Sorority Noise "No Halo" Track review and cover of Brand New's "Me vs. Maradona vs. Elvis"

Sorority Noise will be releasing their newest record, You're Not As ___ As You Think, on March 17 via Triple Crown Records. The band's first single, "No Halo" is an intimate and heart wrenching song about dealing with the passing of a friend, something I can personally relate to all too much and too often. The song starts off with an upbeat guitar line reminiscent of some of the best early 2000's emo acts like Taking Back Sunday and Brand New. Cam Boucher finds himself set in the emotional turmoil of dealing with loss of a friend and not being able to be there and battling the urge to leave himself as he sings, "When God called you to fulfill a vacancy I tried to see why it wasn't me."
In my opinion this is the strongest and most vulnerable I have seen the band thus far and I thank you for that , Cam.
Keep on!



I mentioned Brand New earlier and it fits perfectly as Sorority Noise just released a cover of "Me vs. Maradona vs. Elvis" for the purpose of getting people involved and to donate to the ACLU. The cover is a beautifully haunting stripped down version that Cam is so good at producing, and it just so happens to be one of my favorite Brand New tracks.



Both of Cam's bands, Sorority Noise and Old Gray will be donating all proceeds from sales on their bandcamp to the ACLU. Please make sure to donate and buy yourself some great music from great humans in this critical time in our existence. Also make sure to go see Cam perform with Jeff Rosenstock, Ben Hopkins of PWR BTTM, and Eskimeaux in Brooklyn on February 3 to benefit CAIR-NY (Council on American-Islamic Relations).

Hurry 'Casual Feelings' Review

Earlier this year Hurry released Guided Meditations, a full length filled with 90's inspired, nostalgia filled tracks and messages, and now the band is back with a new 3 song ep called Casual Feelings, and it's fantastic.

Hurry is becoming one of my go to bands for all purposes. The songs are relatable and always bring me to other points in my life to reminisce or make me think of the future in a way that doesn't make me sick. The record moves along at the best pace. I don't feel this urgency to get through the songs even though sometimes the lyrical content hits too close to home. It's a slow burn and it moves at a great speed. It needs multiple spins though.

The title track "Casual Feelings" is the standout track for me. Sometimes I buy these really old records from thrift stores. The kind of records that are called "Honeymoon in Paris" or "Vacation in Rome" and I have this daydream of waking up with someone I care about, and it's warm and sunny, and the windows are open, and I put on those records because they are silly but nice, and then we make breakfast or something... yeah I like that stuff, ok? But anyways, this song makes me think of that.

Casual Feelings is out 10/21 on Lame-O Records.
Stream the ep on Brooklyn Vegan
Read my review of Guided Meditations.

Hurry will be laying:
10/14 Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
10/15 Cleveland, OH @ Mahal's w/ Slingshot Dakota, Kississippi
10/28 Philadelphia, PA @ PhilaMOCA w/ Eric Slick, Cherry, Cave People
11/18 New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge w/ Valley Lodge
12/17 Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer w/ The Starting Line, Jank

Suburban Living "Come True" Track Review

Suburban Living just finished recording their sophomore record entitled Almost Paradise which will be out 10/07 via the great 6131 Records. The band released their first single "Come True" courtesy of Impose Magazine early last week.

The track kicks off in a synth daydream until the drums kick in followed by guitar. The song reminds me of something from Twin Peaks. It has that dreamy, white noise aspect to it, and the vocals have a far off quality to them and they sit pretty even with the rest of what's going on. Though sometimes they drift a little further and it gives the song some nice depth. All the different layers, from the synth and drums moving the song forward, to the guitars fluttering in and out, to the constant noise deep in the mix and the effected vocals make this a really solid first offering from this new record. There's lots here to get into and get lost in. Get to it.

Almost Paradise will be out 10/07
Stream "Come True" over at Impose Magazine.

They play 10/08 in Philly at The Foundry

American Football "I've Been So Lost For So Long" Track Review

I never thought I would be able to do this, write a review for American Football, without going back to their self-titled record, but here I am. The self-titled record released back in September of '99 on Polyvinyl has been a staple of my musical influence and a record that has kept a steady rotation on my record player and in my car. It's beautiful, real, vulnerable, and one of the first records I bought as a newcomer to punk, early emo, and hardcore. I am proud to say I have turned many of my friends on to this band with over-excitement.

