this is really a collection of Hit the Ground tracks that I’ve randomly picked up. six tracks on the American rat race, authorities abusing their power and the way things look dark now, but can easily be changed if we make an effort. inspiring stuff. add fast-as-shit guitars, powerful drumming, semi-melodic bass and instantly recognisable vocals – and you’ve got great stuff! a bit reminiscent of Nothing’s Forgotten, but with more society-oriented lyrics. sounds like they’ve been listening to AFI with those perfect backing vocals too. get this.
February 27th, 2009
Damage Digital – Split Tape
hard grindcore with blast beats and alternating fe/male vocals. everything about this is truly awesome. from how hard it is, to how they make it sound diverse, experimenting with different breaks and so on. oh and the snare drum sounds like a bell. get this.
February 26th, 2009
Elysis – Chillout/Alphawave
German acid-ish chillout music. all the tracks flow. they fit into each other. it feels like it could just as well been one long track at times, because they all put you in this relaxed and eerie mood. atmospheric and moody ambient from Germany. you need to get this.
February 26th, 2009
Nothing’s Forgotten – Vestfold HC Demo
this sounds like old sk00l hardcore like Minor Threat, Government Issue, Guerilla Biscuits and Iron Cross – mixed with those modern mainstream rockers influenced by 80s alternative bands. you know who I’m talking about. blink-182, Anti-Flag, and especially A Fire Inside (pre Sing the Sorrow). it’s also definitely reminiscent of the current Norwegian hardcore/screamo scene, and kind of reminds me of Death Is Not Glamorous, Raging Fugitives and even Dominic at the slower parts and with the vocals. but the contemporary bands that would make the most sense comparing to Nothing’s Forgotten would be Striking Distance and Modern Life Is War. the music has distorted guitars playing fast, melodic, haunting riffs. combine this with upbeat drums, a melodic bass that accompany the guitars brilliantly, shouted vocals and sing-a-long lyrics – and you’ve got awesomage. (don’t let the vegan themes scare you. if I as an anarchist can listen to nsbm, meat eaters can listen to this.) you don’t want to miss this gem!
February 24th, 2009
Caitlyn Bailey – Fuego!
Caitlyn Bailey are a rather noisy affair from the Philippines. and you definitely think of pg.99, Orchid and Joshua Fit for Battle when listening to them. it’s noisy, fast and thrashy. breakdowns, metalcore-influences. Fuego!’s got it all. even these semi-epic little interludes with creeping guitars with interchanging major and minor chords. this band are a really noisy screamo band with a lot of great melodic interludes. they climax into intense screamo with the epic undertones made popular by Envy. Fuego! is a very well performed album.
February 22nd, 2009
Paul Baribeau – Grand Ledge
Grand Ledge is like a motivational course. it teaches you the beauty of life, as well as its frailty. you only have one life, and you owe it to yourself and everyone around you to make the best of it. combine these wonderful messages of hope and warmth with a warm and attractive acoustic guitar, and you have a fantastic album that you surely don’t want to miss out on.
February 22nd, 2009
Paul Baribeau – Paul Baribeau
14 folk classics, including “Only Babies Cry”, made popular by the ever so charming The Ergs!. there’s a beautiful optimism and insight in Baribeau’s longing lyrics and voice. he sounds like a man who has lived(, loved and lost, perhaps). one can’t help but be charmed by the true joy these songs give. even with songs like “Never Get to Know”, quite possibly the saddest song ever written, he manges to push in some sparkling optimism. it’s wonderful. get it!
February 22nd, 2009
iwrotehaikusaboutcannibalisminyouryearbook – 8 Song Demo
hello brutal screamo. this is definitely from California. from Antioch actually. this band was so epic back in the day, and everyone is still anticipating that fucking 12″ we never saw… it’s a damn shame, because these demos showed great promise. they are nothing short of awesome. melodic masterpieces of loud, screamy, violent emo. the passion, the heart, the screams, the drums, the bass, the GUITARS makes this demo album one of a kind. truly unique and different screamo. defining even. this is way up there with fucking Indian Summer. you must not miss out on this!
February 22nd, 2009
Fall Children – Fall Children
named after an A Fire Inside’s best track, these punk rockers from Norway play punk rock influenced by everything from blink-182 to Rites of Springs to – of course – AFI. the welcome jangly vocals, distorted guitars and overall catchyness makes this a sure win. or, in the words of their bassit: «it sounds sour and shitty, but it doesn’t take much more than a minute to downlad, and we’re not talking about more than 7,5MB or so, so everyone should download it». so download it!
February 18th, 2009
Elysis – Techno/Hardbeat
a techno album that more than once passes into hardbeat territory. all the while keeping an acid approach. if you like electronic music – at all – you should probably like this. so it’s worth getting.
February 18th, 2009
Elysis – House/Minimal
this is very minimalist house music. almost idm-ish. it’s awesome. a long dreamy journey through the human mind. on LSD. get it.
