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Contributors: Rob -
prpdproductions@hotmail.com
J. Jason - ggano30@hotmail.com
Sean - nips@ptd.net
Chris- thepopeofchillitown@hotmail.com
Demos
Allan "Demo
2.0"
4 songs from a Hardcore/Metal from Pittsburgh! Very heavy, and
it's
got some nice breakdowns and Screaming Vocals. If you like your
hardcore
heavy, Allan is must. Can be compared to Hatebreed or
Strife.
The Antix "Blame
Shift"
Antix are a ska punk band from somewhere near Philly. This
is a 4 song tape. They seem to have a lot of energy, but it also
seems like this kind of thing has been done before. Very
repetitive.
You can interpret that how you want. If you like sing a longs,
than
you'll like this.
The
Common Decency "Demo"
Common is in their name, take it for all it's worth. I see
potential,
but they shouldn't try to sound like Anti-Flag (that sound has been
taking
by numerous bands). #8 is called "Nothings for Free". Isn't
that the truth.
Commonwealth"Demo
2000"
Here's another one of those bands that start off sounding good and then
the vocals come in...everyting falls apart. Musically they have
the
right idea.
Enema Bandits "Demo"
Quality =Poor...Music= Good. It seemed like it would be very
catchy
if it was produced better. I enjoyed the music, but it sounds like it
was
recorded on a regular cassette tape. If any record labels are
reading
this maybe you should contact these boys and make something that will
sell.
I know that its just a demo, but I see some potential here that is
wasting.
I am sure that the Enema Bandits would put on a good live show.
Thanks
for the patch!
The Excessives"Pissing
People Off"
These guys are a punk outfit out of York, PA. "Pissing People
Off"
was a originally a 7 song tape, but the one they sent me had more songs
on it. They told me that the new stuff was better than the old
stuff,
and I had to agree the old songs had something lacking. But the songs
beyond
the original 7 songs, were great. They had a nice sound to them.
Some good ska riffs and lyrics. Hell, its only $3, pick it
up: Tyler Smith/855Oakwood Dr./Red Lion, Pa 17356
5point0
This sounds like punk music with horns in the background. You're
probably thinking, why doesn't he say ska/punk. Its not like
that.
You'll have to hear it for yourself to understand. The horns seem
to be seperate from the other music. 4 songs on this tape.
5.0 "Eye
Poppin Music"
This isn't the ska punk band 5point0, this is angry as hell gutter
hardcore
from Clifton Heights! It's got some great break downs, but this
style
isn't my thing so it's hard to review. Check it out if you like
to
listen to fast, pissed off stuff.
Heaven Forbid "Roads
Diverge"
Heavy
Thumping music from the defunct Metalcore band out of Mercerburg.
Typical hardcore/metal with the occasional soft spot. There is
very
good musicianship in this band, but the ablity to apply it is lacking.
In It For The Money
The singer sounds like Pete from Ten Foot Pole. I guess the music
can be compared to TFP (unleased album). Lots of melodic harmonys
and nice breakdowns. The only negative thing I have to say about
it, is it lacks energy.
The Lankershim Executives"Metal
Songs"
I've had this 5 song CD for a while now and I have to apologize to the
Executive for not reviewing it sooner, pretty much cause I am lazy.
Well
anyway, as I said before these guys put out a 5 song CD on a Sony
Recordable
Disc, and they did a pretty good job. There music crosses
Hardcore
and Punk lines. The first song is my favorite its got a cool
chant
part. "Bring it on, Bring it on." I make up a hardcore
compilation
tape to listen to in the car and I put that one on, its a
classic.
These guys have a lot of potential. Check out their webpage,
they send a good message. Thanks for the CD and the Pins!!
N.C. 13s
(Big Chicken Records)
6 songs of stuff I wouldn't listen to again if I had to. I don't mean
to
be mean, but this shit isn't upbeat or catchy enough for me.
Plaid Monkey"In
Memory of..."
I don't know if they were planning this, but the title fits will, since
Plaid Monkey no longer exists, they now go by the name of "Silence
Wields
No Beauty" First off, I have to comment on the production of
this.
The Music sounds great, the tape looks proffesional, and the tape cover
is one of the fanciest tape cover I ever saw. It looks like its
on
a major label. These boys are from the State Collge area
and
play aggressive hardcore music. They have a 4 song CD out now,
under
the name "Silence Wields No Beauty."
