that's punk http://thatspunk.net/blog scene love & unity forever! Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:17:47 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 REUNION SHOW! http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/04/reunion-show/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/04/reunion-show/#comments Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:17:47 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2683 THE PINE
JUNE 7TH
BAKERSFIELD
MUNOZ GYM

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/04/reunion-show/feed/ 0 Bear McGruff – Demo Tape http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/04/bear-mcgruff-demo-tape/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/04/bear-mcgruff-demo-tape/#comments Sat, 21 Apr 2012 19:00:50 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2676 this is another band with Ethan. geez. he’s in half the bands on this blog now. anyway, this is some truly righteous emo (or ethancore, as it now known). it’s kind of a more screamo version of the previous post on this blog. I’m not going to pretend that this, or 99% of other emo, in any way redefines music as we know it. it doesn’t bloody need to though. it just needs honesty, passion and sincerity. Bear McGruff has that. and a bad name to top it off. check it out.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/04/bear-mcgruff-demo-tape/feed/ 1 The Whoopass Girls – All for Nothing http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/04/the-whoopass-girls-all-for-nothing/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/04/the-whoopass-girls-all-for-nothing/#comments Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:00:09 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2674 this is essentially a few rejected songs by The Whoopass Girls. they were supposed to go on an album, but they didn’t. this isn’t an album. or something. I don’t quite follow it myself. in any event this sounds a bit like I Hate Myself mixed with Snowing. some screaming, some singing, some feedback, some thrashing. it’s just really good. the first four songs are fantastic. for those of you who know their previous release, this one has a re-recording of “Scout’s Honor” that’s at least as good as the original – maybe even better. if you don’t know their previous release, what have you been doing with your life? go download it. it’s available on the bandcamp linked. get this and get that. get it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/04/the-whoopass-girls-all-for-nothing/feed/ 0 Pretty The Quick Black Eyes – Pretty The Quick Black Eyes http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/04/pretty-the-quick-black-eyes-pretty-the-quick-black-eyes/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/04/pretty-the-quick-black-eyes-pretty-the-quick-black-eyes/#comments Sun, 01 Apr 2012 22:00:11 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2666 one of my absolute favourite bands of all times are called Mineral. they were known for their brooding song structures, crying guitars and off-key vocals. that per se doesn’t sound very original nor special – and in many ways Mineral were neither. but nonetheless, they created some truly spectacular moments with their songs. to this day, I can put on *any* Mineral song, and it’s like musical magic to me. they were four boys. neither of which were probably overwhelmingly talented or lucky. but together, they created something incredible. they created Mineral. though primarily inspired by bands such as Catherine Wheel, Sugar and The Smashing Pumpkins, the end result sounded just as much as being inspired by Moss Icon, Indian Summer and Christie Front Drive. they ended up being immensely influential post-breakup, and post-breakup is where Pretty The Quick Black Eyes come into the picture. there are a slew of post-Mineral bands, all of which amazing, that I won’t go into here. here I’ll talk about just one of them – Pretty The Quick Black Eyes with Scott McGarver from Mineral on vocals and guitars. Scott is easily the centre of attention, with wailing guitars and introspective vocals, but that’s not to say that the rest of the band is left completely in the shadow. the tone-setting keyboards, momentous drums and melodic bass all contribute to create a very unique sound, perhaps best described as The Cure’s Disintegration meets Mineral’s EndSerenading. but having it described, however skilfully, isn’t anywhere near experiencing it for yourself. you need to experience Pretty The Quick Black Eyes, who by the way unfortunately only put out this EP. imagine seeing them with The Gloria Record in 2002. wow. anyway, as I was saying, GET THIS.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/04/pretty-the-quick-black-eyes-pretty-the-quick-black-eyes/feed/ 0 Henry Bemis is a Superhero – Henry Bemis is a Superhero http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/03/henry-bemis-is-a-superhero-henry-bemis-is-a-superhero/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/03/henry-bemis-is-a-superhero-henry-bemis-is-a-superhero/#comments Sat, 31 Mar 2012 14:00:42 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2663 these write-ups to the Henry Bemis is a Superhero albums are just redundant. you all know what you are in for. this is his last album thus far. let’s hope for more, because his is also his best album.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/03/henry-bemis-is-a-superhero-henry-bemis-is-a-superhero/feed/ 0 Henry Bemis is a Superhero – Going for the Gold http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/03/henry-bemis-is-a-superhero-going-for-the-gold/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/03/henry-bemis-is-a-superhero-going-for-the-gold/#comments Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:00:40 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2662 I found a little spare time. I should probably spend it on something else than this, but that’s punk needs updates. people are even nagging me! thanks guys. it means a lot. anyway here’s more Henry Bemis is a Superhero. I still realise that this is old, but he’s still a superhero. well… actually he really isn’t. he’s still a boy with girl problems. I guess it’s pathetic, but we’re all pathetic sometimes, and we all like the fact that we’re not alone in that. so listening to a boy and a guitar that just sings his heart out is very refreshing.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/03/henry-bemis-is-a-superhero-going-for-the-gold/feed/ 0 Everyone Asked About You – Let’s Be Enemies http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/02/everyone-asked-about-you-lets-be-enemies/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/02/everyone-asked-about-you-lets-be-enemies/#comments Sat, 18 Feb 2012 22:00:29 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2659 OK, so I’m supposed to be posting more HBiaS right now… but this is BREAKING NEWS, and I’m sure Ethan won’t mind. for those of you who don’t know Everyone Asked About You, they were a freaking fantastic emo band from Arkansas. they put out a split with another quintessential emo band called The Shyness Clinic, and two 7″s of their own. they also wrote an LP that never released. well, now it’s on-line., and there’s *no* excuse to not get it. this is emo history.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/02/everyone-asked-about-you-lets-be-enemies/feed/ 0 Henry Bemis is a Superhero – The Tori Tape http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/02/henry-bemis-is-a-superhero-the-tori-tape/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/02/henry-bemis-is-a-superhero-the-tori-tape/#comments Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:00:48 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2655 more of the same, really. just more songs in the exact same style. you either like it or you don’t. it’s tragic and it’s captivating. this has less screaming than the previous posts. but it’s not really screamo anyway and screamo is a joke genre anyway. this music is not a joke though. but Ethan is a joker. all the sad boys are jokers. it hides their insecurities.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/02/henry-bemis-is-a-superhero-the-tori-tape/feed/ 0 Henry Bemis is a Superhero – I Am White Noise http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/02/henry-bemis-is-a-superhero-i-am-white-noise/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/02/henry-bemis-is-a-superhero-i-am-white-noise/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:00:00 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2653 this is pretty old by now, but I’m pretty old and slow. some of you might remember that I posted Henry Bemis is a Superhero a long time ago. go download those albums if you haven’t already. HBiaS is Ethan, who’s also a bunch of other people. he’s a cool kid. this is some sort of country with some acoustic screamo. I know, I know… just listen already. it’s honest and simple. as the title gives away, this sounds a bit like Daniel Johnston; which is OK if you like Daniel Johnston and not OK if you dislike Daniel Johnston. I like Daniel Johnston, and I like HBiaS.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/02/henry-bemis-is-a-superhero-i-am-white-noise/feed/ 0 Like Spinning – EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/01/like-spinning-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/01/like-spinning-ep/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:00:49 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2646 it’s been well over half a year since Kari sent me Like Spinning’s lovely EP. but as you all know, I’ve been busy. really busy. but better late than never. here is Like Spinning’s EP. and it’s mellow and warm and cosy and melancholic and dark and a lot of things actually. where a lot of cuddly rock gets one dimensional, this EP is refreshingly deep. it sinks further and further in, under your skin, and raises it. Like Spinning make intelligent and heartfelt music.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/01/like-spinning-ep/feed/ 0 The Ergs! – That’s It…Bye http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/01/the-ergs-thats-it-bye/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/01/the-ergs-thats-it-bye/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:00:13 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2641 that’s it… bye! buy it at http://www.dorkrockcorkrod.com/ because it rules. if I recall correctly, Mitch Clem of the at times hilarious Web comic Nothing Nice to Say – which I’m pleased to say was actually recently picked up again – designed the cover. check out nn2s as well, http://mitchclem.com/nothingnice/ because it rules.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/01/the-ergs-thats-it-bye/feed/ 0 The Ergs! – The Ben Kweller EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/01/the-ergs-the-ben-kweller-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/01/the-ergs-the-ben-kweller-ep/#comments Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:00:45 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2640 let’s continue down memory lane with The Ergs! this one isn’t as rare as the previous posts though. it’s actually still for sale on http://www.dorkrockcorkrod.com/ – so run pick it up! it’s The Ergs! so it sounds like The Ergs! you know who The Ergs! are by now, right? they are that great punk rock band that are messing up my punctuation. check them out. [insert guitar solo here.]

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/01/the-ergs-the-ben-kweller-ep/feed/ 0 The Ergs! – f’n http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/01/the-ergs-fn/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/01/the-ergs-fn/#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:00:32 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2637 more The Ergs! rarities for you folks. this is their second release. this is a more traditional release in that it’s not an attempt to convince some alien species that we are equipped to rock and thus deserve the chance to live. this release has the punk-rock-meets-whatever-lulz-we’ll-do-what-we-want style that The Ergs! became famous for years later. (some of these songs were later rerecorded as well.) upbeat and über catchy punk rock with lots of treble. in my opinion, this release deserves regular rotation along with the rest of their catalogue. f’n is f’n great. check it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/01/the-ergs-fn/feed/ 0 The Ergs! – Digital Endpoints http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/01/the-ergs-digital-endpoints/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/01/the-ergs-digital-endpoints/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:00:47 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2635 I’m digging up some rare The Ergs! songs for you. I’m starting with their very first release. a ridiculous concept album in which aliens are threatening to annihilate the earth on account of too lame rock’n'roll, and The Ergs! have to save the planet by making the most outrageous and yes, outrighteous, rock’n'roll the world has ever heard. whether they succeed or not is up to you to find out. by the way, this upload features the entire album in one track as well as the tracks by themselves.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/01/the-ergs-digital-endpoints/feed/ 0 Limits & Lines – “Winter” EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/01/limits-and-lines/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/01/limits-and-lines/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:00:08 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2631 Limits & Lines. wow. just wow. this San Diego band came out of nowhere, with an EP with which they establish themselves as utterly and completely amazing. it sounds a bit like Vulture Culture and It’s Just Vanity, but leaning more on the alternative and pop side of things. just download this right away, because it’s perfect.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2012/01/limits-and-lines/feed/ 0 Spraynard – Funtitled http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/10/spraynard-funtitled/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/10/spraynard-funtitled/#comments Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:00:08 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2627 here’s another full length. wow. Snowing disbanded, but Spraynard are carrying the torch, and it’s burning. it’s definitely burning. because Spraynard set my soul on fire.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/10/spraynard-funtitled/feed/ 0 Spraynard – Split With Paramedic! http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/10/spraynard-split-with-paramedic/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/10/spraynard-split-with-paramedic/#comments Fri, 07 Oct 2011 23:00:42 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2624 there’s just not enough Spraynard in the world. but here’s some more, for whatever it’s worth. play it loud. experience the feeling of crashing without ever hitting the ground. just pure adrenaline. a pure rush – of joy. I’m going to quit before I get even more pretentious here. Spraynard are amazing. be happy. Spraynard. «let’s cross our fingers and hope that we survive every time that we feel empty inside. and if you can’t remember how to survive, we will be your life support».

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/10/spraynard-split-with-paramedic/feed/ 0 Spraynard – Cut and Paste http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/10/spraynard-cut-and-paste/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/10/spraynard-cut-and-paste/#comments Thu, 06 Oct 2011 20:00:48 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2620 picking up where I left with Spraynard – this is their first full length album. and it’s extraordinary. full fucking throttle all the way, and heartfelt like few others. «keep holding on to everyone that makes us happy» – Spraynard make me happy.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/10/spraynard-cut-and-paste/feed/ 0 Spraynard – Split with Break the Habit http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/09/spraynard-split-with-break-the-habit/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/09/spraynard-split-with-break-the-habit/#comments Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:00:26 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2614 yes. I *am* still alive. barely. but alive. and here’s more Spraynard. they still fucking rule so hard, so I’m still posting them. sing along forever. I love Spraynard.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/09/spraynard-split-with-break-the-habit/feed/ 0 Spraynard – Split with Captain, We’re Sinking http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/09/spraynard-split-with-captain-were-sinking/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/09/spraynard-split-with-captain-were-sinking/#comments Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:00:32 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2607 that’s punk is very infrequent with its updates these days, but when there actually is an update, you can expect pristine quality. and I’m picking up right where I left you – with Spraynard. they are *that* awesome. these three songs are from a split they did with the band Captain, We’re Sinking. it blasts off with the vocals spitting «it’s a nice day for a walk in the past», which is extremely fitting, given that you will already have the first track if you downloaded the demo. the other two tracks are new though. and just as good! feel the energy, and let the warmth flood your body and take you to a better place.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/09/spraynard-split-with-captain-were-sinking/feed/ 0 Spraynard – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/09/spraynard-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/09/spraynard-demo/#comments Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:00:26 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2604 I’m taking time off my busy schedule to share one of my favourite bands at the moment. I am talking about Spraynard. they play some truly amazing stuff. there’s some Ergs-ish punk rock, some American Steel-ish orgcore, but most of all it’s Snowing-ish emo. in fact, Spraynard are from Pennsylvania as well, so I’m thinking it’s not completely coincidental just how much like Snowing Spraynard actually sound. but similarities aside, Spraynard are Spraynard. and despite that they obviously owe The Lawrence Arms some of their riffs back (who doesn’t), they manage to stand out. there’s a million bands with gruff vocals, catchy power chords and so on. you all know what I’m talking about, right? the whole gritty but pretty sound. and what makes Spraynard stand out is due to their biggest strength – the feeling you get when you listen to them. this is per se not anything unique. this is actually the same exact reason Snowing stand out. but fuck it. Spraynard aren’t inventing nor re-inventing the wheel. they are playing some stellar punk rock, full of angst. buy it here: http://www.spraynard.net/

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/09/spraynard-demo/feed/ 1 [the] slowest runner [in all the world] – we, burning giraffes http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/07/the-slowest-runner-in-all-the-world-we-burning-giraffes-2/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/07/the-slowest-runner-in-all-the-world-we-burning-giraffes-2/#comments Thu, 28 Jul 2011 01:00:19 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2594 yesterday you got to know [the] slowest runner [in all the world], and their 2009 début. and let me just put it like it is, straight away, if you liked the flophouse sessions, you will *love* we, burning giraffes. if their début was gorgeous, this is ravishing. while the début lingered, as if at the edge of a cliff, and explored its reactions and feelings, this record *jumps*. don’t get me wrong, there’s a ton of atmospheric and absolutely beautiful lingering. but instead of merely creating a mood and exploring it, every now and then giving away to the occasional venting spark, their newest endeavour goes off like fireworks. and it does this frequently and successfully. it does so splendidly. consequently making slowest runner one of the best ambient rock bands. consequently making slowest runner that one band that has a one hour album, with three of the songs well over ten minutes long, where no songs are so daunting that you end up listening to that one good track instead. slowest runner has made a thoroughly interesting album. a consistent effort that is perhaps best compared to Yndi Halda at their finest – or a more vivid and poignant Godspeed You! Black Emperor. while applying monumentally opposing amounts of pressure, there’s always a balance to this record, as well as a sense that everything fits. there’s sort of a sense of predictability in action. but it does not make it boring or bad. because you grow fond of this music, and knowing where it goes makes you feel like you know it. you want it to carry you away. and it does this frequently and successfully. it does so splendidly.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/07/the-slowest-runner-in-all-the-world-we-burning-giraffes-2/feed/ 0 [the] slowest runner [in all the world] – the flophouse session http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/07/the-slowest-runner-in-all-the-world-the-flophouse-session/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/07/the-slowest-runner-in-all-the-world-the-flophouse-session/#comments Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:00:01 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2590 as you may be aware of, I’m not the biggest fan of the “post rock” tag. it doesn’t make sense to me. interpreting “rock” as a verb, “to excel” or as “to shake your body”, makes “post rock” “to suck” or “to stand still”. or are we talking about shaking a pole? because “post” as in Latin for “taking place afterwards” certainly doesn’t make sense to me, because rock isn’t done yet. so the very phrase by itself makes no sense to me. couple it with the common descriptions, and I’m even more lost. I’m told “post rock” is supposedly “bands with rock instruments that do not play rock”. what is a rock instrument? and why are all the most popular “post rock” bands (Sigur Rós, Explosions in the Sky, etc) rock bands? why are random emo bands like Slint and Moss Icon post-rock? argh! but seeing as this is a music blog, not a rant blog, I’m going to move on from my inability to understand the phrase or trend that is “post rock” now. so here is a band that is commonly referred to as a post rock (ugh) band. they have that long weird name, long progressive and instrumental rock songs that is apparently “typical” for post rock, despite that bands such as Sigur Rós do not have a long name and aren’t instrument… sorry. where was I? oh yes. [the] slowest runner [in all the world] isn’t one of those formulaic crescendo bands. (not that there’s anything wrong with those bands!) they are instead one of those who search for a mood, find it, and linger there, until they’ve explored all it has to offer. the tools of their trade are strings, piano, guitars, drums, extremely sparse and seldom vocal harmonies and occasional electronic noises. this was all recorded live in a living room, which is something I appreciate. “live recordings” is one of my favourite oxymoron, because it gives the whole thing an organic and warm sound, and often leaves room for the occasional spark. the only complaint I have about this album is that the piano at the beginning of “This Is Water” sounds annoyingly much like the first track on Sigur Rós’s (), and, if I’m completely honest, this isn’t () by a mile, so it just irks me that I pick that up. I am looking forward to this band in the future, because this, while no (), is absolutely gorgeous. it’s just a beautifully accomplished record. it catches my attention with its graceful beauty and warm energy. so do yourself a favour and check this band out, because they are truly promising to the n-th degree.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/07/the-slowest-runner-in-all-the-world-the-flophouse-session/feed/ 0 Quiritatio – Yana http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/07/quiritatio-yana/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/07/quiritatio-yana/#comments Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:35:32 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2585 earlier this month I was lucky enough to be at Quiritatio’s reunion. it was a glorious affair! a simply put fantastic gig. at which I was also able to obtain one of the represses of the Yana 7″. if you don’t know about this, it’s an old release, from 2006, long since sold out, and later repressed. so to coincide with their reunion, here’s an MP3 copy of Yana! if you know Quiritatio, you know this is amazing. if you don’t know Quiritatio, *get* to know them right here and now. the lyrics tell the story of Yana, and the music tells the story of Yana and Quiritatio both.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/07/quiritatio-yana/feed/ 0 Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate) – Home After Three Months Away http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/07/empire-empire-i-was-a-lonely-estate-home-after-three-months-away/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/07/empire-empire-i-was-a-lonely-estate-home-after-three-months-away/#comments Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:00:11 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2577 it was only yesterday you got your last e! e! fix, but you are dying for some more, right? well, here’s today. here’s more. here’s more melancholic twinkling; here’s more depressingly yelped lyrics; here’s more e! e! and it’s a little different from their previous output. it’s still meticulous word choices delivered by closed lips, as pointed out in the first track. it’s still brooding and depressing in every which way. but it’s more poignant. there are fewer instrumental parts. there are no four-six minute sadness exhibitions. but it still has that brooding quality. it still sounds like crying in slow motion; it still sounds like e! e! nostalgic and melancholic music as well as lyrics that read like intricate short stories with dense symbolism. the lyrics seemingly have no real message or plot or motive. instead, they document memorable occasions or feelings. «the end of this trip birthed us with uncertainty of what to do next» perfectly summarizes the effect the lyrics have. each song is a trip, and each song leaves you with uncertainty. but know this for certain – you need to download this as soon as possible.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/07/empire-empire-i-was-a-lonely-estate-home-after-three-months-away/feed/ 0 Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate) – SXSW Promo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/07/empire-empire-i-was-a-lonely-estate-sxsw-promo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/07/empire-empire-i-was-a-lonely-estate-sxsw-promo/#comments Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:00:23 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2578 it’s been a busy summer. and I’m supposed to be refreshing a deep and secret corner of my mind – the one that deals with matrices and trigonometry. but instead I’m updating that’s punk for once. it needs this update. come August, I’ll hopefully have way more time to post here, so I can shorten that damned queue. anyway… this is a new Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate) song. new as in new to this blog and maybe to you, but not as in newly released. if you know e! e! you’ve already pressed the download button and don’t give a shit about my opinion about this track. if you haven’t heard e! e! before, you should probably consider hitting that download button straight away, because this is golden. e! e! are at heart an unashamed Mineral worship band. but a body needs more than a heart to function, so there’s plenty of other organs dedicated to make e! e! an interesting band in their own right. albeit an interesting band highly comparable to Mineral. is that such a bad thing? shamelessly ripping off Mineral is a good thing in my book. because that means brooding compositions with lots of feedback, pretty and imaginative guitar twinkling, off-key emotive vocals, creative drumming and bass lines that are increasingly rewarding to devote attention to, and melancholic and cleverly brooding and delivered lyrics. there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be like Mineral if you are a good band, and e! e! are a *really* good band. this song will wash over you again and again.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/07/empire-empire-i-was-a-lonely-estate-sxsw-promo/feed/ 0 Cold Mailman – Relax; The Mountain Will Come to You http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/06/cold-mailman-relax-the-mountain-will-come-to-you/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/06/cold-mailman-relax-the-mountain-will-come-to-you/#comments Tue, 28 Jun 2011 04:00:46 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2573 Cold Mailman have members of The Spectacle and Beyond the Fences, both of which have made appearances on this blog. “great”, you’re thinking, “another hard-hitting punk rock mammoth from Norway!” but you’re wrong. Cold Mailman are more easily compared to Kråkesølv and IHAB, also posted on this blog, and also from Bodø, Norway. unlike those two bands Cold Mailman have English lyrics, and so you may find them more easy to relate to if you’re not Norwegian. another band that you may or may not know, that are actually a fairly good comparison, are Lukestar – another band who Cold Mailman members used to play in. but before this name-dropping extravaganza gets entirely out of hand, let’s return to Cold Mailman themselves. playing guitar-rooted indie pop in 2011 (well, this album is from 2010, but OK) is a dangerous affair. in the ’80s and ’90s you were trying your best not to sound like every one else of your contemporaries, but nowadays you have to be wary of not only your contemporaries, but also the legacy of twee, shoegaze and straight up indie pop has built over the years. so Cold Mailman are a brave band. and, thankfully, they’re not only a brave band, but also a very good band. a brave Norwegian band who have figured out how to not sound exactly like The Smiths or Club 8 or [insert all other English '80s indie pop bands and all Swedish '90s twee bands here]. let me just go ahead and boldly declare right away: this album is FUCKING AMAZING. the opening track sets the standard. a dreamy and droning masterpiece that culminates in the almost pathetically self-loathing “beyond the sea / somebody’s laughing at the dice I rolled”, before spending a minute just soaring out of the ocean and into the sky, away, out of sight, out of mind before the next track, the stark contrast “Pull Yourself Together and Fall in Love With Me”, a track that is so different from the former, that it’s almost scary that these pieces fit so ingeniously together. still dreamy, still somewhat pathetic lyrics, but an upbeat pop song, with a much richer sound. and this is the main formula employed by Cold Mailman throughout this album. melodic and twinkly guitars, soft centred bass, upbeat but subdued drums, mesmerising and relaxed (male) vocals – sometimes vocal harmonies – sometimes female and male vocal harmonies. Cold Mailman are soft and relaxed at all times. even when nervously faltering into a noisy crash, like on “Fatal Conversation”. Relax is generally classifiable as twee (or just call it indie pop if you are one of those who hates the “twee” name with a fiery passion), but sometimes it makes an expanded journey to other soundscapes; e.g. oldies pop (“Salva Me”), droning (“What Now, Muhammed?”) and bluesy rock (“Back in Your Bed”). and though never quite recovering from how perfect the first two tracks really are, Relax is a truly inspiring album nonetheless, packed with high quality songs, performed with a believable dedication and love. soft and relaxed, but often overwhelmingly gorgeous. check this out.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/06/cold-mailman-relax-the-mountain-will-come-to-you/feed/ 0 Kråkesølv – Bomtur Til Jorda http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/06/krakes%c3%b8lv-bomtur-til-jorda/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/06/krakes%c3%b8lv-bomtur-til-jorda/#comments Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:30:26 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2571 while recognising the greatness of Kråkesølv’s magnificent début Trådnøsting, there were certain drawbacks to it. the flatness of the mixing being the biggest one, and the prettiness being the second. but I understand now that my expectations were probably quite off. and I’m proven further wrong in my expectations for them to deliver as a jangly emo mess. with Bomtur Til Jorda (which translates to “Wasted Journey to Earth”, or something like that), Kråkesølv takes another step away from anything punk, and firmly plants their feet in the realm of radio-friendly and poppy indie rock. while I can’t pretend my musical leanings aren’t towards the messier side of things, I can still appreciate what Kråkesølv are doing here. the lyrical style Kråkesølv have always relied on is still dominant; part poetic, part stumbling over their feet in Norwegian. musically it’s fairly crisp and on point radio pop, with some minor hints at something more noisy, best illustrated on the riveting “Nordavind Mot Kalde Kinn” (“Northern Wind Against Cold Cheeks”), a track released prior to the album itself. apropos, I find it somewhat unfortunate that they released that very track prior to the album, due to it being a lot rawer than either of the other tracks, fuelling my ill-placed expectations, resulting in a somewhat disappointed first listen. thankfully, the songs grew. a lot. when I came to accept this album for what it was – a clear departure from their punk leanings, and a giant step towards radio pop – I found enjoyment in it. but it’s probably not coincidental that the songs that stand out in my opinion are the rawer and the more experimental ones, like the before-mentioned “Nordavind Mot Kalde Kinn”, as well as “Mannekeng” (“Male Model”) and “(Uten Tittel)” (“(Untitled)”). actually, this album is near perfect from the sweeping noisy mess at the end of “Romskipet Revideres” (“Revising the Space Ship”) through the absolutely gorgeous instrumental genius at the end of “(Uten Tittel)” (i.e. from the end of track 4 up to and including track 7). before and after this there are some great songs, no doubt about it, but that part of the album is infinitely superior and would be a brilliant effort on its own. sometimes me and my misled expectations kind of wish it were.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/06/krakes%c3%b8lv-bomtur-til-jorda/feed/ 0 Dominic – Dominic http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/06/dominic-dominic/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/06/dominic-dominic/#comments Sun, 26 Jun 2011 12:00:22 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2567 Norwegian screamo champions Dominic are back! and they’re marching forth in their easily recognisable style. anthem-y compositions carried by melodic guitars, and frantic cymbals-reliant drumming with a loud snare, with shouted and screamed vocals that somehow manages to come off as both passionate and catchy (as opposed to just contrived and annoying). Dominic have it all figured out. this is a two song 7″, and so there isn’t a whole lot more to write for a Dominic superfan like me. they do what they’re supposed to do – blow me the fuck away with epic instrumental parts that kamikaze into shouting and desperation clothed by a heavy fucking mess. don’t get me wrong though, it’s not *that* heavy or messy. in fact, I’ve seen a lot of reviewers reacting negatively to Dominic being too “soft” to be this or that [fairly average but for some reason insanely popular on the Internet] band. well, I doubt Dominic tries being either of those bands. nor do I think Dominic are trying to be tough guy hardcore and have crush chugga-chugga breakdowns. this is purposefully melodic and pretty music. Dominic play bleak and misanthropic, but gorgeous music. check this out as soon as you can! buy it from http://apocaplexy.blogspot.com/2011/05/preorder-dominic-st-7-lentic-waters-st.html if you can.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/06/dominic-dominic/feed/ 0 Fight Fair – Broken http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/06/fight-fair-broken/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/06/fight-fair-broken/#comments Tue, 31 May 2011 22:00:17 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2530 everyone’s favourite screamo band Fight Fair are BACK. and just like we’ve gotten used to, Fight Fair are doing something completely new, once again pushing the boundaries of screamo – if not the boundaries of music itself. their first effort was a magnificent pop screamo EP. then came a glorious pop hardcore EP. and then the by all means revolutionary pop surf masterpiece California Kicks. on Broken, Fight Fair take the best of all of these releases and fucking destroy everything, in a part Mineral, part Descendents and part Punch record that will definitely stand the test of time. from the good-natured guitar solos of screamo king Evan to the anthem vocals by screamo queen Alex, this is just perfection. one thing that is extremely obvious is the honesty in the lyrics, and the heartbreaking delivery. combine this sense of realness with the awesomeness of the sensational-as-always melodies, and you have something extremely engaging and passionate. add sludge breakdowns and some power pop violence (or blast pop), and you have the most important EP of the year. maybe even since September’s self titled EP from 1995. that’s right, this might be the best EP since 1995. Fight Fair puts the creamo back in screamo! GET THIS!!!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/06/fight-fair-broken/feed/ 0 My Own Pine Box – Discography http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/05/my-own-pine-box-discography/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/05/my-own-pine-box-discography/#comments Fri, 27 May 2011 15:00:04 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2552 this is a band I should I have posted *ages* ago. (back when I posted Agna Moraine’s Autobiography.) My Own Pine Box are a quite unique band. despite not being popular at all back in the day, they play a sort of mellow and pretty emo that everyone loves nowadays. it’s generally quite upbeat with intricate guitar work and vocal harmonies. essentially this is a very common style of emo that has been played to death, and there are hundreds of bands doing it. however, few of them do it with such poising grace as My Own Pine Box. unlike, let’s say, Cap’n Jazz, they are a poignant, and have a uniform motion. but they still have a floating quality, and are generally very chest-tap-friendly. most songs are around two minutes long. they go very well together, but have definite unique qualities. if I had to compare them to any other bands I might pick Agna Moraine’s Autiobiography. they sound quite like a much more mellow continuation of that stuff. in any event My Own Pine Box has a fairly unique take on the emo genre, one that I find difficult to pinpoint. just check it out for yourself.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/05/my-own-pine-box-discography/feed/ 0 Beau Navire – Life Moves http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/05/beau-navire-life-moves/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/05/beau-navire-life-moves/#comments Tue, 24 May 2011 11:00:47 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2549 Beau Navire’s curse is that they’ll always be compared to their members ex-bands. and that’s quite simply because Beau Navire often sounds like the beautiful dwelling of iwrotehaikusaboutcannibalisminyouryearbook crescendoing into Loma Prieta. if that description is appealing to you, you’ll love Beau Navire. if it sounds like shit, you’ll hate Beau Navire. obviously and thankfully there’s more to Beau Navire than that, but that’s definitely an okay way to describe the fundamental sound here. but like haikus, Beau Navire has a distinct atmosphere that separates them from everyone else. and even though the core sound is so easily described, each individual track has its own unique identity. Beau Navire do something completely different but equally amazing on each and every song. so despite that the core sound is in all fairness simple enough, let me assure you that the song structures are not. each song feels like a magical journey of emotion and passion, each journey different than the previous. I can’t pick out “the best songs”, because this whole album is a journey in itself. everything belongs together. everything needs to be precisely like this. everything is perfect.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/05/beau-navire-life-moves/feed/ 0 Traluma – Discography http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/05/traluma-discography/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/05/traluma-discography/#comments Wed, 18 May 2011 13:00:58 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2537 Traluma were a relatively obscure band that existed from 1995 and up until their bassist’s death in 1999. they are sort of hard to describe, which is quite fitting, since it’s fairly difficult to really pick up and justly appreciate just how awesome some of the stuff that’s going on with this band is. they’re not like everyone else. they’re not like *anyone* else. Traluma sort of have two “bottom layers”. one is sort of dexterous math rock with twinkly guitars and an eerie feeling comparable to maybe the more hypnotic tracks by Owls, Fugazi and Lungfish. the other is like Gauge or Still Life’s From Angry Heads With Skyward Eyes. a raw emo sound with distorted punk rock riffs and raspy vocals. these two starting points often mend together as well. and like that Still Life record does, Traluma break habit to give way for some of the most beautiful music you’ve ever heard, completely transcending the eerie math rock hypnosis, or the the forceful punk rock drive, or the whatever, to let their devastatingly honest self shine at its most vulnerable, creating some absolutely magic moments in the process. and they do this like Still Life, Indian Summer, Jeromes Dream et. al. do it. i.e. they do not overuse their vulnerable qualities. a lot of bands do this and end up coming off as formulaic at best, contrived at worst. these truly inspirational moments work best when saved for just the right time. this discography consists of three seven inches (one of which a split with a really cool band called Nobuhjest) and one twelve inch. this is everything Traluma ever released, and it’s perfect. absolutely perfect.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/05/traluma-discography/feed/ 0 Lumber Lung – Lumber Lung http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/05/lumber-lung-lumber-lung/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/05/lumber-lung-lumber-lung/#comments Mon, 02 May 2011 16:00:49 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2525 some of you will remember Lumber Lung completely blowing me away a little while ago. welp, this is their LP! it has all of the songs that appear on the demo, and four completely new tracks. and… I don’t know what to say. this is just perfect. just… buy the LP here: http://lumberlung.wordpress.com/music/ – *now*! lyrics are on that site as well. and just… get this. it’s amazing. if you like emo, you will probably like this, as it is probably one of the best emo LPs *ever*. just… wow.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/05/lumber-lung-lumber-lung/feed/ 2 Low Places – Low Places http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/04/low-places-low-places/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/04/low-places-low-places/#comments Fri, 15 Apr 2011 22:00:08 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2521 liked Low Places and want more, yeah? luckily, you didn’t have to wait for long. here’s six more songs! yes, double as many songs as on the previous post! albeit three of them are actually re-recordings of the… three songs in the previous post… but uh… fucking hell, three new songs! and three great new recordings! it starts out with “The Storm”, which sounds like a tribute to Boris’s “Huge”. droning fucking awesomeness, with great amounts of my favourite ingredient feedback. and so it goes. fucking amazing. this release is more coherent and album-like than the previous one. each song belongs together. the transitions are thoughtful and well carried out. the whole structure seems well planned. the track ordering is perfect. each song has quite a lot of different ideas that are all sewn together, without any of the parts becoming out of place. the slow motion black metal get a full blown blistering fucking apocalypse “full motion black metal” equivalent on some songs, but the two main ideas are the Boris-like amplifier-worship-sludge, and the straight up pissed and fast hardcore. and Low Places do both of these things better than most other bands. both when considering the styles individually, and definitely when considering the way they effortlessly sew them together. this release destroys. and as mentioned in the previous post, you can buy their stuff from http://www.lowplaces.bigcartel.com/ – so do that if you have the cash.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/04/low-places-low-places/feed/ 0 Low Places – Violent Hunger http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/04/low-places-violent-hunger/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/04/low-places-violent-hunger/#comments Wed, 13 Apr 2011 22:00:33 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2519 the title, Violent Hunger, sounds like black metal. I like black metal. this isn’t black metal. I like this too. this is fucking sick sludge. it reminds me a bit of Mind Eraser, and then of Nails on the fastest parts. the heaviest parts actually aren’t all that far off from being really slow black metal, but I reckon Melvins is probably more instrumental to the shaping of this band’s sound than Darkthrone. anyway, this is a fucking great band. they go from brain-melting doom-y sludge, to blistering straight up hardcore in a whim. you can buy it here: http://www.lowplaces.bigcartel.com/ – along with some other Low Places stuff.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/04/low-places-violent-hunger/feed/ 0 Dead Streets – Nice Knowin’ Ya http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/04/dead-streets-nice-knowin-ya/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/04/dead-streets-nice-knowin-ya/#comments Mon, 11 Apr 2011 22:00:53 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2517 from just outside of Boston, Massachusetts comes this loud and heavy hardcore band named Dead Streets. I feel like loud and heavy are definitely the key words for this band. the vocals are piercingly loud and in your face, the bass and drums are fucking Hellnation-*heavy*, and the guitar (especially with the solos) give it all a nice punk rock drive. this is a < 15min demo, packed with loud and heavy. check it out.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/04/dead-streets-nice-knowin-ya/feed/ 0 that’s punk optimist sailing team http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/04/thats-punk-optimist-sailing-team/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/04/thats-punk-optimist-sailing-team/#comments Thu, 31 Mar 2011 22:00:14 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2504 there’s a somewhat strict “no compilations policy” on that’s punk, never putting up splits that consists of more than two bands. this policy isn’t really going away any time soon, but exceptions can always occur. one legitimate reason for exception to the rule is when that’s punk itself puts out a compilation. and that moment has finally come! expect loud guitar-based bands. I’ll leave it to you to find out which exact bands are featured. this is that’s punk’s second physical release, and it features a bunch of bands. there are twenty-nine tracks, all of which are nothing short of fantastic. I won’t turn this post into a manifesto, nor a review. so I’ll just end it by saying THANKS to all the bands – my friends – that helped this compilation surface – and THANKS to all of you who download or buy a copy. thank you all. the download contains 320Kbps MP3s, and the covers used at the printing office. if you can’t afford the CD-R, or if you aren’t a collector, just get the download instead.

click here to buy
click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/04/thats-punk-optimist-sailing-team/feed/ 1 Dahlia Seed – Different Versions, Alternate Mixes http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-different-versions-alternate-mixes/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-different-versions-alternate-mixes/#comments Tue, 29 Mar 2011 22:00:37 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2498 this is that’s punk’s last card. it’s different versions of five songs. two from Valentine Kid’s Litter, two from Survived By and one from Please Excuse All the Blood. all of which are well worth listening to – so download this! unfortunately “this” concludes the Dahlia Seed marathon. but what a band! what tunes! download it all if you haven’t yet. so good.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-different-versions-alternate-mixes/feed/ 0 Dahlia Seed – Please Excuse All the Blood http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-please-excuse-all-the-blood/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-please-excuse-all-the-blood/#comments Mon, 28 Mar 2011 22:00:55 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2493 after the tour in autumn of 1996 Dahlia Seed split up. this the last record they ever put out. it didn’t come until 1999 though. so it’s a posthumous release with unreleased material. the release contains songs from throughout most of their career. from tracks from the ten inch which can be downloaded in its unmixed state here, to the last three recordings they did. and with some stuff in between. including a few live tracks. if you’ve downloaded the other releases, you already have some of this. but it’s well worth getting nonetheless. perhaps especially for their three last songs, which serves as extremely rude teasers, just pointing at you and laughing. “hey check it out we made these three amazing songs [well, actually, one of them is a Voivod cover] but we’re not a band any more so you won’t get any new albums, nyya-nyya-nyya-nyya-nyyaaaaaaa-nya.” how præposterous! get this. oh, and even this is Dahlia Seed’s last record, that’s punk still has one more card up its sleeve.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-please-excuse-all-the-blood/feed/ 0 Dahlia Seed – Live Brownies NYC 25th August 06 1996 http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-live-brownies-nyc-25th-august-06-1996/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-live-brownies-nyc-25th-august-06-1996/#comments Sun, 27 Mar 2011 22:00:13 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2488 having posted both albums, I’m nearing the end of the Dahlia Seed marathon. but there’s still some stuff left! among this stuff is this live record. this time we’re in 1996 on Dahlia Seed’s last tour. they exclusively play songs from Survived By, except for “Statement of Purpose”, which you should know from the CBGBs concert. that song was actually released on a split 7″ with another ’90s emo band named Garden Variety, and you can – SPOILER ALERT – look forward to seeing it on that’s punk, albeit on a different release. spoiler finished. so. this is a soundboard recording, and it sounds… good. good enough to warrant a listen at least. good enough to make me curse myself for not seeing this band live. so get this, and curse yourself. enjoy!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-live-brownies-nyc-25th-august-06-1996/feed/ 0 Dahlia Seed – Survived By http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/2482/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/2482/#comments Fri, 25 Mar 2011 23:00:59 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2482 in the summer of 1995, Dahlia Seed recorded their second album, which would be released in 1996. all of the band was living in NY – except for the vocalist, who were residing in WA. (take note that by the time Survived By was to be recorded, Dahlia Seed had a new guitarist, as one of them left the summer of ’94. take further note that by the time Saved By was released in spring of ’96, that guitarist had left (in the middle of a US/Canadian tour, consequently ruining said tour for the band) and been replaced by yet another one.) that’s a pretty long way apart. nonetheless, the album got written, albeit without the entire band being in the same room while it was done. and, luckily, they were also recorded that summer, in Philadelphia. this album is by many considered the quintessential Dahlia Seed album. I don’t know why this is more quintessential than Valentine Kid’s Letter, although I’ve noticed that a lot of people don’t consider the latter a “proper” album because it’s made up of a couple of spread out sessions… personally, I view them both equally “quintessential” in terms of Dahlia Seed records. this packs an equal amounts of punch, when compared to Valentine Kid’s Litter. this album is absolutely beautiful and give Valentine Kid’s Litter a run for its money. you have no choice – you have to download this. absolute classic, by all standards. from the beautiful opening track to the heart-breaking though just as beautiful closer – a fantastic album. oh, and by the way, this album has a re-recording of one of the tracks on the practice tape, “Archway Out”.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/2482/feed/ 0 Dahlia Seed – Live CBGBs NYC 20th August 1994 http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-live-cbgbs-nyc-20th-august-1994/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-live-cbgbs-nyc-20th-august-1994/#comments Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:00:50 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2480 in 1994 and early 1995, Dahlia Seed toured extensively. I’ll be documenting this as well here on that’s punk. the first concert I’m posting is around thirty-five minutes long. they play a few songs from Valentine Kid’s Litter, and a few songs that will be released in the future. and a few songs plus a few songs equal nine songs , which in turn equals a pretty good documentation of Dahlia Seed as a live band. as everyone knows, listening to a live recording isn’t half as good as actually being there. but hey it’s the recording or nothing. they won’t be performing live again any time soon, unfortunately. so this isn’t even the next-best thing. this is the best thing! which means you need to check it out. it’s a very powerful performance in rather nice recording quality.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-live-cbgbs-nyc-20th-august-1994/feed/ 0 Dahlia Seed – Valentine Kid’s Litter http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-valentine-kids-litter/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-valentine-kids-litter/#comments Mon, 21 Mar 2011 23:00:58 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2478 it’s 1994, and we’re fucking there. from the very first note we’re there and then some. Valentine Kid’s Litter packs a significantly larger punch than either of the previously posted recordings. over the course of 1993-1994, they recorded two-three demo tapes. when they presented them to Theologian Records, the label wanted to put it out as an album. and so they did. that was a smart move if ever I saw one. because quite frankly, this release is amazing. even if it is evident that it’s made up of different recordings with different quality, it’s just so packed with emotive and cathartic moments that I think no one cares. the vocals are pretty, then suddenly they’re shouting bloody murder. and the music follows in a highly organic matter. it’s like Fugazi. the lyrics are often in tact with the music, open and emotionally charged. the vocalist wrote most of them, and when looking back she described quite a few of them as silly or stupid. I guess that’s how you know you’ve written really good emo lyrics. when you can look back and have a hard time understanding what you were thinking. when you look back and say, wow, how I’ve grown since then. emo music at its best, in my humble opinion, is when it documents the now – that special place and time. anyway, you owe it to yourself to give this a listen. it’s just a really heavy ’90s rock album with twelve fucking great songs.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-valentine-kids-litter/feed/ 0 Dahlia Seed – 10″ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-10/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-10/#comments Sat, 19 Mar 2011 23:00:55 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2476 it’s 1993 and Dahlia Seed have added a second guitarists, letting their vocalist focus more on vocalist duties. this is an unmixed version of their first proper record. and with that release, we’re getting extremely close to the beforehand mentioned “there”. where is there? the Dahlia Seed everyone knows and loves at their peak. the recording quality makes both the vocals intelligible and the music in general a bit more pleasant to listen to. you can really appreciate the musicianship some more, when you can actually tell what’s going on without anything being compromised by a poor recording quality. not that the previous posts have been *plagued* by awful recording quality… this just sounds nicer. two of the songs from the first demo are re-recorded for this, giving them a more justified recording quality. the melodic yet aggressive music is well cathartic. the vocals are dreamy but not distant. actually, they are ever-present. you’ll want to download this…

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-10/feed/ 0 Dahlia Seed – Practice Tape http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-practice-tape/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-practice-tape/#comments Thu, 17 Mar 2011 23:00:53 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2474 with the second Dahlia Seed post, it’s still 1992. there’s a swap of bassists, and there’s a new addition to the band. and many would argue that it is this addition that will set the band apart from any other bands. to some extent this is true. their new vocalist would go on to become instrumental to this band’s success. but let’s pay tribute where it’s due; the whole band has changed up quite a bit. for better. and even though the recording quality hasn’t peaked yet, resulting in unintelligible vocals, the guitars are getting there and then some. the new vocalist also plays guitar on this recording, giving them a more melodic sound than on the demo. the dreamy guitars as well as vocals drastically alter the band’s sound, without actually changing it much at all. if you liked the demo, you will probably love this. if you weren’t feeling the demo, give this a go. it is much more representing of the legendary band Dahlia Seed would eventually become. while Dahlia Seed are not quite there just yet, this is a monumental step on the way.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-practice-tape/feed/ 0 Dahlia Seed – 1st Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-1st-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-1st-demo/#comments Tue, 15 Mar 2011 23:00:12 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2472 I suspect some – if not most of the trusty readers of that’s punk are familiar with Dahlia Seed. but I suspect that not that many are as familiar as I aim to make you with them! yes, that’s right. Dahlia Seed marathon! and the obvious place to start is with their very first demo. Dahlia Seed started the summer of 1992, in the northern New Jersey suburbs. although probably mostly known as a four-piece or a five-piece, they actually started out as a three-piece. and this is that three-piece’s 4-track demo. it’s rough in both recording and musical style. somewhat comparable to their contemporary Empty Set (which would later go on to be named Chewbacca Kaboom, and later still Sunny Day Real Estate). recording quality-wise, this sounds as good as a 4-track from the early ’90s can sound. musical quality-wise, this is really good, albeit not the quintessential Dahlia Seed recording by any means. if you have no idea what Dahlia Seed sounds like, they play a rather pretty style of emo that in addition is really aggressive and simply charged with emotion. this is a nice place to start with the band, if you can handle the sound quality, which as an emo fan… chances are you do. check this out!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/dahlia-seed-1st-demo/feed/ 0 The Uptights – At the Wörthersee Hotel http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/the-uptights-at-the-worthersee-hotel/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/the-uptights-at-the-worthersee-hotel/#comments Sun, 13 Mar 2011 23:00:37 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2468 if shoegaze/noise (rock/emo sounds like a nice hybrid, chances of you liking this are high. if not, hmm… check it out anyway. this is some delicious lo-fi stuff that washes over you with valour. completely different, utterly compelling. this is only three songs and ten minutes, but in that time The Uptights manage giving us a well-rounded experience. there are twinkly guitars, rough noise parts, an ambient track, jangly vocals, non-jangly vocals, and overall a right mess. but it’s a consistent mess. the mess belongs together. OH, THE MESS. check this out if you like lo-fi messes.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/the-uptights-at-the-worthersee-hotel/feed/ 0 Oriana Raeo – Oriana Raeo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/oriana-raeo-oriana-raeo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/oriana-raeo-oriana-raeo/#comments Fri, 11 Mar 2011 23:00:30 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2466 this is sensitive and wimpy screamo. and while all screamo is inherently sensitive and wimpy, this is especially sensitive and wimpy. the guitar hooks are sort of like a soft and pathetic Kaospilot. sometimes, when at their softest, the guitars are almost like City of Caterpillar, focused and deliberate. on top of this are hoarse heart- and voice-breaking screams that sound like Age Sixteen meets The Spirit of Versailles. the rhythm section of the band, the drums and bass, are absolutely central to creating the moods swings that really makes Oriana Raeo an extremely interesting listen. at times it’s so bleak and empty that I can’t not pull up a comparison to Quiritatio. especially on the bleakest of songs, “Staring Into Nothing”, the album’s longest track (being over four minutes). the whole album is barely over ten minutes long, but those ten minutes are utterly miserable and tear-y. it’s perhaps best described simply as “Staring Into Nothing”. this is exactly what listening to Oriana Raeo feels like.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/oriana-raeo-oriana-raeo/feed/ 0 Adam Bennett – These Machines http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/adam-bennett-these-machines/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/adam-bennett-these-machines/#comments Wed, 09 Mar 2011 23:00:46 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2463 is it cool to like or dislike folk punk? I forgot again. regardless of this though, Adam Bennett plays Dylan-esque folk punk/rock. it’s back to basics with Adam. a man and his guitar. and what a voice the man has! I must say… this bloke sure has pipes. reminds me of Black 47. as for his handling of the guitar, it is highly efficient. he knows how to strum and pick, and he knows how to write catchy chord progressions… with lyrics about why war sucks. it’s always struck me as awkward to talk about the catchyness of the song when the words are that serious. but this is music after all. ajd if Adam Bennett truly wants to «change the world through song», then his songs need to be really great. and though I do not know whether these songs will change the world by themselves, they certainly enhanced my world when I listened to them.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/adam-bennett-these-machines/feed/ 0 syn*error – verlustgeschäft http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/synerror-verlustgeschaft/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/synerror-verlustgeschaft/#comments Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:00:40 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2458 you all know syn*error. if you don’t, you really should. there’s a bunch of stuff by them down there somewhere. a split with What Price, Wonderland? among other treats. this is their newest experiment, and the term experiment is key. from the very first track you know this is going to be different than previous instalments of syn*error. their self-titled 7″ was primarily made up of really loud emo/screamo with some intricate less loud parts, thus resulting in a somewhat eclectic but determined sound. five years ago syn*error were a explosive emo/screamo band with quiet-loud dynamics, soaring guitars, distorted octave chords, screaming, etc. but for 2011′s verlustgeschäft, they’ve shook things up. this time they have obvious influences from ’80s harDCore. where syn*error previously dabbled with the ’90s emo sound, they have now seemingly moved a century back. this does however not mean that syn*error have taken a step back or stagnated. on the contrary. they’ve evolved their sound into something completely new. if I were to compare it to modern bands, then it sort of sounds like a mix between End of A Year and Adorno. however this album has just too much bloody uniqueness to it. you can’t just say “if you like blah and blah you’ll like this”. this album has several funk/hip-hop songs that sort of sound like Incubus’ glorious “Magic Medicine” – that’s not normal for an emo album, is it? furthermore, this album has truly epic emo tracks that may or may not have ’70s punk rock/’80s alternative bridges with almost BritPop guitars, before going to what to me sounds like Norwegian emo (the birds are spies – they report to the trees, rest of my life, etc), before suddenly going into trance-inducing blues-y or funk-y guitar solos to bring the tune to sometimes a sudden halt, and sometimes fading away elegantly. this album just takes a pile of influences from all sorts of music from the ’80s and ’90s and shape it into some sort of emo rocker with funky “Magic Medicine” interludes. syn*error have seriously changed their sound up. and it fucking works. it fucking works. download this at once. it can be bought from http://www.kids-in-misery.net/pages/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=301 or here http://bisaufsmesser.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=16229&zenid=4d988b78f10127f2845a0ff70671ac0c – so do that too if you have the cash.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/synerror-verlustgeschaft/feed/ 0 the band in Heaven – Weird Wives split http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/the-band-in-heaven-weird-wives-split/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/the-band-in-heaven-weird-wives-split/#comments Mon, 28 Feb 2011 23:00:44 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2450 I hope you liked the band in Heaven, because here’s some more the band in Heaven! this time around it’s a split with Weird Wives, another great set of shoegazers. the bands contribute with two songs each. you should already be familiar with the band in Heaven and their BritPop with many dashes of noise and feedback on top. Weird Wives are quite different, but they still fit in nicely on this split with their more psychedelic and dark sound. for some reason it reminds me of Joy Division and Nick Cave, with some deathrock-leanings. far more bleak than the band in Heaven, but just as good. together these two bands make a highly interesting couple. it’s kind of like Sigur Rós’s (), on which side A was optimistic and side B was pessimistic. I have no idea if the band in Heaven intend to be bright, nor if Weird Wives re attempting to make dark music. but that’s how it comes across to me. check this out and make up your own opinion!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/03/the-band-in-heaven-weird-wives-split/feed/ 0 the band in Heaven – demos http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/the-band-in-heaven-demos/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/the-band-in-heaven-demos/#comments Sun, 27 Feb 2011 23:00:13 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2448 what would the minimalism of Can and The Velvet Underground sound like it had 100dB gain and lots and lots of feedback and distortion? you’re about to find out, thanks to Orlando, Florida’s the band in Heaven. this is by all means shoegaze. however, it is noticeably minimalist – or even simplistic. there’s essentially cosy pop rock chord progressions, pretty vocals, etc. something tells me that if you remove the feedback and noise, you’d get a BritPop band, influenced by the mentioned bands. so that makes this… The La’s playing The Velvet Underground, with a bunch of noise and feedback on top? maybe. something like that. in any event, it makes this awesome. cosy and pretty pop songs with a fuckload of noise and feedback. just how I like my pretty pop songs. get this! and by the way, you can buy FLAC or whatever at http://thebandinheaven.bandcamp.com/

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/the-band-in-heaven-demos/feed/ 0 Lumber Lung – Demo 2010 http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/lumber-lung-demo-2010/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/lumber-lung-demo-2010/#comments Sat, 26 Feb 2011 23:00:27 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2453 this band blew me away. instantly. this demo is five songs that together are sixteen minutes long. in those sixteen minutes, Lumber Lung manages to establish themselves as one of the most interesting emo bands since… well, since the ’90s really. and “the ’90s” is exactly how this sounds. it sounds a bit like Lumber, Don Quichote, Symptom of Isaac, and Dahlia Seed – but mostly it just sounds like Lumber Lung. it’s heavily influenced by the directness of ’90s emo. and by that, I mean that Lumber Lung waste no time. they are to the point and acute. but like the bands I mentioned, they are also inherently melodic. this is aggressive music; jangly and noisy. however, it’s also beautiful. and one of the most successful and authentic takes on ’90s emo I’ve ever heard by a modern band. they’re putting out an LP later this year, and you need to save up for that – because this band is just… wow. just download this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/lumber-lung-demo-2010/feed/ 1 Panthalassa – 2011 Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/panthalassa-2011-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/panthalassa-2011-demo/#comments Fri, 25 Feb 2011 23:00:05 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2445 Panthalassa started out in 2010 in Seattle, Washington. in December they recorded this demo here. and guess what – it’s great! I always like getting to hear new bands. double so when the band is so good. Panthalassa are noisy and chaotic like Phasma Phasmatis, poetic and creative like Lizards Have Personalities and FUNKY like Daniel Striped Tiger. now there’s a mix I’d happily listen to again! I hope to hear more from Panthalassa than this seven minute demo. check this out!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/panthalassa-2011-demo/feed/ 0 Flags Raised – Now Or Never http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/flags-raised-now-or-never/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/flags-raised-now-or-never/#comments Wed, 23 Feb 2011 23:00:04 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2443 long time no see, that’s punk. it’s great to be back. and it’s even greater to be back bearing such good news as this album. because Flags Raised are special from the very first second. no, scratch that. they are special from the very moment you lay eyes on your cover. with the gloomy EA80-esque cover, you just know, already then, that this is something special. Flags Raised are an extremely refreshing hardcore band from Glasgow, Scotland. this is ultra-melodic mid-tempo (i.e. for hardcore) hardcore with not only decipherable, but engaging and uplifting vocals. this little thing is only twelve minutes, which is regrettable though perhaps fitting. they make quite the impression, and in so little time. the powerful vocals and guitar tone really reminds me of Some Mistakes, though far less screamo and much more upbeat. I guess you could identify the obligatory Modern Life is War and American Nightmare influences, but to make the comparisons a little more that’s punk esoteric – if you like Miles Apart, In Regret and Some Mistakes, chances are you’ll love this too. it’s just really, really good. check it out.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/flags-raised-now-or-never/feed/ 0 new miseries – I Am Without Me http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/new-miseries-i-am-without-me/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/new-miseries-i-am-without-me/#comments Wed, 09 Feb 2011 23:00:51 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2423 new miseries are hard, fast and pissed off. if you like Cut Short or Short Ride from that’s punk, or Shai Hulud, or just hardcore in general – you will probably more than like this. with this four nine and a half minutes long demo, new miseries play relatively uncompromising hardcore. they aren’t inventing nor re-inventing the wheel. but who says you need to? I’ve said it before, and I will always stress this: great > original, and original (by itself) != great. facts are that this has a lot of energy and passion. in addition new miseries do – despite not (re-)inventing any damn wheel – have their own sound. “Deathbeds” in particular is a *really* cool song, and I hope to hear more like it in the future. so give this new and promising band a try if you are even remotely into hardcore.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/new-miseries-i-am-without-me/feed/ 0 lover – wolfies http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/lover-wolfies/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/lover-wolfies/#comments Mon, 07 Feb 2011 23:00:42 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2421 do you remember lover? I sure do. weird minimalist ambient noise shoegaze stuff that has you at all times contemplating whether to bob your head in appreciation or scratch it in confusion. (you can do both, but that would be weird.) this album carries the tradition on, with even a little techno thing going for it. (though calling this a “techno” album would be an extremely far stretch.) a great portion of this is instrumental, but there’s also some tracks with vocals. those are the more shoegaze-y ones with guitars dominating melody, whilst being almost being repressed by the banging bass beat, and on top of that you have blip blops and then of course the vocals are in there somewhere. this record is bass-heavy and noisy. but pleasant nonetheless. some of the riffs are even just melodic and catchy! add to this the fantastic atmospheric value, and you’ve got yourself a highly interested listen. I would go as far as saying that this is even better than death stay awake. the absolutely beautiful “FACEKEEPER” perhaps steals the main portion of the glory, with a guitar that simply carves into your heart and spine at the same time, which is quite the impressive accomplishment given this album being in mono. get this!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/lover-wolfies/feed/ 2 The Whoopass Girls – The Whoopass Girls http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/the-whoopass-girls-the-whoopass-girls/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/the-whoopass-girls-the-whoopass-girls/#comments Sun, 06 Feb 2011 23:00:41 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2418 The Whoopass Girls have grown up a bit, leaving most of their carefree insanity behind, adopting a much more nuanced and sensitive sound. and while their first release was enjoyable in its own right, this is another story completely. melancholic and minor-driven ’90s emo like Christie Front Drive, September and Cap’n Jazz. while less experimental and unpredictably insane, this release is just as interesting in its own way. this release has seven songs, and is a little more than twenty-five minutes of emo greatness. passionate and hypnotic and *highly* recommended.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/the-whoopass-girls-the-whoopass-girls/feed/ 1 Snowing – I Could Do Whatever I Wanted If I Wanted http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/snowing-i-could-do-whatever-i-wanted-if-i-wanted/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/snowing-i-could-do-whatever-i-wanted-if-i-wanted/#comments Sat, 05 Feb 2011 23:00:29 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2411 I know I’m a little late, so if you’ve already gotten this album, you have probably made up your mind about it, so just ignore this, I guess. the rest of you may however proceed promptly. Snowing are a band you should be at least vaguely familiar with though, due to me posting their other stuff here. if you aren’t – go check those posts out. if you are – go on yet some more. I’m going to be completely honest about this album. initially I was disappointed. I found the songs too same-y, and generally deemed it underwhelming. because of these things, I am sure glad I haven’t put it up until now. because now I get it. now I see what this shit is all about. I’ve had a ginormous “oic what u did thurr” moment, and now I can fully appreciate and get behind «SOMETIMES I GET DRUNK AT NIGHT». at first I didn’t think Snowing really “worked” in a longer medium. welp… that was completely wrong. Snowing are *better* in album format. John Galm goes all the fucking way. this album is the equivalent of drunken rambling and hungover remorse all at once. furthermore, this is one of the more personal records you’ll ever hear. there is nothing pretentious about this. it’s a guy spilling his guts to some real happening rock music. where American Football are nostalgic in its depression, Snowing are just fucking depressing. yet there’s something oddly comforting about a man willing to blurt out his personal life and all of his perceived shortcomings on a rock album. there’s something beautiful about the realisation that even though your dad died, and his dad died, and you’re eventually gonna die – you’re alive. that is the essence of this album – to me. no one wants to be alone, no one wants to die, no one wants to suffer. Snowing, I think, reflect that perfectly. I get it John. thanks. you can order this here: http://countyourluckystars.bigcartel.com/product/pre-order-snowing or here: http://squareofopposition.bigcartel.com/product/snowing-i-could-do-whatever-lp-preorder – if you have the necessary funds ($10).