February 18th, 2009
Elysis – Funky/Happy
Funky/Happy is mostly upbeat, happy and *good* music. dance music with house elements. puts you in a good mood. it has enough quality and nifty little trippy beats to make you feel elevated. get this, unless you wanna take the stairs.
February 18th, 2009
Elysis – Elektro/Drum’n'Bass
a collection of very diverse electronica with heaps of drum’n'bass (as the title “mentions”) and dance influences. not exactly dance music, but not exactly… not dance music. it’s all very good. gives you energy.
February 18th, 2009
*luhn – *luhn
*luhn is pronounced loon. that doesn’t say it all, but it says a bit. this is a very pleasant journey through manipulated tape glitches and such. soothing guitars and comforting noise. no synths. only noise. it’s wonderful.
February 15th, 2009
The Mega Games Two – The Mega Games Two
anarcho-punk on an acoustic guitar and a melodica, with shouted vocals. does it even *get* better than this? high tempo and great lyrics that demands you to sing a long. they are quickly memorised. not because they are “simple”, as in stupid, but because they are awesome. like the music. get it.
February 14th, 2009
Magnus Eliassen – Second Grace
cozy rock with an acoustic guitar, a gentle voice and pwitty little sounds. a soothing and eerie journey through the emotional spectrum of the human being, you wouldn’t want to miss out on. some tracks are as calm as can be, some are upbeat and catchy, yet still cozy. there’s even some lengthy progressive pop tracks, that are quite good. the closer is in fact over ten minutes. get this.
February 13th, 2009
Draff Krimmy – The Poetry of Vår
The Poetry of Vår is a beautiful journey through blip blops and rainbows. magical music, with an intense nerve. it’s demanding music. and you might not be up for it. I hereby challenge you. download it! and buy it from http://www.howisannierecords.com if you like it. provoking though introverted ambient music for the ones with an acquired taste.
February 12th, 2009
The Cortlandt Homes – Twirly Brown EP
this album is definitely strong. it seems to draw influence from mid/late 80s and early 90s emo and alternative. particurarly The Replacements, Dinosaur Jr. and Built to Spill, but perhaps also Embrace, Hüsker Dü and Cap’n Jazz. the tracks have strong backbones and piercing vocals. great alternative/emo/rock drive. melodic bass, loud guitars, thorough drumming and the piercing vocals compliment each other very nicely. it’s impressing that the vocalist gets through twenty-five minutes of constant shouting with seemingly no trouble at all. sounds a bit like Build Nest, Sleep. this album is really solid. get it.
February 12th, 2009
Dominic – Dominic CD
Dominic stands for shouted/screamed vocals, complex guitar work, progressive drum patterns and an aggressive bass guitar. their music is defining modern screamo. with angry music and just as angry lyrics, they play and sing (shout/scream) like they fucking mean it. their sound is everything that’s good about screamo. awesome guitars that never fail to impress, passionate vocals and a more than steady rhythm section that refuses to make the music anything but unique. awesomage. get it.
February 12th, 2009
Grapefruit – Grapefruit
Grapefruit are a folk punk band that’s heavily influenced by Against Me!. but Grapefruit are a ten times more honest, clever and passionate band. so check out these three songs about downfall. two of which are originals, one is an Against Me! cover. all of which are awesome. it’s even in lossless quality! get it.
February 11th, 2009
Beyond the Fences – No Ceiling in the Sky
ferocious, hard-hitting, pissed off, aggressive and brutal punk rock that feels it has something to tell you. and it isn’t gently tapping your shoulder, asking for you attention. nor is it on its knees, begging for your attention. it’s more like it’s holding a double barrelled shotgun to your face and screaming, «listen up mother fucker, before I blow your damn face off and shove it up your arse». consequently you listen to what they have to say. so the choice is yours. listen to Beyond the Fences, or have your face blown up and shoved up your rear end (just be thankful it’s not your bell end). if you choose to listen, you won’t be disappointed you did so. Beyond the Fences really proves that there is no ceiling in the sky.
February 11th, 2009
Cut Short – Master 08
this is a pre-ep demo thingy or something. whatever. it’s hardcore punk at it’s very finest. this is comparable to Last Lights, both in awesomeness and sound. only this is a bit too fast to be as sing-a-long friendly as Last Lights. but Cut Short makes up for it with angryness and heavyness. anyway, if you are into modern hardcore – you are into this for sure. it’s also worth mentioning that if you have downloaded the demo posted earlier in this blog, this doesn’t sound much like it. it’s just as pissed off and hardcore, but the recordings sound a lot sharper. give it a listen.
February 10th, 2009
Andrew Jackson Jihad – Candy Cigarettes & Cap Guns
one of the finest folk punk releases there ever was. this spreads hate on white people, religion and various other stuff. with sing-a-long lyrics and attitude-punk music, this is a sure win. one of the most honest albums you will ever hear, I guarantee it. it’s legendary. get it.
February 10th, 2009
Andrew Jackson Jihad – Issue Problems
Issue Problems has issue problems. and it’s awesome. Andrew Jackson Jihad makes majestic folk punk with genius lyrics and a consistency that is lacking in most other bands. they play with ferocious passion and intensity, and sing with all the heart in the world. download this and enjoy it.
