Category Archives: Review

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

Left Alone – Left Alone – CD Review

4 June, 2009 Brian Mc Leave a comment

Street punk shows it has a nicer side thanks to Left Alone, a Wilmington, CA act on their latest self-titled album Left Alone released through Hellcat Records. On the band’s third release they continue to play street punk material but incorporate elements of pop punk, reggae, and ska making for a real fun listen.

Opening track “Spiked With Pain” was a full punk rock track with sing along abilities and guitar and bass riffs suggestive of Rancid. There is a reason why this band was signed to Hellcat and perhaps Tim Armstrong enjoyed the similarities of Left Alone and the band he fronts.

“Branded” follows with the same energy as the first track with front man Elvis Cortez’s raspy voice just appealing to my ears. As if that was not good enough, the bass lines were sick throughout and overall the song is just screaming to be released as a single.

Almost sounding like the Madness meets Operation Ivy was the brisk “Sad Story” with a more ska approach that is easily likable and surly makes you want to skank away. The song was easily one of my favorites on the entire CD. See below for the music video of the song. Good stuff.

The catchy “3 Bottles Of Wine” and “Porcelain” both seem more pop punk tracks. They seem to escape the street punk image held by the band but still are enjoyable for what they are worth.

“Bombs Away” sounding a lot like The Clash’s “Police And Thieves” carries on just fine as the song is not a direct rip off but more so a compliment to the UK grandfathers of punk. “Brindle” starts off with a strong bass line that strays right into a fast paced track sure to be a hit at one of their live shows as it makes you want to swing your arms and dance around carelessly.

I loved “Self Made” with the more so 90s punk feel and an organ playing in the background. “Wishing Well” continued that feeling with a simple yet catchy punk track with some group vocals. These are the kinds of songs that turned me into a punk rock fan in the first place.

It’s nice to see a band like Left Alone not label themselves as one specific genre of music and experiment with their talent. This album is full of tracks with sing along qualities that span back to their previous releases but add a more fine tuned effort making for a good listen if you find yourself a fan of punk rock.

Left Alone is far from a commercial pop punk act and thanks to their recent release they should be grabbing some attention. Perhaps it is a good thing they stay away from the mainstream though as they have too much talent to be considered just another pop-punk act out there. Having already been fans of their previous releases Lonely Starts and Broken Hearts and Dead American Radio I can honestly say this CD is just as good of a listen if not better.

Download This! – Left Alone – “Sad Story”
Download This! – Left Alone – “3 Bottles Of Wine”

(I would totally let the girls in this video kick my ass)

Motown, Music, Music Video, New Release, R&B, Reggae, Review, Ska

Westbound Train – Come And Get It – CD Review

30 May, 2009 Brian Mc Leave a comment

Boston’s Westbound Train are back with an all new album following their impressive 2006 debut Transitions. This time the seven man crew completely outdo themselves in every way possible with Come And Get It. The album was once again released on Hellcat Records and proves to be one of my favorite releases to date this year hands down.

Think ska music infused with jazz, reggae, and heavy doses of R&B and you have the perfect blend of what Westbound Train specializes in. Not to be compared with Motown, although close at times, the band remains a ska act throughout this release but keeps a soulful attitude.

I had the pleasure of reviewing the band’s last CD a while back and was impressed with every moment of it. This time I am back to that same level of excitement with Come And Get It. I must say that I am pretty sure that this CD will be my soundtrack for this summer hands down.

As soon as the CD started with “I Don’t Belong Here” lead singer Obi Fernandez’s voice seems to sooth the soul and set the mood. With horns, a groovy rhythm, and even some background harmony the song immediately put me in the most relaxed of states as the song reminisces about the good times. Almost reminding me of a Smokey Robinson song, “Ain’t Gonna Be Easy”, was a full forced R&B track sure to please any listener one way or another.

“Why You Cry” was an amazing ska soul track with ear catching singing thanks to King Django and also amazing tenor saxophone solos. “Come And Get It” featured some sick organ playing throughout the song with even more impressive singing.

“What You Need” was one of the more diverse tracks on the CD thanks to The Sweet Divines adding their classy soulful backup singing. If that was not good enough they return on “So Many Things A Man Can Say”, one of the albums more Motown inspired songs. If there is any track on this CD that proves this band has soul, this is the track.

“Critical Ska” was just that; a fine instrumental ska track from start to finish with an array of guitar, piano, and sax solos perfect for playing in the background of any outdoor party. “Cheers! The World’s Almost Over” ended the CD but not without leaving a good feeling.

Westbound Train is a ska band that has some serious soul playing abilities and Come And Get It proves it. I’m not saying this album is pure Motown but I am saying this comes very close and Westbound Train does it well. Fans of The Slackers, The Pietasters, and just good soulful music will enjoy this CD over and over as did I. Look for the band this summer at the 2009 Van’s Warped Tour.