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/snowing-i-could-do-whatever-i-wanted-if-i-wanted/feed/ 0 Saetia – A Retrospective http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/saetia-a-retrospective/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/saetia-a-retrospective/#comments Thu, 03 Feb 2011 23:00:29 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2410 chances are that if you have any interest in screamo, you already know Saetia. if you are less than twenty-five, chances are in fact that you even discovered screamo via Saetia. although they weren’t my entry band, they were definitely one of the early birds. by the way, if you’ve ever heard someone say that Saetia are “new jack shit” or otherwise a band for “new jacks” and otherwise not remarkable – just point and laugh. there’s a reason Saetia have become the band that gets people into screamo. there’s a reason everyone knows who Saetia are. said reason being how fucking great Saetia are. Saetia existed during the late ’90s and were never extraordinary or even mention-worthy popular compared to the post-mortem hype they have received (aka the screamo curse). this album has their entire recorded output (plus five live tracks), and is the definite album to get. (also the original vinyl are ridiculously overpriced on auction sites and trade boards, so it’s really the only choice you have unless you are really, really into collection expensive vinyl.) there are seventeen (again, plus five live tracks) tracks on this album, and it’s over fifty-five minutes long. Saetia actually have some rather lengthy tracks for the genre – which benefits their style. they sort of mix two things into an almost oxymoron. there’s a very melodic and pretty side to Saetia, but there is also a spastic and noisy rapid-bursts hardcore side to them. these sides are frequently joined as one, with vocals that generally vary between a whimper and almost full out shrieking. call it screamo, call it emo, call it chaotic hardcore, hardcore or just simply punk rock. Saetia are a great band no matter what hype term you throw at them. so check this out right now. the members went on to form Hot Cross, Off Minor, and various other bands that were great but not *as* great as Saetia. at least not in my humble opinion. but the bands I mentioned (which are the more high-profiled ones) are well worth checking out as well.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/saetia-a-retrospective/feed/ 0 rest of my life – what we lack in size, we make up for in devotion http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/rest-of-my-life-what-we-lack-in-size-we-make-up-for-in-devotion/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/rest-of-my-life-what-we-lack-in-size-we-make-up-for-in-devotion/#comments Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:21:56 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2409 after a shake-up in staff and a change in label (to RhinoProd), rest of my life is back. imagine The Appleseed Cast mixed with Explosions in the Sky, with a hint of The Shyness Clinic. now eliminate any dead space in the tracks, make the highlights endlessly more gigantic – and you might have the faintest idea what this record sounds like. this is the closest I have ever gotten to A Bunny’s Caravan’s Draining Puddles, Retrieving Treasures. rest of my life have created a genuinely compelling album that is intriguing from start to finish. it floods you with emotion and overwhelms you with its intellectuality. rest of my life truly prove to be equal amounts heart and brain, with songs that are so precise and delicate one would think they were carefully plotted by maths geniuses – except that they are at all times just about ready to burst with emotion, often lead by the cascading climaxes of washing guitars. all instruments are in perfect harmony, and the mix does extraordinary at making this devastatingly clear to the listener. the washing guitars wrap in a drummer’s dexterous and forceful command, and everything is emphasized by the imaginative and pleasantly soft yet appropriately present bass lines. this delightful mix go on to crescendo into the most heart-warming heartbreaks as often as they fall to their knees, hinting modesty and humbleness in between all their ambition and taste for glory. as a consequence of the exploring and unafraid nature of rest of my life, they have forged an album that becomes properly well-rounded and thus an exciting listen from start to finish. overall, this is something as rare as a perfect record. it’s marvellously intelligent – and let me tell you, it is well refreshing for an album to be genuinely intelligent, as opposed to just quirky – and emotionally charged to the brims. lyrically the album parallels itself musically. the lyrics are questioning, seeking and critical, «gaining brains [while] maintaining heart», further enhancing the well-roundedness of the album. it would seem like rest of my life have been heading in this direction; carefully working their way towards this album. if this is their climax, I can’t do anything but applaud them. if there is more to come, I hope my heart can take it. you can buy this from http://www.cdon.eu if you like it, and I would strongly suggest getting the CD. it has a lovely cover that goes well with the feel of the album itself. p.s. this album features a new version of the glorious Manual Circuit song “Bohemen”!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/02/rest-of-my-life-what-we-lack-in-size-we-make-up-for-in-devotion/feed/ 8 Black Kites – Songs Written While Things Were Charging http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/black-kites-songs-written-while-things-were-charging/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/black-kites-songs-written-while-things-were-charging/#comments Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:00:57 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2405 on this album, Black Kites have a significantly different sound. the song structure and approximation mostly stays the same, but the *sound* is different. it’s still – as mentioned – much of the same though. but the formula works. the vocals are spat in your face, the guitars are gritty and heavy, the drums are all over the place, etc. it’s noisy, metallic and heavy. on “And Like It”, there are even gang vocals [thus rendering the record awesomage]. Black Kites go from this riff to that riff, this pace to that pace, fairly effortlessly. They can break it down to a droning ambient guitar section, then pick up and destroy your face. it flows extremely well. all in all this record is really good, and if you liked the previous one – you *will* like this one too. so get it. and buy it here: http://protagonistmusic.bigcartel.com/artist/black-kites – if you want. I’m sure the label and the band will appreciate you doing so.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/black-kites-songs-written-while-things-were-charging/feed/ 0 Black Kites – Advancement to Ruins http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/black-kites-advancement-to-ruins/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/black-kites-advancement-to-ruins/#comments Mon, 24 Jan 2011 23:00:55 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2403 out of New Jersey comes Black Kites, with ex-members of The Assistant, In First Person, This Ship Will Sink, and You and I… heh. Black Kites pretty much plays ’90s hardcore/metalcore with a little bit of modern screamo. that might be a shallow way of describing them, but that’s the gist of it. Unbroken, 108, and Disembodied. they are not as crushing as Unbroken, nor as “intellectual” as 108, nor as sludgy as Disembodied. they are however something in between these bands, and other ’90s hardcore bands. this album consists of eleven songs, running at about twenty-one minutes. it’s fast and heavy. right off the bat. right up to the very end.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/black-kites-advancement-to-ruins/feed/ 0 This Ship Will Sink – You Are Precisely My Cup of Tea http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/this-ship-will-sink-you-are-precisely-my-cup-of-tea/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/this-ship-will-sink-you-are-precisely-my-cup-of-tea/#comments Wed, 19 Jan 2011 23:00:39 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2400 This Ship Will Sink’s second EP showcases an even more eccentric form of hardcore, with way more screamo influences. the metal is still there though. the core sound has not been all too much tampered with, and it’s still very much recognisable. but(!!!), different enough to *be different*. these songs are something new and fresh, unlike their previous EP. so check this out, and learn how This Ship Will Sink managed to advance their sound without abandoning it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/this-ship-will-sink-you-are-precisely-my-cup-of-tea/feed/ 0 This Ship Will Sink – This Ship Will Sink http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/this-ship-will-sink-this-ship-will-sink/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/this-ship-will-sink-this-ship-will-sink/#comments Mon, 17 Jan 2011 23:00:41 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2399 as I mentioned earlier, I would be getting into This Ship Will Sink here on that’s punk. so I’m pleased to announce that the day has finally come. this band featured members of In First Person and The Assistant, and consequently they also share certain stylistic traits with those bands. it’s metal-tinged, hard, fast and heavy music. metal-tinged, by the way, not metal. this is extremely technical and spastic hardcore with lots of metal and screamo. they are kind of like Phoenix Bodies and Textbook Traitors, but much more metal, and much more technical. if you liked The Assistant’s second album, this should have you feeling quite at home. it’s faster and different-sounding in more ways than one, but not entirely unfamiliar still.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/this-ship-will-sink-this-ship-will-sink/feed/ 0 The Assistant – We’ll Make the Roads By Walking http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/the-assistant-well-make-the-roads-by-walking/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/the-assistant-well-make-the-roads-by-walking/#comments Sun, 09 Jan 2011 23:00:16 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2386 in 2003 came The Assistant’s second lengthy affair [album]. it’s significantly more metal than the previous album. a bit like After School Knife Fight. there were parts on the previous posted album that sounded like this album, but as a whole this one is far heavier. there are fast grindcore parts and devastating hardcore breakdowns, all of which totally destroy, but there are also some intricate melodic content in here. it’s just hidden far more than the in the songs featured on the previous post. most of this is extremely heavy technical screamo/metal. the song lengths have also changed noticeably. the previous post had twelve songs, and those songs were in total around four minutes shorter than the eight songs on this album are in total. the longest song is as much as 8:35 long. and you’ll find no ambient parts in the middle, or lengthy intros or outros. just devastation and madness. this album destroys all. get it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/the-assistant-well-make-the-roads-by-walking/feed/ 0 The Assistant – The Assistant http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/the-assistant-the-assistant/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/the-assistant-the-assistant/#comments Fri, 07 Jan 2011 23:00:14 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2385 as mentioned, I’ll be talking a little bit about The Assistant. they were a late ’90s/early ’00s screamo band, based in New Jersey. this band started up shortly after the disbanding of You and I, and features members of said band. the members of The Assistant in turn went on to form other bands, such as This Ship Will Sink, who I’ll – you’ve guessed it – talk about later. much like In First Person (who started out around five years after), they employ several vocalists. often at least two people are screaming at the same time. sometimes three. and with all these people screaming their guts out about walls and greed, it gets messy as all hell. the guitars are intricate and melodic like with You and I, though less heavy, and mostly faster. too say that The Assistant is a faster You and I is not a fair way to sum them up, but it’s an okay way to introduce them to you. their sound is far more complex than that though. The Assistant is a truly violent mix of gritty synth, blistering riffs, despairing screams, loud feedback, hard drumming… and the occasional blink-182-like fantastically catchy, beautiful power chord masterpiece that “Five Year Old Mentality” is. then comes the progressive instrumental track “Route 18″, in which there are no words (apart from the few you can make out, behind all the ambiance), but so much else, that it speaks for itself. this track sounds desolate, lonely and longing. in much ways it sounds like the opposite of the previous track. these shifts happen all the time, and still, this album flows together amazingly. oh, how wonderfully well this album flows together. each track is sewn together perfectly. just like each part of each track is sewn together perfectly. everything is perfect. get this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/the-assistant-the-assistant/feed/ 0 In First Person – Discography http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/in-first-person-discography/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/in-first-person-discography/#comments Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:00:08 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2370 featuring members of You and I, A Petal Fallen and The Assistant (who I’ll be getting back to, actually…), In First Person were a fairly technical screamo band, notable for having three vocalists that often sung/shouted/screamed at the same time. with vocals and guitars all over the place, In First Person have a by its very nature chaotic and explosive sound. but there’s also something extremely controlled and well-planned about these songs. In First Person have a precisely layered sound, much comparable to the You and I album, though with a heavier backbone making their sound comparable to Pg.99. this is their discography, consisting of a full length album named Lost Between Hands Held Tight, which was out on Paramnesia Records, though sold out probably years ago. in addition to this album are two splits. one with Storm the Bastille and one with the Canadian band Titan. there are a total of twelve tracks, and it clocks in at 42:22. that’s forty-two minutes of dark and heavy modern screamo/hardcore. where early/mid ’90s screamo often was extremely chaotic, even comparable to noise music at times, this modern approach to the genre is more often metallic and dark. everything from Orchid to Quiritatio reflects this. the first mentioned with grindcore sympathies, the second with their epic crescendos and sludge-tinge. In First Person are also by all means a modern “screamo” band. combining metal, hardcore and screamo into a grand sound that’s at times chaotic, but mostly it feels like it’s very thoughtfully and carefully composed. there’s just so much stuff going on in these songs, that it can hardly be chance that makes it all come together so consistently and thoroughly. In First Person plays calculated and perfected music. they are though by no means robots. in fact, they sound like they are throwing every piece of themselves into each and every song, with misanthropic lyrics. so if you like modern “screamo”, get this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/in-first-person-discography/feed/ 0 You And I – The Curtain Falls http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/you-and-i-the-curtain-falls/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/you-and-i-the-curtain-falls/#comments Mon, 03 Jan 2011 23:00:43 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2277 The Curtain Falls was You And I’s last release. it’s 22:02, a fairly perfect amount of time to blow everyone away. this is perhaps their least popular release. even band members reject it as shoddy, unrehearsed and badly produced.. all of which are fuel for my love for it. I am really fond of their “old stuff”, i.e. the previous post, as well, but The Curtain Falls is definitely my favourite by this band. although the old tracks had a consistent sound, and many interesting hooks, it lacked the great amount of direction and ambition presented on The Curtain Falls. it also – and this might be a bit contradicting – feels more improvised. it feels like it’s capturing a magic moment in place and time. like it doesn’t care. The Curtain Falls is a mess, so you don’t really hear layers. instead, you get what is in my opinion a perfect fusion of elements. each and every instrument are interacting with each other very closely, and very skilfully. the songs are more progressive, with focus on explosions and climaxes as opposed to the overwhelming and brutal approach found on the self titled compilation. on this album, You And I are still comparable to Indian Summer (the jazz samples no doubt help fuse this comparison), but they are in many ways very dissimilar in both sound and approach. You And I have a much more blatant screamo sound on this album. then comes the occasional stunningly infectious guitar line, that will just blow your mind. if you found anything remotely enjoyable about the previous post, this album is definitely for you. if you didn’t get it, this is probably just as well a place to get introduced to You And I, because this is You And I at their very finest. this is amazing.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/you-and-i-the-curtain-falls/feed/ 0 You And I – You And I http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/you-and-i-you-and-i/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/you-and-i-you-and-i/#comments Sun, 02 Jan 2011 23:00:01 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2271 if you have not heard You And I before, you are indeed in for a treat. they were an emo band, active in the late nineties. they employed rather unusual song structures, and surprisingly melodic and tuneful hooks. they basically put layers of pretty twinkly guitars and clean vocals alongside or on top of an almost metallic rhythm section, churning out heavy as fuck hardcore riffs and crushing drum patterns. on this album (which came out in 2003, and collects all of their releases sans the last one), the boldness of the riffs makes it almost difficult to distinguish the tracks, because they all have these heavy hardcore riffs. this is where the layers of melodic intricacies become helpful. they are what essentially distinguish the tracks, whilst the insanely heavy drive that surrounds it is what provides consistency. the mix of these two extremes are what constitutes You And I’s unique blend of the different elements of emo/hardcore, and their intense energy. sometimes it sounds like a screamo version of Indian Summer. other times it sounds like Sons of Abraham. with a reasonable amount of feedback, You And I’s guitarists plough their way through droning doom riffs, gentle and catchy punk rock riffs, clever noise parts, blistering – almost grindcore – thrashing, and more “typical” screamo riffs. over this you have screaming bloody murder, and the occasional clean singing. the drums somehow actually manage to keep up with all the crazy stuff the riffs manage to do, and also dictates the tempo beautifully, almost single-handedly (well, I guess double-handedly and double-footedly?) making the breakdowns. what separates You And I’s quiet parts from Indian Summer’s are that they usually have sort of upbeat drums during them. they are subdued and calmer, but not downbeat or lacking altogether, like they so often are in Indian Summer’s quietest riffs. this maybe makes You And I slightly less in touch with the polar extremes, but they still manage to create fantastic dynamics. their sound is altogether very unique, and if you add the unorthodox sound structures to the consideration, You And I are an immensely impressive as well as interesting band. so check this out! this compilation album also contains five live tracks at the end, and clocks in at ~78 minutes, so it might me a little overwhelming at first – even if it is instantly enjoyable. you should give it a few spins to digest it properly. it’s really worth it, because this band rules.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/you-and-i-you-and-i/feed/ 0 Diving – Places and Objects http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/diving-places-and-objects/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/diving-places-and-objects/#comments Sat, 01 Jan 2011 23:00:56 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2383 2010 ended on a high note for that’s punk, so it’s only fitting that it picks up where it left – on a sky high note. and let me just start by saying that this is really good. I might as well get it out there at once. this is *really* good. if you enjoy modern “twinkly” emo like Snowing, Footbal etc. and Joie de Vivre, you will more than likely love this. Diving take the best of both worlds and play their hearts out. instrumentally – this is probably one of the best albums I have listened to. their playful and joyful as well as technical math rock is at all times very much vivid and imaginative. if you like any of the beforehand mentioned bands or think that a more upbeat It’s Just Vanity would be kinda cool, this is definitely an album you don’t want to miss out on. another band that frequently comes to mind whilst listening to Diving are Perfect Future, and their arguably best song, “Incomplete”, in particular. anyway, you should definitely check out Diving. I for one can’t wait to hear new material from them. I’m already sold.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2011/01/diving-places-and-objects/feed/ 0 Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson – lost songs http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/youth-pictures-of-florence-henderson-lost-songs/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/youth-pictures-of-florence-henderson-lost-songs/#comments Thu, 30 Dec 2010 23:00:27 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2365 the guys in Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson found an old pc with some old songs on. what better way to end the year, than with a post with this. Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson came into my life several years ago and blew my mind. and though they never disappeared from my life, new recordings didn’t surface. this made me a little sad. then earlier this year came their gloriously triumphant second album. I never imagined they could follow up their début with an album that was equally as amazing. my mind was blown all over again. and though equally amazing as the début, it was wonderfully refreshing and new. the two albums have the same qualities, but different sounds. so while I was overjoyed to hear the new album, at the same time I was a bit saddened that they had buried their old sound. but that’s only natural. they couldn’t make another album like the first. it would be really boring. and you can’t put a leash on creative minds anyway. so what I got was what I got. a wonderful *new* album. it pleases me, then, to no end to present to you these lost songs. they are in that wonderful “How Is Annie” sound I fell in love with. bands like Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson themselves, A Bunny’s Caravan, that second rest of my life record, Manual Circuit, Twist About Fireplace, Monzano, and Build Nest, Sleep. they all had something magical in common. something “How Is Annie”. since then, both How Is Annie and Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson have grown. I do not in any way resent this. I applaud it. diversity makes it that much more interesting. and I would still say that How Is Annie has a special sound to it, albeit not as obvious as it were. but this is the sound I initially fell in love with. this is what grabbed me and refused to let go. this is sentimentally valuable to me. it takes me back to when I was first exploring all of these bands. these lost songs are the sound of nostalgia to me. to you, they might be the sound of something else entirely. nonetheless, this is how I choose to conclude the year. and it’s most satisfying.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/youth-pictures-of-florence-henderson-lost-songs/feed/ 0 Cheeky – Generation of Liberty http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/cheeky-generation-of-liberty/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/cheeky-generation-of-liberty/#comments Tue, 28 Dec 2010 23:00:58 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2360 remember Cheeky? of course you do. I posted them yesterday. while active during the ’90s, they are back now! well, they are sort of back. at least in the studio. and it’s still tight! there are some alterations to their sound though. it doesn’t sound as fast, but just as energetic. the recording quality has improved vastly, which enhances the crispness of their sound. the vocals are more melodic and pleasant (there’s an other vocalist on these re-recordings) – less hasty, just like the music in general. but changes aside, it’s still Cheeky at its core. thus, if you approved of the previous post, you will definitely approve of this one. if you didn’t, you probably won’t. you know what to do. by the way – this includes a rerecording of the title track! enjoy.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/cheeky-generation-of-liberty/feed/ 1 Cheeky – Black Album http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/cheeky-black-album/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/cheeky-black-album/#comments Tue, 28 Dec 2010 16:42:22 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2361 Cheeky were a cheeky bunch out of Trondheim, Norway. they played infectious skate punk during the ’90s. their members went on to form bands such as rest of my life and Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson (both of which can be downloaded from this blog), but Cheeky has little in common with those bands. perhaps apart from a tendency towards the obviously melodic. Cheeky are however far less sensitive. they are a more direct punk rock band. I have reason to believe Cheeky being influenced by a lot of ’90s melodic emo, alternative and punk rock, ranging from NOFX, to Pulley, to Propagandhi, to Cooter, to Weston, to blah blah blah. there are a million bands that sound similar to Cheeky, who obviously draw a lot of influence from their peers and predecessors. however, that does not make them obsolete. there’s great fun to be found in Black Album. fast and ultra-melodic punk rock with everlasting appeal. check this out!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/cheeky-black-album/feed/ 0 Beau Navire – Demo Cassette http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/beau-navire-demo-cassette/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/beau-navire-demo-cassette/#comments Sun, 26 Dec 2010 23:00:23 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2351 Beau Navire play what they call “My Bloody Valentine hardcore” on this – a demo cassette from 2009. it’s their first release, and it consists of seven songs divided into two tracks (side a and b). this is “soul punk” in the vein of iwrotehaikusaboutcannibalisminyouryearbook. Beau Navire are incidentally also from the Bay Area, and have one ex-member of haikus. so if you are into haikus, you *will* be into this. this just hits right home with me from the very first second. this absolutely beautiful style of soulful and tender screamo is impossible to not be moved, or somehow else affected by. this picks up “soul punk” where haikus left off, and takes it to new heights; in new directions. Beau Navire are the best band right now. you need to know “what the fuss is about”. because, honestly, you’ll probably either really love or really hate what they are doing. personally I absolutely love it. hopefully you will as well. let Beau Navire teach you how to love. put away your white belts and learn how to cry again with Beau Navire.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/beau-navire-demo-cassette/feed/ 0 Indian Summer – Hidden Arithmetic http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/2194/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/2194/#comments Fri, 24 Dec 2010 23:00:38 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2194 even though I open my presents on Christmas Eve, that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten about those of you who open them on the morning of Christmas Day. this post is for you. and hey, I eat my father’s accomplished turkey on Christmas Day – so it’s a special day for me too. today’s present is Indian Summer’s Hidden Arithmetic. it’s a live album that exists in multiple editions. some have two concerts, and some have just one. this is the latter edition, which has Indian Summer Live in the Blue Universe. (the one with two concerts also has Live at Pitzer College.) it’s released on both LP and CD. said LP is the definite emo record. the defining emo record. digital copies are the second best thing, so I highly recommend you purchase an LP via the download link, if you can afford it. this is the centrepiece of any emo collection ever. this is emo incarnate. GET THIS.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/2194/feed/ 0 Indian Summer – Science http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/indian-summer-science/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/indian-summer-science/#comments Thu, 23 Dec 2010 23:00:37 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2193 in Norway we open presents on Christmas Eve. this is your present from that’s punk. if you have heard Indian Summer before, chances are they are at the very least *among* your favourite bands of all time. if you have just barely heard a song or two, and didn’t *really* listen – or, if you haven’t heard them at all – consider this your initiation. Indian Summer existed between 1993 and 1994 in Oakland, California. they mastered the dark and brooding atmospheric elements Slint employed, and built up their songs into a massive and intense explosion, sort of reminiscent of Rites of Spring, but less acute and more explosive. they sound like an overwhelming mix of the beforehand mentioned bands, Codeine, Native Nod, Still Life, Moss Icon and Seam. Science is their discography. it collects all of their studio recorded songs. nine of them in total. it passes the half hour mark, with songs lasting from anything from one and a half minute to well over seven minutes. one of the things that will make you want to listen to this album over and over is that Indian Summer were true masters of dynamics. the most tranquil parts have calmly picked guitars and soft whispering. as a total contrast, the louder parts are come crashing down on the world, with out of control screaming, guitars being trashed, drums being battered to death and so forth. all of the parts were connected though. each and every up and down was connected. and all of it was intense, nervous and emotional. this band didn’t just contribute to emo, or breathe life into it. Indian Summer are the band that shaped and perfected emo with the pure skill that went into these compositions. a skill that thankfully only gets rivalled and beaten by the sheer intensity and rawness. Indian Summer are emo in its truest form. download this. and have a great Christmas Eve! the compilation has been pressed on numerous occasions, and one of the pressings can be bought via links inside the download site.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/indian-summer-science/feed/ 0 Per Bergersen – PB http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/per-bergersen-pb/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/per-bergersen-pb/#comments Tue, 21 Dec 2010 23:00:51 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2220 after Per Bergersen’s death in 1990, an LP that collected a great deal of his recorded material was put together. only a thousand copies were made, and they are highly sought after today. it consists of different recordings, gathered from different sources. a great portion of Redrum Psychosis is also on here, and the total runtime is 45:58. this is the most complete Per Bergersen collection available. this is a national treasure, if ever there was one. witty and clever, ironic and furious – this is essential Norwegian punk rock. (for all you non-Norwegians who don’t like stuff that’s not in a language you speak: sorry! but this is one of the last Norwegian posts for a while. but what a post!) get this!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/per-bergersen-pb/feed/ 0 Røde Hunder – Redrum Psychosis http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/r%c3%b8de-hunder-redrum-psychosis/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/r%c3%b8de-hunder-redrum-psychosis/#comments Sun, 19 Dec 2010 23:00:10 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2218 let me start off by being completely honest. this album is of minimal interest to most people. it’s another Norwegian language post (except for one song), and it’s not at all as interesting to non-Norwegians as Kjøtt (potentially) are. this is a album from 1985 by the cult band Røde Hunder, known almost entirely due to the ingenious song writer Per Bergersen (who I will be talking more about in the next post). Per Bergersen is a little comparable to Daniel Johnston, in that it’s as completely overlooked as it is brilliant. it is also centred around mostly dark and depressing lyrics. bleeding hearts, booze and feeling useless are common themes. but so is – unlike Daniel Johnston – sharp critique of the society we live in. musically this album varies between acoustic guitars playing something somewhat comparable to Norwegian folk rock, and Norwegian ’80s punk rock. while it is understandable and actually very natural that the lyrics overshadow the music, the music is indeed well worth listening to by itself. but to strangers to the Norwegian language this might – sadly – pass them by as uninteresting and a little weird. but hey, if you are interested you should definitely not let the language barrier stop you. the lyrics can be sort of translated with Google translate, right? and the music is obviously beyond spoken and written language barriers. if you understand Norwegian however, there are no excuses to not download this. Per Bergersen’s life was cut short when he at age 29 was shot by a shotgun by a friend, allegedly as per requested by himself. here are thirteen of few the recordings he left us.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/r%c3%b8de-hunder-redrum-psychosis/feed/ 1 Montasje – Bootleg http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/montasje-ekstra/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/montasje-ekstra/#comments Fri, 17 Dec 2010 23:00:30 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2208 experience Montasje live! if you liked the Montasje album, you’ll like this. if you didn’t, you won’t like this. plain and simple. there’s not much more else to say, other than that this live set rules! so download it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/montasje-ekstra/feed/ 0 Montasje – Presence! http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/montasje-prescence/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/montasje-prescence/#comments Wed, 15 Dec 2010 23:00:30 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2207 ok, I wasn’t completely honest when I said the last post was the last Kjøtt post. or… actually I was. but this is highly Kjøtt-related, at least. Kjøtt’s drummer eventually withdrew from the band and formed the influential Norwegian rock’n'roll band Raga Rockers. this post is not about them (although they are well worth checking out), but the rest of the members that pressed on in his absence as Montasje (Montage). this is their sole album, recorded with two different session drummers. Montasje isn’t as well known in Norway as Kjøtt are. probably due to Montasje pressing further on with the experimental and avant-garde sound on Op. it wouldn’t be very untrue to say that not all that many people have heard Presence!, but those few that have will list it as one of the most impressive albums they’ve heard. because Presence! leaves a definitely noticeable impression on the listener. it’s eccentric and banging like Public Image Ltd, but more diverse. it has a sort of occasional arena rock feel to it, like e.g. the last two tracks on Op. an overwhelming and larger-than-life sound with a wall of guitars and layered vocal. Presence! is ambitious and grand. get it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/montasje-prescence/feed/ 0 Kjøtt – Live in Harstad http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-live-in-harstad/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-live-in-harstad/#comments Mon, 13 Dec 2010 23:00:57 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2328 now we have a Kjøtt concert from 1981, with both songs from Op as well as older songs. all I can think while I’m listening to this is «WOW! I wish I was there…». unfortunately I wasn’t, and chances are you weren’t either. so the next best thing – I guess – is to listen to this bootleg. it’s nigh forty minutes long, and in a by all means ok recording quality. though I definitely listen more to the studio recordings, this is a pleasant curiosity that deserves to be heard nonetheless. and this ends the great Kjøtt marathon on that’s punk. I hope you’ve enjoyed it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-live-in-harstad/feed/ 0 Kjøtt – Bootlegs http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-bootlegs/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-bootlegs/#comments Sat, 11 Dec 2010 23:00:37 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2192 this is a small collection of live songs by Kjøtt in 1979, plus one track from 1980. it’s only 11:39 long, but still worth getting. the recording quality is decent enough, and they play four songs you haven’t heard on any of the other posts here. this is Kjøtt at their perhaps most primitive and straightforward. most of the songs sound a lot like “Elektrisk” (“Electric”) and “Primitiv” (“Primitive”). blistering punk rock, filled with intensity and energy. the influence of first generation English punk rock like the Sex Pistols is clear. the energy and intensity dominates the flow of the songs. check this out!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-bootlegs/feed/ 0 Kjøtt – Forskjellige Andre Innspillinger http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-forskjellige-andre-innspillinger/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-forskjellige-andre-innspillinger/#comments Thu, 09 Dec 2010 23:00:36 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2190 if you just can’t get enough of Kjøtt, here is a little over a half hour worth of stuff that wasn’t released. it contains five alternative versions of released songs, and four never-before released songs. this is the ultimate unreleased tracks collection. the alternate takes of the previously released songs are different enough to be worth listening to. the unreleased songs make this a must-have. the two first tracks were released on a cassette, but never made it onto any album or EP. the last three albums were out-takes from Op. three of the alternate takes are of songs from Op as well. the unreleased tracks are amazing by the way, and I would definitely not mind them being on Op. there’s even a version of “Nei Nei Nei” (“No No No”) on here that sounds like it could have been on Op! downloading this! and head over to http://users.notam02.no/~joranru/kjott/ for some info on the band, if you haven’t yet. the site is in Norwegian.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-forskjellige-andre-innspillinger/feed/ 0 Kjøtt – Op http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-op/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-op/#comments Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:19:33 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2188 with 1981′s Op Kjøtt marked a drastic change of style. with Hue Uten Sanser they tested their capabilities. they must have understood that their potential was endless, because Op is extremely ambitious. they wanted away with what they called “punk rock clichés”, and away they went. the majority of the song writing on the early albums were handled by the drummer. but with Op, the main composer became the now deceased genius singer Helge Gaarder. actually, the only track which main composer was the drummer is the album closer, “(Jeg Gleder Meg Til) År 2000″ (“(I’m Looking Forward to) The Year 2000″). the rest of the album presents an exciting dive into Gaarder’s mind. and this is some pretty avant-garde punk rock right here. comparing them to þeyr isn’t completely out of the question. ambitious, extravagant and avant-garde. catchy, creative and chaotic. this is a highly unique blend of styles. brass instruments, pianos, synths, this has everything. Kjøtt’s Op is a larger than life rock record. a definite classic. “Under Jorda” (“Undercover”) is one of the best punk songs of *all time*. this album is an extraordinary accomplishment. it’s something that must be experienced. on http://users.notam02.no/~joranru/kjott/ you’ll find some information, and all the lyrics. they are in Norwegian though, so keep Google Translate ready. this was Kjøtt’s last release. they ended the career in the same manner they started it – with perfection.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-op/feed/ 0 Kjøtt – Hue Uten Sanser http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-hue-uten-sanser/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-hue-uten-sanser/#comments Sun, 05 Dec 2010 23:00:36 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2191 in 1981 Kjøtt released a new 7″ (recorded in December 1980) called Hue Uten Sanser ((A) Head Without Senses). it features three tracks. the middle one is the one that’s closest to the old tracks. it’s a little more than two minutes long, and has a hammering rhythm section. the guitars and overall feel to it are more experimental and chaotic than before though. this holds true especially for the opening track – the title track. things aren’t as simple as they were on the two previous releases. the sound is more searching and ambitious. the last track has a funky rhythm guitar and brings new instruments to the table. this 7″ is Kjøtt really exploring their capabilities and testing them. and it’s a great listen! get it! and check http://users.notam02.no/~joranru/kjott/ for more info if you speak Norwegian, or if you like Google translate.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-hue-uten-sanser/feed/ 1 Kjøtt – Kjøtt http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-kj%c3%b8tt/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-kj%c3%b8tt/#comments Sat, 04 Dec 2010 14:19:30 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2187 following the perfect début, the only thing Kjøtt could afford to do was release the perfect follow-up. this is such a follow-up. seven spastic and intense punk rock tracks with clever and playful lyrics. they have a stab at what they deem “urban problems”; «pappa får ikke reisning/mamma får ikke sove/begge spiser piller/urbane problemer» («daddy can’t get an erection/mommy can’t sleep/both are doing pills/urban problems»). they also cover being self-centred, the primitive human, forming your own true self – and other topics. musically, Kjøtt aren’t experimenting too much with the upbeat and simplistic punk rock formula. “Jeg Vil Bli Som Jesus” (I Want to Be Like Jesus) being the notable exception, with its far more experimental nature. it’s also the longest track by far, clocking in at 4:15, compared to the other tracks that are safely above one minute and below three minutes long. so this is mostly raw and to the point quickly punk rock, but also shows ambition to expand that sound. if you liked the 7″, you will definitely like this. check http://users.notam02.no/~joranru/kjott/ for some more information on the band [in Norwegian].

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-kj%c3%b8tt/feed/ 0 Kjøtt – Et Nytt og Bedre Liv http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-et-nytt-og-bedre-liv/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-et-nytt-og-bedre-liv/#comments Wed, 01 Dec 2010 23:00:35 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2189 one month ago the Norwegian punk rock legends Kjøtt put all their music up for free download. I will over the next few days cover their discography. all the wonderful lyrics are in Norwegian, but this is probably an interesting listen to those of you who don’t speak Norwegian as well. the band was originally named Dårlig Karma (Bad Karma), but quickly changed it to Kjøtt (meat). a fitting name according to the band, because they viewed themselves as primarily music for the body, not the mind. so even if there are some truly awesome lyrics in here, don’t worry if you’re not Norwegian. the music is just as awesome, and to be honest – the vocals could be blabbing random shit, and Kjøtt would still be awesome to listen to. this is their first record. a 7″ from February 1980. it contains four blistering punk rock tracks unlike anything ever heard before in Norway, and quickly establish Kjøtt as the best band in the whole country. they also managed to get banned from essentially everywhere, no doubt largely thanks to the line «finnes det noe styggere enn kongebarna?» («is there anything uglier than the King’s children?»). Kjøtt were offensive, and even more so Kjøtt were absolutely brilliant. it might be simplistic punk rock, but it meant something. and more importantly – the music kicks arse. «finnes det noe band som er bedre enn Kjøtt?» («are there any bands that are as great as Kjøtt?»), they ask with their tongue well inside their cheek on “Nei Nei Nei” (“No No No”). well, the answer is probably NO! this is well worth getting no matter how much Norwegian you understand. notice the twenty second guitar solo on the title track that consists of the exact same chord. simply brilliant. for the Norwegian-speaking among you, check out the official homepage of Kjøtt: http://users.notam02.no/~joranru/kjott/ if you want. that’s where all of their discography was put up for free download