February 10th, 2009
Andrew Jackson Jihad – Holy Man, Holy War
four folk punk tracks about religion, expectations, cigarettes and killing ladies. it is tight. energetic music with intelligent lyrics.
February 10th, 2009
Andrew Jackson Jihad – Home Recordings
Home Recordings are home recordings. without a doubt. charming folk punk that matters. find out why Andrew Jackson Jihad’s fans are among the most loyal fans in the world. download it!
February 10th, 2009
Andrew Jackson Jihad – KXLU Recordings (January ‘07)
this feels like a long jam session of folk punk greatness. maybe because it is? download it and find out what makes this so charming. these guys played with Flogging Molly, and blew them off the stage really. they are awesome live, and just as awesome on their albums. but to get the ultimate experience of this, I recommend you get your friends together and sing a long!
February 10th, 2009
Andrew Jackson Jihad – Demo III
another folk punk album that rules. all the tracks are catchy and have lyrics that will make fine tattoos. AJJ are the shit. catchy anti-folk/punk/rock/Americana with serious messages. get this.
February 10th, 2009
Andrew Jackson Jihad – Demo II
Andrew Jackson Jihad are your new favourite folk punk band. punchy drums, fast acoustic guitars and iconic lyrics are what makes me so into this band. this demo album contains quite a few upbeat and catchy tracks about how much white people suck, and other interesting topics. anti-folk power!
February 10th, 2009
The Spectacle – I, Fail
on I, Fail, The Spectacle takes things to the next level. they abandon much of the heavy and gritty crust sound of previous releases in favour of a far more experimental sound that incorporates eastern influences as well as a much wider utilizing of their core instruments. the guitars twinkle in that early 90s emo fashion, but with the more modern chord progressions of bands such as City of Caterpillar and Circle Takes the Square. but admist all of the expected screamo guitars and snare-focused upbeat drumming is a spiritual or magical presense. when they break away from the punk rock chains and play the mesmerising acoustic guitars and hypnotising battle drums, you feel like you are in the middle of an epic middle-age tale. and perhaps you indeed are? this album is timeless and beautiful like no other album ever made. if you are a fan of epic rock/metal bands, then you will absolutely absorb this album, and refuse to listen to anything else than this for the next few days (or weeks). because this is a monster of an album that deserves the attention of everyone. listen to this!
February 10th, 2009
The Spectacle – Rope or Guillotine
«the most beautiful, dynamic, aggressive, dark punk record of the year, hands down», says Crimethinc. then it must be hardcore, right? well yeah. it is. His Hero Is Gone’s meets Darkthone . three guitarists making a lot of noise, brutal vocals and thrash rhythms. epic hardcore. stunningly beautiful, marvellously intense and magically passionate. get this!!!
February 10th, 2009
Last Lights – Demo CD
Last Lights were destined to become the biggest hardcore band of the 00s, and they had awesome potential for the future. I’m posting this for you to find out why! you need to listen to this band and understand why everyone loved them, why everyone still loves them. this is brutal hardcore with iconic lyrics. it’s everything hardcore is supposed to be. (except for the double bass pedals. that bit is slightly lol.) this is fucking legendary. get it. and at least make the slightest of efforts to fathom what just hit you. it’s stunning.
February 10th, 2009
hjördis – eplemjölk
what if Sonic Youth made songs that were less than a quarter the lenght of the songs they do make? that would make them less boring, when they get boring. and let’s not kid ourselves. while Sonic Youth may rule pretty damn hard from time to time, other times – it gets boring and repetitive. it’s even borderline artsy fartsy. there. I said it. this boring/repetitive feeling due to long songs is not a problem you will encounter on this ep. at all. you will put it on repeat to figure out what the hell just happened. then you will perhaps leave it on repeat because it’s pretty good. enjoy. oh and also – this here is the world premiere of the album. it is released just now. and will not be “officially” released anywhere else. get it. yay.
February 10th, 2009
Silje Halstensen – Feedback Promo
this is a girl and a guitar and some other instruments. it’s as cozy as possible, without getting obnoxious. the guitars are kind of emo, and there’s some inventive drumming. also she has a nice voice. it’s very pwitty. download it and give it a go.
February 10th, 2009
The Spectacle 7″
you probably shouldn’t get this if you are bipolar, because it might fuck you up a bit. this is some of the most depressing and heavy crust you’ll hear, but also some of the most uplifting epic progressive hardcore you’ll ever hear. this is only two tracks, “Beats” and “Terms”. and you need to listen to them asap.
February 10th, 2009
The Spectacle – Lakonia Demo
is extremely powerful and intense crust your thing? get this. the screamo and hardcore influences are evident, but the sound is heavy and dark crust, that incorporates epic hardcore that sounds like Godspeed You! Black Emperor jumping between grind and progressive, and epic emo like Envy displays on latter albums. the vocals have a clearly evident passion to them. the vocals vary between screams and dark growling. the guitars play an epic progressive chord progression with punk rock undertones and sceamo overtones. the band basically blends what must be a thousand genres in this. and they do it very well. in short: don’t miss out on this. it’s just one song, but what a song!
