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You know those bands that you see the name everywhere but never actually get round to listening to them? Does It Offend You, yeah? are one of those bands for me. When this single arrived i thought now would be the perfect chance to give them a spin. I must admit that this song does not lack anything when it comes to being catchy. Its not ashamed to come out blazing with a chorus so memorable I was singing along by the second listen. It burrows so deep that I already know that its going to take a lot to shake that melody. With a sound that is very similar to bands like Bloc Party and Drive By Arguement you cant help but nod your head and tap along. Its got everything you want in a song and after hearing it I wanted to hear more from these guys, but with a single that only includes the standard b-side tracks of an album version and an instrumental version (which ive never really understood why that is included) im a little stuck until I get hold of the album. But if "Epic Last Song"...
Does It Offend You, Yeah? - Epic Last Song
Virgin

Altsounds Recommends Does It Offend You, Yeah? - Epic Last Song
With two previous albums under their belts these Danish six piece turned trio have done it again with their third full-length album. They have come out strong with influences from ska,psycobilly, and surf rock hammered down to a set of pop-rock anthems. It showcases Patricia Day's double bass slapping and vocals with a sleezy passion, Nekroman's (Nekromantix' bassist) surf-infused guitar, and Neidermeier's powerful drumming style sets the mood. It pays tribute to '80s new wave and goth punk most clearly noticed in "Missfit" which features an interlude with a modification of the melody of Madness' classic "Our House". "Heading For The Disco" is an attempt to throw rocks at the 80s revival and definetly sets the album in pure energy. In the tune "Hitchcocks Scarlett" it goes to show that the Horrorpops aren't afraid to mix up the tempo with a crawl which showcases Day's vocal abilities, and not to mention the more pop-oriented track "Keep My Picture" which again shows off diversity...
Horrorpops - Kiss Kiss Kill Kill
Hellcat Records

Altsounds Recommends Horrorpops - Kiss Kiss Kill Kill
TORONTO FREEDOM FESTIVAL 2008 10th Annual Global Marijuana March “GanjaFest 08'” By Fridae Mattas To all those who don’t know, now you will definitely know! Every year in Toronto we have a special parade as many cities worldwide also have to celebrate Cannabis Week but TDOT does it better! This year was the 10th Annual Global Marijuana March, people gather at Queen’s Park seconds north of the Toronto Legislature to support the legalization of Ganja. Last year they added a celebration of the event in which they called “The Toronto Freedom Festival”. Thousands congregated after a small parade of high folk wandering with passion along Bloor St. east to Yonge St. and south onto Wellesley St. eventually migrating back to Queen's Park to enjoy the festivities. These high missions had a statement to make a purpose for polluted wandering and that is, to spread the word on making Marijuana legal. Another huge reason for the congregation of potheads is to smoke reefer, lots of it...
TORONTO FREEDOM FESTIVAL
10th Annual Global Marijuana March

Altsounds Recommends TORONTO FREEDOM FESTIVAL
You’ve heard all this before, haven’t you? It’s very hard to make something entirely new and unique nowadays, without sounding contrived or at least bearing a resemblance to something another band has already done. The Hottness’ blend of hard rock, punk and metal elements is quite an eclectic blend of some of the more glorious moments of heavy music. Progressing along to an undercurrent of driving drum beats, the whole thing just explodes into life, with heavy guitars and screaming there’s an intensive urgency which so many people just fail to ever achieve. It’s not all heavy, in the typical vain of southern rock bands, The Hottness know exactly when and how to tone everything down and introduce a sweet melody to proceedings. The sense of dynamic that this bestow upon you, the listener is far superior to what many others will ever come close to. The album never really lose that sense of urgency and intensity, parading through ten songs in just under forty minutes. For...
The Hottness - Stay Classy 		I remember the first time i discovered death cab for cutie. It was April 2004 and i was in a mall in Florida. I had some time to kill and some dollars to spend so i hit the music store. I had heard the name before and it was always associated with good things and there peering at me was the cover of "Transatlanticism". I picked it up and i have not looked back since. Always the masters of teasing a crescendo from the instruments "Narrow Stairs" is no different but at the same time, it is. Its still the same band that we know and love but this time they are a bit more adventurous. Testament to this is the first single from the album "I will posses your heart" clocking in at a brilliant 8 minutes 35 with no sign of lyrics until 4:35. With 3 years between this and the last album you have to admire the brave choice of that track as a single. Its an astounding piece that easily sets the tone for the rest of the album. With Ben Gibbards unmistakable vocals drifting over the soundscape the...
Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs
Atlantic