In the event that you have not heard these guys it is only right for me to post some videos of material from their previous releases:

Westbound Train in Mainz (2007-04-30)

Funny, Music, Punk, Review, WTF

Punk Rock Dogg – Songs For Deviant Dogs – CD Review

26 May, 2009 Brian Mc 1 Comment

Last week I received a package in the mail that I was not expecting. It was a copy of the promotional CD from Punk Rock Dogg with a note signed by Murphy Dogg.

Murphy Dogg? Yes, Murphy is a dog. Murphy did not really write the note. Come on people…haha.

Normally I might scratch my head and wonder why the hell someone would send me something like this but I did order some Punk Rock Dogg Hardcore Treats for my boys last month and I suddenly remembered the site’s owner telling me she wanted to send me something to check out.

Before I even begin to talk about the CD itself I thought I would mention that the Punk Rock Dogg Hardcore Treats were really enjoyed by my boys. I blogged about the treats a while back just because I thought it was such a great idea – human grade dog treats. I even tried a couple of them myself once I received them in the mail. They tasted like a bland biscotti and honestly I kind of liked them! You can read more about the treats I purchased on a previous blog by clicking HERE.

Honestly this CD is for people with a sense of humor and a true love for their dogs, cats, llamas, whatever… It is not to be taken serious and I am sure many of my punk rock friends with pets will laugh at the adaptations on some of the tracks. If you don’t find it funny then maybe you don’t know how it feels to have a dog poop in your shoe (that really happened to me) or know how awesome pets really are.

So let’s get back to the CD…

The album cover for Songs For Deviant Dogs had a liberty spike wearing, motorcycle jacket wearing, guitar carrying punk rocker and a Boston Terrier looking to tear up the mic. I was intrigued from the moment I laid eyes on it.

Seeing how I am a huge fan of Caninus I knew I was going to like this regardless from the get go. I have a strange appreciation for many things in life and dogs incorporated into music is one of them

Note: If you have not heard of Caninus, you need to at least check them out. They are Pit Bull Grindcore. Think hardcore vegan metal fronted by big ass barking dogs….I love it!

The CD begins with a statement welcoming the listener with a public service announcement declaring that the CD is for entertainment purposes only and that there may be some swearing in the CD. Seeing how swearing would not stop me from listening to any CD I continued on.

“Punk Rock Dogg”, a clear take on The Dead Milkmen’s “Punk Rock Girl” was clever with a hilarious adaptation on the classic punk track from 1988 but funny lyrics about dogs and not a human. “My Dog Is A Punk Rocker” continues with the Weird Al Yankovic turned punk try on the Ramones‘ “Sheena Is A Punk Rocker”.

Then there was “Mama’s Little Monster”, a track that had this Ron Burgandy flute-like playing that cracked me up as the song sang about a certain little pooch. “Punk Rock Dogg Bop” had some very impressive singing (barking) buy a canine punk rock dog. The song is sure to be a club hit at the pounds.

The closing song on the CD was a cover of Dennis Leary’s “I’m An A$$hole”, a song I used to worship when I was a kid, so needless to say I was curious to hear the Punk Rock Dogg version. The song of course had lyrics that pertained to dogs and not cancer sticks that spoke of doggie farts and other embarrassing dog trends that usually have their owners shaking their hears with a smile. As a dog owner and lover I could not help but to laugh while listening to this imagining my two dogs…

Sure the music is not top notch, the singing is not anywhere near in tune, but the idea of it is funny as hell. Any punker who has a dog or dogs will get a kick out of this CD for what it is worth. It was recorded for fun and was not meant to be taken seriously at all. In fact the note I received from Murphy Dogg stated his mama paid the guys in the band with beer and pizza.

So how do you get one you ask? Well I wish I could say you could buy a copy at your local indie record store, but the truth is you need to head to Punk Rock Dogg’s website, order $40 worth of treats or merch (or both) and they will send you one on them. Not too shabby.

Visit www.punkrockdogg.com to purchase some Punk Rock Dogg Hardcore Treats and to check out the awesome apparel for both humans and their four legged best friends.

Check out The Murphy Dogg Blogg. I actually got a shout out on the 05/26/09 post! Nice.

Emo, Music, Music Video, Post-Hardcore, Review, Rock

The Blackout – The Best In Town – CD Review

22 May, 2009 Brian Mc 6 Comments

Post-Hardcore rockers The Blackout may have already turned some heads overseas previously in the U.K. but that was not good enough for them. The band recently recorded their second full length appropriately titled The Best In Town, signed to Epitaph Records, and now plan on invading the U.S. with their infectious music. The Blackout should have no problem doing so with a pretty intense album full of hard rock riffs and dual vocals that are sure to attract a much wider audience in due time.

Track opener “ShutTheF*ckUppercut” immediately has The Blackout declaring they desire attention with sick guitar playing, gut wrenching vocals, and even harmonious signing layered with piano. If the title of the song alone did not capture attention, the song itself surely would. Think hard rock mixed with post-hardcore and even some glam.

