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LA COKA NOSTRA A Brand You Can Trust Suburban Noize Records |
| As the hip-hop scene began to litter the mainstream airwaves fans witnessed real songs full of honesty give away to sugar coated songs that would be surefire hits, but let’s face it, that’s just simply not real. Bands that kept things real like Wu Tang Clan and Cypress Hill found minor mainstream success but certainly nothing like some of the other acts, however that doesn’t mean there isn’t a scene for these honest, more underground, artists. Take for example La Coka Nostra. With their debut album they combine a lineup that includes the likes of Everlast and Ill Bill to bring an album to the forefront that tells it how it is. This is as real as it can be as they focus on the darker sides to life and living and it doesn’t take too long for you to realize it as they show on album opener “Bloody Sunday” as the lyrics focus on the here and now and the negatives that come with it. As you dive forward they continue to be raw, real, and honest. Along the way you are met with a healthy dose of guests on this album as well that includes Snoop Dogg on “Bang Bang” and B-Real on “I’m An American” and “F*** Tony Montana” Throughout the album what you find is that this isn’t a band that is going to compromise anything. They are going to say what they want to and if you aren’t down with it then turn it off and go listen to someone else. Though the hip-hop genre isn’t something I ever really dive into, you have to give credit where credit is due and it is due here. Un-compromised honesty will always get a thumbs up nod from me. | |
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LA VIEJA GUARDIA Self-Titled EP I Scream Records |
| La Vieja Guardia may just be releasing their debut EP, but they are by no means strangers to the scene. As a matter of fact this is sort of a super group as it combines past members from the likes of Guajiro, Ignite, Slapshot, and The Vandals together and for good measure the EP is co-produced by Randy Bradburry of Pennywise fame. Are you interested yet? Well, you should be, and the minute you hit play you are introduced to one of the best hardcore bands to come out in recent times. Though every lyric is sung in Spanish, which means I have no idea what the songs themselves are actually about, this is a solid EP nonetheless. The guitar work as you can image is blistering and in your face from the get go and sustains that throughout the EP as they assault you more often than not. The drums tend to pound right through you while the bass lines walk right along with them driving you to the chorus which is going to get your fists pumping in the air. While I personally am not a hardcore fan, this is what that particular scene is all about; the in your face style that seems to grab you and never let go. By the time you get through this EP you are going to feel like you just went through a round or two in a boxing match as it is pretty intense and more importantly it embraces the hardcore scene perfectly. | |
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LAGWAGON I Think My Older Brother Used To Listen to Lagwagon Fat Wreck Chords |
| With their latest release, "I Think My Older Brother…." Lagwagon is back with 7 blistering punk rock tunes that will show you just why exactly Fat Mike made this the first band he signed to his label. I personally was a sophomore in high school as punk rock exploded into the mainstream with bands like Green Day, Rancid, The Offspring, etc… As me and my friends started to get more and more into these bands we found out about bands like NOFX and of course that led us right to Lagwagon. Since those days, I have watched punk rock turn into diet punk, then into that emo stuff, and then the god awful screamo garbage, so the first thing I want to say to Lagwagon and Fat Wreck Chord's is thank you so much for getting new, "PUNK ROCK" music out there for me to listen to. With the release of this EP, Lagwagon has given me hope that good music is still around. They've always been a band that made you move, jump around, etc… as they assaulted you with simple guitar riffs, in your face vocals, and thumping bass lines and drum beats that you can't help but bounce along with, and the best news is they haven't changed. You can't help but love songs that hold nothing back like opening track "B-Side," or "Mission Unaccomplished," while the bouncy bass lines on songs like ""Memoirs and Landmines" will no doubt have your feet tapping along. Lagwagon was one of the first bands to lay the groundwork for what I consider to be punk rock to be and with this EP I am hoping this is the start of bringing that music back to the forefront of the scene. |  |
LAST RESORT You’ll Never Take Us - Skinhead Anthems II I Scream Records |
