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:::::: APRIL 21st, 2008 ::::::
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Out Now
IN THE FACE OF WAR - WE MAKE OUR OWN LUCK [PEE]
13 tracks of melodic hardcore from this US outfit. While they aren't writing any new chapters in the book, they manage to hold your attention throughout the album. It's energetic, in your face and sounds a treat. Lots of tough bits, tonnes of sing-along bits and a consistent sound throughout the 30 minutes of tunes they throw at you. Highlights include 'Who Will Be There', 'Revival' and 'Untitled'. Worth a listen if fast paced melodic hardcore is your thing.
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~~~ PICK OF THE LITTER ~~~

Out Now
ZXSPECKY - ONE SIZE TO SMALL, BLUE [INDEPENDENT]
Perth has a new best kept secret, their name Zxspecky. One listen to this album and i'm kicking myself for not knowing of them earlier. Takes me well back to the fun 90's punk rock where it was all about short songs, simple, smart & quirky lyrics and no over the top wankery. 12 songs, 21 minutes and a whole lotta highlights. 'M.Flash', 'Morning Birds', 'In Chicken We Trust', 'Service Oriented' and 'The Instrumental At The Start Of Your Set Sucks Arse (I've Got Something For Your Lead Singer' are all instantly memorable. Go to their website, download their stuff then grab a copy. Top stuff, wish there was more like it.
[WEBSITE] [MYSPACE] - Available Independently -
Buy Online from 78 Records [$15.00]
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Out Now
AS TALL AS LIONS - AS TALL AS LIONS [TAPERJEAN]
45 minutes of indie-pop/rock from these recent visitors to our shores, if you caught them live, then you'd know what to expect with this album. Well structured, lengthy songs that have charm. Not the kind of charm that will make them the next MTV darlings or whatever, the charm that will appeal to the ears of folks not seeking big catchy choruses, but solid songs throughout. You'll need to be in the mood and have some patience to get right through it, but if you persist, chances are you'll be kept happy with what's on offer.
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~~~ FIRST LOOK ~~~

Available
April 26th
NEW FOUND GLORY - TIP OF THE ICEBERG [BRIDGE NINE]
NFG get a little harder on this new release, away from the polished major label sounds, they've got this EP available on hardcore label Bridge Nine. The first 3 tracks are new songs, a little heavier than we have heard from them in the past, a welcome sound. Then there are three covers Gorilla Biscuits, Shelter and Lifetime. All of which are pretty decent versions too. The gem in this package though is the 'bonus album' from International Superheroes Of Hardcore', which is a bit of a tongue in cheek fun hardcore band, for this Chad Gilbert takes over vocal duties and Jordan picks up Chad's guitar. They take the piss, they have a laugh, and they do it all sounding very decent indeed. Refreshing to see a band who has the pop-punk world in the palm of it's hands, taking a different approach, and pulling it off, this release is only going to help them continue to hold that crown. A little something for everyone on here, check it out, chances are you won't be disappointed.
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Out Now
DOWN AND AWAY - RECLAIM THE RADIO [WARBIRD]
Long running Swedish punk outfit Down And Away get their first international release in the form of this 'best of' style collection. Tracks spanning from their 10 year career. Think Rancid, Voice Of A Generation & Time Again styled street punk, with a dose of The Ramones. All delivered fast and energetic. Lots of sing along type numbers, big on the backup vocals to give a pretty impressive sound overall. Not too much room for originality in the whole street punk genre, but there are no moments of boredom here, so they've done their job well.
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~~~ FIRST LOOK ~~~