“Saves Our Selves (The Warning)” takes more of an emo Taking Back Sunday approach with a good rock feel. With no intentions of boring their listeners, The Blackout keep their first single off the album very interesting throughout proving the band really wants the spotlight fame they crave.

“Top Of The World” continues with a more rock song that many fans, old and new, will be singing along to instantly. “Children Of The Night”, the albums second single, carries on with a harder rock playing and multiple vocals including haunting children signing that could easily could accompany a modern day Lost Boys soundtrack.

“Silent (When We Speak)” slows down things for a moment and begs for lighters to be raised in the air and ignited with this ballad of sorts complete with your trademark guitar solo sure to set the mood right.

Dual vocal battle track “I Love Myself and I Wanna Live” mixed up aggressive rock with more emo type jams for a highly addicting track. Album closer “We’re Going To Hell… So Bring The Sunblock” not only had another hilarious title for a song but also escalated the energy of the band once again for a damn good finish to an album.

When Epitaph Records signs a band to their label there usually has to be a good vibe about that act. The Blackout are full of energy and musical abilities that will easily grab the attention of many and prove that Epitaph was right in adding them to their roster. Fans of post-hardcore bands and emo acts should check out The Best In Town as it is an album that will not disappoint.

Catch The Blackout at this year’s Van’s Warped Tour at a city near you.

“Children Of The Night” video:

Cleveland, Good Times, Indie, Live Shows, Music, Outlaw Country, Review, Rock

Those Darlins, The Dexateens, The Features – Grog Shop – Cleveland , OH – 05/19/09 – Concert Review

22 May, 2009 Brian Mc 1 Comment

It’s no surprise that all who attended the Grog Shop last Tuesday night to see Those Darlins, The Dexateens, and The Features had a blast. The sad thing though was the turnout for the evening and with tickets only $8 I really expected a bigger turnout. Nevertheless all the acts that night played just as hard as they would to a full crowd and I along with the handful of fans got our money’s worth.

Arriving early I had a picture perfect moment when Those Darlins came rounding the sidewalk outside of the Grog Shop. Clearly the ladies decided to check out their surroundings on a possible quest get a bite to eat and were returning to work. Respecting their privacy I kept the camera down and shyly smiled at them as they walked in the doors of the venue. I laughed when one of them screamed “blech!” as a Radiohead song greeted them when they entered. Not everyone can be a Radiohead fan I guess…

A couple of months ago Those Darlins had their first taste of Cleveland when they opened for Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys at a sold out show at the Beachland Ballroom. A nice size crowd greeted them as they took the stage. Sadly their return to Cleveland to play again had a crowd that barely made it to twenty. Still the sassy ladies of Tennessee did not let the lack of attendees kill their spirit and started playing through their songs at full force.

Ripping through tracks from their upcoming self-titled debut release Those Darlins played just as good, if not better, as the first time I saw them. Hearing “The Whole Damn Thing” cracked me up as the ladies sang about getting drunk and eating chicken. Other tracks like “DUI or Die”, “Snaggletooth Mama”, and “Wild One” seemed to get some of the folk sitting at the bar to turn their heads and pay attention to the three country cuties up on stage. Their mustache wearing drummer even had a moment when one of the toms on his kit fell off while playing. All of the girls laughed mid-song and continued to stomp their boots and play hard. Ripping through a nice sized set I could not help myself from getting excited when their album is delivered to my front door (I pre-ordered it).

I am sure Those Darlins were a tad frustrated with the small amount of people at the Grog Shop seeing they drove all the way up to play out, but thanks to their great set they won a few new fans and I am sure the next time they return to Cleveland there will be a much bigger crowd waiting to see them. I’ll do what I can to make sure that happens.

Not knowing the two other bands I decided to stick it out and see what each had to offer. Alabama’s The Dexateens took stage and it seemed like a few more people actually surrounded the stage as they played including the mustache clad drummer of Those Darlins. Some of the fans looked to have been friends of the band but still, fans are fans. The band’s mix of southern rock and folk really won me over and I made sure to pick up one of their vinyl albums from the merch booth just so I could check them out more.

The main act of the night, The Features, took stage to a very small welcoming crowd including a handful of folk who traveled all the way from Erie, PA just to see them. The Tennessee indie rock band played well but was not what I was looking for so I called it a night.

As I headed to the door I spotted Kelley Darlin sitting at the bar with one of the guys who works at the vintage shop below the Beachland Ballroom called This Way Out. I did not want to pass up the opportunity to thank her for playing Cleveland again and also wanted to tell her that she would be seeing me at Bonnaroo in less than a month. Kelley Darlin smiled from ear to ear and give me a high-five / handshake / hold hands type response that had me smiling too. She was a real pleasure to meet and I hope to see her again next month.

Yes, I have a crush on all three Darlins. So what!?!

I really wish that more folk would have come out the the Grog Shop that night not just because I felt that the band deserved a fuller crowd but also because I think a lot of people would have had a great time even if they never heard any of the acts before. Better luck next time to the bands and the fans I guess. I am just glad I was there.

Here are some photos I took of the evening: