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Out Now |
NEW
FOUND GLORY - HITS [GEFFEN]
I never really took too much notice of how
fun this band was, until you compile their best songs onto one disc.
They've had some strong albums and plenty of great tracks, but there
has always been filler. Not this time though. All the big tracks
and a couple of rare ones thrown in for good measure, this compilation
is pretty much the soundtrack to a damn good party. You know all
the words, so does everyone around you, then you do your best to
throw that whiney american accent onto yours to try and sound close
to Jordan as you sing along. But probably fail. Hit after hit, you
can't really go wrong, well unless you already own every album.
Plenty of good times listening through this one, and the rare tracks
are a solid addition.
|
Out 29th March |
ANTI-FLAG
- THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF AMERICA [RCA]
The second major label album from this long
running punk rock act, a little less controversy this time around,
but no shortage of their typical infectious tracks. It doesn't take
long for the anthemic moments to grab your attention. Something
this album is really heavy in, is backing vocals, stronger and louder
than ever they provide plenty of fist in the air, yell your lungs
out moments. I think they've taken a few listens to the latest Against
Me! album as well, there are a few songs that have a similar kinda
vibe happening. Plenty of fast action and to break it up there are
also some solid just plain rock moments and even a slower moment
or two, so you get a nice mixed bag. Nothing groundbreaking, but
another solid, consistent album from these guys. Not sure it'll
grab as much commercial attention as the last, but fans won't be
disappointed.
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Out Now |
GO
JIMMY GO - ESSENTIALS [SCORCHA]
A compilation of tracks from this hawaiian
reggae outfit's previous releases for the european audience. After
listening through this, it's safe to say that all I wanted to do
was go for a long walk through the sand to a bar on the beach, pick
up a cocktail, jump into a hammock and listen to them play these
tunes on a summer afternoon. Sure you could say that about just
about every reggae band, but these guys have that added flavour
that you just can't refuse. It's a lengthy one, 19 tracks, all of
a pretty decent length, so if chilled out sounds are what you need,
this one will get you right through the afternoon. Worth checking
out if you dig a bit of reggae / rock steady / soul with a nice
hawaiian flavour.
|
Out Now |
BROADWAY
CALLS - [ADELINE]
I love a good surprise, and the surprise with
this one is simply, why aren't these guys massive? This album was
originally released on State Of Mind mid 2007, and has recently
been picked up by Adeline Records (who know a thing or two about
great pop-punk). This one is exactly how I like my pop-punk, and
when i say that term, I don't mean the cheesy over the top mainstream
stuff, nor do I mean the underground / gritty stuff. Broadway Calls
are the perfect balance of the two, it will appeal to many, but
it holds it's own, they don't sound like they've set out to make
radio singles, just a solid selection of tunes one after the other.
They aren't ripping anyone off, sure they aren't really treading
new ground either, but they have that "thing" where you
just know you are hearing something special. For a debut album the
quality is leaps and bounds above what you'd usually expect. The
vocals are the furthest thing from annoying, which is usually the
downfall of pop-punk outfits, then throw in the fact that no song
is a dud, this album is quality through and through. If these guys
can pull the sound off live, you'll be hearing a whole lot more
from them in the future I can guarantee it.
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Out Now |
POLAR
BEAR CLUB - SOMETIMES THINGS JUST DISAPPEAR [RED
LEADER]
This band has their sound slutting around
a few of punk rock's pigeonholes, which makes for a nice mixed listen,
and very few moments of disinterest. For fans of Hot Water Music,
Against Me!, Kid Dynamite and Crime In Stereo. They offer moments
of gritty rock with that whole gravelly yet melodic vocal thing
while also a few moments of just flat out melodic punk rock and
all that comes in between. There is plenty of highlights scattered
through the album, and if you give it a few runs you start to discover
more and more memorable bits, like a fine wine, it only get's better
with age. It's safe to say that once the word of mouth spreads about
these guys they will be a favourite new discovery for many. You
won't be wasting your time checking this album out.
|
Out 19th April |
CLOSURE
IN MOSCOW - THE PENANCE & THE PATIENCE [TAPERJEAN]
If you are into the current wave of bands
with the whole high pitched vocals happening over tight, but choppy
sounds that bounce around all over the place, then these guys are
for you. Young and relatively new to the scene, you can tell the
band has thrown everything they have into this release, the production
and package is all of a high quality, but very Americanized. This
kind of sound is currently booming in the US, with every second
band seemingly having a shot at it, so it would've been nice to
hear a bit of an Aussie flavour to it, to make it sound different
from their influences. The songs are long, and i guess you could
call it 'arty' in a way, Though i'm a man of simple tastes, so it
all drags on a bit too much, and this style of vocal rarely appeals
to me. You can tell they've worked hard on it, and the sounds are
good for what it is, I just find this whole sound overall really
hard to get into. Give it a go though, if bands like Circa Survive
can keep you interested, then these guys might too.