| When you start to dig through the current state of the punk rock scene it is quite difficult to find a band that embodies the true spirit of what punk rock is all about. It is sad that you most likely will have to dig back in time to find it, but on the plus side when you do start looking back you will find bands like the UK’s The Last Resort and with their new album You’ll Never Take Us - Skinhead Anthems II they embrace the scene and sing to a generation like they’ve always done. Though it has been way too many years in the making, this collection of 14 “Oi” based anthems tells it how it is and doesn’t hold back. With songs about life, war, and everything going on right now that is affecting the world, this is an album that speaks volumes to those willing that are willing to listen. The combination of the true spirit of the punk rock scene and the ability to craft their songs within’ the modern generation and not stray from that original 1980’s style and sound is what makes this album truly a blessing for the street punk and punk rock scenes. Too many watered down bands have been making their way across the genre lines and The Last Resort seems to be on a mission to take back their scene and what better way to do that then with brand new music that has been over 20 years in the making. |  |
GREG LASWELL How The Day Sounds Vanguard Records |
| When Greg Laswell's marriage ended suddenly catching him off guard and leaving behind a broken heart, it resulted in "Through Tornado," his first album with Vanguard Records. He was met with critical acclaim for the album garnering comparisons to the likes of Radiohead, Ben Folds, etc… and on his latest offering, the 6-song EP "How The Day Goes," those comparisons will most likely continue. Two of the six tracks, including "High and Low," were cut for "Through Tornado," and the other 4 tend to expand on the heartbreak and easily would have fit on that album. As a singer/songwriter it's your job to write lyrics and songs that can connect on a deep level with your listeners and Laswell has more than achieved that with this sampling of what he has been working on now. The songs structures include mostly piano as the prominent instrument and Laswell let's his voice be the focal point of the songs as they deliver the heartfelt lyrics on lost love with an unmatched passion. This is an easy to listen to EP that will definitely leave you wanting to hear more of what his soul has to offer to our ears. |  |
NATHAN LEE Risk Everything One Revolution Entertainment |
| When One Revolution Entertainment launched earlier this year in Nashville with an innovative marketing plan in place that was unlike everything else that the town had seen, it was easy to be skeptical. However with the release of Nathan Lee’s Risk Everything their ideas become perfectly clear. As different as the thinking might be, it all comes back to the music and this is an album full of solid music. The one time painting company owner, Nathan Lee, had been making his rounds through Nashville playing highly publicized shows all leading to this album. He presents something a bit dark and moody but more importantly open and honest as he shows you instantly with the album opener “Open Road.” As you continue digging through the album you see all the different sides of Nathan Lee begin to show. Songs like “Hold Me Down” focus on the choices having to be made and pushing through tough decisions when your back seems to be up against a wall, while songs like “Still” lean heavy on the use of piano and allows his vocals and lyrics to take over the song pulling you into it. There is a certain degree of familiarity to the tones of his voice and with “Back To You,” he fuses in pop to his mostly modern rock sound and it is very reminiscent of early Springsteen. Throughout the album Nathan Lee holds nothing back. He opens up who he is on an emotional level with the utmost honesty and sincerity to his lyrics. The fusing of pop and rock with the dark and moody side of him makes for a solid modern album full of radio ready songs that are surely going to put him on the map outside of the Nashville community. (JK) |  |
AMY LENNARD I Need To Love Hold Your Own Records |
| Amy Lennard's I Need to Love is a great album. If you love light alternative and listen to the light radio stations, like Chicago's 93.9 WLIT, this is definitely for you. This is a slow cd with many love ballades and songs of being broken hearted. I Need to Love is everything I loved about 90's light alternative. I fully enjoyed this cd and I'll give it a 4 ˝ out of 5. (Nick Zamfoti) |  |
LESS THAN JAKE GNV FLA Sleep It Off Records |
| Some folks out there will tell you I miss the stuff they used to play like "Johnny Quest Thinks We're Sellouts," while others will say nah, I love the newer stuff like "She's Gonna Break Soon," and I say either way Less Than Jake continues to evolve and put out great music as is the case with their latest release "GNV FLA." They left the major label game behind, again, and this album is being released out of their pockets, their way! You are going to find a perfect balance between the old and new and this album is sure to delight fans no matter what. Roger and Chris split the leads as usual. Roger's songs like album opener "City of Gainesville," "Handshake Meets Pokerface," and "The Space They Can't Touch" take on a bit of a more ska influenced rock and Chris' tunes like "The State of Florida," "Summon Monsters," and "Settling Son," tackle more of the modern punk rock sound that you have come to expect from Less Than Jake. All in all what you get from the minute you hit play for the next 35-minutes, is the best overall Less Than Jake album in years. This is one of those albums that you can just hit play on and let run straight through as there really isn't a bad song on here. This is everything you have come to expect from Less Than Jake over the years that shows they can evolve and at the same time stick to their roots that got them here. |  |