Now here we are, on the brink of a new record simply titled American Football like the last, and we have our first single. Like I mentioned, I never thought I would be doing this for a new song or record from American Football, and honestly that was ok. It's like some movies that are better left alone, no remakes, no comebacks. It's one of those things where their first record is held so high in so many people's eyes that can a new record compete? But maybe competition isn't what it's about. It's not what should be focused on. Yes, the first record is perfect, but times change, people grow, styles differ, and that will never change the fact that that record is amazing, but it shouldn't hurt the new record at all. It's American Football releasing an American Football record, and it should be looked at as such... Wow, ok sorry for the rant.

So here we are with the first single, "I've Been So Lost For So Long" and it is really nice. On the first few listens I could do nothing but smile. There's great guitar tones and single note patterns with shaky drums and a few nice time signatures and changes. Mike Kinsella is an amazing lyricist and vocalist. I have always been in love with his style and it's still on point. As far as the lyrical content goes, it hits home for me, even as far as the song title goes. It's only recently that I've really figured out who I am as an individual and what I want, so lines like "If you find me, could you please remind me, why I should wake up tomorrow" strike a cord in me. I like this a lot. I don't want to assume the rest of the record will follow suit, but I know either way, it will be incredible.

Stream "I've Been So Lost For So Long" now on Pitchfork.
Pre-order the new record now at Polyvinyl.

Some upcoming shows:
Oct 29 - Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre
Jan 28 - New York, NY @ Terminal 5
Feb 11 - London, UK @ O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
Feb 25 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Ace Hotel Theatre

Notches "Big City" Track Review

It warms my heart when a band from my area kicks ass as much as Notches does, and I'm super stoked for this new ep. Notches will release a tape / 7" entitled Change My Mind on Dead Broke Rekerds. The tape will be available on their upcoming mini tour with Adult Magic, and the 7" will be out later this fall.

In anticipation of their tour and release the band has premiered the first single from the ep courtesy of New Noise Magazine.

On "Big City" Notches has taken a step or ten forward from their LP High Speed Crimes. The song manages to capture a 90's alternative vibe that makes me think of Pete and Pete while still keeping it current and original. It's catchy, it has heavy riffs and softer single notes, the drums are intricate and straight forward, and the bass not only acts as the beef but stands out on its own as well, a feat that not enough bass players can strive for. Notches will easily become one of your favorite bands. A Minimal Crimes guarantee! Plus these dudes are awesome humans and put on an amazing / energetic live show.

Go see them on tour!
Stream the song on New Noise Magazine!
Grab a tape!

Look Mexico "Uniola" Review

My review of Look Mexico's Uniola is published on 36vultures. Hit the link to read it!

Brand New "Out Of Range" Track Review

Brand New are slowly building to something big. With news of a potential break up and incripted t-shirts, to a full North American tour with Modest Mouse, to talk of a new album and the release of re-recorded demo tracks and now three new songs. Something big is going to happen... eventually. But for now, we have "Out Of Range."

The newest track, which was actually leaked a few years back, "Out Of Range," is a little different than the hard hitting and aggressive "Mene" and the Your Favorite Weapon meets The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me infused "I Am A Nightmare."

"Out Of Range" is very Modest Mouse-esque which only fits perfectly with the current tour. The song is drum-less song which moves slowly and steady forward thanks to Lacey's low vocals and clean guitar which leads into some shouted backing vocals. It's dark, emotional, and completely Brand New. This band never ceases to blow me away.

Being my favorite band, I may be speaking with a bias, but there is only one other band (Radiohead) that has been able to create new and incredible music, and release records the way they want to. Brand New continuously surpass themselves with each release and with every performance. I could go on and on but just go listen for yourself. And see them live before you can't.

"Out Of Range" has been released as a B-side exclusive on the Mene 7" which is out now Via Procrastinate! Music Traitors. 3 Demos, Reworked and the "I Am A Nightmare" 12" is also out now.

See both Brand New and Modest Mouse on the few shows they have left on tour!

Listen to "Out Of Range" below!

Sorority Noise "It Kindly Stopped For Me" Review

Sorority Noise's It Kindly Stopped For Me comes out Friday on Topshelf Records but it's streaming now in its entirety over at The Fader. To call the record vulnerable would be an understatement. Singer Cam Boucher told The Fader that after the songs were sent off to the plant that he thought maybe they shouldn't be released. 

This record hits home for me in so many ways. Being from the same hometown and experiencing my fare share of friends deaths and depression, these songs and Cam's honest approach to these situations gives me chills and the feeling that even the worst situations and feelings can turn into something beautiful. 

