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New bands and first releases are always an interesting enigma, there’s always a hint of anticipation when putting on a new album for the first time, will this be the next big thing? Will it offer something new? Will it fall flat on its face? Slaves To Gravity aren’t necessarily a new band but this is their first release excluding two singles which are both on the album. It’s hard to really say anything exciting about the band, they’ve got their stuff together and their good at what they do but that’s about it in the way of positives. The album sort of just happens, the first few songs flash by in a slur of repetitiveness and it begins to feel as though there’s not much point going past the first three or four songs, though as it unfolds there’s eventually a few reasons for sticking with it. Slaves To Gravity are a good, tight band, and have done well for themselves with UK and US tours, considering they only started up in the summer of 2006. Some of the songs reek of...
Slaves To Gravity - Scatter The Crow 		It’s sometimes hard to think of Brigade on their own merit, comparisons to Fightstar are inevitable with front man Will Simpson’s family ties. It’s always hard to push the comparison, fair play to Brigade, they are where they based on their own merits and have actually been going for longer than Fightstar. The single ‘Pilot’ comes from their second album, ‘Come Morning We Fight’, it shows a lot of promise on the whole. ‘Pilot’ sounds like a mixture of lots of things that we’ve all loved at times, the lead heavy intro and palm muting of the first verse have all been heard before. It initially sounds like the effort of an American punk-rock band through the verse, though does develop and standout more on its own as it gets older. Now, to get this comparison out of the way, Will’s voice does remind of Charlie Simpson a lot at times, therefore it’d be easier to say they sound like Fightstar. But as I mentioned, they’ve done what they’ve done on their own merit, and they’ve always...
Brigade - Pilot (single) 		‘Floods’ is the third single taken from Fightstar’s highly acclaimed second album ‘One Day Son This Will All Be Yours’, with a whole host of extras it’s something that fans of Fightstar will surely be excited about. The song ‘Floods’ is an excellent showcase for what Fightstar are all about nowadays, long gone are the days of them being “that guy from Busted’s band”, they are now standing on their own merit and doing a fine job of it. ‘Floods’ is a result of seeing Al Gore’s ‘An Inconvenient Truth’, which had a big bearing on the overall theme of the album. Fightstar have become very good at writing amazing songs and using great audio dynamics extremely well, this song is a prime example; starting off with the piano, then we get a heavy barrage of guitars, drums & bass before the verse, then that lovely piano creeps back into the forefront before storming through one of their most uplifting and melodic choruses to date. The song comes down to a lovely piano section before roaring...
Fightstar - Floods (single)

Altsounds Recommends Fightstar - Floods (single)
Haven’t we been here before? It’s a little hard to believe that this is The Maybes? debut single from their debut album, unfortunately first impression throws this straight into the category of the over saturated UK indie scene, it’s bursting at the seams already and so many more bands are throwing their individual takes in all the times. Bands like Arctic Monkeys and The Kooks have already been there and done this and subsequently boosted the public’s desire for the genre. According to the band ‘Talk About You’ is “a powerful driving anthem of modern day relationship breakdown”, fair comment, the title features prominently throughout the chorus, and for the part the dynamic of the song plays along then it’s easy to call it “powerful” and “driving”. The first thing that draws you in is the drum beat intro, then everything just drops into place, and a lush, echoing lead guitar line really provides the momentum for most of the song. The melodies are enjoyable too, it’s easy to get...
The Maybes? - Talk About You (single) 		Propane Nightmares is the first singles from Pendulum’s forthcoming second album ‘In Silico’, blending a mix of drum’n’bass, metal, electronica and just about anything else you can imagine, the single provides an amazing insight into what to expect from the Australian rockers this year. By their own admission they’ve spent the last 12 months finalising material for the album and perfecting their live show. Based on the strength of this single it’s fully justified, imagine Enter Shikari with a touch of humility and less of the over the top “this is what all the kids will go crazy for” repetitiveness and you’ve pretty much got this one down to a tee. The single provides both the radio edit and original version for the song. As any good uplifting musical experience should; it starts off subtly, with an almost Mexican style brass intro, interlaced with the vocals as the ambient starts to build up in the background. Then come the drums and eventually it bursts into a massive...
Pendulum - Propane Nights

Altsounds Recommends Pendulum - Propane Nights
The mix between, indie guitar riffs, the drums and the synth solos make this band sound unique. Dirty rough tunes from the synth and the awesome grinding bass lines which you can hear above everything else now and again in ‘Dance Like No Ones Watching’ does make you want to do what the title says. ‘There’s Nothing as Epic as Golden Axe’, what is epic in this song is the cheery synth introduction followed by calm, mellow vocals. The simple "Bada bada bada" after the chorus and the building up of the guitars makes this song sound crazy and probably that’s why the band named it with this title. What I like especially with this track is as the track ends, you heard a faint whistling tune fading out. Drive-By Argument did a lot of dirty, grind sounding synth sounds in ‘Sex Lines Are Expensive Comedy, I would name the synth as ‘The Sex’ it is that amazing and fits into the song brilliantly. Most songs have guitar solos but in this song for 6 seconds you get to hear a jam packed drum...
Drive By Argument - Self Titled
Lizard King Records

