Tag Archives: EP

Acoustic, Country, Emo, Folk, Indie, Music, Pop, Punk, Review, Rock

Rapid Reviews: Brett Detar, JuiceheaD, Transit, Coffee Project, The Flatliners and I Am The Avalanche

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Let’s face it, this site is a one man show for the most part and as of late I have been living quite the busy life.  I am continually presented with amazing music for review consideration and sadly there is not enough time in the day for me to not only get through work and school, but to also write nice things about all these awesome bands.

So today I decided to throw out a few quick reviews on a couple of bands that have been sitting in my “cool” stack.  I wish I had more time to go into complete detail as I hate writing little reviews on bands, but I am thinking this might be a good idea to just spread the word out.  If you like what I said about the band, check them out, support them, share their music and help them continue to do what they love to do.

This week proves to be a busy one for me with tomorrow’s Strike Anywhere / Dead To Me / Menzingers / Holy Mess / Signals Midwest show as well as Wednesday’s NOFX / Anti-Flag / Old Man Markley show.  I thought perhaps I should be proactive and hammer out a few reviews while I had a moment.

Enjoy and as always, thanks for wasting some of your day on my site.

Brett Detar – Bird In The Tangle

With having the history of being a former guitarist/bassist of metalcore act Zao and also the lead singer of The Juliana Theory, it came as a great surprise to me when I was told that Brett Detar recorded a country / folk album.  The solo attempt by Detar, titled Bird In The Tangle,is actually a damn good listen too (it was released almost a year ago).  Hearing this album, you would never think that Detar, who grew up in PA, could have so much outlaw in his blood.  The moment the album started with “Empty House On A Famous Hill”, I was completely overtaken by his singing and music writing abilities.  “The Devil’s Gotta Earn” was my favorite cut off this album and “Cocaine Whiskey and Heroine” was a close second.  Following the likes of Nick 13 and Tumbledown, this genre jump from a guy who used to provide fast paced ear-pounding music has captured a style of outlaw country that is welcomed in my world.  Detar reminds me a lot of Justin Townes Earle but with more of a folk feel as well as had some Murder By Death tendencies.  Want to check it out?  Head over to Brett Detar’s website and download it for free!

JuiceheaD – How To Sail A Sinking Ship

Chicago punk rockers JuiceheaD has been off the charts for a bit but have recently dropped How To Sail A Sinking Ship. This is their second full-length release since their 2007 debut The Devil Made Me Do It. Sure, 7 years is a long time in between albums, but in their defense, there are 20 songs on this new release, a rarity in today’s punk rock recordings.  Not familiar with their sound, I gave it a listen hoping for the best.  The album started out a little slower than anticipated, but things picked up during “Lorraine” and brought back an old school punk rock vibe that I enjoyed.  “Deadly Nightshade” was an entertaining track that had some nice 80’s punk rock vibes contained within.  Hoping that the rest of the album would spark my interest, sadly it did not.  It’s not a terrible listen by any means, it just lacked that extra “oomph” my ears were hoping for and was more rock n roll throughout with a good drum beat that sounded a tad under-produced.  I won’t lie, I was not stoked to see that their album was released on Misfits Records (it should be called MISFIT Records as it’s solely owned by Jerry Only) as most of their releases do not entertain me at all.  Melodic punk rock would be how I would describe How To Sail A Sinking Ship.  It is nothing beyond that to me and I really was hoping for something a little more from these guys.

Transit – Listen & Forgive

Boston’s Transit could be classified as just another pop-punk act, but there is just something about them that makes them stand out over other similar acts.  They have a tougher sound on a few of their songs that proves to me that they have the ability to attack if threatened, but overall have a soft side to them that stands out.  Regardless of how they are viewed by others, I dig this band and I really enjoyed their recent Rise Records release Listen & Forgive. Think Taking Back Sunday meets Saves The Day meets a calmed down New Found Glory.  “You Can’t Miss It” opened the track with a memorable track.  I could have done without Patrick Stump offering vocals on “All Your Heart”.  Seriously, that song did nothing for me.  “Cutting Corners” was, on the other hand, a track I dug a lot with “make every song your anthem and every night your last”, a lyric that pretty mush defined me growing up.  “Long Lost Friends” was a more aggressive track that stood out over the rest.  This band may be unknown to most music fanatics out there, but I have the feeling that will not be for long.  I hope just it has nothing to do with that song Stump was on…

