My Chemical Romance and The Black Parade - Australia & New Zealand 2007
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:::::: MARCH 3RD, 2008 ::::::

Out This Week
SMASHING PUMPKINS - AMERICAN GOTHIC [REPRISE]
It just isn't the same as the glory days is it? I guess the die hard's are just happy to have their idols back and embrace everything they put out. Sure 'Zeitgeist' wasn't bad, and nor is this 4 track EP of unreleased material, most of which acoustic based, but it just doesn't hold up to the classic releases. The songs are passable at best, nothing really offers excitement, or something that makes you just go, "shit yeah, they haven't lost it". I think i'll stick to the classics and remember when they did offer sounds that were not just run of the mill rock.
[WEBSITE] - Available Through Warner -
Buy Online from Play4me.com.au [$9.17]
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Out Now
PAINT IT BLACK - NEW LEXICON [JADETREE]
This band has all the ingredients covered for something I would expect to love, something has gone a little wrong in the cooking process though, I can't pinpoint what it is just yet, but this album leaves me a little disappointed, i've tried and tried, giving it multiple listens, and while knowing it's good, no sparks are flying as each track rolls by, most sounding pretty much the same as the one before it. Maybe their reputation has me expecting something more, maybe they've caught me in a picky week, but I'm struggling to say it's anything more than passable. Maybe i'll come around after a few more listens. Give it a go, you might enjoy it more.
[WEBSITE] - Available Through Inertia -
Buy Online from Play4me.com.au [$22.42]
~~ PICK OF THE LITTER ~~

Out Now
MURDER BY DEATH - RED OF TOOTH & CLAW [VAGRANT]
What an introduction, 'Coming Home' simply tells you that you are in for something special with this album. Everything about the track just oozes awesome. This is alt-country the way it should be. And do not take the term 'country' the wrong way, this is not some 'heel 'n toe shit' this is 'get fucked up on whiskey, sit on your porch, angry at the world' shit. It's dark, it's moody and it's oh so addictive. Every song paints a picture in your mind, you hang off every vocal line just itching for what will come next. Additional instrumentation from your standard guitar, drums, bass, they have a cello, and make use of a piano, keys, trumpet and more throughout the album. This sound will appeal to a wide range of ears, so give it a go, hopefully you will be as pleasantly surprised as I was. It sounds like nothing you would usually listen to, and that is part of what makes it so damn great. Get comfy, because you'll be listening the whole 40 minutes.
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Out Now
A CURSIVE MEMORY - CHANGES [VAGRANT]
The latest wave of alternative pop seems to have sent out a memo to every second pop-punk band, "add a keyboard now", add to that upgraded studio technology allows for singers to get that awful overproduced sound happening. Like any trend, as soon as a few bands make an impact, (Motion City Soundtrack, Hellogoodbye etc) out come the copycats. This album is a 16yold's wets dream, simple pop music makes the foundation, then occasionally they land the well rehearsed stage jumps to land on the distortion pedal. These guys don't really offer anything that we haven't already heard, but hey, if you dig cheesy pop-rock, then here's another for your collection, (that you'll deny ever owning when the next fad comes along).
[WEBSITE] - Available Through Shock -
Buy Online from Play4me.com.au [$24.10]
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Out Now
THE RAVEONETTES - LUST LUST LUST [AMPHEAD]
I've never really understood arty farty music, so when this band decides to hurt your ears with their painful distortion sounds in the opening track, i pretty much know this one is not going to be my thing. Great way to attract listeners, let's just lay a track of painful sounding noise over the top of our track... Maybe it's a one off thing? Nope, second track we get exactly the same thing. From here on in, I can only find myself skipping through small portions of each track, hunting maybe for something appealing, but alas, it's not to be found here, just a moment of pop, followed often by awful noise explosions, then back into unappealing pop.
[WEBSITE] - Available Through The Orchard -
Buy Online from Play4me.com.au [$18.58]
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Out Now
THIS IS HELL - MISFORTUNES [TRUSTKILL]
A nice dose of in your face hardcore from this New York act. Full of energy and pace, this album is bound to impress many. The drumming is outstanding, and worth picking up for alone. From start to finish this album is flat out, no bullshit typical New York Hardcore, plenty of gang vocals and a decent scream on the vocalist, just what you want from a hardcore band. Don't be surprised if this album shoots these guys to the top of their genre, It's quality from start to finish. Sure it won't appeal to all, but if you like it hard and fast, it'll do you no harm to pick this one up.
[WEBSITE] - Available Through Shock -
Buy Online from Play4me.com.au [$24.10]
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Out Now
THE USED - SHALLOW BELIEVER [REPRISE]
Something to keep the fans happy between albums, The Used have released this digital EP loaded with b-sides, mostly from the 'Lies For The Liars' sessions and a couple of older ones. The diehard fans probably have these tracks already, but for the casual observer there is pretty much an albums worth of unheard material on offer, most of it is not half bad either. Quite a few highlights emerge, 'Into My Web' and 'My Pesticide' two of the better tracks that are a surprise that they never made the cut for albums. Overall, don't expect to be amazed, as they are b-sides for a reason, but for a fan of the band this will be a worthy purchase.
[WEBSITE] - Available Through iTunes -
Buy Online at iTunes
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THE BEER SCALE
Beer is good, this though, was not.
Like a match with no head, didn't spark a flame.
Not bad, give it a go, might appeal to you.
Solid effort, worthy of a spot in your collection.
The beer can wait, go buy this now!
  Don't just take our word for it, our thoughts aren't the be all and end all and are just that, our thoughts, go check out these new releases for yourself and make up your own mind!
UPCOMING RELEASES
MARCH
3 - The Black Crowes - Warpaint [Order]
3 - Flogging Molly - Float [Order]
3 - Our Last Night - The Ghosts Among Us [Order]
3 - Billy Bragg - Mr Love And Justice
3 - Murder By Death - Red Of Tooth & Claw [Order]
3 - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! [Order]
3 - Die! Die! Die! - Promises, Promises
3 - Smashing Pumpkins - American Gothic [Order]
10 - As Tall As Lions - As Tall As Lions
10 - Angela's Dish - War On Time [Pre-Order]
10 - In The Face Of War - We Make Our Own Luck
10 - Gyroscope - Breed Obsession [Pre-Order]
10 - Various - Triple J Hottest 100 Volume 15 [Pre-Order]
10 - Various - Crusty Demons Unleash Hell '08 [Pre-Order]
10 - Panic At The Disco - Nine In The Afternoon [Pre-Order]
10 - Moneen - DVD
10 - Presidents Of The USA - These Are Good Times People
10 - Her Nightmare - Come Anarchy, Come Ruin
10 - Less Than Jake - Losers, Kings.. [Re-Issue]
10 - Less Than Jake - Pezcore [Re-Issue]
10 - Less Than Jake - Goodbye Blue & White [Re-Issue]
10 - Less Than Jake - Peoples History Of [DVD Re-Issue]
10 - Jeff Buckley - Live From The Road [CD/DVD] [Pre-Order]
10 - Mike Patton - A Perfect Place [CD/DVD]
15 - The Matches - A Band In Hope
15 - Skindred - Roots Rock Riot [Pre-Order]
17 - DeVotchKa - A Mad & Faithful Telling
22 - Millencolin - Machine 15
22 - Even - Even [Pre-Order]
24 - New Found Glory - Hits [Pre-Order]
28 - R.E.M - Accelerate
29 - Pennywise - Reason To Believe
29 - Panic At The Disco - Pretty.Odd
31 - Anti-Flag - The Bright Lights Of America [Pre-Order]
31 - The Black Keys - Attack & Release
APRIL
7 - Bad Religion - New Maps Of Hell [Deluxe Edition]
19 - Flight Of The Conchords - Flight Of The Conchords
21 - Story Of The Year - The Black Swan

