Category Archives: Rock

Alt Rock, Cleveland, Emo, Hip Hop, Indie, Metal, Music, Post-Hardcore, Punk, Rock

BHP BEST OF 2025

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Every year I say I am going to do more on the blog and get pulled away from it with other things. Let’s face it, life is crazy and I just do not find myself on this site as much as I used to be. I still listen to a TON of music and that is never going to change.

With that said, I still am committed to at least doing a best of post annually. I am sure I missed a few, but here is a list of bands in no particular order that I adored this year.

Enjoy.

BHP BEST OF 2025 LIST

Dead Pioneers – PO$T AMERICAN

Such an important album to me. A stick it to you, punch in the face to everyone who thinks everything is ok.

Faulty Cognitions – They Promised Us Heaven

I was lucky enough to befriend Chris Mason years ago when I was a recluse mess in Las Cruces, NM. Dude is amazing and I am not shocked he put out one of my fav albums this year. Perfect blend of Replacements and Husker Dü sounds completely won me over and over.

Deafheaven – Lonely People With Power

Love that these dudes went back to their heavy approach without dropping the shoegaze completely. One of my more repeated albums of the year start to finish.

Model Martel – A Thousand Couple Times

Name a more perfect debut album by a bunch of your gracefully aging punk pals… In all seriousness, this album is really, really good. I was overly impressed when I finally got my hands on this emo, post-punk release. These guys carry years of experience from a bunch of Cleveland bands and their styles fell into a perfect place together. Don’t sit on this one.

Hotline TNT – Raspberry Moon

Will Anderson has something good going on here with this release. There are so many nods to early 00s styles of bands like Radiohead and Arcade Fire but also dips back even further with a grudge effect. I admit, never heard of Anderson or Hotline TNT prior to this release, but that changed instantly.

Militarie Gun – God Save the Gun

“Thought You Were Waving” has been stuck in my head for months. This band continues to impress me with their almost aligning personal lyricism.

Deftones – private music

My first listen, I was not impressed. I picked at the drumming, nodded with the riffs, felt it just was lazy. My 400th listen, I am just sucked in, obsessed, and realize I was the lazy one for a lack in interest when it should have been there the entire time.

Kid Cudi – Free

I always argued Cudi’s best album was Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven, but that changed this year. Yeah, totally not his known hip-hop and certainly more of a border-lined pop-punk which begged to be played over and over.

Turnstile – Never Enough

I over-played the shit out of this album this year. It’s perfect. That’s all I have to say about that.

Heart Attack Man – Joyride the Pale Horse

This album was just so much fun to listen to. The boys in Hammy continue to mature and are taking tongue-in-cheek situations and expressing them in catchy songs. Knowing how many shows they’ve played this year proves the success these guys deserve.

Greet Death – Die In Love

Shoegaze city with this one. So freaking good. Shocked I did not snag this on vinyl yet.

Bob Mould – Here We Go Crazy

Bob Mould gets better and better with his releases. Case and point, this album is just full of incredible jams. I feel like I am repeating myself, but whatever. Mould rules, I adore him, and if Sugar drops a new album next year I am going to lose my mind.

Coheed & Cambria – The Father of Make Believe

It’s been a minute since I have geeked out so hard on a Coheed album. I keep missing them live these days, but adore them so much and love that I was sucked back into their world.

Sam Russo – Hold You Hard

Sam Russo is easily one of my fav musicians on this shitty little planet of ours. Usually he is know at that brit-punk solo artist, but for this release he enlisted his touring band to record with him and it’s probably some of the greatest songs he’s ever done.

Raging Nathans – Room for One More

Dayton, OH punk rock dudes drop insanely good album. This is the band’s sixth most memorable release thanks to them leaning into pop-punk a little hard. Caught these guys at No Class earlier this year and they just rip.

The Dirty Nil – The Lash

This is the best current three-piece band out there today. This album is better than good, it is goddamn fantastic.

Of course I missed some after getting some feedback. Here are a couple more I adored this year:

Matt Berry – Heard Noises

Matt Berry slays me. Such a funny human, but his taste in music is immaculate. I hate to admit this, but it was not until this year that I found out he writes and plays how own music. This genre is usually not my go to, but this jazz fusion hit me in all the good ways.