Available
April 26th
THE HELLACOPTERS - HEAD OFF [SHOCK]
Last year these Swedish rockers announced they would be hanging up the guitars after quite a fruitful career, many were crushed. Thankfully though they are leaving with the appropriately titled 'Head Off' as their final statement. 14 tracks of their trademark rock 'n roll, that very few have come close to, despite so many trying to emulate. Fans of the band will lap this one up, they certainly are going out on top of their game, plenty of fun / upbeat rock cuts that will have you ripping out the air guitar. This release also includes a couple of covers that the band has done, of The Powder Monkeys and The Yes Men, two highly influential Melbourne bands. Whether you are a long time fan adding a final touch to your collection, or someone looking for a new favourite rock 'n roll band, I think you'll be well satisfied with 'Head Off'.
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Out April 26th
SLEEPERCAR - WEST TEXAS [DINE ALONE]
Jim Ward is a busy man these days, Sparta, his solo project and now Sleepercar, his alt.country / Americana type band. Many years in the making, now finally the debut is unleashed. Many artists seem to be heading down this road style wise of late, most doing it well, this one no different, a welcome, fresh sound where songwriting skills really take centre stage. 11 tracks on offer here providing 40 minutes of folky / chilled out tunes with that familiar voice up front. The songs are powerful, without being loud, memorable without being overly catchy and delivered with a passion that cuts through the walls of the studio and lets you feel the vibe going on. Next time you want something to chill out to, make it this album.
[MYSPACE] - Available April 26th Through Shock -
Buy Online from Play4me.com.au [$24.10]
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Out Now
PERIAH - CONVERSATIONS [AMPHEAD]
From the western suburbs of Sydney come Periah, their style being heavy melodic rock with a metal influence. Slick production with a big focus on bring the vocals right out in the mix, and overall it sounds great. Songs are solid for what they are, it's not really the kinda thing I listen to often, so they're doing alright if my ears are agreeing. Probably best listened to in bits and pieces, otherwise it does tend to get a little samey by the end. Solid effort for a local act though, giving themselves every chance with a well put together package.
[WEBSITE] [MYSPACE] - Available Through Amphead -
Available Instores Now
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~~~ FIRST LOOK ~~~

Available
May 3rd
FOUR YEAR STRONG - RISE OR DIE TRYING [SHOCK]
Blasting out of nowhere it would seem is this young US outfit, announcing their tour a couple of weeks back, now their album will be out here to coincide. So who are they and are they any good? 12 tracks on offer, mostly based around a pop-punk sound, with a bit of grunt in the tank. Hardly offering anything new, but they have their charm, and heck it's a lot better than half the junk being released these days. They combine all the working elements of pop-punk and hardcore together and throw in a synth. After a while it begins to get a little on the nerve though, one of those albums that will probably impress on the first few listens, then move to the bottom of your pile. Production is schmick, and as far as harder edge pop-punk goes, they do it well.
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
Click on the More Info link next to any title to check out the album on Play4me.com.au.

Pre-order an album and you'll get free postage!
APRIL
21 - Flight Of The Conchords - S/T [More Info]
21 - Goldfinger - Hello Destiny [More Info]
21 - Cancer Bats - Hail Destroyer [More Info]
21 - Kaki King - Dreaming Of Revenge
21 - Story Of The Year - The Black Swan [More Info]
21 - Supersuckers - Awesomemelogy [More Info]
21 - Closure In Moscow - Penance & The Patience [More Info]
21 - Flamingo Crash - Triangle Island [More Info]
28 - Atmosphere - When Life Gives You
28 - Lucero - Shut Up & Play That...
28 - The Roots - Rising Down
28 - From First To Last - From First To Last [More Info]
28 - Blood Sport - Imprisonment [More Info]

MAY
5 - The Galvatrons - When We Were Kids
5 - Jeff Buckley - Live From The Road [More Info]
5 - Aerosmith - The Very Best Of [More Info]
5 - Dukes Of Windsor - It's A War [More Info]
12 - Sparkadia - Too Much To Do
19 - Dresden Dolls - No, Virginia
19 - Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs
19 - Shihad - Beautiful Machine [More Info]
26 - Trial Kennedy - New Manic Art
26 - 36 Crazyfists - The Tide & Its Takers

[See More On Our Upcoming Releases Page]

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
WITCH - PARALYZED
Second album from this outfit that features Dinosaur Jr's J. Mascis on the drums. It's one you need patience for, long tracks that are part rock, part grunge, part punk and part metal. Problem is the songs really go nowhere, which is probably the whole intention in the first place. The whole buzzsaw kinda distortion sound has never really grabbed my attention.
[WEBSITE] - Out Now Through Inertia
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ROLLINS BAND - LIFE TIME
The original Rollins Band album gets it's 3rd re-issue. Recorded back in 1987 with next to no cash and Ian Mackaye at the desk. 9 studio tracks and 4 live cuts are what you get, as well as a bit of a history lesson. Classic punk rock worth re-visiting, or visiting for the first time.
[WEBSITE] - Out Now Through Inertia
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IN FICTION - LIAR LIAR
I'm sure we've heard this song 100 times, by 100 different bands with 100 different sets of lyrics. By the textbook pop that doesn't offer anything new or original, a generic chorus to sucker in the easily influenced and a slick production to appeal to radio. If the whole 'I wanna sound American', cheesy pop thing is your thing, then you'd probably wanna pick this up.
[WEBSITE] - Out Now On Boomtown
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NIXIN - HIGHWAY
Pretty decent Aussie rock on offer from this Sydney outfit, four track EP with some catchy high octane rock 'n roll on show. Loads better than most of the hyped up so-called 'rock bands' going around today. Title track is the highlight, only downside is the presentation, the artwork throughout is a bit of a let down.
[WEBSITE] - Out May Independently
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Click for more information
:::::: TRACK BY TRACK ::::::