Altsounds Recommends Drive By Argument - Self Titled
The name of the album ‘The Walls Have Ears’ caught my attention straightaway and then finding out that this 5 piece band is all male expect for a female drummer. I thought the line up was different and it made me want to listen to the album more. One thing I was not expected after hearing the first two songs was the synth sounds in the ‘Kiss It Goodbye’ seeing as they class themselves as Rock and Pop Punk. I can hear those genres in these songs but I don’t know where the synth comes into it. Fort 20 seconds towards the end of the song, vocals, backing vocals and clapping can only be heard giving the song an unexpected structure. Knowing this does make the band more appealing. I particularly like the drums in ‘So Far So Good’, Brittany has managed to use the kit and rhythms in the right places. The crazy guitar pick slide sending the song into the chorus is a nice touch. Towards the end of the song, the band breaks out into a ‘jam’ if you want to call it that. Slow calming guitar...
Veara – The Walls Have Ears
Wisteria Records

Altsounds Recommends Veara – The Walls Have Ears
Seeing their album artwork made me immediately presume they are a metal band but by judging a book by its cover is the wrong thing to do. I suddenly found out these are more of a rock band than any other genre out there. The opening song “By All Means” (one of the singles) for their album “Luna” is a good choice; it catches your attention straight away with the lead guitar kicking in within a second or two into the song. The rhythmic guitars during the chorus and the quick, small gang vocals add to the effect of the song keeping your ears fixed to the song. The fade out and feedback from the first song going straight into ‘Collision’ which has a mellow introduction shows the band are able to do more than a rocky beat to the songs they write. The unexpected guitar melody two thirds into the song and the guitar solo with the vocals over the top makes this song more interesting keeping fans on their feet whilst listening to this song. With the drums having a rocky start at the...
National Product - Luna
R&M Artist Records

Altsounds Recommends National Product - Luna
CANDIAN MUSIC WEEK 2008 BY: FRIDAE MATTAS This year it was going to be different, I did not attend any of the award shows, all the chaos and boredom that entailed in covering the events was overrated, simply not feeling it this year, although they did move the "Indies" to a far more convenient location. All about the discovery of new music, the original schedule I had was filled with mainstream artists (Alanis, Finger Eleven, K-os) floating between the indie bands. Of course there is always a backup plan, you have to have one and be prepared to wing it if it doesn’t go as expected it rarely does. A good thing I am intuitive, already planning my schedule as if I were to be alone in the adventure of CMW. My photographer cancelled on me the day of our first mission, he was sick or so he said, either way I knew it was just going to be me the first night, things go smoother when it’s just me anyway. Having a festival amidst all this snow is extremely detrimental to the...
CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK 08' BLASTS IN!
FRIDAE MATTAS
Playradioplay! Is in essence one man, Daniel Hunter, although since his initial E.P The Frequency released last year, time has seen him working with a full band and well renowned producers. I’m a fan of Island Records, and I feel that they have a stellar roster encompassing a variety of genres, and Playradioplay! definitely deserve their place alongside their many artists. Infusing electronic based dance music with notable rock and pop influences, it is an album that flows effortlessly from track to track, whilst subtly changing in tempo and style. Opening track Loco Commotion, has got a real rock based edge to it, the combined elements of electronic programming and live instruments meld together perfectly. I’m A Pirate, You’re A Princess, begins with epic solo crashing drums before the bouncing vocals come rolling in with a very catchy hook. It is a very fluid record, each track joining the next by music, no gaps or silences. I definitely see comparisons with...
Playradioplay! – Texas
Island Records 		You don't really need a handbook to learn how to be a stoner. You really just need to know someone who is one, and pretty much everyone does. However, if someone were to write a handbook for those interested in taking up pot smoking, Pot Culture would be it. It's an encyclopedia reference guide for the weed smoking culture, with additional entertaining bits from notorious celebrity stoners and pop culture highlights across music, television and film. As a seasoned citizen of this 'underground' society I found this book lacking nothing. I recall a time when someone in my friend circle expressed an interest in smoking for the first time. I knew he would take to it like a fish to water...he just had that personality type. He did and the next few weeks were spent essentially filling him in on what it's all about. What to look for when gaging quality, how to break it up, how to load a bowl, how to roll a joint, proper etiquette when smoking in a group, etc etc etc. This book takes it...
Pot Culture: The A-Z Guide To Stoner Language and Life
by Shirley Halperin, Steve Bloom, and Tommy Chong