Details are correct to the best of our knowledge at time of publishing, some titles might hit shelves 2-3 days before the published release date, if you have a date to submit or correct, email us!
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QUICKIES
THE RED PAINTINGS - WE BELONG IN THE SEA
"Art-rock", a term that usually to me translates as "boring", but in this case, a two track single from this Brisbane group, funded by their fans nonetheless is quite addictive. Frontman Trash McSweeny has quite the voice on him, and as a group, they've come up with a couple of interesting pieces. I don't know if i can handle much more than two songs, but the lead single, is very impressive.
[WEBSITE] [MYSPACE]
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THE DEATH SET - ALBUM SAMPLER
In April this former Gold Coast now US based act release 'Worldwide', this preview has a few of their electro-punk tracks. Nothing really to get excited over, especially when two of the tracks pretty much are a loop of the words "The Motherfucking Death Set" being yelled over and over again. Not exactly what I'd pass a creative talent, but hey, some obviously do.
[WEBSITE]
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SIMPLE PLAN - SIMPLE PLAN
They're back, as painful as ever. They've got the boy band thing nailed down, surely they're double the age of their fan base and still singing about teenage life. The most bland, predictable lyrics delivered to generate dollar signs, there is nothing genuine about this at all, everything is overproduced and all bubblegum. But hey did we really thing they would suddenly get good?
[WEBSITE]
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:::::: TRACK BY TRACK ::::::

TRACKLISTING
1. Snakeskin
2. All In On One
3. These Days
4. Australia
5. Ok
6. Weapon. Enemy. Friend
7. Polyphons And Multidors
8. River Between
9. Her Design
10. 1981
11. Silver Heart
12. Time



INSTORES MARCH 8TH
MUSHROOM | WARNER

Pre-Order Now for [$28.11] and get it delivered to you free! [Here]

"Snakeskin" kicks off proceedings, you've no doubt heard this one by now, and if you haven't, well be prepared to hear a lot more of it blasting through your tv over the next few months. Upon first listen there were mixed thoughts, but over the last month or so it has really planted itself into my brain as a classic. It takes parts from what we've heard in the past, while also including parts that show the direction the band is heading.