February 10th, 2009
Sinnssyk Ugle – Pistola/Chloe O’Brian Demo
indie rock hipsters Sinnssyk Ugle make very diverse music, without going insane. their tracks tend to sound very different, both in regards to the atmosphere and the overall composition. so if you want to hear two very different but equally well-crafted tracks, you should give this sharp and edgy rock band a go.
February 10th, 2009
Sinnssyk Ugle – Odas Liv Demo
Sinnssyk Ugle are a rock band that could just as well have been straight outta England… if they didn’t sing in Norwegian. but they do. and that sets them apart from the English indie rock bands. other things that sets them apart are how well they create stories, how different every song is and the sharp guitars. this is clever music. get clever.
February 10th, 2009
Alpinist – Demo 2007
imagine Graf Orlock remove the heavy focus on dual vocals (not that there isn’t dual vocals here… but it isn’t as reliant on it). and less tempo shifts. and no futuristic cinematic crap. this isn’t cinema grind. it’s more of a mixed bag with a lot of crust and screamo in it. Graf Orlock with Combatwoundedveteran and The Spectacle. it’s cool. raspy screams, driving guitars that mostly are just heavy and fast, but sometimes melodic and all skram-like. the drums are fast and technically not all that bad. actually, it’s all rather good. while it’s most of the time rather straightforward power violence-esque crust that’s so heavy it actually sounds slow due to the guitars, it sometimes breaks down into screamo passages with twinkly guitars, preventing it getting repetitive. it’s very dynamic, and well worth a listen. this demo has ten songs between one and six minutes long. it’s basically just packed with intense semi-epic music. LISTEN!
February 10th, 2009
boyhitscar – 8 track demos 30-22-00
boyhitscar are a rock band from the US. they make rock music with very much heart and soul. these demos have harmonic guitars, a deep and fuzzy bass, mostly upbeat and creative drumming, and painfully frail vocals that somehow are very powerful despite the frailty. the guitars show a clearly eastern influence. this gives boyhitscar a kind of spiritual sound, that sounds somewhat trance-ish. as in a trance, not the genre trance. anyway it’s good, get it.
February 10th, 2009
Hit Factory – Party Animals
this is basically pop rock. but it’s pretty fucking epic anyway. the sound is huge. and it’s definitely album rock, because these songs all sound like they belong together. it’s tightly produced, and despite basically being a pop album, it has a lot of different sounds to it. noise, alternative rock and ambient are all present. it sounds a bit BritPop influenced, like Radiohead. but at the same time there’s so much folk stuff. and it’s too darn happy to be Radiohead. gotta love this album. upbeat and definitely happy pop music for the masses (that means you!). get it. :D
February 10th, 2009
Score One For Safety – Castles [EP] + Bonus
eerie and epic. with some skram vocals still reminiscent of The Spirit of Versailles, and some gang chants or whatever. the music is progressive, and it progresses from moody ambient to almost screamo-like chaos. and it’s all very welcome. give it a go if you are into those long tracks with climaxes and stuff.
February 10th, 2009
mamma, jeg blör… – Lyd
Lyd is Norwegian for noise. this is noisy. ten tracks clocking in just under six minutes. did you download Møkk Sessions from this site? thought it was noisy? this is noisier. a lot noisier. imagine that Møkk Sessions is Chinese Democracy in terms of production – then Lyd is more like Slave Whipping Blasphemy’s Niggerbitch 666 demo. some of these tracks sound like they are recorded into a boombox in a fucking tunnel. okay I’m exaggerating. it doesn’t sound awful. it sounds lovely actually. mmmmmmh feedback. complex and organised noisy skram. screaming and noise vol 2. GET IT.
February 9th, 2009
True Sounds of Liberty – Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Free Downloads
True Sounds of Liberty has that Echo & The Bunnymen coolness, the Joy Division darkness and their very own set of energetic catchy hooks. and their new album is fucking awesome. classic even. it’s not full-blown cabaret rock like Tarot Bolero, but it sure as hell ain’t far away. somewhere in between Tarot Bolero and All That & A Bag of Chips. you don’t want to miss out on this extravagant punk rock album.
February 9th, 2009
The Little Hands of Asphalt – Spit Back at Rain
Sjur Lyseid of Monzano offers five sympathetic folky tracks. Elliott Smith meets Rocky Votolato and goes emo. or maybe this is the Pulp album that was supposed to come in between It and Freaks? the warm sound of It with awesome keys and a sensitive and the frail voice singing heartbroken tales about love from Freaks. this is beautiful. very touching. the calmest tracks are even Kevin M. Kirker-like. and this mini-album appetizer will definitely get you excited for the full album coming March 9th. get that album when it comes at http://www.howisannierecords.com
February 9th, 2009
Cut Short – Demo 2008
according to Cut Short’s guitarist, this demo fucking sucks. I don’t agree. I think they are one of the angriest bands you’ll ever hear. they are fucking pissed off, and not afraid to say. heavy guitars thrashing, shouted/spat vocals and an overall heavy tone is what defines this demo. you need to hear it. kind of reminiscent of lo-fi black metal at times. it’s angry. and while Cut Short’s guitarist will tell you not to waste time on this shit, I will tell you to download it and give it a listen, because it is awesome. even if the band doesn’t even play the tracks live any more.