Altsounds Recommends Pot Culture: The A-Z Guide To Stoner Language and Life
Les Savy Fav strike a mace-shaped guitar through the notion of any genre. But in the interests of writing a review I'm going to describe theirs as quirky-hardcore-disco-punk. Quirky being the operative word, with Hardcore following just behind, a close second. Four years after its transatlantic release, we see 'Inches' released in the UK, which is their singles and B-sides compliation, bringing together all the features seena long the road trodden over the last 13 years. Or in the words of the band themselves, time that was spent "missing out on cashing for over a decade". The absolutely disjointed feel to this compilation is testament to their restless spirit and relentless energy. This is certainly an album to prescribe narcoleptics - just as they're about to nod off, the track will change and they'll be wide awake and enthralled for another few minutes, not knowing quite what's hit them. At times they sound like The Mars Volta without the maths and with extra punch. The...
Les Savy Fav - Inches
Universal
Taken from Frank Turners’ second album, the former Million Dead front mans new single will leave fans of his past band wondering where there punk rock singer has gone. Although previous solo work has hinted at musical experimentation, none of the material has revealed this side of Turner. Photosynthesis is a real grower and will have you singing the chorus out loud for a fair few days after listening to it… “I won’t sit down and I won’t shut up and most of all I won’t grow up!” Turners’ recent creative endeavour sees him taking on the role of folk troubadour. The influences are clearly evident from Billy Bragg to every musician down your local geeing on an Irish jig, not that, that is a bad thing by any means. The lyrics deal with the theme of losing touch with our youth, as we get older and not wanting to deal with adult life’s responsibilities. Overall this is a nice little upbeat folk-rock track. For those who are trying to recall biology classes and what the...
Frank Turner – Photosynthesis [Single] 		When I received MGMT’S debut album to review I couldn’t contain my excitement, after hearing about them on the grapevine and catching them on Jools Holland, I was more than intrigued to listen to the whole record. After getting the album at the back end of last week, it was inevitable that I would come across a couple of reviews from those already in hand of this little gem. A general consensus is that of a definite Flaming Lips-esque influence echoing in the background, no surprises then that David Fridmann (long time producer with The Flaming Lips) was in charge of the controls on this record. Opening with Time To Pretend, which creates this wall of sound that allows you to get completely lost in the synthesizers wailings and the crashing drums. Everything about this track works! Weekend Wars is next up and it shows that MGMT aren’t afraid of experimentation, changing tempo throughout the track beautifully, all in the midst of a sixties shadow. You could send...
MGMT – Oracular Spectacular
Columbia Records

Altsounds Recommends MGMT – Oracular Spectacular
Much like Mike Patton's chameleon-like musical career, Stephen Brodsky has been consistently releasing albums with several projects for the better part of a decade. His most famous endeavor, Cave In, even had a musical metamorphosis of their own, going from intricate metal to Failure influenced space-rock to straight-up alt-rock then, finally, to a mix of all of the above. Pet Genius is the singer-songwriter's latest project and it also features members of Clouds, Octave Museum and the great Doomriders. The first thing that stands out on their self-titled album is the dirty guitar tones on "Doomsday." You can definitely point out some White Stripes and Rolling Stones influence in the riffing and note bends. Brodsky's vocals are informed by the bands that ruled FM rock in the early 70's. Who knew the guy had a Robert Plant-like wail waiting to jump out of his chest?! The revisionism doesn't stop there. The band visit 60's psychedelia on "The Visiting Dynamiter," with its charming...
Pet Genius - S/T
Hydra Head Records
STOP-LOSS MTV Films/Paramount Pictures Directed By: Kimberly Peirce Review By: Fridae Mattas
STOP-LOSS
Fridae Mattas

Altsounds Recommends STOP-LOSS
If every nu-metal release from 1998 combined forces and then exploded in a massive ball of sonic smoke, it would sound like the band Loxodrome. This Austrian 5 piece is that bad! I thought we were done with all the Korn and Papa Roach clones? If we aren't..... we should be. By Carlos Ramirez
Loxodrome - State of the Union Speech
Innovation Records

Altsounds thinks Loxodrome - State of the Union Speech is terrible
It's not often that a Russian band comes across my desk. So I was a little surprised to find out that Xtra Mile recording artists, Sonicflyer hail from a remote town in southern Siberia. I was even more surprised by how great the band's bewitching new Sun In My Pocket EP is! Comprised of brother/sister duo Yulia (vocals and guitar) and Dima (drums) and rounded out by Chris and Rob on guitar and bass respectively, Sonicflyer wear their sunny Britpop and shoegaze influences on their sleeves. Sheets of reverb-heavy guitars swirl around Yulia's candied vocals effortlessly. Infectious choruses are found around every corner. Echoes of Lush and Echobelly ring out on treats like "Tonight" and the title track with their breezy harmonies and dream-like atmospherics. The band cites Oasis' Noel Gallagher as an early songwriting influence and on "Hundred Reasons" it isn't hard to find some of his straight-forward pop leanings shining through on their arrangement of the song. Living out a...
Sonicflyer - Sun In My Pocket
Xtra Mile Records