Ways Away – I’m Not You

I love me some gruff punk tunes. Add constant hooks and pull in a dude from Hot Water Music and it’s a no brainer I would love this.

Spiritual Cramp – RUDE

These dudes are so much fun. Anything they drop is gold to my ears likely because they have no problem mixing punk and dub along with other musical styles. This was the album I tossed on this year when I needed an instant cheer up.

I’m going to try and park it here now and not list any more. I mean it this time…

I feel the need to tell you all that on my list above, I bought 14 of their releases on vinyl. Some at their shows, some on their websites, and one through a pal who made it to the show that I could not. I plan to get the rest in due time as I know in this day and age, buying physical albums and merch is what really keeps these bands going. I am not saying you need to do the same, but if you have the means, help the bands.

Sure, some of them will be fine with their generous major label (and well-deserved) record signings, but there’s so many more out there who give it their all while sacrificing so much just to make their tour happen.

Support those bands you love. Hit a show on a Tuesday night on the other side of town knowing Wednesday morning is going to suck. Buy the t-shirt at the merch booth that you keep eyeing up. Who knows how much longer we have until end of days. Be happy you have this music you love surround you. I know I do. I don’t take this for granted, ever.

Be well and happy holidays y’all. Much love if you made it this far.

90's, Music, New Release, Pop, Punk, Review, Rock

EP Review: The Methadones – Love On Layaway b/w My Insanity Plea

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It’s been a long ass time since I have seen new material by Chicago pop punk heroes The Methadones.

Ironically, it has seemingly been an equal amount of time since I have done a proper review on anyone, so I decided if Dan Schafer can do something with the rest of the band, then I guess so can I.

The Methadones have been around on and off since the mid-90s and have put together some amazing albums in that time. Where not dropped frequently, they are solid and there is not one album that I ever made a face about.

Much the same holds true with this EP dropped by the homies at Red Scare Records. It might be just two songs, but let’s be clear…it is two NEW songs by The freaking Methadones.

Still holding things down, Dan (Sludgeworth / The Riverdales / Screeching Weasel / Dan Vapid & The Cheats) and band dropped new material with help from a new addition, Simon Lamb (Screeching Weasel / Dan Vapid & The Cheats / The Riverdales). The result is brilliant. I cannot tell you how many times I have spun this EP.

“Love On Layaway” is beyond an enjoyable track that has no hesitation grabbing the listener by the earholes. One might be fooled upon learning this is the first time this band has dropped something new sine 2009.

“My Insanity Plea” has a little tougher and really had some nods to 80s punk rockers who went solo in the 90s. Loved the drumming backing the clean riffs over lyrics of defeat.

If you fancy the power pop-punk rock tunes you need to check out these new tracks. My only hope is a new album is in the works because I certainly have a Methadones addiction and refuse to seek help.

This EP is streaming on all of the platforms out there that mostly underpay the musicians, or you can be cool and order yourself a copy of the LP by clicking the link below:

The Methadones “Love On Layaway” 7″ CCCP 258-7 · Red Scare Industries Online Store

You can also support them on Bandcaamp:

Love On Layaway | The Methadones

Cleveland, Music, New Release, Post-Hardcore, Punk, Review, Rock

Album Review: Hunden – A Calming Press

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I will be the first to admit I have not been that great about tossing out reviews and whatnot. If this one makes it to your eyes, then I am one stoked music lover. It kills me it’s already March and this is my first post of the year, but I write this with the best intentions.

Cleveland’s Hunden is a fuzz-heavy, riff-supreme threesome that, upon listening to their debut, forced me to dust off the keyboard and just hammer out something to talk about it.

Dare I mention they are a Northeastern Ohio supergroup in a sense?

Featuring Toby Reif (Sidekicks, Orbits), Nick Schmitt (Harvey Pekar), and Adam Peduch (Two Hand Fools, Heart Attack Man), Hunden already had my attention the moment I heard anything given their history with the local music scene.