It Kindly Stopped For Me is tragic and beautiful, and so honest and vulnerable, like I mentioned before. Songs like "Either Way," with that beautiful rolling guitar line and an honest look at suicide and death, and "Fource," which sounds as though Cam wrote the music and then went walking in the woods and recorded the vocal parts on his phone as they came. It's raw, it's real. 

Honesty in music is something special. In an industry filled with recycled bullshit and trends that come and die in a single breath, Sorority Noise is sincerity. 

It Kindly Stopped For Me comes out April 22 on Topshelf Records.

You can still catch the band on tour now!

Small Circle "Melatonin" Review

Small Circle kind of just appeared. Featuring members of Sorority Noise and Rozwell Kid plus newcomer Marissa D'Elia, the band just released this beautiful ep of emotional, subtly urgent songs with the chops of a band that's been together for years.

"We Belong Here," the ep's first track has this great distant sounding, twangy, Modest Mouse style guitar line throughout it. A song about love. Reminiscent of something I wrote about someone one time... That subtle urgency I mentioned reveals itself here. D'Elia sings, "It's so easy to write about you, there's just never enough words," and there's never enough time to do so. So listen to this again.

"Please Don't Touch The Moon," is wonderfully American Football inspired in the pretty guitar playing by Cameron Boucher, but the song has variety in it's approach to the middle of the song. It's darker and the darkness grows even as the song turns back inward to the softer playing. A nice fusion of sound is built up in the background and repetitive vocal melodies introduce this weird blend of claustrophobic open-ness. Like trapped in a glass box in a field.

The ep closes with "It's Just Not Realistic" that turns back to the Modest Mouse instrumentation of "We Belong Here." The dual vocals between D'Elia and Boucher blend so well and each have their own wonderful pieces they bring to the song. This song feels like it could explode at any minute. Like it's constantly teetering on the edge of somber reflection and an emotional breakdown. Vulnerable would be the word I would choose if I could only use one, both for this song and the ep as a whole. A very impressive first effort. I hope we get more, and what about a physical release? Tapes anyone?

Stream / download the ep on bandcamp.

Slingshot Dakota "Paycheck" Track Review

Slingshot Dakota have a new full length coming out on the fantastic Topshelf Records. The record is called Break and will be released on March 11, but the band premiered the first song off the record.

"Paycheck" is a catchy as all hell, fuzzed out jam. The keys have this really great distorted, fuzz infused, effect on them and they rumble through the verses like a muddy riff and are accompanied by some great tom / cymbal work. I love that the band can capture so much and create so much fullness and layers. I'm really digging the direction this song is taking the band in and I hope that the rest of the album will follow suit. I mean just listen to that groove, man!

Slingshot Dakota will be heading out on tour in April.

Birdskulls "Good Enough" and "Sever" track Reviews

Birdskulls debut LP Trickle is coming out on the great Dog Knights Productions label on October 5th. The band has released two singles off the record and they are fantastic 90's influenced emo, grunge, pop goodies.

The first single they released is "Good Enough" and it's so good not just good enough. It has some heavy Nirvana influence, especially in the vocals. It's so nice. The riffs in this song are awesome and so fuzzy. Muff. "I don't want to go to bed" goes the chorus, even though dealing with a heavy heart and a rotten relationship is hard while awake. There is a little change up variation to the main chord progression towards the end that is really fun, and those little high notes on the guitar in the beginning is sweet.

"Sever" which was just released the other day, this is weird I know, but it, makes me think that if Blink 182 was around in the early 90's this is what they would sound like, this song. I dig it a lot. It's only a part of the song that I feel this way, but still cool. It's right after the into piece. Think about it, you'll see it. Anyways, this one is very vocal rich and the guitar creates this great atmosphere of nice underneath. The bass is really driving along with some great steady drums. "I'm alright."

Pre-orders are up now for Trickle here.

Watch the video for "Good Enough" here.

Diet Cig "Sleep Talk/Dinner Date" 7" Review

Diet Cig is an incredible pop duo from New Paltz, NY. This band makes me love stuff. I feel really vulnerable when I listen to them. I remember the first few years out of high school where a lot of my friends were still around. I remember going to shows every week, and going to Denny's at 2 in the morning and cramming into a corner booth in the smoking section and smoking butts and drinking coffee and everything ruled. I remember being in love and how great it is to feel that way and to share stupid little things with someone special. I'm not sure I'm supposed to feel this way when I listen to this band, but I do, and I like it. A Lot a lot!