Altsounds Recommends Sonicflyer - Sun In My Pocket
The New Dress is duo from Brooklyn, NY comprised of guitarist/vocalist Bill Manning and Laura Fidler on vocals. Their take on indie-pop features the sound of jangly guitars and campfire vocal melodies that are sung in almost childlike manner. If you're familiar with the work of Beat Happening and the other early K Records bands, you'll have a pretty good idea of where I'm going. The rail thin guitars aren't strong enough to anchor Fidler's vocals here and the record starts to wear on you a few songs in. Tracks like "Where Our Failures Are" do show some promise but there isn't enough variety in the arrangements for them to truly shine. A couple of songs do benefit from the sparse settings ("Thanks, Claire") but more often than not, it falls flat. Maybe the duo isn't comfortable in their skin yet. After all, they did throw in two cover songs onto the album. Luckily their cover of anarcho-folkie, Billy Bragg's "I Don't Need This Pressure, Ron," ends up working and does lend the...
The New Dress - Where Our Failures Are
Red Leader Records 		Not knowing anything about this Philly four piece at all, I knew as soon as I pressed play I was in for a surprise whatever music played out of the speakers. Judging a book by its cover (or CD by its case) i assumed that IPS were a very synthy based atmospheric band. As soon as EP opener "Don't Stop" began I thought, brilliant, I was right, but then as soon as the intro was fading away I was corrected in a harsh and dirty way. This is a band that know all about grimy beastly beats and are not afraid to use them. With a style that doesn't sway to far from the shadows of bands like The Faint, Brandtson and Altsounds favorites Baumer its clear who IPS are influenced by. That though, is not a bad thing. They have taken the sound and style of these bands and boosted it in a bigger way and made it very much their own. Throwing in some vocoder and granular synthesis for added flair and panache, this is a band that is not afraid to experiment and without a single doubt will be able to fill...
InnerPartySystem - The Download EP
Stolen Transmission

Altsounds Recommends InnerPartySystem - The Download EP
My issue with most of the music that falls under the "electronica" umbrella is the lifelessness of the musicianship and performances. So when it was announced that Bellingham, WA duo, Idiot Pilot, were employing the talents of Chris Pennie (Coheed & Cambria)and Travis Barker (+44) to fill in on percussion for their next release, I was beyond excited about the possibilities. As it were, I wouldn't be let down. At the core, Idiot Pilot is comprised of the duo Michael Harris and Daniel Anderson but the material here would never lead you to believe that. Wolves is the sound of a band in every sense of the word. Sure, credit must be given to Ross Robinson and Mark Hoppus, who both produced in separate sessions, but the songwriting and playing here are the real standouts. Even the synthed-out keyboards have an earthy quality about them. That in itself is a feat that shouldn't be ignored. Fans of Muse and the Notwist will love the record's delicate balance of loopy-guitars, prog tempos...
Idiot Pilot - Wolves
Reprise Records
It’s only February but already A Weather have produced one of the surprise gems of the year, with their debut full-length release Cove. Full of hushed vocals, warm electric pianos and quiet rolling drums that sit in the background yet ever present at the same time. A Weathers subtlety and intricate approach create a beautiful and reflective listen. The front cover artwork captures the mood of the record perfectly… a lone figure (it’s actually an elephant but we’ll bypass that fact) stood at the edge of the sea looking out to the horizon. A Weather draw you in to their world on these flawless 9 indie-folk songs, a world of blissful forgetfulness, one in which you can completely lose yourself in. Vocal duties on the album are shared between Aaron Gerber and drummer Sarah Winchester. The balance between the two is just right, often playing off against each other, and the overall sound at times akin to The Magic Numbers at their introspective best. Standout track...
A Weather – Cove
Team Love Records

