many different styles of music without ever coming off as muddled or confusing. It's a genre-defying style that can be both an advantage and a detriment depending on how you look at it. For me personally, Explosion Theory is Hardcore for the musician minded Hardcore fan. James Damion

Explosion Theory  Get it Here

Vasudeva - Life in Cycles

Musically, Vasudeva bring to mind local acts such as
Pilots in Orbit and in particular
Boxed Wine while lacking any of the angst and nerdy qualities that make those acts so appealing. Though there are a lot of good things happening here, without vocals or any dialogue, one can't help but begin to feel they're listening to the same song continuously. 'Life in Cycles' at times made me think of standing on the platform waiting for that light at the end of the tunnel that never seems to come.
Though Vasudeva does fine musically, it lacked those high points that most listeners anticipate. Instead the entire 'Life in Cycles' comes off sounding like Vesudeva on life support.

James Damion

Vasudeva  Bandcamp

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

Vexed - 2013 Demo

Growing up in Queens,
New York it felt as if there was a new Hardcore band forming on every corner and crevice of the apartments and
semi-attached houses within the (718) area code. As much as the Lower East Side was credited for the early days of Hardcore, Queens bore more than it's share of bands throughout the 80's, 90's and beyond.

Vexed make a very good first impression on the ears.
The six song demo opens with a good old "intro bust" kind of instrumental which indicates that Vexed offers something different and interesting musically. 'Twenty Six' follows, introducing the vocals of
John Ramos who you might recognize as the guitarist of brothers of the borough No Dice.
Ramos does an excellent job handling the singing duties, bringing to mind Leeway's
Eddie Sutton. Vexed's mid paced and sometimes stop/start style is well conceived and successfully achieved. There are some really interested riffs and some rather sick rhythms throughout. The band even manage to  throw in some excellent choruses and gang vocals for good measure. Vexed seem to have set themselves up for the future. It should be interesting watching this band make their way up the ladder. James Damion

High Card - Demo 2013

Though I could find very little information about the fresh out the deck Hardcore act
High Card, I found myself drawn to this digital only release whose cover and design reminded me so much of the cassette demos that once cluttered my shelves and filled the shoe boxes under my bed.
On High Card's debut the
Long Island four piece come off sounding more like seasoned veterans than rookies looking to make a roster spot. Just as the demo's cover harkins back to decades past, the bands sound brings to mind the  NYHC's bands Outburst and Long Islanders Kill Your Idols.
Impressive vocals and chainsaw guitar leads with a dose of reverb and distortion with an up front percussion help introduce the band as future players on the NYHC scene and at time help retrieve memories of my Sunday's at CBGB's. Hopefully we'll learn more about
High Card in the near future. Judging from their demo, the future looks to be stacked in their favor. Only time will tell. James Damion

Get it Here  Bandcamp
High Card  Facebook

Volatile Substance - Soak My Blood in Gasoline, Bathe Myself in Fire

As far as new bands go, Oakland California's
Volatile Substance is about as new as they get. Having formed in June of 2013 the band quickly recorded their four song demo
'Soak My Body in Gasoline, Bathe Myself in Fire' less than two weeks later.

Volatile Substance seem as determined as a terminal patient given just months to live on their hastily recorded demo 'Soak My Blood in Gasoline, Bathe Myself in Fire."
Volatile Substance unleash four songs of very fast, raw and mediocre Thrash Hardcore that's thankfully over and forgotten in just under the six minute mark. Though there are some pretty cool leads and broody rhythms within, the vocals are at most unbearable.

Perhaps with a little more seasoning and a more paced approach Volatile Substance could have had better results. Unfortunately, this demo didn't do much to warrant further listening or investigation.
James Damion

Volatile Substance  Facebook

Soak My Blood in Gasoline...  Bandcamp

Recreant - S/T LP

When asking Tampa's
Andy Stern of the Feral Babies if he would refer me to any of the up and coming Florida acts worth checking out, he almost immediately put me on to the Sunshine State's swampy Recreant.