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/kj%c3%b8tt-et-nytt-og-bedre-liv/feed/ 0 Brendan Stephens – The “For Kim” EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/brendan-stephens-the-for-kim-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/brendan-stephens-the-for-kim-ep/#comments Tue, 30 Nov 2010 23:00:57 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2292 for those not familiar with Brendan, I can mention that Brendan started Perfect Future (and had even written the songs for the album before starting the band), which faithful that’s punk users will remember as awesome. they are downloadable a little bit further down. this is however an entirely different story. this is Brendan’s EP for his sister Kimberley, who got in a near fatal car crash while Brendan was on tour. there is more to the story than that, which can be read in the download link. this is essentially Brendan’s apology for being on tour when this incident occurred, and deciding to keep pressing on with the tour instead of going home. he has never forgiven himself for this. as you’d probably reckoned by now, this is a very close and personal record. Brendan spends a little over twenty minutes on ripping his heart out. it’s no secret that a lot of great art comes from pain, and the pain and honesty alone makes this record well worth listening to. however, the music itself is also well worth listening to. it’s confrontational and emotional dark miserablemo comparable to The Gloria Record’s first EP and Mineral, but with a lot of folk rock influence. especially the grandiosity and howling guitars of “Phone Call” brings The Gloria Records/Mineral comparisons. on “Morphine Overdose” one could say the same about the guitars, but the marching band drums makes it more comparable to instrumental progressive rock bands such as 1099. Brendan has made five truly beautiful songs, and this EP is a gem in every which way. get it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/12/brendan-stephens-the-for-kim-ep/feed/ 0 Guidelines – Rules of the Sife http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/guidelines-rules-of-the-sife/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/guidelines-rules-of-the-sife/#comments Mon, 29 Nov 2010 23:00:22 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2303 if you enjoyed Guidelines’ demo, then rejoice. for there’s more. this is their EP, Rules of the Sife. it has four of the five songs on the demo in a re-recorded format, with a much higher recording quality. there are also four brand new songs on here, all of which fit nicely into the repertoire. this sounds sort of similar to Age Sixteen and The Kidcrash(‘s newer material), and when they shout «NOTHING/HOLDS US/FOREVER/NEVER/NOTHING/NO/THING», you can’t help not getting into it. this is actually mad good and then some. this is fucking cool. this band makes one and two minute songs sound like epic mammoth songs. I’m not too fond of the kick drum. it has some sort of muffled quality that makes it sounds like someone is having a party next door. there. that’s the only negative thing I can think of. and I didn’t even notice it properly until the last track. the rest is skram perfection. listen to it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/guidelines-rules-of-the-sife/feed/ 0 Guidelines – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/guidelines-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/guidelines-demo/#comments Sun, 28 Nov 2010 23:00:41 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2302 out of Montclair, New Jersey come Guidelines. they started out as a side project for the members who were all active in other bands. but after a while, Guidelines ended up being their main priority. the band is on a hiatus as of right now due to one member moving away from New Jersey, but as far as I know they will be back together next summer to play shows. this is in any event their first demo. and it’s rocking. the soaring guitars, punchy drumming and heartfelt screams sort of remind me of Age Sixteen, even. the only downside of this demo is that the vocals are quite inaudible due to the not all too good recording quality. but it’s thankfully not super bass-y, or just howling sounds like they put a toy microphone outside during winter. you *can* hear what’s going on. which is nice, ‘course. the lyrics are kind of hard to get, seeing as you only hear the occasional word clearly. so head over to http://www.myspace.com/guidelinesongs to read them. and download this, because it’s a refreshing new screamo band for sure. they are by all means just that, a modern screamo band. but they are not tediously bland or instantly forgettable. instead they manage to impress me. so definitely keep an eye out for Guidelines.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/guidelines-demo/feed/ 0 Cage Match – Cave Math http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/cage-match-cave-math/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/cage-match-cave-math/#comments Fri, 26 Nov 2010 23:00:55 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2294 Cage Match are hard to not get excited about. they are however ironically enough also quite hard to describe. there’s some sort of folk rock tinged math rock thing going on, I guess? it’s a really pleasant listen no matter what ’tis. everything has a really appealing sound to it. something about Cage Match just makes it extremely cool. I have no idea what though. there are soft and noodle-y guitars, comfy mid-paced drums and vocal harmonies. oh and the occasional (very welcome) ukelele. kind of comparable to Perfect Future. on the last track, comparisons to Joie de Vivre’s The North End aren’t entirely out of order either. I really can’t think of anything more worthwhile to say about Cage Match. and trust me, it’s not ’cause this is a bland or bad band. I just honestly do not know what makes this so fucking amazing. download it, please. buy the CD that’s in the link as well.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/cage-match-cave-math/feed/ 0 TUMBLEWEAVE – DEMON SQUEEZE http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/tumbleweave-demon-squeeze/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/tumbleweave-demon-squeeze/#comments Thu, 25 Nov 2010 23:00:22 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2285 curious TUMBLEWEAVE are back with another curious effort. this time an album, which you can buy on a really nice looking CD-R (more details in the link). this is supersonic noise electronica. really weird, but really interesting. TUMBLEWEAVE are sometimes reminiscent of uplifting and positive energy chiptunes, but sometimes just too surrealistic to compare to anything else. from the jazz-y opening track to the dark “Pure Moat”, to the droning “Rumbleweave” (which is along with “Mystery Lunch” re-recorded from the demo), to the psychedelic monster of a last track – TUMBLEWEAVE are definitely back, with songs that are more densely layered than ever. they also have a sort of darker and thicker sound to them, compared to the already more than dark and thick demo. this album is *packed* with sounds. there are just so many of them, that they can’t be processed all at once. and that’s without even taking into account that it sort of sounds like there are fifty genres or so being “tumbleweaved” together, to come off as a whole new sound. this is a mammoth. get it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/tumbleweave-demon-squeeze/feed/ 1 As We Draw – Lines Breaking Circles http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/as-we-draw-lines-breaking-circles/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/as-we-draw-lines-breaking-circles/#comments Wed, 24 Nov 2010 23:00:12 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2309 people are absolutely in love with “post rock” and “post metal” these days. the first term means “rock instrumentation used for non-rock”, and gets thrown at absolutely every band ever that has crescendos or layers and prefers twinkles over riffs. (ironically enough these are all *rock* bands…) whilst the latter gets thrown at every band that sounds even remotely like Isis or Cult of Luna. As We Draw sound probably more than “even remotely like” those two bands, so I guess they are a “post metal” band. what that actually means, I’m uncertain of. what I do know is that As we Draw are a French band that make great music. their sound is above genre limitations, but they are perhaps best placed in the sludge category, with some accompanying screamo influence. sort of like Kollwitz, but brighter and more positive-sounding. that’s one of the differences that set As We Draw apart from other bands. their sound ultimately yields a positive energy. if this was not their intention, then I’m sorry, lads. but this album makes me happy. the uplifting and levitating flow of the album is really well executed. there are some dark moments in there – some Cult of Luna – where the guitar tone changes, the tempo slows down and the sound gets thicker. but the main portion of this is fairly bright and mid-tempo, a bit comparable to newer Envy. at times I’m even compelled to make At the Drive-In comparisons, given the good amount of dexterous and inventive things As We Draw manage to pull off. anyway, this is mostly mid-tempo and bright. but it’s not immediate for that reason. this is still patient and progressive metal. even the shorter two-minute songs are quite demanding. Lines Breaking Circles will need your full attention, in order for you to harvest a full appreciation of what goes on in here. so when you have a forty minute time period, spend it on As We Draw’s epic first album. the link also has links to purchase the album on LP and CD. that way you can enjoy it on your turntable instead, if that is desirable. no matter what format you decide to get – just get it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/as-we-draw-lines-breaking-circles/feed/ 0 Charcoal Suicide – EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/charcoal-suicide-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/charcoal-suicide-ep/#comments Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:00:54 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2178 yet another name and member change – Auguries of Innocence is now Charcoal Suicide. and if you enjoy tight as fuck riffs, groovy rhythms and awesome vocals, then this is for you. it is deathcore so it has its fair share of palm muting and double bass pedals. while I have always been an open advocate of open chords and regular bass pedals, it’s easy to forgive Charcoal Suicide. I can even appreciate it. the energy and tightness is incredible refreshing. the only thing I can understand anyone would view as some sort of downside to this EP would be that some of the riffs are no doubt predictable. but hell, I even like *that*. I love sensing that the next riff is going to be so fucking killer that I’m going to want to put the track on repeat forever. so the only thing I personally view as a drawback to this EP is that it’s just not enough material! it’s just short of twelve minutes, which makes me a sad panda. but I’ll forgive Charcoal Suicide of that too. because these just short of twelve minutes are nothing short of awesome. this is *tight*. and the vocals are just extraordinary. the highs are perfect. download this at once.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/charcoal-suicide-ep/feed/ 0 Nightmares – 2010 http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/nightmares-2010/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/nightmares-2010/#comments Sun, 21 Nov 2010 23:00:10 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2171 this is Nightmares first “real” release. previously they have put out a CD-R demo, and a digital two song demo. this proper CD release has both re-recordings of the songs from the digital two song demo as well as of two songs from the CD-R. there is also one previously never heard Nightmares song. in other words: you have much to be giddy about. if you don’t know Nightmares from before, then you have discovered them at the perfect time. Nightmares are an explosive as fuck metalcore band with great amounts of both grindcore and plain hardcore. thrash as fuck. the lyrics have a wonderful complete lack of pretentiousness. they are 100% direct. there are no “poetic” metaphors. they lay down the law, and waste no time with any obstructions in between. with Nightmares you get hard as fuck music and honest as fuck lyrics. Nightmares are awesomely refreshing, and completely necessary. download this. and you can buy this CD from http://nightmaresnz.bigcartel.com/product/2010-ep for $5 plus shipping. do that too!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/nightmares-2010/feed/ 0 Phasma Phasmatis – Phasma Phasmatis http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/phasma-phasmatis-phasma-phasmatis/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/phasma-phasmatis-phasma-phasmatis/#comments Fri, 19 Nov 2010 23:00:19 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2135 here is a particularly dark and depressing screamo band from Miami. Miami, Oklahoma actually. they toured with She Notes the Chariots, a band that also can be downloaded from that’s punk if you “look around”. with track titles such as “an infinite static universe”, one could not accuse Phasma Phasmatis of not aiming high. there’s a brilliance here, as well as a sense of doom being on your doorstep. two bands that I don’t find entirely weird comparing Phasma Phasmatis to are The Spirit of Versailles and Jeromes Dream. there’s an acute sense of apocalypse in the guitars – like with Jeromes Dream, and there’s a sense of high pitched madness in the vocals – like with The Spirit of Versailles. they play at a slower tempo than Jeromes Dream, but the start-stop rhythms are there, and the distorted guitars sound remarkably like Jeromes Dream’s. in any event, this is a really cool album, that’s well worth checking out. so get it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/phasma-phasmatis-phasma-phasmatis/feed/ 0 Polina – EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/polina-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/polina-ep/#comments Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:52:06 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2121 Polina are a math screamo band from Canada. they remind me of Tera Melos, though with screaming and less tempo shifts, and probably a little less dexterity as well. this is definitely cunningly technical though. these guys are very much apt at playing their respective instruments. they use this very much to their advantage, cramming a lot of clever stuff into very few minutes. it is also well worth mentioning that they manage this without the EP sounding rushed or like a cut and paste project. it all fits together nicely. so if you are feeling in the mood for well crafted and clever screamo, get this!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/polina-ep/feed/ 0 A Shadow of Doubt – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/a-shadow-of-doubt-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/a-shadow-of-doubt-demo/#comments Tue, 16 Nov 2010 23:00:38 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2261 if you are into thrashy 31G screamo with awesome sounding snare drums, then A Shadow of Doubt are for you. some keywords include screaming, distortion, feedback and hammering. this demo contains five songs that finish in 8:45. and though there are some calmer parts – the apocalyptic devastation on the last track being the part most worthy of mention, the bigger portion of this is extremely rapid. somewhere in between Swing Kids and (a more fast and less heavy) Rue Morgue, we have this great band. get this!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/a-shadow-of-doubt-demo/feed/ 0 Ache:Emelie – Ache:Emelie EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/acheemelie-acheemelie-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/acheemelie-acheemelie-ep/#comments Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:09:43 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2119 in between the ferocious Portrait and the longing I Would Set Myself on Fire for You are Ache:Emelie, conveying both things at the same time, albeit with a violin, and not a viola. heartfelt screams, intense riffs and hard drumming. Ache:Emelie are in many ways an archetypical 2000s screamo band. yet they stand out in any crowd, with their unique way of blending the violin into the beautiful though destructive dissonant screamo sound they excel at. check out this band!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/acheemelie-acheemelie-ep/feed/ 0 Snowing – Summer Tour Tape http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/snowing-summer-tour-tape/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/snowing-summer-tour-tape/#comments Sun, 14 Nov 2010 12:03:28 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2117 if you weren’t saturated by the demo, here is a tour tape by Snowing. the recording quality is unfortunately more than noticeably worse. luckily, the quality of the songs make up for the lack of recording quality. Snowing disappoint no one with two new memorable jams. the second one is almost six minutes long, and has a nothing short of epic instrumental part with really intense riffs. hearing these two songs gets me so pumped for a full length, you have no idea. Snowing is fucking great. get this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/snowing-summer-tour-tape/feed/ 0 Snowing – Fuck Your Emotional Bullshit http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/snowing-fuck-your-emotional-bullshit/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/snowing-fuck-your-emotional-bullshit/#comments Fri, 12 Nov 2010 23:00:26 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2107 fans of Street Smart Cyclist and Audio Recording Club among others are probably overjoyed with the arrival of Snowing, which is another band in this family. they have every right to be so. because this is more of what I previously dubbed sugarrushcore. however this is “next-level” and then some. the upbeat parts sound like a mix of Audio Recording Club and The Promise Ring. and when the guitars are at their most dexterous, it sounds a bit like Monument and Algernon Cadwallader. but – what really sets them a million miles apart from “Kinsella-worship bands” is the diversity. Snowing do the whole “go mad” thing that Street Smart Cyclist did. but they also do amazing blistering Four Minute Mile parts. and they also have grand and epic tendencies that push to the surface sporadically throughout this demo, in which the guitars become a flood of distortion. (think Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate)’s “An Idea Is a Greater Monument Than a Cathedral”, The Pine’s “Running on Empty”, or any Cerulean song ever.) this is most obvious on “Important Things (Specter Magic)” and “Pump Fake”, the two best tracks, in my humble opinion. they mix a lot of extremely different styles with such ease and elegance, it’s almost unbelievable. add Audio Recording Club-esque lyrics with a spotless delivery – by vocals that are absolutely fucking perfect, and quite reminiscent of I Hate Myself at times – to the already more than promising mix, and you’ve got yourself a band that will stand the test of time. Snowing is completely unique, and must be heard.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/snowing-fuck-your-emotional-bullshit/feed/ 0 Adoor – Discography http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/adoor-discography/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/adoor-discography/#comments Thu, 11 Nov 2010 23:00:44 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2246 this post has sort of been planned for years. I’m extremely pleased to have it ready now, even if it did take quite a while. Adoor were a Norwegian screamo band, active between 2004 and 2006 in Oslo. they did “a handful” of shows, and put out a CD-R called I Travel Alone. this discography consists of that, plus some unreleased tracks and some tracks recorded live at a rehearsal. this is fifty-five minutes of gut wrenching screamo, kind of similar to Funeral Diner and Welcome to the Plague Year. their sound is definitely unique though. so much that these soaring guitars and vivid screams are in fact mamma, jeg blör’s main influence. and I’m sure other Norwegian bands will state Adoor as a clear influence on their work. their grasping atmospheres and catchy riffs justify it by miles. “Toetag Time in Teenville” sounds like a screamo Beyond the Fences. Adoor are fucking awesome. get this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/adoor-discography/feed/ 1 Paul Baribeau – 08/03/2008 The DAAC, Grand Rapids, MI http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/paul-baribeau-08032008-the-daac-grand-rapids-mi/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/paul-baribeau-08032008-the-daac-grand-rapids-mi/#comments Wed, 10 Nov 2010 23:00:21 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2104 this is the last Paul Baribeau post for the time being (I am sure there will be more). and it’s – behold – a live album. it’s from the eighth of March, 2008. recorded in Grand Rapids, Michigan at the Division Avenue Arts Collective. it’s almost depressing to listen to this, knowing that I will most likely never experience Paul Baribeau live in person. but I guess it’s the second best thing, right? the second best thing is bitter sweet… oh, well. he plays twelve songs, and it lasts for thirty-eight minutes. the recording quality is definitely adequate. it’s a little too low, and the crowd is maybe a little too loud. but the songs are audible and then some – thankfully. he covers a nice portion of his excellent song catalogue, and also plays a John Prine cover. (you may or may not know this, but he refers to “Angel from Montgomery” in his song “Never Get to Know”. that’s punk: educating the masses.) it sounds like a very nice gathering, and a close and personal setting, in which Paul Baribeau surely must thrive. and when Paul Baribeau thrives, the listeners thrives.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/paul-baribeau-08032008-the-daac-grand-rapids-mi/feed/ 0 Paul Baribeau – Eight Letters http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/paul-baribeau-eight-letters/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/paul-baribeau-eight-letters/#comments Tue, 09 Nov 2010 23:00:16 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2099 in 2008 Plan-It-X Comp #2 came out, and it included Paul Baribeau’s absolutely gorgeous song “Eight Letters”, which is about how he wrote all these letters to an ex, but in his depression never managed to send them out. he tells it better than I do. just download it. the song was later rerecorded and put out on Unbearable (if you still haven’t downloaded that – DO IT NOW). this version is slightly longer, and a little more contained and “cool”. head over to http://www.plan-it-x.com/ and pick the comp up! it’s only $3.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/paul-baribeau-eight-letters/feed/ 0 Paul Baribeau – Darkness on the Edge of Your Town http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/paul-baribeau-darkness-on-the-edge-of-your-town/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/paul-baribeau-darkness-on-the-edge-of-your-town/#comments Mon, 08 Nov 2010 23:00:21 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2097 I promised more covers, and I present to you: more covers. Bruce Springsteen covers, to be quite precise. that’s right, this is an entire album dedicated to “The Boss”. it’s named after his fourth album, but only contains one song from said album – the title track “Darkness on the Edge of Town”. Paul Baribeau and I guess some friends (there’s a female voice in here, at least) end up doing songs from very different albums. but they tie them in very well. it sounds consistent and well thought out. there’s a leaning towards upbeat and energetic performances, but on “Hungry Heart” and “In the Fire”, they turn the knob to “ballad” mode, making it cosy rather than boring. this album is from start to finish an exhibition of cosy-ness, really. and though the songs are probably too well known for anyone to fully accept this as anything but a “Paul Baribeau covers Bruce Springsteen” album, this isn’t necessary a bad thing. so download this and sing a long if you are Springsteen fan. if you aren’t really familiar with Springsteen, then let this serve as a highly unorthodox introduction to the big man himself.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/paul-baribeau-darkness-on-the-edge-of-your-town/feed/ 1 Paul Baribeau – Songs from Ghost Mice split http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/paul-baribeau-songs-from-ghost-mice-split/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/paul-baribeau-songs-from-ghost-mice-split/#comments Sun, 07 Nov 2010 23:00:07 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2092 in 2005 Ghost Mice and Paul Baribeau did a split. the premise is: Ghost Mice covers Paul Baribeau and Paul Baribeau covers Ghost Mice. this post contains Baribeau’s songs. if you want Ghost Mice’s tracks… well then you’re out of luck. it’s a very much out of print cassette. sorry about that. oh well. to get back to the point – Paul Baribeau does four really great covers, with his great voice and marvellous handling of that acoustic guitar. on “The Good Life”, there’s a bunch of heavy reverb (or perhaps there even are overdubs), mimicking the sound Ghost Mice gets with two vocalists. and on “Dead Flowers and Dirt” Paul plays a sparse piano, making him sound as humble as possible. at the end of the day when it comes to artists with such personal lyrics and such an intense nerve, believability is key. Paul Baribeau is believable. even when he isn’t playing his own songs. he does this in such a convincing way, and the end result is nothing but satisfying. listen to this! and next time I’ll post some new Paul Baribeau covers, so look forward to that.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/paul-baribeau-songs-from-ghost-mice-split/feed/ 0 Paul Baribeau – Demo Tape http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/paul-baribeau-demo-tape/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/paul-baribeau-demo-tape/#comments Sat, 06 Nov 2010 23:00:50 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2090 that’s punk take some pride in having all of Paul Baribeau’s releases on here. but I feel like it’s time to take things the extra mile. so let’s just post all the unreleased Paul Baribeau stuff I have as well, yes? ok then! let’s start with this demo tape, which was released on on a cassette in 2009, and sold on tour. it consists of two songs. the first one is called “Sand Dollar” and sounds like it should be on Unbearable, which can be downloaded if you scroll down a bit, or use the search field to the right. the second one is called “Through the Wall” and actually was later rerecorded for Unbearable. the songs sound like Paul Baribeau. the man who narrates his songs in such a believable way that we all feel like we know him personally. add catchy chord progressions, a scruffy voice and a big beard to the mix, and you have a good idea what this is about.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/paul-baribeau-demo-tape/feed/ 0 Audio Recording Club – In the End, We Are All Light http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/audio-recording-club-in-the-end-we-are-all-light/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/audio-recording-club-in-the-end-we-are-all-light/#comments Fri, 05 Nov 2010 23:00:19 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2166 who’s ready for some more fun? yessss. the amazing lead guitar is still catchy as all hell. the vocal harmonies are as sing-a-long-inviting as always; maybe even a little more than on the EP? this is Audio Recording Club’s full length album. it is in many ways a one up on the EP. it does much of the same, but it does it even better. painfully direct lyrics are almost spat out by equally painfully direct vocals over astonishingly catchy and well-carried out lively compositions that know exactly when to break it down, when to pick it up a notch, and when to blast out super cool guitar solos. it’s sort of comparable to Taking Back Sunday at times as well. this 48:48 minutes and 11 track long album has been referred to as “glorious” on multiple occasions. even by people not in the band. that’s got to count for something? GET THIS! two of the songs from the EP were rerecorded for this album. this is – unlike the EP – actually possible to buy. from http://hylapark.bigcartel.com/product/audio-recording-club-in-the-end-we-are-all-light for just $1 plus shipping!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/audio-recording-club-in-the-end-we-are-all-light/feed/ 0 Audio Recording Club – EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/audio-recording-club-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/audio-recording-club-ep/#comments Thu, 04 Nov 2010 23:00:40 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2164 I’m probably supposed to compare this to something equally unknown and underground, but to hell with that. I would like to compare it to My Chemical Romance’s first album – sans the obsession with death and other goth-y themes. the riffs are catchy, creative and exciting. the vocals harmonies are just perfect. the compositions themselves are clever and memorable, and carried perfectly by the sharp drums and discrete bass guitar. the vocal harmonies as well as the voice are somewhat reminiscent of Aiden without the screaming. I think it’s not really “in” to like Aiden or My Chemical Romance, but whatever. they are two really popular bands that are comparable to this in some ways. I could go on searching for which random early 2000s alternative band with a cult status amongst its twenty listeners that sounds like this… but eh… no. my point is, if you hate My Chemical Romance and/or Aiden (for whatever reason), you should still give this a go. because while it is comparable to said bands, it doesn’t sound exactly like them. not at all. but the awesome, ultra-catchy and gutsy guitar solos, and overall perfection of the lead guitar can be compared to My Chemical Romance – and the easily memorable vocal harmonies are comparable to the pop-greatness that Aiden are. Audio Recording Club are in no way a mascara-wearing, death-obsessed MTV goth-y pop band though. this is far more no frills independent alternative rock with some teeny weeny emo leanings. this is a 100% fun rock album. the second half of “Vampire Song” is probably the *definition* of fun. to conclude: you need to hear this. super catchy and forever memorable. by the way, this is straight out of PA, and features members of Street Smart Cyclist, which can be downloaded a bit further down. and – you can’t buy it. it was an extremely small run of CD-Rs that was never put out “properly”.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/audio-recording-club-ep/feed/ 0 Perfect Future – Perfect Future http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/perfect-future-perfect-future/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/perfect-future-perfect-future/#comments Tue, 02 Nov 2010 23:00:56 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2213 out of Frostburg, Maryland comes the sncl/cyls band Perfect Future, which you were briefly introduced to them in the last post – their split with Reaching Away. they sound like they are combining a nigh plethora of influences into a careful thought out melting pot. the vocalist is a heavily into Dungeons ‘n’ Dragons, so this is definitely a thinking (wo)man’s band. ;-) the split was from 2010, and this album is from 2009 – so it actually pre-dates the split. that’s right, that’s punk are time criminals. anyway… Perfect Future prefer slightly lengthy (three to five minutes) long compositions in which they take you on an eventful journey. the three piece definitely puts all they have into their performance, in which eclectic emo unfolds like never before. while you can put this album on and immediately go “hey..!”, and start bobbing your head to the occasional noodle-y goodiness, but to fully enjoy this, offering a little more concentration is worth it. because it is the tiny nuances and the humble yet astonishingly skilful transitions that sets this little apart. it’s the blues riff and guitar solo on “Father Time”, the fragile promise on “Make Fun”, the longing guitar on “Palate” and “Roses & Roses & Roses”; it’s all the little things and the way they interact together that really make this album so darn interesting. in terms of overall “sound”, I’ve seen Perfect Future compared to a lot of things. but never has anyone I’ve seen (except for myself) made comparisons to Hot Cross, Saetia and What Price, Wonderland?. but I still stand by those comparisons. while far more humble-sounding and diverse, it’s extravagant and in your face like Saetia. it’s also technical and harmonically pleasing yet very raw – like Hot Cross. finally, the What Price, Wonderland? comparison is based both on lyrics and vocals, and also the way they are clearly dissonant and abrasive, but have a rather thrifty employment of distortion and noise. their music is actually fairly accessible. so this is easily accessible and enjoyable, but very deep. there is lots of satisfaction to go and get, if you are willing to lend more than one ear to this album. once you have your revelation, you will realise that this is fucking awesome, and well worth the time. so download it. and buy it from http://www.cylsrecords.com/ if you’re in the US, or http://sncl.collective-zine.co.uk/ if you’re in Europe. if you’re elsewhere, I do not know what the cheapest place to order from is. you probably do though, so pick it up! oh, by the way, the end is amazing.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/perfect-future-perfect-future/feed/ 0 Perfect Future & Reaching Away split http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/perfect-future-reaching-away-split/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/perfect-future-reaching-away-split/#comments Sun, 31 Oct 2010 23:00:31 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2184 The Pine/Reaching Away month is over. but that’s punk is not. so now let’s kick start November! and to smooth out the transition from 100% The Pine/Reaching Away to 0% The Pine/Reaching Away – here is a split between Perfect Future and Reaching Away. let’s begin with talking about Perfect Future, since their song is on side a. they are a hard band to describe. they have some sort of Saetia thing going on when they’re at their noisiest, but are more appropriately compared to the likes of American Football on the more mellow parts. there’s an overall Hot Cross-feel to it as well. sort of technical, but very raw at the same time. their song is well over five minutes long, and really diverse. and they do all sorts of stuff in this little amount of time. and they do it all really well. their song alone is worth buying the split. but not to worry, Reaching Away follows through and then some, with their absolutely beautiful “bOken bRones”, making both sides of the split worth equal play time. Reaching Away still sound wise and insecure all at once. they sound like they’ve experienced the worst and gotten through it, and are now trying to heal their wounds. like with Perfect Future, it’s sort of hard to explain. Reaching Away has – like The Pine – a totally unique sound that is way more interesting and fascinating to listen to than read about, so I suggest you just download this, to be perfectly honest. http://sncl.collective-zine.co.uk/ still has copies of the 7″ left as well, so you should really go get it. It comes with a CD with music videos for both songs.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/11/perfect-future-reaching-away-split/feed/ 0 The Pine – The Pine http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-the-pine-2/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-the-pine-2/#comments Sat, 30 Oct 2010 22:00:08 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2157 October is still going, and so is that’s punk. so here is another The Pine post. unfortunately this post marks the end of The Pine month. but what a way to go out! the recordings on this album date as far back as 1999 – one tiny year after their inception. it contains five songs that would eventually be remixed/remastered for the self titled LP, and three completely unreleased songs. three completely amazing songs that makes this just as much a “must have” as the rest of their discography, in my opinion. I’ve done fifty CD-Rs with a special white surface in hand-folded origami covers – that come with four different design colours – that are printed in a modern printing office onto high quality 120g paper, that I give away for £4 for new ears to get a chance to witness this magnificent album. your eyes should be pleased as well, because it’s fairly nice packaging. so get that if you are into it. if not, you should still definitely download this. and if you can’t afford to spend £4 on the nice packaging, the download link includes the cover art so you can print and fold it yourself.

click here to buy
click here to download it

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-the-pine-2/feed/ 0 Reaching Away – Push Away the Moon http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/reaching-away-push-away-the-moon-2/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/reaching-away-push-away-the-moon-2/#comments Thu, 28 Oct 2010 22:00:53 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2031 we have finally come to the bitter sweet end of The Pine month. and we’re ending on a high note, with Reaching Away’s beautiful full length album Push Away the Moon. Reaching Away sounds like the insecurity of a teenager combined with the wisdom of an old man. the whole album is ominous and dark to the very core. on the surface it is a collection of memorable songs that excellently captivates the listener with its haunting atmosphere and stunning intensity. but the album works on an entirely different level as well. it digs into the listener and overwhelms it with sadness and darkness. Push Away the Moon is simply an extraordinary accomplishment. if you enjoyed the demos, you will definitely enjoy hearing Reaching Away in a consistent album setting, where they work so incredibly well. get this! by the way, this includes two of the songs that were on the demo in a rerecorded form – namely the beautiful “No Hope for Healing”, and the dark “The Worst In Me” (simply named “2″ on the demo). so download this! and buy from http://sncl.collective-zine.co.uk/ or http://reachingaway.bigcartel.com or wherever else you can find it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/reaching-away-push-away-the-moon-2/feed/ 0 Reaching Away – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/reaching-away-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/reaching-away-demo/#comments Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:00:53 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1924 while I have posted every album by The Pine, The Pine month is far from over. we still have a few days to go. so I present to you: Reaching Away. The Pine went on a hiatus in 2005, and up until just recently everyone feared we had heard the last of them. in many ways I guess you could say we have. but in some ways, The Pine still lives on through Reaching Away. albeit with a different drummer and a different expression. they started up in the summer of 2009, and by 2010 a demo had surfaced. this is said demo. it’s 10:50 long and consists of three tracks. the perhaps biggest change from The Pine is that Reaching Away is acoustic guitar driven, producing a much more soft sound. the middle track is without drums as well, and serves as one of those almost droning stand out songs that The Pine occasionally played to mix things up. the other two songs are more upbeat. it’s sad and melancholic like The Pine, with a mellow twist. it’s almost country-tinged, with its soft strumming and upbeat drumming. and even though the lads have grown up and all that jazz, the vocals are to some degree their easily recognisable selves. the vocals are – like the whole band – noticeably different from The Pine, but in the same spirit, and with the same heart. this is a continuation and evolution of The Pine’s magical sound. this is a worthy heir to the throne. and it’s a perhaps even darker and sadder heir, that sings «life’s weight blinds you» with the saddest voice on top of the saddest orchestra. it’s Reaching Away. get this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/reaching-away-demo/feed/ 0 The Pine – Acoustic http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-acoustic/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-acoustic/#comments Thu, 21 Oct 2010 22:00:07 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1906 if you thought we were done with The Pine… you were wrong! [pause to make a sigh of relief now] there’s thankfully more. this is an acoustic set released on a CD-R in 2005. they play songs from their first 7″, their first 12″, Homeless Life and Lead Blocks for Feet, as well as a Three Shades of Dirty cover. ten songs in total. it’s well over forty minutes long, and lets us experience The Pine in a completely different setting than we are used to. they essentially prove that their music would probably work in any setting ever (paging The String Quartet?). the intimacy suits the songs great. even clap-alongs work! so enjoy this curiosity.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-acoustic/feed/ 0 The Pine – Don’t Need Regret http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-dont-need-regret/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-dont-need-regret/#comments Mon, 18 Oct 2010 22:00:13 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1903 Don’t Need Regret is The Pine’s last album, and I don’t think you should expect to see any more. it continues the jangly and noisy Dinosaur Jr.-esque sound of Days Slipping By. on their most noisy and feedback-heavy they even sort of sound like Build Nest, Sleep, which is always a great thing. while the Dinosaur Jr. comparison is done the most justice on the heavy hitting “No You”. the songs are extremely tight, and Don’t Need Regret as an album works extremely well. one feels that the songs are in the perfect order, and that The Pine have carefully chosen when to pick up the pace, when to break it down… it feels like every bit of feedback, every hit on the snare… it feels like absolutely each and every little detail is carefully planned out and perfectly executed. this is probably The Pine at their very best, to be completely honest. their last album in many ways sound like what they have been working towards all their career. this is just one of those albums that are perfect in every way. “Dead Boat” has got to be the most perfect way to go out as well, with all its longing, desperation and sadness it’s the epitome of depression; the very idea of depression manifested in a song. the whole album is utterly emotionally devastating. the album has a wholeness – a sense of being complete, incomparable to any other album I have ever heard. “Dead Boat” ends exactly like the first track “Don’t Need Regret” begins, ensuring that not only does the album come off as incredible consistent – you can actually put this on repeat indefinitely and it will always feel consistent. the album never ends. the feeling never ends. this album is perfect.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-dont-need-regret/feed/ 0 The Pine – Splits and Compilation tracks http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-splits-and-compilation-tracks/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-splits-and-compilation-tracks/#comments Thu, 14 Oct 2010 22:00:11 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1895 I’m assuming you’ve listened so much to Days Slipping By that you know it by heart by now. so I will grace you with the next The Pine download. this is a collection of all their tracks from splits and compilations. it starts out with their contribution to Wayfarers All, and follows with the two songs from their split with The Saddest Landscape. those three tracks are from 2004. then there is their song from the This Is Your Life compilation, and then finally their track from their split with La Quiete. those are from 2005. so that’s five songs in just over fifteen minutes, collecting all of their splits and compilation tracks. we’re back to the treble-heavy sound, with recording quality that is pretty equal on all tracks, though perhaps slightly lower on the last track. the sound levels were all over the place, so I’ve edited the files a little bit. “Desperate and Lonely” is a little louder (it’s also the track in the highest bitrate) than the rest, and there are some minor differences. but believe me, it’s a lot more pleasant to listen to now than before I made the changes. between “Desperate and Lonely” and tracks from the split with The Saddest Landscape, it would drop like seven dB. so enjoy this collection! it’s five classic The Pine tracks. by letting the guitars really ring out, they form a wall of sound that tucks in the jangly drums and the ever-present bass. and it’s simply brilliant. in the middle of everything is of course the absolutely perfect vocals. and when you’re listening to the 5:20 long piece of perfection that is the last track, it’s obvious that if the world were falling apart, The Pine would be playing in the background. get this

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-splits-and-compilation-tracks/feed/ 0 The Pine – Days Slipping By http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-days-slipping-by/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-days-slipping-by/#comments Mon, 11 Oct 2010 22:00:32 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1893 let’s move on to Days Slipping By and 2004 (note: sometime in 2003, they had a change of drummer). it’s more of the distorted open chords, battering drums, light bass and wavering vocals we all know and love. it’s still The Pine. so this means a unique emo sound, that’s unconventionally dark and sad for being this melodic and upbeat. this is also their most diverse album thus far, I’d argue. a more experimental and curious side of the band is presented. and they’ve managed to succeed in developing the sound without neither ruining it, nor stagnating. from the very first track, “No Tomorrow”, this album is a demonstration of power by The Pine. they have developed their sound to be more broad and diverse. it’s as driving and compelling to listen to, but they experiment far more with different noises, and I think I’m not completely off if I say that I think the tempo is a bit lower. but either way, Days Slipping By absolutely fucking destroys. emotive hardcore done so incredibly right. put it on repeat until I put up the next album.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-days-slipping-by/feed/ 0 The Pine – Lead Blocks for Feet http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-lead-blocks-for-feet/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-lead-blocks-for-feet/#comments Thu, 07 Oct 2010 22:00:09 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1877 we’re now in 2003, and The Pine travelled home after their tour and recorded ten songs for a new album which got put out some months post recording. that recording was called Lead Blocks for Feet and is now up for download here on that’s punk. this endeavour is a healthy mix between the styles of Homeless Life and the self-titled release. it has intertwined forceful guitars washing over clashing cymbals like the first two tracks on “Homeless Life”, but also that thick mix of the distorted electric guitars and the comfortable-sounding bass guitar racing the drums as if both parties’ life were at stake. and on top of all that are of course are the significantly unique vocals, almost crying every word out, whether it be miserable or beautifully optimistic. this album also holds the most stripped down The Pine track as of yet, with “Letters”. on the other end of the scale, Lead Blocks For Feet ends with The Pine at their perhaps rawest and most chaotic. furious and melodic, like Hüsker Dü. there is no contemplating this. you *need* to download this album.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-lead-blocks-for-feet/feed/ 0 The Pine – Homeless Life http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-homeless-life/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-homeless-life/#comments Mon, 04 Oct 2010 22:00:56 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1869 and so our story continues… in 2002, The Pine recorded the Homeless Life 7″, and put it out within a month after its recording session. it consists of four songs. some of which follow in more or less the same path of the 7″ and 12″, some of which are quite different. it’s only ten minutes long, but then again these near ten minutes are of the very highest quality, and will no doubt be stuck on repeat until the next post. it starts out with a comforting bass, and then it crashes into an emotional turmoil. all the distortion and feedback are only rivalled in intensity by the tragic lyrics, and their flawless delivery. “Homeless Life is a song about «when times are running low and all you can do is cry, but the tears don’t care and the words aren’t there». the next track follows the same idea with sparse but heavily charged lyrics, and crashing drums and noisy guitars, signalling the end of the world or something worse. track three is more reminiscent of the 7″/12″ tracks, but still has that really loud and powerful sound of the previous two, before ending on a softer note, quite reminiscent of The Man I Fell in Love With and Christie Front Drive. the fourth and last track is back to basics. upbeat and melodic head rush emo about a girl (or at least we all like to think it always is about the girl). the track is drastically different from the other three tracks, but isn’t out of place at all, and actually acts like a perfect complement and closer track. get this, and hold your breath, because there might be more.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-homeless-life/feed/ 0 The Pine – The Pine http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-the-pine/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-the-pine/#comments Thu, 30 Sep 2010 22:00:06 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1867 welcome to October 2010 here on that’s punk. October is a special month for me, and I think it might just be for you too. in 1998 the world graced us with The Pine, one of the most magnificent emo bands of all time. they are comparable to The Hated, Evergreen, Lumber, Tribute, Cerulean and Don Quichote – all of which are comparisons they live up to and then some. their easily recognisable sound consists of a murky mix of emotional and touching eerie greatness. it’s quick paced and highly melodic riffs that are dictated by upbeat and jangly drumming, and with a brilliant safety net in the evenly paced though gentle and soothing bass. it’s mostly upbeat and thrashing, but every now and then The Pine take it down. they have some beautiful downbeat tracks that stand out very easily on this album – and yet they still fit in. many bands fall in one of two traps when it comes to lengthy albums. either they make all songs too alike, or they make them so different that there is no clear direction on the album. The Pine manage to tread that difficult middle-ground, not being afraid of mixing it up, and not fucking up the mixing up. in the middle of all this musical godliness are the highly distinctive vocals. high-pitched and probably what most would call “whiny”. but the whiny vocals are in no way nagging or pompous. instead, they serve as a perfect fit to the emotive nature of the band’s music. The Pine initially surfaced as a three piece. their drummer was their vocalist at first, but he couldn’t really hear himself over the banging drums. so they added a fourth member – a drummer – and the drumming vocalist became a guitar playing vocalist. they recorded their first seven inch, changed their bassist, and recorded their first twelve inch. the label that was supposed to put out the LP never came through though. so what happened instead was a change of drummer, some new recordings, and a new LP tracklist. this label actually came through, so the 12″ was actually released, the band and the label splitting the expenses 50/50. this is their self titled CD from 2003, which collects their self-titled 7″ from 2000 and their self titled 12″ from 2001. confused? don’t be. just download it. this is The Pine month, baby. (this is all sold out stuff, so go to eBay and pray you might find something.)

