Category Archives: New Release

Download This!, Music, Music Video, New Release, Punk, Review

Teenage Bottlerocket – They Came From The Shadows – CD Review

Leave a comment

It’s not every day that you hear about a Wyoming band cranking out amazing, fast-and-fun punk-rock tunes but that is what Teenage Bottlerocket does best. The foursome, hailing from The Cowboy State, ditched the clichéd Wyoming lifestyle, threw on black leather motorcycle jackets, grabbed their guitars, and created some of the catchiest punk tunes I myself have heard in years.

The band recently released their fourth album, entitled They Came From The Shadows, which happens to also be the band’s first release with the independent punk rock label Fat Wreck Chords.

The band intrigued me with their prior release, Warning Device, when I checked it out last year. With Ramones-like similarities, their pop-punk elegance proved attention-grabbing throughout the disc and I found myself won over by one of the more intelligent bands on the punk scene.

How intelligent? Well it just so happens to be that two members  of the band are engineers. Another fun little fact: two members are identical twins.

“Skate Or Die” starts off the album with an ode to younger years of tearing it up complete with classic skate references to the Bones Brigade, street skater legend Rodney  Mullen, and even some ’80’s lingo like the term “poseur.”  I love the fact that this song is all about the old-school days of skateboarding before it went mainstream.

The girl dodging “Don’t Want To Go” tells of missing the show to avoid the girl at the show. This classic high school tale of shunning from the ex is a cool, likable track. 

“Bigger Than Kiss” cracks me up as the band verbally assaults the aging Detroit Rock City make-up wearing men, declaring “Ace Frehley can play guitar but he ain’t no f@cking Kerry King” and shouting, “Calling Dr. Love hey get a load of this, Ray beat the piss out of Peter Criss!” The hilarious song continues to brag that Teenage Bottlerocket will one day be bigger than Kiss and by the end of the song the band seems to think they have proved their boast true.

The disheartening “Not OK” is one of my favorite tracks on the album.  I can’t help but to relate this song to many times in my past. “Call In Sick” should be the working class’ national anthem.  I could only think of ’80’s punk bands like Black Flag while listening to the song, not because of its music but rather its uncomplicated lyrics that tell a truthful story about the feeling many deal with on a day-to-day basis. “Fatso Goes Nutzoid” contains many elements of ’80’s speed punk, especially with the rifling off of the lyrics.

“Without You” is another track I find myself digging over the others and I love the dual vocals along with the fast-paced drumming. The song bums me out, but in a good way, as it describes missing a special someone who no longer is in the picture. It’s songs like this—you know, the ones you relate to— that make me appreciate music all the more.

The songs on They Came From The Shadows are simple but fun and directly to the point. The album seems to end just as quickly as it begins, begging for another listen. I think that is what I love so much about this band: the simplicity. Not one song here exceeds three-and-a-half minutes, but it doesn’t matter to me at all.

It’s nice to see Teenage Bottlerocket skip out on the extra bells and whistles to sound different. They keep it straightforward on this album (and their previous one, for that matter) and make it sound almost too easy. Fans of the Ramones, Screeching Weasel, the Vandals, and even pre-famed Green Day really need to check out this band if they have not already done so.

Look for Teenage Bottlerocket on tour in support of They Came From The Shadows this fall. From what I have heard, this band is amazing live and I know when they roll though my town next month I will be there to witness it for myself.  Click HERE for a complete list of tour dates.  This is a punk show not to be missed!!!

DOWNLOAD THIS! – Teenage Bottlerocket – “Skate Or Die”
DOWNLOAD THIS! – Teenage Bottlerocket – “Don’t Want To Go”

Here is the hilarious video for “Skate Or Die”.  I can not stop thinking of Gleaming The Cube…

Here’s a video of “In The Basement” off of their previous release Warning Device:

Download This!, Hardcore, Metal, Music, Music News, Music Video, New Release, Screamo

It Dies Today Next Week…

Leave a comment

Just received word that one of my favorite metalcore/hardcore/screamo bands out there, It Dies Today, is dropping an album next week.

The Buffalo, NY band formed in 2001 at a very young age and impressed me with their furious sound and mature way of handling the scene.  I love the way they incorporate hardcore with metal and even add a little harmonious singing.  Their songs have been blasted out of my car windows more than once this summer and I can not get enough of them.

Teaming up with Trustkill Records they will be releasing Lividity on Sept. 15th.  I have high hopes of the release and will be sure to review it as soon as I get my hands on a copy of it.  My only concern about the new album is that I learned the band has a new singer since their last album and I am curious to see if he can keep the momentum going that was left in my ears from the previously release Sirens.