Projection"Divided
We Fall"
8 Song tape from the EX- Warrington, PA punk band. Super tight
music.
The tempo changes at a blink of an eye, and everyone is together!
It has an Epi-Fat sound, in a good way. This is another band with
a ton of potential that could have brought pride to the PA scene.
Nice Breakdowns.
Since Day One
Emo/Hardcore...Great stuff. This is their demo it has 3 songs
(well
2 1/2 on my copy, there is something wrong with the tape and it won't
rewind
to the beginning of the first song). It can be compared to Hot
Water
Music. It makes you want to beat your chest and hardcore
dance
at the same time.
Stutterbum "Start
Tommorrow"
Wilkes-Barre based melodic punk band that had a ton of potential from
what
I hear here. It's too bad that they broke up.
Stutterbum and Vera Cruz
Records"Midnight
Murder"
This is a promo tape, promoting the new Vera Cruz Comp that is going to
be released very soon. This is super good stuff. The
Stutterbum
3 songs are amazing. On the flip side, NJ Joystick (one of
the best bands I've heard in a while), Gravity's Revenge (also good PA
punk), and Trainer Jet (acoustic rock) This tape has me very
excited
about the comp.
Sunday
Drive "Four
Songs"
Four Great Songs is more like it. Punk/Emo band that
haven't been around that long, and it's hard to believe it.
It's
like Mxpx crossed with the Get Up Kids. It kind
of
sounds like A New Found Glory. It even has a nice little
tape
cover. Check them out if they ever play near you.
Xposure
(Benar Records)
Utter Crap. Most of these new reviews that I just added belong to
my friend, Sean. Needless to say I am glad that I don't own
this, 4 song (Thank God, If there were 5 it would cause me to kill)
tape
of erratic, sloppy, uncatchy, hear hurting music. I sure hope Sean got
this tape for free, or bought it out of pity, cause those are the only
exceptions I will accept.
Full Length CDs
All
Else Failed "A Most Bitter Season"
I borrowed this off my roommate to review it. I kind I wish I
didn't
cause I don't have anything good to say about it. Its just
another
crappy hardcore band in the korn/deftones vein. It almost sounded
good for a second, but its definitely not worth buying. Unless you like
that crap.
Anti-Flag
"Their
System Doesn't Work For You"(A-F Records)
This CD is a reissue of the Band's edition "North America Sucks"
CD plus 10 unreleased songs. This Band has their shit together.
They
can play slow and fast. Snotty vocals and sing along lyrics,
isn't
that want Punk Rock is about? and on a more personal note, Any
band
that has "corporate whore" in their songs is O.K. with me.
Autumn
Wind Thesis
"Telling Stories At Dawn"
Starting soft and building to metal, then switch back for melodic
interludes.
I think there is a lot of potential in this band. This release
doesn't
seem to have it all there, but this band could be the next Poison the
Well.
It just need to be cleaned up a bit.
Bedford
"Smiles
are the Batteries" (Keystone Ember Records)
I saw a review for this CD comparing Bedford, to Weston...I must be
blind,
cause I don't see it. I guess there is a comparison with the
lyrics,
cause they are both about girls. This is much better than
weston,
its like pop punk crossed with Buddy Holly. Great cover of
"America Music"!
The
Berlin Project "Culture
Clash"
I think this is pretty good. Its got 14 song (well one is
actually
a rant), but it's upbeat and catchy ska music. Some of the songs
can be compared to Less Than Jake, Catch 22, or Against All Authority.
Buglite
"Love
and Other Sorrows" (One Foot Records)
Another "dead" PA Punk band. This isn't too bad, but the vocals
upset
me. The music is nice.
Bunny
Five Coat "Negative Attention"
(+/- Records)
It's always nice to find a girl band that isn't trying to sound like The
Queers, or
play
poppy bubble gum trite. This band has a nice edge to them, and they can
certainly keep a beat.
Rob
said they sound like the early Decendents, but I dont think
they
do. The only thing i could really
say
about this is that their lyrics seem to be reapeating themselves alot
and
I know the effect they
are
trying for, but it isnt quite working.
-Reviewed By Chris Pyrdsa
The
Commercials "First Time For Everything" (Rent-A-Pig
Records)
The first song rocks. The rest of
the CD is plain run of the mill pop-punk. There is a sample of The
Simpsons
though, which makes it cool.
The
Cut-Offs "Fat, Drunk, and Angry" (BaBaAHH
Records)
This is pretty good considering I never heard of these guys
before.