It was no shocker how “Escape Trajectory” pretty much blew out the speakers. The track was just brutal from the start and Reif enough supplied vocal angst that had me thinking of Hum and Helmet. Then “Subtext” came on that was more aligned with Sunny Day Real Estate.

“Healer” carried so many Cave In vibes it was not even funny. Technical and catchy with brute force. Stephen Brodsky, take note of these guys… Seriously, this track is just so together and produced perfectly.

And it is not just all fuzz and riffs, but there sure is a ton and it is amazing. “A Calming Press” has softer moments with piano, but soon just ramps back up. “Prix Fixe” was beyond superb with its ups and downs.

A Calming Press clocks in at just under 30 minutes, but it just smacks right into you barely giving you a moment to breathe. Given where these guys came from, it certainly is a new avenue to tackle musically, and they succeeded in doing so.

Let me be clear, I am 47 years old and thrilled bands like Hunden still get me all sorts of amped up. I cannot wait to see these dudes play No Class on March 22nd with post-hardcore screamers Brain Cave. Hunden has the potential to turn some major heads with this release, I promise you, totally worth the listen.

BRAIN CAVE, CONSUMER CULTURE, KNUB, & HUNDEN @ NO CLASS

Friday, March 22, 2024

Brain Cave
Consumer Culture
Knub
Hunden
———
Bar Show
Cost: $10
Doors: 8pm
Age Limit: All Ages
Tickets: At The Door
RSVP ON FACEBOOK

Alt Rock, Country, Electronic, Emo, Experimental, Hardcore, Hip Hop, Indie, Metal, Music, Outlaw Country, Pop, Post-Hardcore, Punk, Rap, Rock, Ska

BHP Best of 2023

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This year absolutely flew by and here I am scrambling to toss something together to validate myself for poorly running my blog.

Clearly other objectives in life got in the way of how I wish I could maintain the site and keep it current, but here we are, so I guess I just do what I can, when I can.

I will say this past year has been a wild ride and I was able to really to enjoy it with friends and family, but something tells me that next year is going to be even better.

The absolute highlight of 2023 was covering the Punk in Drublic fest (thanks Vanessa!!!!) in Columbus, OH. If you missed that you can check it out HERE. To see so many of my favorite bands with some close pals of mine was just perfect.

I may not have reviewed a lot of bands this year, hell, I think I only did one looking back…but I did listen to tons of music and wanted to share a few that really caught my attention in 2023.

Enjoy.

BHP BEST OF 2023 LIST

Codefendants – This is Crime Wave

Easily one of the best releases this year. When I heard Fat Mike got The D.O.C. to drop some lines on one track I knew this was going to be something special.

Lucero – Should’ve Learned by Now

I love Lucero and everything they stand for and have to admit this took me a couple of listens to truly get into and I am glad I did because there are some gems on this one.

Heart Attack Man – Freak of Nature

I love this album. I really do not know what else to say here other than if you have not checked it out yet, you really should change that.

koyo – Would You Miss It?

This band won me over this year in the best way. Melodic emo hardcore. Does it get any better than this?

Militarie Gun – Life Under the Gun

Catchy as hell sums up this release. This has been a weekly listen since it dropped.

Sincere Engineer – Cheap Grills

File this one under “Deanna Belos makes me cry again with her poignant lyrics.” Dammit.

Bollweevils – Essential

Dr. Daryl Wilson is back with the gang and completely blew me away with this release. It sounded even better live at a local dive bar. That was a true treat.

Blink 182 – One More Time

I grew up in the 90s. Did you seriously not think this was going to land here at some point? Old punks are still cool, we just go to bed at a reasonable time.

Spanish Love Songs – No Joy

This band always stabs me in the feelings. This album was no exception.

Svalbard – The Weight of the Mask

I found this band a few years back as a suggestion to Holy Fawn and have loved them since. I was so stoked to see a new album drop by them this year and it simply rules.

Hot Mulligan – Why Would I Watch

Pop punk fun. Honestly, I did not think I was going to enjoy this one as much as I did.