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/10/the-pine-the-pine/feed/ 1 Kråkesølv – Trådnøsting http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/krakesolv-tradnosting/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/krakesolv-tradnosting/#comments Thu, 30 Sep 2010 17:34:04 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2043 pretty much from its inception, Kråkesølv has been a wonder band in the Norwegian music scene. when I first saw them live they were a modest but truly great band with an affection for feedback and jangly guitars on one hand, and an affection for poppy vocal harmonies and instantly recognisable chord progressions on the other hand. we all expected these guys to go have some sort of mainstream appeal due to that latter hand. and we all know they were good. but I don’t think anyone – let alone the band – expected the kind of success they have achieved. we’re talking about a small diy band based in the North of Norway (in Norway, most bands with any overly serious intention of living of their music move to the south and the capital, where most of Norway lives), that got a Norwegian Grammy award nomination. and how? by touring a lot, and by putting out their album by themselves (with some help from a distribution company called Diger). in other words: by hard work. this is the album that put them in everyone’s ears and on everyone’s lips. this is Trådnøsting. and though I fear this album will appeal to 99% Norwegians, and maybe Danish and Swedish people who understand some Norwegian, and maybe 1% non-Norwegian-speaking people, I will strongly encourage you right now to check it out even if you are English, Russian, German, what the fuck ever. music knows no language barrier. sadly, lyrics do. so a lot of you will never truly get how extremely well written these songs are. however, you can experience how well crafted the chord progressions are, how hypnotising the instrumental parts (the end of “Hjørnebrikke” is perfect) can be, and how wonderful it is when they on a seldom occasion give up their tight control of everything, and it just explodes. my only problem with this album is that sometimes it might be a little too skilful. they run a tight shift, resulting in tight riffs. this works out. but it’s maybe a little flat and contained. at times I catch myself thinking, what if they just thrashed this part? what if they just went nuts here? what if there was a wall of feedback and screaming here? but I guess that’s just not what Kråkesølv are about. and it might be just as well, because this is something quite special. also, there *are* some feedback here. there are some “moments of weakness”, where the temptation of jangling a bit gets too big, and they just give way for that little piece of feedback on “Skredder”, or that little bit of perfection that sounds like French screamo – wtf – on “Blanke Føtter”. this is a mix between BritPop like Muse, Norwegian folk rock like Halvdan Sivertsen, and American emo like American Football (listen to the fantastic album closer “Kastes” for a great example on how to do American Football-esque emo without being a Kinsella rip off/tribute/worship band). this is fucking great. get it if you haven’t already been blessed with this little music wonder. if you are in Norway you no doubt know where to buy this album. if you’re not from Norway, check http://www.krakesolv.no/ – and the lads will probably give you a helping hand.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/krakesolv-tradnosting/feed/ 0 Benjamin Finger – For You, Sleepsleeper http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/benjamin-finger-for-you-sleepsleeper/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/benjamin-finger-for-you-sleepsleeper/#comments Wed, 29 Sep 2010 17:31:59 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=2041 already present on this blog is Benjamin Finger’s great Woods of Broccoli and Beneva vs. Clark Nova’s Dramadadatic (Benjamin Finger is one half of Beneva vs. Clark Nova, if you did not know that already). the first mentioned is introverted, often minimalist and very moody. the Beneva vs. Clark Nova album was a far more upbeat and joyous affair. these two polar opposites sort of come together on this album. it does just as good a job at being downhearted, as it does at being upbeat. and Benjamin Finger proves to be a master of many widely different styles. there’s soothing synths, glimmering strings, and ethereal vocals that form a dreamy atmosphere. then all of a sudden that atmosphere gives way for catchy blip blops and kicking drum beats. everything changes rapidly and ever so often. I’d like to mention that the cover (which was designed by Bryan Voel, by the way) is gorgeously executed. its mix of mostly colourful and vivid images make up a collage. this is noteworthy because the music is in many ways the same. a collage of mostly colourful and vivid images. it’s near forty minutes long, but time really does fly when it comes to this album. very much helped by the endless mix of infinite sounds and genres. it’s not exactly unpredictable or random, but it’s really clever and very pleasant to listen to. it’s a blip and a blop and a glitch and a pop. get this. you should definitely buy it from http://www.howisannierecords.com as well. it’s well worth the money.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/benjamin-finger-for-you-sleepsleeper/feed/ 0 The Whoopass Girls – The Inspiration Room Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/the-whoopass-girls-the-inspiration-room-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/the-whoopass-girls-the-inspiration-room-demo/#comments Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:58:17 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1890 Ethan has a new band, and gravity is restored here at that’s punk. The Whoopass Girls are a healthy mix between messy punk rock, pretty emo and very experimental rock. it features straightforward pummelling drums, jangly guitar riffs, screams, off-key vocals and the like. the American Football tinged “I Think We’re in the Sunset Room at the Hilton” alone is great enough a reason to download this album.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/the-whoopass-girls-the-inspiration-room-demo/feed/ 0 Vicious Mixtapes – EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/vicious-mixtapes-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/vicious-mixtapes-ep/#comments Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:23:55 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1882 all fans of upbeat and happy pop music will no doubt remember back when I posted Hit Factory (if you don’t – you might want to go download their EP a little further down). Vicious Mixtapes aren’t as grand-sounding. they take a little more floating and dreamy approach. it’s a tranquil and broad sound, sort of reminiscent of Incubus’ “Aqueous Transmission”. for fans of rock music with much pop appeal! get this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/vicious-mixtapes-ep/feed/ 0 Discovery Of A Life Long Error – Creature E.P. http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/discovery-of-a-life-long-error-creature-e-p/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/discovery-of-a-life-long-error-creature-e-p/#comments Sat, 18 Sep 2010 22:00:22 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1858 we weren’t quite done with Discovery Of A Lifelong Error with the last post on that’s punk… because in 2008 Creature E.P. was released. it featured a second guitarist called Marc. this version of the EP has some tracks extra though, not all of which include Marc. anyway, on this EP Discovery Of A Lifelong Error shows more composure. not saying that shit is *calm*. not at all. but the songs are longer, and not as acute. it’s still badarse fucking screamo though, so GET IT. this EP includes two songs you already have, just so you know it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/discovery-of-a-life-long-error-creature-e-p/feed/ 0 Discovery Of A Lifelong Error – You Can Learn A Lot From A Pair Of Black Lungs… http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/discovery-of-a-lifelong-error/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/discovery-of-a-lifelong-error/#comments Fri, 17 Sep 2010 22:00:49 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1857 in 2006 Discovery Of A Lifelong Error were formed outside of Sacramento, California. they played their first shows in early 2007, and released their first CD in April. this is that CD. and it’s filled with spastic fucking thrashers. hard and fast and noisy like Bravo Fucking Bravo, unpredictable like The Locust, and overall exotic like The Blood Brothers. sudden changes in vocal style, smooth shifts of focus, and abrupt changes in meter are frequent. the main style of vocals are this hostile high pitched scream that pierce your eardrums greatly. the lyrics share the apocalyptic nature of The Blood Brothers, as well as the eccentricity. lines like «this stallion is a living breathing hearse» are not uncommon. the guitarists play all sorts of wacky chords and scales, but make sure that it all fits together at the end of the day. which is really nice. because you never get the feeling that this band are just showing off. they are focused and precise in their relentless thrashing. this band rules. check them out. the last track is quite amazing.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/discovery-of-a-lifelong-error/feed/ 1 Anne – Demo 2010 http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/anne-demo-2010/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/anne-demo-2010/#comments Thu, 16 Sep 2010 22:00:58 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1853 from Portland, Oregon we get the four man shoegaze band Anne. the guitars and synth clash into a massive sound, and vocals that blend into the soundscape beautifully, you get a sort of Joy Division meets Whirl sound. at times it is downbeat and melancholic – but not to the extent of Joy Division, and at times it is upbeat and optimistic-sounding. give this a go if you’re into well-crafted and catchy shoegaze. each and every song has its great pop hook.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/anne-demo-2010/feed/ 0 El Spectre – Demo 2010 http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/el-spectre-demo-2010/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/el-spectre-demo-2010/#comments Wed, 15 Sep 2010 22:00:28 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1847 El Spectre are a Western Mass screamo band, and this is their demo from August. it’s sort of between Noisy Sins of the Insect, Lizards Have Personalities and Oh, Apollo! they vary between beautiful instrumentals parts with perfect twinkling guitars, and jangly upbeat parts with screams, soaring guitars and crashing cymbals. El Spectre are also noteworthy in that they have pretty short songs, but manage to be really epic in those time spans.this is fucking great, and you should definitely download it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/el-spectre-demo-2010/feed/ 0 Trampoline Dreamers – Hate Patterns http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/trampoline-dreamers-hate-patterns/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/trampoline-dreamers-hate-patterns/#comments Tue, 14 Sep 2010 22:00:38 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1845 New Zealand isn’t the most prominent source of mid-west emo (go figure). but here you have some. the loud and treble-y guitars play chord progressions that are so precise and catchy that Trampoline Dreamers could probably have been a Britpop band if they really wanted to. but instead, the upbeat drumming, screaming guitars and reverb-heavy vocals sound like a mix between west-coast bands like Evergreen and The Pine, east-coast bands like Ethel Meserve and Texas is the Reason, and mid-west bands like Braid and Boys Life. The Promise Ring is also a name that will no doubt ring a bell for Trampoline Dreamers. anyway, enough of the name dropping. Trampoline Dreamers fuzz their way through nine colourful and cheery jangly emo tunes. get this!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/trampoline-dreamers-hate-patterns/feed/ 0 Agna Moraine’s Autobiography & RentAmerica split http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/agna-moraines-autobiography-rentamerica-split/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/agna-moraines-autobiography-rentamerica-split/#comments Mon, 13 Sep 2010 22:00:23 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1840 this post concludes the Agna Moraine’s Autobiography discography, and showcase them at their probably most melodic and detail-attentive. the guitar sound is quite mellow, allowing the twinkling to blossom. but they still manage to go into chaotic energy crashes every now and then. this is the essential last piece of your Agna Moraine’s Autobiography. but it’s also an introduction to another glorious ’90s emo band. RentAmerica are just as known for their emotional (and quite confusing) live performances, that included a lot of blast beats, crying, guitars flying around and very loud shouting (they did not use a microphone, supposedly deeming it elitist), as they are or their music. which is probably just as emotional (and confusing), if not even more. this is pure fucking emo violence. blast beats, feedback, shouting, screaming. it’s five minutes of complete and utter chaos. this band destroys in a similar vein of Honeywell, and you need to check them out. so even if you weren’t a fan of Agna Moraine’s Autobiography (impossible!), you need to download this to check out RentAmerica.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/agna-moraines-autobiography-rentamerica-split/feed/ 1 Agna Moraine’s Autobiography – Agna Moraine’s Autobiography http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/agna-moraines-autobiography-agna-moraines-autobiography/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/agna-moraines-autobiography-agna-moraines-autobiography/#comments Mon, 13 Sep 2010 16:53:18 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1838 here is – as promised – more Agna Moraine’s Autobiography. this is their self titled seven inch. it’s only four songs, so it’s less than ten minutes long. which is unfortunate, seeing as this is by all means close to the epitome of ’90s emo. beautiful and intricate guitars with gentle vocals and contained drumming eventually crash into a wall of sound and emotion. Agna Moraine’s Autobiography have cut their wrists, and from the slice they’ve given you a piece of life. download it and listen to it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/agna-moraines-autobiography-agna-moraines-autobiography/feed/ 0 Agna Moraine’s Autobiography – Demo Tape http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/agna-moraines-autobiography-demo-tape/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/agna-moraines-autobiography-demo-tape/#comments Mon, 06 Sep 2010 22:00:14 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1829 I want to share with you one of your favourite quintessential ’90s emo bands. this seven song demo tape is only just over fifteen minutes long, but Agna Moraine’s Autobiography manages to say a lot. their members have been in bands such as Constatine Sankathi, bev.clone and h.t.m.l., so these guys are seasoned emo veterans. with loud distorted guitars, shouting, screaming and a furious rhythm section, these guys hide most of their melody and beauty underneath a thick layer of chaotic and dissonant emo. you’ll find something worth paying attention to throughout this demo tape whether you are more a fan of dissonance or of melody, because Agna Moraine’s Autobiography fuses the two into what should be a rather conflicting sound, but ends up being just right. and carefully sprinkled around in the various tracks is some pure chaos, and some beautiful bits with heartfelt vocals and carefully played guitars that create the absolutely perfect nerve for emo. some of these songs appear in re-recorded versions on other releases… which will be up on that’s punk shortly! so start up with this download, and eagerly anticipate the next.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/agna-moraines-autobiography-demo-tape/feed/ 1 Sealings – Tape http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/sealings-tape/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/sealings-tape/#comments Sun, 05 Sep 2010 14:17:57 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1547 Sealings are an extremely loud and noisy punk rock band, much like Retainers. this English duo has wailing guitar solos, punchy drums and subdued vocals. and in this 8:47 thrasher of a tape, shoegaze meets raw punk rock like never before. this is distorted beyond recognition, yet melodic and pretty at the same time. Sealings have an original and enticing sound that needs to be heard. get in touch with the band at from http://www.myspace.com/sealings – where there’s also links to purchase their stuff. the password of the .rar file is “sealingull”. enjoy.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/sealings-tape/feed/ 0 Paul Baribeau – 25 Songs http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/paul-baribeau-25-songs/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/paul-baribeau-25-songs/#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:00:50 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1540 25 Songs is the last of our mini-marathon of Paul. it consists of (you guessed it) 25 songs, is the by far longest release at 42:37, contains a few songs you’ve heard before, and is awesome. 25 Songs was released between the self titled album and Grand Ledge in 2006. it’s not as easily digested due to the sheer amount of songs, so it might take a few listens to really get all the songs. the quality is just as high as on all of Paul’s glorious album, but when you get so many songs at one time, you obviously don’t get all of them at once. this album has both punk-y songs as well as folk-y songs. some songs include drums and electric guitars, whilst some are just the good old acoustic guitar. this release is clearly more a “collection of songs” than an actual album, so don’t expect total consistency or any real flow to it. these laid-back recording sessions sound very experimental at times, as they jump between a lot of different sounds. some of the tracks are merely jam sessions, and some are even obvious jokes. so, my point is: don’t download this and expect a new Paul Baribeau album to your collection. take it for what it is, and you’ll be able to appreciate the songs by themselves.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/paul-baribeau-25-songs/feed/ 0 Paul Baribeau – Yikes Baribeau http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/paul-baribeau-yikes-baribeau/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/paul-baribeau-yikes-baribeau/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:00:20 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1539 yesterday I posted the first self-released Paul Baribeau album on that’s punk. but(!!!), that was not his first released self-released album. yes! there are more! and this is one of those two other self-released album. (stay tuned for the second one.) this was his very first release. a number of these tracks appears re-recorded on the self-titled record. those recordings are however extremely different from these ones. to be honest, these recordings are probably completely different from anything you’ve heard by Paul before. get this: it’s not folk rock as much as it is punk rock. there are electric guitars, drums, the whole package. it’s a full band. and it’s fucking awesome. this is Paul Baribeau like you’ve never ever heard him before, in a setting just as fitting as the one you’re already familiar with.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/paul-baribeau-yikes-baribeau/feed/ 0 Paul Baribeau – Unbearable http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/paul-baribeau-unbearable/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/paul-baribeau-unbearable/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:28:08 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1534 whenever I ask any given person who their favourite that’s punk artist is, there’s at least an eighty percent chance that the answer I’ll get is Paul Baribeau. the that’s punk blog attract many different audiences, and all of them generally agree that Paul is one of the best artists of this often talked about “our time”. and now he’s back. this time with an insane recording budget that allows him to afford occasional vocal overdubs, and even an electric guitar on one track! but fans of the raw and emotional Paul we all got to know and love on his self titled, and Grand Ledge – he’s still here. the vocal overdubs results in a far more harmonic sound than I’ve grown accustomed to with Paul, but thankfully, it’s still very raw and very emotional. the album’s centrepiece “Rolling Clouds” is a perfect example of this, with its regretting lyrics and sad vocals. if you’re a fan of Paul’s, you’ll love this. if you for some obscure reason haven’t heard him yet – you’ll need this. because this has it all. catchy and creative chord progressions, a fragile and sincere vocal delivery and beautiful lyrics. I cannot stress the importance of paying attention to his lyrics enough, because he is a master of the arts. Paul Baribeau is definitely “the greatest living folk artist”. NOTE: this is self-released, not a Plan-It-X release. you can buy it from No Idea Records.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/09/paul-baribeau-unbearable/feed/ 0 Et Tu Brute – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/et-tu-brute-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/et-tu-brute-demo/#comments Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:08:26 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1527 continuing our grave robbery series, here’s a band that existed c.a. 2004-2006. in 2004 they put out this demo, showcasing a by all means highly promising screamo band. the recording quality is supreme (especially for a demo). this Massachusetts mammoth band frequently border on the ridiculously epic; the ridiculously well pulled off epic. the only slightly dissonant and very melodic and pretty ethereal guitars are directed by the focused and firm drums that carry the songs, not just a little inspired by the heavy layered progressive rock sound portrayed by bands such as Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Mono, both of which are admitted influences on the band. they do no shame to the progressive screamo sound, most famously carried out by City of Caterpillar. and Et Tu Brute are not the kind of band that plays long arse boring build-ups, only to display thirty seconds of glimmering brilliance, and call it “crescendos”. their build-ups are longing and beautiful, and they aren’t completely crescendo-reliant, more than once favouring sudden explosions, taking the listener by surprise. I only wish this demo exceeded its four tracks by several more, equally well-crafted tracks. unfortunately this is all that’s left from one of the definite highlights of this sound. you really don’t want to miss this. download it at once!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/et-tu-brute-demo/feed/ 0 The Lady Is Not For Burning – Slave Girls From Beyond Infinity http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/the-lady-is-not-for-burning-slave-girls-from-beyond-infinity/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/the-lady-is-not-for-burning-slave-girls-from-beyond-infinity/#comments Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:43:47 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1524 if you got the previous post by The Lady Is Not For Burning, you probably either love them or hate them by now. if you love them, here’s 23:55 more of their epic well-composed screamo. if you hated them – well… there’ll be a new post shortly. ;-) this release has somewhat better recording quality, which I guess helps the message along. the beautiful guitars thrive on the clean production, and the stomping drums and soft bass are undoubtedly benefiting from it as well. this is a largely overlooked and mostly forgotten band that deserves a little revival, so check this out. you might find a new favourite band here. for fans of iwrotehaikusaboutcannibalisminyouryearbook, Rue Morgue, Elements of Need, Jeromes Dream and everything between said bands. this is fucking great. get it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/the-lady-is-not-for-burning-slave-girls-from-beyond-infinity/feed/ 0 The Lady Is Not For Burning – 9 Songs http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/the-lady-is-not-for-burning-9-songs/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/the-lady-is-not-for-burning-9-songs/#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:49:17 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1501 today we at that’s punk are digging up screamo graves. The Lady Is Not For Burning were a New Jersey band that perished a couple of years ago. they left some songs though! and here’s nine of them. the brutality and intensity of Usurp Synapse, Rue Morgue and The Spirit of Versailles meets the ambitiousness and atmosphere of Welcome to the Plague Year, Indian Summer and Funeral Diner. The Lady Is Not For Burning play unpolished and raw screamo, with periodic melodic guitar interludes, and loud screamdowns.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/the-lady-is-not-for-burning-9-songs/feed/ 0 Retainers – P Trash 7 http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/retainers-p-trash-7/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/retainers-p-trash-7/#comments Wed, 18 Aug 2010 22:00:48 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1496 I have no idea what the title of this album is all about. that’s just what it was named when I got it. I’m assuming it’s an untitled/self-titled 7″, released on P Trash. feel free to correct me though! anyway, this is more of the same. have you ever tried blowing your speakers using treble instead of bass? if not, you need to try it with this. loud as hell psychotic punk rock from Retainers. pure awesomeness.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/retainers-p-trash-7/feed/ 0 Retainers – Teenage Regrets http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/retainers-teenage-regrets/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/retainers-teenage-regrets/#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 22:00:55 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1494 Retainers are the filthiest and noisiest fucking mess of a punk rock band you’ll ever encounter. Iggy and The Stooges and Reatards are some of the best comparisons I can conjure right off the bat. however, Retainers prove to be louder, faster and more abrasive than either of them. this is a pure energy explosion. punk rock at its rawest. GET THIS.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/retainers-teenage-regrets/feed/ 0 Miles Apart – Valueless http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/miles-apart-valueless/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/miles-apart-valueless/#comments Mon, 16 Aug 2010 22:00:52 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1491 out of South Carolina we have Miles Apart, a band that has been active for quite some time, but who hasn’t put out anything until this EP right here came out in April. they play a heavy though melodic flavour of Shai Hulud-esque hardcore, with the occasional screamo flirt. it’s mostly fast-paced hardcore action with heavy and abrasive breakdowns. when the guitars are extra melodic and going mid-tempo over creeping drums, and the shouted/screamed vocals expresses the emotionally distressed lyrics, it even almost sounds a bit like Some Mistakes (particularly on “Misaligned”). you should definitely check this out if you are into any form of hardcore or emo. pay particular notice to the outstanding end track, “Valueless”. a fantastic example of some epic fucking hardcore. get this!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/miles-apart-valueless/feed/ 0 lover – death stays awake http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/lover-death-stays-awake/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/lover-death-stays-awake/#comments Sun, 15 Aug 2010 22:00:03 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1488 lover is made up of a guy who used to be in When I Came Back from Death. this sounds absolutely nothing like When I Came Back from Death at all. it is completely different in every way possible. this release consists of three very different tracks. the first one has a stripped down minimalist space ambient sound. the second one has a far more accessible upbeat acoustic guitar with screamed vocals type of thing going on. the third one sort of blends the two close to polar opposites, and introduces us to a heavily textured shoegaze sound, with synth, guitars, vocals and even drums. it is the most “happening” song on the death stays awake, and in my opinion also the best one. so what you essentially get if you download this is three largely different tracks of experimental ambient/shoegaze music. it’s not for everyone… but it might be for you! download this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/lover-death-stays-awake/feed/ 0 Deadlights – The Noisy Shore http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/deadlights-the-noisy-shore/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/deadlights-the-noisy-shore/#comments Sun, 15 Aug 2010 16:28:40 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1485 out of New Haven, Connecticut stems Deadlights. they are a highly melodic punk rock band with lots of gang vocals and ultra catchy hooks. I feel comfortable comparing them to Four Minute Mile, Dream to Make Believe, I Brought You My Bullets – You Brought Me Your Love, In the End – We Are All Light, Through Being Cool, and most obviously, the absolutely fantastic Tell All Your Friends. so Deadlights find themselves in very good company right there. The Noisy Shore is far more punk rock sounding than most of those albums, but it has many of the same qualities. in fact, The Noisy Shore can easily relate to the sing-a-long friendliness of the lyrics, and the unforgettable and perfect delivery of them that appears on Tell All Your Friends. it also have some of the awesome guitar solos of I’ve Brought You My Bullets… – and so on. this record is simply marvellous. a fucking thrasher from start to finish, full of energy. this is something memorable. get this!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/deadlights-the-noisy-shore/feed/ 0 Everyone Everywhere – A Lot of Weird People Standing Around http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/everyone-everywhere-a-lot-of-weird-people-standing-around/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/everyone-everywhere-a-lot-of-weird-people-standing-around/#comments Mon, 09 Aug 2010 22:00:49 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1476 the first time I put this on, my reaction was merely “wow”. the melodic and melancholic twinkling guitar American Football perfected is sped up two times and contrasted by a distorted guitar that mostly play sweet and enticing riffs, though sometimes engaging in some twinkly action of its own. in addition to this, there are upbeat drums and carefree bass lines. that’s right. the bass guitar manages to convey “carefree” with its comfortably soft lines. the mix is extremely pleasant on the ears, a bit like Football, etc., Snowing and the cheery parts of Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson’s newest album (mainly thinking about “Scientists Now Think This City Is Overdue” now). on top of the mix are completely no frills vocals, that in no way attempts the extravagant, but actually blossoms in all its modesty. the whole record is in fact just that: modest. there are no grand openings or violent endings. pomposity is the antonym to Everyone Everywhere. the humbleness of this record is also its strongest trait. it is what it is. and it’s fucking spot on. everything is perfect. you simply need to download this. and you can buy this 7″ from http://evilweevil.bigcartel.com/product/everyone-everywhere-a-lot-of-weird-people-standing-around if you want, and get more info on the band on http://www.myspace.com/everyoneeverywhere – where you can buy more stuff as well.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/everyone-everywhere-a-lot-of-weird-people-standing-around/feed/ 1 When I Came Back From Death – Churchburner http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/when-i-came-back-from-death-churchburner/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/when-i-came-back-from-death-churchburner/#comments Sun, 08 Aug 2010 22:00:12 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1472 if there were at any point any doubt as to which genre When I Came Back From Death takes the majority of their influence from, this album title should eradicate it firmly. When I Came Back From Death are periodically the blackest of black metal. what makes them even more interesting, however, is that they are also periodically the extremest of grindcore and the hardest of hardcore. on the previous album posted here (Dead Language), they were similar, but with no real grindcore influence – at least in comparison to this album. they were merely a very blackened style of metalcore. here, however, they have torn the boundaries asunder, and do a full on black metal/grindcore/hardcore mix. a heavy as fuck black metal/grind/hardcore mix that no one can say no to. download this!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/when-i-came-back-from-death-churchburner/feed/ 0 Belle Epoque – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/belle-epoque-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/belle-epoque-demo/#comments Sun, 08 Aug 2010 12:38:49 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1469 those of you who have heard A La Dèrive remembers Belle Epoque and their unique sound fondly. the guitars are twinklling softly, like the ’90s mid-west emo bands, but only for so long. because Belle Epoque constantly catches you off-guard with bursts of loud, aggressive and passionate bursts. relying more on the element of surprise than pleasing crescendos, Belle Epoque are a band that is full of twists and turns, all of which are equally pleasing. going from a Symptom of Isaac resembling drive with upbeat tom-driven drums, clean guitars and spoken/rambling vocals – to semi-distorted Mineral-guitars at double speed and screaming – to this – to that, they constantly change the rules as they see fit. this is a fortunate thing, because Belle Epoque’s music is highly dynamic and extremely animate thanks to this. I highly recommend the living and breathing force Belle Epoque to absolutely everybody even remotely into emo. get this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/belle-epoque-demo/feed/ 0 Sailing Means More – the RIDE BIKES virus http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/sailing-means-more-the-ride-bikes-virus/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/sailing-means-more-the-ride-bikes-virus/#comments Sat, 31 Jul 2010 22:00:40 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1428 a lot of people are confused as to what happened between the seminal screamo band Seeing Means More, and the pop skram/mosh pop/surfcore revolutionaries Fight Fair. this compilation might offer some explanation… or just further add to the confusion. either way is fine with me. Sailing Means More are the various Seeing Means More side-projects. this is the holy grail of OOP SMM. they cover Britpop, ’90s obscuremo and straight edge hardcore among other things, all with an aura of authenticity and passion. they take a stand against those mother fucking sellouts who’ve fled the scene, declare ride bikes forever and remind you that straight edge is for LIFE. now these guys are the biggest promoters of scene love & unity, skram life and ride bikes that skram has ever seen – but some people need to be reminded, straight edge is no joke. that shit is for fucking life. and only useless weasels would ever turn their back on the scene. they need to be called out, so I’m really glad Sailing Means More takes that stand. but don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a negative record. not at all. but this is the ride bikes manifesto, and you need to set some ground rules. and you need those ground rules to be accompanied by epic tunes. thankfully, Sailing Means More excels at that point. diversity and quality go hand in hand on the ride bikes manifesto, and I urge you all to check it out as soon as possible. this shit speaks the truth. it’s 2k10 and the RIDE BIKES virus is back, for life, until the day I die – for fucking ever! sailing means more fun for sailors, so grab this download young sailor.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/08/sailing-means-more-the-ride-bikes-virus/feed/ 0 The Tie That Binds – Slowly Sinking Heroes http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/the-tie-that-binds-slowly-sinking-heroes/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/the-tie-that-binds-slowly-sinking-heroes/#comments Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:00:41 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1463 previously this blog has had the pleasure of sharing both of The Tie That Binds’ magnificent albums. now I present the killer tracks you’re missing, the Adding Machine 7″ and a few compilation tracks. it’s seven tracks, and twenty-eight minutes long. this is the The Tie That Binds we all know and love. upbeat and melodic ’90s emo influenced by Jawbreaker and Samiam. there are no frills to The Tie That Binds’ music. just intricate melancholic and melodic guitars building up suspense, getting joined by precise upbeat drumming and wailing vocals. despite being very simplistic and direct in their approach, The Tie That Binds convey a surprising amount emotional distress. this is emo that tears your heart apart. get this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/the-tie-that-binds-slowly-sinking-heroes/feed/ 0 Seasons’s First Rain – Season’s First Rain http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/seasonss-first-rain-seasons-first-rain/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/seasonss-first-rain-seasons-first-rain/#comments Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:00:46 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1435 initially noticeable obvious changes from the Spray Paint the Sun split to this self titled album include the higher bitrate, but the arrangements are still minimalistic, relying just as much on atmosphere as melody. the stabbing jagged edge of the guitar carries the melody, but doesn’t mind dropping it every now and then – hard to the floor. the curious drums keeps the momentum thriving forward, and put together with the guitar it makes this sound sort of like deathrock without the prominent bass guitar – at least at times. while I personally preferred the sound induced by the lower bitrate on the split, this has its advantages as well, perhaps best illustrated by the playful guitar interlude on “Потоп”, and how it wraps the drums in for the rest of the song. Season’s First Rain also show a new side of themselves, with a little happy, upbeat rhythm on “Во имя прогресса”, where the mix works great. “Малое завещание” is the track that’s most akin to what they put on the Spray Paint the Sun split. a driving force, carried forward by the harsh screams. in any event, check this psychedelic screamo band out! because they are really original and interesting. at least to my ears.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/seasonss-first-rain-seasons-first-rain/feed/ 0 Season’s First Rain & Spray Paint the Sun split http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/seasons-first-rain-spray-paint-the-sun-split/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/seasons-first-rain-spray-paint-the-sun-split/#comments Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:00:48 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1430 I’m sure you all remember Spray Paint the Sun very fondly. so I’m sure you won’t mind getting studio recordings of four of the tracks from the live album posted earlier on that’s punk – including my favourite track “Больше чем шум”? of course you don’t mind. it’s so good! for those of you who don’t remember them, Spray Paint the Sun are a Russian emo band that cites influences such as Policy of 3 and Indian Summer, but also newer bands such as Sailboats and June Paik. Spray Paint the Sun are noisy as all hell breaking loose at the same time, but periodically they calm down, and the guitars masterfully interact with each other, almost sounding as if they are trying to find a way to outsmart one another. in the background, the spastic drums make sure the music is perceived as vivid and flowing. the bass gives a softer sound, and adds another dimension to the songs. the Indian Summer influences are clear when listening to the rhythm guitar and the bass guitar, carefully making their way forward. the lead guitar on the other hand is far more aggressive and impatient, rushing from note to note at all times. but I guess I’m going sort of in the opposite direction of what I’m supposed to, because Season’s First Rain are in fact the band that appears first on the split, with five great tracks. their recordings are significantly more lo-fi (Spray Paint the Sun tracks being >1500kbps, compared to Season’s First Rain’s ~900kbps half), but undeniably glorious – with its Evergreen-like qualities. the bitrate suits the songs very well, adding more reverb and ensuring seamless transitions – as well as a complete blending of the instruments, making it sound like one holy entity. with a distinctly sad and depressing sound, Season’s First Rain remind me somewhat of Saetia, but they are much more sparse in their arrangements. sparse though noisy, with the clashing cymbals, rambling guitar and loud high-pitched screams. a band with their own sound, well worth checking out. they create their own unique atmosphere with their original approach to screamo, and their side goes very well with the quite different Spray Paint the Sun side of the split. while similarities no doubt exist, these two bands are completely different – but equally awesome. get this!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/seasons-first-rain-spray-paint-the-sun-split/feed/ 0 I.Witness – Secret Handshakes http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/i-witness-secret-handshakes/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/i-witness-secret-handshakes/#comments Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:00:14 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1422 this is the 2010 summer demo collection of I.Witness. it’s six songs and nigh twenty minutes. like the other I.Witness demo on that’s punk, the quality is surprisingly adequate. with songs ranging from 0:43 to 6:01 in length, I.Witness display both the traditional hardcore style adopted on All Roads Lead Southeast as well as the more brooding screamo style. thus this taster should satisfy fans of both the older material in addition to fans of the All Roads Lead Southeast. on Secret Handshakes, I.Witness bridges the gap between the two sounds, and further develop them into something new entirely. this is their most diverse collection of songs yet, as well as the perhaps best. “Непринятые Звонки”, “Маяки”, and “В Круге Первом” being my personal favourites of this band thus far, with lead riffs akin to Optimus Prime’s, a marvellous energy and emotionality comparable to Rites of Spring and One Last Wish, and sensational song structures à la Slint and Moss Icon. with this release, I.Witness feel like natural successors to the revolution summer bands. the guitars are heavy as shit in massive quantities. get this. now.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/i-witness-secret-handshakes/feed/ 0 I.Witness – All Roads Lead Southeast http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/i-witness-all-roads-lead-southeast/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/i-witness-all-roads-lead-southeast/#comments Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:21:59 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1419 on previous efforts I.Witness have constantly moved between crust, metalcore, screamo, and traditional hardcore. on this new record, they have adopted a much more straightforward hardcore approach. while still not afraid to introduce octaves and intricate harmonies to their heavy music, the majority of this album is noticeably more traditional hardcore-sounding. with a less muddy production, each instrument’s contribution becomes clearer. furthermore, the technical ability of the members really shines through. the sick riffs, odd breakdowns and wacky time signatures are a great match for the elegant rawness and despair inherent in hardcore punk. this is an immediate, accomplished and crisp record. both in terms of musicianship, as well as in production – both of which perfectly capturing the insane amounts of energy put into these recordings. these immense vocals and blistering rhythms will blow you away. download this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/i-witness-all-roads-lead-southeast/feed/ 0 damezumari – 2004-2007 http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/damezumari-2004-2007/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/damezumari-2004-2007/#comments Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:03:46 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1408 damezumari is a phrase from the board game “Go”. it essentially means “you are fucked”, i.e. you’re in a situation that’s extremely difficult to get out of. damezumari are naturally a screamo band. I don’t know the exact date I found this band, but someone put up a “bands that sound like I Hate Myself” compilation. obviously, I checked it out. I wasn’t disappointed. you won’t be either, if you download this 2:22 collection of songs. like I Hate Myself, damezumari has a sound that is impossible to pigeon hole. reminiscent of ’90s emo like Still Life, 1.6 Band and Indian Summer, but modernised and comparable to their contemporary bands, e.g. the birds are spies, they report to the trees and Sinaloa. the hoarse yells over frantic melodies comes off as a very sincere and searching. the latter feeling further enhanced by the questioning lyrics, delivered by the quirky vocals. the main theme in damezumari’s songs is doubt. the songs are fragile and shivering with angst and helplessness, struggling not to cave in to depression; struggling to survive. at no point does damezumari’s music become annoyingly whiny or self-indulgent. it always maintains an aura of believability and honesty. the music is warm like rest of my life, spastic like the birds are spies, they report to the trees and wondering like Indian Summer. though the guitars are at times heavily distorted, and the lyrics are at times highly vague – there is nothing unclear about the beauty inherent in damezumari’s songs. there is obvious a lot of effort put into the song writing. and if we assume that «without effort there is no meaning» from “gravity is a choice” to ring true, rules of logic would indicate that with effort comes meaning. you need to hear this band. this is vulnerability in the form of music. check it out. and buy merchandise from http://damezumari.com/ – which also includes links to some of the people carrying their records.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/damezumari-2004-2007/feed/ 0 June Paik – Discography http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/june-paik-discography/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/june-paik-discography/#comments Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:34:25 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1406 the German four piece June Paik play music firmly rooted in the intense and aggressive screamo sound, but stray from “the basic formula”. when at their very loudest, June Paik are comparable to their countrymen Louise Cyphre, as well as the legendary American band Jeromes Dream. the band themselves put Canadian screamo forward as their main influences, and the brooding heavy Union of Uranus do indeed come to mind when listening to June Paik. the thick guitar tone and the dark qualities are ever present in June Paik’s often lengthy songs. but what really separates June Paik from other bands in the genre, are that they are far more dynamic as well as richly layered than most of the other bands. – and this despite only consisting of four members. beautiful Indian Summer octaves hinting at something glorious and sentimental in the background of an ugly droning monotonous passage, that eventually exits into what can only be described as musical Armageddon. June Paik’s crushing climaxes sound like the destruction of all that is beautiful – and nothing is as beautiful this. it doesn’t take many minutes of this discography to figure out why June Paik are frequently referred to as “apocalyptic screamo”. June Paik are emotional apocalypse. sounding more desperate, lost, anxious and dejected with every tone. June Paik are the sound of heartstrings being pulled (bear with me, for sake of symbolism). for a good portion of their discography they masterfully build up suspension, release it all in an intense crash, and then pick up all of the shattered fragments that are left, and rebuild the suspension – aiming for the skies, once again. most bands that attempt this go in the exact same trap. they are predictable, repetitive, boring and unoriginal. June Paik are the opposite of all of this. their compositions never cease to amaze, nor surprise. the inherent predictability of crescendo-based progressive music is completely eliminated by the subtle changes of mood, the seamless transitions between emotions, and the indescribably clever atmosphere. there are also a fair share of these totally unexpected abrupt and angst-ridden explosions, as well as equally unexpected murky sudden halts, that leave only a depressing and endless feeling of loneliness and darkness. June Paik are an amazing band that deserves all of your attention. download this. and buy most of it from http://www.reactwithprotest.org – their label’s site.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/june-paik-discography/feed/ 1 I Hate Myself – Discography http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/i-hate-myself-discography/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/i-hate-myself-discography/#comments Fri, 09 Jul 2010 22:00:20 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1374 I don’t know how I am even supposed to begin writing this block of text. is it even necessary? does I Hate Myself need an introduction? definitely not. they do deserve one though, although I hardly think anything I could ever write would do them one tenth of justice. DILEMMA! gah. I Hate Myself were an emo band from Gainesville in Florida. they were active in 1996 to 1998, but one of their LPs were recorded and released several years post this. they recorded a bunch of stuff in their active period, all of which is included in this discography. most of their stuff can be bought from http://www.noidearecords.com/bands/ihatemyself.php – so do that as well. I Hate Myself are known, remembered and loved for a number of things. for being the wimpy boys that were playing shows tough guy bands, and their tough guy crowds, in which they’d speak their mind out against their macho bullshit community… for their ironic band name and satirical song titles… but most of all, I Hate Myself will forever be known, remembered and loved for one single reason: their sincere music. their recordings – particularly the early ones – are considered highly original and innovative in the screamo genre. but I Hate Myself did not play typical screamo. they are nothing like Honeywell, and nothing like Orchid. thus the “screamo” tag might be unfitting at best, or at worst: completely wrong. because I Hate Myself actually play creeping, quiet and soft music, most of the time. the guitars twinkle in a sparse manner, sounding like sad stars falling in slow motion. the drums follow discretely. the soft bass further enhances the mood. and the vocals weep along. the intricate nature of the music, and attention to detail makes them sound far more like Moss Icon, Still Life and Fugazi, than “screamo”. but then all of a sudden, they cut through with loud and angry bursts. dissonant riffs, crashing drums and piercing screams. and suddenly the screamo tag is fitting after all – if only for a short while. the clever lyrics and dark music both encompass frustration, hopelessness, helplessness, sadness, etc. overall, I Hate Myself are probably one of the most miserable bands to ever record music along with Codeine. but – like Codeine – they are also one of the most talented. the lyrics are brilliant. the constructions, allegories and twists… this band is proficient well past most others. not only do they have some of the most emotive, intense and sad music, but their lyrics reflect it and enhances it ten thousand notches. some times it paints depressing pictures of broken lives, filled with allegories and metaphors – sometimes it’s just so simplistic and straightforward that it gets fragile and sad beyond compare. (“The Lightning Says” being the ultimate example.) the end result is the culmination of every downhearted feeling that ever existed. this culmination naturally affects the listener in some way. the music reaches out and touches people. and it never leaves the system. once you’ve been exposed to I Hate Myself, you will never forget the experience. the feeling of being rendered void on the inside. they are just so skilled and talented, that it’s almost unbelievable. fantastic composers through and through. if you don’t believe me, then listen to this thirty song/two hour discography, which includes two short but sweet live sets. clever satire and raw honesty join hands, and we get one of the most interesting as well as talented bands of all time. imagine the powerlessness of Codeine coupled with a cathartic release of hate and despair. download this!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/i-hate-myself-discography/feed/ 0 Crywank – Demo 2010 http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/crywank-demo-2010/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/crywank-demo-2010/#comments Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:00:10 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1394 Crywank was started after a horrible breakup. one would think that’s a good foundation for a good folk record, right? it is. and with influences such as that’s punk favourites Andrew Jackson Jihad and Paul Baribeau, we are certain this is a winner. English-based James Clayton is influenced by a wide variety of anti-folk, outsider and punk music. the end result is fragile, highly self-critical and honest folk rock that one would think serves as a great outlet for all the pains of breaking up. James says they put him in a good mood, and hope that it serves the same purpose for someone else. now I’m not going through a breakup – thankfully… hell, I’m not even in a bad mood at all. I feel pretty good, actually. but James little record here no doubt put me in an even better mood. whether you are going through a bitter breakup or not, you should be able to find this enjoyable, if you like folk. check it out.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/crywank-demo-2010/feed/ 0 TUMBLEWEAVE – ♪♫♪♫♫♫♪♪♫♪ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/tumbleweave-%e2%99%aa%e2%99%ab%e2%99%aa%e2%99%ab%e2%99%ab%e2%99%ab%e2%99%aa%e2%99%aa%e2%99%ab%e2%99%aa/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/tumbleweave-%e2%99%aa%e2%99%ab%e2%99%aa%e2%99%ab%e2%99%ab%e2%99%ab%e2%99%aa%e2%99%aa%e2%99%ab%e2%99%aa/#comments Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:00:36 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1392 TUMBLEWEAVE describes themselves as “cartoon noise rock”. not bad, eh? it’s essentially mysterious and densely layered noises. the songs consist of extremely many details, and a seemingly endless number of elements. this is reflected in the 1700+ bitrate of the FLACs, actually the highest of any albums in my current music library. their music would serve well as the background score for a curious and dark 16-bit game, if not for the fact that I’d probably be pausing the entire time, listening to the music instead of playing the game. this record is only just three minutes long, and is pretty much impossible to process on just one listen. TUMBLEWEAVE have created a mammoth, capable as serving both as ambient noise music as well as upbeat and catchy blip blop pop – at the very same time. this is an extraordinary intriguing piece of work that deserves a listen and then some more listens. GET THIS!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/tumbleweave-%e2%99%aa%e2%99%ab%e2%99%aa%e2%99%ab%e2%99%ab%e2%99%ab%e2%99%aa%e2%99%aa%e2%99%ab%e2%99%aa/feed/ 0 Evolve – Evolve http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/evolve-evolve/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/evolve-evolve/#comments Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:00:20 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1387 if seven minutes of Evolve wasn’t enough for you, then here’s a seven inch! with six songs, it’s eleven and a half minutes long, and includes most of the songs from the demo, and some new ones. it’s all furious (and cool!) hardcore played at a blistering tempo. Evolve are old school and legit. buy here http://www.evolve.bigcartel.com/ – limited to 200 copies, and it’s only €5.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/evolve-evolve/feed/ 0 Evolve – Digital Demo 2010 http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/evolve-digital-demo-2010/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/evolve-digital-demo-2010/#comments Sun, 04 Jul 2010 22:00:33 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1385 Norwegian hardcore has been absent from this blog for quite some time now. so guess what? Evolve are a Norwegian straight edge hardcore band influenced by the classics of the genre, like Youth of Today and Chain of Strength. this seven-minute demo introduces Evolve as a blast from the past, clearly heavily influenced by both the American (both East and West coast) sXe hardcore of the ’80s. there are occasionally guitar licks or melodic hooks, but Evolve largely favours it heavy and fast. like a punch to the throat, Evolve says hello. hello! if you like hardcore, you’ll want to check this out. if you don’t… then this band won’t convert you.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/evolve-digital-demo-2010/feed/ 0 Caitlyn Bailey – 2009 Luzon Tour EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/caitlyn-bailey-2009-luzon-tour-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/caitlyn-bailey-2009-luzon-tour-ep/#comments Sat, 03 Jul 2010 22:00:58 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1382 it’s been well over a year since I first posted Caitlyn Bailey. if you don’t remember them – or never got to know them – they are a Filipino train wreck of a screamo band, and they are very determined in their calling, namely destroying everything that comes their way. this EP is chaotic, dissonant and ugly. just like punk rock should be. they don’t fuck around, so I won’t either. download this if you like: rapid fire drumming, heavy thrash riffs, screaming, and a filthy, bloody fucking mess. if you can appreciate a melodic mess, that’s a plus as well.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/caitlyn-bailey-2009-luzon-tour-ep/feed/ 0 Lizards Have Personalities – Snows of Kilimanjaro http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/lizards-have-personalities-snows-of-kilimanjaro/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/lizards-have-personalities-snows-of-kilimanjaro/#comments Fri, 02 Jul 2010 22:00:30 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1378 the skram worshippers Lizards Have Personalities are already back with another effort, and now they are a trio instead of a duo. though the follow-up came sooner than at least I expected, it’s more than welcome. formed initially as a potential joke screamo outlet, they soon got serious. seriously skram. these guys won’t get disappointed or sad if you compare them to random late ’90s/early ’00s screamo band, considering their obvious skram worship. they might be a serious band, but they are definitely a humble band, that wants to pay their respects to the legends of the skram past. however, they still want to sprinkle their own flavour over their sound. and they are extremely successful with that on this record. on their début, they were far more generic skram. they sounded almost like a tribute band. but no one cared, because they were so fucking great. they were residing between Saetia and I Hate Myself, and pulling off the sound excellently. on Snows of Kilimanjaro, something has changed. they have matured a great deal, and in such a minor time span! it’s almost unbelievable. other influences becomes audible. the guitars Funeral Diner and Neil Perry, their Suis La Lune flirt “C’était hier l’été…voici l’automne”, and the chaotic approach of Orchid and Ampere are some of those influences. lyrically though, the same qualities are present. they are still bordering both the cliché and the ridiculous. screaming «my memories hung themselves/staring up at the moon for too long/remembering how you said we’d take the world by storm» with a straight face might seem impossible, but Lizards Have Personalities not only scream it, they mean it. their lyrics – however absurd and over the top they might be – come off as believable and honest. musically this album is as stated previously different to the previous album. one of the biggest of those differences is the more chaotic and fast approach taken here, as opposed to the slower In All Honesty. this album is far more to the point, with most of the songs making it to around 2:30. the one notable exception though is the title track which stretches to 9:46. this track is reminiscent of the songs from the first album, being a mid-tempo heavy screamo song with great licks and a long build-up, that eventually ends up climaxing into a satisfying end of the album. Snows of Kilimanjaro displays a wide variety of influences, and it might sound like Lizards Have Personalities have found their very own sound, instead of merely mirroring their influences as best they can. a fantastic album that you really should take the time to check out.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/lizards-have-personalities-snows-of-kilimanjaro/feed/ 0 It’s Just Vanity – Here’s What You Remember from A Coma http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/its-just-vanity-heres-what-you-remember-from-a-coma/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/its-just-vanity-heres-what-you-remember-from-a-coma/#comments Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:00:26 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1371 earlier on I posted It’s Just Vanity’s first record, The Strangers EP. if you would recall, I bragged about that record so much, one would think It’s Just Vanity had hired me as their PR person. they hadn’t. and I am infinitely pleased to inform you that starting today, It’s Just Vanity are giving away their new record for free. but only for a week though, so act fast. time is of the essence in this dire matter. and believe you me, it is dire. It’s Just Vanity plays the dreamy, angst-y and melancholic sort of emo perhaps best compared to The Shyness Clinic. and like Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson and Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate), It’s Just Vanity are master conveyors of emotion. their new record is completely stunning and utterly amazing. mixing the emotionally charged ’90s Midwest emo sound with nothing short of explosive progressive rock crescendos into full blown brilliance, this band is simply outstandingly good at what they do. Here’s What You Remember from A Coma is glorious and gracious beyond compare. one of the tracks are appropriately titled “Forgive Me, I’m Blowing Your Mind”, and It’s Just Vanity: let me – on behalf of every emo fan ever – forgive you for blowing all of our minds with this mind blast of a record. whilst many albums have certain phases and/or elements that are highly enjoyable, this album is just fifty minutes (and some more) of highlights. a thoroughly accomplished record from start to finish. it grabs your attention from the first tone, and then refuses to ever let it go, even holding it for hours, days if not weeks after you’ve first listened to it. it’s impossible to shake the feeling It’s Just Vanity’s second release gives. this delivers one of the most emotional experiences any music has ever done. download this album, then buy it. please. P.S. this album is up for free forever, apparently. good on them! round of applause for the boys, please.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/its-just-vanity-heres-what-you-remember-from-a-coma/feed/ 1 The Kidcrash – Snacks http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/the-kidcrash-snacks/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/the-kidcrash-snacks/#comments Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:22:44 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1365 it’s 2010 and people still whine about The Kidcrash being called Kidcrash. but more importantly, it’s 2010 and (The) Kidcrash are still an active band that puts out first class emo. (Snacks was first out in 2009 though.) if you don’t know who The Kidcrash are, then you must be very little interested in the skram, or extremely unlucky. the main things to know about this band are that they started out «in 2000, used to sound different, have toured the U.S. three times, [E]urope once, and love to make friends”. oh and another thing, their music is marvellous. from the very first noodle to the last, The Kidcrash play a fairly unorthodox style of scream, at least for an American band. The Kidcrash could just as well have been from Norway, France or Italy. they largely favour concord over discord, with fairly clean guitars and soft drums. they are not as explosive or aggressive as typical Antioch Arrow influenced American screamo bands like Jeromes Dream, nor like the most popular ’00s skram bands (Saetia, pg.99, Hot Cross, etc). they are far more melodic, with noodle guitars that are far more easily compared to American Football than Ampere. on Snacks, they aren’t even screaming any more. the vocals are sort of like Daniel Striped Tiger’s, shouting more than screaming. this is an overall softer effort than their previous one, Jokes. softer but not less intense. so check out this great record if you like harmonic and well crafted modern screamo (without screaming), and not just explosive bursts. download this! it’s as if Daniel Striped Tiger started a French screamo band. also – you can buy Snacks and everything else by this band from http://www.denovali.com – in several different editions.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/07/the-kidcrash-snacks/feed/ 0 Seeing Means More – Discography http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/seeing-means-more-discography/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/seeing-means-more-discography/#comments Tue, 29 Jun 2010 22:00:35 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1363 if you recall, I mentioned that Fight Fair features some members of Seeing Means More. this is Seeing Means More. they started out in 2002 as a traditional screamo band influenced by Indian Summer and Funeral Diner. they broke up shortly thereafter, and then reformed in 2003 with a new sound, far more aggressive. due to a growing interest in other forms of hardcore music, Seeing Means More ended up incorporating a heavier sound, screamo fused with hardcore and metalcore – a sound that later became to some extent synonymous with popular ’00s screamo. along with Takaru, Seeing Means More represented something more immediate than City of Caterpillar’s exploring crescendos, and something heavier and more metallic than Orchid. but at the same time the epic build ups of “Bernadetti Protti”, that eventually come crashing down into a devastating metalcore finisher suggests that evidences of both City of Caterpillar’s and Orchid’s influence can be found throughout this discography. their love for intricate melodic hooks and spoken vocals can be attributed to the Indian Summer influence. the end result is somewhere between the spastic, melodic and wonderfully artistic sound of bands such as The Spirit of Versailles and In Loving Memory – and the more direct and intense sound of bands like Loma Prieta and Comadre. all with sprinkles of Indian Summer, pioneers of the perhaps definite emo sound. check out this solid thirty minute discography. you won’t regret it! particularly not after listening to the depressing sagas that are the two last tracks, ending this discography as not only proof of what Seeing Means More were, but also hints for what Seeing Means More could have been.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/seeing-means-more-discography/feed/ 0 Fight Fair – California Kicks http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/fight-fair-california-kicks/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/fight-fair-california-kicks/#comments Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:00:30 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1270 today is a day to remember forever. today is the release date of Fight Fair’s full full-length album, California Kicks. and what a kick it is! with Settle the Score, Fight Fair almost completely ditched their pop skram sound in favour of a pop hardcore sound, but left room for other experiments. one of those experiments was the surf-pop monster hit “Pop Rocks”. the band decided that this was the song that was the most fun to play, and decided that this was what they wanted to do on their full-length. Ramones mixed with The Beach Boys is the way the band describes their surfcore sound, and that description isn’t all that far off. but like with Settle the Score, the band allows themselves to experiment a lot on the record. they try the lot. punk rock-tinged power pop like Undertones and The Jam, dancefloor hip-pop that’s somewhere between The Ting Tings and Black Eyed Peas, and pure ’90s melodic punk rock and alternative between Lifetime and The All-American Rejects’ early stuff. but the very core of their sound is the insanely catchy mind blowing surfcore sound, with lyrics about romance, being young, OOP vinyl, surfing and hanging at the beach. let me assure you, Fight Fair are very much successful in reintroducing what they call “the best of the beach”. namely, “the playfulness, the parties, the people and, most of all, the pop-laced singalongs”. Fight Fair are to surf rock what The Young Hasselhoffs are to doo-wop. California Kicks brings back a near forgotten era, and illuminates it like never before. Fight Fair are surfcore’s beacon, lighthouse and flagship. serving as an ode to Californian summers, and the careless playfulness of ’50s and ’60s surf rock. if you like newer Weezer albums, you’ll love Fight Fair. if you like surf rock, you’ll love Fight Fair. if you like fun, you’ll LOVE Fight Fair! get this! now! and get ready to P-P-P-PARTY!!! buy it from http://www.myspace.com/fightfair – along with some frisbees, beach balls and other must-have Fight Fair memorabilia. whether they are making fun or having fun isn’t remotely interesting. what is interesting is the 100% quality of this amazing album. GET IT! Fight Fair’s first EP was the epitome of pop skram. their second was the epitome of pop hardcore. this is the epitome of LIFE. Fight Fair for LIFE.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/fight-fair-california-kicks/feed/ 2 Fight Fair – Settle the Score http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/fight-fair-settle-the-score/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/fight-fair-settle-the-score/#comments Sun, 27 Jun 2010 23:00:18 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1260 in the name of fun, here is some more Fight Fair! they are back to settle the score with their follow up, in which only two of the members featured on xFashionx appears. that may be one part of the explanation as to why they sounds like a completely different band on Settle the Score. the fact that they’ve changed so much might obviously lead to the loss of some fans, as well as the gaining of some fans. what this essentially means is that if you disliked the first record, you might still love this – giving you *no* excuse to not download this. even if you absolutely hated their first record, you still need to download this. no excuses. anyway, despite all the differences (which I’ll get back to), there are a few similarities that I might as well get out of the way at once. they are still catchy, poppy and totally awesome. the track “San Diego” appears in a re-recorded format. there are still ’90s punk rock influences galore. and that’s about it. now for the differences – this release marks an obvious change of sound. one could say that they go from the epitome of pop skram to the epitome of pop hardcore. bands like Set Your Goals and Four Year Strong might be mentioned, but Fight Fair are far superior. with lyrics «we just wanna have some fun/we’re still young and on the run/we just gotta have some fun/everyone», they are definitely not clouding their message with pseudo-poetic mumbo jumbo, but instead favouring the direct approach. with vocals that have been through many a vocoder/pitch altering software, punk rock guitars that play the most perfect melodies, and heavy as shit drums – Fight Fair are a loud, intense and fun affair. varying between the fast breakdown-heavy pop hardcore sound, a more “ordinary” ’90s punk rock sound, a skramzy sound, and the ultra-catchy and refined surf pop sound. «don’t bother with the other boys/I’m better than them», pleads vocalist Alex Bigman in the heartfelt emotional distress masterpiece “Pop Rocks”. now I’m pleading you, don’t bother with the other bands, this one’s better than them. get this at once! Fight Fair for the win!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/fight-fair-settle-the-score/feed/ 0 Fight Fair – xFashionx http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/fight-fair-xfashionx/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/fight-fair-xfashionx/#comments Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:16:04 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1257 Fight Fair are a band featuring ex-members of Seeing Means More, and no block of text could possibly describe the treat you are in for if you choose to download this album. xFashionx is frequently described as awesome by some, whilst other are not so modest, deeming it the epitome of pop skram. this is no unfair description. Fight Fair takes on a sound much like that of My Chemical Romance’s first album, Aiden’s first album and every other good upbeat downheart alternative rock album of the early 2000s. they are however significantly less slick, and display a more obvious screamo/hardcore influence, in addition to their love for catchy pop hooks in between the melodic distorted ’90s punk rock guitars and interchanging Yellowcard-esque vocal harmonies, screams and gang vocals. filled to the brims with breakdowns and poppy metalcore explosions. this band has something for everyone. exploring previously unknown territory with a sound that’s less slick than My Chemical Romance début, but more polished than Oh, Apollo!’s début, Fight Fair tries to take the best of all worlds, and put it all on their own little pop skram planet. balancing the brutally honest and the ridiculously dishonest, Fight Fair makes washes out the line between the previously antonyms honesty and dishonesty, and creates their very own approach to music – FUN. this is one of the maybe most important bands in skram history, along with Emo Summer. certainly one of the most fun ones, no doubt. get this!!!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/fight-fair-xfashionx/feed/ 2 Matt Evans – Demo 2010 http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/matt-evans-demo-2010/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/matt-evans-demo-2010/#comments Mon, 14 Jun 2010 10:02:32 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1246 this is the solo effort by Matt Evans, who plays in the very recently posted Just Die!. this does however sound very little like Just Die!’s raging style of hardcore. it takes a far mellower road, with an acoustic guitar and a comfortable voice. Matt Evan’s take us on a gentle ride, through three songs that nearly reach the seventh minute mark. this is emotional folky and poppy acoustic rock that carves its way into your brain. perhaps especially with the last track, and all of its catchy The Get Up Kids (Four Minute Mile era) riffs. Matt Evans displays an affinity for melodic chord progressions and pleasant vocal harmonies. it’s good. download it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/matt-evans-demo-2010/feed/ 0 Just Die! – Garages and Basements http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/just-die-garages-and-basements/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/just-die-garages-and-basements/#comments Sun, 13 Jun 2010 21:43:25 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1240 can’t get enough of Just Die!, eh? understandable, as their first record was a) really awesome and b) really short. this next one is no deviant from that formula. and if there’s a parallel between awesomeness and shortness, that would mean this one is even more awesome! (that’s my goofy way of informing you that this one is shorter.) it’s an almost nine minutes long seven inch record entitled Garages and Basements, and you can buy it from http://deadendrecs.bigcartel.com/product/just-die-garages-and-basements – it’s only $5, so you probably should. if you are wondering what to expect – expect much of the same. Lifetime, Kid Dynamite and Strike Anywhere are bands I can somewhat compare this to. it’s a bit ’90s skate/punk rock, a bit ’00s hardcore, a bit of this, a bit of that – and a lot of awesome. the skate/punk influence results in a slightly more mid-tempo sound, consequently preventing the songs from blazing by too fast for you to actually digest them. with this record, Just Die! further evolves their catchy flavour of anthem hardcore. it even has gang vox!!! I fucking love gang vocals. download this. buy this. get on board.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/just-die-garages-and-basements/feed/ 0 Just Die! – No Time for Poetry http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/just-die-no-time-for-poetry/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/just-die-no-time-for-poetry/#comments Sun, 13 Jun 2010 21:32:14 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1238 Just Die! are a NC hardcore band that’s been going on for quite some time now. this is their first full length, entitled No Time for Poetry. released in 2007, this is a eighteen minute crash course in intensity. with their tracks rarely reaching the 1:30 mark, this band doesn’t fuck around. they get straight to the point, then proceed to hammer it into your skull. still, they do no neglect to melody nor atmosphere. interchanging between fast-as-hell hardcore (at almost grindcore speeds) and anthem punk, this band leaves a mark with all their passionate shouting, energetic drumming and awesome riffs. this band is hyped as fuck all over the Internet, and with good reason. aggressive enough for the hardcore purist and catchy enough for the hardcore newbie, they satisfy everyone on all accounts. but remember to put it on repeat, because this shit flies by fast. it might need a couple of listens to stick. in any event, check this band out! you will not regret it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/just-die-no-time-for-poetry/feed/ 0 Mega Games – Let in These Hands to Hold http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/mega-games-let-in-these-hands-to-hold/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/mega-games-let-in-these-hands-to-hold/#comments Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:05:56 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1235 if you remember The Mega Games Two, you remember them fondly. I put up their début here ages ago. now – they are back! but the two have become the three, so gone is the name. instead of going “The Mega Games Three” or “The Mega Games Two Plus One”, they’ve settled on Mega Games. possibly to prevent future name crises? either way, they are back. now with drums! the reborn Mega Games’ début is ten minutes long, and consists of four truly great folk punk tracks. not as furious as some of the other folk punk up on this blog, but just as passionate. carefully composed messes of crashing cymbals, uplifting melodica, galloping guitar and soaring vocals. check out this awesome Southampton three-piece! you won’t be disappointed.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/mega-games-let-in-these-hands-to-hold/feed/ 0 Eagulls – Songs of Prey http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/eagulls-songs-of-prey/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/eagulls-songs-of-prey/#comments Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:22:28 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1223 one of the key ingredients for good music is in my opinion feedback from guitars. and plenty of it. based on the simple scientifically proven parallel between awesomeness and guitar feedback, we can safely state that Eagulls are a really awesome band. sounding like a mix between The Cortlandt Homes, Dinosaur Jr. and American Steel, Eagulls and their fifteen minute début is a very pleasant distinctly English affair. fuzzy and catchy guitars, soft and melodic bass, clever and tight drumming and quite great punk rock vocals. what’s not to like? you need to hear this band. you can visit their MySpace http://www.myspace.com/eagulls to get cassettes and more info etc.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/eagulls-songs-of-prey/feed/ 0 The Ergs! – songs from The Measure [sa] splits http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/the-ergs-songs-from-the-measure-sa-splits/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/the-ergs-songs-from-the-measure-sa-splits/#comments Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:23:23 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1218 The Ergs! did two splits with The Measure [sa], that they put out on the wonderful No Idea records. they are new-ish recordings, and so they sound like newer The Ergs!, rather than the Dorkrockcorkrod years. while The Ergs! might not be the darkest, angriest or saddest punk rock band, they write clever and sincere tunes that deserve to be heard. while their lyrics often are described as wilfully geeky and a bit silly, they are definitely moving and touching. you can download them here, and you can buy them both from http://www.dorkrockcorkrod.com/ – which you should. if you can! and you should also check out The Measure, a melodic and catchy punk rock band that features Mikey from The Ergs! on drums, and sort of sounds like the ’90s emo band Samuel in a more traditional punk rock setting. one of The Ergs! tracks are a cover of The Measure [sa] (“Workage”).

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/the-ergs-songs-from-the-measure-sa-splits/feed/ 0 The Ergs! – Blockhead (from Teenage Bottlerocket split) http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/the-ergs-blockhead-from-teenage-bottlerocket-split/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/the-ergs-blockhead-from-teenage-bottlerocket-split/#comments Tue, 01 Jun 2010 10:50:52 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1220 in 2008 The Ergs! did a split with the sort of heavy punk rock band Teenage Bottlerockets, reminiscent of The Lillingtons, The Steinways and The Copyrights. on this split they did a cover of the almighty Devo, and their track Blockhead. this is that track. while The Ergs! maybe aren’t directly obviously musically influenced by Devo in their sound, they owe their entire modus operandi to the nerdy Devo. like Devo, The Ergs! have an unquenchable thirst for the combination of the raw punk rock sound and pop sensibilities. download this and hear it for yourself! and buy it from http://www.dorkrockcorkrod.com if you can afford it etc. that way you’ll get to hear Teenage Bottlerocket cover Green Day as well, if you’re into that stuff.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/the-ergs-blockhead-from-teenage-bottlerocket-split/feed/ 0 The Ergs! – Thrash Compactor http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/the-ergs-thrash-compactor/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/the-ergs-thrash-compactor/#comments Tue, 01 Jun 2010 10:09:25 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1215 I was originally not planning on uploading this to the blog, because all of you faithful that’s punk users already have all of these songs. but, I got the 7″ some time ago and listened to it, and discovered that the “Throttle Boy” recording is actually a new one! so The Ergs! fans, grab this! if you’re not familiar with The Ergs!, you should be ashamed. they are truly one of the most fun punk rock bands of all time. their melodies range from The Queers-like punk rock, to Hüsker Dü-like emo, and to the raging hardcore punk that appears on this record. it’s a one-sided, five song, three minute 7″ record. and it’s amazing. download it! buy it from http://www.dorkrockcorkrod.com/ if you like it. it’s really cheap, and really worth it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/06/the-ergs-thrash-compactor/feed/ 0 Grown Ups – Songs http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/grown-ups-songs/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/grown-ups-songs/#comments Mon, 31 May 2010 16:04:33 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1212 from reflecting screamo to light-hearted emo. Grown Ups are somewhere between Small Brown Bike, Latterman, The Get Up Kids, Street Smart Cyclist, Algernon Cadwallader and Castevet. this is upbeat and pleasant emo, probably best enjoyed on fairly high volume, a hot summer night. with clean and nice guitar riffs, raspy vocals and quick drumming, Grown Ups sound far from grown up with their approach to catchy tunes and their youthful tales of reaching for happiness. you’ll want this. I think this was a pure digital release, so I don’t know of anywhere to buy it in physical format. you can however get their new album, More Songs. buy links on their MySpace – http://www.myspace.com/ihategrownups – so check that out as well.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/grown-ups-songs/feed/ 0 calculator – these roots grow deep… http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/calculator-these-roots-grow-deep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/calculator-these-roots-grow-deep/#comments Mon, 31 May 2010 07:32:14 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1210 the 200th artist (I think) to be introduced here on that’s punk is calculator, an American diy band formed in 2007, who just recently released this collection LP. it collects every release up until now, and adds a few songs extra. they play modern American screamo in the vein of Age Sixteen and Merchant Ships. that means very emotionally charged and intense vocals over (usually) clean guitars that build up, explode and come crashing down along with insanely precise drumming, followed by a soft and melodic bass guitar. the philosophical and melancholic atmosphere is helped greatly by lyrics that are always seeking and thinking. this is a mature and reflected screamo band that are well worth checking out. download this! and buy from their bigcartel at http://calc.bigcartel.com/ – if you can. they definitely need the cash to support touring etc.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/calculator-these-roots-grow-deep/feed/ 0 Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate) & Football, etc. split http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/empire-empire-i-was-a-lonely-estate-football-etc-split/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/empire-empire-i-was-a-lonely-estate-football-etc-split/#comments Sun, 30 May 2010 18:43:24 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1208 four songs by Football, etc. not enough for you? I feel the same way. so here’s another one! and with it, have a new Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate) track as well! could life possibly be any better than this? that’s punk users should be familiar with both of these bands, but if you aren’t – I guess this is a great place to start, because you’ll get a taste of both. the sadly soothing melodies and heartbroken vocals that makes Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate) one of the most miserable bands to ever record and put out music, and the depressing musical apprehension that is Football, etc. both bands are ’90s emo revivalists, and a sure bet if you’re into bands like Mineral, Jejune, Evergreen, Crash and Britany, and anything in between those. if you aren’t (you should!), you might still want to check this out, because both bands bring their own new and completely original flavour to the table. I can safely recommend this as a first stop to someone who has never heard emo before, and I can safely recommend this to someone who is into emo as well. get it! and buy it from http://www.cylsrecords.com (US) – or from http://sncl.collective-zine.co.uk (EU) – , it’s worth it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/empire-empire-i-was-a-lonely-estate-football-etc-split/feed/ 0 Football, etc. – First Down http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/football-etc-first-down/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/football-etc-first-down/#comments Sun, 30 May 2010 18:29:18 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1206 often compared to Rainer Maria, Jejune, Evergreen and Lumber, this is one of the finest of the new proud-to-be-emo bands. now signed to the equally eager emo revivalists over at Count Your Lucky Stars, Football, etc. is a damn fine band. despite their name, they do not sound much like American Football or other Kinsella-bands. and despite their numerous football referencing titles – they are definitely about football. this is something significantly less complicated. it’s sad, frustrated and angst-ridden emo music with nonchalant vocals. this melancholic trio is a must hear! download this! then it can be purchased at shows, or via PayPaling $5 to lindsaym.minton@gmail.com. for international prices and questions, check their MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/footballetc – and they’ll probably help you out.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/football-etc-first-down/feed/ 0 The Third Memory – The Third Memory http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/the-third-memory-the-third-memory/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/the-third-memory-the-third-memory/#comments Sun, 30 May 2010 14:48:26 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1201 a fairly long time ago I posted a split between the Norwegian screamo band, Dominic, and the French screamo band, The Third Memory. this is the latter’s self titled album (which includes one of the tracks from the split). active for four-five years before breaking up, The Third Memory are nothing short of screamo legends. “everyone” knows these guys, their DIY ethics and their heartfelt music. this record surfaced last year, and probably should have been uploaded to that’s punk ages ago. why? because it’s really good. *really* good. their last.fm biography says it all. this is nothing short of a «french screamo band that will tear your face off». while they weren’t all that heavy on the Dominic split, things are a little more heavy on their full length album. but The Third Memory is still not a *heavy* band. they are aggressive, intense and direct – but not heavy. while they have a fairly stereotypical mix and general sound, for a French screamo band, it’s noteworthy that the comforting soft spots often do not crescendo into a progressive rock climax, like so many newer emo/screamo bands try to achieve. The Third Memory do not crescendo; they explode. download this French screamo explosion. then you can buy it from this: http://www.desormaisrec.blogspot.com/ French distro, if you like it (you will!).

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/the-third-memory-the-third-memory/feed/ 0 Teleport me, Johny – EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/teleport-me-johny-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/teleport-me-johny-ep/#comments Sat, 29 May 2010 16:46:22 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1198 Eastern European hardcore has establish itself here on that’s punk, but Estonian screamo is a first. and a welcome one at that! this four song/fifteen minute EP introduces these diverse and eager débutants, that sometimes thrash their riffs at blistering speeds, and sometimes let their guitars weep with bleeding intensity… and sometimes both at once. this is yummy dynamic crescendo screamo perfection with plenty of wimpy emo guitars yielding tons of glorious feedback and sugar sweet octaves, while the drums circle and the vocal chords get torn. get this!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/teleport-me-johny-ep/feed/ 0 In Regret – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/in-regret-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/in-regret-demo/#comments Sat, 29 May 2010 17:19:27 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1196 if you took a liking to In Regret, posted in the previous post, you’re in luck. because here’s a little collection of their songs. if I understand correctly, the first four tracks are from a demo, and the next two are from a split. either way it’s six songs. very variable bitrate (some of the tracks are in a m4a container), but all of the songs are more than euphonious. the music is the same melodic somewhat screamo-tinged hardcore punk introduced in the previous post. something like a sped up Some Mistakes. they are – as mentioned – a very “correct” modern hardcore band. on last.fm they have Defeater and Touche Amore in their similar artists, which are two other bands that are a part of a new trend where melodic hooks and heavy riffs come together (and music journalists label it post-hardcore). I’m not a music journalist, so I’m just going to call it hardcore, if that’s alright. and while I’m not very up to date on trends, I can guarantee you that In Regret are a band that’s worthy of your listen, regardless of any trends. they play dazzling music at high speeds, while allowing themselves to experiment outside of their usual formula – best illustrated on the fantastic closer, “Provenance” – a true masterpiece that you need to hear. get this!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/in-regret-demo/feed/ 0 Blacklines & In Regret split http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/blacklines-in-regret-split/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/blacklines-in-regret-split/#comments Fri, 28 May 2010 13:15:17 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1191 Blacklines are a five piece hardcore band from South Carolina. In Regret are a five piece hardcore band from South Carolina. they play hardcore, and are definitely more alike than they are different. but at the same time there definitely are unique qualities to both of them. the first half of the split consists of three tracks by Blacklines, that have a Verse/Ruiner thing going on. they are a little bit melodic, but not soft. at all. Blacklines are definitely a very heavy band, with screamed vocals, noisy crashing cymbals and loud and hard as fuck riffs. on the other half is In Regret, with their more screamo-like sound. something like a highly upbeat Some Mistakes. their vocals vary between screamed, and the whole all-at-once-now-boys shout thing (I fucking love that). extremely melodic and very fast, but not poppy. In Regret are simply a really cool modern hardcore band that does everything right. the download link also has buy links, and I recommend you buy it if you like it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/blacklines-in-regret-split/feed/ 0 Pump the Brakes – EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/pump-the-brakes-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/pump-the-brakes-ep/#comments Fri, 28 May 2010 12:48:31 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1189 all you longtimers no doubt remember Nothing’s Forgotten’s lovely demo, Vestfold HC. (all you newcomers might want to check that out. it rules.) they later changed their name to Pump the Brakes. while they are sadly broken up by now, these are the previously unreleased recordings that were made for an EP that was supposed to surface in 2009. five highly melodic hardcore tracks that are reminiscent of both ’80s punk rock (Descendents, Screeching Weasel), as well as ’90s punk rock (Propagandhi, Pulley), and the delicious poppy riffs of alternative bands such as blink-182 and T.O.E. with pleasant-on-the-ears guitar solos, catchy riffs, upbeat drumming, raspy vocals and melodic bass lines – this is the anthem rock of punk rock. get it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/pump-the-brakes-ep/feed/ 0 Stavros – Contemporary Dictionary http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/stavros-contemporary-dictionary/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/stavros-contemporary-dictionary/#comments Wed, 26 May 2010 16:15:45 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1186 in the winter of 2002, the secretive affair known as Stavros recorded their album Contemporary Dictionary. with a sound perhaps best described as acoustic emo. this is the emo cousin of Mom & Johnson Loneliness missed the 12th loveboat. it has a more immediate and desperate sound, occasionally similar to that of The Loneliest Cowgirls’ self titled début, but with better recording quality and a less abrasive approach. the instrumentation vary between a sole acoustic guitar, and a more vivid sound with multiple guitars and percussion – even a violin makes its appearance.. some times it’s dreamy and pretty, with Sigur Rós moments. other times it’s anxious and painful – almost comparable to Catena Collapse, but with a more laid back atmosphere. summa summarum it’s something between Mom & Johnson Loneliness missed the 12th Loveboat, The Loneliest Cowgirls, Catena Collapse and maybe Daniel Johnston. this is not for everyone, but it’s definitely for someone. maybe you?