Altsounds Recommends Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs
Mariah Carey – E=MC² The Island Def Jam Group By: Fridae Mattas Mariah Carey is a huge musical influence for many vocalists and singers in general, she has been for me. Once I heard ‘Vision Of Love’ back in 1990, I knew she was going to be huge she could actually sing! Many of the others like Janet and Madonna didn’t really have an amazing set of pipes the only one out there that could sing the larries out of a tune was Whitney Houston. Mariah came along and I was like wow these songs are insane and her voice is amazing, I didn’t know pop singers could sing that high and co-write their own songs!! At eight years old I thought only the Opera broads could hit those notes. Not even Whitney could touch Mariah when it comes to talent just as Celine Dion could not, neither of the two write their own tracks, like the many “Musicians” in mainstream land (Leona Lewis is not the new Mariah not even close, she would cry if I reviewed her album it’s a super napper!) I have loved many of...
Mariah Carey – E=MC²
The Island Def Jam Group

Altsounds Recommends Mariah Carey – E=MC²
Judging by an intensive touring schedule and some amazing record sales without the backing of a label; Greeley Estates are a bit of a phenomenon. Having now signed with Science Records they’re releasing what’s already their third full length. Intensity is a key word and a word you’d imagine this band are well aware of, the passion and energy conveyed throughout this album is full-on intense. There’s little else which can be said about them, as far as first impressions go. ‘Go West Young Man, Let The Evil Go East’ is thirteen well crafted, huge, energetic hardcore songs. They blend the intense, scream and bass driven crescendos with some truly uplifting, melodic moments. In big parts they remind of From First To Last, they create a huge sound and portray the feeling of a band who pull it all of live with masses of energy. For all this energy, they are able to grasp dynamic, and some cracking beatdowns combine and blend into some of the softer moments, at times it’s completely...
Greeley Estates - Go West Young Man, Let The Evil Go East
Science/Ferret 		10 Years have been an Altsounds favourite for quite a while now. Unfortunately for me I now live in the UK so don't have the pleasure of watching these boys better and better themselves as over here they are pretty much unheard of believe it or not. "Beautiful" is the first single to be released off their new album "Division" and I can easily see why they chose this. It just sounds so 10 Years and is one catchy track. As a producer I always tend to listen to a lot of the production qualities of a song alongside the obvious melodic and lyrical content. The first thing that hits me production wise on this song is how nice the kick drum sounds. Don't get me wrong, the production of the whole thing is great but the kick drum sound is amazing - particularly at the beginning where the song is more sparse and it can be heard with a lot more clarity. After hearing this track I am really looking forward to checking out this album as I was a massive fan of their first album and even...
10 Years - Beautiful [Single]
Universal Records

Altsounds Recommends 10 Years - Beautiful [Single]
I love Coldplay. My love affair with them began from first seeing the one shot video for Yellow on some music TV channel. After that I was hooked. I have loved everything they have done and always look forward to seeing the new direction that they are pushing in. Finding out they were relasing a new album got me excited and finding out I could download their new single for free got me even more excited! When Violet Hill played through for the first time I felt a sense of dissapointment come over me. It seemed at first glance that Coldplay had finally released something really rubbish. And this was the single! And the first single to be more specific so how shit must the album be? I have now listened to this single about 10 times and I must say that after about the third listen then melody was stuck in my head and I found myself singing along! Initial glances aside "Viloet Hill" is an ace single by Coldplay. Each time I hear it I find new things that I am hearing and that my...
Coldplay - Violet Hill [Single]
EMI

Altsounds Recommends Coldplay - Violet Hill [Single]
With a name like Cage The Elephant, you’re almost setting yourself up for a fall unless you can back it up; the name alone conjures up images of something imposing and impressive. Opening track (In one ear) on this 5 song E.P doesn’t disappoint, and it is a great insight into the bands talent, who are quietly gaining a name for themselves in the live environment. All crashing symbols and fast delivered syllables (an American Alex Turner?), this track is damn good, straight up rock n roll, which The Kings Of Leon would be proud of. The song has got a catchy chorus and gradually descends into an aggressive onslaught guaranteed to get you stomping! Having been together in various guises for 10 years, the tightness of the band is clearly audible, and something that would surely only be heightened in the live arena. Front man Matt Shultz, really is just that, the front man and it is his vocals that you are drawn to. On Back Against The Wall, his southern drawl sits...
Cage The Elephant - Album Sampler
Relentless Records