February 8th, 2009
Loaded – Dark Days
no frills rock’n'roll isn’t *that* easy to come by these days. fortunately there is some. Loaded are one of those no frills bands. there are decent guitars, upbeat drumming and nonchalant vocals about how much L.A. sucks arse. nihilistic and straightforward. what’s not to love? get it.
February 8th, 2009
Steadman – Revive
I once said this is like the best UK album ever. I might have exaggerated. but probably not. because it’s AWESOME. mad catchy, and straight up fun to listen to. great music. it’s simple but at the same time it almost crosses over to being epic. especially on the title track Revive, that reminds us of all the great English acts throughout time – all at once. let the nostalgia commence! at the same time Steadman sounds very fresh. it’s old and new at the same time. it’s ambitious as hell. “everyone” can produce a catchy backbone. what Steadman are doing here is paying attention to detail. there are no “good” songs here. only marveollous songs. every track is filled with remarkable litte details. from the thumpy drums and energetic guitar harmonies, to the sheer epicness. there’s alarmingly brutal electric guitars on top of relaxed but at the same time intense and passionate acoustic guitars, bass and angst bunny vocals. perfectly synchronized and timed. nothing is too dominating or too lazy. and this album is like the previous one, not filled with the semi-complicated pseudo poetry about simple that many “poets” choose to write about. instead it’s simple words about complicated things. no pompous imagery or long dictionary-words that no one understands anyway. and where Coldplay, Starsailor, Keane, and the older The Verve, Radiohead and The Stone Roses are melancholic and even depressing, Steadman are basically always optimistic, yet extremely sensitive. sensitive and fragile, yet powerful and attention-seeking. like Steadman’s unique vocals, with the Thom Yorke nerves and Ian Brown angst and its very own edge, quality, and impressing diversity. also notice how the band incorporates influences from the very elite of British music the last forty years. there’s The Beends/Ok Computer Radiohead, The Verve vibes, The Stone Roses feel and so on. but also The Beatles, The Dave Clark Five, The Kinks and even The rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin and their blues-rhythms. and the production and mixing shines so bright, it makes The Dark Side of the Moon shine less than the dark side of the moon shines on earth (mild exaggeration). what this means is that if put on in ten , twenty or fifty years time – one might be confused as to what year it comes from, because it has a timeless sound. it has loads of obvious influences, but at the same time it’s all very much Steadman at all times. so everyone needs to get this funny and danceable album to get in the mood. it’s the most accessible album ever made or so. all the tracks are super catchy. Steadman are a really good rock’n'roll band that puts a smile on people’s faces. it provokes feelings. good feelings. if everybody listened to this album daily, it would put psychiatrists out of jobs all over the world. there’s just way too much to say about this album! so I’m ending with (the obvious) encouranging everybody to get it, because you need to have it! and don’t forget to donate: http://www.steadmanband.com/shop.html
February 8th, 2009
Steadman – Loser Friendly
one of the best British bands of all time are cool. they give their music away for free. so you should feel encouraged, if not enforced to download their albums. the first one is called Loser Friendly. and it’s really good. some classic tunes on here. rock with heart. and what makes Simon Steadman really stands out is his lyrics. while all the rock stars out there are busy writing very complicated and heavy words about simple matters, Simon manages to write simple words about really complicated stuff. and that is impressing and admirable. No Big Deal for instance – easily the BEST SONG THERE EVER WAS. yes I tend to get carried away with this band. it’s awesome. very melodic and catchy, and very intense and emotional. just download it. and get the miscellaneous stuff to. some very touching tracks right there. also if you want a goodie bag, and to sleep better at night, donate! http://www.steadmanband.com/shop.html – I’m sure they could “utilise” the money. maybe they can make more albums? if so – that is in our best interest for sure. because this arrogantly brilliant début album is a piece of conteporary rock that’s really wonderfully carried out. a broad musical sound in addition to borderline genius lyrics, if not just genius lyrics; period. it’s musically challenging and lyrically uplifting. it might take a few listens to get hooked, but it’s worth listening to over and over again. it’s like typical Britpop meeting ace folk rock and big, epic movie-sountracks. it’s just plain beautiful. there’s a punchy and catchy opening that begs you to put the player on repeat-track already at the first track. and every song feels like this. you just want to hear it over and over again. but *all* the tracks are so fucking awesome, that you’re basically forced to put on repeat-album. you will be blown away by the explosions of violins and passionate, mellow vocals; the psychedelc melodies that are complex and accessible all at once; the caging lyrics… to put it easy: get this!