Upon listening to the sludgy brilliance of the LP's opener 'Rick Scott is an Evil Robot'
I felt as if I was being introduced to a south of Savannah version of Kylesa. That may have been true but with the overall diversity and excellence of the seven songs that followed, I heard influences and reminders of acts such as Portraits of the Past, Reversal of Man and Dillinger Escape Plan. All of these while really getting the feel for a band that is just as comfortable and at home in it's own sound.
Songs such as the epic  'For all the Grief You've Caused us, You should Slit our Throats',
the punishing 'After the Apple' and the chaotic 'Modern Day F Word' help to make this an inspiring release. Thanks to Andy for putting me on to this. Your good taste in music should be noted. James Damion

.Recreant  Bandcamp

Recreant  Facebook

Tri-State

Tri-State are  a bit of an indie rock throw back  band from Essex County, New Jersey. The band define their influences as Guided by Voices, Wilco, Pavement, early REM, Feelies etc...and man do I hear small touches of everyone of those bands in Tri-States sound, which in this case is not a bad thing. I actually find it refreshing to hear a current band reviving the 90's indie sound and steering clear of the whole Brooklyn Hipster thing that has been going on in recent years.

If you're a fan of any of the bands stated influences, or are a fan of bands who are obviously playing music because they love playing music ( yes, I can feel the love for what the band is doing coming through their songs) then I think you should give Tri-State a listen immediately...Dave G.

Listen

Poor Lily - Vuxola

Poor Lily's second album Vuxola  is one hell of a non-stop Minutemen meets Dead Kennedys  punk rock roller coaster ride that I want to ride over and over again.  Everything about this album is spot on, from the quick frantic pace of the songs right down to the incredibly energetic D Boon meets Jello Biafra vocal delivery that is driven right to the edge of the cliff without ever going over.

In my opinion Vuxola stands on it's own as one of the most energetic and downright frantic and engaging records to come down the pike in some time. Please give these guys a listen and purchase a CD asap...Dave G.

Poor Lily 

A Night of Vodka and Pure Hell on the Lower East Side

I'm really lucky to have a wife who not only supports and even encourages me to indulge in my passion for going out to see and enjoy live music. On this occasion we shortened up our trip to Long Island City in order for me to make it to the lower east side's Fat Baby to catch 70's Afro Punk icons Pure Hell. As I arrived at 112 Rivington I was greeted by my buddy and fellow photographer Jason House.

Dead Serious opened and played with just as much, if not more intensity and energy as they displayed at the Meatlocker the week before. Playing closer to their Brooklyn home base and to a crowd that might have been more familiar with the band gave the band an invisible home town advantage and overall shine. The band packs a lot of intense and unbridled energy into their set. The bands reach extended much further from the small stage with singer Ryan Bland and guitarist Rikk Koncicki taking their act to the dance floor with purpose, making sure everyone knew that this was a punk show and that no matter what the local real estate investment group was calling it this week, it is still the lower east side to many of us.

Dead Serious NYC

Brooklyn's World War IX followed with their fun core style of high energy punk. As the bands set progressed from song to song I found myself becoming more and more gravitated to their infectious sound. While the early moments had me thinking of them as somewhat as gimmicky mid level fun punks, I became more and more drawn to their style as they reminded me of some of the early punk bands like The Vandals and The Adolescents that initially helped launch my addiction to punk rock. Before I left the show I was given the bands CD 'Off the Wagon' along with a thirty six page illustrated comic book 'World War IX Presents; Earaches and Eyesores.' Not a bad haul if you ask me.