Altsounds Recommends Cage The Elephant - Album Sampler
It’s always interesting to receive an Italian CD. Mainly for the reason that Italian bands lack so much of the popular culture which has such a heavy influence on US and UK artists. They seem to have such a fresh approach on music that it sometimes catches you out on how good some of this stuff can actually be. Deflore are an example of a very alternative sound coming out of the country. Describing themselves as “an explosive mix of electronic grooves, heavy’n’distorted instruments and psychadelic-noise atmosphere” they do certainly capture the imagination. This blend of electronic grooves however is somewhat short of explosive. In truth this album limbers on from an ambient-driven two and a half minute opener, past so many songs which possess the same qualities and offer so little in the way of diversity. It does at one point feel as though you’re just listening to the same song over and over. When the whole thing is over it’s hard to tell exactly just went on. Sometimes...
Deflore - Egodrive
Subsound Records

Altsounds thinks Deflore - Egodrive is terrible
When; in music, you wait five years for something it’s either going to be a resounding success or a tragic failure. Kingston Falls aren’t new to making music or touring, they’ve done extensively during their collective lifetime, but now it’s time for a new adventure. When you’ve built it as comprehensively as Kingston Falls have done during their time it’s hard to see this album being anything but good. That’s exactly what it is. The first impression that really forces itself upon you is that they really do strive to make music both epic and meaningful. For what they produce alone, they can be forgiven for taking so long to actually get it out there. Combining melody with riffing, heavy guitars they manage to create a really refreshing sound. So many bands aspire to do something different and fall short because they end up doing something which has already been done or just mix two existing genres and call it unique. Kingston Falls have made everything completely their own and...
Kingston Falls - Armada on Mercury
Facedown Records

Altsounds Recommends Kingston Falls - Armada on Mercury
The movie High Fidelity told us: “Now, the making of a good compilation tape is a very subtle art. Many do's and don'ts. First of all you're using someone else's poetry to express how you feel. This is a delicate thing.” My Awesome Compilation have clearly never seen this movie, or read the novel by Nick Hornby. This, their second album is a let down, to put it as simply as possible. Not that there ever should be any rules as such when it comes to making music, you at least expect a little better than this. My Awesome Compilation have supplied a mix of guitar-heavy rock songs filled with cheap melodies and the sort of stuff which was getting bands noticed two years ago but now just seems overdone. At just ten songs too it is just about pushing the boundaries of what you’d expect an album to be; the whole thing is just short of thirty-two minutes. The opening song, ‘Red Is For Danger’ is a perfect set-up for the letdown which is to come. Everything feels too forced and done with...
My Awesome Compilation - Frontiers
Smalltown Records

Altsounds thinks My Awesome Compilation - Frontiers is terrible
Pretty Odd indeed how a very original and fresh band can release a sophomore album that is as stale as three month old bread. For a band that pricked up many ears and basically received massive fame, fortune and a slew of fans off the back of their debut effort (which I am personally a big fan of) it is very strange to see the direction of their current release. The first single "9 In The Afternoon" still hankers back to the Panic at the Disco that all the fans grew to know and love and after listening to the whole album it is easy to see why they chose this song as the first single. The rest of the album sounds like the Panic boys holed themselves up in a room somewhere with nothing but "Sgt.Peppers Lonely Hearts Club" band on repeat, replacing the LSD that was used to inspire the afforementioned album with green tea or some other non mind altering boring alternative. Also lacking from the aforementioned comparison album is the skill, songwriting, integrity and...
Panic at The Disco - Pretty.Odd.
Decaydance Records/Fueled by Ramen 		NEVER SAY DIE - PROUDLY PRESENTS By Fridae Mattas Popping in this EP the Intro starts in it sounded like an ambient track an excuse to say you have six songs on the EP instead of five. They shouldn’t have even put that there and in big bold letters too like it was amazing. The real first track was ‘Picture Me Rollin’ (OG 07)’ the guitars were good the best part of the track, the production of the EP is pretty good for an indie unsigned band. The lyrics are catchy extremely emo-pock if we’re talking categories for those that like pretty packages. The music reminds me of the British version of Hedley or Simple Plan. Lead vox has way too much nasal in his vocals, it drives me crazy! Some people like the nasal sound but I loathe it, especially if it’s as excessive as Nelly Furtado’s in which his is. The next track I’m just going to skip because the title consists of the whole alphabet, why the need for such an extra long title that will not be remembered? I know they did that...
Never Say Die - Proudly Presents
Unsigned
There isn’t a lot you can say about punk rock which hasn’t already been said a million times before since the days of The Ramones. It remains one of the only forms of music which has come so far yet maintained the basic essentials which made it so popular in the first place. Punk is all about thrashing out straightforward chord progressions in the fastest way possible; put simply. Time Again duly oblige and these fourteen songs on their second album clock in at just over thirty-two minutes. Don’t be deceived by the whole pop-punk movement, Time Again are in there with the likes of Rancid, Sick of it All and so on, for the type of punk they create. You get the impression from listening that to see Time Again live would be to witness one hell of a punk show. The differences from song to song are subtle, as with any good punk album; everything goes into each other nicely. The Descendents spring to mind in comparison at times, ‘Lookin’ Back’ starts off with a very Descendents-esque...
Time Again - Darker Days
HELLCAT RECORDS 		"Head above water this year boys" is the first line on the new release from Philly boys and friends of Altsounds, The Wonder Years and it sets the pace and theme for the rest of the EP. It may only be an instrumental track but its a complete step up from the sound of the debut album. This is the sound of a band who know what they want and where to go to get it. Despite the title lending itself towards a more serious side of the band, the track titles contradict that almost instantly. Name checking Star Wars characters and influential authors is not the most obvious connection but don't get me wrong, that's not a bad thing at all. This is what most bands lack these days. The ability to show a personality and shine through as the band they are and not the band they want people to think they are. The new vibe I'm getting from the band is that they have got determination and they are not going to let chances pass them by. Musically and lyrically they are showing massive determination...
The Wonder Years - Won't Be Pathetic Forever 7"
No Sleep Records