Singer/guitarist Alex Luciano and drummer Noah Bowman released their debut ep Over Easy earlier this year and it's so wonderful. Just take my word for it and go listen to it and buy it. Ugh, I love it.

Sleep Talk/Dinner Date is the new and upcoming 7" from the band which will be out September 18 via Art Is Hard and Father/Daughter Records.

"Sleep Talk" is the first song on the record and it has this great 90's pop vibe. I absolutely love Alex's voice. So much. Being in love is a frightening thing and telling that person those feelings is even more terrifying, Perfect.

"Dinner Date" has these awesome verse parts where the drums stand out a lot. They are recorded so well and are really nice and full. When the chorus part kicks in it's great. Alex's vocals are overlapping and the guitar and drums are so full. This song is a fucking killer. I would love to be at the show and see this one played live.

This is just wonderful.

Pre-order the record here.

Diet Cig is going on tour in September. Go to their fb for tour dates / tickets.

Pet Symmetry "Pets Hounds" Review

Pet Symmetry recently released their first full length album Pets Hounds. This Chicago power-house features Evan Weiss of Into It. Over It. and Their / They're / There, Erik Czaja of Dowsing and Kittyhawk, and Marcus Nuccio of Mountains for Clouds. After releasing a split with both Dikembe and Slingshot Dakota, and a two song 7" these three glasses wearing gents pooled their respective talents together and have created one of my favorite records of this year.

Sitting somewhere in the realm of emo, power-pop, and indie, Pet Symmetry hash out incredibly catchy energy-filled songs with some of the best lyrics I've heard in a long while. This album is flawless. It's only downfall is that the record is short. All that really means though is you have time to jam through it multiple times. The shorter songs on the record seem to have more punch then some of the longer ones do too, which is really nice.

The record starts with the mellow "My Exhausted Month (Of May)" and it's the prefect opener to this album and one of my favorites. What's so great is the transition from this into "Give Thanks (Get Lost)." The opening to the song is this heavy bass and drum part and it almost feels like the opening song was a tease and your about to dive into some heavy punk record. As soon as you're like, ok let's go, it switches back and it's so nice. They go back to that part later in the song.

"Go Outside (Stare At The Sun)" is my favorite track on the record and one of the shortest so I always have to play it a few times. It's so simple and so great. "Class Action Force (Useless Tools)" is fun and anti-cop which rules and it's about how cops sucks and bust kids for fun. A fun song about how cops suck which leads into "Use Your Illusion III (Knock Knock Knockin' On Evan;s Door)" which is one of the longer songs on the record. This songs is more straightforward and steady which is nice beacause it forces you to notice how great Evan's voice is and how sweet the lyrics are. When the songs are steady like this as opposed to the faster songs, it shows how great these musicians are too. Like my best friend Tim says, "less is more," and it's so true. These dudes know how much is necessary and they are so good. Man oh man.

"Space Ex-Perception (No... Sleep... Til Bedtime)" is one of the funnest songs on the record. Evan sings, "You were the last to know it's my bedtime. I was the last to know it's past bedtime." Enough said. "Aisle (Or Window)" is in my opinion the darkest song on the record and it only lasts for a bit. The riff is darker and rad. The transition into Cereal Killer (Rellik Laerec)" is so good. Some heavy chugging and then, bam, right into it. This song is the shortest and the funnest. This may be tied for first as my favorite song.

"Gone, Gone, Gone (Even Further Gone)" is another one of those songs that slows the pace of the record down and makes you focus on the content and musicianship. I love that. It's also the second longest song. Really great. There are claps!

The album closes with "Salad Daze (Seein' Cred)" and like the opening song, it's perfect as the closer. This song has weight to it. It's the tear-jerker for sure. It's slow and beautiful and heart-felt. It's in my top three favorite songs on the record. It's a definite throwback to some 90's era, taking me back to the good old days type stuff. Just incredible.

Not only is this a fantastic album both lyrically, musically, and production-wise, but you just know these guys are loving it so much. I was lucky enough to see them on tour in July when they came through Boston and they are just solid dudes. Their live set is so energetic and Evan's stage presence and the way they react with the crowd is really stand up. There's a vibe you get from bands that really actually care that you are having a good time and enjoying everything. They were honestly so stoked to be playing as this band isn't their main band, but in my opinion it's the best.

Pick up the record from Asian Man Records and go see them on tour right now before it's over.