"All In On One" will have fists flying towards the air and hundreds of mouths screaming "hey hey" in unison once this gem is added to the band's live set. A powerful balls out rock track that just oozes confidence as if to say "screw the textbook, this is how we write rock music" and it works. The vocals are a highlight as they bounce all over the place, but it's the chorus that makes this one memorable.

"These Days" showcases just how well this band can build up a song. A slow intro soon turns into a big chorus, then slips back down the smooth alley before knocking you down one more time. It's typical Gyroscope in a way, but it's also something different for them, it might take a few extra listens, but give it time and you'll be off the fence lapping it up in this tracks backyard.

"Australia" is where the lights dim, the smoke builds up and the focus shifts solely up front to the man with the mic. Backed by simple marching band style drums to start, it turns into quite a layered affair. There is lot's going on musically to drive the song along without interfering with the main goings on. You'd be happy with this song done with a snare drum and acoustic guitar, but the additional instrumentation takes it to the next level. Bound to be a favourite to many.

"OK" is an interesting tune, a bit of evil lurking about in the general mood and lyrics. It's taken me quite a few listens to absorb, and i think it'll probably take a bunch more before that stalker implants this tune into my favourite's list. It's not a bad or average song by any means, just not as instantly appealing as the majority of the tracks these guys put out. Give it a month and i'll probably claim it as a favourite, it seems like that sort of track that the slightest little thing sets off a trigger, and you suddenly "get it"

"Weapon.Enemy.Friend", if the bass introduction doesn't tell you what you are about to be hit with, then get some new ears. The first verse offers a little distraction while the chorus sneaks up, takes aim and bam.. you are all over. A heavy, in your face number that will go down a treat live (and give the lighting technician a workout). I really like the fact that the bass is so forward in the mix, gives you a whole new listening experience.

"Polyphons And Multidors", speaking of new listening experiences, this is Gyroscope in a way you haven't heard them before. Probably written around a campfire on a beach one summer... well probably not, but that's what you can picture, a really smooth summery track with a slight reggae tinge peeking through. Another one that will prove to be a favourite with the listener.

"River Between" is a nice little power-pop tune for the most part, another one of those numbers that builds up so well you hardly even notice until suddenly it's all rocking out. Very memorable chorus, the melody really draws you in.

"Her Design" keeps up the power-pop setting, a little more upbeat this time around, some nice time changes throughout don't disrupt the flow. This one oozes happy juice, you'll be tapping along and swaying as you listen. It's very different to what you might expect judging from previous releases, but it's difference makes it one of the album's highlights.

"1981" is the current single, on this one they take that little electronic path, again, very different, and rattled me a little upon first inspection, but with every further listen, became more infectious and I was hooked.

"Silver Heart" moves away from the powerful stuff and offers some 90's indie rock on the table. Good singalongs.

"Time" sounds like someone's just sat through a bunch of Pink Floyd albums on a bender, picked up a guitar and started writing... inspired. Another track that utilizes the piano to introduce proceedings, a mellow pace throughout where so many things take centre stage, sure the vocals are what you most here, but whack some headphones on and crank this baby and you'll hear a lot more. I love a song that paints a picture in your mind. Part Pink Floyd, part Bowie's Space Oddity and part Gyroscope, as this one fades out, closing things up, you can't help but feel satisfied.

:::::: PREVIOUS 2008 LOWDOWNS ::::::
[Monday March 3rd] - Gyroscope, Smashing Pumpkins, Paint It Black, Murder By Death, A Cursive Memory, The Raveonettes, This Is Hell, The Used, The Red Paintings, The Death Set, Simple Plan.
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[Monday February 18th]
- The Gaslight Anthem, Forgiven Rival, The Phoenix Foundation, X-Box Presents... Start, Dora Mah, Subwaste / Tommy Gustaffson & The Idiots, The Reason, Panic At The Disco, Shihad.
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[Monday February 11th]
- Time Again, Socratic, Bedouin Soundclash, The Getaway Plan, Angela's Dish, Juno Soundtrack, Boys Like Girls, Regular John, Louis XIV.
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[Monday February 4th]
- The Loved Ones, Chris Walla, Fast Forward - Indie Trax #2, Bullet For My Valentine, Promise Of Redemption, Mae, Enter Shikari, Jack Johnson, Unpaid Debt.
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[Monday January 28th]
- Flogging Molly, Vice Pirate, 50 Years Of Australian Rock 'N Roll, Our Last Night, Sherwood, Change!, Pee Approved #4, The Mars Volta, Danny Diablo, The Hampdens, Carpathian, Pee Zine.
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[Monday January 21st]
- Horrorpops, Lungs, The Audition, The Contact, Rise Against, Gyroscope, Milloy, The Gaslight Anthem, Dark Skies, Straightjacket Nation, Puddle Of Mudd, Damien Rice.
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[Monday January 14th]
- City And Colour, Run! Hide!, Protest The Hero, Teenage Bottlerocket, Dub Trio, Too Pure To Die, Memphis May Fire, The Leap Year, Mindless Self Indulgence, Crapulous Gee Gaw, Liam Finn, Blackpool Lights.
...