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/stavros-contemporary-dictionary/feed/ 0 The Loneliest Cowgirls – Animal http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/the-loneliest-cowgirls-animal/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/the-loneliest-cowgirls-animal/#comments Tue, 25 May 2010 08:56:38 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1181 Ethan is back, and the staff and users of that’s punk all collectively cheer. everything is as it should be. if you remember correctly, the last The Loneliest Cowgirls post was a shift of style, sounding more like The Sky Looks Pissed. this is a continuation of that style change. it’s not as extremely lo-fi or abrasive as the début, but just as painful and just as frail. what… might… surprise you though is that… this is in fact a Ke$ha cover. i.e. a cover of the American pop artist Ke$ha’s début album. that’s right. the album responsible for million dollar hits such as “Tik Tok”. now personally I much prefer Lady GaGa to Ke$ha. but then again I haven’t really dived into Ke$ha’s album yet.. anyway, this cover album definitely makes me want to check out Ke$ha some more. the only problem is that I’m confident that she isn’t one tenth as interesting as The Loneliest Cowgirls (or Lady GaGa, for that matter). and interesting is the first word I’d use in describing this cover album. I never imagined getting to hear Ke$ha in a folk rock setting. I certainly didn’t expect Ke$ha in a folk rock setting to *work*. with the stumbling lyrics and the faltering vocals – The Loneliest Cowgirls trembles along. if you’re into folk rock or Ke$ha, get this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/the-loneliest-cowgirls-animal/feed/ 0 Nightmares – Hipster Trash+Maps http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/nightmares-hipster-trashmaps/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/nightmares-hipster-trashmaps/#comments Tue, 25 May 2010 08:34:30 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1178 anyone remember these guys? I sure do. I put up their four song demo some time ago, and it ripped holes into brick walls. and now, here’s a new demo. this is supposedly a little testing of the waters before releasing a full length album… so I’m assuming that means a full length is on the way? if so – YESSSSS. to get back to this demo, it’s two songs. “Hipster Trash” and “Maps”. the first one is about hardcore fashionistas who make the scene look like a fucking joke. the second one is (I think) about rejecting social conventions and religion. both causes are valid, and it’s great that a band like Nightmares speak up. what’s even better is that they *shout* them. on top of a brutal as fuck hardcore sound with grindcore tendencies. despite being less than three minutes long, I hope this demo is an indication as to what the full length will sound like, because it sounds like the full length will be a crushing affair like none other. this band slays all. download.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/nightmares-hipster-trashmaps/feed/ 0 Oh, Apollo! – End EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/oh-apollo-end-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/oh-apollo-end-ep/#comments Tue, 25 May 2010 08:09:12 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1176 for all of you nostalgic and sentimental Oh, Apollo! fans out there – here are their last three recordings. musically, this is a continuation of what was started on Kingdoms, then continued on Twin Peaks. Oh, Apollo! has perfected their sound by now, and is ending their career at the top. they are going down in style, with an honest document of who they are. spending three years contributing to the DIY scene and making a community in the Bay Area, their eventful journey has now come to an end, and this is End EP – the perfect document of that end. jangly, messy but pretty. this is their maybe finest material, and I highly recommend you get it. all of these songs appear on a cassette split with Lost In Bazaar, which you can get here: http://dyinghorse.com/distro/ – for only $2.25!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/oh-apollo-end-ep/feed/ 0 The Bridgeheads – Foreigners http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/the-bridgeheads-foreigners/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/the-bridgeheads-foreigners/#comments Sat, 22 May 2010 17:15:06 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1167 c.a. six years ago I saw fifteen seconds of a music video on the Bulgarian (I think it’s Bulgarian) music video channel Musicbox, and ordered this band’s début album. at the time they were known as The Bridge, and they weren’t all that big. at least not in Norway. and frankly, they still aren’t that big. why? I can’t for the life of me figure that out. their début was insanely good, and fairly ambitious – coming in a beautifully designed digipack, with cover art by their vocalist and main songwriter, Tomas. a two disc mammoth, that album was glorious. it would go three more years before I got new material by these guys. with a change in their line-up as well as name change, they released a three song EP in 2007. it was just as good as their début album… but it was just an EP, and after listening to it a thousand times, all I could say was GIEF MOAR. and now, three more years have past, and I’m finally getting MOAR. it’s 2010, and their new album is finally here. it’s called Foreigners and it’s released for free today. to put things into perspective, Tomas describes it as his Guernica, or his Tournesols, and they’ve been working with this for approximately three years, the last half of which period being spent in isolation, to avoid any loss of focus. this is extremely ambitious, and definitely a high risking project. Tomas has also written, directed, produced etc music videos for each and every of the eleven songs. and now it’s here. on their previous records they primarily played this kind of goth-y form of alternative (a bit comparable to Placebo), but when your début consists of 34 tracks, you obviously cross experiment with other sounds as well. so they dipped their toes into both pop rock, experimental rock and garage punk, avant-garde piano-driven compositions, claustrophobic acoustic lullabies… among other things. that alternative sound with an affection for the experimental is still at the core of their sound. but now they are far more experimental. their sound is vastly different. there are no longer tendencies towards the experimental, but a sound that is completely sui generis. they are different from every other band out there, doing something entirely unique of their own. they call it expressionism. though they probably don’t mean the contemporary classical genre, that would actually not be all that off. because like that, this is acute, avant-garde and emotionally distressed. just in a more rock setting. the mix is completely unorthodox with no bass, a ton of mystical reverb, Joseph’s soft drums that sounds like it’s behind a wall, guitars that usually vary between the clean and semi-distorted, and just a very different sound altogether. to compensate for the lack of bass guitar, Tomas plays an octave guitar with no A-string, adding some deep and soft touches. while the record captures quite a few moments of alternative magic, it more often dwells in a sparse Joy Division manner, a comparison significantly enhanced by the baritone vocals – even though they often seek for the otherworldly by utilising Tomas’s signature falsetto. the Slovakian band The Bridgeheads relocated to London some years ago, and I don’t know if it’s coincidental that this record sounds like it borrows quite a bit from English ’80s music, particularly (art) punk and goth rock. other bands that come to mind are both Radiohead and The Cure (Disintegration and post Disintegration). take this into the experimental alternative sound, and you’d probably still be way off if you were to take a guess as to what this record might sound like. it’s an experience that needs to be… experienced. The Bridgeheads do not adhere to a single genre I know of. this album is a fresh breath of air for music as a whole. it’s one of a kind. it needs to be heard to stand any chance of being even remotely fathomed. you need to hear this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/the-bridgeheads-foreigners/feed/ 0 Tim, Face Berlin – Youth http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/tim-face-berlin-youth/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/tim-face-berlin-youth/#comments Fri, 21 May 2010 09:12:12 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1163 I’m assuming you all remember Tim, Face Berlin? if you don’t, I posted their début some posts down from this one. you should definitely get it, because it’s really good. this is their sequel, Youth. because in my opinion, this album is even better. it’s everything the first one was, only better. the climaxes are louder, and the calm parts are calmer. Youth is an accomplishment in terms of dynamics and a titillation of the soul. it hits nerves I didn’t even know I had. this band has grown and matured. while their sound certainly isn’t being redefined on Youth, it definitely is being refined. Tim, Face Berlin’s greatest weakness is still the predictability and their failure to create something unheard of. however, this might just be their *only* weakness. so they are doing pretty much everything right, they’re just in danger of drowning in a sea of all too similar bands. honestly, the only thing preventing this is the sheer quality present in Tim, Face Berlin’s songs. because while they are still not the most original band in the world, they are undeniably highly gifted performers. their compositions do not surprise me in the slightest – but they do touch me and move me in a way few others do. I for one value their soaring emotional intensity and beautiful flowing sensibility much more than I would or could value their creativity and originality if they lacked these qualities. this is an album that everyone should definitely check out and give a chance, if you are into extremely appealing, albeit generic instrumental layered progressive rock.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/tim-face-berlin-youth/feed/ 0 Captain Credible – Planet of the Eternal Electro Breakdance Orgy http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/captain-credible-planet-of-the-eternal-electro-breakdance-orgy/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/captain-credible-planet-of-the-eternal-electro-breakdance-orgy/#comments Fri, 21 May 2010 08:30:33 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1160 I bid you welcome to the Planet of the Eternal Electro Breakdance Orgy. I promise nothing but an *eternal* electro breakdance orgy. at least that’s what you’ll get if you put this album on repeat. stating «coffee, and other music» as his influences, English-born Daniel (who now resides in Norway) is Captain Credible. and what exactly is Captain Credible? a one-man band? sure. an electronica art explosion? sure. but he’s all that, and so much more. from the home-made instruments, to the radiator he uses at his gigs to ensure a warm sound – this is an experience like none other, and this record is an eventful journey into the absurd imagination of Captain Credible. we partake on a nice little trip with Captain Credible, as he invites us to come join him on his spaceship. introducing us to what I can only assume are charming people (I mean, Dr. Testicles sounds like a fine man indeed), and describing exciting adventures such as “Pillaging With Astrodog”, the Captain sounds like he has a fairly hectic schedule on his hands. but thankfully he found the time to record these songs, despite being somewhat busy “Shooting Elephants on the Plains of the Serengeti”. the fact that he found the time to record this has to be one of the greatest things to have happened to this world, because these joyful and playful epileptic seizures are nothing short of spectacular. this record is all over the place. Captain Credible is incredible. download this asap! then buy it from http://howisannierecords.com – from which you can get it extremely cheaply. well worth the money and then some.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/captain-credible-planet-of-the-eternal-electro-breakdance-orgy/feed/ 0 Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains – …Is Dead http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/johnny-hobo-and-the-freight-trains-is-dead/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/johnny-hobo-and-the-freight-trains-is-dead/#comments Fri, 21 May 2010 07:23:09 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1155 eighteen songs that take forty-two minutes to listen through – this is probably the most valuable of all Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains collection, and it’s also the last post I’ll do on them. for those missing Chaos Infiltration Squad and Love Songs for the Apocalypse – this record is those records combined. with deliciously supreme recording quality (especially compared to the earlier posts), this is probably the ultimate record by this band. if you’re a casual fan or an emerging folk punk fan, this is the record to get. if you’re a omg zuper fan – you’ll obviously want to get all the records by them that I’ve blogged… but prepare to be paying this one the most attention though. partially due to the recording quality, partially due to it containing eighteen tracks and consequently being the biggest song collection. as for the style of music – it’s basically the same formula as on the other records. it’s energetic and catchy folk punk that somehow manages to be both nonchalant yet passionate; snarky and nihilist; ugly though brilliant. you’ll want this. get get get it! (I’ve been playing a fair deal of Skate 3 lately… – it’s a disappointment, if you were wondering.)

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/johnny-hobo-and-the-freight-trains-is-dead/feed/ 0 Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains – Live at Bandit H.Q. http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/johnny-hobo-and-the-freight-trains-live-at-bandit-h-q/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/johnny-hobo-and-the-freight-trains-live-at-bandit-h-q/#comments Tue, 11 May 2010 07:07:57 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1151 as the album title evidence, this is a live take of Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains. it’s a split with Captain Chaos (Chris of Plan-It-X), but the songs appearing in this post are merely Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains’ side of the matter. that side consists of five songs that are c.a. sixteen and a half minutes long in total. all of the songs apart from one appears on one or more of the older posts, so this post is for you guys who can’t get enough of Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains. again, apologies for those of you who do not really care for this style of music. anyway, this live take has really good recording quality and is well worth checking out. the great thing about anything Pat the Bunny is involved with is how energetic the live shows are, with Pat and the audience screaming their lungs out as if a competition was going on. this is just really, really great, so check it out.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/johnny-hobo-and-the-freight-trains-live-at-bandit-h-q/feed/ 2 Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains – Sunday Easter Hangover http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/johnny-hobo-and-the-freight-trains-sunday-easter-hangover/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/johnny-hobo-and-the-freight-trains-sunday-easter-hangover/#comments Mon, 10 May 2010 08:21:50 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1149 another shortie. three songs, fifteen minutes. one of which appeared on the previous post (“New Mexico”). you know the drill by now. it’s Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains. it’s folk punk. acoustic guitar, trumpet, harmonica and shouting about the revolution etc. I don’t want to belittle this shit, because it truly is awe-inspiring – but there’s only so much detail I can put into the description of the music itself. it’s folk punk. catchy and memorable protest songs. this release even has fairly good recording quality, so there will be no annoying compromising of these beautiful songs! which is pretty great, because you cannot possibly listen to these songs without getting inspired and agog. so put these nihilist punk songs on, and dream of the future with Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains. «you wish the world was clean but I’m in love with the way it’s dirty.»

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/johnny-hobo-and-the-freight-trains-sunday-easter-hangover/feed/ 1 Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains – Caught in the Act of Not Being Awesome http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/johnny-hobo-and-the-freight-trains-caught-in-the-act-of-not-being-awesome/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/johnny-hobo-and-the-freight-trains-caught-in-the-act-of-not-being-awesome/#comments Fri, 07 May 2010 07:44:08 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1146 ok this is where the Johnny Hobo and The Freight Trains discography gets mildly confusing to me. I have no release year on this record, and there are highly conflicting rumours going around on forums. I must admit I’m a bit lost at the order and release dates by now (already), and even the legitimacy of the release. for all I know this is a fan-made collection of unreleased songs. but it sounds like it’s merely a live concert, but at the end of the songs there’s a studio take of parts of the song? it’s a bit weird. three of the songs are on Anarchy Means I Hate You, but this concert has no drum machine, no nothing. it’s just a man and his guitar… and what sounds like a stand up bass, but it’s sort of hard to tell, because it’s rather awkward-sounding in the mix. sometimes it sounds like it’s a drum? wtf? yeah. but thankfully the guitar and vocals both get across perfectly. so if you are interested in hearing Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains cursing the world live, then you should definitely get this release. the nihilist folk invasion continues, and will continue to continue over quite a few more posts. if you’re one of them who don’t like folk punk: sorry! if you like folk punk: you’re welcome!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/johnny-hobo-and-the-freight-trains-caught-in-the-act-of-not-being-awesome/feed/ 1 Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains – All Power to the Wingnuts! http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/johnny-hobo-and-the-freight-trains-all-power-to-the-wingnuts/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/johnny-hobo-and-the-freight-trains-all-power-to-the-wingnuts/#comments Wed, 05 May 2010 15:00:45 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1143 moving on with the Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains discography, here’s All Power to the Wingnuts! and with it comes fast and catchy chord progressions on an acoustic guitar, with passionate screamed vocals – all culminating in an anthem sound, perfected by the bittersweet sense of beauty found in the trumpet. containing three songs that are just over seven minutes, it’s a short affair. but(!) the quality of those three songs that are just over seven minutes, will undoubtedly leave you craving more. so stay tuned for the next update!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/johnny-hobo-and-the-freight-trains-all-power-to-the-wingnuts/feed/ 1 Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains – Anarchy Means I Hate You http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/johnny-hobo-and-the-freight-trains-anarchy-means-i-hate-you/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/johnny-hobo-and-the-freight-trains-anarchy-means-i-hate-you/#comments Mon, 03 May 2010 11:55:13 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1141 ever since I uploaded Wingnut Dishwashers Union, I’ve been getting a lot of requests to upload Johnny Hobo and the Freight Train’s discography. and while this has always been my intention, I just never got started. so here you go folks. here I am… getting started. I hope I have everything in the correct order, but I’m not 100% sure, and I can’t ask Pat because he’s in rehab (we’re rooting for you, bud), so don’t get mad if I fuck up the order. at least my heart is in the right place. at least I’m uploading *everything* by Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains for you! and I’m starting with this record, entitled Anarchy Means I Hate You. for those of you who haven’t ever heard of Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains, they are one of the ultimate newer American folk bands. negative, nihilist and anarchist train hopping acoustic folk punk. keep in mind that this is a demo (I think), so the production value is somewhat lacking in places (the drums), but the ideas and the manner in which they are performed more than saves this record. these songs are genuinely worth listening to, for their spiteful and clever lyrics, the energetic performances and the simply catchy guitar hooks! get this, and start looking forward to the next post.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/05/johnny-hobo-and-the-freight-trains-anarchy-means-i-hate-you/feed/ 1 Tim, Face Berlin – We Could Wait Forever http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/tim-face-berlin-we-could-wait-forever/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/tim-face-berlin-we-could-wait-forever/#comments Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:32:27 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1136 I visited Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson’s Facebook page today, like I do almost every day. their latest post was a recommendation of the Swedish band Tim, Face Berlin. “and the rest is history”. this is the band’s first release, from May 2009. they proudly present themselves as fans of Mogwai and Explosions in the Sky on their MySpace, but they didn’t really have to write that. yes, it’s that obvious. like most bands in the progressive rock genre that omit vocals from their sound, they simply can’t avoid being compared to the two mammoths that are Mogwai and EitS. they borrow quite a bit of their backbone from them. they probably owe their entire existence to them, to be quite honest. but it’s okay. it doesn’t matter. it’s not a negative thing at all. it’s in fact completely irrelevant! because what matters is how Tim, Face Berlin pulls off their sound, not where they got it from. sure, their sound is essentially created by someone else, and they do come off as slightly generic on this, their début release – but that’s not the core of the matter. the core of the matter is how this music reaches out and touches the listener, and how they successfully create a sentimental and simply gorgeous atmosphere. We Could Wait Forever’s biggest flaw is undoubtedly the lack of innovation presented in the compositions, when put in a jar with all of the compositions of Tim, Face Berlin’s peers. there are a lot of bands with this sound that fail to stand out appropriately in the composition department. but Tim, Face Berlin stands out in a totally different, but incredibly more important department. and this is after all their first release – so maybe the innovation and originality will follow on their newer attempts? who knows. I really don’t care as much about it as I know others will. as long as they still manage to convey the huge amount of emotion with their music, as the achievement that is We Could Wait Forever does – I’m okay.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/tim-face-berlin-we-could-wait-forever/feed/ 1 Final Thought – Taste Test http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/final-thought-taste-test/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/final-thought-taste-test/#comments Mon, 26 Apr 2010 08:50:46 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1128 you guys remember that incredible emo band Vulture Culture, right? well, apparently they recorded their record in the basement of Dustin Dopsa. and apparently, he’s in the Toronto-based pop band Final Thought… and apparently they are strong believers in free music! what do you know, heh. so anyway, this is Final Thought. a Canadian pop band that’s somewhere between Angels & Airwaves, Fall Out Boy, 3OH!3 and Taking Back Sunday. now I only really like two of those bands (guess which ones!), but this mix works pretty great. it ends up being catchy vocal hooks over gentle guitar riffs, pleasant synth blip blops, soft bass lines, and upbeat drumming; a fairly generic and stereotypical pop rock sound. but Final Thought have some magic up their sleeves, and aren’t afraid to occasionally flash it, in order to stand out in a crowd – something they actually accomplish quite well. in such an otherwise stagnant and boring genre, it’s important to contribute with something fresh and genuine, and I feel like Final Thought do just that. with a little tongue in cheek lyrics and that good old trick of making really good tunes, this is a pop band that’s worth listening to. pay attention to these guys, because they might just be “the next big thing”. (and remember where you heard them first! ;) they will do everything they can to wrap you around their finger, so give them a chance! and tell all your friends to give them a chance as well. (did u c whut i did thur??? you’ll see once you get the track titles. it’s really “clever” and whatsitcalled “funny”.) download this!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/final-thought-taste-test/feed/ 0 Dire Wolf – Gloom http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/dire-wolf-gloom/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/dire-wolf-gloom/#comments Mon, 26 Apr 2010 08:26:27 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1119 … you know what? Dire Wolf actually released another record in December 2009! so if you liked the first one, be sure to get this one as well. you can expect more of the same, but with some modifications. the vocals are rawer and the guitars are more melodic – to name the two biggest changes for my ears. but the music is actually even heavier this time around. they’ve found a glorious style of metalcore that sounds like it shares quite a bit with the original metalcore (S.o.D., C.o.C., D.R.I. and other three-letter-acronym-bands). for all I know, the members of Dire Wolf don’t like or listen to either of these bands, but the impression I’m getting is that their influence has somehow made its way into Dire Wolf’s sound. Dire Wolf are however far more versatile, and incorporate – like mentioned in the last post – a lot of different sounds. on Gloom, they melt these sounds together even more than on s/t, where there were more obvious whenever they changed the style around. it’s more subtle on Gloom, consequently perhaps resulting in a more consistently thick and heavy record. in any event, it’s really good and well worth checking out. especially if you are into the latest hardcore trends of incorporating a lot of influence from the crossover genres (metalcore, crust, and so forth).

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/dire-wolf-gloom/feed/ 0 Dire Wolf – Dire Wolf http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/dire-wolf-dire-wolf/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/dire-wolf-dire-wolf/#comments Mon, 26 Apr 2010 08:10:16 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1117 it’s time to get acquainted with yet another new band here on that’s punk. this time, hailing from Ann Arbour, Michigan – is Dire Wolf. and they present themselves with much grace. the first few crushing tones sort of reminding me of Kollwitz, actually! they quickly enough pick up pace, and place themselves comfortably within the modern hardcore formula, with a little dab of metal. but all along, I can’t shake this Kollwitz comparison. it’s clear to me that they do not actually sound like Kollwitz – but they do share some of the same qualities. there’s something adhesive and glutinous about it, like with drone or doom music. it’s very dark and brooding. and when they pick up the pace, they almost cross into power violence territory. this is a hardcore band that blends what I can only possibly think are widely different influences, into a unique and original sound of their own, that sometimes sounds like doom, sometimes like power violence, and sometimes even like black metal (the last minute and a half might be the highlight of the entire record). but at its core, this is just really good and experimental hardcore punk. in addition to this unique sound, they write lyrics that deal with both highly personal issues as well as political issues, or rather society’s and civilisation’s potential downfall as a whole. this record was released in February 2009, and I’m proud to present it here on that’s punk – albeit a bit late. this record is fascinating and well worth playing through. give it a go! also check this band’s MySpace on http://www.myspace.com/direwolfmi for tour dates, if you’re from the US. they’re ploughing through a chunk of it, starting the first of May. so check that out, and check this download out.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/dire-wolf-dire-wolf/feed/ 0 Beyond the Fences – Unreleased http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/beyond-the-fences-unreleased/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/beyond-the-fences-unreleased/#comments Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:48:54 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1114 this is a band who knows how to make a first impression. the first two tracks of this unreleased compilation were rerecorded for the Salute Utopia 10″ (download available further down the blog), their only release. but what a release! that 10″ is one of the most ferocious records I have ever heard. and this compilation of unreleased tracks is no less furious. this album is just a confirmation that Beyond the Fences is without a doubt one of the very finest punk rock bands in all of history. this band is just insanely good, and I want to strongly encourage everyone to check them out. this is some of the most ardent music ever made. Beyond the Fences blazes through these five tracks in the most intense way at all possible. this band is criminally overlooked, and worth its weight in gold – nay, in antimatter. you need to hear this band. download this!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/beyond-the-fences-unreleased/feed/ 0 Vulture Culture – Cassette http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/vulture-culture-cassette/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/vulture-culture-cassette/#comments Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:41:27 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1112 Vulture Culture are a band that I know absolutely nothing about. there exist pretty much no information on them anywhere. but their album is a) for free download and b) good. no scratch b – this is *perfect*. the composition style favours haunting atmospheres that build up to beautiful and completely breath-taking climaxes. with some rather lengthy songs (particularly the opening track), this band aims for something grand. and they achieve something very much grand by exploring different musical territories in a progressive and searching manner. these tracks display high composing skill, in the dynamic way they crawl up on you. with highly distinct vocals, soft and pretty melodies and well crafted highs and lows, Vulture Culture are a band that manages to sound vastly different from any other band out there, with their pleasant softness and prominent mood. this is highly ambitious and even more successful. if I were to describe this record with one word, it would be “slumber”. Cassette feels like an eerie slumber; a state of constant euphoria. this album cannot be overrated. download this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/vulture-culture-cassette/feed/ 0 Killing Years – Killing Years http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/killing-years-killing-years/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/killing-years-killing-years/#comments Thu, 22 Apr 2010 10:45:08 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1109 so you guys remember I talked about Killing Years, right? well here they are. and they used to be called Nations, but after many line-up changes, they decided to change their name as well. but one thing that hasn’t changed, are their ethics. strongly rooted in the DIY movement, these guys do everything themselves. and they’ve uploaded this album themselves, stating that while they did in fact «spen[d] money to have it recorded/mixed/mastered, and will spend the money to press and get it out there with physical copies», «this has never been about profit». but hopefully, their admirable ethics won’t be the only thing that leaves an impression on you. this is a ten minute record that is somewhat reminiscent of the Nations demo, but still really different. I’d say that Nations is significantly heavier, and more influenced by bands like Unbroken. this band doesn’t focus as much on breakdowns, but they are a lot more dynamic. ranging from the slow and controlled (but far from calm) to the raging fast, this band masters both end of the pace spectrum, and everything in between – including the transitions. another thing that separates them from Nations for me is that this band appears much more melodic, despite finding the time to experiment with pace transitions. Killing Years definitely have a very accomplished sound, solid compositions and highly skilled performers. but what makes them really worth listening to – and I say this about nearly every band ever, sorry – is their passion. the burning passion that fills each and every song on this record is what makes it so good. so download this, and support this band.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/killing-years-killing-years/feed/ 0 Celeste – Morte(s) Nee(s) http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/celeste-mortes-nees/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/celeste-mortes-nees/#comments Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:21:38 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1105 “WOW” is the first thing that comes to mind when I press play on the new Celeste album. the line between screamo and black metal isn’t there any more. this is furious modern black metal of the absolute highest quality. but then enter the vocals, the sound alters slightly, and we’re back in that ever so lucent screamo/black metal border territory. while Celeste certainly are comparable to their countrymen Daïtro and Amanda Woodward, there’s something entirely different about them. if you take screamo and black metal – two already ugly as fuck genres – and fuse them together, you get the raw, dissonant and filthy mess of insanity that is Celeste. away with the typical dynamics of modern screamo, welcome loud and suffocating monotony, and an end result that is thicker than doom metal and more atonal than sludge. a depressing 41 minutes of nihilistic and misanthropic melancholy that will blow you away if you haven’t heard this band before (in which case I’d recommend you download the rest of their discography as well, available further down). on the other hand, if you have heard them before – you probably know what to expect. this album isn’t a giant leap in terms of musical style, by any means. it’s rather yet another step towards perfection. and let me assure you – Celeste are getting so close, it’s scary. scary, like the enraged wrath that unfolds onto the listener through this hateful album. it shows no mercy, whatsoever. you need to get this. and like the like the rest of their stuff, you can order it at their record label Denovali.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/celeste-mortes-nees/feed/ 0 Nations – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/nations-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/nations-demo/#comments Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:52:23 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1101 another band that Will – the vocalist from Some Mistakes used to be in is Nations. Nations have undergone a bunch of changes, and are now known as the Christian hardcore band Killing Years. but before Killing Years (we’ll get back to them some posts later, hopefully), there was Nations. this demo shows a promising young band in love with ’90s hardcore and with an affection for melody. they are a little comparable to Word Travels Fast, but there aren’t any clean vocals, and the production is a bit more gritty. this is a heavy hardcore band with tough break downs, but very intricate and at times highly melodic guitar licks underneath the raspy vocals, that serves as a counterpoint to the usually implicit melodic music. in a very skilled manner, the breakdowns are the perfect heavy and brooding contrasts to the fast and melodic, though just as powerful upbeat parts. this is somewhat in between Unbroken and Word Travels Fast, and a good band for you hardcore fans to give a try. check them out.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/nations-demo/feed/ 0 1.6 Band – The Checkered Pasts of All Kings Present http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/1-6-band-the-checkered-pasts-of-all-kings-present/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/1-6-band-the-checkered-pasts-of-all-kings-present/#comments Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:24:56 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1099 in 1989 what would later become one of the quintessential emo bands of the ’90s formed in Long Island, NY. by 1991 they had “settled down” (i.e. began touring regularly and sporting a stable line-up) with the band name 1.6 Band. this is a band name that means a lot to a lot of people. if the name doesn’t ring any bells for you, you need to download this as soon as possible. existing from 1991 to 1993, they put out three 7″s and an LP. the songs appearing on said records are available on a discography CD, Broke Up, released in 1995. but here we are – in 2010, and 1.6 Band are probably more popular than ever. a lot of the emo giants of the ’90s have enjoyed a resurrection via the Internet, and 1.6 Band are not an exception. it certainly didn’t hurt that they reunited last year. yes – this is actually an entirely new 7″! well, not “new” new… but 21st century new, at least. The Checkered Pasts of All Kings Present is a 12:12 long 7″ with much of the same tongue in cheek not-really-crooning over jazzy and spastic ’90s emo. playful experimenting with scales and rapid changes in tempo and style altogether, somewhat comparable to Daniel Striped Tiger. these guys are highly skilled – but what makes this worth listening to is the first and foremost the intensity! so whether you’ve slept on this band, never heard of it, love it but didn’t know about the reunion, – you need to download this. N.B. word of advise: stay away from the FLACs! they crash both my tag editor and my media player. I don’t know what’s up with them. but the 320kbps MP3s sound very good, so get those. then order the 7″, if you like the songs. it’s really cheap ($5 ppd in USA). buy link is in the download link.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/1-6-band-the-checkered-pasts-of-all-kings-present/feed/ 0 Word Travels Fast – Ellen http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/word-travels-fast-ellen/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/word-travels-fast-ellen/#comments Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:24:40 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1094 I would like to say that «if you liked Some Mistakes, you’ll like this!» – but I can’t. at all. this band is related to Some Mistakes, in that the vocalist of Some Mistakes used to play bass for them, and one of the guitarist of Some Mistakes happen to play guitar for them. but there ends the comparison. this band plays a glimmering style of alternative meets hardcore. where Saves the Day focuses more on the alternative part, this band is probably much more hardcore punk. real fast and ferocious, but still very catchy and harmonic. if you like early blink-182, Descendents and other alternative bands that play really, really fast – you’ll like this as well. this is hardcore punk with pop sensibilities. or some other controversial contrast… a catchy energy bomb! starting out with longing emo-like twinkling, it soon enough picks up the pace. but *not* in favour of the melody. it hugs melody and harmony all the way from start to finish, in the same way that Saves the Day did on their first two albums (I haven’t really listened to the others). this is some high quality hardcore/alternative/punk/pop/whatever. pace, melody and quality all go hand in hand through this blistering record. hardcore needs bands like Word Travels Fast. download this! (curious side note: in the song “November’s Resolution” (which is my favourite song, actually), they sample the same scene from It’s A Wonderful Life as the ’90s emo band You And I do in their song “Smile”.)

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/word-travels-fast-ellen/feed/ 0 Candy Hearts – Ripped Up Jeans & Silly Dreams http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/candy-hearts-ripped-up-jeans-silly-dreams/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/candy-hearts-ripped-up-jeans-silly-dreams/#comments Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:30:37 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1092 if sometimes all you want is a little fuzz on the guitar, an upbeat rhythm section and laid back vocals… if sometimes all you want is to put on The Presidents of the United States of America, The Ergs! or Lemuria… if sometimes all you want is just want some cool rock’n'roll – then Candy Hearts are definitely for you. there is nothing pretentious or pompous about this record. it’s got cheap and simple poppy hooks, dabdadabdaaa vocal harmonies, fuzzy power chords, upbeat drumming and a soft voice singing melodic lines about youthful thinking. the songs are naïve and very head over heels, which leads to Candy Hearts being quite charming and sweet – in a way less snotty way than blink-182, Sum 41 and other alternative bands formed in the ’90s. they also utilize noisy guitars and heavy compositions in the vein of The Pixies, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr. and other alternative bands founded in the ’80s. so the end result is a nice timeless style of rock. a consistent and thorough effort, clocking in at over thirty minutes – this is a record you are very likely to enjoy regardless of your preferences, due to its simplicity and charm. you can’t *not* like “Anything” – a modern rock classic from the first listen. download this album!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/candy-hearts-ripped-up-jeans-silly-dreams/feed/ 1 Some Mistakes – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/some-mistakes-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/some-mistakes-demo/#comments Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:13:08 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1079 with a crisp guitar tone that has a way of getting inside your head, a rhythm section that almost sounds like it gets heavier each and every second, and an emotive and sincere vocal performance, Some Mistakes largely favour a heavy sound over quick half minute burst songs. Some Mistakes are a band that shows that you needn’t move at a great pace to move with great purpose. they ultimately reside somewhere between ’90s screamo bands like Elements of Need, and more recent screamo bands, like Mesa Verde (which can be downloaded further down if you are interested), that incorporate more intricate progressive rock elements in their composing. hints of heavy ’90s hardcore/screamo bands like Unbroken and You and I are also detected, along with subtle touches of Modern Life is War and American Nightmare/Give up the Ghost. the end result reminds me of a more hardcore than metal version of Quiritatio, and a less lengthy Fall of Efrafa. anyway, the demo is just over ten minutes long, but makes one hell of an impression in those ten minutes. their anger and passion can be felt throughout the entire thing, as it almost makes its way out of the speakers. the sheer volume, power and passion this band has managed to put into the recordings are overwhelming to the point of it almost crushing you, into the broken souls they sing about in their songs. I am *not* the product of dysfunction and unhappiness, but these songs almost make me feel like I am. the great never ending sadness that these tales tell are breathtakingly painful, but it’s nothing compared to the manner in which the band tells them. that’s what makes this band so special; what makes these songs completely unique, and utterly amazing. you need to hear this band. these three songs are beyond spectacular, and so well crafted as well as performed that this demo is simply bursting with blistering emotional confession and breakdown. note that like quite the few other bands I’ve downloaded from bandcamp (1099′s latest album which can be downloaded further down is one of them), the FLAC copies are nothing but white noise in my standard media player, Amarok. it does work in some other players, like VideoLan Client. so if you use Amarok or any other media player that utilizes the Xine engine, you might consider downloading this in Ogg Vorbis instead. it still sounds extremely good. the recording quality of this demo does not take anything away from the songs or compromise them in any way, thankfully. because these songs are nothing short of fantastic, and they deserve to be heard. hear them!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/some-mistakes-demo/feed/ 0 Det Magiske Blå Orkesteret – Fra Sjal Til Server… http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/det-magiske-bla-orkesteret-fra-sjal-til-server/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/det-magiske-bla-orkesteret-fra-sjal-til-server/#comments Fri, 16 Apr 2010 09:12:08 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1077 Det Magiske Blå Orkesteret means the magical blue orchestra in English, and it’s definitely a magic orchestra. it’s about time we make another visit to Bodø, Norway – and its fantastic music scene. sounding something like a European Frank Zappa born in the ’80s – the 4080s – who’s travelled back in time with the mother ship to inflict pain and suffering… it’s a quite quirky listen. probably best enjoyed on drugs. hard drugs. avant-garde with the marimba and flutes utilized to create an overall cosy atmosphere in which anyone could feel comfortable. this is an instant classic! or… it will be by 4080, I’m sure!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/det-magiske-bla-orkesteret-fra-sjal-til-server/feed/ 0 I See Horses – Has My Stealth Been in Vain http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/i-see-horses-has-my-stealth-been-in-vain/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/i-see-horses-has-my-stealth-been-in-vain/#comments Fri, 16 Apr 2010 08:44:43 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1068 I know rather little about this band, save for the fact that they’ve supposedly been harvesting some really positive attention in the scene over the last year, resulting in them being played on the radio. I also know that they are indie and that this album is for free download. and it’s really good. with vocals that at times are strikingly similar to Wesley in Boris Smile or Brandon Flowers of The Killers, and music that isn’t too far off The Killers either – I See Horses make you feel good with musical references to the ’80s, and bands such as U2 (their good songs) and Simple Minds, but with a very modern and relevant twist, like The Killers and Keane. but both the vocals and the music isn’t in any way stuck in a one way traffic lane, as it in all its versatility constantly change things up. while perhaps not particularly innovating or outstandingly original, this band is pure quality nevertheless. a breath of pop magic has been drawn. did you catch it?

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/i-see-horses-has-my-stealth-been-in-vain/feed/ 0 The Sky Looks Pissed – This Ending Promise http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/the-sky-looks-pissed-this-ending-promise/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/the-sky-looks-pissed-this-ending-promise/#comments Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:36:53 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1066 it’s been all too long since the last post consisting of one of Ethan’s many beloved project. for those of you who aren’t up to date – he’s in The Loneliest Cowgirls, Henry Bemis Is A Superhero and Screaming and Dreaming. oh, and The Sky Looks Pissed. which brings me to this post. This Ending Promise is the first “Ethan post” in a while, so I hope you’ve missed him as much as I have. for those of you who aren’t Ethan nerds, this band is a fairly stereotypical down to earth folk rock band. at least most of the time. occasionally though (especially on this new album), it strays away from the “formula”, in favour of e.g. ambience, noise or punk. the lyrics are personal and confrontational, and not (obviously) political. it’s mostly songs about girls, to be quite honest. filled with humour and self-irony akin to Loudon Wainwright III. in between the songs about girls, are ambient – almost shoegaze passages. anyway, to sum it up – it’s a fairly experimental folk rock album. if you like folk rock, you might like this. if you don’t like folk rock, you probably won’t like this. you know what to do people.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/the-sky-looks-pissed-this-ending-promise/feed/ 0 forte – forte ’09 http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/forte-forte-09/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/forte-forte-09/#comments Tue, 13 Apr 2010 07:11:48 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1064 this oddball sludgy screamo psychedelia insanity is forte, an Ukrainian… screamo band? at least *tendencies* towards screamo are to be found. but honestly the band I would compare them to first of all is MEHE, posted below, despite the fact that they sound nothing like them. but forte – like MEHE – are for the most of the time highly hyperactive and very eccentric – in a manner (not sound) that resembles The Locust. but this is a screamo band. sometimes they go into these Envy-like riffs and climaxes, and sometimes they do these Lungfish/Fugazi-ish calm but focused passages. they build it and tear it down… loudly. this Ukrainian band has me puzzled, to be honest. this over twenty minutes long record covers so much ground in those over twenty minutes. simply astonishingly diverse, with a detailed and interesting layered sound. complex and translucent, this is a band that I urge you to check out as fast as possible. pay especial notice to the beautiful album closer. it’s perfect.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/04/forte-forte-09/feed/ 0 Auguries of Innocence – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/auguries-of-innocence-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/auguries-of-innocence-demo/#comments Fri, 26 Mar 2010 09:37:01 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1057 well I don’t know about you, but I’ve been looking forward to this for a very long time. for those of you who hang on the forums (you lurker, you!), you’re probably aware of the sad disbanding of mamma, jeg blör… – so it is with great pleasure I introduce you to Auguries of Innocence. Mats played guitar and sang/screamed in mamma, jeg blör… – and now he sings/screams/growls/shrieks/whatever in Auguries of Innocence, a five piece deathcore act. and he does so with great skill and diversity, not unlike how every other member perform his key role to perfection. because let me assure you, everything is handled with the utmost care on this demo. Auguries of Innocence settles for nothing but perfection. the energetic drumming takes command and pummels the band through each of the compositions firmly with all of the corresponding breakdowns and tempo shifts. on top of this, the band has put ultra-melodic guitar riffs at high speeds – that sometimes takes the time to go into epic metal guitar solos, and sometimes to heavy palm muted riffs. in the middle of things are the vocals, sometimes intense shrieking, sometimes brooding low gutturals. at all times the execution is flawless, yielding a crisp and direct sound, helped by the rich mix. this is one of the very most accomplished and consistent demos I have ever heard, and you owe it to yourself – and everyone else – to give this a shot. it’s wonderful.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/auguries-of-innocence-demo/feed/ 0 Charles Manson – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/charles-manson-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/charles-manson-demo/#comments Fri, 26 Mar 2010 08:08:27 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1055 Edwin and Steven from TEETH have a band called Charles Manson. and like TEETH, Charles Manson have fade outs to their songs. this band has a demo, consisting of four tracks with Charles Manson samples, blast beats or heavy beats, a heavy bass and shouting this is extremely raw power violence. this demo doesn’t *focus* on recording quality, to put it like that. if you aren’t into stuff that kind of sounds like it was recorded in mono into a boombox that was inside a metal trash can – you might just want to avoid this altogether. but if you aren’t too picky in terms of production value, you might enjoy this and all of its dissonance. this is power violence stripped down to its core. get it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/charles-manson-demo/feed/ 0 Mutiny – Mutiny http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/mutiny-mutiny/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/mutiny-mutiny/#comments Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:58:33 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1050 from Norwegian screamo to the Canadian crust band Mutiny. including members of that’s punk favourites Iskra, they are a more than welcome addition to this blog. this is their self titled 7″, my last blog update for today. Mutiny are a really heavy crust band. grindcore and power violence influences are more than apparent. these guys slay. they go from heavy, gloomy and trance-inflicting metal, to fast-as-shit thrashing grindcore, with almost shrieking vocals, rapid-fire riffs and blast beats. it’s amazing. thirteen songs in fourteen minutes, this is mind-melting hard and politically outspoken music. it destroys. get it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/mutiny-mutiny/feed/ 1 Dominic – Running With Scissors http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/dominic-running-with-scissors/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/dominic-running-with-scissors/#comments Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:36:59 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1052 this is an album that should’ve been up ages ago. the reason it hasn’t been? simple. up until recently, I only had the 10″. now I got the CD from my friend Rune at http://www.notanotherrecordlabel.com/ – which you should definitely check out. the distro is beyond solid, and he’s always looking to hook you up with cool shit. this record is released on Dead Letter Records, but I don’t know how alive they are these days. their site is down, but I guess maybe you could message them on MySpace? I think Rune is a surer bet. anyway, this is – as the title implies – another Dominic record. it’s called Running With Scissors, and was released in 2004. so it pre-dates the s/t by two years, making it the earliest Dominic release on this blog. it’s five songs and about fifteen minutes. it showcases Dominic at their very most impatient. full of eagerness and hopefulness, they set out to create some of the most emotionally charged moments you’ll ever be lucky enough to experience. if you’ve heard this band before, you know what you are getting into. they have a highly distinct sound. instantly recognisable, instantly worthy of appreciation. get this. (then get the rest of their stuff, if you haven’t already.)

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/dominic-running-with-scissors/feed/ 1 Bomb the Music Industry! – Adults!!! Smart!!! Shithammered!!! And Excited By Nothing!!! http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/bomb-the-music-industry-adults-smart-shithammered-and-excited-by-nothing/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/bomb-the-music-industry-adults-smart-shithammered-and-excited-by-nothing/#comments Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:14:50 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1045 I’m getting sort of annoyed by these gimmicky exclamation marks… oh well. the music is thankfully really good. there’s something thoroughly cosy with this release. most of the tracks are upbeat ska with horns and the whole boat, but there’s this one downbeat track, and an electronica interlude thing. «Recorded, mixed and released in the span of FIVE DAYS, Adults!!! has the whole big family playing a million horns, bells, organs at full speed! Yes yes yes!!!», is how they like to describe it themselves – and they do so better than I can. but I’d like to add my own observation: what makes this release so incredibly successful is how easily it comes across that the band are having fun! the tunes are really good, but above all else they excel by being joyful. so if you are in the mood for fun and joy (how can you not be?), download this! I’d also suggest you do a donation via PayPal to info@quoteunquoterecords.com, including the band or album name in the title or body of the payment. this way these guys can have fun without being broke!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/bomb-the-music-industry-adults-smart-shithammered-and-excited-by-nothing/feed/ 0 Bomb the Music Industry! – Scrambles http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/bomb-the-music-industry-scrambles/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/bomb-the-music-industry-scrambles/#comments Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:43:18 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1042 continuing where they left of, the punk collective Bomb the Music Industry! strikes back with more infectious punk rock. Scrambles starts out with a demo-quality track, and then moves on to a “real quality” ska-tinged melodic punk rock track. sounds familiar? yes. the whole album is really “nothing but” a continuation of the previous album, or to be more precise – a perfection. it even includes quite some elements of ye olde Bomb the Music Industry! like synths and bells and bold jumps and quakes. so it’s still quirky and introspective lyrics on top of quirky and melodic music. it’s the same formula. but it’s has never been better employed throughout their career than now. they have simply grown a lot, and learned many new things. there is nothing that screams rock anthems more than a piano. while not *all* Ben Folds’s songs are good, the foundation is really cool, so ripping him off *is* a good thing… and so on. all these experiences make this a thoroughly enjoying album, full of pure quality, and lots of diversity. on “$2,400,000″, it even goes into Wingnut Dishwashers Union land! the lyrics are always honest, modest and somewhat sad, though at the end I always find optimism in there somewhere. there’s always hope in the end! this is inherently a joyful album, in my humble opinion. and it’s a *damn* fine album, that deserves your listen. download it! and buy it on CD/LP from http://www.asianmanrecords.com, or donate via PayPal to info@quoteunquoterecords.com, including the name of the band or the album in the title or body of the payment. the CD/LP is really worth it though, because you get this awesome fanzine with it (both the CD and the LP), that features many cool tips. not to mention you get this glorious album! the definite culmination of everything that is good with this band – including one of the finest punk anthems ever – “(Shut) Up the Punx”. this is one of those albums where almost every song is an anthem! get it!!!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/bomb-the-music-industry-scrambles/feed/ 0 Bomb the Music Industry! – Get Warmer http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/bomb-the-music-industry-get-warmer/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/bomb-the-music-industry-get-warmer/#comments Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:11:37 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1038 this record marks a real turning point for Bomb the Music Industry! live drums appear throughout the whole album, and there are no programmed synths. it’s all analogue, baby. they even recorded demos and then re-recorded them. professionalism! this is even the first record that you can actually buy! so buy it from http://www.asianmanrecords.com/ while you’re at it. or, if you think that those “records” and “CDs” are for dinosaurs, keep donating via PayPal to info@quoteunquoterecords.com while including the name of the album or band in the title or body of the payment. anyway, to get back to the album; nothing says higher production value like having a demo-like quality to the intro, that eventually gets wrapped up in a “real quality” song. I love that idea. my band will definitely do that on our début. no doubt. so yeah, you guys remember how the previous album I posted, Goodbye Cool World, marked Bomb the Music Industry!’s turning point? well if that was a sort of transition, then this is the new (and improved?) Bomb the Music Industry!. so there are fewer maniac bursts of almost The Locust-esque synth-heavy hardcore, or ’80s east coast harDCore punk. Bomb the Music Industry! is simply more consistent than ever. less funny genre jumps, more melodic and engaging punk rock riffs. the thing about this more focused album is that it does automatically come off as more immediately believable. I’m sorry, but when you do what Bomb the Music Industry! had a habit of doing on especially the first two albums, you feel forced to take the time to evaluate – «am I being taken the piss out of?» but here, it all comes off very believable. what’s even better is that the band hasn’t compromised its creativity, nor lost its interestingness. it has matured though preserved what made it great in the first place.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/bomb-the-music-industry-get-warmer/feed/ 0 Bomb the Music Industry! – Goodbye Cool World http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/bomb-the-music-industry-goodbye-cool-world/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/bomb-the-music-industry-goodbye-cool-world/#comments Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:05:23 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1035 more quirky lyrics and quirky music? more Bomb the Music Industry!? yessssssss. here is “Goodbye Cool World”. how is it compared to the other two albums (which you obviously have already downloaded)? well, it’s more what old people would call “mature”, in my opinion. attempts at ripping off The Hold Steady and mid-tempo arena rock anthems are some of the ingredients of this album. but don’t despair, there are still some high paced ska/punk songs. there are just fewer of those rowdy punk rock songs, compared to the number of synth-heavy feelgood tracks. despite some really unorthodox genre blending and jumping, I think it’s worth noticing that Bomb the Music Industry!’s lyrics are sincere and how they usually make really valid points. they speak their opinions loudly, and I gather they’d expect to be taken seriously. no matter if they play a synth-reggae song, or an ’80s alternative rock song. the fact is just that this band is just immensely creative, and seem to feel a dire need to experiment with genres – thus making the end result all over the place, which is a great deal of what makes this band so fun to listen to. and then on this one track there’s a ‘ukulele… which pretty much constitutes awesomeness! get this! and keep donating by sending some money (maybe $5 or so?) via PayPal to info@quoteunquoterecords.com. put the band name or album title or whatever in the title or body of the payment, so they know what you are donating to/for.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/bomb-the-music-industry-goodbye-cool-world/feed/ 0 Bomb the Music Industry! – To Leave Or Die in Long Island http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/bomb-the-music-industry-to-leave-or-die-in-long-island/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/bomb-the-music-industry-to-leave-or-die-in-long-island/#comments Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:36:31 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1025 I wrote a lengthy thing here, but it wasn’t saved so I’m now writing it for the second time. that pisses me off. but anyway, we’re wasting as little time as possible here at the that’s punk community. so let’s continue our dive into Bomb the Music Industry!’s discography. this is a band that has as quirky lyrics as music. sounding somewhat like a Christmas album made under the heavy influence of crystal meth and various other substances, To Leave Or Die in Long Island stands on well balanced hardcore and ska legs, but everything from the legs and up consists of what they themselves elegantly describe as «[s]ing-alongs, drum machines, synthesizers [and] saxophones played faster than fuck». a fitting description, indeed. though there are actually some calmer points to this album, just as the début. there’s even some sort of uhm… ballad..? yeah. the lyrics still revolve somewhat around the hardcore scene and punk rock – but the main themes are still the band itself, and the lyricist. from being broke and stuck in a minimum wage job to their bassist applying for Every Time I Die, it’s diverse enough to not constitute nagging. Bomb the Music Industry! continues their avant-garde punk rock thing with style – and energy. if you liked the first album, you’ll like this. if you didn’t like the first album, you won’t like this. if you haven’t heard the first album, get both, and play them. play them hard. download this! oh, and you can still donate by sending money via PayPal to info@quoteunquoterecords.com with the album title or band name in the title or body of the message.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/bomb-the-music-industry-to-leave-or-die-in-long-island/feed/ 0 Bomb the Music Industry! – Album Minus Band http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/bomb-the-music-industry-album-minus-band/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/bomb-the-music-industry-album-minus-band/#comments Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:28:59 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1022 if you’ve already heard this band, chances are you’ve already downloaded their discography and indulged in it heavily. if you haven’t heard this punk collective – now is the time. and there’s no better place to start than the insanity of their début, a messy beating of an album. the music is… pretty hard to categorise and speak of… let me get back to that. the lyrics are easier to decipher, so I’ll do those first. they could probably be categorised as “offensive”, when they just throw it out there in the open, that maybe George W. Bush (president at the time) should blow his brains out on national TV. dealing with everything from social politics, to personal day-to-day issues, to “the scene” – and how stupid bands who think they are “cool” are. usually employing a rather simplistic straightforward though slightly comedic approach to lyricism, Bomb the Music Industry!’s songs are highly refreshing. now to try to say a few words about the music… well… it’s definitely energetic, intense and ferocious. firmly rooted in punk rock, with plenty of ’80s east coast hardcore and ska influences… with drum machines and synth and American Steel/Against Me!-esque vocals and uh stuff… but this album essentially sounds like it was recording whilst the performers had a constant itch. it rapidly jumps between different blends of musical genres. who would know that putting synthpop on top of ska makes a totally legit Harvey Danger cover? but what I am in fact trying to say here is that this band sounds like no other band. and no matter if they are doing sped-up lounge rock in 8-bit electronic synths combined with a dancehall-ish ska back-beat, acoustic guitar ballads or furious harDCore punk anthems – they do so in a highly authentic and believable way. this album has some of the most intense quick-paced energy bombs put on record, some cracking social commentary, great and ambitious genre blends, and a completely beautiful ballad to end it all. seriously – it rocks so hard that you can’t even begin to imagine how much it rocks until you put it on… which of course means you’ll have to download this asap! yes, that’s right. this band isn’t only great because of its music, but also because of their impeccable diy ethics. I just hope this band is remembered just as much for their great music as for releasing their music for free on Quote Unquote Records. you can donate by sending money via PayPal to info@quoteunquoterecords.com (suggested donation is $5, but it’s up to you), and putting the name of the band or album or whatever in the donation title or body. I recommend you do, and help these guys to go on forever and ever! and remember to check out the epic Black 47-esque album closer!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/bomb-the-music-industry-album-minus-band/feed/ 0 Boris Smile – Beartooth EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/boris-smile-beartooth-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/boris-smile-beartooth-ep/#comments Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:27:55 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1016 if you were into We Were Lightning, you will very much want to check out this band. Boris Smile started out in 2004 as a one man band, and in 2005 they released their first EP, and in 2007 they released their first album. both of these were on a label called Toy Records. in spring, 2008 yet another album was released… and come autumn, come Beartooth EP. I have no idea what the availability of these other records are, but I’ll try to find out and edit this sentence accordingly. Beartooth is an extravagant adventure of a record. try on Brandon Flowers’s (of The Killers) vocals on top of upbeat and catchy chamber pop. with a heartfelt nerve, Boris Smile explores both darker sad feelings as well as joyful happy feelings in this journey of wonderful stories and gentle sounds. I highly recommend you download this! and that you buy it from http://www.cylsrecords.com – yes, it’s yet another release on the great label Count Your Lucky Stars. get this.

click to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/boris-smile-beartooth-ep/feed/ 0 Cindy – The Influence http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/cindy-the-influence/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/cindy-the-influence/#comments Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:12:25 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1013 Cindy are one of the many great bands from Narvik (Norway) that are either broken up or not situated in Narvik any more and performing under a different name. thankfully, this band isn’t among the broken up ones. they are alive and well under the new name The Hex. I have no idea what they are doing, but they told me that an album should be out this spring – so look out for that; I know I will. but anyway let’s talk about this 2006 release – The Influence – by Cindy. comparisons to other bands from Narvik like Cactus and Please Turn Over (now known as New Frequency) are more than appropriate. for those of you oblivious to either of those bands, this music draws influence from many different sounds. alternative bands like Foo Fighters, early Radiohead and Muse, are maybe the main focus, but there’s quite some bit of emo bands like Dominic and At the Drive-In, as well as some more straight rock oriented stuff like newer Turbonegro. there are even hints of mid-career A Fire Inside. the vocals kind of remind of Davey Havok’s tone… at times at least. anyway, my point is that this is fairly general rock music, though with plenty of different intriguing elements within the sound. this means that this can easily attract any audience; any fan of rock music. their sense of melody, atmosphere and overall understanding of how to compose music that feels accomplishing and rewarding to listen to despite its approachable and “poppy” sound, makes The Influence a truly interesting piece of music that can be valued by both the casual music listener, as well as the above average musically interested person. it’s catchy and light without being shallow. to put it short: Cindy rules. download this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/cindy-the-influence/feed/ 0 Heart Eyes – Demo 2009 http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/heart-eyes-demo-2009/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/heart-eyes-demo-2009/#comments Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:44:22 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1008 so I heard this chick had covered Fugazi on the ‘ukulele. initially I was worried this would just be a gimmicky silly “omg l00k @ me I cover emo/hardcore bands in an unconventional manner”. it’s not. and she covered “I’m So Tired”, so it’s not like she’s doing “Turnover” or “Shut the Door”. and her cover just goes to prove that if you’re going to cover Fugazi with an ‘ukulele, then “I’m So Tired” is the right track to cover. she pulls it off quite nicely, to be quite honest. but she pulls off her own material even better! and her American Nightmare cover is also impeccable. if you – like me – have an indescribable affection for Hawaiian instruments… or just good music… chances of you getting into this are high. the honesty and boldness in the lyrics and tone somewhat contrast the – to me – joyful and happy sound of the ‘ukulele. unfortunately the tapes are sold out, but hey – at least you get to download it from that’s punk, eh?