World War IX

Cranking up both the skill and energy level while keeping the Brooklyn vibe alive and loud were the Dead Tricks. Now I won't say for sure if the name alludes to played out magic tricks or dead hookers...I expect the latter, I'll leave the final conclusion up to the reader. The bands set which often took the band from the stage to the dance floor was a pure adrenaline rush that had me on my toes for the entire length of there performance. The Dead Tricks display a dirty form of roll on the floor New York Dolls meets The Dead Boys at a hammer fight with Jersey City's Wyldlife style of punk rock that every punk rock fan needs to witness. Featuring all the balls out swagger and debauchery or Punk Rock N' Roll these guys (and one stunningly beautiful female on bass) really hit me in all the right places. This is the band you always wanted to party with.

The Dead Tricks

 Having missed Death's (another recently unearthed Afro Punk band from the 70's) I was dead set on catching Pure Hell's set. Though I had Death's 'For The Whole World to See..." to pour salt in the wounds caused by missing their much talked about set. All I knew of Pure Hell came from my friend Jason. Perhaps due to that and the hype and the legendary status a lot of reformed bands get, my expectations were pretty high, but as the band played through their stop and start set with a singer who at times brought to mind a current version of the Bad Brains H. R. I found myself feeling a bit underwhelmed. And though there were some serious moments where I felt the power of this deservingly praised act, it resembled more of a flicker than a flame.

Pure Hell

A stellar night of music and new friends. Fat Baby is by far one of the best places to catch music in NYC. I look forward to any and all opportunities to catch more shows there in the future. 

Thanks to Jason for alerting me to the show. See you in the pit. James Damion

Altercation - Re-Mastered 1987 Demo 7 inch

1987 marked somewhat of a peak in the changing of the guard in NYHC. Just as Revelation Records and bands like Youth of Today were winning the hearts and minds of kids from the suburbs seeking a more positive route,
There were bands such as Sick of it All, Breakdown, Raw Deal and of course Altercation that were cracking their knuckles and sharpening their musical knives speaking to the more angry and disenfranchised kids, much like Agnostic Front did in earlier days.

Having purchased the original demo at the now legendary Some Records and witnessing the Altercation boys put fear into the hearts of the squeamish at nearby CBGB's and the Pyramid Club. I was a devoted knucklehead with the word "ALTERCATION" boldly written with a fat marker on my back pack. This recording brings back that angry and primitive Hardcore sound that made me really love this band.
Favorites such as the opening track 'Unite Us',
'Friends Like These' and 'Vigilante Song' really capture the bands original intensity and perhaps misguided messages.

Drummer Andy Guida does a really good job on remastering the original demo. So much so that, like an ass, I thought this was actually re-recorded. I found that myself comparing the remastered version with the originals and though my opinion is based on a very small comparison. I find myself really appreciating the updated versions. If you're a fan of bands such as Breakdown, Killing Time, Krakdown, Absolution or anything related to Hardcore music in general I would highly recommend heading into battle with this. The record, brought to us by the people at Lush Life comes on clear vinyl and includes three reproduced show flyers and a couple of Altercation stickers.
A nice package to say the least. As the revival of 80's Reagan era Hardcore approaches it's tenth year. One can only wonder what nostalgia the new era will bring.
James Damion

Lush Life  Get it Here
Altercation  Facebook

IDES - Invisible Burdens / Megalodon and MMXII Demo Double Review

 After witnessing Bloomfield New Jersey's IDES decimate the already shaky foundation of Montclair's Meatlocker,  I was eager to get my hands on any of the bands physical or digital output. Upon hearing the two tracks 'Invisible Burdens' and 'Megalodon'

I found myself wanting to dig for more, a job made easy as an earlier five song demo sat on their Bandcamp page just waiting to be heard.
Considering how difficult it is to gauge a bands overall sound and approach from a mere two songs,  I'm combining the bands earlier five song demo with the Invisible Burdens / Megalodon release.