February 8th, 2009
Score One For Safety – Like A Rice Filled Bird, You Explode [EP]
Score One For Safety are a band with epic soundscapes and big skram. the vocals are a bit like The Spirit of Versailles, though not nearly as fucked up. and the music are a bit like Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson meets Suffocate For Fuck’s Sake – but not much. whatever. good tunes. atmospheric and pwitty with good vocals and nice chord progressions. if you like what some people call “post-rock” (ugh), you’ll like this probably. get it.
February 8th, 2009
The Blood of A Battery – The Blood of A Battery
The Blood of A Battery does a lot of things, and they do them well. but what’s the coolest thing about them is how they are so awesome with atmospheres. and how much the lyrics kicks arse, mind you. the music ranges from semi-straightforward acoustic guitar tracks to fucked up drum machines going amok over screaming and various noise. it’s slightly diverse. just listen to it. you know you want to.
February 8th, 2009
Angst – Angst-Angst-Angst-ANGST-Angst-Angst-Angst
fast and straight up punk rock. it’s good. characteristic vocals, garagy mix and short and sweet songs. an awesome cover of Linoleum and an almost equally awesome OI to the World cover. great lyrics that hate on the government… all in all, awesome.
February 8th, 2009
Monzano – Bonus Trucks
I just can’t get enough of that Monzano. can you? I doubt it. get this. four gentle pop-ish tracks that are extremely catchy. epic choruses, stories about bars and the city life in general, trembling guitars and voices, soft synths and a driving beat. this band is just too easy to love! love it! and buy it from http://www.howisannierecords.com
February 8th, 2009
All the Islands – Polarise
wouldn’t it be AWESOME if an emo band sounded like King Crimson? YES IT WOULD. so you need to get this album. because it is awesome. like what has become typical for bands from How Is Annie, All the Islands combine many genres – mainly emo and progressive rock/metal. this results in them sounding a bit like I Hate Myself, rest of my life and Dominic, a bit like Fugazi, Drive Like Jehu and At the Drive-in, and even old school progressive rock mammoths like BARABAM! King Crimson. buy from http://www.howisannierecords.com
February 8th, 2009
Fighterpilot – Between Homes and Travels
Fighterpilot are an emo-influenced ambient/electronic/progressive rock band. if Soup is the semi artsy-fartsy band, Fighterpilot are *the* artsy-fartsy band that everyone just loves. well, maybe not everyone. because it is not for everyone. it’s for people who enjoy great music. with instruments ranging from computers to drums to guitars to vacuum cleaners to whatever else was near the studio – this is awesome. a journey you couldn’t picture in your wildest dreams. dreamy, moody and atmospheric. buy from http://www.howisannierecords.com – it’s worth it.
February 8th, 2009
Monzano – High Horses & One Trick Ponies
Monzano sounds a bit like the pop band that everyone likes. I think it’s because everyone has to like them because of their awesomeness. very harmonic and accessible music with nice chord progressions, upbeat (drumming most of the time), and a very welcoming voice. the sometimes extremely narrative lyrics are easily remembered and sung along to. oh, and they also have some kickarse climaxes in their music, as well as nice dynamics. what’s not to like? MONZANO! get it. and buy it from http://www.howisannierecords.com
February 8th, 2009
rest of my life – all pretty people live in airports
“rock with both heart and brain” is a well known definition of rest of my life, penned by Vegard Enlid. and this time rest of my life has DONE it. the brains are indeed present on all pretty people live in airports, where it was slightly enclouded by the big hearts on the previous album and ep. this album is truly amazing. guitar harmonies galore, emotive vocals and just a great dash of AWESOMENESS. a very complete and consistent album with not one non-awesome track. they cover every possible emotion here. if you’ve been waiting for that one great modern emo album that kicks almost every other emo albums arse – this is it. a superb album. Morfar (who writes the lyrics save for one track) and the five musicians of rest of my life fill this album with nothing but highlights. I can’t seem to find anything mediocre, let alone *bad* about all pretty people live in airports. It’s surprisingly consistent and enjoyable. not that I’m *surprised* by the fact that rest of my life has, once again, delivered, but this is just the shit. that’s all I’m saying. it’s the shit. In the words of Tore Vikan (some music journalist guy): “rest of my life? If they continue to make music like this – yes please”. GET IT. and buy it from http://www.howisannierecords.com
February 8th, 2009
Soup – Come on Pioneers
Soup are a semi artsy-fartsy band. at least sometimes. Soup are from Norway, and they play progressive and atmospheric music with great dynamics, and loads of marvellous atmospheres. there are awesome ambient pieces, but also melodic synth-driven rock with a very mellow bass and fantastic pop hooks. and it’s awesome. and very comfortable to listen to. are you uncomfortable? listen here to this. and get comfy. buy from http://www.howisannierecords.com at once! there’s a reason this is considered one of the finest albums by every publication lucky enough to have heard of it.