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/heart-eyes-demo-2009/feed/ 0 TEETH – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/teeth-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/teeth-demo/#comments Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:07:45 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1006 if you are longing for something more violent than the latest posts, then my friend – TEETH are for you. early ’90s sounding power violence with some amounts of grindcore, some amounts of hardcore – and some crust. very bass-heavy, and with fade-outs on every song. I’m not a fan of fade-outs at all… but fade-outs on *power violence songs*? that is just amazing. in under fifteen minutes, TEETH deliver some very much refreshing as well as crushing power violence in the vein of Man Is the Bastard, Hellnation and even Dropdead at times on the faster songs. oh, and with fade-outs! the recording quality is so so. the cymbals are very loud… and most of the other stuff is not so loud. but I mean they get their point across just fine… and they cover Napalm Death. so I’m very much looking forward to hearing more from this band, because this demo gave me a very appealing first taste of TEETH.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/teeth-demo/feed/ 0 Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate) – When the Sea Became A Giant http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/empire-empire-i-was-a-lonely-estate-when-the-sea-became-a-giant/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/empire-empire-i-was-a-lonely-estate-when-the-sea-became-a-giant/#comments Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:12:26 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1003 I’m happy to say that this posts completes the e! e! discography here at that’s punk. this was their first release ever, and is well out of print. so for those of you who have been looking for this and those of you who didn’t even know of its existence – here you go! and to those of you who haven’t yet been exposed to this magical journey that is Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate), please proceed to download this (and the other posts of this band). e! e! sounds like someone carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders whilst constantly stepping on needles, partly to be reassured that he’s still able to feel anything at all – and partly because no matter where he treads there are no safe spots to be found. this band is damned depressing. but they are depressing without being cliché or stupid. and that by itself is a strong feat. if you can’t stand “whiney” music, you might just do yourself the favour of staying away from this. if however you are open to this kind of stuff, stuff like Mineral and American Football, you will like this. I like this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/empire-empire-i-was-a-lonely-estate-when-the-sea-became-a-giant/feed/ 0 The Tie That Binds – Slowly Sinking Under http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/the-tie-that-binds-slowly-sinking-under/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/the-tie-that-binds-slowly-sinking-under/#comments Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:26:19 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=1001 I present to you The Tie That Bind’s début. so if you missed out on these guys the first time, this is the time to pick them up. and if you remember the first The Tie That Binds album I posted, then you no doubt remember it fondly enough to pick this up. it’s fairly reminiscent of their second album, though with a slightly different line-up. imagine if Evergreen and The Pine were catchy enough to play the Warped Tour. like if they’d fused a bit with Taking Back Sunday. throw in some Jawbreaker and you are already in possession of a fairly accurate description of The Tie That Binds. sounds pleasant, right? well it is. if I had to compare them to just one band though, I think I might have landed on gods reflex. because like gods reflex, The Tie That Binds have that very emotional approach mixed with the upbeat and catchy song structures and great rock guitars with plenty of little solos. so check this out. you won’t regret it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/03/the-tie-that-binds-slowly-sinking-under/feed/ 0 Polara – Inacabado http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/polara-inacabado/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/polara-inacabado/#comments Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:23:16 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=999 unfortunately my Portuguese hasn’t improved any since the previous post. has yours? meh. you should be able to enjoy this anyway. duelling melodic guitars that rapidly exchange the listener’s focus with perfected lines of power chords and sugar sweet picking, with a pleasant rhythm section consisting of bass lines softer than the softest of duvets and an easy on the ears drum kit with lots of toms and nice fills. finally to top it off there are vocals that blend comfortably in with all of the other equally vital ingredients of Polara, making this album just as safely a bet as the previous one. this might even be better – at least to my ears. I’d like to make a bold comparison to Sugar, with their “cleanly distorted” guitars and unmatchable sense of melody. this is simply brilliant. and for all of you who were slightly annoyed by the occasional low quality recording on the previous album, rest assured – this album is much more consistent in terms of audio fidelity. so audiophiles, come on in you as well. I present to you twelve delightful emo songs from the Brazilian masterminds Polara. enjoy!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/polara-inacabado/feed/ 0 Polara – Tempestade Bipolar http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/polara-tempestade-bipolar/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/polara-tempestade-bipolar/#comments Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:36:51 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=995 now over to one of those bands that I know absolutely nothing about sans the fact that they make great music. these guys have uploaded their music for free on last.fm, and so I thought I’d do the users of that’s punk a favour by uploading it here as well. and believe me, this is a favour you’ll appreciate. Polara are an emo band from Brazil, a country we haven’t explored thoroughly enough on this blog. actually, I think that the only other band from Brazil that makes an appearance is DDT punkrock. so let’s welcome Polara to the party! they play a sort of Cap’n Jazz-esque emo with tons of energy. the songs are one or two minutes of uplifting guitars and harmonic vocals. this is punk rock that just shines of feelgood and joy. some of the songs are rather lo-fi, but most have more than satisfactory recording quality. and the musical quality is dependable on each track. for the most part, this is uncomplicated punk rock with guitars, shouting and upbeat drumming. some tracks experiment outside of that scope, but the tracks that I like the best are the ones that are just rocking out. so check this out for some great happy emo. and if anyone could direct me to where to buy their stuff in Europe or how to get in touch with them, let me know!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/polara-tempestade-bipolar/feed/ 0 Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate) – What It Takes to Move Forward http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/empire-empire-i-was-a-lonely-estate-what-it-takes-to-move-forward/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/empire-empire-i-was-a-lonely-estate-what-it-takes-to-move-forward/#comments Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:54:17 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=992 with twinkling very Penfold-esque guitars and soft drums and bass this band’s sound is extremely reminiscent of Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson, particularly their first album. what sets them apart from them though is that their love affair with Mineral and the other greats of ’90s emo is far more apparent. though these guys have definitely picked up on the modern progressive rock trend, they aren’t as planted in it as Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson are – though they do move into these pleasing American Football affairs from time to time. I’m not going to compare the bands in terms of quality, because this is highly subjective. that’s for you to decide, which one you prefer. I will however say that they hit different moods, but are to me fairly equally satisfying experiences. e! e! are generally a far more bleak and dismal affair. the lyrics are easily compared to Mineral’s, generally not filled of metaphors or overly complex wordings – but somehow there is something poetic and deep about them. this is no doubt caused by the culmination of the lamentable delivery, the melancholic atmosphere and the simply depressing words about hearts being torn out and lungs giving out. lyrically, this is simply a very consistently sad record. and the music definitely reflects that, if it isn’t the lyrics that are reflecting the music – because let me assure you, it is a depressing affair of soft nervous drumming, harmonic bass lines, and twinkling clean guitars building up into weeping minor chords and feedback with frail vocals shouting words of greater torment and pain over furious crisp drums. if you have forgotten what anxiety feels like, this is the album I’d recommend you to pick up. this record expresses grief and sorrow like few others. so check it out. and if you like it, you should pick it up from http://www.cylsrecords.com/ – because these guys deserve every buck they get. so help keeping both e! e! and cyls afloat by picking up this CD, because it really is fantastic. the artwork (I have the Japanese version) is great also. artsy, but great. pick it up! if you’re from Europe, you should consider getting it from http://sncl.collective-zine.co.uk to save some bucks on shipping.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/empire-empire-i-was-a-lonely-estate-what-it-takes-to-move-forward/feed/ 0 Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson – Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/youth-pictures-of-florence-henderson-youth-pictures-of-florence-henderson/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/youth-pictures-of-florence-henderson-youth-pictures-of-florence-henderson/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:13:38 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=935 in 2005 the world was exposed to one of the most exciting début albums ever, not to say one of the most exciting albums ever period. Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson hit the ground running, and impressed many people in doing so. the album had one foot in the emo genre with their delightful ’90s emo picked guitars and the occasional screamed vocals drew comparisons to acts such as City of Caterpillar on one hand, but then The Gloria Record on another level. Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson’s other foot stood balanced and firm in the progressive rock genre with their progressive and clever compositions. patient like Godspeed You! Black Emperor and climactic like Sigur Rós. in addition to these foots, Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson naturally had arms. one of which was a bit longer than the other, the dreamy ambient one. the other somewhat shorter arm was just as important though, the electronica arm. together, these four limbs crafted a somewhat introverted and philosophic kid who wore his feelings on the outside of his skin for everyone to see. and now Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson are back. with what is easily one of the most anticipating albums of the year, they face a great challenge in following their majestic début album (which also is up for download here somewhere down the list, by the way). what better way to take on the challenge then, but to produce one of the most ambitious releases of all time? none. released as a 32-paged book that comes with multiple colour variations of the cover and with a written text inside that varies from version to version, as well as many pretty pictures and beautiful colours, and on two CDs – this is definitely something more than just a second album. check out the cover. that picture as well as two more are included in the download. and here is two random pages in the book as well. and two more for good measure. and finally – a picture of the CD. and while they look lovely like that, I cannot stress how much you should definitely invest money in this album if you can afford to, because it’s rather cheap for a 32-paged book – and it’s so definitely worth it. you should probably buy it even if you don’t like the music – because it really is that good. and it feels nice to know they’ve put so much effort into this magnificent packaging. it just goes to prove that this band is interested in offering something different, something consistent and thorough. this will be a long post, demonstrating what a fatal flaw the design choice of one paragraph per post… but there are two discs, so I arrogantly divide this into two paragraphs to make it at least slightly easier to read.

like this… so now – to the music. because that is what truly matters. to me at least. while the book and the pictures inside of it gets me excited in its very inviting presentation, it is essentially worthless to me without the music to back it up. don’t get me wrong, I like pretty pictures – and if you are into that stuff you should as mentioned pick up the book even if you’re not into the music – but my relationship with pictures is mostly «hmm… that’s pretty… hmm… that’s also nice…» – it rarely goes way past that level of enthusiasm. so to me, the book is a compliment to the music – not a necessity. but it adds another level of ambition, and it’s so awesome that they are so dedicated to delivering a product that is flawless in each and every way, that you should really stop reading this and head over to http://www.howisannierecords.com and pick up your very own copy of this. actually I’m willing to bet that if you have heard this band before, you have probably already ordered a copy purely based on the début. if you however are in some kind of doubt – click the download button, and continue to read on. this album is a perfect album. or should I say these albums? because it’s divided up into two albums, “Puzzle” and “The Detective”. actually I’m not even sure I want to call it albums either. yerp. it’s official! we need a new term to do these glorious objects d’art proper justice. anyway – to compare this object d’art to the début is sort of hard, I guess. the reason being simply that both of the releases’ songs are so closely knitted together. the songs on the first release belong there, and putting them on this one would be wrong. and so, even comparing them gets a bit weird to me. but what I can say right of the bat is the obvious lack of electronic elements, the complete lack of programming, which might perhaps lend this album a more organic and timeless quality to it. there are also more vocals evident on this, something that sets them effectively apart from most of the ambient progressive rock bands who tend to be nearly or completely instrumental. Gjermund, the main vocalist, has a very mellow voice that blends in with the soft pieces of the compositions effortlessly and elegantly. and occasionally Torbjørn, the second to main vocalist, gets the opportunity to scream until his lungs give out here, just like he did on the début. these two vocalists are distinctly different from each other, and serve distinctly different yet equally important purposes. what great fortune this band has struck upon with two so gifted though different vocalists! or rather, what great fortune we – the fans – have struck upon, finding this band. this is generally the feeling that rushes through my body whilst listening to this. what great fortune! whenever the guitars twinkle and twinkle into a shining climax that is utterly useless to even try to compare to anything else ever, it’s another reason for me to rejoice. whenever the cello graces the soundscape by taking control, as if it’s running off a cliff, forming wings just before the take-off, it’s another reason to rejoice. the band describes the songs as sorrowful hymns somewhere inside the 32-paged book, but to me this album is joy embodied in the form of music. it’s essentially happiness inside of a book. with seven members, Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson creates a lot of happiness, and a lot of noise. several layers of noise even. some mellow noise, some crisp noise and some harsh noise – all pretty noise. with twinkling minor chords, sparkling major chords and extremely intense drumming not contrasted but complimented by soft and harmonic bass lines and cello – this band creates an angst-ridden playground, in which they bend and break the nerves with every opportunity that are presented for them. claustrophobic build-ups that lead into open and wide but focused and aimed climaxes. this object d’art is what you get if someone dumps every potential human emotion in an ocean of emotionally charged, dynamic and beautiful noise. take the picture now, because it doesn’t get more perfect than this exact moment. download. buy. http://www.howisannierecords.com

click here to download ]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/youth-pictures-of-florence-henderson-youth-pictures-of-florence-henderson/feed/ 0 It’s Just Vanity – The Strangers EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/its-just-vanity-the-strangers-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/its-just-vanity-the-strangers-ep/#comments Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:53:29 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=930 when someone from a band contacts me and says something along the lines of “hey I saw you posted e! e! and thought you might like our stuff”, I feel fairly confident I’ll like it long before I get the chance to listen to it, and thoroughly look forward to the moment when I actually find a chance to do so. and thankfully It’s Just Vanity didn’t disappoint one bit. but if you are expecting them to sound like e! e!, you might be surprised at the more Small Brown Bike-y approach. it’s more Deep Elm/Drive-Thru driven than e.g. e! e! is, but at times it still draws comparison to stuff like Mineral, when it’s at its softest and the guitars twinkle and so on. they generally favour melodic riffs over intricate picking most of the time but are definitely masters of both arts. they also utilize some solid rock solo picking with just enough distortion to make it sound right. it’s sort of reminiscent of an emo band paying the occasional homage to classic rock. anyways, you should all check this band out if you like very melodic and catchy emo like Small Brown Bike and don’t mind twinkly passages like those of Mineral. it’s good. maybe especially the epic six minute closer. download this! you can even get it in FLAC if you want. :)

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/its-just-vanity-the-strangers-ep/feed/ 0 Screaming and Dreaming – Pleasant on the Ears http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/screaming-and-dreaming-pleasant-on-the-ears/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/screaming-and-dreaming-pleasant-on-the-ears/#comments Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:26:43 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=928 Ethan from [insert half of the bands on that's punk here] is back with a band called Screaming and Dreaming, in which he and his brother pretty much hammer through these ten uplifting tunes. sounding like something between the psychedelic schizophrenic rock of Rudimentary Peni, the carefree experimental jams of Edward Kasperl Band and the insecurity of screamo bands that never made it out of the rehearsal room – this record shows us all that rock isn’t about technical ability or production value. it’s about expressing yourself in a manner you deem fit. thus this record is an exoneration to all the punks and a penance for all the math and prog kids. download this and go nuts, like these guys did when they recorded it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/screaming-and-dreaming-pleasant-on-the-ears/feed/ 0 Street Smart Cyclist – Discography http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/street-smart-cyclist-discography/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/street-smart-cyclist-discography/#comments Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:35:19 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=926 we’re moving from Kazakhstan to Pennsylvania, and to the gentlemen of Street Smart Cyclist, who more than enjoy comparing themselves to Boys Life and Cap’n Jazz. these comparisons are legitimate though, seeing as this band definitely belongs in the sort of wuss rock category with twinkly guitars, shouting, upbeat drumming and the feeling of being a kid running around at full speed in the living room doing whatever as long as you do it really really fast and it annoys your parents. it’s sugarrushcore. some of the tracks are even acoustic, but they still manage to convey the energetic approach inherent in this band. what all of this means is that you need to download this discography and rock out.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/street-smart-cyclist-discography/feed/ 0 Carina Rossa – Demos http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/carina-rossa-demos/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/carina-rossa-demos/#comments Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:11:36 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=924 today we continue our exploration of Kazakhstan’s musical affairs with Carina Rossa and their creeping and haunting atmospheric guitars and intense screams – and complete lack of drums on three of the four tracks presented on this little demo collection. it’s intimate, ghostly, chilling and well worth a listen. download this and give it a go! there’s also a video of the band performing a track included in this post, so check it out.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/carina-rossa-demos/feed/ 0 Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate) – Year of the Rabbit http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/empire-empire-i-was-a-lonely-estate-year-of-the-rabbit/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/empire-empire-i-was-a-lonely-estate-year-of-the-rabbit/#comments Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:31:33 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=922 the first time I ever heard of this band, I saw one of the members’s shout in I think Mineral’s shoutbox or the shoutbox of one of their songs on last.fm. he said something akin to “yo… so there’s this mid-west emo revival thing going on in Michigan and thereabouts”, and he linked to some bands – including his own, this band. so I checked them out because… you know… they like Mineral, what could go wrong? well anyway, it turns out I made the right choice. because this band completely blew me away! it’s sort of Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson but without the electronica and ambient noise parts, so it’s a much more purely bred style of emo. it’s progressive and fairly grand, but still it’s far simpler than Youth Pictures, and consequently distinctly different, despite sharing many key traits. the songs flow beautifully, and the energy these guys provoke is reason enough for exulting. the sensitive and emotional vocals compliment the equally sensitive and emotional guitars that along with the commanding though soft drums and bass lines make up the dreamy and longing melodies that force me to – without any qualms at all – compare this 7″ to the glorious February/M.D. 7″ by none other than Mineral. yes. it’s that fucking good. e! e! sings “wear your heart out”, and I encourage you to wear your ears out by listening to this record. it’s oop, but you can catch other e! e! stuff at http://www.cylsrecords.com – and you should. this Michigan emo really makes an effort to bring back that soft, intricate, melodic and to a certain degree popular style of ’90s emo portrayed by bands like Mineral and American Football. hints of Knapsack, The Get Up Kids and gods reflex are to be found, particularly in Keith’s voice. the end result sounds a lot like the Norwegian emo orchestra Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson mixed with some of the newer and fresh American emo bands, e.g. Castevet and Joie de Vivre (who both are on the label that is to the extent of my knowledge started by the members of e! e!). do yourself a favour and check out this band!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/empire-empire-i-was-a-lonely-estate-year-of-the-rabbit/feed/ 0 Ochra Days – Our Dreams Are Drawn In Grey http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/ochra-days-our-dreams-are-drawn-in-grey/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/ochra-days-our-dreams-are-drawn-in-grey/#comments Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:07:18 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=919 to continue our exploration and appreciation of the glorious nation Kazakhstan, here is another Kazakh artist. Ochra Days covers an entirely different sound than Mapadelmundo though. we’re going from whiplash screamo to trance-inflicting ambient music on that’s punk, because that’s punk! Ochra Days is a synth-heavy project that evokes many different moods by moving throughout various atmospheres elegantly. the transitions are performed with much grace. this is the kind of ambient that is soft enough to put on in the background, but detailed enough to be reward an attentive listener as well. the modus operandi for Our Dreams Are Drawn In Grey is mainly wide and layered arrangements that sometimes find their way into distorted noise climaxes. if this sounds appealing to you, I urge you to check this out. it’s quite the experience. Borat approves of this post.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/ochra-days-our-dreams-are-drawn-in-grey/feed/ 0 Lizards Have Personalities – In All Honesty http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/lizards-have-personalities-in-all-honesty/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/lizards-have-personalities-in-all-honesty/#comments Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:39:44 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=916 this band might be ten years too late, or it might have come at the perfect time to bring both nostalgia and a breath of fresh air at the same time to screamo. with a sound situated somewhere between Saetia and I Hate Myself and other screamo dinosaurs, it’s somewhat strange to have your first release in 2010. but it might just be the perfect time for this band to emerge. soft guitars twinkle and sparkle into raw and dissonant almost metal riffs. the vocals and lyrics are do not to escape their ’90s/early ’00s screamo influences. instead they hug them tight. and just like Saetia, Lizards Have Personalities operate on the very verge of bringing the lulz – yet somehow manage to just avoid it. if only barely. this in itself is quite the amazing feat though. dealing with these kind of lyrics and vocals you have to make sure to not go over the top, but how do you do that when it’s already so ludicrously over the top? I don’t know. but I’m glad that Lizards Have Personalities can scream «while staring at the ceiling, I was overwhelmed by the feeling – I am certain that I am alone» with a straight face, without me rofling. I am very much pleased that the deeply personal and semi-poetic lyrics maintain a notion of believability. because this is indeed awesome music. comparable to the beforehand mentioned dinosaurs and perhaps slightly to I Would Set Myself on Fire for You. it’s dynamic and ambitious screamo. get it!

click here to dow

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/lizards-have-personalities-in-all-honesty/feed/ 0 Cut Short – Cut Short http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/cut-short-cut-short/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/cut-short-cut-short/#comments Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:02:27 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=914 everyone should be more than familiar with this band by now. this is their self titled seven inch, available from http://bythehammerofthor.bigcartel.com/product/cut-short-7 – and you might just want to pick it up, because this shreds pretty hard. it’s hard, fast and heavy hardcore. it borrows a great deal from the metallic hardcore legends of the ’80s and ’90s and then forge it into some sort of magical fairy dust which they sprinkle onto their modern hardcore sound. at least that’s what they said on Behind the Scenes: Cut Short on VH1 last night. anyway, this is mostly self-loathing and critical lyrics shouted in a rather angry manner over caustic guitars and heavy drumming. it’s pissed off hardcore. download this and get the rest of the Cut Short records if you haven’t already. this is one sick band with indisputable technical abilities who also happen to be highly gifted lyricists… and quite pissed off.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/cut-short-cut-short/feed/ 0 Damages – Love’s Labor http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/damages-loves-labor/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/damages-loves-labor/#comments Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:44:28 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=912 Damages are a hardcore band from Michigan, not an emo band from Vancouver, just to clear that up right away. the lyrics, emotion and aggressiveness might as well come from an emo band though. «it’s hard to think when your heart is on the floor», and it’s hard to think when you put this record on. six songs clocking in in less than ten minutes, all of which with thrash riffs, fast drumming and emotive shouting throughout each track. I can fully understand why this band is touring with Cut Short, an equally pissed off band. this is one of the most believable hardcore records I have ever spun, and I am actually listening to it on repeat as I am writing this. one time is simply not enough. this is sort of like your lungs are giving out… for nine minutes and twenty seconds… and then when they finally cave, you want to experience it all over again.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/damages-loves-labor/feed/ 0 mapadelmundo – demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/mapadelmundo-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/mapadelmundo-demo/#comments Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:26:16 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=910 Kazakhstan is a country that most of us western folk don’t really know much about, save from what we were taught from Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan – and something tells me that it’s slightly inaccurate. so what better way to broaden your all too narrow horizons then, but downloading this marvellous Kazakh screamo band? none. if you are from Kazakhstan or thereabouts and consequently probably not half as ignorant to it as we to the west might be, or if you are from the west and the promise of a broadened horizon simply isn’t enough for you to check these guys out – then rest assured all of you. the music is actually awesome. what a coincidence, heh. this is a filthy mess of noise. raw and untamed screamo. loud drumming and hard guitars with insane howling on top. the sound ranges from tight death punk to twinkly guitar-driven interludes to wild sprinting screamo almost akin to mamma, jeg blör… in terms of crudeness. so if you are a tender soul, I advise you to tread carefully. you stand at risk of having your brains blown out and your heart ripped apart. this stuff leaves an everlasting mark. get it! it even has a Mineral reference in there!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/mapadelmundo-demo/feed/ 0 Castevet – Summer Fences http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/castevet-summer-fences/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/castevet-summer-fences/#comments Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:13:21 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=908 if you managed to catch the Castevet upload some posts down from this, you are already familiar with this band and so you have already clicked on the download link without even bothering to consult my write up as to what they sound like. and that’s a good move, because if you liked the original post, you’ll like this as well. all three songs from the demo are on this album – and so are five other magnificent tracks. but for those of you not yet acquainted with Castevet, the reason you should bother with this album is the freshness and intensity it offers. in the previous post I compared them to American Football and The Appleseed Cast’s skill but with Cap’n Jazz and Small Brown Bike’s raw energy, and some little hints of each of the soft, intricate and mesmerising ’90s emo bands. this band essentially sounds like it’s aiming at representing a perfect blend of everything that was good about emo in ’90s. that is a highly ambitious task, though one which they fortunately largely succeed in. lyrically, this band is sparse though clever, singing about inadequacy, apathy and the feeling of everything being in vain. the well beyond dreamy melodies fit these often melancholic lyrics perfectly. downhearted lyrics followed by downbeat build-ups, interludes or conclusions is an ingenious formula. and whenever Castevet seizes the opportunity to break out of this pattern, in favour of blistering melodies and optimistic lyrics about breaking out of the pattern ones life is about to become, all of which characterized by a sugar rush influenced approach to harmonies – it’s even more brilliant. they even sound quite the bit like Age Sixteen at these particular moments – and it’s amazing. this album is amazing. download it! and buy it from http://www.cylsrecords.com – where it to my knowledge is priced at $10, which is well worth it. even the cover of this album is great (it has a deer on it!), so there are as far as I’m concerned no excuses. you need to own this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/castevet-summer-fences/feed/ 0 Teens – Teens http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/teens-teens/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/teens-teens/#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:16:15 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=871 from the very first chord it gets apparent that this band’s name is very well fitting. though it’s acoustic guitars, you’ll have to be robbed of any form of imagination if you aren’t able to picture this with distorted electric guitars and fast drumming – and voilà, you have your archetypical teenage high-school punk rock band. it’s something sort of optimistic and carefree about the chords. it puts you in a good mood. however, this band is so much more than that. there is something dark and ultimately incredibly sad to these tunes recorded in the cold New Jersey winter. the screamed vocals, minor chords and intense feeling of melancholy makes for a serious atmosphere. this has to be experienced. so if you are into Henry Bemis Is A Superhero – get this. if you haven’t heard HBIAS, then get this – then get HBIAS. this whole acoustic screamo thing seems to be blowing up here on that’s punk… and I don’t mind, because this is really amazing stuff. emotional and gripping lo-fi acoustic guitar driven screamo. download it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/02/teens-teens/feed/ 0 Short Ride – Hopeless http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/short-ride-hopeless/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/short-ride-hopeless/#comments Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:06:24 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=867 and now… the final Short Ride post. i.e. until they release a new album (DO IT). this is an EP from 2009. it has significantly lower volume than the other Short Ride stuff I’ve put up here, but the recording quality is thankfully just as nice. so there’s more crisp and fast guitars, shouting and heavy drumming, oh and a great mini-breakdown on “Cool It (Before I Lose It)”. this is four songs, roughly six and a half minutes long and freaking awesome. there’s something about this band that almost make me lose my breath when I put them on. they are such attention thieves, with their crushingly hard hitting hammering (aka melodies). if you haven’t picked up this band yet, do it now! download this! then download everything else! then wait for the LP to be pressed and sold on their MySpace, then buy it! this is great. so get it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/short-ride-hopeless/feed/ 0 Short Ride – Five Fits http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/short-ride-five-fits/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/short-ride-five-fits/#comments Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:56:50 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=864 I hope the Short Ride posts have made you just as hungry for more as they made me, because here is more! an EP from late 2008. I think introductions are made unnecessary by the previous two posts. you know what you’re downloading people. fast, thrashing and devastating hardcore punk that will make you a diligent user of the repeat button. get it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/short-ride-five-fits/feed/ 0 Short Ride – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/short-ride-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/short-ride-demo/#comments Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:12:45 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=862 did you like that Short Ride album? well then I’ve got good news for you. I’m posting their entire discography! starting with their very first demo from 2008. this is punk/hardcore at its very rawest. thrashy riffs, shouting and fast drumming with a filthy production. it goes by really fast (less than three minutes), but i can has repeat button, so it’s okay. there’s two songs in here (an earlier version of the demo had three). so go get them! if you liked the full length posted below, you will like this as well.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/short-ride-demo/feed/ 1 Cadre – These Restless Heads http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/cadre-these-restless-heads/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/cadre-these-restless-heads/#comments Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:23:42 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=859 Cadre’s music sounds every bit as ambitious as their name. I wonder if anyone in this band listens to Funeral Diner? (see what I did thur? I made a joke about how obvious it is that they listen to Funeral Diner. lulz. not hating though. I like Funeral Diner as well.) but seriously, I honestly think this demo showcases an extremely promising band. the songs are crafted in an ambitious manner like none other. this band seems to aim at bringing back a bit of that grandiosity of Funeral Diner’s music and Orchid’s lyrics. so it’s a bit like Ampere and Wolves. especially in the “all hell breaks loose” bits, which are used wisely sparsely throughout the demo, often after a powerfully constructed build up that essentially sounds like very melodic drone somewhat sped up into a dissonant and distant harmony. unfortunately, the recording quality of this demo is questionable at best. it ruins a great portion of the experience – at least for me. I’ve got nothing against the tactic of lo-fi recordings, but this recording is just poor. so here’s to hoping this band re-records these songs and maybe records a few new ones as well? because I want more.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/cadre-these-restless-heads/feed/ 0 Short Ride – Can’t Keep Us Out http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/short-ride-cant-keep-us-out/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/short-ride-cant-keep-us-out/#comments Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:02:37 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=857 as you’ve probably guessed from the artist and album name – this is a hardcore band. this is their first full length record. it isn’t out for sale yet because they haven’t found a label to press it. and that is ludicrous. because this is insanely good. the vocals essentially shout clever wordplays with spot on delivery of highly relevant and deliberate lyrics that are filled with rhymes that would put damn near any MC to shame. the lyrics are somewhat abstract and metaphorical at times, but not without direction, meaning or substance and furthermore not battling with Poe for pomposity. the music could easily be called typical, when it comes to modern hardcore. but you could say the same thing about Last Lights – another modern hardcore band which Short Ride remind me of every now and then – so it’s not a bad thing. it’s just hardcore. it’s *supposed* to be hardcore. so it’s not a bad thing at all. especially not when a band does it so extremely well as Short Ride does it. they’ve pumped this album full with diversity and creativity, which leads to an album without any dull points, and an album which – thankfully – avoids repetitiveness altogether. this album is a 23 minute burst of energy, passion and intensity. the chord progressions and overall compositions are every bit as clever as the beforehand-mentioned wordplays. the flawless intro and outro wraps in a hellfire of an album that I truly believe you shouldn’t go without hearing. get it! then periodically look to Short Ride’s MySpace for updates concerning the vinyl press of this glorious piece of music.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/short-ride-cant-keep-us-out/feed/ 0 run,Walk! – EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/runwalk-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/runwalk-ep/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:18:48 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=851 an exciting independent scrappy rock band that’s been in the works for quite a while now are run,Walk! from London (I think. this is their first EP. it was released in 2007, and has since gone OOP, and most of their other stuff is also OOP, as far as I know. you can however purchase a split with New Roars on the Block on their MySpace, so check that out. anyway, this is a weird release to be honest. the band consists of a drummer and a bassist, which is no doubt a bit different. the music that comes out of this drum ‘n’ bass duo somewhat shares a bit with emo like rest of my life, but at the same time it’s probably way more appropriate to compare them to other English alternative bands like Bromheads Jacket, Milburn and The Paddingtons. this is an odd one, but a good one. everyone should definitely check it out if you’re up for catchy and poppy alternative with the occasional emo twinkle from England.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/runwalk-ep/feed/ 0 The Loneliest Cowgirls – I Shall Be Free http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/the-loneliest-cowgirls-i-shall-be-free/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/the-loneliest-cowgirls-i-shall-be-free/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:57:22 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=849 on the second album by The Loneliest Cowgirls, Ethan goes a little back to his roots (The Sky Looks Pissed). it’s not as loud and upset as the début – and far less lo-fi-oriented. on this album the recordings don’t rely on the charm of the lo-fi distortion and noise, thus the guitar needs to be impeccable – and thankfully, it is. the gentle strumming is done with passion yet with care. gone are most of the shouting, thus he needs to have a pleasant voice – and thankfully, he has. can you believe it? I guess you’ll have to download this to find out. and that’s something I can get behind. because everyone needs to experience this guy and his songs. some of these tracks even reach Paul Baribeau heights, with memorable chord progressions and clever lyrics. (some of which you might recognise from The Sky Looks Pissed.)

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/the-loneliest-cowgirls-i-shall-be-free/feed/ 0 New Year’s Revolution – Demo!! http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/new-years-revolution-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/new-years-revolution-demo/#comments Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:38:28 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=846 this is a folk punk group from Conneticut that just recently signed to BirthQuake Records, for whom they are working on a split 7″ with Wood Spider and a split cassette with Sidewalk Dave. their line-up on this demo consists of an acoustic guitar, a ‘cello and vocals. the ‘cello adds an unusual amount of warmth and depth to the usual folk punk formula of angry though catchy acoustic guitar and passionate shouting. this band is cosy and warm like Greenland is Melting, yet upset and eager like Grapefruit or The Mega Games Two. so download this twenty minute folk explosion and give it the listen it thoroughly deserves.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/new-years-revolution-demo/feed/ 0 Rechtum Immortalis – …Finnes det en død etter livet?… http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/rechtum-immortalis-finnes-det-en-d%c3%b8d-etter-livet/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/rechtum-immortalis-finnes-det-en-d%c3%b8d-etter-livet/#comments Sun, 17 Jan 2010 16:31:19 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=843 Rechtum Immortalis was a punk band from Norway. though primarily a ’90s band, they did have a short reunion in the late ’00s. these recordings are as far as I know all from the ’90s though. what took them so long to release them? I don’t know. but finally it is available to us all via the wonderful Interwebz. to my knowledge, this contains pretty much all of their studio recordings. and it’s good. it’s obvious ’90s hardcore that thankfully sounds more nostalgic than dated. add the avant-garde influences from bands like Captain Beefheart, Butthole Surfers, and Norway’s own Kjøtt to the mix, and you have a sort of extravagant and experimental punk band with lots of flair. there’s raspy, dark extroverted vocals, spacey drumming, metallic ’90s hardcore guitars that are slightly slower than most ’90s hardcore – and as a result prone to throw in more detailed riffs – and an overall progressive and psychedelic feel to the compositions. also worth mentioning – the guitars sometimes sound like the DOOM soundtrack. that’s just awesome.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/rechtum-immortalis-finnes-det-en-d%c3%b8d-etter-livet/feed/ 0 Henry Bemis is a Superhero – The Jessica Tape http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/henry-bemis-is-a-superhero-the-jessica-tape/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/henry-bemis-is-a-superhero-the-jessica-tape/#comments Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:09:51 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=841 Henry Bemis is a Superhero doesn’t waste time. a second album already? yes indeed. and it screams from the very first second to the last. it screams hello this is me, this is who I am and this is how I feel. does shouting make music more honest? I don’t know. but it definitely helps. these tunes are great. screaming and catchy (acoustic guitar) chord progressions recorded in a charming lo-fi quality. folk punk with emo lyrics and vocals straight from the heart. this is well worth a download and a listen, so download and listen!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/henry-bemis-is-a-superhero-the-jessica-tape/feed/ 0 Age Sixteen – Summer 2009 Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/age-sixteen-summer-2009-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/age-sixteen-summer-2009-demo/#comments Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:29:15 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/age-sixteen-summer-2009-demo/ it’s winter/spring 2010, so maybe posting Age Sixteen’s summer 2009 demo is a bit overdue? or maybe it will catapult us into summer 2010? I don’t know. I’m posting either way. if you have heard this band before, from this blog or otherwise, I trust that you know what to expect, both in terms of style and in terms of quality. if you are not familiar with this band, I guess I have to pull out the American Suis La Lune card again. because they really do sound a lot like Suis La Lune with the clean guitars and screaming. but thankfully, they add their own touches. they’re not completely ripping off SLL; they are merely wearing their influence proudly on their sleeves. while this demo doesn’t even come close to the full length album posted below when it comes to recording quality, it does certainly get its point across. the vocals benefit from being low in the mix, thus forcing the screams to be louder than loud to be heard. the guitars throw in a great deal of feedback, and the somewhat distorted sound makes everything sound rawer and perhaps even more intense than it would sound cleanly recorded. either way, this just gives you everything it has to give, thus claiming the right to be heard. hear this! you will not regret it. buy it from their MySpace, along with their other records. it only costs like $2.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/age-sixteen-summer-2009-demo/feed/ 0 Casting Curses – Heartificial http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/casting-curses-heartificial/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/casting-curses-heartificial/#comments Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:53:47 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=835 everyone who has ever reviewed this EP has commented on its length, exploiting the shortness to make some stupid pun or even make the little over five minutes the very foundation of their reviews – and I’m not going to be any better in my little write-up. so: if you’re going to be brief, you better not suck. you can’t afford to be boring in the course of five minutes. Casting Curses aren’t. somewhat comparable to The Promise, this is heavy ’90s hardcore influenced modern hardcore. you know, the one with melodic guitars, groovy rhythms, shouting and yelling. it’s passionate and no frills hardcore that’s still very creative and creating. Casting Curses efficiently borrow from each and every one of the best modern hardcore bands and strive to make up their own interesting style of aggressive and relevant hardcore. check it out. good stuff.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/casting-curses-heartificial/feed/ 0 She Notes the Chariots – Discography http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/she-notes-the-chariots-discography/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/she-notes-the-chariots-discography/#comments Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:05:00 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=831 though never particularly successful in their time together, She Notes the Chariots sure recorded a lot of awesome songs. I can’t comment on their live show, but if it’s even the slightest bit close to being as interesting as their discography, I would definitely go see this band. with their multiple vocalists and totally awesome guitars (similar to Oh, Apollo!’s first album sans the metalcore), these guys shred. hard. and the tracks are unusual compositions, with no clear pattern or anything. they seem mostly to aim for a dark atmospheric and aggressive setting in which total destruction of everything takes place. sort of. they are sort of what I like to call fairly modern screamo… however looking at the calendar, I realise that this is 5-10 years old, and so is most of the other “modern screamo” I listen to, so I guess I’m old and this type of screamo is old. anyway it’s sort of comparable to Saetia, Noisy Sins of the Insect and Oh, Apollo! though completely unique in their style, and well worth listening to. so download this. check it outtttt.


click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/she-notes-the-chariots-discography/feed/ 0 Bad Vibe – Dark City http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/bad-vibe-dark-city/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/bad-vibe-dark-city/#comments Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:31:51 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=829 Bad Vibe give me good vibes. they play hardcore with a sort of groove metal touch. they’re not that far away from Method of Groove, posted below. there’s a somewhat bleak outlook on life evident in their lyrics, which claims that life is a war and that life is pain. the lyrics seem to mostly deal with losing control and things gone wrong. this isn’t for the faint hearted, I guess. but it’s hardcore so what did you expect. you get what you’re supposed to get. thrashing guitars, rapid drumming and shouting. what sets Bad Vibe apart from the other hardcore bands on this blog is their touches of groove metal, the unique vocals, the complete and utter awesomeness that is the last half minute of this record. so get ittttt. check it out.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/bad-vibe-dark-city/feed/ 0 Henry Bemis is a Superhero – Five Love Songs to Kill Yourself To http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/henry-bemis-is-a-superhero-five-songs-to-kill-yourself-to/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/henry-bemis-is-a-superhero-five-songs-to-kill-yourself-to/#comments Sun, 10 Jan 2010 01:05:59 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=824 more lo-fi emo-tinged country/folk from Ethan of The Sky Looks Pissed and The Loneliest Cowgirls. similar to the acoustic sessions by Die! Emperor, Die! this album consists of (ironically enough) six heartbroken and suicidal acoustic jams about a girl. «I hate him! and I hate you! and I hate every song that I wrote about you» – well I love the songs you wrote about her, Ethan! thanks for being in pain, so I can enjoy your recordings. this is essentially acoustic screamo. wtf? download it. it’s amazing.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/henry-bemis-is-a-superhero-five-songs-to-kill-yourself-to/feed/ 0 Beneva vs. Clark Nova – Dramadadatic http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/beneva-vs-clark-nova-dramadadatic/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/beneva-vs-clark-nova-dramadadatic/#comments Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:39:06 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=817 this band consists of the atmospheric mastermind Benjamin Finger and the laid back and poppy Rudi Simmons, both of which have albums posted on this blog. and these guys are every bit as great together as they are apart! though vastly different than their solo counterparts. this is mostly upbeat, insanely catchy and soothing electronica with hints of idm and glitch music. Beneva vs. Clark Nova produce distinct and concrete melodies with a huge crush on the vague and abstract. the album is all killer, no filler. it’s filled with highlights, and never wastes time. this is every bit as atmospheric as those really downbeat Sigur Rós and Múm songs, not only the calm parts, but even when running at full speed down a flight of stairs, Beneva vs. Clark Nova is an atmospheric – as well as joyful affair. though you might frequently be puzzled as to what the hell is going on in this art expo of an electronica album, it’s still very enjoyable, despite the confusion. this is a fantastic album, magnificently building up and keeping suspense whilst being very soothing at the same time. download it! then buy it from http://howisannierecords.com – it’s worth it. the cover is the great photograph “The Greenhouse” by Sandy Skoglund, and it’s a very pretty looking digipack that’s well worth the money.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/beneva-vs-clark-nova-dramadadatic/feed/ 0 Jimmy Eat World – Jimmy Eat World http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/jimmy-eat-world-jimmy-eat-world/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/jimmy-eat-world-jimmy-eat-world/#comments Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:50:33 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=801 this is the second and last Jimmy Eat World post. in this album they start experimenting a bit more. the guitars get way more melodic and the overall sound gets a bit more depth to it. in every album post this one, it is my honest opinion that they get boring and too soft. on this s/t album they have the perfect mix of rawness and harmony (the harmony being most apparent on the seven minute epic “Scientific”). later on they take it too far and go all out pop music. sure they have the occasional awesome tune (although most of those are either on indie splits or compilations), but it’s very hit or miss, and mostly miss. this album on the other hand is hit, hit and hit. it’s kind of like what Small Brown Bike would do later. not only because they hit every time, but because it’s a pleasant mix of emo and the more raw straightforward punk rock on 1234. also somewhat reminiscent of early Propagandhi. emotive vocals, incredibly catchy chord progressions and a fantastic upbeat and simple take on rock music, though with substance and depth to be found for an attentive listener. anyway, the sheer intensity, raw energy and bold passion are all vital ingredients in this power package of an emo record. GET IT!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/jimmy-eat-world-jimmy-eat-world/feed/ 0 Jimmy Eat World – One, Two, Three, Four http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/jimmy-eat-world-one-two-three-four/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/jimmy-eat-world-one-two-three-four/#comments Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:36:26 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=799 okay so this might have been an unexpected post to see on this blog. I generally do not promote major label artists like Jimmy Eat World. but I’m going to do it anyway. while I’m generally not a fan of anything this band did after getting signed to a major (musically or otherwise), I am a big fan of their two first albums – and they happen to be available for free download. thus they will be posted here. if you don’t know who Jimmy Eat World is, they were this punk band in the ’90s that did what the other bands did: played every show they could. then they went major label, and somehow still managed to salvage some “indie cred”. this way they got to keep partaking in indie splits and compilations, and gained fans in both indie and non-indie milieus. an odd situation indeed. later on the band blew up commercially with an album called Bleed American and blah blah blah, but that’s another story. this post is about their fir
st release: 1234, which along with the other album I will post shortly was released on Wooden Blue records, who put out Christie Front Drive as well. 1234 basically consists of four ferocious punk rock songs with high tempo and lots of energy. while there’s definitely a hint of that melodic pop sensibility that characterise their latter work, this is uncomplicated, straightforward punk rock. the title track sounds like a secret agent song. there’s not much else to say about this release, but that’s the best thing about it. it does the talking itself.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/jimmy-eat-world-one-two-three-four/feed/ 0 Street Sweeper – Stylin on You http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/street-sweeper-stylin-on-you/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/street-sweeper-stylin-on-you/#comments Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:45:32 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=795 this blog seems to always be in need of decent hardcore. so it’s a nice thing then, that Street Sweeper makes AWESOME hardcore. Cro-Mags-like metallic hardcore even. ’80s thrash riffs and ’90s hardcore breakdowns with aggressive vocals and lyrics, and heavy, heavy drumming. so what it is is essentially pissed off metalcore (or “crossover metal” as the media eventually ended up coining it) with slightly more focus on the hardcore than on the metal, which is okay by me. the vocals are somewhat in the central of the mix, but the awesome thrash riffs really give them competition in terms of where the listener’s main focus end up. either way, everything is perfectly synchronised. this band is fucking tight. all over. and the breakdown on “Rubber Neck” is even heavier than Smash Your Enemies (b9 joke…). anyway, download this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/street-sweeper-stylin-on-you/feed/ 0 The Trigger Quintet – Discography http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/the-trigger-quintet-discography/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/the-trigger-quintet-discography/#comments Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:20:56 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=793 if you liked Die, Emperor! Die!, then you’ll be pleased to know that here’s more semi-obscure ’90s emo from Texas. though perhaps more accurately compared to Parades End and Three Letter Engagement, The Trigger Quintet are highly interesting however you look at it. emotive howling vocals and octave chords galore. there’s also a great deal of explosions consisting of melodic riffing in unison, with upbeat drumming and soft bass lines, then suddenly stop; twinkling guitars; then it explodes again. it’s basically very pleasant on the ears. this is everything that ’90s emo should be. there’s an element of chaos, yet melodic sensibilities. as a result, “Slept for Seven Days” sounds like a prototype for modern screamo. this is a very short (just barely over fifteen minutes long), though very impressing discography that you can’t go wrong with if you like any form of emo.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/the-trigger-quintet-discography/feed/ 0 Dunderhonning – Ka du vente på? http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/dunderhonning-ka-du-vente-pa/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/dunderhonning-ka-du-vente-pa/#comments Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:46:58 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=791 Dunderhonning are a Norwegian rock band from Harstad, somewhat similar to e.g. IHAB and Sinnssyk Ugle who are posted below. they draw heavy influence from Britpop and English “NME” alternative, so actually they are even more reminiscent of Arctic Monkeys than any other band on this blog. these are dancefloor compositions. they build up and climax, drop, build up and climax and so on, like good dance tracks. all with awesome jagged riffs and cool vocals and an overall laid back and cool approach to the melodies. in addition to the “NME” alternative influence, there’s also a great deal of noise rock in here. Sonic Youth much? yes. on some tracks there’s even a hint of Dinosaur Jr., and their way to make a noisy mess of a pop song. it’s loud, messy and filthy, but at the same time definitely melodic and catchy. highly distorted guitars with lots of feedback and drums that are essentially all over the place, and that sort of nonchalant voice is what Dunderhonning is. and sort of philosophical Norwegian lyrics. this is a band that would be insanely popular if they were from Seattle in the early ’90s and had a little heavier sound, or a band that would be insanely popular if they were from Scotland or England in the mid-’00s and had a little lighter sound. this album is an ambitious punch to the face; take the hit!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/dunderhonning-ka-du-vente-pa/feed/ 0 Quiritatio – As The Dead March, Birds Will Fall From Heaven http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/quiritatio-as-the-dead-march-birds-will-fall-from-heaven/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/quiritatio-as-the-dead-march-birds-will-fall-from-heaven/#comments Tue, 05 Jan 2010 10:49:50 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=786 if you downloaded the first Quiritatio album I posted somewhere below, you will remember this band as a fusion of gloomy metal, intricate mathcore and screamotive hardcore. this was some of the darkest and most depressing and angry screamo ever heard. only people from the north of Norway can play screamo like this. only someone who go through periods of the year without any light whatsoever can ever make music this authentically unhappy. the only thing that could be compared to this sadness, are the sad, sad news that were to be found on my MySpace some time ago. Quiritatio had broken up! I guess it was somewhat unsurprising due to the vocalist quitting some time ago, but still… it made me downhearted. but thankfully at least one good (great) thing came out of this – their new album is finally available to the public. not as a CD or on a vinyl, unfortunately, but via blogs like this one. so I am proud to present you As The Dead March, Birds Will Fall From Heaven! I’m a huge fan of Quiritatio’s first album, so I was really hoping this didn’t let me down. I had very high hopes for this. so I put it on… and OMG IT’S FUCKING AMAZING WTF THIS IS AMAZING OMG OMG OMG. if this isn’t one of the best and most creative bands in screamo history, I don’t know shit about shit. out of all the technical and atmospheric arpeggio-characterized modern screamo, this is a milestone with no parallel whatsoever. I have goosebumps. I feel like I’m being blown away. like literally. BY A FUCKING EXPLOSION. this album destroys everything that has ever existed ever. download this album. there are no excuses. DOWNLOAD THIS ALBUM.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/quiritatio-as-the-dead-march-birds-will-fall-from-heaven/feed/ 0 Ryan Harvey – The New Enclosures http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/ryan-harvey-the-new-enclosures/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/ryan-harvey-the-new-enclosures/#comments Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:15:54 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=784 after taking a break for quite some time now, that’s punk is back. and what better way to announce the return than by continuing the Ryan Harvey marathon? none! Harvey is launching a full scale attack on currency, Wall Street and the indirect slavery Capitalism forces upon one – all in the familiar acoustic guitar folk rock sound a la David Rovics and Woodie Guthrie, with a fragile yet firm Daniel Johnstone-esque voice. Harvey brings the riot folk, and he brings it hard. with nothing but an acoustic guitar and a voice as his weapons, tapped water with a name and price tag are among the things that are being subjected to his fury. Ryan Harvey is bringing down Capitalism and the State one song at the time, join his journey!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2010/01/ryan-harvey-the-new-enclosures/feed/ 0 Useless Words of Sasha Grey – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/useless-words-of-sasha-grey-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/useless-words-of-sasha-grey-demo/#comments Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:44:42 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=775 Russian psychedelic punk rock in the vein of Rudimentary Peni, early True Sounds of Liberty and other artsy/insane punk bands. this is a rather lo-fi demo consisting of what sounds like six classic 80s (death)punk tracks, with a prominent bass, filthy vocals, mostly repetitive and static drumming, a distorted guitar and a lot of noise. though not inherently complex, it is definitely different. there are no real apparent structuring that follows the album from start to end. it’s all rather free form spastic deathpunk. thankfully, Useless Words of Sasha Grey are not just commendable for being different, but also for making pretty awesome tunes that are well worth your attention. the stabbing guitar, crazy howling and generally epileptic seizure feel of the music is – what I would refer to as – cool. so if you’re a fan of deathrock/punk and artsy/insane tunes, you should quickly learn to appreciate this band. and in 2009, *everyone* has like several terabytes of space either way, so there’s no excuse for not downloading this, honestly.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/useless-words-of-sasha-grey-demo/feed/ 0 When I Came Back From Death – Dead Language http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/when-i-came-back-from-death-dead-language/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/when-i-came-back-from-death-dead-language/#comments Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:23:17 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=773 so this band told me they sounded like Converge and that they played punk. and uh… well they might sound like Converge, I probably haven’t listened enough to Converge to really justify any comparing, but right off the bat, I hear nothing. and sure, there are some sort of punk in here. but to me, the upside down crosses and what I think is an overly obscure logo at their MySpace make more sense. there are some sick hardcore breakdowns and such, but what I hear when I put on When I Came Back From Death is essentially a blackened metalcore band. a *very* blackened metalcore band. with vocals that somewhat remind me of Bal-Sagoth, double pedal drums and black metal though punky sounding guitars, sort of like Carpathian Forest. all of this and tons of energy and aggressiveness. a highly interesting effort. do download!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/when-i-came-back-from-death-dead-language/feed/ 0 TRONES – Gazing into shit and ruins http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/trones-gazing-into-shit-and-ruins/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/trones-gazing-into-shit-and-ruins/#comments Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:04:00 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=771 TRONES is a solo project by an ex-member of indietrash. this band doesn’t have all that much in common with indietrash, save for a taste for expressing itself in short noisy bursts. playing an eclectic mix of necro thrash, grindcore and noise. TRONES will leave an everlasting mark (of the beast) on you. consisting largely of blast beats, distorted guitars that vary between Burzum-like drone chord progressions and speedy thrash riffs, topping it off with some fairly nebulous vocals and samples, this is a band that will fucking gut you. download and listen.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/trones-gazing-into-shit-and-ruins/feed/ 0 Castevet – I Know What A Lion Is http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/castevet-i-know-what-a-lion-is/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/castevet-i-know-what-a-lion-is/#comments Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:58:22 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=768 imagine the skilled American Football math emo with Cap’n Jazz’s raw energy. now throw in The Appleseed Cast’s grandiose sense of harmonies and carefully building up songs… then finish it off with small touches here and there of Small Brown Bike, whose vocals share a lot with Castevet’s. the intricate twinkling of the guitars also draw comparisons to Mineral, Texas Is the Reason, Cross My Heart, Knapsack and so on – but while those bands are mostly mid-tempo, Castevet are usually either running around like a crazy carefree three year old high on sugar (Cap’n Jazz), or carefully placing one foot in front of the other, keeping their balance perfectly (The Appleseed Cast). and no matter the approach, they always make damn sure to succeed. hard. this is a highly interesting and promising Chicago emo band with no boring tunes whatsoever. check them out. you won’t regret it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/castevet-i-know-what-a-lion-is/feed/ 0 FORK – Harlekin http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/fork-harlekin/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/fork-harlekin/#comments Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:10:28 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=766 FORK are a Norwegian band that according to themselves play «some kind of punk». this modest declaration does however not even begin to describe this musical force not to be reckoned with that is FORK. a punk power house with furious music and highly articulate lyrics, FORK are equally ambitious and powerful. it took them two years to record their début album, but it definitely justifies the wait with the hard-hitting absolutely amazing punk rock akin to Propagandhi in more than one way. borrowing both from the “skate punk” bands as well as thrashcore bands (Propagandhi fits both, so I don’t think they will be upset with me guessing that early Propagandhi is the biggest influence on this album), FORK are extremely melodic, but still fairly hard-thrashing. the guitars interchange between interacting harmonically at the speed of light, and playing mind fucking guitar solos. the band knows how to slow things down when needed, but most of the action on Harlekin takes place with the intensity of high speed car chases down the wrong lanes. filling every song to the brim with energy and passion, FORK proves to be one of the most interesting punk rock bands you’ll ever hear. Harlekin is >50 minutes of being beaten to death by the violent force that is FORK, though with a few calm parts in which you might be lucky enough to get to pick up your clothes and bones, before they finish you off with impeccably driven drumming and angry yet melodic and beautiful guitars. all with optimistic though realistic invitations to change the world and rid ourselves of greed; a message as beautiful as the music. this is an outstanding album. download it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/fork-harlekin/feed/ 0 Ryan Harvey – Give It Time: Reflections on Change http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/ryan-harvey-give-it-time-reflections-on-change/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/ryan-harvey-give-it-time-reflections-on-change/#comments Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:09:35 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=756 this will give you goosebumps, no matter how into folk you happen to be. please give this album your attention. there’s a reason for all the people citing Ryan Harvey as their favourite folk artist since before the days when Bob Dylan went electric. with honesty and frailty, this album goes on to really touch its listeners. it certainly does not leave you unaffected. it might be simple folk rock, but it’s 100% effective. all it takes to get your point across is heart and sincerity, and nothing is more evident in Ryan’s fragile voice. nothing is more apparent. this boy is begging you to listen to what he has to say, and it’s impossible not to lend him some time, because not only is he talking about very important things – he also does so with some of the most perfect acoustic guitar-based folk rock you’ll ever hear.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/ryan-harvey-give-it-time-reflections-on-change/feed/ 0 Ryan Harvey – Iraq: Songs of Life and Death http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/ryan-harvey-iraq-songs-of-life-and-death/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/ryan-harvey-iraq-songs-of-life-and-death/#comments Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:08:31 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=762 21 new songs about Capitalist greed and injustice. inspired by war and perhaps more importantly the awful consequences of war. Ryan Harvey asks you to «educate, rebel and penetrate» the disgusting system. he basically launches a full scale attack on so-called “free” trade, Bush and many other things. all with his fragile yet firm voice and tight melodic chord progressions on his acoustic guitar. epic and marching forth. in these days of revolution, get this! it’s bigger than a war, it’s bigger than life!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/ryan-harvey-iraq-songs-of-life-and-death/feed/ 1 Ryan Harvey – Ryan Harvey http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/ryan-harvey-ryan-harvey/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/ryan-harvey-ryan-harvey/#comments Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:11:30 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=757 question. what do you get when… (this should be pronounced like Dwight on The Office would pronounce it, by the way.) cross a voice akin to Daniel Johnston’s with anarchist beliefs, intelligent lyrics and an acoustic guitar? Ryan Harvey of the Riot Folk collective. waving the flags of liberty, equality and solidarity – Ryan Harvey’s sharp and direct criticism of American war policy, the Capitalist economy system – among lots of other things far too deep to sum up in this here little paragraph. you should instead take the time to listen to what he has to say for yourself. you’ll be singing «I don’t wanna I don’t wanna go to no war» before you know it! I promise. though a lot of the words uttered on this album aren’t very joyful, it’s not going to make you feel down at all. just encouraged to go out in the world and do something! so get this, listen to it, then go out and make a change. :)