With expressive vocals that are just as chaotic as they are expressive, displaying power and an emotional depth you don't often hear in the genre today. Musically, IDES provide enough Unwound like dissonance to knock everything off it's axis while creating something that works on an overall scale. Overall, 'Trust' with it's devilish rhythms and impassioned vocals and the absolutely killer 'Invisible Burdens' are my favorites. IDES make some real noise on these tracks...Leaving these damaged ears eagerly anticipating more. Let's hope the band doesn't keep us waiting.
James Damion

IDES  Bandcamp

Killer of Sheep - Out of Time

Hailing from Pittsburgh PA, Killer of Sheep play a no holds barred style of Hardcore that takes it's influences from Hardcore Punks early sound. 'Out of Time' offers six short bursts of anger and aggression. Songs running just over and under one minute make this a quick listen, one that had me and lost me upon numerous listens.
Though well done, two cover songs on one six song EP is one too many and won't earn
Killer of Sheep any awards in the creative department. While using the art from
Minor Threat's 'Out of Step' Ep might draw more notice due to its familiarity, it makes me wonder why a good band needs to rely so heavily on other's material. James Damion

Killer of Sheep  Bandcamp

Fuck You Pay Me - 2013 Demo

On their 2013 Demo Cleveland's Fuck You Pay Me offer two songs of raw, relentless, melt your face Hardcore that will impress any and everyone who loves and appreciates the hardcore genre and it's origins. High pitch vocals comparable to that of Springa (SSD) and Choke (Slapshot) with musical influences ranging from that of Negative FX, Slapshot, Negative Approach, Infest and later Power Violence bands. Add to that crash and burn guitar, and less than rhythmic drums/bass.
Definitely worth the listen. James Damion

Fuck You Pay Me  Bandcamp

World War IX - Off the Wagon

Fast paced and fun,
World War IX didn't crash the party to push politics, anarcho idealism or animal rights...they came for the keg, the chicks and any and all of the good times to be had. The one minute 'Bath Salt Zombies' brings to mind Black Flag's classic 'TV Party' with an anthemic and tongue in cheek vibe.
Though personally this is not my thing, it caught me at just the right moment, a moment I enjoyed and also made me laugh a bit. So sit back, (or in this case, jump up) have a good time and for funs sake don't take things so seriously. 
James Damion

World War IX  Get it Here

The Meatlocker hosts Ides, Collapse, Dead Serious and Pour the Pirate Sherry

It was one of those last minute decisions to jump in the car and head up to Montclair to fill my ears with some good tunes. The shows Facebook page listed "Doors at 8:00 show at 9:00" but as I arrived at around 9:40 there was no sign of life in the cavernous lair known as the Meatlocker. Frustrated and nearly knocked unconscious by a toxic smell that I can't begin to describe, I headed out for some air. A trip to the liquor store and Dunkin' Donuts killed some time and by 10:30 the smell of death had dissipated and the possibility of some live music began to take form.

Pour the Pirate Sherry opened up and played a stellar set of high energy Rock and Roll. Though I give them a lot of shit for their namesake, I have to admit they are pretty damn good. The Palisades Park trio don't seem to have any official releases but you can check them out here Pour the Pirate Sherry on Sound Cloud. Pour the Pirate Sherry  Facebook

Brooklyn's Dead Serious followed and really brought a Hardcore vibe to the room. Though I am completely new to the band, I hold many fond memories of catching singer Ryan Blands old band Home 33 in the 90's at venues such as the Pyramid and Coney Island high during the mid to late 90's. Watching him perform with Dead Serious really brought me back to those times and reminded me of a particular set where Ryan was hanging from the ceiling pipes of the Pyramid while belting out tracks that would become staples on the album 'Jody's Courtier'. All comparisons aside, Dead Serious are an entirely different band with a lot to offer with their straight forward style and the energy in which it's delivered. The band has opened for Converge and will soon be performing with Citizen's Arrest. Not bad if you ask me. Dead Serious Facebook