Coffee Project – Concrete Boots EP

Love them or hate them, Coffee Project is a catchy and unique act that many have been talking about recently.  What you need to know about this is this: They are a duo consisting of trombonist Buddy Schaub and Rehasher’s Jake Crown, they are fun, they are catchy and they specialize in brassed out punk pop acoustic rock.  Recently the band dropped an EP titled Concrete Boots that includes their version of “Little Boxes” , the Malvina Reynolds written song turned Weeds intro that has been recorded over and over by all sorts of bands, as well as 4 brand new songs.  The opening track “”Shenandoah” was more of a bluegrass boot-stomping jam that seeming proved the duo has been taking this project seriously.  The accompanying female vocals on the title track was enjoyable although I have no idea who it was.  “Exit Stage Left” was more of an indie rock track that was not half bad while “Laid Up” led back to their standard sound – singing with acoustic guitar and a trombone.  Regardless on how far this band plans on moving in the music scene, they are fun and enjoyable to listen to.  This EP hopefully is just a sample of what they have up their sleeves for their next full length release.

The Flatliners – Count Your Bruises EP

The Flatliners are a Fat Wreck Chords band that I have adored since their early days.  Hailing from Ontario, Canada, they have this great punk rock sound that I appreciate and always seem to release the catchiest punk rock albums.  Seeing how much I dig this band so much, I am shocked to have missed the memo that they released an EP back in August.  Titled Count Your Bruises, the three song EP (also available as a 7″) straight up rules from start to finish.  The title track glided past me quickly as I immediatly found myself trying to memorize the lyrics so I could sing along.  “Sticky Bastards” really sounded like a gritty Gaslight Anthem  song but was in no was a ripoff.  The final track, “This Guy Reads From A Card”, was just as amazing as the first track and by the song’s end I just wanted more.  I suppose I will have to wait though and I will be sure to follow this band and their future releases.  The EP may have been just three songs, but they were all kick ass tracks.  Now all I can hope for is a new full-length from this great band and pray that the next time they roll through my neck of the woods I can see them live.  I caught them briefly at SXSW earlier this year, but it just was not enough.  Wishful thinking right?

I Am The Avalanche – Avalanche United

After 6 long years, Brooklyn’s I Am The Avalanche has dropped their all new album titled Avalanche United. There is no point asking what took so long for Vinnie Caruana and crew to release new material.  All you need to do is listen to Avalanche United once and it is perfectly clear that no explanation is needed as the band has dropped a superb follow-up.  With a mostly positive attitude throughout, the band references NYC and has lyrics that almost coach their friends to embrace the life they life especially heard in opening track “Holy Fuck”.  With that said, there are a couple dark spells throughout like “Amsterdam” that seemingly carries a couple of references to personal separation.  “Brooklyn Dodgers” was an anthem of awesomeness.  I loved this track start to finish.  It was a fist pumping sing along that was just refreshing to listen to.  The beer chugging invite “This One’s On Me” probably sounds a little better mixed with friends – and beers.  Bayside’s Anthony Raneri may have jumped in with some vocals on “The Grave Digger’s Argument”, the the song still just was missing something.  Perhaps I am just more into the tougher singing throughout the album.  Closing track”Gratitude” threw me for a curve at the beginning as it sounded like a 90s alt-rock song but soon picked up and continued on with a good jam that ended this album in a good way.  If you are looking for a catchy album to listen to that leans a bit on the heavy side, check these guys out.

Cleveland, Indie, Music, New Release, Punk, Review, Rock

Album Review: Luther – Siblings & Sevens

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Philadelphia pop punkers Luther recently dropped an EP titled Siblings & Sevens on Black Numbers Records.  This is the bands first official release and I must say, it’s catchy as hell.  Having formed just about a year ago, the band has a great sound to them that compares to The Menzingers, Get Up Kids, and even a little Superchunk.  The EP may only be seven songs, but each song proved this band has the potential of being a big deal.

