My Chemical Romance and The Black Parade - Australia & New Zealand 2007
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:::::: MARCH 24th, 2008 ::::::
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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.
[WEBSITE] [LABEL] - Available Through Universal -
Buy Online from Play4me.com.au [$27.94]
~~ FIRST LOOK ~~

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.
[MYSPACE] [LABEL] - Available Through Sony/BMG-
Buy Online from Play4me.com.au [$27.21]
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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.
[WEBSITE] [LABEL]- Available On Import -
Buy Online from Scorcha [HERE]
~~ PICK OF THE PACK ~~

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.
~~ FIRST LOOK ~~

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.
[MYSPACE] - Available April 19th -
Sample tracks from the CD [Here]
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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.
[MYSPACE] - Available From 29th March -
Buy Online from the band [$10.00]
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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.
[MYSPACE] - Available Through Amphead -
Buy Online from Play4me.com.au [$20.26]
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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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QUICKIES
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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- RECOMMENDED VIEWING -
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:::::: TRACK BY TRACK ::::::

TRACKLISTING
1. (Intro) As Long As We Can
2. One Reason
3. Faith And Hope
4. Something To Live For
5. All We Need
6. The Western World
7. We'll Never Know
8. Confusion
9. Nothing To Lose
10. It's Not Enough To Believe
11. You Get The Life You Choose
12. Affliction
13. Brag, Exaggerate & Lie
14. Die For You
15. Next In Line



FREE TO DOWNLOAD MARCH 25TH
www.myspace.com/textango

CD VERSION INSTORES MARCH 29TH
MYSPACE | EPITAPH | SHOCK

THE VERDICT
If you've thought PW had slipped a little on their last few albums, it's worth a re-visit, because while this one has a few flat moments, it's probably the closest thing they've done to the stuff we grew up on, and those flat out anthemic moments make up for the boring slower parts. I guess you could call them the punk rock kings of consistency. Fans will not be disappointed.

"(Intro) As Long As We Can" opens up the album in true Pennywise fashion, we've got a bit of a build up happening in the intro section then straight into the punk rock action, a nice raw guitar sound and those ever thumping drums. Lyrically I get the feeling this one is a bit of a stab at those commentators who have the digs at them for sounding the same each album. "We are the ones you know we don't mess around, gonna go as long as we can. We're back again, what goes around comes around, you wanna go, you know that we're down", "no, we're not gonna change". Very solid intro, great song.

"One Reason" has the token sing-a-long chorus, fast punk rock verses leading into the catchy chorus. One that will fit in their live show with little fuss. Easy to get into, easy to remember.

"Faith And Hope" is a nice fast paced track, keeping a constant speed throughout, it takes a while to stick out, but give it a few runs in a row and it's appeal will grow. It's what' we've come to expect from them in the past, listen closely and it has a bit of that Unwritten Law self-titled album sound around it, even vocally there are moments where Jim could pass as Scott. If you like it 90's style, then you'll like this track.

"Something To Live For" is the first time we really hear lots of "whoa's" in the backing vocals. One of the more catchier choruses on offer, another one that will be a hit in the live arena.

"All We Need" has most of the "whoa's" turn to "ahhh's", another flat out track, lot's of prominent backing vocals/yells, it's fast, hard, punk rock, not much more needs to be said.

"The Western World" steps back to a more rock pace, probably the song that has the most potential to hit radio.

"We'll Never Know" is probably the first sign of filler on the record. A pretty standard song, not bad, but nothing that really stands out too much, the pace is a little slower than most before it, so maybe that's why it's not really standing out as much.

"Confusion" doesn't really do too much to build up the excitement again, another track that doesn't offend the ears, but doesn't turn them on too much either.

"Nothing To Lose" is the return of some energy, the pace is back, and the general vibe is exciting again, another track that is very 90's punk in sound, sounds very familiar, a little No Fun At All comes time mind.

"It's Not Enough To Believe" has the best intro on the album, drums and bass kick off this frenetic number, everything you like about Pennywise can be found inside this one song. The best on offer on this album from start to finish. More bands need to play punk rock this way.

"You Get The Life You Choose" keeps the good times flowing, again, takes my mind back to a late 90's style of punk rock, fast, melodic and just has that something that really appeals to my ears, lots of pick slides... more pick slides are needed these days! Just an all round good vibe in this one.

"Affliction" has Bad Religion written all over it, i had to slap myself a little and double check i was still listening to Pennywise and not BR. Good track nonetheless.

"Brag, Exaggerate & Lie" is classic Pennywise, this is the kind of sound that got so many people into the genre, and this is how they were playing it back then, fast verses, fits pumping / sing along choruses, it's a classic sound and PW prove they've still got it.

"Die For You" doesn't really do too much as the album's closer, usually you expect a big ending, this one while still appealing to listen to, is very much just a band going through the motions, i like it, but i was hoping for a more powerful closer.

"Next In Line" is an Australian bonus track, you won't get this when you download the album free from Myspace, it comes on the released version, and makes for a much better closer than the track above. I'm not too sold on the vocal effect, but i guess being a non-album track it probably didn't go right through the full production that the rest of the album did. It's fast, raw sounding and has some guts, just what you need to close out an album well, lot's of "Whoa's", thumping drums, fat bass sound and pick slides!

:::::: PREVIOUS 2008 LOWDOWNS ::::::
[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.
...