Next up were Detroit Rock Cities Collapse. After hearing the bands "Disarm" Ep I was excited to catch  an act that had managed to capture both my interest and curiosity after just a couple of listens. When I first heard the name 'Collapse' I mistakenly thought it was a reunion or reconfiguration of the short lived NYHC band I had seen at CBGB's and the Pyramid club in the  late 80's. With all the reunions of bands, even the more obscure ones, who could blame me.After briefly meeting the band at their merch table prior to the show I was quickly put back on track and placed firmly in the present.  From the very first note I felt perfectly in tune with the bands rhythm section was so powerful. it felt as if a sinister army of tanks were descending with a vengeance on Montclair's suburban streets. Accented with powerful vocals and stinging lead guitar, the Collapse quickly grabbed the attention of the crowd and personally had me wishing they were indigenous to these parts. Despite having downloaded 'Disarm' and speaking to them before the show, I found myself wanting to dig deeper. Just hoping they'll stop by on the way back home from their tour.
Collapse  Bandcamp

By the time Collapse closed their set I was physically exhausted and started to make my way back to my car for the trip home. Thanks to some much needed fresh air and a few words of encouragement by Pour the Pirate Sherry's Paul Beir, I decided to take a deep breath and head back downstairs. By then New Jersey locals Ide's had just launched into a manic set. I inched my way towards the action slowly as if approaching a rabid stray and before I knew it I found a spot where I could be close enough to get bit and gettin' bit is what I got. Ide's, another female fronted Hardcore band combine a ton of energy and emotion with some serious musicianship and a vibe that gives you the feeling off the vibe of "Your either with us or you're against us." Safe to say, I was definitely not the latter. Ide's Facebook

Overall, this was an excellent mix of bands and people. Proving once again that it's not so much about the real estate as it is about the people who occupy it. Until the next time... James Damion

Collapse - Disarm EP

Female fronted Hardcore band from Detroit that features impassioned vocals and riffs that rip and shred their way through some of the most impressive and sinister rhythms. The vocals are particularly impressive here,
finding a middle ground that walks the tightrope between more melodic Hardcore and Screamo.
Throughout the genre's history
I really can't recall any female fronted Hardcore bands that kept my attention or gained my admiration. Mostly due to a delivery that was often overbearing and discordant. Thanks to Collapse and a handful of new acts such as locals Archie Alone and Ides, that seems to be changing.
Collapse are the perfect balance. While tracks like "Fuck you, we're done" bring to mind
The Avengers and Penelope Houston, The opener "Animal" makes me wonder
"What if the New York's Nausea had a more melodic side to them?" Each of the eight tracks featured on 'Disarm' left an indelible mark on me. I can only hope to hear more soon.

If you're lucky enough to grab some hard copy of 'Disarm'. It comes in an artsy yet stark black dvd sized gatefold cover. Though the band is currently touring in our area I'm finding it difficult to find much information on them. Hopefully that will change soon. James Damion

Collapse Get it Here

Wreaths st album

Wreaths have been my  favorite local band for a few years now. I've seen them numerous times all around NJ and I have had a few mix cd's etc that the band have given me over the years, and I pretty much loved everything I've heard.  The bands brand new self titled Lp is full of all the songs I have heard live and likely in different stages of development on those mix cd's, but I have to say hearing the songs as a proper collection is a bit mind blowing.

Musically Wreaths songs are an intricate interweaving of psychedelia  and 70's alt rock (Eno comes to mind) with a modern twist. I find the songs to be somehow soothing yet invigorating at the same time. Wreaths create one hell of a good vibe with this album and I am glad they brought me into their musical universe...An absolute top 5 album for 2013 in this listeners opinion..Dave G.

Download album 

Purchase 10"   Recently release 10" that is a must have as well. 

Death - ...For the World to See

Detroit's Death are one of the most intriguing music stories to emerge in years. Formed in the 1971 by brothers Bobby, David and Dannis Hackney. In 1974 the band, with the financial backing of Colombia Records Clive Davis, went into the studio to record their first album. When the brothers refused Davis' urgings to change the bands name to something more commercially viable. Financial and label support ceased. The band released a short run of 500 copies the following year. By 1977 the brothers called it quits. By all reasonable means, that should have been the end of the story. Thankfully for everyone involved, a recent documentary and official release on Jack White's Third Man Records is giving the band Death their proper due and respect.