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/12/ryan-harvey-ryan-harvey/feed/ 0 I Create – All We Are Is Now http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/i-create-all-we-are-is-now/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/i-create-all-we-are-is-now/#comments Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:50:21 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=751 I Create’s second album is as pure and emotive as Make the Years. but it’s in most terms a really different album. gone is most of the ’90s/’00s hardcore, as well as most of the ambient nature of the compositions on Make the Years. there are still elements of it though, and it does at times have a sort of epic feel, but in no way is it comparable to the dynamics and crescendos of the début. this albums is far more pure bred ’00s screamo. there *are* climaxes and so forth, but the songs do in no way depend on them. the cryptic lyrics and introverted style of these songs flow more hypnotising by, like water. listening to this album is like watching streams. beautiful.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/i-create-all-we-are-is-now/feed/ 0 I Create – Make the Years http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/i-create-make-the-years/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/i-create-make-the-years/#comments Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:21:21 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=749 starting out with well executed gang shouts, passing into a familiar ’90s/’00s style of hardcore in between Tragedy, Unbroken and Modern Life Is War, to take three well known examples. but it quickly enough breaks down to allow some twinkly guitars and soft bits that eventually climax in a loud and precise technical phase with distorted though melodic and twinkling guitars reigning together with complex drumming and emotive screaming that’s sort of reminiscent of I.Witness, though more screamo than crust, but definitely still dark and very much serious. I Create creates (GET IT? omg that was good) captivating dynamics comparable to what some of the instrumental ambient rock bands do. they don’t rely on it though, like, say, 1099 does. but there are however still a focused crescendo-oriented greatness to these songs. they are not humble in any way. they sound really ambitious, to be honest. and they earn the right to be ambitious through their excellent craftsmanship! the astounding dynamics throughout this record are only rivalled by the way the songs ooze of unity and solidarity. these songs sound like they come from the heart, and that’s where music should stem from. so take the time to listen to this album, because I Create have earned the right to it. you are in a constant state of debt to them, until you find the time to give these great songs a chance. I promise it won’t be a waste of time. in fact, they will make time stand still.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/i-create-make-the-years/feed/ 0 The Revolt – The Revolt http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/the-revolt-the-revolt/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/the-revolt-the-revolt/#comments Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:17:39 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=747 The Revolt are a fairly hard and brutal band from the chills of North Norway. desperate screaming, psychedelic guitars and a straight up brutal rhythm section are among the things this band has to show for themselves. playing their ear-bleeding fast hardcore that almost passes into grindcore, they hammer through this album with style. their progressive hardcore style has earned them a spot in everyone’s hearts. let them into yours as well, so they can rip it apart and eat the bits only to puke them up in the world’s different corners. this band rules. if you get a chance to see them live, do it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/the-revolt-the-revolt/feed/ 0 Age Sixteen – Open Up Finders, Please http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/age-sixteen-open-up-finders-please/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/age-sixteen-open-up-finders-please/#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:42:05 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=737 Age Sixteen are back with another Suis La Lune-like screamo album. the previous post concerning this band was a tour sampler, but this is a full album. it’s more fast and clean guitars, screaming and very dynamic and complex rhythms, all of which come together in a beautiful melodic mess. since most of the songs are around two minutes and Age Sixteen are a band with very much to tell you, it gets a bit chaotic when they are trying to tell you so much in such a short time. but it doesn’t make it feel rushed, it only adds a chaotic feel to the otherwise very melodic and approachable soft tunes. because despite generally playing lightening fast, Age Sixteen manage to still convey many very different feelings throughout this album. the guitars change between weeping, roaring in anger and sophistically reflect on situations and opportunities gone lost, just as much as the disguised but not empty words that are sung, shouted, screamed and silently spoken. while showing (direct or indirect) influence from everything from Rites of Spring to Indian Summer to the more obvious Suis La Lune, Age Sixteen has made one of the most interesting and fulfilling things you could ever spend twenty minutes of your life on. actually, you’ll probably end up spending hours of your life on this. I also highly recommend you pick up the CD on their MySpace, with its beautiful cover. you’d be supporting the band, and this is definitely a band worth supporting. their hauntingly beautiful take on emotive hardcore is stunningly impressive. get this!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/age-sixteen-open-up-finders-please/feed/ 0 Alpinist – Minus. Mensch http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/alpinist-minus-mensch/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/alpinist-minus-mensch/#comments Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:34:06 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=719 well here is something I should have posted ages ago but never got around to do. I apologize for taking so long, because this should really have been up the day it was released. it’s *that* good. no, it’s better. it’s the furious crust from the glorious German band Alpinist, whose demo has been up on this blog for quite some time now. it’s dark, heavy and angry crust with rapid drumming, brutal rhythm guitars, fierce lead guitars, and insane screams and twisted growls. though displaying some screamo influence throughout the album, it’s way less evident than on their demo. Alpinist has become a much more powerful and direct band, not giving away much time to twinkly interludes any more. but they are still highly melodic! even though playing blisteringly fast enraged crust punk, Alpinist’s wrath is a melodic wrath. this is basically a half hour worth of apoplectic apocalyptic intensity almost passing into power violence at times. if you like aggressive music, this should be the crown of your collection. GET IT!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/alpinist-minus-mensch/feed/ 0 1099 – Any Day Now http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/1099-any-day-now/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/1099-any-day-now/#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:51:12 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=713 I spent four minutes listening to tschsthschsthtscshcshtshchtshctsh before trying to open these files in VideoLan Client where I was greeted with far softer music. not that I don’t enjoy tschsthschsthtscshcshtshchtshctsh. I actually thought it was kind of cool. but four minutes with the exact same pattern was a bit boring, so I was quite disappointed with the opening track of this new record by 1099… that is until I opened it in VideoLan Client and got the proper song. so Amarok users out there, beware! the FLAC copies of this album don’t function too well. at least not for me. (MP3 versions are fine though.) anyway, let’s get back to it. on Any Day Now 1099 plays the same calm and hopeful progressive instrumental rock they did on their previous effort. the record reaches both highs and lows in terms of tension. their previous effort Machine! Fire! Ghost! was relatively popular on the blog back when I posted it, so to you hopeful fans out there anticipating another 1099 record, this is what you’ve been waiting for. this should quench your thirst for epic rock. though this effort might not be anything revolutionary sound-wise for 1099, it needn’t be either. their début was about half an hour long, and this is just over twenty minutes. the reason I am pointing out this is because this band is still early in its release catalog, so expecting them to completely change their sound would be silly. and when you listen to the majestic climax of “Up! Up! Up!”, you quickly realise that it’s a good thing that 1099 still play on the same strings. there are *some* changes though. there’s maybe a little bigger hint of Sigur Rós to be detected in here, compared to M!F!G!, and the heavy parts are noticeably heavier than on the début, something that’s demonstrated extremely well in the climax of “Up! Up! Up!” as well as the opening of “Beauty of the Night”, which later passes onto an Explosions in the Sky-like part. 1099 employ just about everything that the more popular bands in the technical ambient rock scene (Mogwai, Godspeed You! Black Emperor and A Silver Mt. Zion are worth mentioning in addition to Sigur Rós and Explosions in the Sky that’s already named). this is very powerful ambient progressive rock with melodies wider than the entire earth, and unmatchable dynamics. an extremely well executed album by a immensely talented Norwegian rock band that deserves all the attention that their music requires to fully appreciate.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/1099-any-day-now/feed/ 1 IHAB – IHAB EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/ihab-ihab-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/ihab-ihab-ep/#comments Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:04:38 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=710 IHAB (formerly known as I Has A Bucket!) are a Bodø-based rock band that sounds just like that, a Bodø-based rock band. Sinnssyk Ugle and Kråkesølv are the two most popular ones that come to mind. while Sinnssyk Ugle has a sort of Britpop edge and Kråkesølv are more emo-like, IHAB has more of a garage sound. they might have some teeny weeny little twinkly emo in their sound, but that’s probably just a result of Kråkesølv. this is definitely not an emo band, let me assure you. it would be easier to compare them to Britpop, like Sinnssyk Ugle. they sound like they owe a great deal to NME rock (Franz Ferdinand, The Kooks, Bloc Party…) with danceable chord progressions, tongue-in-cheek lyrics (in Norwegian though) and an upbeat and flowing feel. this is groovy garage rock that is willing to slow down and unplug the guitars if the song’s mood requires it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/ihab-ihab-ep/feed/ 0 Rover – Latvia Sessions http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/rover-latvia-sessions/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/rover-latvia-sessions/#comments Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:46:18 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=708 if you just can’t get enough of Rover, here are two extra songs for you! the title of the opening track “Furious” pretty much sums it up, because compared to The Great Outdoors EP, these two songs are harder and far more straightforward rockers with more of that weird power metal influence. not that the influence itself is weird, but the outcome of power metal influence on pop rock is a bit weird. not weird as in awkward but as in unheard of. which is good. Rover has their own distinct sound which you should’ve learnt to appreciate by now. so get these two rocking tracks and learn how to further appreciate this great band. (yes, there are woah-ohs on this two-track, don’t worry.)

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/rover-latvia-sessions/feed/ 0 Rover – The Great Outdoors EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/rover-the-great-outdoors-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/rover-the-great-outdoors-ep/#comments Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:32:50 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=706 starting off with mid-tempo coldwave-tinged pop, you’d never recognize this as the new Lucid Dreams if not for the distinct vocals. however once the ultra-catchy pop rock chorus comes in and takes your breath away, you immediately know where you’re at again. Rover are Lucid Dreams albeit with some change of personnel. so what’s changed? well they are more diverse, for one thing. they experiment with more sounds and patterns, though still keeping the woah-oh pop rock core intact. this is not an abandoning of the sound displayed on Dark Rain Beautiful, only an evolution. where Dark Rain Beautiful on the surface was mostly upbeat rock songs or downbeat rock ballads, The Great Outdoors EP attempts to do more. Dark Rain Beautiful was detailed and diverse, but you had to pay attention and look for the elements hidden within. with this album here, it’s much more obvious. the incorporation of more dynamics and more piano/synth-focused mid-tempo coldwave-tinged pop rock songs doesn’t beg you to look for its hidden secrets. but for those of you who were more fans of the upbeat rockers of Dark Rain Beautiful than the power ballads, fear not. there are rockers here as well. including a remake of “Wings Orion”! so there’s plenty of goodness to satisfy every taste.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/rover-the-great-outdoors-ep/feed/ 1 Lucid Dreams – Dark Rain Beautiful http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/lucid-dreams-dark-rain-beautiful/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/lucid-dreams-dark-rain-beautiful/#comments Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:33:33 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=701 Lucid Dreams are a largely – if not criminally – overlooked rock band from Norway that draws influence from theatrical variants of heavy metal and the melodic riff approach of alternative rock. with great use of piano/keys/synths and dynamic acoustic/electric guitar combinations, Lucid Dreams almost pass into progressive metal territory, not straying further away from it when the power metal-esque vocals are taken into account. in other words, Lucid Dreams are a modern rock band with many details to process, much like Finnish rock band Sentenced. add plenty of pop hooks (there are quite the few woah-ohs in here) and a great feeling of finesse to the flavour, and you should have a pretty good idea of how Lucid Dreams sound. capable of both slow-paced ballads as well as straight up rockers, this is a band that puts all they’ve got into every approach they make to song writing. no matter what they attempt, they succeed by putting a lot of power and conviction into it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/lucid-dreams-dark-rain-beautiful/feed/ 0 Brødrene Unstad – God stemning på Blücher http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/br%c3%b8drene-unstad-god-stemning-pa-blucher/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/br%c3%b8drene-unstad-god-stemning-pa-blucher/#comments Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:51:10 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=697 Brødrene Unstad makes acoustic indie pop that will satisfy fans of acoustic indie pop and no one else. if you are not yet acquainted with acoustic indie pop, Brødrene Unstad are a nice place to start. primarily relying on a guitar, a bass and two soft voices, this band is stripped down to the bare bones of cuddle rock. it’s still somewhat possible to tell that these two guys are from the Norwegian sensation Kråkesølv, especially on the brilliant guitar-driven passage on “Like tross store feil”, a sort of Jaguar Love cover. either way God steming på Blücher is a solid folky pop piece with some great ambiance and effective creation of atmospheres and well past “humorous” lyrics in Norwegian (including a brilliant rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Black or White”).

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/br%c3%b8drene-unstad-god-stemning-pa-blucher/feed/ 0 Quiritatio – Forgive and Forget http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/quiritatio-forgive-and-forget/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/quiritatio-forgive-and-forget/#comments Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:12:50 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=691 Quiritatio are situated deeply in the Norwegian hardcore scene – which is easy to tell. at least sometimes… because despite the undoubtedly typically depressing Norwegian core Quiritatio manage to stand out by being a thoroughly unique band that add lots of twist to the perfected formula of Orchid-like vocals, flying guitars and technical rhythm section. their misanthropic Cult of Luna-esque gloomy (yet hopeful – in the end) tales (whose influence can be spotted on the newest Dominic album posted beneath this post) are epic journeys throughout many a musical influence, most importantly various metal influences. the metal influence is highly noticeable, to put it kindly. not only in the immediate obvious, such as the low growling guitars as well as some guttural vocals, but also in the long, progressive and highly technical melodic structures. all of this diversity leads to a comparison to The Spectacle being somewhat necessary. but it doesn’t really matter matter who Quiritatio gets compared to. all you need to know is that they are great and you need to listen to them.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/quiritatio-forgive-and-forget/feed/ 0 Dominic – Nord http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/dominic-nord/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/dominic-nord/#comments Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:09:56 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=685 whenever I’ve mentioned Dominic I’ve always stressed how this band is so incredibly unique and different. and I will continue to do this, because there is no one like them, and I can’t wait to see them live again later this month. this is a band who has been together “forever”, yet they don’t have all that many releases to their name. that’s because they’ve toured all over Europe probably a thousand times. but fortunately for us fans, whenever they decide to actually release something – it’s always near perfect. their highly distinct form of screamo is always very welcome in optic or analogue formats. both of which are purchasable from http://www.denovali.com/dominic/ by the way, and I recommend everyone to hit that up. notice how thorough everything is. the covers are astonishing and well worth the money by themselves! but back to the music. Dominic has evolved noticeably as musicians since their last release. the individual performances are fantastic. but it’s the entirety, the symbiosis that’s the most impressing. all of these marvellous individual performances come together like if they used to be one being once. the music is a dark and gloomy voice that recounts the ancient days of yore when everything was just as depressing as now. this is definitely a band from the cold and dark Northern Norway (the title of the album means north). but where there’s coldness, darkness and depression – there is naturally also hope. the hopefulness in Dominic’s composition is hidden beneath frustration and desperation, but it is definitely in there somewhere. it just takes a lot of listens to find it. Dominic’s albums in general takes many listens to fully appreciate. there are so many levels to the songs. it’s quite complex and interesting to witness just how deep this goes. so come join the party, even though it isn’t a joyful one.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/dominic-nord/feed/ 0 The Crinn – Kills Curiosity http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/the-crinn-kills-curiosity/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/the-crinn-kills-curiosity/#comments Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:46:54 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=683 a lot of you might have heard of a band called The Crinn. a heavy-hitting mathcore band on Nuclear Blast. however, that currently active band can’t be all too compared to the band I’m introducing to you here. this The Crinn are an obscure alien specie that is here to kill all your curiosity regarding them. their weapon? complete and utter musical insanity like none other. though taking most influence from screamo, grindcore, mathcore and artsy punk/metal/alternative bands (The Blood Brothers), The Crinn pretty much just do their own thing (which they named sci-fi core back in the day). this is The Crinn’s first release. pretty obscure, but still sold through their MySpace. they have a different drummer (who by the way is featured on sickestdrummer.com) and a different vocalist, who you should be familiar with through other posts on this blog (e.g. Red From Winter). anyway their sound is kind of uhm… hard to break down into a paragraph or so. it’s jazzy, technical and roaming. constantly shifting tempo and just… everything. this band does not blend genres, it jumps between them at random. for people who haven’t been exposed to experimental music, this will probably come off as really messy and completely crazy. however I am sure that even the most alien to experimental and avant-garde music has the potential to appreciate this true master piece. it might take some time though… Kills Curiosity stands for me as the epitome of experimental screamo. it’s almost closer to free jazz. combine this with the super artsy lyrics («THE CHILD WITH NO TOES KNOWS WHERE THE WAY THROUGH DANGER GOES», and let’s not forget the legendary «BECAUSE LOVE AIN’T NO RELIGION, OUR LOVE WAS SCIENCE FICTION») and the awesome cover this comes in, and you’ve got a pretty good reason to buy this. a simply stunning piece of music. get it. it may change your perception of what is and what isn’t music. (or destroy it.)

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/the-crinn-kills-curiosity/feed/ 0 MEHE – MEHE http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/mehe-mehe/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/mehe-mehe/#comments Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:08:25 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=680 the first thought that runs through your head while listening to MEHE might be WTF. there’s actually a good chance that’ll be the last thought as well. especially the first time you play through this album. starting out like a thrash metal version of The Locust, and passing through droning sludge and spastic punk on their way, MEHE leaves an everlasting impression. a neurotic and violent cross between punk and metal like none other. a bit too abrupt and hyperactive to be labelled sludge, but far too experimental and noisy to be labelled metal or hardcore punk. I don’t really know what just hit me. I just know that it rules. it sounds like the entire band recorded this during an epileptic seizure.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/mehe-mehe/feed/ 0 Nightmares – Demo 2009 http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/nightmares-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/nightmares-demo/#comments Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:12:25 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=675 now I’m a man who appreciates some good feedback. this alone makes Nightmares eligible for this blog. but in addition to using feedback, the music is pretty good as well! what do you know. the opening track “Sick” is definitely sick, with blast beats, heavily distorted guitar riffs, hardcore shouted vocals and at times grindcore growled vocals dealing with pretentiousness and elitism. me like. a lot of the lyrics on this demo seem to deal with the punk scene and what we want from it and how we need to give as much as we take – as well as scenester kids and how they need to pull off their mask and just be themselves. the melodic content on this album is mostly in between hardcore, metalcore and grindcore. it’s heavy and mostly fast. what *really* makes this sound so fucking awesome though is that it’s recorded live, giving it tons of extra edge. I know that there probably isn’t much chance of this happening, but I would be an extremely happy camper if these guys decided to record any future full lengths in the same manner. the feedback, the chugging, the shouting… everything sounds raw, emotional and on edge. the sheer power of this recording can’t be neglected. listen to this people!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/nightmares-demo/feed/ 0 Monument – 3 New Songs http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/monument-3-new-songs/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/monument-3-new-songs/#comments Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:48:31 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=666 this happiness is contagious. I am pretty happy with that sentence. almost so happy I’d leave that as the entire write-up for this album. however, these three songs deserve more words. this here is three songs that pretty much puts the feeling of joy to mp3s. some of the parts here are more of that goody rushing Kinsella rock and some of them are more technical and crescendo-based, and it is with great pleasure I announce Monument’s great success at both styles. you simply need to hear this. at once. oh, what’s that you say? you’re left unaffected by these songs, «have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last? have you left no sense of decency»???

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/monument-3-new-songs/feed/ 0 Monument – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/monument-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/monument-demo/#comments Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:47:35 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=665 I have yet some more Monument, so I really hope you like these guys as much as I do! because here’s some more Cap’n Jazzy goodiness with all the loudness and energy that entails. Monument are somewhat more controlled and precise in their journey than Cap’n Jazz, not giving so much away to coincidence, resulting in a more stable environment. where Cap’n Jazz are speeding way out of control with a vocalist screaming out words so fast he can’t even care less if he manages to pronounce them anywhere near correctly, Monument knows the speed limit. and they don’t make this a disadvantage nor an advantage. they find their own comfort zone and experiment within it with at times great success, in particular at the awesome twinkly guitar breakdown on “Seneca”, where everything sounds just about right.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/11/monument-demo/feed/ 0 Monument – 3 Songs http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/monument-3-songs/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/monument-3-songs/#comments Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:08:40 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=652 right off the bat you can tell that Monument has definitely decided on a sound by now. it’s Cap’n Jazzy loud, jangly and distorted emo with harmonic but harsh guitars, carefree vocals, melodic bass and upbeat drumming. I simply love this stuff! people say that Cap’n Jazz makes you feel like you’re six years old running around in the living room screaming your head off till your dizzy and fall down on your knees laughing in between the panting – Monument feels the same.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/monument-3-songs/feed/ 0 Monument – Florida http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/monuments-florida/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/monuments-florida/#comments Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:04:31 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=653 despite citing Braid and American Football as their influences, Monument are definitely a band with their own sound. a lot of bands citing American Football as a main influence sound pretty much… exactly like American Football, with some minor twists. and those bands are generally great, don’t get me wrong! but I must admit being pleasantly surprised with Monuments more jangly and distorted emo rock that feels almost as home with Pavement – or, to take a totally different band that they also sound like, Built to Spill – as it does with late ’90s and early ’00s emo. they are at times loud like Pavement, hitting you with a wall of guitars – but other times they play sensible and twinkly guitar-based rock like Built to Spill, or even Yo La Tengo. there are some noisy ambient-like tracks and an acoustic guitar track to make sure it gets diverse enough for everyone. the acoustic song is actually the closest Monument ever get to American Football in their exploration of different sounds. anyway, this is an interesting journey by a band that might not yet have found it’s sound, but experiment with lots of different sounds, all of which are interesting in their own way. give it a go.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/monuments-florida/feed/ 0 die, emperor! die! – Discography http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/die-emperor-die-discography/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/die-emperor-die-discography/#comments Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:26:47 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=645 to some extent die, emperor! die follows the same format as mamma, jeg blör… with only consisting of a guitarist/vocalist and a drummer. both of which playing aggressive and brutal emo. mjg are however far louder and simplistic, if you will. ded on the other hand display Mid-West emo tendencies (they are from Texas after all) and general ’90s emo leanings, whilst mjg are far more comparable to ’90s screamo. so, to make an analogy, if “BSD is what you get when a bunch of UNIX hackers sit down to try to port a UNIX system to the PC”, and “Linux is what you get when a bunch of PC hackers sit down and try to write a Unix system for the PC” – then die, emperor! die! are what you get when two punks kids play emo in a screamo manner, and mjg are what you get when two emo kids play punk in a screamo manner. the result is even more confusing than the analogy. but anyway, this is captivating screamo that’s in motion at all times. it’s able to change and adapt to effectively create different moods. sometimes relying on crescendos, but often resulting in surprising moments where it sneaks up at you from behind and suffocates you with volume. you never know where you have these guys, and they take full advantage of it. an outstanding record! download it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/die-emperor-die-discography/feed/ 0 Cerulean – Discography http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/cerulean-discography/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/cerulean-discography/#comments Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:24:50 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=643 you know those few perfect songs that sound like the two great lovers are enjoying their desperate and passionate one last kiss whilst the world is falling apart behind them? now imagine if a band made seventeen songs like that… Germany’s take on ’90s emo is both intriguing and mesmerising. Cerulean (a.k.a. Pilots in Paris) are definitely not an exception to either of those rules. what separates this magnificent band from the others already posted on my blog might be how clean they sound. it’s still raw and passionate ’90s emo, but the production is quite clean, though still somewhat more gritty. while the diverse and highly dynamic drumming shines through crisply enough, the guitars sometimes are the definition of twinkly ’90s emo, but other times it proves more than capable of producing furious riffs, revealing the production as not *too* clean. not by miles. it sometimes passes into the same Hüsker Dü and Sugar-like territory as Christie Front Drive did on the Anthology record, though without being as obviously tied to ’80s alternative in their sound. Cerulean sound more like The Pennikurvers, Ribbon Fix, Ethel Meserve and The Pine. most of all it sounds like Mineral’s “Sadder Star”, with the nervous and angst-ridden vocals over the washing explosion of melody that completely encompasses every feeling or mood that this style of emo should. consequently, the only real weakness of this discography is simply that it’s way too short. while being well over eighty minutes, it’s like it’s over right after you’ve pushed play. despite every track being highly distinct from one another; despite it’s epic greatness, it’s over all too soon. you simply can’t get enough of this intriguing and mesmerising German emo. a truly magic album not comparable to anything else. a deeply confessional, emotional and personal record that tells a beautiful story that needs to be heard to be believed. you need this. a lot.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/cerulean-discography/feed/ 0 Zookeeper – Live in the MOKB/91.7 WEEM Studio 12/5/07 http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/zookeeper-%e2%80%93-live-in-the-mokb91-7-weem-studio-12507/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/zookeeper-%e2%80%93-live-in-the-mokb91-7-weem-studio-12507/#comments Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:43:15 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=639 this is Zookeeper – if possible – stripped even more down than on the albums posted here. this is Zookeeper live. they play Everyone’s A DJ plus two unreleased tracks, both of which are nothing short of amazing. the first track is a tumultuous song with distorted guitars and an upbeat and intrepid feel – full of energy and raw emotion. the second one is a venturesome acoustic guitar and vocal driven epiphany of a track. starting out with a lonesome picked acoustic guitar and a soft voice that reflects ever so fairly about the world. eventually a deep bass playing satisfyingly easy on the ear bass lines, as well as a slightly stabbing yet not too piercing electric guitar. all of this comes together nicely and interacts carefully but precisely until the energy suddenly explodes for a few seconds, like as if it can’t hold itself back – then dies away magnificently. you should already have “Everyone’s A DJ” (I assume you’ve downloaded Becoming All Things, yes? :), and thus should already be familiar with this sensational song and its modern-day-poetesque lyrics.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/zookeeper-%e2%80%93-live-in-the-mokb91-7-weem-studio-12507/feed/ 0 Zookeeper – Becoming All Things http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/zookeeper-becoming-all-things/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/zookeeper-becoming-all-things/#comments Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:38:28 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=627 you have the short-length? now get the long-length! you don’t have the short-length? GET IT! AND GET THIS! folky rock’n'roll that ranges from droning hymns to jangly guitar rock to tender piano ballads this is soulful and expressive folk rock at its very finest. the introverted lyrics combine well with the sometimes very extroverted powerhouse that is the melody. sometimes exploding with happiness, horns, guitars, percussions, energy – other times bursting with melancholy and sadness, driven by a piano and acoustic guitar. Chris and his ensemble on Becoming All Things prove to handle melodrama just as well as soulful ballads. this mostly vocal-driven album has some of the most intimate music possible, but it’s not locked down to being an album of only ballads with acoustic guitar, crooning and piano. not by a mile. it constantly shifts the tempo, the energy, the feeling, the atmosphere – it simply rocks the foundation of the album on an even basis. from the most joyful and upbeat clash of noisy percussion, loud guitars and a thousand voices to the most elegant and humble of lovely arranged sensitive heart-breaking ballads. from the euphoric to the painful, Becoming All Things is a highly impressive journey throughout the emotional spectrum of Christopher Simpson. this is a record that deserve to be heard. and bought on CD from http://www.bellecitypop.com/ – so make haste. get this!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/zookeeper-becoming-all-things/feed/ 0 Zookeeper – Zookeeper http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/zookeeper-zookeeper/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/zookeeper-zookeeper/#comments Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:00:34 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=633 I’m insanely proud and incredibly eager to present to you Zookeeper. this is a life-changing band that just reeks of joy. Zookeeper makes music fun like no other band. this is Christopher Simpson proving that he hasn’t lost his touch. on the contrary. most of you will know this bloke from Mineral and The Gloria Record, two bands I love equally as much as Zookeeper. if you don’t know either of those (shame on you), then go get to know them. when people ask “what is emo?”, a lot of people will simply direct them to an MP3 of “If I Could” by Mineral. and with good reason. with the unfathomable power and distinct divine weeping guitars, Mineral was simply one of a kind. though never really influenced by as much 80s emo as 80s alternative, nor ever accepting the emo tag – they were emo to everyone else but themselves. The Gloria Record was another highly impressing emo band, although less punky and more exploring. their full lenght “Start Here” proved that emo is an ever changing genre that by now wasn’t tied to any of its roots – it did as it pleased. so definitely check those bands out if you ever have the chance. but for now – check this out. this band captures the most positive energy on record that I’ve ever witnessed. it is simply impossible to listen to this and be unaffected by the incredible love for music that’s put to this EP. this has a lot in common with Mineral and The Gloria Record when it comes to passion and the raw emotion evident. musically however… well… it’s not emo. Chris still possesses his beautiful fairly off-tune voice that’s kind of akin to Rufus Wainwright’s voice, and even easier compared to Daniel Johnston’s voice, sans the lisping. there’s still an ethereal feeling and majestic power to the music. it’s just really different. this is grass root level folk rock with a ridiculous amount of elements and details in the arrangement. it kind of sounds like Chris got all of Austin – if not all of Texas. to join in on this project. either way, I’m just happy he kept writing songs after The Gloria Record broke up. and I’m even happier he decided to call up some friends to record it, because the world is better off with these songs in them. everyone needs to download and listen to this. then they need to head over to http://www.bellecitypop.com/ and purchase it on CD, because damn. this is amazing. with elements of folk rock, country, rock and pop – Chris Simpson not only reinvents himself, he reinvents music by going back. so come on and sing along to these wonderful melodies and intelligent lyrics. get it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/zookeeper-zookeeper/feed/ 0 Vikings! – 2008 EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/vikings-2008-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/vikings-2008-ep/#comments Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:25:11 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=624 the soft ’90s Mineral-like intro proves to be as deceitful as the intro to Emo Summer’s Land of Emotional Plastic Furniture, because a tap-tap on the snare later, this is full-blown screamo. there are some sugarsweet clean guitars like Suis La Lune employ from time to time, but mostly it’s somewhat more distorted and heavy. this is very much modern present-day screamo. less chaotic in its execution than the early ’90s screamo, and much more refined, focusing on tempo shifts and dynamic crescendo elements instead. it’s atmospheric and focuses on dexterous guitar textures instead of pulling out hard riffs. the chord-progressions aims to create moody math-like screamo that dictates the loudness, whilst the drums handle the tempo. in the mean time, the bass does a fantastic job at adding that little extra harmony to the structure, over which the emotional screams slides in comfortably the not too often times they choose to step forward. don’t miss out on this band! even though they are no longer active, this EP can be bought from http://myspace.com/lolvikings for $5.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/vikings-2008-ep/feed/ 0 We Were Lightning – So You Spat at the Moon? -EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/we-were-lightning-so-you-spat-at-the-moon-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/we-were-lightning-so-you-spat-at-the-moon-ep/#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:02:30 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=619 banjos, mandolins, melodicas, glockenspiels… yes. it’s that kind of music. Morfar might’d been right when he said that all you need is drums to start a hipster party, but you need all of the ingredients of We Were Lightning to keep it going. their influences sounds like they are ranging from eastern folk to 60s folk rock (perhaps especially the American band Love) to modern baroque pop and popera. the result is a mad fusing of everything between and outside this scope. spastic almost cabaret-like indie pop/rock with major folk influences. it’s sort of chamber pop, like Sufjan Stevens and Badly Drawn Boy – but no distorted guitars or whatever. there’s something in me that wants to call Beirut on this one as well. but mostly it’s just entirely original and different. a quality album without a doubt. a must-hear even! download it, then look at http://howisannierecords.com/ to buy it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/we-were-lightning-so-you-spat-at-the-moon-ep/feed/ 0 Wingnut Dishwashers Union – Burn the Earth, Leave It Behind http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/wingnut-dishwashers-union-burn-the-earth-leave-it-behind/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/wingnut-dishwashers-union-burn-the-earth-leave-it-behind/#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:10:15 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=616 yet another album from this union of musicians playing compositions by Pat the Bunny. this time it’s more polished without a doubt. a lot of the songs on here are old songs which you might already have (if you downloaded the previous upped album you definitely have some), but their incarnations on this album is so fresh that they barely deserve being compared to their original incarnations, they’ll be better off treated as completely new songs. due to a more refined and polished sound, the rawness and anger on these songs are parallel to the catchyness and sing-a-long factor. there are more instruments and simply a bigger ensemble appearing on this album. but it’s just as honest and down to earth. if you are into Against Me! but have qualms over their involvement with major labels, you’re better off here. this is not only diy as can be, but it’s actually a lot better music. extremely genuine and cheerful punk rock. embrace it! by the way, Pat the Bunny does a lot of shit besides making music, like setting up an anarchist transportation collective, among other things. so if you can spare a change, purchase a physical version of his album at http://www.wingnutdishwashersunion.com/ – or donate to him. try this on for size. download it, and THROW YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR, ‘CAUSE PROPERTY IS ROBBERY!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/wingnut-dishwashers-union-burn-the-earth-leave-it-behind/feed/ 0 The Tie That Binds – Half Past Heroes http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/the-tie-that-binds-half-past-heroes/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/the-tie-that-binds-half-past-heroes/#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:50:59 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=609 right from the very first note, this band destroys all. an upbeat emo drive with ultra-melodic guitars that are busy at work picking out the very best of catchy harmonies to just thrash at your ears so fucking hard they’ll bleed out of pure joy. this is a record to cherish from that first note to the very last note of the large and impressive ultra-climactic ending of an album beyond compare. The Tie That Binds shares a great deal with the likes of Eversor, Uni-V and Christie Front Drive. but look! there’s some The Get Up Kids and Jimmy Eat World over there, in the distance! yes. while being largely residing in emo territory, Half Past Heroes pays enough visits to the neighbouring country of alternative to churn out a great deal of chiming riffs that are catchy enough to secretly infiltrate a Saves the Day concert. there’s even those damned start-stop rhythms! but don’t get me wrong… despite showcasing some alternative influences, this is still ’90s emo to the core (albeit released in 2001). raw and slightly hoarse vocals singing fatalistic tunes about half past heroes, half empty bottles and the classic “better days” when you stayed out all day and in all night (holding her tight), harmonizing with guitars interchanging between sweet twinkling and heavily distorted power chords. in addition you’ll also notice some more soft bits as well, serving sometimes as build-ups to guitar/vocal harmonies that almost crosses into 90s hardcore (Unbroken, Sons of Abraham…) and generally just reign like none other. but other times, the slowing down and softening up leads to intimate confessions, easily compared to Mineral’s majestic compositions. when you listen to the track Half Past Hero, there’s something peculiarly reminiscent of TheLastWordIsRejoice. the vocal interactions generates a comfortable feeling of nostalgia. to sum up this record: get it. it’s simply amazing.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/the-tie-that-binds-half-past-heroes/feed/ 0 Wingnut Dishwashers Union – Never Trust A Man Who Plays Guitar! http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/wingnut-dishwashers-union-never-trust-a-man-who-plays-guitar/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/wingnut-dishwashers-union-never-trust-a-man-who-plays-guitar/#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:10:14 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=601 Wingnut Dishwashers Union are a band that constantly changes members. it’s a union. it plays songs composed by “Pat the Bunny”. on this album it’s mostly just himself playing clearly upset folk punk on his guitar whilst shouting about life and all its peculiarities. there are a slight case of the drums and some horns and other instruments making the occasional guest appearance, though not shifting really focus from sound delivery that is the acoustic guitar, nor the eager anarchist shouting. the cleverly engineered line “a punk rock song won’t ever change the world, but I can tell you of a couple that changed me” pretty much sums this up. let this change you! download at once!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/wingnut-dishwashers-union-never-trust-a-man-who-plays-guitar/feed/ 0 What Price, Wonderland? – Claim http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/what-price-wonderland-claim/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/what-price-wonderland-claim/#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:47:01 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=600 they say they won’t play songs older than this record here, which is very sad due to how awesome the older songs are. however, it is understandable – because even though they don’t completely renew themselves with Claim, they definitely display a much more polished and matured sound. all the instruments are generally tighter and more interactive and slightly more thrashing. so get it on this excellent release! a defining emo record to rival the very best.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/what-price-wonderland-claim/feed/ 0 What Price, Wonderland? – Feel Express Share Aid http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/what-price-wonderland-feel-express-share-aid/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/what-price-wonderland-feel-express-share-aid/#comments Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:21:46 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=590 What Price, Wonderland? are playing a ferocious punk rock inspired by 80s emo among other things. they are expressive, extroverted and emotive emo at its finest. from the track titles to the shouts to the way they let me put their albums on the blog, this is a band who is extremely dedicated to the punk/hardcore/emo scene, and their passion is highly evident in their music. rapid drumming, semi-clean tech chord progressions, shouting and melodic bass lines are put in focus most of the time, with fragments of softness and beauty showing themselves gradually at times, contrasting the raw emotion and almost theatrical anger that stings you like you’re sleeping on a bed of needles and having bad dreams resulting in a lot of twisting and turning. this album enters your life like salt in open wounds, it leaves you a stronger person. learn what it means to feel, express, share and aid. download this album at once.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/what-price-wonderland-feel-express-share-aid/feed/ 0 Stella Dawes – Contrasts http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/stella-dawes-contrasts/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/stella-dawes-contrasts/#comments Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:39:42 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=415 these guys sent me their album ages ago. but due to moving the blog and so on, it never got posted… till now that is! and I must admit I was quite curious to hear what this album was like, due to seeing them name dropped on quite some forums, as well as getting *very* glowing revies. well boys… here’s another one to add to the collection. the intro is a brooding and atmospheric droning glimpse of doom. suddenly it gets abruptly ended in favour of havoc and destruction, and the meaning of the album title gets all too obvious. after raping your ears for some few minutes, Stella Dawes proceed into more ambient drone territory, just to make sure you are in fact going insane, before launching another full scale attack. you know The Battle for Helms Deep in the movie adaption of The Lord of the Rings? it’s kind of like that. only in between these grandiose events, there’s bits of harmonic and genuinely catchy soft alternative bits, offering a healing moment to your ears. Stella Dawes does an excellent job at executing this, which is something that might have been out of place if not done properly. fortunately though, this band proves to be capable of taking many elements which might not look compatible on paper, and putting them together into gigantic master pieces. the progressive and diverse nature of this band makes it somewhat appropriate to draw comparison to another band on that’s punk – The Pax Cecilia. both bands play a screamo-tinged variant of progressive metalcore. the biggest difference might be that where The Pax Cecilia has piano-driven harmonies, Stella Dawes have droning intervals of noise rock that strive to create harmonies and melodic structures underneath all the terror – and succeeds at that, I might add. just like they succeed at pretty much everything they attempt at this album. whether it be brutal metalcore or the sweetest acoustic-driven interludes climaxing in a mix of screams and loud and heavily distorted yet soft on the ears guitars, they simply succeed. this is a bombastic début album full of brave compositions and intricate arrangements that require the utmost skill and devotion to pull of. they pull it off. download this album, then order it from their MySpace. do it now.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/stella-dawes-contrasts/feed/ 0 Greenland Is Melting – Our Hearts are Gold, Our Grass is Blue http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/greenland-is-melting-our-hearts-are-gold-our-grass-is-blue/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/greenland-is-melting-our-hearts-are-gold-our-grass-is-blue/#comments Sat, 17 Oct 2009 20:53:09 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=413 this is a milestone in the that’s punk community. not only is it the first (new) post on the new site – it’s also the first bluegrass album! and what an album. but you know us at that’s punk… whenever we do something, we do it right! this folk/bluegrass masterpiece captures a sense of spirit and hope. they write “words that can be screamed at the top of your lungs”. also notice how they don’t have a drummer – only a bass drum, and it works out great for them. (blue)grass root folk music. down to earth sing-a-long tunes for the whole family. don’t miss this!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/10/greenland-is-melting-our-hearts-are-gold-our-grass-is-blue/feed/ 0 Bough Breaks – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/09/bough-breaks-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/09/bough-breaks-demo/#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:44:43 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=195 modern hardcore is generally very melodic with awesome guitars, emotional shouting and tight rhythm sections. Bough Breaks are no exception to any of those rules. hardcore with attitude and heart. melodic Modern Life Is War era hardcore guitars, tight rhythm, sincere vocals and consistent lyrics. these seven and a half minutes of music presents Bough Breaks as a very promising band in the nation of hardcore. I can’t wait to hear more from them, and you should probably just start off with this and you’ll soon enough find out why I’m anxious to hear more from Bough Breaks.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/09/bough-breaks-demo/feed/ 0 Chronographs – There’s Nothing More Natural Than Disaster http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/09/chronographs-theres-nothing-more-natural-than-disaster/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/09/chronographs-theres-nothing-more-natural-than-disaster/#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:24:48 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=197 Chronographs are a groovy punk band that’s somehow reminiscent to Method of Groove. with hints of hardcore, dashes of screamo and larger portions of southern rock, There’s Nothing More Natural Than Disaster is a pleasant listen throughout. though only four songs, it still manages to leave an impression. the southern rock/emo/hardcore fusion works out really well and doesn’t seem like a forced gimmick. it sounds completely sane and pretty awesome. the album overall is great, and the opening track in particular. brilliant effort that deserves a download; *your* download.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/09/chronographs-theres-nothing-more-natural-than-disaster/feed/ 0 I.Witness – I.Witness http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/09/i-witness-i-witness/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/09/i-witness-i-witness/#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:55:47 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=196 have you picked up these guys’ demo and/or the live show posted on this blog? well then you know how awesome they are. this is their album. it consists of the four tracks on the demo (in a remastered version) plus five more tracks. (most of which appear on the concert from this blog.) I.Witness has always been in between genres, and this persists with their début album. right off the bat they combine screamo sensibilities with a hardcore drive and crust guitars. heavy breakdowns and constant movement are key words to I.Witness’s sound. the diversity represented on the album is stunning. this album fits in like half the categories on this page. they fall somewhat on the same side as Alpinist, with their crust/screamo (creamo) combination. dynamic screamo passages and outros break up the intense crust drive of the songs. there’s low and guttural rhythm guitars and more high semi-twinkly screamo leads with shouting and screaming on top, and vivid cymbal-reliant drumming to keep it alive and moving. hardcore from Rossija. get this!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/09/i-witness-i-witness/feed/ 0 Don Quichote – Don Quichote http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/09/don-quichote-don-quichote/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/09/don-quichote-don-quichote/#comments Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:39:26 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=523 everyone seems to be intrigued by ’90s emo. whether it’s the harmonic Cap’n Jazz style of emo displayed by e.g. Bells on Trike posted below, or whether it’s this more noisy attempts inspired by Heroin and so on – like Don Quichote demonstrates on this self titled 10″ from ’97. they are kind of like Age and Assay meets 125, Rue Montmartre and Cerulean. it’s Ebullition meets Gravity. it’s ’90s emo/hardcore. really intense, like I.Witness that are on this blog as well. Don Quichote’s voals remind me of Evergreen and The Pine. it’s slightly nasal and very emotional. their intense guitars also sound a bit like – you’ve guessed it – Evergreen and The Pine. heavily distorted angsty harmonies with nervous twinkling in between them. add mellow and dynamic bass lines that while being in the background still somehow manage to stand out and steal focus to the mix and you’re set. the bassist does a splendid job at adding a melodic and soft touch while not being an attention-whore. the bass basically makes you close your eyes and be mesmerised by the beautiful harmonies. finally I must address the very competent drummer that has no qualms about constantly revolutionising the tempo as well as the overall feel of the songs. it’s full on. these things are utterly amazing by themselves, but put them together and you have a holy symbiosis of magic that is untouchable. nothing comes close to sounding like this band. this 10″ is a unique experience that everyone should go through. you need to download this. and afterwards you need to buy it while you still can at: http://superfluous-records.blogspot.com/2009/06/don-quichote-six-song-10-inch.html