Fast drums... Snotty Vocals...Typical punk rock. I didn't realize
there were bands out there still playing this type of music. I
would
best describe it as a more melodic version of Sloppy Seconds.
It was impressive how some of the song styles varied. The songs
crossed
between Street Pop and Working Class Punk... I just made them up.
Eleven songs in all from this Schwenksville Fivesome.
The
Deadbeats "Don't
Go Away"
This gem has 9 songs and some good bonus tracks (acoustic rock...right
on). I can tell this band has watched how it is done from a far,
and then did it themselves. Musically this is very very good and
complex.
They even throw some 80s metal gutair solos into the songs. I do
have a slight problem with the vocals, they don't stand out
enough.
I suggest that they hire a singer, and the singer they have now sing
backup
vocals. Then this band would be perfect!
Digger
"Powerbait"
& "Promise of Uncertain Future" (both
on Hopeless)
I like to classify Digger as a hard Pop-punk, which kind of just
cancels
each other out. All you have to know about this is "Powerbait" is
much better.
Fire
In The Radio "redstaticaction"
(Wednesday
Records)
Emotastic. Very mellow, but rockin' indie punk rock music.
Not too soft, not too hard, just right. Ten tracks of emo
pleasure.
It reminds me a Penfold, Sense Field, or a Harder
version
of Jimmy Eat World , one song reminds me of the Get Up
Kids.
Tons of Talent here. If you like emo music, GET THIS!
It has everything you need in an emo CD. Great Sound Quality and
Production.
Fo
A Cha "No
Clue"
Did they take the last review to heart? This is ten times better
than their last effort. They tightened up the music and downed
some
energy bars. This has some good punk songs...it could use some
work
around the edges, but that's minor. This has style of an
early
Plow United. Rockin' Music.... Good Job Guys.
Go!
For The Throat
To anwser Rob's earlier question (from the review in the CD EP Section)
of how many songs this band could fit on a full length CD , 24 Rob,
twenty
hyphen four. And they're catchy too. Reminiscant of old school goodness
like Vision, or Cause for Alarm, they came on strong
and
left me wanting more. They are everything you want in a hardcore
band. Why dont you stop reading these reviews and go out and buy this
cd.
-Reviewed By Chris Pyrdsa
Imidazole "Erythmia"
These guys have the rocking down, but I have a huge
problem with the vocals. If it were singing out of tune, it
would punk rock, but this is just talking out of tune (it reminds me of
the singer from Rage...which
I am not a fan of). But because musically it's great...if they
got a new singer or the singer took lessons... they could be huge.
Juliana
Theory "Understand This is a Dream"
(tooth & nail)
Very Melodic. Lots of good hooks. Very diversified.
Great.
-Reviewed by Sean
Kid
Dynamite"s/t" (Jade
Tree)
This is superb! If you've never heard of them, you are missing
out.
It starts out in blazing fury and doesn't stop till the
end.
Hardcore/punk at its best. Featuring Ex-members of Lifetime.
Kid
Dynamite"Shorter, Faster, Louder"(Jade
Tree)
Sounds like the last album, except I think the last album was a lot
better.
It's Shorter and Faster, but not necessarily louder, unless you turn
the
volume up on your stereo. The last album had a lot better
breakdowns.
There are still some good songs on this one, don't get me wrong.
If you like your songs short, fast and loud-pick this up.
Moscow Dynamo "Our
Bloods Electric"
This Rocks hard! If The New Bomb Turks had been harder
they'd sound like Moscow Dynamo.
They've invented their own genre: Rockabilly-core. A
refreshing breath from a world filled with copycat bands.
The
New Victims "It's
Your Life"
I wrote a really bad review for this, but I've had some time to think
about
it, it's really not that bad, but this band still needs some major
re-working
if they want to be rock stars. This has really good production,
nevertheless.
The
Nightmare Scenario "Heartbroken
and Hungover"
This band seems to have everything in the right places, chords,
riffs
bridges, and breaks...but something seems to be missing. I think it
would
be alot better if they would "scream" all the time or just really,
really
work on their regular vocals. They (the vocals) just really don't do
any
justice to their music, but perhaps with time there could really be
something
good here.
-Reviewed By Chris Pyrdsa
No on 15
"s/t" (Jumpstart Records)
9 songs of pop punk with horns. This is pretty good stuff. I
recommend
seeing them live, these boys have a ton of energy.