...For The World to See features the original seven tracks from that fateful 1974 recording. Seven songs of minimalist, bare bones hard rock that clock in at around
twenty six minutes. A sound that, years later, would serve as building blocks to what would become Punk and eventually American Hardcore. One can't help but draw comparisons to the Bad Brains. Those comparisons tend to get trippy when the listener is reminded that Death and '...For the World to See' predate the highly influential band by years.
Songs that portray rage, frustration and alienation with a raw urban vibe that paints a perfectly bleak picture of early 70's Detroit. Think the Stooges meet the Bad Brains in soul soaked time warp. 'Rock-N-Roll Victim' and 'Where Do We Go from Here?' are two of the albums stronger tracks while 'Politicians in my Eyes' is just mind blowing and as socially relevant today as it was in those tumultuous times.

This recording serves as a reminder of just how timeless music and the raw emotions that inspire it can be. '...For the World to See' feels just as relevant and urgent today as it was when it was recorded decades ago.

DEATH

Purple Suns - Yours

On their second release and follow up to January's 'Mines' EP, South Jersey's
Purple Suns show they are definitely a band on the rise with their impressive take on Metal and to be more precise, Stoner Rock. 'Yours', like its predecessor features four tracks that left a deep and sludgy footprint on this listener. Purple Suns deliver early Sabbath influenced vocals with fuzzed out dirty riffs and downright depressing rhythms.  Elements that reach vicious heights on tracks like 'Villains' and 'Concussion'.
Though somewhat different in style and approach,
'Mines' and 'Yours' compliment one another when played as an album. 'Yours' showcases a progression in the bands evolving sound and style. Impressive considering these guys are still a band in their infancy. Purple Suns seem to be brewing a sound comparable to current heavy hitters Kylesa and High on Fire. Knowing that these guys are cooking things up in our own backyard of Jersey is a comforting thought.
James Damion

Get it Here  Bandcamp

Ratnip - Done More On Less

Born out of the ashes of the band Suspect.
Review Here
New Jersey's Ratnip follow a similar musical path while kicking up the musicianship a notch or two.
'Done More On Less'
the bands debut full length delivers twelve songs of guitar driven Punk with elements of Hardcore thrown in here and there.
The instrumental 'This Quality of this Record is Suspect' introduces the album promisingly enough. While
'Big Hooker, Little Room', 
'Beer, Food, Dudes', and '973' highlight the record while informing the listener that Ratnip isn't looking to change the world. There are some really good guitar leads, riffs and bass lines on here but I can't help but feel as if I've heard them before. And while  'Done More on Less' definitely has it's moments, overall it doesn't do much to separate itself from the pack  or to leave any lasting impression.
James Damion

Ratnip  Bandcamp

WARXGAMES - 9 Trax / No Nightmare

Blistering hardcore punk delivered at lightning speed with pin point precision and accuracy.
WARXGAMES takes all the speed and nihilism of early hardcore thrash and attack it with  new sharpened claws.
Featuring members of Deep Sleep, Mindset, Oak and The Pist, the band more than lives up to it's Hardcore pedigree. Nine nihilistic songs delivered in less than nine blistering minutes.
Though the songs remind this listener of bands such as
The Abused, Infest, Brotherhood and to get downright obscure,
NYC Mayhem. The band and the songs featured more than create their own identity. It's the dark and ominous uncle that the clean cut, Champion adorned straight edge bands warned you about. Get ready to get dirty.
James Damion

Buy it Here

Pelican - Immutable Dusk (new song)

The mighty riff masters Pelican have released the first single " Immutable Dusk" from their upcoming Southern Lord Lp "Forever Coming".  Pelican haven't released  an Lp since 2009's "What We All Come To Need", but they haven't missed a beat either. These heshers are true masters of consistency, and of the monster riff...Dave G.