Until the CD releases next week I have no idea what to expect, but I was able to find the first single off Lividity entitled “Reckless Abandon”.  The song is freaking awesome.  Give a listen for yourself and see why I dig these guys so much.

DOWNLOAD THIS! – It Dies Today – “Reckless Abandon”

I actually like It Dies Today’s take on Depeche Mode‘s “Enjoy The Silence”:

Download This!, Folk, Indie, Music, Music Video, New Release, Review, Rock

Frank Turner – Poetry Of The Deed – CD Review

Leave a comment

Folk/punk/rock has never sounded so good thanks to former UK post-hardcore singer Frank Turner who took elements of the genres and self-formed it into something simply wonderful on his latest release.  Not to be considered a solo attempt this round, it is clear throughout the album that he has an amazing backing band that helped him and perhaps even added a little of their own style to it.

Having been in multiple bands over the years and working non-stop while doing so, Frank Turner continues his desire to be an amazing musician.  After what seemingly felt like an eternity since I first heard word of the release, the hardworking Frank Turner has finally dropped Poetry Of The Deed in the US thanks to Epitaph Records.  How hardworking you ask?  This will be his third release in three years.

“Live Fast Die Old” starts of the album full forced with more so of an indie rock that immediately captured my attention.  As if his singing was not an attraction enough, the supporting music from the full band including keyboard and back up harmonies just seemingly invited me into his world and I must say I felt welcomed.  It’s the type of song you tap you foot to and bop your head as well.

“Try This At Home” had a slight upbeat feel that exploded with great, well thought out lyrics about the real DIY musicians in the world who care and work for what they believe in and called out the superficial money hungry performers.  One line in particular that stood out over the rest to me declared that there is “no such thing as rock stars, they’re just people who play music, and some of them are just like us, and some of them are dicks.”  Well said Mr. Turner.

“Dan’s Song” is the type of song I could only wish was written about me.  The reminiscent jam goes from past history to future with sick harmonica playing. “Poetry Of The Deed” to me sounded like a heavy Avett Brothers song with Frank Turner repeatedly bolting out “life is too short, to live without poetry, if you’ve got soul darling, now come on and show it me” at the end of the track.

“The Road” was a sing along favorite of mine on the album.  Heavy on the folk and added country twang made for a catchy and happy listen.  I especially enjoyed the end of the song that almost sounded like and excited Frank Turner was not done recording the track when everyone else was.

“Our Lady Of The Campfire” had some fun percussion backed with strings reminding me of the folk that helped Frank Turner make this album what it is. The song is well thought out lyrically and musically and there was just so much going on but it fit so well.

Some of the songs seemed to slow up towards the conclusion of the CD as compared to the first half but they were still great listens.  The soothing keyboard playing and acoustic strumming were enjoyable especially during “Sunday Nights” and the album ending “Journey Of The Magi”.

I’m serious when I tell you I got a good feeling throughout when hearing this release, the kind of feeling that keeps me going back for more.  I remember the first time I heard bands like the Avett Brothers, Gaslight Anthem, Ben Folds, Joe Strummer, and Wilco (just to name a couple) who I knew instantly I would love and cherish for the rest of my music listening years on this planet because of what they created and how they executed it.  I can now add Frank Turner to that list because his music just had such an amazing effect on me.

I admit, I had never heard of Frank Turner until just before this album was released.  When I started hearing about the hype about him from various musicians and music fans, my curiosity led me to a YouTube video (see below) of him playing an after-party in someone’s house.  Just by seeing that one acoustic jam he played surrounded by singing and screaming fans I understood why so many have been talking him up.  He is that talented and with help from an amazing backing band Poetry Of The Deed was worth all the hype.

I expect big things from Frank Turner in the following months even years to come.  Slated to be touring with the Gaslight Anthem this fall as well as just finished a tour with The Offspring I think it is pretty clear he is starting to make a bigger name for himself here in the US and very quickly at that.

This is one act fans of music need to at least extend an ear out to even if punk or folk is not your thing.  It is that damn good.

DOWNLOAD THIS! – Frank Turner – “The Road”

DVDs, Funny, New Release

Mitch Fatel Clips From Upcoming Comedy Premiere

Leave a comment

Has anyone heard of the hilarious and unique comedian Mitch Fatel?

He’s a damn funny guy.

On September 18th you can check out the full Mitch Fatel special titled Mitch Fatel Is Magical on Comedy Central.  I can not wait to see it…oh wait, I no longer have cable.

Rats.

Lucky for the the DVD of the special will be released on September 22nd.

Score.

So for all you fancy pants out there with cable TV make sure you check out the New Yorker when it premiers on Comedy Central.  For all you other comedy seeking non-cable owning suckers like myself, the following Tuesday will be a good day to get the DVD.