Altsounds Recommends A Weather – Cove
With the ferocity and technicality of all the metal and hardcore releases that I'm sent to review, it is a rare treat to receive a record as catchy and unpretentious as The Hands debut album. This Seattle combo specializes in the kind of straight-forward and energetic garage rock that never goes out of fashion. Well, at least not in the hearts and minds of the legions of rock critics who long for the heydey of this stuff. The guitars never overpower but they lay down a solid enough foundation for the vocals to strut their Jagger-like boogie. Actually, most of the feel on this album evokes that feeling those late-60's Nuggets era bands gave me when I first heard them some years ago. A song like "Lies Lies Lies" wouldn't sound out of place on a Seeds or even a Kinks record. The dissonant riffs in "Dry County" stayed ringing in my head long after the CD was out of the stereo. This is what The Hands do well. They know how to write earworms and they don't fuss up the arrangements...
The Hands - S/T
Selector Sound 		Artist: The Arcane Order Album: In The Wake of Collisions Label: Metal Blade Web: The Arcane Order - Metal Blade Recording artist I've never really been a fan of overly screaming or too much growling when it comes to vocal performances. My distaste for that vocal style has basically kept me away from modern metal. Too brutal for my delicate lady-ears. The Arcane Order, however, manage to do it in a way I can really get behind. Perhaps it's their musicianship, perhaps it's my growing frustration with society, but the vocal stylings on In The Wake of Collisions border between listenable and enjoyable. This band is really ****ing good, but as with most metal, I have to ask why do they even bother with vocals? Musically, I love it..because I always love that style of music. Gojira, Strapping Young Lad, etc etc...I love it. But I often think it would be better instrumental. But, while I don't particularly care for that style, it actually makes sense in the context of the album. This band...
The Arcane Order- In The Wake of Collisions

Altsounds Recommends The Arcane Order- In The Wake of Collisions
Artist: Bullet For My Valentine Album: Scream, Aim, Fire Label: Sony BMG Web: Bullet for my Valentine - Scream Aim Fire I bet these guys get all kinds of pussy. They're a rock chick's cream dream- a sweet melodic shred fest channeled through cute brooding boys with accents. OMG *puddle* Don't think it's unintentional. Bullet for My Valentine? Guns and Roses? Obvious. Good for them though, they don't suck at all, and they are in no way a blatant rip-off. They just share the same goals. Sex, drugs, rock n roll. It's a noble pursuit. They're like Avenged Sevenfold, but with a good singer and slightly fewer visible cold sores.
Bullet For My Valentine- Scream, Aim, Fire
BFMV make some moves toward the mainstream

Altsounds Recommends Bullet For My Valentine- Scream, Aim, Fire
As a fan of his previous work there was a lot weighing on this album for me. All i could think of was, what could Dallas do to make this album better than the ones that had come before? The answer was clear. Dallas has made the album he wanted to, not the album fans had expected and this shows with the largely different styles. This however, is not a bad thing at all. Far from it in fact. This is an album from an artist that has matured lyrically and musically. The album opens to the sound of a guitar case being opened and lots of footsteps and movement and then a soft guitar comes floating out of the speakers. The album opener, "Forgive Me" and the second track, "Confessions" have already been aired on the Live album released last year so you already are aware of what to expect from this outing. These tracks, along with the rest of the album have more of a darker moody feeling in comparison to his previous efforts. The lyrics also reflect that change. The line that sticks in my mind...
City and Colour - Bring Me Your Love
Vagrant Records/Dine Alone Records