The
Overdrives "Too
Far To Turn Back" (Jumpstart Records)
There are so many things I want to say about this record. I don't
know if that would be fair to the records that I only said one word
about....
But anyway, The Overdrives was THEE first punk show I ever
attended.
I can still remember the days of yore when the Overdrives would play
every
weekend and my friends and I would be there. After a while
the Overdrives went through some line-up changes and the Overdrives I
once
knew were gone. Once I listen to this record, they were
back
again! This sounds like the same band I once knew, but even
better. Tight, Emotional, Melodic, Fast-paced punk music with
hardcore
breakdowns and sing-a-longs. I can't say enough good things
about this. For those of you that never heard the
Overdrives...think
Face To Face, crossed with Less Than Jake (minus the Horns) with a
pinch
of emotion. Hooks, Hook, and Power Chords. Great sound
quality
and a Great layout. Five Stars!
Paint
It Black "CVA"
(Jade Tree Records)
In the CD EP section you'll find my review for their 4 song demo in
which
I say what for the full length...so what are you waiting for? Dr.
Dan Yemin is at it again, short fast and loud song that distinct
themselves
from his former band Kid Dynamite. Tight sound, great
breakdowns...everything
hardcore punk should be. 17 songs in all, under 30
minutes....great
release.
Pea
Shooter "s/t"
(Imperfekt Records)
All right, I put this in the full length CD section, even though I
didn't
get the CD, I got a copy of it, but it still rocks. 14 songs comparable
to Screeching Weasel and The Ramones. Catchy and Energetic,
you'll
fall in love with "Punk" all over again.
Plow
United "Good Night Sellout" (Creep
Records)
I've liked these guys even before I heard their music...I know its hard
to believe, but I am weird like that. Well, this is another
fabulous
release by Plow, that makes you upset that they broke up.
Plow
United "Narcolepsy"
(Creep Records)
Plow's final album. Well, that is what we thought about the last
one. Well this is also a good release. Not as fast as the last
one,
but the same recipe that made them one of PA's finest is still
there.
17 songs...17 memories.
Plow
United"Dustbin of History"(Coolidge
Records)
If you can't tell...I am a Plow United fan. I don't know, what it
is. They are not the best band in the world, but they are pull
you
in any how. This album contains 27 of "hard to find" and
"out
of print" Plow songs. Its fantastic. If you like your
music...you
should like Plow United.
Shame
On You "This
story is going nowhere"
There have been many gods of music through out the history of man. You
had mozart in the classical era, and those charming singing monks, not
too soon after. Then you had your Janis Joplin and your Jimmy Hendricks
of the 60's and 70's. Following them were music legends such as The
Ramones,
and the Sex Pistols. The 80's found us burried amongst Men In Hats, and
The Be Sharps, and the 90's graced us with the presence of Nirvana, and
Four Non Blondes. So you may ask yourself...Well, who is there in the
new
millenium to fill my tormented soul. I can't tell you who it is...but I
can tell you who it isn't..."Shame on You". I needent say anymore. (no
bands feelings were hurt in the writing of this review...except
possibly
those of "Shame on You")
-Reviewed By Chris Pyrdsa
Sixsouth
"Playing
for Pennies...Paying our Dues" (Two AM
Records)
After hearing PA band after PA Band, I am glad this came into my life.
Melodic Hardcore from York, PA. Good Riddance- type music
with Blank 77 vocals. You feel the groove and want
to
smash things at the same time. I am glad there is a band out
there
that is willing to break the PA pop punk mold that plagues this great
state.
A
Trunk Full of Dead Bodies "The
Had Part Wasn't Getting Over Her, The Hard Part Was Getting The
Bloodstains
Out Of My Sheets" (Impression
Records)
The band name is pretty cool and the title of the album is just plain
brilliant,
but what can be said about the music? Just as good! Driving
punk music was edge and emotion. With a name like "A Trunk Full of Dead
Bodies" you may expect Death Metal, instead you get emo-core.
It's
emotional/poppy one minute and screaming/hardcore the next. I lot of
critics
don't like, when the styles change so drastically. I am not a
critic.