The acoustic “Siblings” opens up the EP with a gentle, quick start.  Reminding me a lot of something The Riot Before might throw into one of their albums, I loved the song, especially the lyrics, but it just seemed to just stop.  This melodic song alone impressed me even if I felt the guitar was set down too soon.  “This Is Light Fight Club” immediately took over and set the level for the rest of the EP.  I loved the breakdown during this track that really reminded me of the 90s rock I used to adore.  The lyrics on this track begged to be sung along with as well.

“The Suitor” was without a doubt my favorite track on this EP.  Starting off like an old Gaslight Anthem song, it jumped into a tough track.  Carrying a lot of Jawbox similarities, it even had a nice little bridge in the middle with “tell me you don’t want this, tell me you can’t remember” repeating after.  At just over 5 minutes and if I had it my way, would have gone on for 5 more.  I may have been impressed before, but after hearing this track, I was a confirmed fan.

“There’s Always Money” actually featured fellow Philadelphian Tom May of The Menzingers.  I could not help but imagine this song being played in a cramped, humid basement of some random house full of excitable kids.  The gritty, raw singing just fit in well and was far from an overproduced punk rock song.  “The Communion” on the other hand leaned towards more indie rock, almost a Jimmy Eat World feel.  Good song, but not one of my choice tracks by far.  “Aztec Tomb” finished up the EP  with a lasting punk imprint as well as some group vocals at the end leaving me wanting more.

I am really looking forward to seeing what these guys have to offer on their full length release.  I have the feeling that they will not be wasting any time making that happen.  Siblings & Sevens as far as I am concerned is just a sample of of their talent.  The band has been touring like crazy (see below for dates) and will actually playing Cleveland on November 14th with Tom May (The Menzingers) at Now That’s Class.  It’s safe to say I will be there that night.

Check out Luther’s Bandcamp page and check out Siblings & Sevens for yourself!

Music, Music News, Music Video, Punk, Rock, The Awesome, Vinyl

This Charming Man Every Little Secret EP Released

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Should things go well for me, I will have this in my collection shortly:

That my friends, is the limited This Charming Man Every Little Secret EP that Suburban Home Records was so generous to re-release.

Taken from the fine folk at Suburban Home Records (they said it better then I could have):

Previous to forming The Gaslight Anthem, Brian Fallon was the singer of the punk rock outfit This Charming Man. This Charming Man’s debut EP, “Every Little Secret” is filled with catchy sing-a-long hooks and unforgettable lyrics. “Every Little Secret” is the only documentation of this short lived band and this vinyl release not only has the 6 songs from the original release, but it also has 4 untitled demos that were never released. This release is extremely limited due to the fact that this will be 1 of the final 2 Vinyl Cooperative releases. The pressing is 333 on black vinyl, 667 on brown vinyl. Due to copies going directly to coop members, the band, and XoXo who released the record originally, there will only be around 70 copies on black and 500 copies on brown for sale. I would appreciate if if you did not buy more than 1 copy of each variant. Shopradiocastwill be the only place this record will be available other than possibly XoXo or Brian Fallon/Gaslight Anthem. There will be a test press contest to go along with this. Good luck.

The 70 black vinyl EPs apparently sold out in 20 minutes on Shopradiocast.  I am pretty sure I placed one of the first orders.  Lightning speed internet quickness ensured a quick order for this guy.  I was a tad excited to see this surface and wanted to make sure that I grabbed a copy.

There should be a few brown versions left if you are lucky.  This will be a sell out item.

If you fancy yourself a die-hard, try placing a bid on the test pressing of Every Little Secret on TheOldLP.com.

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

EP Review: The Wealthy West – Volume 1 – An EP

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I am back.  That’s right folks, I survived the mean streets of West Virginia once again.  After a week-long escape from everything, I am back.  I have a test already in the class I decided to take this summer so most of this weekend will be focused on studying for that.  I am, however, in need of a break so I thought I would hammer out a quick review of a pretty sweet up and coming folk act.

I would imagine that most of my readers know I have a certain love for Austin, TX.  I think everyone needs to check out that amazing city at least once in their lifetime.  I know I am itching to get back there one day soon.  Anyways, I speak of Austin because that is where Brandon Kinder who goes under the moniker The Wealthy West resides.