THE LETTER BLACK Breaking The Silence Tooth and Nail Records |
| The emergence of bands like Evanescence, Kittie, etc… has helped to bring female fronted rock groups to the forefront of the genre, but it’s still dominated by males. However, if the Letter Black has anything to say about it with their debut release for Tooth and Nail Records, Breaking The Silence, that is all about to change. The female leads, provided by Sarah Anthony, delivers crisp tones throughout the release even as they bend through a variety of styles and genres taking risks and chances that I haven’t heard from a band in a while. “Moving On” launches you right in with the Anthony’s voice as she sings “I Don’t Care About You Anymore” before the intro gives away to hard rocking guitars, but there is instantly something haunting yet angelic about her voice that grabs you. As you dig through the album you see these similar hard rock tinged guitars surrounding her powerful voice on cuts like “Hanging On By A Thread,” however the middle and end of a release see something a bit different. They tone down a bit and offer more of a modern pop branded style with cuts like “Best of Me” and with album closer “Perfect” you see them combining pop and rock and taking chances musically and vocally that are impressive and not something you frequently hear. With the ability to walk the fine line between the modern mainstream alternative style and the modern pop rock style, The Letter Black is going to turn heads instantly. Their songs get stuck in your head after just one listen and the band and vocals know the perfect moments throughout the release to turn things up an notch, and more importantly when to turn it down. I am definitely excited to be on the cutting edge of this band and can’t wait to see them rise to the top. | |
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JEFFREY LEWIS & THE JUNKYARD Em' Are I Rough Trade |
| With so many bands filtering in and out of the rock and punk rock scenes these days it is pretty hard to stand out amongst the pack. Most of them sound the same and all seem to follow one particular trend or another, but it is a rare occasion when one comes along that creates a cohesive album influenced by punk rockers like The Dead Milkmen and that era of the style while making it sound modern enough to attract new listeners to an older style. Launching you into the album, "Slogans," brings a simple pop driven guitar that makes you move, to the forefront of the song, while the vocals instantly catapult you back in time 20 years. This raw and unapologetic style continues to be on display throughout the album with cuts like "Broken Broken Broken Heart," which has you clapping along with the beats of the surf rock era of the 60's, "Good Ole Pig, Gone To Avalon," and the boot-stompin," country twang filled "Whistle Past The Graveyard." Everything about this album makes it a great add to any collection that misses the rawness and energy that the punk rock scene used to have. The artwork is worth the price of admission alone, but when you hit play you get an album that sounds the way a good punk album should. Though he slows things down from time to time, for the most part it stays raw, chalked full of energy, pops where it should, and much much more… Well worth checking out if you, like me, are tired of whiny BS that they call punk rock these days. |  |
JON PETER LEWIS Break The Silence Cockaroo Entertainment/Adrenaline Music Group |
| There are a couple really brilliant things about American Idol (please note the sarcasm). The first thing is that they really don't give these kids a chance to hone in and perfect a sound because one week you can be singing country and the next week show tunes. BLAH!!! It is also nothing more than a popularity contest. Fantasia won the year that Jon Peter Lewis was on the show, but is that a bad thing? Fantasia has done all of nothing and Jon Peter Lewis just released what will no doubt be one of the most talked about albums of 2008 with "Break The Silence." Point, check, and match to Jon Peter Lewis. What a great album. Right from the get go you find yourself tapping along with the adult alternative rock stylings (think Five For Fighting) that Lewis brings to the table. This trend in the music, although pretty prominent throughout the album is not where Lewis shines the most. Rather, it's when he decides to tone the music down a bit and let his voice take care of carrying the pop driven songs like "Beautiful," "Everybody Falls," and "If You Don't Mean It," where you will be wondering just why it was you didn't vote for this guy when you had the chance. Working with producer Chris Garcia (Santana) proved to be a good backbone to the album as Lewis shows a Santana type flare on the opening guitar riff on "Bridges." This is one of the more complete albums I have heard from the Idol pack of runner ups and is sure to hit with folks across the board. A must have for fans of Maroon Five, Five For Fighting, Gavin DeGraw, etc… | |
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LIFELINE For All Who Triumph Self-Released |
