This is the first time I have ever heard of this band and wow, what a debut. Right out the gate Model/Acrtiz is delivering harsh but simultaneously groovy industrial rock. The vocals are enigmatic, but very chilling. Instrumentals are harsh and feature loud screechy type tones with clashing drums and guitars. Sure it’s kind of one dimensional at times, but the performances are enough to make up for it. Really loving this!

Favorite Tracks: Donkey Show, Mosquito, Crossing Guard, Slate, ... read more

It has no business going this hard, but it absolutely does. Viagra Boys bring a necessary flare to punk that has been needed. Troglodyte is an absolute bop. Great guitar work, fun 80 type synths, and a great chorus. Ain’t No Thief has a pumping dance beat with a grimy post punk flavor. Punk rock Loser is most noteable for its deadpan charm and an instrumental that sounds like something straight out of a Ford commercial, but still tasteful given its viagra boys. Overall this was just ... read more

So many great folk punk Jams end up on this record, and it has aged quite well. “Flashlight” might be one of my favorite songs in the genre of folk punk because of the emotive horn sections on the pre chorus, the acoustic guitars, and the very sad narrative on the track which focuses on substance abuse. “Rhode Island” is also another highlight. It features some more beautiful horn sections and an overall good song structure. “Maps” sort of has a cinematic ... read more

YES YES YES YES YES YES ABSOLUTELY YES!!! Paramore coming through with an amazing song that gives me hope for Post Punk. The vocals are tremendous, the instrumental is versatile and very reminiscent of some 90s rock. I’m just glad that the post-punk revivalist are making a grand comeback!

Seriously one of the worst singles so far this year. It’s Tom McDonald but throw in a generic metal breakdown at the end. The instrumentation is big , but incredibly corny and bland. The rapping is truly some lyrical miracle type stuff, like I said, TOM MCDONALD!! Falling in reverse continues to be one of the bands of all time. Yes, truly a musical effort.

0/10

Morbid Stuff is still one of the most catchiest records of the 2010’s. The hooks, the performances, the songwriting, it’s all fantastic. The narratives varies depending on what song you are listening to. Sibling Rivalry focuses on Stefan’s relationship with his sister and how she brings him into her poor decision making. Scorpion Hill takes on the idea of fatherhood, life becoming more stressful and turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Bare hands describes being so hung ... read more

For a debut record, it’s really not that bad. The performances are usually tight and the vocals are gritty and passionate. Instrumentals are tight and in your face most of the time. I will say the energy of some tracks aren’t as intense as others and maybe the vocals don’t pop as hard, particularly on “Your Bathroom”. But then again that could just be the consistency of the mix. Overall, I am fairly impressed with this project. They showed a lot of finesse and ... read more

“The Fall of Hobo Johnson” is still one of my favorite records currently in rotation. Frank’s vulnerability and story telling was something to get behind. But this just feels like a huge step down in every way possible. The vocals are harsh, but not musically appealing. The instrumentation/songwriting is either tedious, boring, or just completely annoying. His lyrics can be interesting at times, like on Jordan’s house, but most of the time it’s very preachy or ... read more

While it’s not as a bad as the standard edition, it doesn't add much. The pop punk influences are quite heavy, especially with Travis barker on the drums. While it’s nice to see Oliver return to his more pop rock sound, it’s still not the complete experience. Tracks like Mind Control don’t stick around for long and leave you empty handed. Sunshine is arguably one of Oliver’s most grating songs vocally. Outside of a few redeemable song ideas and performances, there ... read more

Pretty solid single from 100 Gecs. I do think that the mix is a bit too loud, but the chorus goes very hard. It’s definitely more aggressive and rock oriented than what I’ve heard from them in the past. Not bad (:

EDIT: I Change my mind, the mix is actually great and it’s even better then the last time I heard yet. One of the best on the record

First Impressions: 7.8/10

Current Score: 9.5/10

It’s obviously ironic and satirical, but at the same time it doesn’t excuse the annoying vocals, goofy instrumentation, and lack of anything artistically pleasing. There’s not much else to say other than “why”

Favorite Tracks: N/A

Least Favorite Track: It’s a tie between all of them, but we’ll put “Villan of himself” as a placeholder

Cave World has turned out to be one of my favorite records this year, and I’m glad that it’s being expanded upon. Sure it’s not totally in line with the over arching narrative of the record, but these four tracks are still a solid addition to a great album.

Favorites Tracks: It Ain’t Enough, Milk Farm, Only Friend

Least Favorite: Stretch My Arms

Oliver really turned my head with “Ugly is beautiful”. It wasn’t perfect, but it was still a lot of fun. But this just isn’t. The instrumentation is generic, there is not alot of dynamics, and it suffers greatly from dime a dozen songwriting. Granted there are a few moments that were quite catchy, it is still a very run of the mill pop and rock record that dosen’t wow me.

Favorite Tracks: Swing and a miss, Freaks and Geeks, Suitcase full of cash.

Least Favorite: ... read more

For the most part, I have not been blown away by The Garden. I think that albums like “Kiss my Super Bowl Ring” and “Mirror Might Steal Your Charm” are fun, but I felt that conceptual they were just too weird. However, this project feels like a great improvement in overall songwriting and execution. Granted it’s still got some of the goofy quirks from previous projects, but in this context it actually works.
Favorite Tracks: OC93, Puerta De Limosina, Freight Yard, ... read more