TRACKLISTING
1. "One Will Hear The Other"
2. "Rule The World"
3. "Hard To Please"
4. "Beautiful Machine"
5. "Vampires"
6. "Count It Up"
7. "Waiting Around For God"
8. "Chameleon"
9. "Eliza"
10. "The Bible And The Gun"
11. "When You Coming Home"
12. "The Prophet"



INSTORES MAY 17TH
MUSHROOM | WARNER

THE VERDICT
The album starts off with much promise, but burns out well before the halfway mark, there is very little vibe, next to no energy bar a couple of tracks and really struggles to keep your attention. With a solid lead single I was expecting different, but good things, sadly that didn't eventuate and to put it bluntly, it's damn boring for the most part.

"One Will Hear The Other" gets things off with a bang, not as heavy a bang as we've probably come to expect from these guys in the past, but they've always had the melody, and in this track it's on overload. Once you have adjusted to the pace and style, the track has infected you and it's chorus won't go anywhere soon. An infectious beginning, great track.

"Rule The World" is a bouncy number, driven by a repetitive guitar riff that flows right through the song. Extremely power-pop, another one that after a few listens really inflicts itself on you, the band is treading new ground, and so far doing a fine job of it.

"Hard To Please" is a pretty standard track, doesn't really offer to much except for a decent chorus, nothing to write home about really.

"Beautiful Machine" has an intro that grabs your interest back, wondering what direction this one will head in, again very poppy, one suited for head bopping and handclaps, I really like the production on this one, some will probably argue it's all sounding a little too polished, but i think for this kind of song, the style works. Guitars sound a treat.

"Vampires" It's about this point in the album where the slower paced songs are starting to lose the appeal, and begin to drag, this one is not a bad song, but it's nothing special either, and probably a victim of placement, so far the pace really hasn't lifted and this track makes that noticeable.

"Count It Up" should have been a track or two earlier, finally a bit of energy, pace and something different. A nice gutsy number.

"Waiting Around For God" slips back into slow mode, the slowest track so far on the album, not feeling it at all, this one just drags for the whole 5 minutes 13 seconds.

"Chameleon" has some tidy guitar work littered throughout, but aside from that, also fails to really jump out beyond 'filler' status, backing vocals become pretty annoying by about the halfway mark. Chorus isn't half bad.

"Eliza", every band these days has a track with a hint of marching band in the drums, this one rides on that kind of beat, sadly it's another track that sticks to the same pace all the way through, and like watching a snail move around, it's hard to keep your attention focused on the song as it drags along.

"The Bible And The Gun" sounds like something Angels And Airwaves dished up on their last album, and just like that, this one fails to keep my attention and even the slightest distractions around me seem like a better option, there just seems to be no feeling, no build up, just flat lining through each song.

"When You Coming Home" is pretty much the same as above, as i try and give each track it's own attention, i'm struggling, the charm of an album is it's flow, now all the tracks on this album aren't flowing at all, they're trickling. I'm all for a ballad type track here and there, but it seems ever since 'Count It Up' every track since then has pretty much sounded the same.

"The Prophet" isn't going to end the album any different unfortunately, no big ending, just another standard track that sounds like the last however many, with the addition of a piano and an even slower drawing out.

:::::: PREVIOUS 2008 LOWDOWNS ::::::
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[Monday April 21st] - Shihad, In The Face Of War, Zxspecky, As Tall As Lions, New Found Glory, Down And Away, The Hellacopters, Sleepercar, Periah, Four Year Strong, Witch, Rollins Band, In Fiction, Nixin.
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[Monday April 7th] - Goldfinger, No Use For A Name, Cancer Bats, Zico Chain, Good Riddance, Fall Out Boy, Julia Nunes, Veebees, Panic At The Disco, Jackson United, Foals, Liam Finn, Galvatrons, Paramore.
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[Monday March 24th]
- Pennywise, New Found Glory, Anti-Flag, Broadway Calls, Polar Bear Club, Little Athletics, Levon's Crown, Closure In Moscow, Queens Of The Stone Age, Jim Ward, Dan Mangan, Boom Boom Satellites.
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[Monday March 10th]
- Millencolin, Triple J's Hottest 100, The Matches, Saosin, Suburban Movement, Soundwave, Serj Tankian, Young Knives.
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[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.
...