Weston
"Splitsville"
I can honestly say this is the only Weston album I own. I stopped
listening to it after I realized that Weston isn't that good. But
that Weston T-shirt I own did a good job of stopping the draft, when I
shoved it in the crack in my window. (The reason I bought the
shirt
is a different story entirely. I was trying to make someone I hate
jealous
cause he liked weston and he didn't have a ride, and he wasn't going to
the Weston/digger show. But then he showed up at the show and got the
exact
same shirt I got. So I am stupid)
Whatever
It Takes "A Fistful of Revolution" (Kill
All Music/A-F Records)
This actually very good. The band hails from Pittsburgh and is
the
side project of a member of one of the biggest punk bands in the
Pittsburgh
area, Anti- Flag. This does have some resemblance of the
Flag,
mainly in the snotty vocals. I am not a huge Anti-Flag
fan
so that's not a selling point for me. What sells this is the
musicianship,
lyrics, packaging (very professional looking), and the ability to
rock.
It borelines on emotional hardcore and melodic rock which is a great
combo.
It definitely has Lifetime influence, but doesn't copy the
sound
exactly (i.e. Saves the Day). The music has nice
breakdowns
and singalongs. This Rocks. I must for any fan of the Lifetime
genre. Pick the damn thing up.
When
In Roam "Shadow Traffic"
This is a philly band with mick from Violent Society on guitar
and
vocals. I guess this could be considered a "tamer" version of Violent
Society.
It's more melodic and less political. When In Roam doesn't seem to have
a distinct sound, one song will be soft and next blazing guitar
rock.
Some songs even have a sort of country twang to the guitars, I guess
this
covers all rock bases. The first thing that comes to my mind when
listening to this CD is CREEP RECORDS, this sounds like a band that
would
be on Creep...So I wasn't surprised when I looked at the latest Creep
Compilation
and saw that When In Roam was on it. It's not a bad release, but the
vocals
don't seem to work on the slower songs... I like all the songs, it's
just
the vocals are too raspy to be emotional.
Wonderdog
"Original
Formula" (Stinky Midget/Verriant)
If you've had the privilege of seeing Wonderdog on stage recently, as I
have for the second time, you would have witnessed one of the best live
performances a band can put on. But if you think that's good, you
haven't
heard anything yet. Do whatever you have to do to find their CD
"Original
Formula." From the first song, "Winter Solstice", to "Score One Point
for
the Good Guy," the CD will have you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions
while never losing a step to your sway as it pours from your speakers.
Filled with catchy emo riffs to even a hardcore-esque song ("Running
Without
the Benefits of Friction") this CD is not only one of the best from a
Pennsylvania
band I've heard in a while, but one of the best CDs from anywhere that
I've heard. If I was rating this by stars I'd give it a 6 out of 4.
-Reviewed by J. Jason
Wormbath
"The
Writing on the Wall"(42 records)
I enjoy this CD very much. Although it is sloppy at time (but
that's
punk rock) it still kicks ass. As you get more towards the
end, it gets better. There is songs about girls, working in a fast food
restaurant, even having sex with the dead!
Zolof
The Rock and Roll Destroyer
"Jalopy Go Far"(Eyeball
Records)
Besides the cool name, these guys (and girl) rock! Be-boppy,
female-fronted
rock that will be swimming in your head all day long. There are a
couple songs that are also on the last release. But over all this
release should get you moving, so move to the record store and pick it
up.
Split
CDs
Back
to the Psychiatrist. (Ripped Records)
Resurgents, from Carsile, PA are pretty good. They play pop-punk, the
kind
the girlies like, I must be an exception, cause I like them. The
Wastrels,
I've never heard of these guys be for and now I know why, they are
hardly
listen able, thank God they are at the end of the CD, less fast
forwarding
to go through. Shower with Goats and Skam-Impaired are also
on this Split, but since they are not from PA, I feel I don't have to
review
them. (...but they are good)
Kid
Dynamite/88 Fingers Louie Split (Hopeless
Records)
Kid Dynamite comes up with 3 (yes only 3) fast, loud and fabulous songs
on this split with on of my all time favorite bands...88FL. Only
6 songs altogether, but still worth getting.
No
On 15 and Straightleggedkick Split Release
I never heard of straightleggedkick until this cd but they are a fast
semi
melodic
poppy punk group. I like all 4 of there songs. But the No On 15 songs
are
excellent. They are a really tight version of older Less Than Jake in my
opinion.
Very good cd.
-Reviewed by ATeamAFISkaterXx@aol.com
Shoot
Deers, Drinking Beers, and Shifting Gears.(Stirling
Records)
All three bands on this Split Cd are from PA. But the only band
worth
mentioning is the Overdrives.