Altsounds Recommends City and Colour - Bring Me Your Love
MNEMOSYNE – EXCEPT FOR ACCESS By: Fridae Mattas Listening to this EP’S first track ‘Wrong Direction’ so far so good, the music sounds great all the instruments in harmony everything fits perfectly but that was a huge lie, I knew it was too good to be true! As soon as the lead singer drops the verse the shit hit the fan, Kev Penny sounded as if he was struggling to sing over the music, losing his breath on every track of this four track EP. The screaming was excellent but the vocals on the verses and choruses are sordid he should stick to screaming or take some serious vocal lessons (Lessons may not even help this kid), dude you’re holding the band back. The track itself is noble musically speaking, the lyrics are not too bad but they were empty there was not enough heart and soul, no belief in his own lyrics. The music starts in with some electro synth drums then a guitar for two seconds until the other instruments come crashing in transitioning smoothly intermingling...
MNEMOSYNE - EXCEPT FOR ACCESS
Fridae Mattas
It used to be that you would put on a metal band's record and you could pretty much figure out if they hailed from the U.S. or Europe pretty quickly. Lately, more and more bands from the States are crafting heavily European influenced death metal. Whether it is the twin guitar attack of Black Dahlia Murder or some other young band aping the Gothenburg sound, European death metal has definitely left an impression in the U.S. Southern California 6 piece, Winds of Plague are no exception. Their piercing brand of European death metal informed material will definitely win over fans who can't get enough of this kind of stuff. Machine gun rhythms give way to anguished vocal grunts and meticulously placed guitar harmonies around every turn. But the secret weapon here is the way they utilize keyboardist Matt Fineman (who has since left the group) throughout the album. His cinematic charts run in and out of the riffs in an unorthodox yet effective way. Sometimes it sounds like there are...
Winds of Plague - Decimate The Weak
Century Media Records 		I find the type of music that Gwen Stacy make really hard to connect with. There is an intense aggressiveness surrounding Gwen Stacy, the vicious growls, roared by lead singer Cole Wallace throughout the songs will either put you off or engulf you into the record. People either love this type of music or they don’t. It is almost like there is an air of hostility emitted from Wallace’s vocals to the guitars and the drums. However this is the style of genre (hardcore) we are listening to, and the sound that has inevitably influenced and moulded this band. On songs such as The Fear In Your Eyes and opening track The Path To Certainty, out of the relentless onslaught comes soaring vocals on the chorus by Brent Schindler. The clean sung vocals act as a real contrast, in creating a duel like effect to enhance the emotion of the song, and it seems to thread everything together. Overall I find this release really disjointed, an issue that I have with a lot of...
Gwen Stacy – The Life I Know
Ferret Records 		Slaves To Gravity are a 4 piece rock, alternative grunge outfit hailing from the big smoke, and this 2 song promo release is taken from their debut album Scatter The Crow. First track Mr Regulator will appeal to those fans after their grungy rock and roll, with chunky guitars and pounding drums. I find the whole song really monotonous, from the vocals to the tempo of the song it just fails to do anything. It would appear that on this promo release they have included 2 very different songs to show a versatile side of the band. Power Lines shows a mellower side to Slaves To Gravity, and the band sound so much better. There is more dynamics to the song with atmospheric guitar riffs and subtle underlying vocals, which creates a much more interesting combination.
Slaves To Gravity – Mr Regulator (Promo)
Gravitas Records
I feel ashamed… I’ve heard the name before, and I’m sure I’ve listened to Les Savy Fav at some point without really realising. Then again maybe not, as I haven’t stopped playing this single off of their critically acclaimed album (so I’ve read) since receiving it, and I’m sure I would remember something this good. Maybe it’s their DIY approach, which has shielded them from my ears, or maybe (I must add this single release is from their 4th album!!) I have been content with listening to second-rate stuff. I’m not sure which of those 2 sentiments is more appropriate, but it doesn’t really matter now. What matters is that Les Savy Fav have produced 2 perfect indie-rock tunes. There is definitely a “Cribs-esque” (The Cribs latest album was released via Wichita) sound echoing on Patty Lee, with its punchy guitar riff intro that builds throughout the song and anthemic sing a long chorus… “Patty Lee turn the lights on please there’s something I don’t understand… Patty...
Les Savy Fav – Patty Lee [Single]
Wichita Records

Altsounds Recommends Les Savy Fav – Patty Lee [Single]
If they ever create a genre of metal called "prog-death," Behold…The Arctopus would definitely be at the top of the heap. The Brooklyn, NY instrumental trio have weaved together an album chockfull of so many over-the-top compositional turns, you'll feel like you ran a mile in the desert after one listen! That said, you somehow still find yourself remembering many of the schizophrenic riffs long after you put the disc away. It is rare that an album with this much technicality can still hold onto any kind of songwriting focus but beating out any expectations, they pull it off. Nothing about the band or Skullgrid is conventional. To start off, the leading force of the band, Colin Marston, plays a Warr guitar which is some kind of guitar/bass hybrid of sorts. The unlikely pairing of the instrument with the material's brutality makes for a refreshing combination. Marston's fretboard tapping is a real treat and colors the songs with a surprisingly amount of melody. Dream Theater...
Behold…The Arctopus - Skullgrid
Blackmarket Activities / Metal Blade Records

Altsounds Recommends Behold…The Arctopus - Skullgrid
When you have polar opposite music sites as Pitchfork Media (finicky indie snobbery) and Rock Sound (metal and beyond) singing your praises, your bound to get my attention. It's a good thing This Will Destroy You lives up to the praise. The Texas band's command of atmosphere and tension is a lesson in elegance and control. Songs stretch out way past the 6-7 minute mark but they never seem to overstay their welcome. But what really takes you over is the way the band makes use of space and dissonance. Fans of Sigur Ros and Saxon Shore's output will be slack jawed by this record. The production by John Congleton (Modest Mouse) is sparse yet grand in its scope. It fits the music's majestic feel like a second skin. Chris King and Jeremy Galindo's guitars swan dive through the compositions. They seemingly weave in and out of each other, never fighting for position. I even hesitate to call them guitarists at this point. Their work here is far too expansive and orchestral to limit it to...
This Will Destroy You - S/T
Magic Bullet Records

Altsounds Recommends This Will Destroy You - S/T
Stone Gods- Burn the Witch The band- Stone Gods was formed by ex-Darkness members Richie Edwards on vocals and guitars (he was the bass player in Darkness), Dan Hawkins on guitar, Toby Macfarlaine on bass and Ed Graham on drums. They recently released the EP titled “Burn the Witch”. The band’s biography describes the overall sound of the EP as: “Fronted by Richie Edwards, whose powerful voice resonates with four decades of classic rock gusto”. That statement actually makes sense because you would find echoes of Aerosmith, Queen and some glam rock bands of the 1980s. It really seems Richie Edwards and company have more or less shunned their previous musical root which was in the form of Darkness. However, this seems to be a remarkable piece of work, clearly superior to or rather interestingly different than Darkness.
Stone Gods- Burn the Witch (EP)