Download This!, Indie, Live Shows, Music, New Release, Pop Rock, Rock

What’s So Great About The Grates?

Leave a comment

I love it when I hear a song that I have to listen to over and over again because I like it so much.  I put it on replay so that each time it plays though I can find something else about that song, perhaps a certain beat or a lyric that I might have missed around the first time.

This is the case with a song titled “Burn Bridges” that my pals over at Thirty Tigers sent me this afternoon to check out.  The song is by an Australian band called The Grates who will actually be releasing their sophomore album titled Teeth Lost, Hearts Won through Thirty Tigers.

One listen to this song and there is a pretty good chance you are going to think The Grates are great too.  It has this Mates Of State positive-makes-you-want-to-smile feel while at the same time being edgy and aggressive.  I can hear hints of female driven 90’s bands as well as current indie rock style providing for a great listen.  With the lead vocalist Patience sounding a lot like a young Gwen Stefani (before the solo crap) this band exempts a lot of energy and aggressive raw fun.  I am really looking forward to hearing the rest of Teeth Lost, Hearts Won.  The album drops on September 15th.

To add to my excitement the band is actually going to be playing some shows with my favorite ladies Those Darlins.  Sadly they will not make it to the Cleveland show next week when Those Darlins return but I guess I will live.  Hopefully they will make a stop here sometime soon.  They sound like they would be a lot of fun to see live.

DOWNLOAD THIS! – The Grates – “Burn Bridges”

So seriously, did you dig that song as much as I did?  Do you want more?  Well head over to their MySpace page for a bunch of other tracks.

Better yet, have some fun and watch their videos:


The Grates Live (More Dates TBA):
September 3rd – Boston, MA – The Middle East Upstairs w/ Viennagram
September 4th – New York, NY – The Mercury Lounge w/ Tiger City
September 13th – Morrison, CO – The Monolith Music Festival at Red Rocks
September 18th – Phoenix, AZ – The Rhythm Room w/ Most Serene Republic
September 19th – Los Angeles, CA – Spaceland w/ Most Serene Republic
October 8th – Little Rock, AR – Whitewater Tavern w/ Those Darlins
October 9th – Norman, OK – The Opolis w/ Those Darlins
October 10th – Lawrence, KS – Jackpot Music Hall w/ Those Darlins
October 14th – Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court w/ Those Darlins
October 16th – Seattle, WA – Sunset Tavern w/ Those Darlins
October 18th – Eugene, OR – Sams Bonds Garage w/ Those Darlins
October 20th – San Francisco, CA – The Rickshaw Stop w/ Those Darlins
October 27th – Albuquerque, NM – Launch Pad w/ Those Darlins
October 29th – Dallas, TX – The Cavern w/ Those Darlins
October 30th – Austin, TX – The Continental Club w/ Those Darlins

Band info:

Australia’s The Grates are set to release their anticipated sophomore album Teeth Lost, Hearts Won on September 15th via Thirty Tigers/Dew Process. The 13-song album was produced by Peter Katis (Interpol, The National) at Tarquin Studios in Connecticut and features guest appearances by Kori Gardner of Mates of State (vocals on “Milk Eyes“) and Tim Fite (vocals on “Not Today”). On this album, the follow up to their 2006 Interscope Records debut, Gravity Won’t Get You High, The Grates have brought a depth and density to the songwriting – the lyrics are raw and poignant and the sonics more biting and aggressive.

“If Teeth Lost, Hearts Won was a beast, I imagine it’d be like something from Where The Wild Things Are,” lead singer and front woman Patience says. “They’re big and scary, but they’ve also got this sensitivity, and pick up the little kid and protect him.” Drummer Alana adds, “Or maybe like the griffin In Alice In Wonderland. He’s like a lion and eagle together, but a really gentle creature.”

The band, who have recently relocated to Brooklyn, NY in order to make American touring easier, have confirmed a co-headlining tour with Those Darlins in October. Fresh off a completely sold out residency in New York City and various dates supporting Passion Pit, the band have also confirmed a performance at the Monolith Music Festival at Red Rocks on September 13th (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Phoenix, Mars Volta, etc) with additional live dates with Most Serene Republic.

In Australia, The Grates have played numerous sold out headline tours, played major festivals such as Big Day Out, Homebake, Falls Festival, Southbound and stole the show at Splendour In The Grass. Gravity Won’t Get You High has gone Gold in Australia while Teeth Lost, Hearts Won is well on its way to Gold status as well.

The American record release follows a highly successful trip to the U.S. for the SXSW Music Festival in March. While in Austin, the band played five buzzed about shows in four days and gained a massive amount of recognition for their highly energetic performances.