| With so many internet outlets out there, a number of artists have been able to find independent success. Then there are then bands like Lifeline who take everything to a whole new level. With incredible music videos/movies that are easily comparable, if not better than, half of the videos that you see these days, it's hard to believe that this is an indie band. On their latest effort, "For All Who Triumph," this Chicago based band seems primed and ready to break through and find huge mainstream success and it wouldn't surprise me in the least to see a major label swipe them up in no time. By bringing together a wide range of influences from The Smashing Pumpkins to AFI to Pink Floyd, etc... and combining them with a modern edge this is an album that is going to attract the many flooding to the Warped Tour stages year in and year out. The first thing that will grab your attention is that a violin, provided by Rebecca Faber, is one of the more prominent instruments throughout the album and acts as a perfect companion to the well delivered vocals of Ryan T. Hope, which bring the lyrics, dark at times, to life. It doesn't surprise me at all that songs like "Not For Nothing" have already been finding their way to mainstream radio stations. It is, as with this whole album, everything the current alternative mainstream is about. Driving guitars that assault you at all of the perfect moments, a rhythm section that pounds right through you, but all the while the music seems to take a bit of a backseat to the vocals which allows for the lyrics to be a focal point of a majority of these songs. Lifeline is easily a band to keep your eyes on and "For All Who Triumph" is a must have for any modern alternative rock fan. |  |
LINWOOD Burn Effect Waxsaw Records |
| Linwood's album "Burn Effect" is very easy to understand, first off. The lyrics are uber clear and the singer does not get overpowered by the bass or drums. The one problem that I did have with this album is that the verses and songs seem repetitive and short. The tracks vary from about two and half minutes to a little over five minutes. Which, probably, is the average for songs nowadays, but in some songs, a listener could tell that many of the same verses are being repeated a great deal. Though, the thoughtful and well-worded lyrics make up for the repetitiveness. Linwood's album is very mellow with an Ok Go kind of sound, just not as much energy, creativeness, and no treadmills. Personally, the songs are too slow for my taste. The tracks are mellow, but not drone-ish. They could use a bit more of a kick, more of a rock-ish sound. Speaking of a rock-ish sound, 'Circle' is worth a listen to. Don't get your hopes up, its not rock- but it's the closest that any of the other songs get to upbeat and the songs lyrics speak to everyone, 'And you believe. You're better than me…' So, with that said, since I am not better than anyone else, I believe every individual should make up their own mind and judge for themselves whether Linwood is worth a listen, or two. (Erica Glanc) |  |
ANDREW LIPKE Motherpearl and Dynamite Mad Dragon Records |
| Andrew Lipke made his way to Philadelphia from South Africa and while he began to compose his songs on a piano, he turned to guitar long ago and began to craft his words around the simple chords he created. He gained critical acclaim with his 2007 album "The Way Home…" and on his follow-up, "Motherpearl and Dynamite," he seems to be on a mission to show the listeners and critics alike just how far an artist can actually progress in a short span of time. Backed by an acoustic guitar a majority of the time allows Andrew Lipke's heartfelt lyrics to shine as he sings about the complexity's of a relationship and the pain and emotions one discovers within' through it's different stages on tracks like "Forgive and Forget," but he also drives home the angrier side of his emotions by including a full band on the rocking "Get It Over With." While his band is incredible and offers a different feel to the songs they play on like the driving "The Barker Song," for my tastes it is Lipke's acoustic based offerings that really stand out and put this artist on a different level than others out there. His songwriting and lyrics are incredibly well written and offer easily relatable feelings while going deeper than most do to hit on the point of the songs. Lipke is a storyteller and his stories focus on real life and real emotions that everyone discovers throughout the course of relationships and everyday life. This is a definite listen for anyone out there that likes songs with depth and meaning, as well as music that offers a perfect delivery to drive home a heartfelt lyric. |  |
LITTLE BRAZIL Son Anodyne Records |