February 8th, 2009
Build Nest, Sleep – Abouts
Abouts was released on a 7″ vinyl and on a 3″ CD. this is the CD that I’ve ripped for you all. it enhances their already noisy sound picture with more blip blops, and louder guitars. and perhaps more importantly – more dynamics. there’s more NOOOooooooOOOiiiIiisssSSSssssEEEEeEEEEEEeeeEE here, where it used to be just nooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOIIIIIIIIIiiiiiiisssssssseeeeeee. buy from http://www.howisannierecords.com if you like it, which I think you will. RWJGTEUAKLFSSSSUifwiulwrRGUUggggggggraeWUEØORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRFV.
February 8th, 2009
Sirka Ragnar – I Am, You Are, He/She/It Is
warm electronica resembling a cross between Jaga Jazzist and Morfar. it’s very sad-happy, and full of heart. it’s the kind of stuff you listen to in order to cheer up. five songs that are just waiting to put you in the mood right now. feeling sad? get this. feeling good? FEEL BETTER. and get this. it’s quite the accomplishment, cheering you up as much as this will do, seeing as how it’s essentially a really melancholic album. it’s like The Postal Service gone lo-fi. but it has more emotional depth. it’s sad, yes, but it’s also happy at the same time. it’s awesome. and you need to get it. it’s not available in stores any more, as far as I know, but nag http://www.howisannierecords.com for more copies.
February 8th, 2009
A Bunny’s Caravan – Draining Puddles, Retrieving Treasures
to put my feelings into words is a near impossible task when it comes to this album. I will somehow try to make an effort though. A Bunny’s Caravan are a progressive emo band like e.g. Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson, which also owes a great deal to emo-influenced alternative bands like Jimmy Eat World, Death Cab for Cutie and Sense Field. but those bands are all nothing but pale and shallow in comparison to this band. and like Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson, A Bunny’s Caravan make use of eerie vocals and dreamy atmospheres with crescendos and amazing build-ups leading into ecstatic climaxes – and in terms of music quality, this entire album is just one big climax. this album is my favourite album of all time. download it. buy it from http://www.howisannierecords.com even. you should buy it twice. it’s that good.
February 8th, 2009
Morfar – The Skywriter EP
Morten “Morfar” Samdal plays drums in Build Nest, Sleep and Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson. he also plays blip blop pop in his solo project, Morfar. he plays some noisy blip blops, but mostly cozy blip blops. it even resembles stuff like Mar and Sigur Rós at times, due to the overall cozyness and awesomeness. also Morfar can’t sing for shit, which gives this a certain distinctive stamp. so if you are into moody electronica with emo lyrics and Cap’n Jazz comparable vocals, this is for you. buy it if you like it *too* much at http://www.howisannierecords.com – along with a lot of other good stuff. flawless label.
February 8th, 2009
Build Nest, Sleep – Build Nest, Sleep
while bands like The Ergs! play with Hüsker Dü tattooed on their foreheads, Build Nest, Sleep play with Hüsker Dü tattooed discretely on their sleeve, next to the Slint tattoo – and on the opposite arm there’s Modest Mouse, Built to Spill and something that resembles a Sugar tattoo. and it’s great. and it’s pretty noisy. at times it progresses into almost ambient noise-bits. and they are every bit as great as the gentle bits. this band is also noteable for the extremely jangly vocals. there’s two vocalists that sing on different tracks. one of them shouts more – and you feel his pain when he asks/shouts “what good can ice cream do/when the problem is me and you”. and you also are able to sympathize with the other vocalist, and his veeeeeeery jangly voice, when he states that he “want[s] to get drunk without drinking”. if Cap’n Jazz ever decided to record an album in the vein of Hüsker Dü and all the songs were written by Joseph Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. I love this. and so should you. but in order to understand how great this journey is, you need to download it. and if you likee, you can buyee from http://www.howisannierecords.com
February 8th, 2009
rest of my life – transition
rest of my life’s ep transition marks just that. a transition. from noisy screamo to a much more melodic and cozy sound. it’s still passionate and intense, but in a much more mature way. there *are* other ways of expressing yourself but shouting and screaming like on the first album. they tell you about those ways on this ep. and it’s lovely. they’ve added a cello to the picture, making it even more harmonic than before. it’s all about those guitar harmonies, the warm cello and the sugarsweet lyrics. get this. and buy it at http://www.howisannierecords.com
February 8th, 2009
Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson – Unnoticeable in A Tiny Town, Invisible in the City
some say it’s the album of the year, if not the decade. some say it’s the best album ever. in whatever degree people think this rules, they all think it rules. and that’s understandable. this is highly dynamic emo with very progressive and intricate math rock elements, and subtle electronic blip blops enhancing the sound picture. it also has parts with those clean 00s screamo guitars that are kept company by screaming and a dreamy atmosphere. what makes this album so beyond memorable is how it always finds a way of renewing itself. in the middle of a song, the track might just rejuvenate itself with great passion and energy. it’s mellow, then noisy, then ambient, then mellow, then it crescendos into one more noisy bit… and so on. it just never stays still. and it is all times beautiful, heart-warming and intense. you *really* don’t want to miss out on this legendary album. buy the album before it sells out at http://www.howisannierecords.com – if you like it, which I think you will. this version of the album has some extra tracks by the way.