Altsounds Recommends Stone Gods- Burn the Witch (EP)
The single cover gives off an 80’s punk theme, similar to bands like Sex Pistols and The Clash. Expecting the songs to sound like them will give an idea that they were heavily influenced by those bands. But this isn’t so. The two songs ‘Long Time Dead’ and ‘Skulls And Bones’ dont sound like them at all. The band is heavier then originally expected; they class themselves as Metal, Punk and Rock. Metal is more within the musical range, guitars, maybe drop D tuning, the cliché guitar tuning for metal and the double pedalling on the drums throughout the songs make ****shovel more of a metal band. The vocals from Jack have the hint of punk but not true punk with how the single cover came across. Both songs are repetitive throughout and the vocals are dull. But they are a Metal/Punk so maybe that is what they were aiming for. ****shovel look like they are the typical metal band that play run of the mill metal music. If they are trying to get an audience and a big fan-base, it is very...
****shovel – Long Time Dead
BIAS 		The opening song on the CD is bizarre but the band made a good choice for ‘Party Foul’ to be the first one. Bouncing beats, great harmonies and same with the main vocals. At one point, the music seemed to have washed out Andrew De Torres’ vocals. Perhaps that was meant to happen, but it didn’t seem like it should have been. Danger Radio did a good job with keeping the CD interesting and different throughout. With the unexpected beats within the music, on synth, guitar and drums. They did well to mix it all up and at the same time, not get boring. The vocals are very similar to other bands such as Seth’s from The Higher, but I think the outcome has come out better with Danger Radio. Also the vocals sound alike to Shaant’s voice from CIWWAF. The unusual tracks throughout the CD make this enjoyable to listen too. With the great opener song, they managed to make the right choice for the last song. The drums stand out the most on the last track and having the subtle guitars and...
Danger Radio – Punch Your Lights Out EP
Photofinish Records

Altsounds Recommends Danger Radio – Punch Your Lights Out EP
Angus & Julia Stone are a bother-sister acoustic duo from North Sydney, Australia. They both sing and play guitar. Julia also plays the trumpet. On some of the tracks, there are some contributions from Mitchell Connelly on drums/percussion, Clay Macdonald on bass and Hanna Oblikov on cello. From the first song, it can be noted how well the record has been produced. ‘Private Lawns’ is a rather beautiful song pointing out how all the wealth in this world cannot substitute the simple pleasures of life. In fact, all the tracks from ‘Mango Tree’ untill ‘Chocolates and Cigarettes’ resonate that feeling in one way or the other, subtly or directly. There are acoustic guitars, rattling and brushing percussions, trumpets, bass and cello in some form throughout the album. The songs are also well written. I just admire the lyrics for 'Paper Aeroplane'. The lines are very imaginative- “I spilled the ink across the land Trying to spell your name Up and down there it goes Paper Aeroplane It...
Angus & Juila Stone- 'Chocolates & Cigarettes' 		So Deathwish Inc. do it again! Rarely does a record label consistently release the quality of albums as this Massachusetts firebrand does. Shipwreck A.D.'s latest, Abyss, is not exception to this rule. Rather, this is one of the most impressive titles in their heralded catalog yet. This is hardcore in the meanest and purest sense of the word. Frontman J.D. has the kind of weathered vocal chords that were meant for this kind of brutality. His disgruntled yells reminded me of Anthony Comunale's from legendary NYHC band Killing Time. With many vocalists in the current hardcore landscape going with death metal grunting, J.D.'s older school attack is very welcomed. The songs on Abyss have been trimmed down to their most essential elements. Instead of trying to cram a million ideas into the span of one song, they make sure every riff compliments the overall composition. More bands should take a cue from this.Throwing in clean guitars on songs like "Miasma" and "Samur" was another stroke...
Shipwreck A.D. - Abyss
Deathwish Inc.