| It is very rare that when I hear the words concept and album in the same sentence that I get excited and Little Brazil's new album "Son" was no exception. With that being said, I want to go on record and say that I was very pleasantly surprised when I hit play and was met with an indie rock sound that rivaled that of bands like Saves The Day, who I love. And the concept they created was simply amazing and pulled off with relative ease. With the happy topic of love commanding the first part of the album you are brought into the relationship from the get go with the happy couple first meeting up at "Brighton Beach." As the album continues to press forward we see the couple get married only to find it isn't the love they once knew. The mid part of the album starts to tackle darker subjects such as fighting, struggles in love, and eventually divorce leading to a suicide by the end of the album. The story is a great story with many moving parts, but unlike other concept albums that tend to focus more on writing the story than the music around the lyrics, this album takes a different approach. Little Brazil grabs your attention with a poppy driven rock sound that continues to be on display throughout the album making this a very mainstream ready album even though the focus of the lyric tells a big story. Anyone of these songs can stand on it's own without another one supporting it and for my liking that is what makes this album great. The true to life story is just a bonus. | |
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LIQUOR BOXX To The Face Refugee Entertainment LLC |
| Chicago's Liquor Boxx has certainly carved out their name amongst the alternative rock scene through countless tour dates, a unique style that lends as much alternative flare as it does classic rock, and have even been dubbed as "sexy Chicago Rock." With their latest effort "To The Face," they seem to be on a mission to show the world just what it is they can do all around musically and just when you think you have them figured out, they hit you with the unexpected. Though for my liking the songs tend to get a little long at times, with some of them topping off at over 6 minutes, there isn't any denying the fact that this band features incredible musicianship and outstanding vocals that seem to channel the late, legendary Doors singer Jim Morrison more often than not. If you like your alternative music rocking they display that style on tracks like the guitar driven "Cheap Sex N Vodka" they drop a groovy bass line that will have your head bopping right along with them on "Evil Girl," a driving guitar riff and vocal reminiscent of the 60's rockers like the Doors or later Rolling Stones on "Rock Your Soul, and seem to bring out a bit of a Black Crowes influence with "Tomorrow." As I stated earlier they seem to be on a mission to show you exactly what they bring to the table, with no two songs really following the same trend other than the fact that they can be classified as good, solid rock songs with a wide variety of influences coming together to form a unique sound. | |
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LIVING COLOUR CBGB - Live August 19, 2005 MVD Audio |
| When the legendary CBGB's closed its doors it was a truly dark day in the history of punk rock and rock music in general. However, prior to the closing it struck up an underground movement that included a string of benefit shows to help save the club from extinction. Although these shows didn't help keep the doors open in the end, they offered a great look at what it was about CBGB's that made it the club so legendary. It was and always is about the bands and music coming from the stage and MVD Audio captured this 2005 performance from Living Colour on tape and is offering listeners a chance to be in the front row. Though their mainstream success came from hit songs like "Cult of Personality" and "Glamour Boys," this live recording captures what it was about this band that made them so great. They kept a mystique about them by not finding a ton of mainstream success thus adding to their underground appeal and the songs they created are incredible and well before their time. From the hard rock driven guitars on the show's opener "Type," to punk-rock driven guitars that first assault you the turn into a funky sound on "Funny Vibe, " to songs like "Open Letter To Landlord," which let the vocals do the delivering of the message over subtle instrumentation, you get the point as to just why Living Colour was a band that is very well respected in the underground. Their live shows are chalked full of energy, meaningful lyrics, and outstanding guitar work and MVD perfectly captures all of that and more on this disc. A great look at a great band doing what they do best. |  |
LIVING THINGS Habeas Corpus Jive Records |
| With their major label debut Ahead of the Lions, Living Things instantly caught the attention of media and fans alike as they presented something a little more edgy, a little more raw, and a little bit more dangerous to the rock music industry than the countless bands that are playing a similar garage rock meets 70’s era style. With Habeas Corpus The Living Things seem to almost be on a mission to prove to people why you need to love them. This isn’t just a run of the mill rock band, but rather a band that brings together their disgust with politics and every day life and present it all here for listeners to take in. This album sees the boys spewing out lyrics about the politics effecting the world we live in (Snake Oil Man) as well as shifting focus to religion and everyday life (Cost of Living). Though you may not always agree with what they say, heck after one gig, Lillian the group’s singer and guitarist was ambushed by a George Bush supporter, the guys have stood their ground and continue saying what’s on their mind. They mask their well-crafted lyrics around a sound that is similar to the lo-fi bands out there that perfectly fuse together the 70’s era style with a focus on simple guitars that walk the border of indie/garage rock and today’s mainstream. This is a band that is comfortable saying what’s on their minds regardless of what anyone thinks. Some folks will get it and others will not and the great thing about Living Things is they have a swagger about them that tells me they can care less either way. | |