February 8th, 2009
Mom & Johnson Loneliness missed the 12th loveboat – Take me to the water where my horse drowned when it rained
ahhhhhhhh campfires. marshmellows. this album is the definition of camp rock. cozy acoustic country-ish guitars at times, angry folk punk-ish guitars at times. seemingly random percussion. out of tune vocals that do not care if they are in fact very out of tune. this is supposedly a tribute to everyone who always wanted to play music, but failed miserably. honest traditional acoustic music at its best. you can’t buy this from http://www.howisannierecords.com – but you can nag them about how much you want it.
February 8th, 2009
rest of my life – rest of my life
you are looking for an album full of screamo guitars, shouting, heavy drums and catchy lines. you have found it. this energy bomb from Norway is a pretty intense. they should probably consider writing their name in caps lock instead of without capital letters, because man is it loud. it’s loud and to the point, but warm and passionate at the same time. it’s really a gem in the genre, impossible to describe accurately nor compare rightfully, as it simply does something entirely unique and interesting, taking great portions of mellow and wreaking havoc on them with crisp and loud musical attack. this album is genuinely different from most other albums, as well as genuinely *better* than most other albums. you should definitely give this a go. and then you can buy it from http://www.howisannierecords.com after listening to it for free here.
February 8th, 2009
Twist About Fireplace – It Happens Every Time I Go Supersonic
Twist About Fireplace’s first album. it is semi-noisy emo from Norway, yet again. and it’s catchy. and it’s cool. there’s hypnotic passages into noisy choruses, and lots of other fun stuff on here. it has a warm and fuzzy sound, one you owe it to yourself to be exposed to. thus you should get it! and if you like it, you can buy it @ http://www.howisannierecords.com – and you should probably do that too. this band knows what it is doing with their shoegazy and noisy emo.
February 8th, 2009
Daniel O’Sullivan – Daniel O’Sullivan
Dan O’Sullivan is a UK anarchist that plays ferocious punk rock on his acoustic guitar. well worth a listen. revolutionary songs, personal songs. he’s got a great repertoire. just check that Tom Frampton cover! and his own tracks are nothing less than great. Sarah Jones is definitely one of the best love songs that there ever was. also did I mention this album is in LOSSLESS quality? this means you need to get it ;)
February 8th, 2009
mamma, jeg blör… – Møkk Sessions
mamma, jeg blör… are one of the noisiest bands you’ll ever encounter. this album is basically five minutes of screaming and noise. it’s fucking gorgeous. and you need to get this. the skram are awesome. bug them at http://www.myspace.com/mammajegblor – and maybe they’ll send you some demos if you want :)
February 7th, 2009
Kevin M. Kirker – … And Now, You’ll Live Forever
Kevin M. Kirker’s story continues. and it’s still pwitty. and adorable. up-close and personal harp folk rock, with cute lyrics about romance, sung with a soft and pleasant voice. WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE? get it.
February 7th, 2009
Kevin M. Kirker – Our Story Now Begins
Kevin M. Kirker is the king of harpcore. his music is basically intimate harp-driven folk rock. his lyrics mostly deal with romance in the utmost awesome way, and the music reflects that. he’s a great story teller, and an accomplished musician. so get this and give it a go. it’s a concept album, and a marvellous story. very pwitty. download it!
February 7th, 2009
Kråkesølv – Kråkesølv
Kråkesølv never was like the other hardcore bands out of Bodø. for one, they were never hardcore. but they still are awesome. poppy and snappy rock with emo-ish guitars and harmonic vocals. it’s catchy. even more so than AIDS. you don’t want to miss out on this! if you are lucky, you can maybe get it on CD or vinyl sometime soon from http://www.howisannierecords.com
February 7th, 2009
Twist About Fireplace – Snore When We Laugh
Twist About Fireplace once was this band playing characteristic semi-noisy emo from How Is Annie records. now they are this band playing characteristic semi-noisy emo from How Is Annie records. and it’s awesome now, like it was back then. the loud guitars and shouting makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. also the psychedelic soft parts (think “If You Were There, Beware” by Arctic Monkeys) are awesome. but this sophomore effort from Twist About Fireplace isn’t as… well… it’s just not as emo as their début. it has got more attitude. more (noise) rock than emo really. this record shares more with Dinosaur Jr., Mudhoney, Sonic Youth and Lemonheads than it does with Rites of Spring, Embrace, Indian Summer and Moss Icon. it is also similar to quite some screamo. but call it what you like – either way it’s awesome, and you can probably buy it on CD or vinyl sometime soon from http://www.howisannierecords.com
February 7th, 2009
indietrash – guilty till proven innocent
indietrash is a band compromised of two soft boys from Northern Norway that play hard rock. they give their music away for free, and still no one wants it. I wonder why? download the album and judge for yourself. also buy it at http://myspace.com/indietrash if you want. :)