CD
EPs
Absentee
Ballad "Constant Lookout for
Something
New"
I am speachless....Yet, I know I am going to yammer on about this CD,
because
it is AWESOME. Emotionally powerful music with emotionally
sincere
vocals. This is a buffet of styles one minute it's soft
rock
with soft vocals the next minute it's hardcore break downs with
screaming
vocals. It reminds me of the Get Up Kids crossed
with
Keepsake.
Ranges of emotion with a keyboard "tinkling" in the background...this
is
the type of music the kids are going crazy for nowadays. It could
use some work around the edges, tighten up a slight bit... I may sound
too critical, but that's the only thing I can find wrong with
this.
I can also complain about the lack of songs...I know for a fact that
they
have more than 6 songs, but I can listen to these amazing 6 songs over
and over again (and I did last night), but it leaves you wanting
more.
I can guarantee if these boys stay together for a year, practice their
little hearts out, they will be the most powerful and popular band in
the
great state of Pennsylvania. Get this before you are the last one
on your block with out it!!!!! (And Yes, I do know the boys in this
band
and I am not saying these great thing because they are my friends, just
look at the Shame on You review...I know them too.)
The
Commercials "8 new songs"
This was given to me to put a song on the Suckfest comp (which I am
slacking
off on) but this is great! All of the songs sound great and
there is an emo song that stands out called "Immediately", which is a
sweet
song. It's the type of song you'd be glad to have on the stereo while
you
are getting your swerve on with that special someone.
Debaser
"Demo"
(Redcap
Records)
State College rock. This is pretty good. Best described at a Hot
Water Music/Small Brown Bike type band. Snotty and melodic vocals
with breakdowns. Not bad at all. I'd love to see a
full
length attempt from this band.
Drivin
By "The Lost Art of Making Out" (A
Fist in the Air/ Standstill)
I didn't know whether to put this in CD EP or Split
section.
This is six acoutic songs, with two members of the band switching back
and forth, so it's kind of like a split within a band. Very
heartful
and emotion. The best way to describe this release is a
collection
of bonus tracks. And don't let the beautiful acoutic songs
forget how much this band rocks when the whole band gets together.
Fo
A Cha "CD
EP"
Hazleton's PA punk trio. The recording doesn't sound to swell, so
that ruins it from the beginning. It lacks energy and falls apart
frequently. Some of the "slower songs" sound alright. They
could use a lot of work, but I see potential in this band. If they
tighten
up they would be an awesome power rock band.
Go!
For The Throat "Demo 2001"
You can judge a book by its cover... or a Band by its name. What
do you expect with a name like Go! For the Throat? Answer: Fast,
hard-edged punk music. Well, you got it. This demo contains
5 very good (yet very short) punk songs in the vein of Kid Dynamite or
Sick of It All all in
under 6 minutes!!!! I'd like to see how
many songs they could put on a full length. Hardcore chants and
Harmonies-
Check these guys out this is good stuff.
Little
Albert "CD
EP"
5 amazing rock songs from this PA 5 piece. It sounds like a more
melodic
Mxpx.
Fast poppy punk rock, they way it was meant to be. The Last song
is a cover of Jon Bon Jovi's "You Give Love a Bad Name."
Very
Good Stuff. I'd recommend this to anyone who like their music.
Noc26
"Clearance
6'10""
It's hard to find indie rock bands that can be enjoyed by
everyone.
noc26 is one of those bands. Blending Indie- College Rock
with
heart and soul rock n roll. Very radio friendly but still has the
ability to rock. It reminds me of Jimmy Eat World with Weezer-type
harmonies. There are four songs on this CD and it looks pretty
DIY,
but it's still a good time.
The
Overdrives"Left Behind"
Tight Punk Music. I've seen these guys 15 times. My only
complaint
is that there isn't enough songs.
Paint
It Black "4
Song
Demo"
I'd be lying if I said I didn't like this...But I am going to say this
isn't worth it. Out of Kid Dynamite's ashes arises Paint It
Black,
a philly based band that sounds like KD, and that's fine with me.
The songs are really good, I mean these guys are going to be should be
huge. But this CD is 4 fast hardcore/punk songs that clock
in under 4 minutes...If I were you, I'd wait for a full length.
The
Reunion Show (from NY) "The
Motion E.P." (Jerkbag Records)
This is some of the best rock music out there today. Six Songs of
catchy, poppy, toe-tapping music that you would be a fool not to like.