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CLARA LOFARO Perfekt World ComeTrue Records |
| Clara Lofaro's Perfekt World is a very unique cd, but I just couldn't get into it. Lofaro has a very beautiful voice, she also has some beautiful songs such as Blue, her single Waterfall, Perfect World, Fever, Tractor, and the tragically beautiful song: Fall. There are some songs I couldn't get into, which is the remaining 5 songs. She reminds me somewhat of Tori Amos, but if you're into the Indie scene then I'd say give her a listen to. 2 ˝ out of 5. (Nick Zamfoti) |  |
CROSBY LOGGINS Time To Move Jive Records |
| It is difficult enough to make it in the music industry as an artist that is taken seriously, but when you share the last name of one of the most well-known singer/songwriters in the history of music it makes it that much more difficult. For Crosby Loggins, who’s father is none other than Kenny Loggins, it has been a steady climb with many personal goals and achievements met along the way, but how do you get people to look past the name. In his case, he focused on his 10-song solo debut Time To Move and let his music do the talking. With a blend of adult alternative and pop he pulls you into the album with “Good Enough,” and instantly showcases his great voice, lyrics, and hooks you in with the foot-tapping chorus of the mid-tempo song that begs to be compared to artists like Gavin DeGraw. As you push through the album you see a similar style of that which initially grabbed your attention being presented with cuts like “Seriously,” “Radio Heart,” and “You Want To Be With Me.” He does slow things down from time to time but still retains that pop aspect as he shows on “Only One” and album closer “Nobody No More,” which will instantly remind you of great singer/songwriters like James Taylor. Throw in an appearance by John Mayer on the album’s title track, and this solo debut from Crosby has effectively made you look past the last name and take him seriously as an artist. A great addition to anyone’s CD collection of singer/songwriter albums. (JK) |  |
LONELY H Concrete Class The Control Group |
| In the world of rock music with so many bands trying to get noticed by taking on a unique version of a familiar sound, they also seem to be so different from time to time that they absolutely turn people off with their obscurity. The Lonely H doesn’t even make an attempt to be any different then what we’ve come to know with their new album, but rather just put their classic rock influences right out on their sleeves and deliver a solid release chalked full of great hooks, great vocals, and more often than not songs that are going to have you moving right along with their rhythms. Early on in the album it is the rocker “Cold Blues” that will initially attract your attention and begin to show you what exactly you are about to dive into. This same up-tempo, rock trend that is displayed on that track continues to be shown throughout the album with cuts like “Going Out West,” “Other Side Of The Water” and “Diggin’ A Hole,” all which lean on a heavy guitar riff to hammer home the vocals. However, as much as they like to rock they do also slow things down a bit as they show on “Take Care,” and “Phoenix,” which offer a more raw look at the band as they wrap their vocals mostly around acoustic instrumentation allowing the vocal to be the main focus of the songs. There are plenty of bands out there right now that try to recreate the 70’s era brand of what we now consider classic rock, but few bands out there are as impressive as The Lonely H at doing it. These guys are the real deal and when listening to this album you may actually believe that this band is one of those forgotten artists from the 70’s decade. | |
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LOS DIFUNTOS Self-Titled Nickel and Dime Records |
| Since 2006, when Los Difuntos released their EP through Rancid Records, and went on tour with the label's owners, Rancid, there has been an incredible amount of buzz surrounding this band. With just one spin of the new self-titled album from California's Los Difuntos, the buzz was quickly upheld and I was given a newfound pride in the spirit of the punk rock scene. While they embrace the past citing influences from the likes of The Clash they bring their influences together with the modern sounds of "true" inspired punk rock bands from the likes of Rancid, Tiger Army, etc… to create a blistering, raw, punk rock sound that is going to kick the current state of the scene in it's ass. The guitars never let you down throughout the album. They remain in your face and offer a hard-edged sound that continues to be a trend they show throughout. The bass lines are thumping and keep you moving right along with them the way that a good punk rock band should. But, for me personally it's always been the vocals that truly make a band and Los Difuntos perfectly achieve everything they are going for with this aspect of their sound. The leads spit out the lyrics throughout the verses with a raw, in your face sound but when you hit the choruses on a good majority of these songs, they display fist-pumping, sing-a-long, harmonies like I haven't heard in a very very long time in this scene. WOW! You can't help but get up and sing with them on tracks like "Lucy," "Now I'm Gone," and "Lies in Disguise." This is the album that the scene has needed for 10 years and if Los Difuntos is the next generation to carry the punk rock flag then I am standing right behind them in that fight. | |