Many may know Kinder from The Rocketboys, an indie rock group that he supplies lead vocals to.  Kinder decided to try something on his own, a more personal folky project he calls The Wealthy West.  Fans of soft-spoken indie / folk music (Americana) will really get a kick out of his five song EP entitled Volume 1 – An EP.  It is powerful in the heartfelt department and can easily be compared to Ray LaMontange, Joe Purdy, Frightened Rabbit, and even that of the Avett Brothers.

“Love Is Not Enough” starts off the EP with a nice acoustic riff accompanied by piano playing making for a fun track that just seemed to end way too soon.  “Another Bad Idea” followed in a more gentle indie rock sound that included background vocals and even chimes.

Once I heard “Give Me Resurrection”, I could not help but think of Purdy and LaMontange as Kinder sings slowly over a faint playing acoustic guitar accompanied by whispering background vocals.  The song was really a beautiful piece to check out and had powerful lyrics focusing around the strength of love.  “Home” picked things up in the EP with harmonica joining Kinder’s signing.  “Not A Pretty Pair” ended the quick EP with a more driven sound throughout although singing of remaining stationary due to lack of time.

It’s no mystery anymore, Americana is where it’s at these days and Kinder has no problem writing his own songs to accompany the latest and greatest of a very solid genre of music.  Volume 1 – An EP was a nice and quick listen leaving me, the listener, wanting much more to hear.  With only five songs, I am curious to see what else Kinder has to offer in the near future.

The Wealthy West - Love Is Not Enough
Acoustic, Folk, Indie, Music, New Release, Pop, Punk, Review, Rock

EP Review: Ninja Gun – Roman Nose

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A few years back I was handed a CD by this band called Ninja Gun. All I could think in my head was what in the hell is a Ninja Gun and why is there a peach on the front cover?

Prior to listening to that album, I assumed that they were going to be just another screaming, loud and young act that I would care less about and almost passed it up.  I am glad my curiosity got the best of me though as  I was sorely shocked once I  heard what Ninja Gun was all about. 

They were more of a melodic folk/rock/country driven act that impressed me well past my expectations.  To this day their debut release, Restless Rubes, is spun in my household regularly.

On April 12th Ninja Gun will release a four-song EP entitled Roman Nose on Sabot Productions.  This is the band’s follow up teaser to that 2008 debut Restless Rubes that I almost passed over.

Led by Jonathan Coody, the band has toured with many a punk act in their time thanks to being less than an hour away from Gainsville, the punk rock capital of Florida.  Regardless of their sound, they have always had no problem keeping the punk fans entertained.

Starting off the EP was “That’s Not What I Heard”, a poppy yet chilled-out track that carried layered acoustic  guitars setting a certain mood for a good ol’ porch hangout with friends.  As relaxed as it sounded though, the lyrics were pungent and well-written.

The track “Hot Rain” tells the story of the demise in farming in the band’s hometown.  Just listening to this track I can hear improvement in the band’s sound.  It just sounded so well put together.

“Lepers In Love”, a tune about a  seemingly unjust relationship, was a killer track.  The song carries a certain slow-waltzing feeling at the beginning but rocks out shortly after.

The mellow “Roman Nose” on the other-hand, told the tale of a good man selling an “old thing” an ultimate token of love for his special someone.  Musically it was such a sorrow-sounding song, but became beautiful once the lyrics dissolved in my mind.

All I could think while listening to this EP is how funny it is that Ninja Gun is known to tour with punk bands yet I know they would have no problem playing along side Lucero or opening up for Wilco or even The Avett Brothers. 

I find it humorous that there are a peaches incorporated on the EP’s artwork now knowing that their hometown of Valdosta, GA is surrounded by peach farms.  The first time I saw the cover art for Restless Rubes and the lone peach sitting there, I could not gather why there was a peach on it.  Come on folks, I am from Ohio… 

Valdolsta can be a little busy downtown, but the surrounding areas are quiet towns with not a lot to do.  Trust me, I’ve been there.  It looks like the type of city many folk dream of escaping from and moving on to bigger and better things, but they don’t – not because they are prisoners of the city, but because it’s a really chill and relaxing place to live.

Ninja Gun was once a hidden jem but I am thinking that is all going to be changing very soon.  Roman Nose is just a taste of what this small-town band has in store for their next full release and I could not be happier for them.

Want to hear “That’s Not What I Heard”?  Head over to Magnet Magazine and check it out for yourself!