This rock band emerged out of the ashes of 2 good ska bands, Edna's
Goldfish
and Step Lively. This is just a good time waiting to
happen.
I expect great things from this band in the future.
Ritter
(Dressed
To Kill Records)
Let me apologize up front... I had this for a while and never got
around
to review it. Sorry. I don't want this review to get bogged down
with apologies, because this CD is great! Four Songs of power pop
rock. The first three songs have a real epi-fat sound to it. The
Last song sounds like Bigwig. Nice break downs and
sing-a-longs.
Eleven Thirty is my favorite of the 4, it has a real 1997 pop punk
sound
to it...it takes me back. I wish this was a full length, because
it leaves me wanting more. I highly recommend picking this up, or
anything
else they put out....
Slacker
"A
day in the life of..."
This CD is ok, but these guys just plain suck live. A lot of oohs and
ahhs.
Speedie
Green "The
Demo"
8 Songs on this demo. 2 Acoustic. The Album starts off mellow,
but
then rages out into repeatious fury. This isn't half
bad.
The best song is "Slut", and there is a regular version and a acoustic
version of the song. "Slut" reminds me of an early Plow
United. Good work guys.
Split-Fifty
"On
Your Faces, On Your Screens" (Dress to
Kill
Records)
This I like. You know those 10 or so CD's that keep ending up in your
cd
player over many
many
years? Well add this one to your list and bump something else. This
band
is tight all over. I
can't
even think of any criticism to give it. It's like alkaline trio,
kind of, but DARE I
SAY....better?
I recommend track 3 and the extra track.
-Reviewed By Chris Pyrdsa
The
Starting Line "With
hopes of Starting Over..." Drive
Thru
Records
They shouldn't have tried to start over at all! Incase you have been
living
in a cave this band use to be call Sunday Drive and they had a lot of
potential
to be a great band. The first song is pretty catchy
and
rocks...and guess what? you can get it on mp3.com, don't buy this for
one
good song. The other four songs lack heart, engery, and
creativity.
I am very disappointed in this release, I expected great things from
this
band. I have to mention that the last song is a cover of
"Nothing's
Gonna Stop Us Now", I normally love cover songs, but even this
one
can't save this CD.
Team
Radar
"CD
EP"
Five songs of plain old punk rock. This isn't too bad. I've
hear worse. But this isn't anything groundbreaking or new.
It just sounds like so boys playing music to have a good time and there
is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Have fun.
Whatever
It Takes "Stars&Skulls
e.p."
Eight self-released songs from the soon to be famous foursome (well,
now
they're a fivesome). The music is pretty much the same as the full
length,
except it has a pinch more energy on the fast songs and more diversity
by adding a couple "slower songs". I especially like song
#4
and #8 , where they incorpated the acoustic guitar in the songs.
The rest is driving punk music with emotion and a hard edge. You'll
beat
your head and tap for foot along with the music. It's limited in
quantities,
300 to be exacted. So get it, what the hell are you waiting for?
Wormbath
"New
Demo 1999"
Four new songs from the boys of wormbath. It's typical Wormbath stuff,
but that's alright with me.
7"s
Armed
Citizens "Citizens on the March" (Second
Amendment Records)
This is the band Sixsouth before changing their name, check out the
Sixsouth
CD review for a background of this band, because is this basically the
same deal. The first song "Live Free X 3" has a nice hardcore
chant.
The second song "FDIC" is just afast punk song with ocasional break
down.
Side Two: "My Country Tis of Thee" starts out with a punk groove you
wouldn't
expect from this band, but the rages back into its fast past punk rock
fury. This song has an Against All Authority feel to it. The Last
song is "Hockey Fight" and it's nothing special after listening
to
the other songs.
Boils/Violent
Society (Schuylkill Records)
V.S. is Fast and Furious, I guess it could be considered gutter punk,
which
I am not that big of a fan of. They are pretty tight, and that's
all that matters. Boils are pretty much
the
same consistency, but V.S is a lot harder. Tight...Hard....This
review
sounds perverted. 3 songs from each band!
Buglite/Bouncing
Souls (Creep Records)
Buglite puts out 2 more songs about girls: "She Loves Me" and "Just a
Dream"
(which appears on the CD). It's your basic pop punk love songs
with
Na Na Nahs and head bobbing beats.
Bouncing Souls aren't from PA, but both songs on here have been
released
before.
Digger/Weston
"Wilkum
to Pennsylvania."