Altsounds Recommends The Wonder Years - Won't Be Pathetic Forever 7
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Lucky Day - Rise and Fall
Self-Released

Altsounds thinks Lucky Day - Rise and Fall is terrible
The first song I heard from this band was ‘Insurance?’ I then had the need to find out more about this band who come from Vegas. Listening to other songs I had found, made me like The Higher even more. The first four songs are full of upbeat rhythms and bouncy vocals before breaking into a song which is the shortest one at 1 minute 48 seconds. For that length of time, it is Seth’s vocals, acoustic guitar, bass, keyboard and claps to keep the beat running through. It feels like this song should carry on after the final “One check, one love” and a clap. The sudden ending keeps the listener peeled for the next song which goes back to tapping your foot, chipper music. The final track on the album is a Patrick Stump remix and I think this one is the most Hip Hop song on, ‘On Fire’ I don’t find the rest album to be classed in that genre like the band say they do. The hidden track is, lets say… it’s good that they hid this track. Again, using the claps makes you want to clap along with...
The Higher – On Fire
Epitaph Records 		When you hear it took a band a year to write a new album you immediately expect it to be something special. Say No More have created eleven tracks of simple, catchy, brilliant pop-punk. With an ear rich for melody they have gone ahead and crafted the best songs possible. It’s comforting when listening to the songs, just how quickly it sinks in that their extra efforts have not been in vain. The immediacy with which ‘Masquerade’ draws you in is an instant sign of intent from Say No More. The hook “inside of this masquerade” and the accompanying “ahh’s” just make it an instant classic and the sort of song which will happily have you up and dancing. The vocal delivery and urgency of front man Peter Pedrazzi does bear a resemblance to Motion City Soundtrack, even Dashboard Confessional at times. There’s an unflinching conviction and reality in all his words, you can see crowds hanging off his every word for years to come. ‘Long Drive Home’ could quite easily become a driving...
Say No More - What You Thought You Knew
Drive Thru Records 		TREY MILLS - ATHABASCA OP3/UNIVERSAL By: Fridae Mattas An extremely talented award winning producer already, Trey Mills is a talent that has been hidden behind the music. The first time I popped in the album I had to replay many songs just to hear each individual element in the tracks. A plethora of instruments very intricately interlaced yet simple to listen to. ‘Athabasca’ the title track is one for the lovers as is the whole record. The track is soft, laid back and the tone Trey has is a perfect fit to the music complimenting the vocals with the composition. The flow of his voice is soothing also perfect for the times when you just want to unwind and chill, not in the Hard Rock mood this LP is the answer.
TREY MILLS - ATHABASCA
OP3/UNIVERSAL
Socratic are returning to the scene with their second album, ‘Spread The Rumors.’ Following on from 2005’s ‘Lunch For The Sky.’ They are an embodiment of the Drive Thru Records spirit; writing good music that they love and are more than willing to tour their asses off in order to promote it and sell it. Socratic appeal immediately with opener ‘Boy In A Magazine’ setting the tone for what is overall a confident and composed album. The songs have grown, developed and evolved somewhat from what was available on their previous offering. The piano blends into the music much more now and they offer more coercion as a full band rather than a band with a pianist. Everything is so sweet and melodic, listening to Socratic is like forgetting about your life and your problems for twelve blissful songs. There’s nothing too complex and nothing to catch you off guard, they do offer similar qualities to Motion City Soundtrack in this sense, although their not quite as fast or upbeat. Despite...
Socratic - Spread The Rumors
Drive Thru Records 		Johnny Panic are a band who’ve come through a lot to get to where they are now. ‘The Rebel’s is the second physical release taken from their second album ‘The Good Fight.’ It was originally released last year as a download only but now is being unleashed as a limited edition 7” vinyl. For what it is, the song ‘The Rebel’ is a driving modern rock anthem. Combining many elements from right across the spectrum, they manage to maintain a good sense of identity and Johnny Panic shine through the heavy guitars and irresistible hooks. The whole thing creeps up on you and is a beast of a track, it’s the sort of song which will make you want to listen to the rest of the album straight off. The catchy “ooh’s” and “aah’s” have all been done before but never fail to bring a smile to the face of even the most stringent of rock fans. But for every good a-side there’s a slightly obscure b-side, and Johnny Panic duly oblige with ‘Hurt (I See You Around)’. It could draw comparisons to the...
Johnny Panic - The Rebel (single)
Repeat Records 		The Afters’ single ‘MySpace Girl’ gets a video in the form of animation rather than a real video. It does look like a lot of care has gone into this in fairness. Sadly, the video does little to improve on the song as a whole. The song is about seeing a girl on MySpace, and all the video does is chart how that actually happens, from a drive-thru to an internet screen, it’s as simple as that. MySpaceTV Videos: Myspace Girl by The Afters (New Album Out Now!!) The video takes the form of a storytelling and the lyrics are the narrative. Not much else can be said, it’s not a bad video but it’s not really groundbreaking or new. Fans of The Afters will enjoy the video and the quirky characters devised for each band member. The animation is amusing though. The way the strings of the guitars resemble waves rather than actual guitar strings being played is quite amusing. The strange way the animated band members bounce around is also amusing but does little else to improve the video...
The Afters - MySpace Girl (video)
INO Records
If band names were a competition, Tokyo Police Club would win for one of the least relevant names in history. Neither are they from Tokyo nor police as far as I can tell. If they are a club it would appear to be quite an exclusive club. ‘Elephant Shell’ is the debut album from the Newmarket, Ontario quartet. They’ve honed a unique sound and mix aggression with melody for the greater part to create and promote this. There is a combination of many musical elements and instruments in various songs. Everything combines to further express the sound which Tokyo Police Club have developed. Vocally in parts they sound like another Canadian band, The Weakerhans; but vocally is the only way that comparison ever sees the light of day as this is completely different offering. Tokyo Police Club offer an interesting new brand of indie, they sound instantly like an old friend and there’s an instant familiarity within the music. It’s stuff like this which make for a good band, the fact that...
Tokyo Police Club - Elephant Shell
Saddle Creek 		‘Rollercoaster’ is everything you’d want from a debut single, it’s big, catchy, and it’ll get stuck in your head. Dorp aren’t exactly new to all this but this is the first time they’ve really had the chance to push themselves to something greater. Based in London, they’ve strived to separate themselves from just about anything else which was emerging around them. They don’t instantly strike as the most original band ever but they do have some fresh ideas and definitely have an interesting sound. This single mixes elements of heavier rock with a huge chorus, they sound like a typical American rock band at times. Oozing the huge hooks in the chorus with a strangely familiar tone. It does tend to feel a bit overdone, as if this isn’t something entirely new, just a fresh take on something which has been done before. You can’t really fault Dorp for this though as they do it well. The b-side shows a different side to this band, it introduces more of a grunge element, certainly in...
Dorp - Rollercoaster
Caned & Able 		Listening to this debut album from Pomegranates it’s almost impossible to imagine it was recorded and mixed in the grand sum of six days. With the majority of tracks having been recorded live, the overall quality of sound and feel of the songs is incredibly accomplished. Pomegranates offer a straightforward indie-pop approach to their music, it’s simple and easy to listen to, the melodies are infectious and for reasons beyond your direct understanding you could spend hours listening to this album over and over again. In a little over thirty minutes they offer much more than a lot of bands will offer in a lifetime. It’s hard to believe this is their debut album, the intellect in the songwriting defies their limited time together. The vocals of front man Joey Cook are at times dreamy, the beautiful ‘Desert Hymn’ does demonstrate this to an wonderful degree. Everything is agreeable, enjoyable but without requiring a dissection of every last meaning. Equal parts substance to catchy...
Pomegranates - Everything is Alive
Lujo Records
Italian bands always seems to create music which has such an amazing feeling of grandeur about it. Rome’s Tomydeepestego are no exception. Tomydeepestego’s debut album may only be eight tracks, but don’t be fooled, it makes for over an hour of listening time with some frankly huge songs on there the likes of which most bands would never dare to record. It’s difficult to gauge the full implication of what the band are doing. It takes a few songs for everything to really sink into place, and during those first few songs (twenty minutes or so) they set the tone as one of melodic and sweet guitar parts laced with more intense moments. The expressionism from the band is amazing, there’s an intricate feel for every last note contained within. Everything is put together so seamlessly that you feel like you’ll get lost in this. At times it becomes repetitive as the band push through 3/4 minutes of the same progression before eventually moving onto something else. It gives the whole...
Tomydeepestego - Odyssea
Subsound Records 		It’s hard to know what to say about this EP without sounding too harsh. Given the unenviable task, I shall just tell the truth. The first impression of this band is that they have listened to too much Hellogoodbye, found a vocoder and forgotten how to sing without it; and finally have spent far too long on MySpace. There really is little else to say in order to sum them up. The lyrics sound like something a 14 year old girl would write in her journal and the whole thing is just too much of a copycat of Hellogoodbye to even appear credible on its own merits. It came with little surprise to find that this EP was self-released, if I were a record label A&R I wouldn’t give them a second glance. If you love MySpace and love the sappy, not quite fully formed lyrics and you think “electronic music is cool”, then you’ll think Select Start is the best thing since sliced bread. Chances are if you fit this description you are a 14 year old girl who hasn’t discovered what real music is...
Select Start - The Rotary
self-released

Altsounds thinks Select Start - The Rotary is terrible
A two-piece Leamington Spa band full of vocals, guitars, odd bodhran, double bass and human beat boxing makes Nizlopi sound unique from that alone. Luke (vocals, guitar and bodhran) and John (double bass and human beat boxing) are proving everyone they are more than just ‘that song’ with their new album ‘Make It Happen’. The introduction on the album is called ‘Tape Spooling’, lasting only 6 seconds and it does exactly what it says on the tin. Seeing as the band recorded this album on a 2 inch tape and not digitally, it makes this a great opener for the record. Flowing straight into the second track, ‘Start Beginning’ which is the first single from their new material, this song grasps the attention from listeners as the double bass begins just before Luke’s harmonising vocals. The gentle verses and upbeat chorus does make this song single worthy. Lyrically Nizlopi not along sing about love stories but also a trip to Africa in ‘Last Night in Dakar’ and politically views in ‘England...
Nizlopi - Make It Happen
FDM Records

Altsounds Recommends Nizlopi - Make It Happen
This isn’t entirely new. Broadway Calls are now signed to Adeline Records and have subsequently decided to re-released 2007’s self-titled debut album. Broadway Calls have everything about them you’d expect a good pop-punk band to have. The songs are easy to listen to and have enough in the way of addictiveness to bring you back for at least a second, possibly even a third listen without too much hesitation. Broadway Calls don’t aspire to be anything other than a pop-punk band. This is the music they enjoy making and you can’t fault them for the effort. Claiming this album to be a pop-punk masterpiece is perhaps one step too far though. There is nothing on offer here to ensure Broadway Calls stand above anything else which has ever been done in terms of pop-punk. It’s a sad shame, the beginning of the album does promise quite a lot which never really materialises. For those who do choose to indulge in Broadway Calls’ music, there is a wealth of subtle variation available. The...
Broadway Calls - Self-Titled
Adeline Records 		Plain White T’s have been around for a decade now, though most people hadn’t even heard of them prior to the massive success of last single ‘Hey There Delilah’, they’re following this up with the release of the 2nd single from their 2006 album ‘Every Second Counts’. Perhaps aptly titled, ‘Our Time Now’ is a straight forward offering, bursting into life with an instantly catchy “oh oh, oh oh-oh” you just get the feeling this is going to be catchy and radio friendly. That same little vocal part comes in before the chorus, which replaces the muted guitars of the verse with a gradual strumming of distorted guitars, ticking all the boxes so far, then. There’s not really a lot else to say about this single, it plays it safe, is blatantly the opening track from the album, it has a nice feel; but unfortunately ‘nice’ is just about all it is. Having said that, the melody will instantly get stuck in your head and even the overindulgence of the “oh oh, oh oh-oh” by the end is just within the...
Plain White T's - Our Time Now (single)
Hollywood Records 		There isn’t much new that can be said about Millencolin nowadays, the Swedish punks have been doing this now for sixteen years. ‘Machine 15’ is album number eight, they’re showing no signs of giving up or losing sight of the prize, it hits as hard as anything that has come before, and offers so much depth which just isn’t there with so many bands. There is an amazing diversity within this album, it’s not just about making punk songs, they’re exerting a feel for the more intricate details within each song. Going soft they are not, there’s a more refined song craft on offer but Millencolin still offer the same punk ferocity for the most part. The whole album might as well be a stand out track, everything differs every so slightly, they maintain a level of interest throughout. It thunders into life with the title track and preserves a momentum which only the best bands can maintain over the course of the three songs. Everything builds gloriously, the string section during the intro...
Millencolin - Machine 15
Epitaph

Altsounds Recommends Millencolin - Machine 15
MGMT are promising to be one of the musical discoveries of 2008, having signed to Columbia in 2006, their debut album ‘Oracular Spectacular’ has seen the light of day. ‘Time To Pretend’ is the first single to be released from that album. The single itself a slice of uplifting everything. It’s really hard to categorise, they do defy definition for the most part. The opening synth lead is quite psychedelic, immediately recognisable. It’s amazing how everything gradually builds up and fills into a huge song, the electronic elements give this song a real uplifting feel throughout. The claps and ‘yeah, yeah, yeah’s’ build into a massive climax where the whole thing just drops out. As far as a good single goes, it certainly is that. Despite being edgy, it retains enough charm and integrity to make it instant classic; likely to stick in your head for days. B-side ‘Metanoia’ opens with an acoustic guitar but quickly the MGMT dynamic establishes itself and within 20 seconds there’s...
MGMT - Time To Pretend (single) 		Brigade have set their sights high with this, their second album. The follow-up to 2006’s ‘Lights’ aspires to catapult Brigade away from the band who are finding their way, and establish them firmly as a band who have arrived. It’s always a bold move to take on something bigger, but this is the icing on the cake for Brigade; making music is the love, making it big is the dream. It’s hard to not get immediately drawn in, the album is chocked full of enormous rock songs. There’s enough here on face value to make them instantly addictive. Opener ‘What Are You Waiting For?’ riffs into life in a big way and grabs you by the throat, pulling you in on the promise of the chanty chorus. The idea is quickly becoming apparent, single ‘Pilot’ is just as big and just as addictive in all the right places. There is unfortunately an element of playing it safe, the feeling that Brigade know exactly what they should do and how they should make the songs sound, it’s an unfortunate conception but...
Brigade - Come Morning We Fight
Caned & Able 		‘Pneuma’, Greek for “breathe” is possibly one of the most fitting titles for an album that I have ever come across; Moving Mountains the most fitting title for a band. Through merely making the music they want they completely re-define what making music and being in a band is supposed to be about. This is looking back to the bands of the early 90’s, the passion, dedication, emotion, connection; it’s all here in abundance. Dynamically this is one of the greatest albums ever conceived, it ebbs and flows, from the shallows of sweet, picked guitar lines to the effervescent, near climactic highs. The latter emerge from seemingly nowhere and before you know it have taken you away into a state of mind that no song, no band has ever done before. Moving Mountains are masters of this, everything is so complexly arranged into a perfection that’s verging on an addiction. Everything has its place and every little piece contributes to the overall mastery of this album. To listen is to invoke...
Moving Mountains - Pneuma
Deep Elm Records

Altsounds Recommends Moving Mountains - Pneuma
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/BarnesKevin/elliotminor3.jpgOn paper this looks to be an interesting bill; each of the three bands currently touring the UK together can all offer something in the way of diversity, each bringing something different to the table. Elliot Minor are the classically trained rock band, offering as much in way of diversity as they do in mainstream appeal. Las Vegas’ The Higher are fusing an eclectic mix of rock, pop & R’n’B. Finally, Farnham, Surrey’s Furthest Drive Home are following a well-trodden path towards bigger things, but doing so with very much their own style of alternative rock music. It’s probably not the greatest combination of big names ever concocted; but, judging by the sold out crowd that really doesn’t matter. Elliot Minor probably aren’t the greatest endorsement to the spirit of touring until the wheels fall off the bus, which is something the support acts are more than familiar with. More mainstream darlings than alternative...
Elliot Minor, The Higher, Furthest Drive Home
11th April 2008 - Cardiff University 		Starting off in the middle of the audience was more than original for these Nizlopi boys, without any microphones…or socks and shoes they definitely started off the show with a high. As Luke sang, he looked straight into the crowds eyes’; really appreciating that everyone was there. It also drew everyone closer and literally too as Luke and John had everyone singing harmonies at one point. The second time they went back into the middle of the audience, they did their own version of ‘Stand By Me’ as one (slightly drunk) woman wanted them to sing it. As soon as they did, this made everyone want to join in. It showed that Nizlopi could easily capture the audience and draw them into any situation. But the reason why they went back into the crowd for the second time was to perform an up close and personal version of ‘Last Night in Dakar’ Again, as Luke sang he made sure he made eye contact with everyone in the room to make the experience that little bit more personal. You could tell...
Nizlopi - Live In Cardiff
11th April 2008