Altsounds Recommends Shipwreck A.D. - Abyss
Playing metal infused hardcore in the country music capital of the world isn't exactly the most ideal situation for a young band. Luckily for Nashville, TN's A Plea For Purging, they have channeled the adversity into an impressive, if flawed debut album. Showcasing their penchant for European death metal, guitarists Blake Martin and Lyle Paschal dress most of the material with twin-guitar harmonies reminiscent of bands like In Flames and Soilwork. Their high-powered fretwork is the real treat here. Unfortunately for the band, the flat production of Miah (no last name given) doesn't do the musicianship any favors. The bass guitar is almost inaudible in the mix and many of the breakdowns lack the punch needed to be really successful. Andrew Atkins' sandpaper scratched vocals aren't the most original but his clarity is very effective. He gets vocal assistance from Whitechapel frontman Phil Bozeman on the thrashing "Perseverance" which just turns out to be the strongest track on the...
A Plea For Purging - A Critique of Mind and Thought
Facedown Records
SLAVES TO GRAVITY- In the Meantime SLAVES TO GRAVITY are a four-piece London based band formed in mid-2006 by Tommy Glesson (Lead Vocals and Guitar), Toshi Ogawa (Bass and Backing Vocals), Jason Thomopoulos (Drums/Percussion) and Mark Verney (Lead Guitars and Backing Vocals). This track has got all the necessary ingredients of becoming a catchy number- a striking intro, good guitar chords and solos, supporting bass lines, passionate vocals and a good chorus. The chorus is the most impressive aspect of this song though simple. The production is also remarkable (actually even more remarkable considering the fact that the band themselves produced this track). The sound is very well balanced and not even a single instrument overshadows the other. It is not really an extraordinary track on the whole, music-making wise, as you might have come across many bands taking the same pattern in the past. However, I don’t want to take the credit away from a band that seems to be talented in what...
SLAVES TO GRAVITY- Meantime
Gravitas Records

Altsounds Recommends SLAVES TO GRAVITY- Meantime
Mark Ronson has made a name for himself in the UK music scene through his production work form Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen. His newest solo release "Just" arrived on my doorat this morning. Featuring Alex Greenwald from Phantom Planet on guitar. "Just" is a cover version of a great original track by Radiohead. Knowing Mark Ronsons style I thought before listening that this would be an outrage to the original. As the funk begins I am pleasantly suprised by the vibe of the track. I am not sure here if these are the original vocals or not as whoever is singing sounds very much like Thom York from Radiohead - so much so it's impossible to tell. He must have used the originals?? My favourite part of this entire track is actually the bass. The bass player is amazing!! The original "Just" by Radiohead had an amazing music video in fact one of my favourtie of all time. I have included this below for you guys to check out: YouTube - Radiohead - Just
Mark Ronson - Just
Columbia / AllIDo 		The Big Dirty (Everytime I Die)- Review Last week, I got the opportunity to listen to an album called 'The Big Dirty' by a supposedly underground metal band called EVERYTIME I DIE. I found that they had some really interesting titles with edgy word-play. How about titles such as “We’re Wolf”, “INRIhab” and “Rendez-Voodoo”? Then I just read their highly passionate introductory biographical section which was included at the back. Here are some excerpts from it: “To this day, historians have not reached a unanimous consensus regarding the birth date of one of underground rock music’s most important finds” “Single most valuable contribution to the unifying musical creationism and music evolution ever” There were many of such forceful statements printed on the back cover. I felt something fishy about all those grandiose remarks and was really in doubt about their worth when I read it. As I was listening to it in a few moments and even after a few tracks, my doubts were perfectly...
Everytime I Die- The Big Dirty
Ferret Records

Altsounds thinks Everytime I Die- The Big Dirty is terrible
Although Unfamiliar Faces is Matt Costa’s second album, it would seem he’s garnered more attention for being a regular member of Jack Johnson’s entourage. Like his 2006 debut album Songs We Sing, Costa’s second full-length effort is released on Brushfire Records (Johnson’s label), and sees him taking a step up musically from his debut. Although he delves into some darker moments on the record, Costa laces his native Californian sun throughout the 12 folksy-pop tunes, and his love for 1960s music, in particular British folk are clearly reflected in his song writing and arrangements. Already with 2 E.P releases behind him before his initial encounter with Johnson, which has led to the 2 regularly touring and collaborating together Unfamiliar Faces will provide Costa the chance to stand in the spotlight alone. Opening with Mr Pitiful, Costa’s playful delivery accompanied by lively piano chords conjures up images of a late night shindig in old country pubs… both the...
Matt Costa – Unfamiliar Faces
Brushfire Records

Altsounds Recommends Matt Costa – Unfamiliar Faces
7.30am on your way to work with your mum driving maybe isn’t the best time to pop Cry For Silence in the CD player for a quick listen! Be ready for an onslaught of British hardcore metal, to literally pierce your eardrums and engulf your surroundings! Mine being at that precise time was a 3 door Corsa…mmmmm cosy!! Watford is home for this 5 piece; it was the local frenzy they caused from a couple of shows that pushed them to get their material on record. There is a heavy intensity brooding across the whole of this debut album, which follows in the footsteps of numerous demo releases and EPs. Hidden beneath the extreme hardcore vocals of Adam Pettit, is some serious drumming, and Alex Venturella supplies some quality uplifting riffs on lead guitar. None does it work better than on Some Kind of Wonderful, when every aspect of the band comes together perfectly. Pettit definitely matches his peers, for angst and urgency in his voice, and he is duly supported by some ...
Cry For Silence – The Glorious Dead
Visible Noise Records