Heavy Riffing  Here

A Band Called Death; Official Trailer

Before the Bad Brains, the Ramones and the Clash, there was DEATH!

Cinema Cinema - Fifty Ft. Queenie / Adult Themes

In the oddest of couplings since President Obama and Governor Chris Christie walked hand and hand along the Jersey Shore. Brooklyn's experimental noise duo Cinema Cinema team up with New Jersey's micro-indie label Dromedary Records.
As the label gets ready to celebrate its twentieth anniversary it will be releasing an album featuring covers of songs released in 1993.
The fateful year Dromedary was launched.

'50 Ft. Queenie', a cover of the opening track to PJ Harvey's album 'Rid of Me' features the mind twisting reverb, savage guitar riffs, schizophrenic vocals and tribal drumming that we've come to expect from this Brooklyn duo. Yet somehow these kissing cousins managed to take things to a level of intensity that somehow manages to go beyond the scope of it's music. Since first being introduced to this very special band in mid 2011. I've noticed myself move from a position of observance to somewhat of spiritual inclusiveness. Where I once surrendered to the trip.
I feel as if I am now part of it. Just as Cinema Cinema's cover of '50 Ft Queenie' manages to take the song to new and barbarous heights. It also gave this listener a new level of appreciation and interest in PJ Harvey's classic.

The records B side 'Adult Themes' is surprisingly more melodic and atmospheric. The band really take it down on a notch on this song which features a spiraling guitar sound and a jazzier more rhythmic approach to the drums, it's a both interesting and welcome side of the band  that I've seldom seen before. The upcoming   'Covers' album will feature more than a dozen artists covering various songs from 1993. The double LP is to be patterned after the great 1994 compilation "Why Do You Think They Call It Pop?" from Pop Narcotic records. Look for it in the fall. James Damion

Dromedary Records  Get it Here

Big Star: "Nothing Can Hurt Me" Rockumentary

New rock doc to shed light on the greatness that was/is Big Star. The bands dismal commercial failure, subsequent massive critical acclaim, and enduring legacy of pop music's greatest cult phenomenon. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you 

"Nothing Can Hurt Me".

BL’AST!: Unreleased Recording Session Brought To Life By Dave Grohl For Release Via Southern Lord

"As far as stories of lost and found recorded material go, few tales can be told where all the pieces of the puzzle come together in fortunate ways, resulting in a brand new recording that surprised even the band themselves.
Having formed in 1982, infamous Santa Cruz hardcore legends BL’AST! released their first album, The Power of Expression in 1985. This debut blew everyone away and went on to become one of the highly sought after, “must- have” hardcore albums of the ‘80s. BL’AST! was beyond intense, continually pushing the boundaries of hardcore with their advanced musicianship, unstoppable energetic delivery and explosive live performances.
This overwhelming power caught the attention of SST records, who released the band’s second album, It’s In My Blood in 1987. Their third LP, Take The Manic Ride, was then released by the label in 1989. BL’AST!’s wide-eyed, ambitious approach and intense perseverance became an influence for many bands to come. Shortly after the release of Take The Manic Ride, the band broke up and their story was buried by time and dust….UNTIL NOW!
Earlier this year BL’AST! guitarist Mike Neider contacted Southern Lord with news that he had found some mysterious old BL’AST! master tapes in a abandoned storage locker.
Greg Anderson, a BL’AST! fanatic, wasted no time in sending the tapes to a studio to be baked. Needless to say, after 25 years gathering dust, the quality had deteriorated. Still, nobody could have anticipated what would follow. With the audio digitized, Southern Lord contacted fellow longtime BL’AST! fiend, Dave Grohl about mixing this recording, his response was an enthusiastic “FUCK YEAH!,"

NYHC Legends Judge Announce First Ever European Shows

After a historic reunion performance at this years Black N' Blue Bowl. NYHC legends Judge have scheduled their first ever European shows. No further plans have been announced as of yet. Stay tuned.