Altsounds Recommends Nizlopi - Live In Cardiff
Haverfordwest’s Winch House quite literally smack you in the face straight away, this, their debut EP, ‘In All Seriousness’ was produced by Chris Maguire at Screamadelica Studios in Cardiff. It’s definitely a good thing that it smacks you in the face, the quality of the production and the band’s irresistable hooks throughout means that they instantly step above the quality of most things on offer in the local music scene. There really isn’t much else you need to know, like the band get straight to business its probably best that I do the same here so you can appreciate the real quality available. A barrage of guitars and drums welcomes opener ‘You Took Me Too Seriously’, it’s the almost obligatory drop out for the verse, but just as you think this is going to be a cliché or journey through everything you’ve heard before the rhythm will change almost at random and you’re being carried off into the world of Winch House; where popular culture counts for more than overly serious...
Winch House - In All Seriousness

Altsounds Recommends Winch House - In All Seriousness
The Outline are finally seeing the light of the day in the UK thanks to 30:30 Recordings. This is the first single taken from the album ‘You Smash It, We’ll Build Around It’. The Outline are an experimental band so it’s always going to be tough to get a great idea for the band as a whole from one song. Having heard the album previous to reviewing this single then it’s fair to say ‘Sloppy Drunk’ is probably a good choice. Overall, it’s a simple song, starting off with aggressive, choppy vocals it emerges as something much bigger and more complex in the chorus, where guitars are joined by synths in abundance. It’s really difficult to describe how the song manages to evolve the way it does, two bars of bass drums and bass guitar on the beat is how it translates, though you do end up overlooking that and drifting away into the music. Before the second chorus, the bass is joined by a muted guitar, the song almost takes on medley qualities after this chorus as the lyric “something...
The Outline - Sloppy Drunk (single)

Altsounds Recommends The Outline - Sloppy Drunk (single)
What’s in a name? The Grand Parade at first doesn’t stand out as an overly witty or well thought name, but hold that thought for just a moment, but I digress. Names aren’t the be all and end all for any band, this will only serve as a comparison, or maybe just filling the first few lines of a review with nothing better to say, there is a point though. It quickly becomes apparent that there is something grand about this band, a bigger purpose, almost as if we’re about to embark on a journey. With seven tracks this EP is almost a mini-album, despite the first track effectively being an introduction, ‘Carousel’ eventually whirls up into a massive frenzy which starts off ‘And Then We Came To An End’, a combination of intense, fast-paced kick-snare drumming, and fast guitars drops into a beautifully melodic chorus and then a brief instrumental section, which is simply blissful and oozing in elegance drops into the verse; with the help of a tactful lyric “Oh my gosh, reason seems to...
The Grand Parade EP

Altsounds Recommends The Grand Parade EP
The ever prominent Mike Borgia is back, album number seven from New York’s finest singer/songwriter follows up from 2007’s highly acclaimed ‘Issues To Egos’. It’s a tough act to follow in all honesty, we gave the album all the praise in the world and it really was a great effort. Borgia’s always had a great ability to write some great songs, ‘Philistines & Alcoholics’ is no exception, one or two stand out as completely top class. Sadly, that’s it...one or two stand out, as an overall album it doesn’t quite capture the imagination as well or as comprehensively as it’s predecessor. In fairness to Borgia, some of the songs on here are just as good, if not better than anything he’s done before. There is a case of killer and filler going on though, the first two songs, the beautiful ‘With No Regrets’ and then bluesy-sounding ‘Time Is Gold’ make for a really good start and you start to feel as though you’re on familiar territory, third song ‘No Cure’ is a little off colour and by the...
Mike Borgia - Philistines & Alcoholics
Cardiff’s The Slowdance have finally come out and released some material through local label Rat Patrol Records. The Slowdance project has been the best part of three years in the making. They finally got under way with gigging in the summer of 2006 and ever since have won many plaudits throughout South Wales for their ferocious, passionate and always energetic live show. Frankly, getting my hands on the EP and getting to listen to it for the first time was very exciting for me. Likened to Hot Water Music mostly, they draw on a wide range of influences, from the aforementioned to The Movielife, Texas is the Reason, anything involving Jonah Matranga or Walter Schreifels, Sick of it All and many more, you get the general idea. This is fast positive hardcore punk rock, simple as. You get what you pay for and The Slowdance never at any point sound or look like disappointing. The melodies are instantly addictive, the harmonies sweet as can be and of course it’s all packed in with...
The Slowdance - Rapture and Ruin EP