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Out 29th March |
LITTLE
ATHLETICS - AUTUMN GIANTS [INDEPENDENT]
A Melbourne based three piece outfit are Little
Athletics, two guitars and drums, and a nice raw / edgy rock sound
with a grungy influence shining through. Female vocals also give
it a hint of pop at times, but if you were to play pigeonhole games,
you'd slot them in the 90's grunge / alternative category. Something
we haven't really heard too much of with female vocals over the
last few years, so it's a little refreshing. Six tracks are on offer,
enough to get you interested in checking them out live, or if you
pick it up at a show, biding you over till you can see them live
again. Worth a listen if you like a bit of raw rock action.
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Out Now |
LEVON'S
CROWN - PARLOUR GAMES [AMPHEAD]
Melbourne based New Zealander's are Levon's
Crown, the first thing that stands out on this 12 track album is
the production. Without being over the top, everything sounds really
sharp and on the money. So it's little surprise to find out that
certain tracks have been licensed out to some big promotional campaigns.
Musically they dish out an upbeat rock sound, at times clean, while
other moments are a little grittier. The songs are of good quality,
and very easy to listen to, didn't really have too many stand out
hooks however. Overall decent quality, with a bit more work they
could become a name worth watching out for.
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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
24 - Millencolin - Machine 15
24 - Even - Even [Order]
24 - New Found Glory - Hits [Order]
24 - MUSE - Live From Wembley Stadium
[Order]
28 - R.E.M - Accelerate
29 - Pennywise - Reason To Believe
29 - Panic At The Disco - Pretty.Odd
[Pre-Order]
29 - Bulldog Spirit - Ain't No Angel
[Pre-Order]
29 - Meatlocker - Meatlocker [Pre-Order]
29 - Mindless Self Indulgence - Our Pain
Your Gain [DVD] [Pre-Order]
29 - Silents - Things To Learn
29 - Little Athletics - Autumn Giants
31 - Anti-Flag - The Bright Lights Of
America [Pre-Order]
31 - No Use For A Name - The Feel Good
Record Of The Year
31 - The Black Keys - Attack & Release
31 - Various Artists - Underbelly Soundtrack
31 - Trial Kennedy - Neighbours [Pre-Order]
31 - Dream Theater - Greatest Hit &
21 Other Pretty Cool Songs [Pre-Order]
31 - Sevendust - Hope & Sorrow
31 - Opeth - Still Life 5.1
APRIL
4 - H.I.M - Digital Versatile Doom [Live
DVD]
7 - Bad Religion - New Maps Of Hell [Deluxe
Edition]
7 - The Breeders - Mountain Battles
7 - Nine Inch Nails - Ghosts I-IV
11 - COG - Sharing Space
14 - Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence,
Patience & Grace [Tour Edition[ [Pre-Order]
14 - Thrice - The Alchemy Index Vol III
& IV
19 - Flight Of The Conchords - Flight
Of The Conchords
19 - Story Of The Year - The Black Swan
25 - Shihad - Beautiful Machine
25 - Portishead - Third
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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QOTSA
- EVA VULGARIS [TOUR EDITION]
If you don't already have the popular album, then now is the time
to pick it up as with the full album you also get a bonus live cd
for your troubles in a nicely packaged digi-pack to coincide with
their Australian tour. 9 live cuts, the good thing being that it's
not just the big singles, so fans get a little more than the same
old same old tracks. Pick it up then catch them live this month.
[WEBSITE]
- Out Now Through Universal |
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JIM
WARD - QUIET
You saw him on Soundwave, now you can pick up his works, Sparta's
Jim Ward, solo, and quiet. 5 acoustic based, chilled out tunes,
the kind of tunes you like to keep on hand for those moments where
it just 'works'. There's some nice sing-along moments, as well as
some moments where you just take it in. Always a sign of a great
songwriter when you can strip things right back and keep your attention.
Well worth a look.
[WEBSITE]
- Out Now Through Below Par |
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|
DAN
MANGAN - POSTCARDS & DAYDREAMING
Hailing from Canada this 23year old is currently on tour around
the country to promote this latest album. Loaded with acoustic folk
rock goodness, it grabs your attention right away, every song tells
a story, paints a picture and is perfect for a quiet afternoon listen.
It's the vocals that really appeal, one minute they can be smooth
and the next you'd be forgiven for thinking he's chugged down a
bottle of Jack between the break. Investigate if you like chilled
out folk.
[WEBSITE]
- Out Now Through Warner Music |
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BOOM
BOOM SATELLITES - EXPOSED
Japanese outfit that are part electronic and part rock. Throughout
the album there are some moments that shine, while there are others
that just drag right out and bug you, well me anyway, I can't say
mixing dance beats with rock is something that tickles my fancy
too much, but hey it could be up your alley. Makes for an ok listen,
didn't annoy me too much, and there were a few moments i dug. Won't
convert me, but won't offend me either.
[WEBSITE]
- Out Now Through Amphead |
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