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THE LOVED ONES Distractions Fat Wreck Chords |
| What can really be said about the state of the punk rock scene that hasn't already been said? Bluntly, it is full of whiny crap that has no substance to it. Proudly, when I turn to a label like Fat Wreck Chords they always seem to be a label that delivers exactly what I want from my punk rock and "Distractions," the new 6-track EP from The Loved Ones is everything that I want from my punk rock music. You are instantly tossed into the album with a melodic, pop punk blend that recalls the days of my youth when Lagwagon, No Use, etc...were clogging up my CD Player. The first three tracks are new originals and while "Spy Diddly" and "Last Call" are very good songs, "Distracted" leads the way by being a great song. With excellent vocals (no screaming thank God), a great guitar riff that will have you bouncing right along with them, and a great bass line like solid punk rock music should have you will instantly be hooked. However, it is the amazing lyric about spousal abuse that is the true selling point and showcases what this band is made of. They round out the album by paying tribute to some of their heroes as they include their versions of Bruce Springsteens "Johnny 99," Joe Strummer's "Coma Girl" and they revisit their original take on Billy Bragg's "Lovers Town," all the while adding their twists and turns to these already great songs. The punk rock scene is watered down, but The Loved Ones seem to be on a mission to keep the hopes of people like myself alive and show us that there is a better tomorrow just around the corner. | |
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LUBRIPHONIC Soul Solution Lubricated Records |
| When you put together a band that features members that have been part of the bands for acts like Koko Taylor, The Ohio Players, Lenny Kravtiz, etc… and pull together a wide range of influences you are either going to be really good or really bad with no gray area left for discussion. For Chicago's Lubriphonic they are just really good and they show it throughout "Soul Solution." With a funky beat combined with a horn section they bring you into the album with "Mixin' In The Kitchen," and although the lyrics are a little goofy the point is the focus of the party and that is exactly what you just entered when you hit play. Throughout the album the funky beat that grabs you and pulls you in is consistent on tracks like "Love Bomb," "Soul Solution," and "Rain Keep Falling." However as fun and upbeat as this album is they do take the time to slow things down a bit from time to time on tracks like "Depression Suite," which finds an acoustic guitar backing the vocals pretty subtly allowing for the lyric and voice to be the focus of the song. Combine these aspects with the bluesy driven sound on cuts like "Waiting For A Change" later in the album, and you have just listened to an album that pulls together a lot of outside influences from a variety of genres and combines them into one cohesive project. As an added bonus they do include live versions of "Mixin' In The Kitchen" and "Rain Keep Falling," allowing you a glimpse into the energy they pack into their live show. It has been a long time since someone came along that pulled so much into one album and delivered the way that Lubriphonic has, but it's about time that someone did. |  |
TONY LUCCA Come Around Again Self-Released |
| I always love to hear new music come from an established singer/songwriter like Tony Lucca. Though he is probably most remembered by the casual listeners as a member of the famed Mickey Mouse Club, Lucca has been making his music and forging ahead with his craft now for years and doing it his way. With a singer/songwriter what you'll get from an album is usually great lyrics with music that more often then not sort of takes a bit of a backseat so that the lyrics can shine and that's what I love about this album on tracks like "Givin' It All Away" and "Father Time." Lucca's bluesy, 60's folk inspired sound tends to remind me at times, both musically and vocally of Chris Robinson and The Black Crowes. Lucca isn't afraid to take chances and create the music he wants to play and wants to hear as opposed to following the current trends. This aspect of the album gives him an underground, independent appeal and diehard fans can still call him their own. Though I am a newbie to Lucca's music, it is no secret that this is a solid album throughout and is sure to please many fans of those artists that always had a left of the dial feel to them. Think Elliott Smith meets modern pop influenced artists like Josh Kelly and you have Tony Lucca. This album is a welcome addition to my music collection and if you dig solid songs with great lyrics it will be to yours as well. | |