I actually like the two Weston songs on this 7" and digger to
boot.
(whatever that means) If you like either of these bands. Get this.
Digger/Fairlanes
There is a couple naked fat chicks on the cover of this. But on
the
plus side the music is good.
Grieving
Eucalyptus/Overdrives (Abysmal
Records)
G.E. is a mellow, female fronted pop punk band- this is what punk would
have sounded like if it existed in the 50s...but it didn't. They
even cover "Splish Splash".
Overdrives have two good songs: Short End and Tattle Tale. I
think
this was recorded when the Overdrives were a 3 piece band, but I could
be wrong. It sounds pretty tame compared to the Overdrives of
today,
but it is still a good time. I think this is out of print.
NC
13s/Anything Goes (Big Chicken
Records)
NC 13s have 2 basic ska music with an occasional "hardcore" breakdown.
I wasn't impressed...but they do stay together in-between the fast and
slow transitions.
Anything Goes isn't from PA, I am pretty sure. But they also didn't
impress
me.
Plow
United West Chester Rock City
(Total Jayos Records)
4 Songs: West Chester Rock City(Different from the "Good Night
Sell-out"
version), Comeback, Beat Fades Quickly, and No Parole. The last 3 are
on
the new Dustbin of History CD.
Resurgents
(i don't know what its called but its has a pink cover)
I got this 7" for free, cause the order was so late, I guess they don't
have to worry about that anymore because the Resurgent's Ripped Records
label is now defunct. Well I really like this 7", its pop punk
that
I can really relate to.
There's
Something Rotten In Red Lion Various
Artists (Second Amendment
Records)
Side One: The band Scam with the song "Drive me to Drink" This is
a semi-screamy straight up punk rock song with some nice break
downs.
The Next Band is the Hellcats with their off-beat style punk the vocals
seem faster than the guitars, this is blah blah punk.
Side Two: The band Squire plays more fast screamy punk rock. It's
a good song, but not great. The 7 inch is finished off the the
Armed
Citizens. This is by far the best song on the comp. Fast
Melodic
punk rock with nice hooks and breakdowns.
Weston/Plow
United (Coolidge Records)
This is from 1995. 2 Songs from each band. Weston has "I
feel
like dying", which is a basic Weston song, and "Young PA", which also
appears
on the Splitsville CD, but I think this is a different version.
Side 2- PLOW! Chistoph and Could You (which you can find on the
new
Dustbin of History album.) Good Stuff.
COMPS
Aliens Now Own the Earth and I
Told Them Girls Make Good Zoo Exhibits
(Recap Records)
This is a
great
idea. Although I didn't mention it in the title, this is a State
College area comp. 21 songs highlighting the area's finest
bands.
If every area did this, people from different scenes could know what's
going on in regional scenes (did that make sense?) Anyway it's
only
a couple buck, support DIY.
Killer Cuts
(Vera-Cruz Records)
16 songs, many of the bands have 2 songs. Stand out bands are: NJ
Joystick, Confused, Bedford, and Stutterbum. Awesome 1st attempt at a
comp.
Pick it up, I am thanked on the inside cover!
Expotational Sampler (Creep
Records)
This isn't
new,
but I thought I'd review it anyway. Creep has to be one of PA's
finest
labels. Some really good songs from Plow United, 2.5 Children, Short
Fuse,
and The Halfings. It's Cheap. It's Good.
The Last Stake has Been Driven
(Creep
Records)
A new
compilation
for the Year 2001. Wow, I thought Creep was awesome before...now
they are diverse. Way to many good bands on here to name... just pick
it
up....It's Creep....It's Cheap.
Pennsylvania, USA Volume One
(Kickstart Audio)
Maybe I am
just
bitter because I had this idea a long time ago, but this could
have
been a whole lot better. A compilation filled with 26 PA
bands.
It just blah blah...run of the mill punk stuff. Kickstart has a
chance
to redeem its self, since they called this one Volume one. I hope
Volume
two is a lot better.
Punk for Life Vol 1(Run and Hide Records)
A Comp from a Philly Label. 32 bands mainly
'77 style punk. Lot's a "hey's" and "Oi's". And a bunch of
PA bands like Piss Shivers, Smut, Kill the Witness, Common Enemy, and
Famous in Vegas.
MoRE
Reviews To Come.....
*Most
of these are personal reviews of records from my collection. if you
would
like your CD/7"/demo reviewed on this page email me for my address: prpdproductions@hotmail.com