Chayla Hope – Damn, Feelings

True Cleveland talent here. I will not be shocked when she grabs the attention of the world. Chayla can do no wrong.

Joey Valence & Brae – Punk Tactics

Just got into these guys a few weeks ago and adore their style that really reached back to the 90s. This release is pure fun and begs to be listened to on repeat.

Lil Yachty – Let’s Start Here.

This was one of those releases I read a review on and knew I needed to stop what I was doing and check it out. It is wild.

Incendiary – Change the Way You Think About Pain

Meanest album of the year. I adore it and listen to it on my worst days.

MSPAINT – Post-American

Music-genre bending at its best. I certainly cannot tell you their style other than “all of the above.”

Flying Racoon Suit – Moonflower

Oh hi, this band takes almost all the sounds of music I adore, tosses it in a blender, purees it, and pours out one hell of a release. Do not let the band’s name fool you.

Kerosene Heights – Southeast of Somewhere

2023 was a pretty emo year for me and this band helped fuel that.

I want to thank all my friends out there for keeping me going. New and old, life rules when you are all around.

More importantly, shoutout to my amazing kids who continue to give me purpose in life and let me continue to be my goofy-ass self with zero apologies. I hope one day you come across this and are reminded of the joy you both bring me.

Happy New Year and thanks for reading. Let’s see if I can kickstart the blog in 2024. I think I am up for it.

90's, Music, New Release, Punk, Review, Rock

Album Review: The Bollweevils – Essential

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Sometimes a band from your past does the ultimate awesome and puts out new material 14 years after their last release. Chicago’s Bollweevils surprised many, including myself, and dropped an incredible album called Essential on the possible world-famous Red Scare Industires records.

The album title is a strong nod to the actual professions of the members of the band. No lie, aside from Dr. Daryl Wilson (yes, a real doctor who saves lives), there are first responders and educators who make up the Bollweevils.

This band has always resonated with me well because they had a few albums on Dr. Strange Records back in the 90s which I listened to frequently. They called quits in 1996 and came back into the scene around 2006 when they played Riot Fest but kept a low profile and clearly took the time they needed to get back at it without missing a beat.

“Predisposition” kicked things out as if the band never stopped. What a powerhouse of an opener. Wilson and crew sound better than ever and I hate to say this, but I was pleasantly surprised about this. Like I should have even carried that thought.

Following up was “Galt’s Gulch”, a well put together track similarities gravitating towards an Ayn Rand novel. The fact they repeat “who’s John Galt”, which in the novel was about the sad current state of affairs much like today. “Atlas Shrugged” is the book I speak of, and if you ever read it, you’ll understand more.

One of my favorites on this album was “The Cutting Solution”. This track was well supplied with some insane drumming that just kept the energy high. Wilson’s singing was just so on point here.

“Theme” was just that. If the Bollweevils had their own show like the Aquabats do, this would certainly be the song that played at the start. Certainly, this a tongue and cheek track, but goddamn this was so fun.

Then there was “Bottomless Pit”, another banger. The entire band came together so well on this one. Fast and to the point, it was exactly what I would expect from these guys.

The track that just won me over was “Resistance.” In true punk fashion, this track had me wanting to memorize the lyrics so I could play it over and over while singing along. Loved the breakdown as well as the group vocals. It was not a complicated song yet got the job done.

“Liniment and Tonic” should be the old punker anthem moving forward. All the old punkers who are reading this with their arms crossed in the back, this one is for you. Enjoy.

The Bollweevils are timeless in my book. They have definitely put in their time years ago and Essentials has no indication of a break ever with their sound. They are still energetic and catchy as ever. Fair warning though, this album clocks in at just over 22 minutes. I assure you there is no lull in this release and there are plenty of playback opportunities.

As I find myself closer to 50 these days (punk is dad), it is beyond refreshing to hear a band from your teenage years still killing it. In a day and age when most punk rock does not even rest on the edge of the genre, it’s the punk rock veterans who continue to remind me why I adore this kind of music.

Available on CD and LP, the album is out there for you to obsess over. Do not sit on this one. Trust me.

Listen to it: CLICK HERE

Buy it: CLICK HERE