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/09/don-quichote-don-quichote/feed/ 0 Bells on Trike – Bells on Trike http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/09/bells-on-trike-bells-on-trike/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/09/bells-on-trike-bells-on-trike/#comments Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:45:49 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=198 everyone should be familiar with Bells on Trike. and if you aren’t – WHY? get familiar with them – because you’re “noot geettiiinngg yoouunggerrrr”. while this band wasn’t around as long as e.g. Mineral and Christie Front Drive, they are by no means a band which should be overlooked. they play the same stile of ’90s emo® as the beforehand mentioned. the Cap’n Jazz school of emo was always the more popular one… well, anyway. Bells on Trike focus on clean and sparse guitar harmonies that are so soft they will fucking stab you to death. the vocals are minimalistic and put low in the mix, which makes the emotional weight they carry sound even heavier. and this guy does a great job at sounding emotional, let me tell you. shouting, ultra-easy-on-the-ears harmonies… he does them all. equally well.the melodic bass lines ensure a dynamic and vivid sound that almost sounds chaotic, and probably would’ve been if not for the sparse yet ingenius guitars. especially if it were up to the upbeat and jazzy drumming. like Mineral’s, the drumming sounds like it never does the same thing twice. it gives an experimental jam touch to the songs. however the tracks never go full throttle chaos. they are mostly kept in check by the elegant dexterity-demonstrations by the guitarists. so get in on this. it rules.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/09/bells-on-trike-bells-on-trike/feed/ 0 The Loneliest Cowgirls – The Loneliest Cowgirls http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/the-loneliest-cowgirls-the-loneliest-cowgirls/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/the-loneliest-cowgirls-the-loneliest-cowgirls/#comments Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:25:50 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=199 while I could probably go on to write an entire essay about the story behind this one man band, I’ll just say that it’s another project by Ethan from The Sky Looks Pissed. these songs are sparse acoustic melodies. broken hearted love songs in the vein of S. this is almost like painful lo-fi acoustic emo. somewhere in between country, folk punk and emo. download it and give it a go. it’s simply outstanding music. emotionally challenging and incredibly fascinating. get it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/the-loneliest-cowgirls-the-loneliest-cowgirls/feed/ 0 125, Rue Montmartre- songs from Maggat Split http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/125-rue-montmartre-songs-from-maggat-split/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/125-rue-montmartre-songs-from-maggat-split/#comments Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:29:25 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=522 125, Rue Montmartre did a split with Maggat. the two songs in this post is the result. and if you like the other posts, you will like this. if you didn’t, you won’t. it’s more of the same “reserved yet intense” emo that kind of sounds like Mineral’s Rubber Legs, except from the vocals who share virtually no traits at all. 125RM’s vocalist is a woman for one, and she sings in German for two. she does not sing in a way anyway resembling Chris Simpson’s vocal style. she has her own style, that definitely fits this music though. so check this out, yo.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/125-rue-montmartre-songs-from-maggat-split/feed/ 0 125, Rue Montmartre- song from a compilation http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/125-rue-montmartre-song-from-a-compilation/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/125-rue-montmartre-song-from-a-compilation/#comments Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:18:51 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=200 this is a very nice song called 8x lied by 125, Rue Montmartre, that appeared on some compilation. it’s upbeat and dreamy sound with talked vocals is somewhere between earlier JimmyEatWorld and the calmer parts of newer Envy. some people say that this band makes German sound beautiful, and I can see what they’re getting at. the vocal style is very fitting. it further enhances the dreamy feel of the track. the song is like a constant build up. it gets better and better, more and more intense, all the time. so if you like twinkly and mellow emo you should definitely try this on for size.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/125-rue-montmartre-song-from-a-compilation/feed/ 0 125, Rue Montmartre- 125, Rue Montmartre http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/125-rue-montmartre-125-rue-montmartre/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/125-rue-montmartre-125-rue-montmartre/#comments Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:17:52 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=201 German emo is pretty awesome. this is definitely evidence of that. sounding like they belong somewhere between the raw Republic of Freedom Fighters and the beautiful Mineral, 125RM are a fresh sounding emo band with female vocals, raw and twinkly guitars, upbeat and dreamy drumming and melodic and soft bass lines. easily compared to Cerulean/Pilots in Paris for their sensitivity combined with rawness style.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/125-rue-montmartre-125-rue-montmartre/feed/ 0 Sun Zoo – can’t see the forest http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/sun-zoo-cant-see-the-forest/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/sun-zoo-cant-see-the-forest/#comments Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:59:53 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=202 Sun Zoo is rapping about people who can’t see the forest because of all the smoke, about getting doped on Playstation and Prozac. this record is comfortably resided on the border between pessimistic in the east and realistic in the west. this is contemporary and mature hip-hop. most of the time with cool beats and DJing with flare, but sometimes with just the piano, baring itself. but regardless of how the music presents itself, it shines of honesty as well as modesty, without being shy or anonymous. this is just a super hip-hop album. check it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/sun-zoo-cant-see-the-forest/feed/ 0 Sun Zoo – Hope Flies http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/sun-zoo-hope-flies/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/sun-zoo-hope-flies/#comments Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:59:37 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=251 a deep bass, scratching, soul choirs and catchy synths. this is deep and at times philosophical hip-hop about life and the stuff that happens to you in life. ordinary things. the negative effect alcoholism and drug-addiction can have on you, poverty’s cage, hypocrisy… then on the other side how awesome music is and how cool it is to touch people via it, loving yourself. and no matter what subject the lyrics touches upon it does so with panache and style and dope rhymes. the music also follows the mood of the lyrics very elegantly, always reflecting the words, creating a superb atmosphere, consequently resulting in a very thorough sound. if you’re into any kind of hip-hop, you should basically get this because it is the epitome of good hip-hop.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/sun-zoo-hope-flies/feed/ 0 Munn Til Munn Metoden – Remix EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/munn-til-munn-metoden-remix-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/munn-til-munn-metoden-remix-ep/#comments Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:23:38 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=252 two boys with their laptop making upbeat and catchy electronica. it feels like summer listening to this outstanding blip blop pop. you can’t not like music that’s this happy and simply full of positive energy. while all the songs apart from the intro and outro are remixes, don’t let that get in your way of downloading this. they definitely put their own Munn Til Munn Metoden stamp on it. and if you dig the tunes, you could always consider hitting up the bands they’ve remixed – that way you can potentially discover five awesome bands here, instead of “just” one! you cannot lose!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/munn-til-munn-metoden-remix-ep/feed/ 0 xThrivex – xThrivex http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/xthrivex-xthrivex/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/xthrivex-xthrivex/#comments Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:13:39 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=253 xThrivex are a straight edge punk band. and like with vegan bands, I can’t promise to spread their ideology. but their music on the other hand – is something I am very into. heavy punk rock with clear hardcore and metalcore influences. most of the time it sounds like a slow motion Modern Life Is War. plenty of breakdowns. it’s pretty cool. the lyrics are mostly about taking a stand, breaking out of the chains of apathy. it’s all sung in a pretty standard hardcore shouting style, with the occasional group shouts. while it is a somewhat stereotypical hardcore band (what hardcore band isn’t though), it’s still a great listen, and very much worthy of a download if you’re into hardcore or just punk rock.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/xthrivex-xthrivex/feed/ 0 Mihai Edrisch – Un jour sans lendemain http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/mihai-edrisch-un-jour-sans-lendemain/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/mihai-edrisch-un-jour-sans-lendemain/#comments Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:58:40 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=255 on their second effort, Mihai Edrisch comes across as more mature. the song writing is more structured. it sounds more disciplined. I’ll leave it up to you to find out whether that’s a good thing or not. what it ultimately results in is a more consistent album. everything belongs together. there’s an intro, an interlude and an outro in the same dreamy style. every song title is one word. the songs are more alike, thus perhaps fitting more appropriately together. on the other hand, the first one was more diverse. but still, both of the albums are great for different reasons. they are both awesome screamo albums with multiple highlights. all the songs have those European flying screamo guitars and complex rhythm section, with the French screamo vocal style. it’s simply awesome, so check it out. especially the end track (not the outro but the track before it). a brilliant track. probably this band’s finest.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/mihai-edrisch-un-jour-sans-lendemain/feed/ 0 Mihai Edrisch – L’un sans l’autre http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/mihai-edrisch-lun-sans-lautre/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/mihai-edrisch-lun-sans-lautre/#comments Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:42:49 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=266 Mihai Edrisch are another French screamo band for you to download. they provide you with further evidence why France is one of the leading screamo countries in the 2000s. highly creative, technical and explosive screamo. the guitars interchange between twinkling beautifully and thrashing it completely. the vocals are compromised of passionate screams. the drums and bass glues everything together, whilst not being afraid of shining through at times; stealing the focus. all in all Mihai Edrisch are the kind of band that people who use terms such as “post rock” will love. they have nice build ups and several climaxes. European screamo the way it should be.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/mihai-edrisch-lun-sans-lautre/feed/ 0 Celeste – Misantrophe(s) http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/celeste-misantrophes/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/celeste-misantrophes/#comments Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:47:50 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=267 if you are like me and prefer early Isis over newer Isis – this album should tickle your fancy. if you don’t give a fuck about Isis (you should, btw), you should listen to this album because it is awesome. epic and grandiose progressive screamo mixed with powerful and hard-hitting black metal. what more can one ask of a band? it’s Euro-style breakdowns and interludes galore, black metal guitars and screamed vocals. screamed like Manhattan Skyline, Orchid and Quiritatio’s screams – not like Honeywell, Reach Out and mamma, jeg blör… but the main ingredient in Celeste’s music is how epic they sound, and the sheer progressiveness they display. so get on it. download!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/celeste-misantrophes/feed/ 0 Celeste – Nihiliste(s) http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/celeste-nihilistes/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/celeste-nihilistes/#comments Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:03:51 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=268 with their second release, Celeste moves into black metal territory. fusing two genres that are thought to be almost polar opposites: screamo and black metal. (okay, there are screamo/metal bands out there. there are even punk/black metal bands. but this is *screamo/black metal*. that’s not like, the most common fusing ever.) but after listening to this album, you will most certainly not view the genres as opposites. not at all. they go hand in hand, forging a union of might and power. every bit as mesmerizing as the previous release, «this music is too dreamy». and the black metal influences will have you bobbing your head even harder this time around. almost… *yikes* – headbanging. like a proper metalhead. so if you’re really into punk but hate metal (for some obscure reason), this might be your gateway into the grandiose metal genre. if you’re into metal – consider this your entry to the rawness of punk rock. if you’re into both… well then you obviously put this on repeat. also be sure to check out Uranus, Iskra, One Eyed God Prophecy, The Spectacle, Manhattan Skyline and other punk bands with metal influences. but first: download this album. it’s a heavy mother fucker of an album. it rips. get it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/celeste-nihilistes/feed/ 0 Celeste – Pessimiste(s) http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/celeste-pessimistes/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/celeste-pessimistes/#comments Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:46:21 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=276 if you like the crusty tech bands on this blog, like Manhattan Skyline, you’ll definitely want to download Celeste (which consists of ex-Mihai Edrisch members, among others). this is the kind of band that you imagine yourself in complete trance, moving nothing but your head, which is bobbing to the inviting sounds of melancholy and utter despair, if you ever get a chance to see them live. their mesmerizing beyond compare. epic like City of Caterpillar, hard like Orchid and tech like Manhattan Skyline. a simply amazing band that deserves your download. you will probably want to buy their albums as well, because this is just too good not to.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/celeste-pessimistes/feed/ 0 Gone With the Pain – from a split with Reaction and Under the Waves http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/gone-with-the-pain-from-a-split-with-reaction-and-under-the-waves/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/gone-with-the-pain-from-a-split-with-reaction-and-under-the-waves/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:43:22 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=277 this is a song by Gone With the Pain that appeared on a split with two other bands. the song is a 1:34 mammoth thrasher. fast and chaotic screamo similar to Don’t Fuck With Columbus, but with The Spirit of Versailles vocals. if you haven’t bothered getting anything from this band before and want a little teaser, get this. if you have the rest of the releases posted on that’s punk… well then you are currently listening to the song instead of reading this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/gone-with-the-pain-from-a-split-with-reaction-and-under-the-waves/feed/ 0 Gone With the Pain – La Ideología Del Vacío http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/gone-with-the-pain-la-ideologia-del-vacio/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/gone-with-the-pain-la-ideologia-del-vacio/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:40:23 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=278 if you downloaded Gone With the Pain’s s/t and thought that it was awesome but wish all the songs were too long or wish they’d be even faster and even louder… well then this is the download for you. if you didn’t download their s/t – download this. then download the s/t. because you need to give this band a go. what’s different from the s/t album? well for starters, every song on here is less than two minutes long. there’s a little more clear production, and the guitars are slightly cleaner. the screaming (almost shrieking) is even more intense. it’s more explosive. they hardly ever (only once) go into twinkly little interludes… but that’s only so they can explode and hit you harder than ever. they basically stop at nothing. it’s like a constant beating. it never ends! so download it and put it on repeat… until next that’s punk post, naturally.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/gone-with-the-pain-la-ideologia-del-vacio/feed/ 0 Gone With the Pain & Optimus Prime split http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/gone-with-the-pain-optimus-prime-split/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/gone-with-the-pain-optimus-prime-split/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:39:24 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=279 this is a split between two pretty different, yet similar bands. the first half is by Optimus Prime, a Russian band. with an awesome lead guitar that plays what sometimes almost sound like classic rock solos, a viola, screamed vocals, upbeat drumming and just an overall tight sound. the lead guitar is especially worth noticing. it gives this band a unique sound. it’s a bit like One Last Wish. (listen to My Better Half.) oh and just because it has a viola, it doesn’t mean that they sound anything like I Would Set Myself on Fire for You. because they don’t. at all. this is way more intense. while they may have some of the experimental features of IWASMOFFY, they are not nearly as jazzy. most of the time they are also faster and more to the point. the guitars are also several miles away from IWASMOFFY. but in terms of quality – it’s just as good. a freaking awesome band that needs your attention. and so does the band behind the second half of the split. Gone With the Pain are intense, fast, loud, hard, screamo. in Spanish. their half of the split is actually their s/t album from 2006 in its entirety! and it’s great. I don’t really know what to compare this band with. it’s a bit like Don’t Fuck With Columbus, only it’s pretty much nonstop kicking you square in the nuts. there are few occasions where this band slows things down – but when they do, they do so to incorporate more experimental elements in the songs, as well as allowing the guitars to take a more “pretty” approach, twinkling and what not. it’s just as awesome as the noisy bits, if not more. at times they remind me a lot of The Spirit of Versailles – and in the noisier parts, the vocals are fairly comparable to BJ Anderson’s vocals. so if you’re into The Spirit of Versailles and other a bit chaotic and intense bands, this is the band for you.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/gone-with-the-pain-optimus-prime-split/feed/ 0 syn*error – songs from a split tape with Jet Pilot http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/synerror-songs-from-a-split-tape-with-jet-pilot/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/synerror-songs-from-a-split-tape-with-jet-pilot/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:43:24 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=521 these are the songs from syn*error’s bit of their split with Jet Pilot. one of the tracks evident on this post have appeared earlier (the s*e/WPW? split), but the other four are new additions, which I hope you like. if you have downloaded the other syn*error posts – you know what you’re in for. if not… well then this is as good a place to start as any other. this is the type of band that probably would be tagged with “real emo” or “real screamo” on last.fm if they were popular. drawing influence from Still Life, Portraits of the Past, The Saddest Landscape and all that jazz, syn*error are definitely a “real” emo/screamo band. a solid and semi-experimental rhythm section that allows two sharp guitars to constantly try to create interesting patterns, experimenting with dynamics and contrasts. on top of all of this are the screamo vocals, perhaps a little less in focus than they tend to be in other screamo bands. the mix comes out awesome, and is definitely something everyone will have to make time to listen to. out of all the syn*error posts on that’s punk, it may also be worth mentioning that this is the most European-sounding one. so if you’re really into that stuff – get this. if you like all types of emo – get this. if you like *good music* – get this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/synerror-songs-from-a-split-tape-with-jet-pilot/feed/ 0 Rudi Simmons – Palpitations http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/rudi-simmons-palpitations/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/rudi-simmons-palpitations/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:26:49 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=303 Rudi Simmons is back with dirty lyrics and catchy melodies. and this time it’s even more folky. the sound is more sparse, focusing on a cracked voice, an acoustic guitar, drums and the occasional twinkle. but most of the record revolve around the narrative, clever lyrics. this does however not equal shit music! the music is definitely not elevator muzak. it’s mainly focused and concise folk rock with harmonic and concentrated chord progressions. there are deviations though, most notably the bluesy fifth track that’s way more wild than the rest of the record.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/rudi-simmons-palpitations/feed/ 0 syn*error – syn*error http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/synerror-synerror/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/synerror-synerror/#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:00:50 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=304 hailing from Berlin, syn*error are a modern band that plays 90s emo. but not like Mineral and Christie Front Drive. more like Bubblejug, Still Life and Portraits of Past. it’s chaotic, dynamic and semi-experimental. but it’s still 90s emo, so some twinkling is still present. particurarly in the intros. it quickly builds up to a far more aggressive sound though. screaming, borderline jazzy drumming and screamo guitars. and lots of start-stop dynamics. mostly fast paced, but willing to slow down and be gentle at times. it’s in these calm bridges or whatever the melodies are perhaps at their most atmospheric. very much enjoyable. syn*error also employ somewhat unorthodox (especially to mainstream music, which they obviously don’t play) patterns, without having clear distinctions between them. they are not going A-B-A-B-C-B-B. every song is like a journey. they explore as much as possible. and they do so with considerably style, ending up somewhere between the twinkly almost poppy Cap’n Jazz influenced midwest emo and the chaotic and dynamic San Diego influenced emo/screamo. while they probably belong more in the latter, there definitely are traces of the first mentioned to be found. and that’s simply awesome, because this fusion works out better than anyone could ever hope for. absolutely beautiful music that I recommend everyone to check out. also note that one of the tracks on this album appear on the WPW? split posted earlier.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/synerror-synerror/feed/ 0 What Price, Wonderland?/syn*error tour split http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/what-price-wonderlandsynerror-tour-split/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/what-price-wonderlandsynerror-tour-split/#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:00:51 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=305 are you looking for more English emo? you have found the right blog then. what’s that you say, you’ve been meaning to check out some German emo lately? you have, once again, come to the right blog. so why not grab a chair, sit down and enjoy your stay. I guarantee you’ll find your residence very pleasant. this is a split between English hardcore/emo favourites What Price, Wonderland?, and the more screamo oriented syn*error from Germany. if anyone has their doubts about how these two bands could make a split that makes sense – shame on you! if you download it, you’ll find that everything makes perfect sense. while WPW borrows more from Cap’n Jazz than it does from Still Life, Don Martin 3 and Admiral, s*e are pretty much the opposite. this makes the bands slightly reminiscent, yet completely different, consequently making the split sound pretty awesome. the two bands are only similar in those little twinkles the guitars make, some of the rhythms and the passion. and that’s more than enough. it makes the similarity intricate instead of completely obvious. it’s the greatest strenght of the split. so grab this. enjoy WPW’s seven minute epic and their two other Cap’n Jazz-esque songs. enjoy s*e’s Drive Like Jehu style over the course of four songs. there’s plenty of twinkly guitars and complex climaxes to be found here. this is emo the way emo should be. and if you are a WPW fan who haven’t heard this, you need to hear it! this is WPW leaving the screaming and thrashing behind, in substitution for even more twinkling than usual. this sounds like what Manrae might’d sound like if they were on Jade Tree instead of Ebullition.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/08/what-price-wonderlandsynerror-tour-split/feed/ 0 I.Witness – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/07/i-witness-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/07/i-witness-demo/#comments Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:36:52 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=306 with fast and to the point hardcore punk with heavy breakdowns and easy on the ear screamo chord progressions, this release has one foot in screamo, and one foot standing on the border between hardcore, crust and metalcore. it could just as easily’ve been in the crust/grind/power violence category or the screamo category. whilst obviously influenced by the likes of Modern Life is War and Tragedy, this band takes an even more melodic approach with their guitars. it reminds me of Alpinist at times. so if you like screaming, the guitar style of crust/screamo (creamo) bands and the sheer power of hardcore, then definitely check this out. peace.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/07/i-witness-demo/feed/ 0 Morfar – Girls, No! http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/07/morfar-girls-no/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/07/morfar-girls-no/#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:14:18 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=581 Morfar’s second adventure is every bit as brilliant as his previous. moody synth driven songs (you might by the way recognize one of them from Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson’s album) with odd beats that really corners the listener. and in between this are thousands of little elements, all of which are under Morfar’s control. he manages to shift the focus from one tiny detail to another with extreme elegance. he also dictates the flow of the songs with great skill, often pausing the driving synth for trance-like beats to really shine. the album is also a great display of build-ups, and how to keep suspense. it’s simply nerve-wrecking to listen to. and though there aren’t all that much vocals in here, when there is any – it’s more dreamy than the Twin Peaks theme’s guitars. especially when the vocal delivery is courtesy of Morfar himself, with his fragile and honest voice. it only adds character to the already dreamy and comfortable synths and beautiful twinkly electronic sounds. this album is every bit as good as the last one – possibly even better. download it! I don’t know if there is any physical releases in the works, but if there is – it should pop up at http://howisannierecords.com/ sometime. :)

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/07/morfar-girls-no/feed/ 0 The Appreciation Post – Brighter Sides http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/07/the-appreciation-post-brighter-sides/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/07/the-appreciation-post-brighter-sides/#comments Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:51:09 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=318 ultra-poppy alternative (like Taking Back Sunday not like Nirvana) with moogs. quite similar to Sherwood. a wee bit heavier though. and there’s something about this that reminds me of Weezer… anyway the EP’s titled “Brighter Sides”, and it is definitely an EP you want to listen to on bright summer days. it’s happy music with dancefloor potential. get in on this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/07/the-appreciation-post-brighter-sides/feed/ 0 Bubblejug – Anthology http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/07/bubblejug-anthology/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/07/bubblejug-anthology/#comments Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:49:10 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=319 if you were into that Parades End 7″ I posted, you will be into this. it’s ye olde chaotic mid 90s emo. back when emo bands called themselves “hardcore” because they thought “emo” was silly, not because they didn’t want to be compared to bad androgynous Jimmy Eat World copies and so on. this is a fine band with frantic guitars, melodic bass lines, unorthodox semi-jazzy drumming with cowbell, saxophones and cryptic lyrics sung/shouted by chaotic vocals – sometimes male, sometimes female. dreamy driving punk rock with psychedlic and experimental touches like Fugazi. a must download. get it. :)

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/07/bubblejug-anthology/feed/ 0 Last Lights – No Past No Present No Future http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/last-light-no-past-no-present-no-future/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/last-light-no-past-no-present-no-future/#comments Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:27:16 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=323 if you enjoyed the sheer aggression and anger of the Last Lights demo, you are definitely going to want to get this. it is their discography, and it is awesome. the way they channel their anger into this brutal hardcore punk music with the greatest positive message and energy is something pretty special that everyone’s ears need to experience. a simply amazing band, and an album more than worthy of being in *your* collection. (even though it still has double bass pedals.)

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/last-light-no-past-no-present-no-future/feed/ 0 MRTNPLMR VS Dead Lazarus – The S&D session http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/mrtnplmr-vs-dead-lazarus-the-sd-session/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/mrtnplmr-vs-dead-lazarus-the-sd-session/#comments Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:55:19 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=324 here we have no less than two Norwegian noise artists joining forces to create interesting music, that will without a doubt make your mother go «what the hell are you listening to?! this is not music!». could you ask for more? well… you’re getting more anyway. you’re getting a constant beat struggling to survive amidst frenzied noise and claustrophobic atmosphere. you’re getting chaos and order all at once. a journey that only the bravest may embark. if you don’t like noise music, then don’t bother. if you don’t know what noise music is, then download it, and join your mother’s plea of “not music” – or maybe you’ll actually enjoy it! you never know. if you are in fact a fan of noise music, you’ll definitely find something interesting to say about this. but notice that this is not as loud and outrageous as some noise albums. this is more of pretty noise album, to which lending your ears might just be quite like therapy. also included on this album is a lesson in the art of raping bass guitars, which isn’t all that unlike the more noisy passages found on indietrash’s only album.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/mrtnplmr-vs-dead-lazarus-the-sd-session/feed/ 0 Age Sixteen – Tour Sampler http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/age-sixteen-tour-sampler/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/age-sixteen-tour-sampler/#comments Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:33:17 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=393 if Suis La Lune was American they’d probably be sixteen years old. don’t mind how bad that joke/pun/whatever was, because Age Sixteen really sounds like Suis La Lune, with their clean guitars, complex drumming and intense screaming. despite basically having the exact same sound as Suis La Lune, it’s still a fresh and interesting band that’s well worth following. they really prove that you don’t how to re-invent the wheel to sound awesome. so check them out. they have a lot of cheap stuff on their MySpace you should consider picking up as well. support this new and currently active band, because they need the money more than [insert whatever 90s midwest emo band you're searching for on eBay whilst reading this]. so download this and have a listen. and if you like it – supppportzz!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/age-sixteen-tour-sampler/feed/ 0 Rhyn – Home Recording Made Easy http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/rhyn-home-recording-made-easy/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/rhyn-home-recording-made-easy/#comments Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:33:16 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=392 Rhyn are from Buckinghamshire. they started out in 2003, and released this album in 2005. it’s a rock albums that incorporates elements of alternative, classic hard rock, emo, electronica and pop music. consequently there are guitar heavy instrumentals, piano driven Ben Folds pop as well as a good portion of Foo Fighters alternative with emo-esque chord progressions. if you aren’t put off by garage recordings with a somewhat lo-fi production, you are sure to enjoy the catchy hooks this album has to offer. this is simple though no less brilliant because of it pop rock (well except for the house tracks). check it out, yo.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/rhyn-home-recording-made-easy/feed/ 0 Method of Groove – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/method-of-groove-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/method-of-groove-demo/#comments Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:33:16 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=391 it has been pointed out to me that my blog is severely lacking good hardcore. not that what’s on it isn’t good – but more that there simply isn’t *enough* posts. so here’s one for you hxc guys. and what a post it is! Method of Groove plays groovy hardcore with straight up hardcore vocals (which reminds me of Send More Paramedics on more than on occasion, and also Minor Threat era Ian MacKaye at times). while this band pays tribute to 80s harDCore, like every other hardcore band, it is also noticeably fresh. and not by being more extreme or faster than harDCore – but by utilizing a vastly different and much more groovy metalcore sound, which even includes lenghty guitar solos. oh and the demo is really cheap at http://myspace.com/themethodofgroove

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/method-of-groove-demo/feed/ 0 Mesa Verde – The Old Road http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/mesa-verde-the-old-road/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/mesa-verde-the-old-road/#comments Sun, 07 Jun 2009 12:39:23 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=519 a dreamy intro with epic overtones makes the listener wonder – did I just put on a skram band, or some Sigur Rós? the song’s name “A Deep Sleep Without Dreams” fails to describe the song accurately, because it feels like you’re having five hundred dreams all at once, all of which tell epic tales from the days of yore. it all climaxes in what can only be the final battle of good of evil. truly epic, truly glorious. to victory we ride! and to follow this epic intro track, there’s highly technical as well as highly awesome screamo, filled with intensity and dynamics. there are no slow or high-paced tracks per se. the album is just really stuffed with diversity. you’re going to hear quick bursts of high paced screamo breaking down into guitars playing simple hooks, with screaming on top of it – building up to crash-heavy drumming… and so on. it’s constantly moving, and well worth of a listen. your listen! download it. then go get it from blind records . http://www.artforblind.com/

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/mesa-verde-the-old-road/feed/ 0 Half Seas Over – Half Seas Over http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/half-seas-over-half-seas-over/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/half-seas-over-half-seas-over/#comments Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:34:14 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=390 the first thing that popped into my head when I first heard this was One Last Wish. the second thing was At the Drive-In. the third was Manrae. I have no regrets in comparing it to the first and third thing… not to sure about At the Drive-In though… but! even if it doesn’t sound all that much like AtDI, it definitely is every bit as good. semi-funky and mostly upbeat emo from England that contains two ex-Manrae members. but if you think that just because you love Manrae you will automatically dig this… well… you’re probably right. it’s very similar in sound and message. but at the same time it’s pretty different as well. I would say that it’s kind of to Manrae what One Last Wish are to Rites of Spring. this is also a lot more midwest emo reminiscent than Manrae. especially the vocals. it sounds like it would go right in on the Don’t Forget to Breathe compilation, between Boys Life and Ethel Meserve. it’s every bit as good at least…

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/half-seas-over-half-seas-over/feed/ 0 Manrae – Pacata Hibernia http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/manrae-pacata-hibernia/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/manrae-pacata-hibernia/#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2009 22:13:08 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=579 Manrae’s seven inch Pacata Hibernia is one of my dearest records. it holds a special place in my collection. it is so well done, it’s almost over the top. the cover artwork, the liner notes and obviously the songs… who can ever forget «this is a lullaby to yourself!», «smash the hour glass!» or «this is a thousand years!»? such iconic lyrics, and such heavy music. the crushing guitars are followed by perfect drumming and soft and melodic bass lines. and on top of it all is this Leicester accented shouting and occational screaming. this is in no way screamo though. this is that awesome obscure ’90s emo, like Parades End. if you have not stumbled across this masterpiece before – then get stumbling! because this is a must have. nothing more nor less. get it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/manrae-pacata-hibernia/feed/ 0 iwrotehaikusaboutcannibalisminyouryearbook – Discography http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/iwrotehaikusaboutcannibalisminyouryearbook-discography/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/iwrotehaikusaboutcannibalisminyouryearbook-discography/#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:34:13 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=389 iwrotehaikusaboutacannibalisminyouryearbook were a group of teenagers in a place and a time. they wanted to capture that place and time to deal with their issues in an expressive way. and by doing so, they created something beautiful. this discography contains all the emotion in the world, in just over forty-five minutes. if the heart could scream, it would sound like this, urging you to open *your* heart and scream a long. I wish I had something more to say. I’m sorry.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/iwrotehaikusaboutcannibalisminyouryearbook-discography/feed/ 0 Sed Non Satiata – Le Ciel De Notre Enfance http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/sed-non-satiata-le-ciel-de-notre-enfance/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/sed-non-satiata-le-ciel-de-notre-enfance/#comments Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:39:22 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=520 from the calm and marvellous minute of soothing guitars into the intense though just as marvellous next three minutes of engaging guitars, passionate screams and well-flowing progressive screamo – the opening track “sets the standard”, one could say. and that standard is met throughout the whole album. especially due to the grand climaxes. this band has Dominic-like riffing that every now and then climaxes into this (newer) Envy epicness – all with a big French screamo touch. having such lengthy songs as Sed Non Satiata have, they need to somehow grab the attention and then proceed to keep it for several minutes. fortunately, they beyond accomplish this at all times with this thoroughly enjoyable and incredibly well-performed album.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/sed-non-satiata-le-ciel-de-notre-enfance/feed/ 0 Mesa Verde – In This Silence We Will Slow Dance http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/mesa-verde-in-this-silence-we-will-slow-dance/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/mesa-verde-in-this-silence-we-will-slow-dance/#comments Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:33:12 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=388 Mesa Verde are a band that are full of great screamo guitar passages reminiscent of City of Caterpillar and even the Norwegian skram Dominic. the screaming is also very alike the screaming of CoC and Dominic. loud, heartfelt and distorted. the pronounciation is less clear (perhaps due to an excessive amount of distortion) though, so bring out your lyrics sheets ( http://www.mesaverde.co.uk/releases/in-this-silence-we-will-slow-dance/ ). the music is highly dynamic, and in constant movement. always either slowing down or speeding up it seems. if not, it’s taking you by surprise outbursts of screamotional hardcore. this band is epic. though not epic in the way that Envy and The Spectacle are, but in a more toned down manner. not as grand sounding, but just as passionate and intense. you owe it to yourself to listen to this album. start doing it right now. good luck soldier.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/06/mesa-verde-in-this-silence-we-will-slow-dance/feed/ 0 The Sky Looks Pissed – It’s Been A Very, Very Long Time http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/the-sky-looks-pissed-its-been-a-very-very-long-time/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/the-sky-looks-pissed-its-been-a-very-very-long-time/#comments Sat, 30 May 2009 21:11:22 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=486 this second The Sky Looks Pissed has many similarities to the first one. to take two very specific examples: it starts off with ambiance. it ends with a lengthy track which mostly consists of ambient noise and other Daniel Johnston-ish things. but that’s just his thang, I guess. the album also generally feels the same. but it sounds prettier and bigger. much more positive. it’s still quite melancholic, and has a bit of those mid-west emo lyrics where you look back and wish you were five again… but the energy I get from this recording is definitely all positive. the album is more alive; louder, but also more dynamic. it sounds like The Sky Looks Pissed has more confidence and that he simply dares more on this recording. the lyrics are brilliant narrations that makes you want to sing a long the first time you hear them, which is frustrating because you obviously don’t really know the words the first time you hear them. thus you have to play through the album again and again and again and again. get it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/the-sky-looks-pissed-its-been-a-very-very-long-time/feed/ 0 The Sky Looks Pissed – Montana http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/the-sky-looks-pissed-montana/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/the-sky-looks-pissed-montana/#comments Sat, 30 May 2009 14:33:11 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=387 The Sky Looks Pissed is folk rock as it is meant to be. there’s no one who cares whether he actually hits that chord 100% perfectly, or whether he hits that high C – or if he even actually tries to hit it. as long as the music and the lyrics are honest and played/sung with passion, we’re all happy here. oh and of course there’s gotta be a harmonica. and Ethan aka The Sky Looks Pissed manages all of these things fine. he even does it without sounding the same on every track. while this might not be the most revolutionizing folk act of the twenty-first century, it is definitely awesome to listen to. a guy with a guitar singing his heart out. heard it before? probably. want to hear it again? definitely. these are the kind of songs you will want to be singing over and over again. sitting on the grass outside, or by the stereo inside if it’s raining, drinking cocoa, just singing along. magic music for magic people. get it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/the-sky-looks-pissed-montana/feed/ 0 Don’t Fuck With Columbus – Demos http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/dont-fuck-with-columbus-demos/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/dont-fuck-with-columbus-demos/#comments Fri, 29 May 2009 13:12:13 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=577 it’s a new day people. and what better way to start it than with a three song demo from a Polish screamo band? none. and this is not just a screamo band, but a great screamo band in the vein of Neil Perry and Orchid. amazing flying guitar harmonies, ultra-dynamic drumming and great screams. screamo like it should be. this band incorporate all of the charecteristics found in those kind of grindy screamo bands like Orchid and Kaospilot. and sure it gets a bit stereotypical, and it isn’t the most unique band this blog has to offer. that does *not* in any way mean that it isn’t worth downloading and listening to. because it is. because the songs are *great*. regardless of how fresh they might be. this band pays tribute to the greats, and they do so in an awesome way. and it’s only demos by some Polish teenagers. so remember this name.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/dont-fuck-with-columbus-demos/feed/ 1 Emo Summer – The Emo Opera http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/emo-summer-the-emo-opera/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/emo-summer-the-emo-opera/#comments Thu, 28 May 2009 15:35:10 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=386 making an emo opera that lasts over half an hour is a great idea, yeah? especially when it thrashes so fucking hard as this one. this is thirty minutes plus of great riffing, dynamic drumming and so on. it’s just an overall display of diversity within a soundscape. it’s Free Emo. I wouldn’t compare it to Ornette Coleman’s Free Jazz any more than with that reference, but hell… this is great. imagine sticking it to a scene kid’s face. like, turn off that My Chemical Romance “opera” and put this on. they would immediately start to cry. but not because they are attention whores or whatever the reason for them crying usually is – but because this is so fucking hardcore, it will make them shit themselves. and consequently cry because they are embarrassed. I mean they shit themselves in front of you. who wouldn’t be embarrassed? but I sense that I’m straying a wee bit away from my original point, which was – get this. there is no reason in the whole world why you wouldn’t want to listen to this. actually, if you’re not going to download this – send me a mail with a legitimate reason, and I might let you off the hook. but unless you have some medical condition that prevents you from listening to pure awesomeness, don’t expect to be excused from being spat on by this monster album. GET IT.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/emo-summer-the-emo-opera/feed/ 0 Emo Summer – DVD Soundtrack http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/emo-summer-dvd-soundtrack/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/emo-summer-dvd-soundtrack/#comments Thu, 28 May 2009 15:19:21 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=484 from the utmost jazzy opening to the inspiring track titles, this is emo at its finest. I think. while you most of the time probably won’t have a clue what the hell you’re listening to, when you do – all is well. placing themselves somewhere between The Shaggs and Antioch Arrow, Emo Summer are a pretty original band. the stabbing guitars, off-beat drumming and background-laughter all contribute in making this a relaxed and improvised jam that at should be appreciated. if not as a musically technical triumph, then for its heart and originality.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/emo-summer-dvd-soundtrack/feed/ 0 Emo Summer – Manutz Ganole Sessions http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/emo-summer-manutz-ganole-sessions/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/emo-summer-manutz-ganole-sessions/#comments Thu, 28 May 2009 15:18:29 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=352 the driving beat and cool riff that opens this little two-tracker is nothing but amazing. so captivating and intense, yet distanced and reserved. simply amazing. and at the end, the track explodes into… well pretty much just fast drumming. but it’s pretty cool anyway. the second track follows the same formula, but it explodes earlier on. the keyword here I believe is cool riffs, great drumming and more insanity from the most satirical serious band, or most serious satire emo band ever. which one is it? I don’t know.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/emo-summer-manutz-ganole-sessions/feed/ 0 Emo Summer – Skippy Sessions http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/emo-summer-skippy-sessions/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/emo-summer-skippy-sessions/#comments Thu, 28 May 2009 15:17:15 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=575 if you thought Antioch Arrow was the only chaotic art explosion in emotown, think again. Emo Summer who existed in the late ’90s and early ’00s are far from sane. and they pretty much prove it with the track Iota. poetry sprayed in your face like warm whizz on a cold winter day, with loud guitars and messy drumming. it hardly gets better. download it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/emo-summer-skippy-sessions/feed/ 0 Emo Summer – Land of Emotional Plastic Furniture http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/emo-summer-land-of-emotional-plastic-furniture/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/emo-summer-land-of-emotional-plastic-furniture/#comments Thu, 28 May 2009 14:18:28 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=351 while this record starts out as the sweetest of sweetness, it quickly progresses into the most aggressive of aggressiveness, as well as the maddest of madness. screaming, thrashing, blastbeats, synth-rape in the style of The Locust and just plain chaos. Emo Summer are a satirical art explosion that will fuck you up. one of the best and most insane bands you will ever hear. if you haven’t heard this, you are missing out on something huge. you have to listen to this. the most emo emo band ever. get it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/emo-summer-land-of-emotional-plastic-furniture/feed/ 0 Oh, Apollo! – Twin Peaks http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/oh-apollo-twin-peaks/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/oh-apollo-twin-peaks/#comments Wed, 27 May 2009 14:20:20 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=483 this is an album that is interesting from the first second, just like Hope! The river Arkansas. but for completely different reasons though. the intricate opening riff does a real good job in sharpening the listeners ears. and then the song explodes in screamo goodiness… aaaaaaand it’s done. and we get antother song with detailed layers of screamo goodiness. and then we get six more songs with detailed layers of screamo goodiness. making this eight songs with detailed layers of screamo goodiness. from the twinkly upbeat guitar riffs to the marching band drums to the shouting – this is one of the catchiest as well as creepiest screamo albums ever made. and the diversity of the songs are amazing. they will go from these slow and beautiful calm parts to these mad hooks yo. screamo pop. catchy as fuck. get it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/oh-apollo-twin-peaks/feed/ 0 Oh, Apollo! – Kingdoms http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/oh-apollo-kingdoms/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/oh-apollo-kingdoms/#comments Wed, 27 May 2009 14:19:27 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=350 on this album, you’ll notice how much this band has matured. gone is the metal riffs, and hello screamo guitars that definitely are more complex as well as catchy than those on Hope! The river Arkansas. and the guitars aren’t all that’s changed. the drumming is not only more technical, but also more fitting. they both follow as well as change the music very powerfully. they take the foreground much more than on the previous album. but that’s not all – even the vocals are extremely different on this record. there are a lot of call and response shouting in addition to the screaming. and the screaming isn’t as high pitched and intense as on the previous record. they are much more controlled and reserved, but stronger and more diverse. overall this is a tight record with a lot of interesting hooks in it. especially the Whitney Houston cover, which really… you gotta hear it. download this! especially if you are obsessed with concept albums. this is about time travel.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/oh-apollo-kingdoms/feed/ 0 Oh, Apollo – Hope! The river Arkansas. http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/oh-apollo-hope-the-river-arkansas/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/oh-apollo-hope-the-river-arkansas/#comments Wed, 27 May 2009 14:18:19 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=482 from the very first second, this is energetic and intense. it pretty much starts out with screaming and noise. the guitars alternate between typical screamo stuff and metal riffs. the vocalist alternate between screaming and this feminine spoken word thing. it sounds a bit… errr… but it’s actually really good. it works. slightly in the background you have mostly upbeat drumming that is kind of experimental. very tight at all times. everyone should also pay attention to the breakdowns and these sweet calm parts, where the band really excels. and that sweetest of album outros… wow. this is just an awesome effort from a real good band. get it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/oh-apollo-hope-the-river-arkansas/feed/ 0 Isaïe Buried Memorial – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/isaie-buried-memorial-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/isaie-buried-memorial-demo/#comments Tue, 26 May 2009 14:19:26 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=348 you like what? French emo? hmmm… guess that means I’ll have to put up yet another French band then! and it’s another winner, for sure. ofc it is. I wouldn’t put it on the blog if it didn’t rip! and this band certainly does rip. in a vastly different ways from most of the other French bands on this blog though. while this still has some twinkly stuff like the others, it is noticeably more aggressive and fast. they vary between emo violence and Orchid-ish hardcore/screamo, kind of like Palatka. and they do so by rapidly hitting the snare, thrashing the guitars, screaming and pretty much just tearing everything apart. while this demo doesn’t have the best production quality (it is after all a demo), the point certainly comes across. this is sooo gooooddd, and everyone needs to download it and give it a listen. you can buy the demo from their MySpace, and you should definitely consider doing so if you are a fand of outstandingly aggressive music. :)

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/isaie-buried-memorial-demo/feed/ 0 Soup – Acoustic http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/soup-acoustic/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/soup-acoustic/#comments Tue, 26 May 2009 14:18:25 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=349 for those of you who really liked the Soup album, here is a special treat for you – an acoustic version of My Justine! you will be sure to like this. if you on the other hand didn’t catch the Soup album when I uploaded it, download this anyway! give it a go! you might just like it. it’s a powerful track with dreamy lyrics and vocals. the flowing chord progression mesmerizes the listener, whilst the nice strings in the background makes sure that it is forced to place all its attention on the track. and the peculiar lyrics and wonderful vocals makes it want to be in the track. it’s just such a well done version of the song, it’s mind blowing. you need this. download it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/soup-acoustic/feed/ 0 Kazan & After Taste Split http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/kazan-after-taste-split/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/kazan-after-taste-split/#comments Sun, 24 May 2009 14:18:25 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=346 we all love French skram. so this is a split between no less than two(!) French skram bands. and from the crushing intro by After Taste to Kazan’s equally crushing outro, this is a real treat. and this is two rather different bands as well. After Taste are a highly atmospheric and progressive band with epic overtones. they create this tense and melancholic mood, yet they sound very big and pounding. lots of cymbals, heh. at times you feel like you are listening to a Bal-Sagoth of screamo or something. they even crash into full-blown metal parts. weeeee. I really like this band. they are incredibly diverse. one minute it’s acoustic, one minute it’s loud screamo with medieval undertones and then one minute it’s just crushing epic prog with heavy use of cymba. a pretty amazing band, to do the exact opposite of exaggerate. downbeat, upbeat, all-over-the-place-beat – whatever. this band masters it all. and it’s a privelige to be able to listen to this fantastic work. so you should DEFINITELY listen to it. a fucking perfect band. but this split does not consist of only two bands. there are two bands. two rather different bands as well. Kazan might sound similar at first. the first minute of their first track is pretty hands on French screamo. and though After Taste are an incredibly diverse band, you can always tell that it’s French screamo. and Kazan has that recognizable sound as well… for the first minute. then they go into a beautiful and soft folky part, that eventually progress into a metalcore-esque bit that could just as well had palm muting (it already has double bass pedals so), that climaxes into an epic screamo part, before it goes into the metalcore-esque part again, with some medieval undertones – like After Taste occasionaly has. it makes me want to play Warcraft II. simply amazing stuff. if only two bands in the world should have done a split, these two bands might very well be those two bands. whilst being different, they are both equally diverse and original. two such atmospheric bands are hard to come across. especially on the same record – making this a must have!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/kazan-after-taste-split/feed/ 0 KriegOPFer – Opponere http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/kriegopfer-opponere/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/kriegopfer-opponere/#comments Wed, 20 May 2009 21:09:29 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=572 Liquid Ballroom is the only track on here. but what a track! the breakdowns from crust-esque metalcore to funk to everything is just amazing. this is a track well worth of putting on repeat. heavy and fast drums accompany one of the sweetest chord progressions ever. as if that wasn’t enough – all the tempo (and genre for that matter) shifts make this track a definite winner. I also enjoy the vocals, and how they slightly remind me of Orchid. the band is a bit like Manhattan Skyline as well – though less technical. Alpinist-ish even.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/kriegopfer-opponere/feed/ 0 KriegOPFer – Erasenation http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/kriegopfer-erasenation/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/kriegopfer-erasenation/#comments Wed, 20 May 2009 14:18:24 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=345 KriegOPFer are a different band. for so many reasons. the oi/streetpunk-esque vocals, the metal guitars and overall crusty screamo feel shouldn’t go together this good. a heavy yet melodic Latvian metalcore band that performs with all the passion in the world. this needs to be heard. if not for the awesome guitar harmonies, then for the pounding drums and the crushing intensity that makes up the whole sound pictures. atmospheric and heavy metalcore semi-reminiscent of The Spectacle – though noticeably less screamo-tinged. check it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/kriegopfer-erasenation/feed/ 0 I.Witness – Live In Tomsk 02.05.09 http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/i-witness-live-in-tomsk/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/i-witness-live-in-tomsk/#comments Mon, 18 May 2009 21:19:55 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=569 if you liked Spray Paint the Sun, chances of you liking this are pretty high. the guitarists from SPtS are in this band as well. and you can tell. even though I.Witness’s sound is generally more upbeat, the lead guitars are noticeably dreamy, like in SPtS. but the chord progression is much faster, like in a hardcore band. but at the same time it is way twinkly and obviously screamo-tinged. the vocals are in between screamo and hardcore. so is the upbeat and dynamic drumming. everything is just a big blender of hardcore and hardcore-derived genres. including a huge crust factor. this is all the way through an interesting and highly worthy listen. aggressive and angry. despite being twinkly, I.Witness sounds nothing like midwest emo bands or the modern experimental screamo bands. this is a band that has much more in common with the neo crust sound albeit with some passages that are reminiscent of those experimental screamo bands. also be sure to check out the awesome Hüsker Dü cover!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/i-witness-live-in-tomsk/feed/ 0 Spray Paint The Sun – Still Alive In Tomsk 02.05.09 http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/spray-paint-the-sun-still-alive-in-tomsk-02-05-09/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/spray-paint-the-sun-still-alive-in-tomsk-02-05-09/#comments Mon, 18 May 2009 21:11:18 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=481 I generally have no idea about what these guys are singing about or anything else apart from the fact that they make good music – but that’s enough to earn them a spot on this blog. ultra-melodic and extremely creative. the highly original harmonies found on this album is something that deserves to be heard. while it’s not every day I listen to Russian rock, I will definitely listen to it more often after discovering this band. if not for the unique way the guitars interact, then for the shrieking vocals that will rival The Spirit of Versailles and Saetia any day. hell, this is even up there with Nacht und Nebel and Slave Whipping Blasphemy’s shrieking. pure awesomeness. the shrieking and guitar fighting is on top of an upbeat rhythm section that handles both tempo shifts and breakdowns more than properly. they are pretty much as adept at playing at 3000bpm as they are at playing at 3bpm. they mostly play in a mid-tempo but upbeat style, allowing the guitarists to steal the attention with their atmospheric and dreamy chord progressions. this is just an awesome album that needs to be heard. Russian screamo for the whole family.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/spray-paint-the-sun-still-alive-in-tomsk-02-05-09/feed/ 0 LxExAxRxNx – ‘Till Death http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/lxexaxrxnx-till-death/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/lxexaxrxnx-till-death/#comments Mon, 18 May 2009 14:20:22 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=344 if you haven’t guessed already by the misspelled album title – LxExAxRxNx are not an American band. it’s an Italian band playing American music. and they pull it off so magnificently! this album is really a split with Common Enemy. but appearing on this (my) version of it are only the LxExAxRxNx tracks. fourteen glorious tracks – including four covers. one of the bands they cover are 7 Seconds, and this makes perfect sense given how early era 7 Seconds they sound. it’s catchy and very fast, just like The Crew. so if you are into Negative Approach, Minor Threat, Degenarates, 7 Seconds and so on – definitely pick this up. it will make you a fan even before the first guitar solo. if you send an email to xtrustnoonex-AT-hotmail-DOT-it, you might even get this on a 7″. :)

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/lxexaxrxnx-till-death/feed/ 0 LxExAxRxNx – First Lesson http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/lxexaxrxnx-first-lesson/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/lxexaxrxnx-first-lesson/#comments Mon, 18 May 2009 14:19:22 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=343 being one of the most hard-hitting hardcore acts you’ll ever hear, LxExAxRxNx are a marvellous take on modern hardcore. despite being retro (how can hardcore not be?), this band has something fresh about them. the skate punk catchyness and energy combined with the thrashcore speed and intensity come together to a power violence a la Infest and Lack of Interest influenced call and response hardcore reminiscent of early AFI combined with early ’80s harDCore. does that even make sense to you? oh well, download it anyway. it’s awesome. don’t be fooled by the goofy name – they are great musicians. also notice the covers of Bestie Boys, Minor Threat, Gorilla Biscuits and Scholastic Deth. if you really dig, you can send an email to xtrustnoonex-AT-hotmail-DOT-it and request the 7″. it’s pretty cheap yo.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/lxexaxrxnx-first-lesson/feed/ 0 Navio Forge – As We Quietly Burn a Hole http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/navio-forge-as-we-quietly-burn-a-hole/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/navio-forge-as-we-quietly-burn-a-hole/#comments Mon, 18 May 2009 14:18:20 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=342 I don’t know if anyone here are familiar with Fuel, Torches to Rome, Bread and Circuits and so on… but Navio Forge are in there. they were an emo band from California who only got this one release in ’93 on Shadow Catcher. and what more is there to say other than it’s awesome? because it really is. this is definitely west coast emo influenced by east coast emo, like the Gravity and 31G bands. it’s noticably (a lot) heavier and more aggressive than the more artsy and twinkly stuff that was going on in the midwest. this is dynamic and heavy riffing, breakdowns, shouting, bass lines beating like a heart ready to explode and powerful utilizing of snares, hi-hat rolls and crash cymbals. there are no “remember when” lyrics a la midwest bands. instead there’s the cryptic yet somehow personal west coast stuff about being crippled, unable to see, being the flagship of moments of failed actions… you get it. there are some rather clever word-trickery in here that you should try to pay attention to. if not for the great poetry, then for the sheer passion, despair and anger – because this is traditional emo… so it’s angry. and you need to hear this, because I can’t properly explain how awesome it is anyway.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/navio-forge-as-we-quietly-burn-a-hole/feed/ 0 The Kidcrash – Jokes http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/the-kidcrash-jokes/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/the-kidcrash-jokes/#comments Mon, 11 May 2009 14:21:09 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=567 with their 2006 demo, The Kidcrash stepped into the screamo world. with Jokes they take their screamo to new levels – a new world. the sound is noticeably more epic and progressive. there are much more breakdowns and a general display of understanding of how to employ dynamics to create a highly inventive and interesting sound that never seizes to amaze. and that is why you will simply have to download this! because it really is *that* good. such a diverse record… man.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/the-kidcrash-jokes/feed/ 0 The Kidcrash – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/the-kidcrash-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/the-kidcrash-demo/#comments Mon, 11 May 2009 14:20:19 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=341 it is with this demo The Kidcrash takes the step into screamo land. the guitars get even more twinkly as well as more dynamic. the vocals are like on the Goldie Hawn EP, only now they shout and scream most of the time. the drumming is much more dominant and technical… you know, modern screamo. this is a really good example of just that. this the sort of record you would put on if anyone asked «what does modern screamo sound like?» – *or* if you wanted to listen to a damn fine screamo album with awesome music! so get this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/the-kidcrash-demo/feed/ 0 The Kidcrash – I Haven’t Had A Date in 4 Years Goldie Hawn Goldie Hawn Goldie Hawn… http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/the-kidcrash-i-havent-had-a-date-in-4-years-goldie-hawn-goldie-hawn-goldie-hawn/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/the-kidcrash-i-havent-had-a-date-in-4-years-goldie-hawn-goldie-hawn-goldie-hawn/#comments Mon, 11 May 2009 14:19:18 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=340 another post, another unique The Kidcrash release – YAY! this time around they still have some of those Drive-Thru riffs and overall catchyness. but they are louder, more dynamic and perhaps a bit up-close. this is evident especially in the vocals, which are vastly different from the vocals on New Ruins. on this EP they sound more like Matt Pryor or something. they demand more attention. and they shall receive! download this, and check it out.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/the-kidcrash-i-havent-had-a-date-in-4-years-goldie-hawn-goldie-hawn-goldie-hawn/feed/ 0 The Kidcrash – New Ruins http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/the-kidcrash-new-ruins/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/the-kidcrash-new-ruins/#comments Mon, 11 May 2009 14:18:17 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=339 you know that band that appears on a few splits on this page? that band who plays dynamic and build-up based screamo on one hand, then suddenly upbeat and energetic screamo instead? well this time around The Kidcrash does neither of these things. have we established a pattern yet? yes we have. namely, this band always sounds different. from release to release, if not from track to track. and New Ruins proves to not stray from this formula. at all. it is nothing but a fresh breath of air to your collection, no matter what “your collection” might entail. this is an album full of Drive-Thru-esque pop rock influences and an overall feeling of happiness. instantly catchy and full of positive energy, New Ruins is destined to be a classic. placing itself somewhere in between mainstream alternative bands like Taking Back Sunday, The Get Up Kids and Saves the Day, and European screamo bands like Aussitôt Mort, Daïtro, Raein and Belle Epoque (odd mix, yeah?) – New Ruins is something new and entirely original that needs to be heard. so download this album, and give it a go… or perhaps fifty or so listens. also, I know I usually say SUPPORT THESE ARTISTS… and I *do* want you to support all of the artists on this site by buying their stuff and so on… but do *not* buy this album. whatever you do, don’t buy it. because if you do – you are not supporting The Kidcrash, only another indie label trying to be a major label. you would actually support the band much more if you don’t purchase it. so there. download it instead.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/the-kidcrash-new-ruins/feed/ 0 Angora Static – LP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/angora-static-lp/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/angora-static-lp/#comments Mon, 04 May 2009 14:19:14 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=338 from the very first second, this album is guaranteed to impress you. it’s pretty much twenty six minutes of glorious melodies that reigns your stereo with all the power and dignity a monarch needs to have. this album will force you to drop anything you might be doing at the moment, and just pay attention. just listen. the wonderful ambient feedback and noises, the dueling guitars, the marching drums, the pulling bass, the passionate vocals… it’s all coming together so perfectly! this band is a symbiosis of hundreds of intricate, beautiful elements that fit together so nicely. the detailed and rich dynamics in their melodies are alone enough to make you unwilling to do anything ever but listen to this band.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/angora-static-lp/feed/ 1 Angora Static – EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/angora-static-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/angora-static-ep/#comments Mon, 04 May 2009 14:18:10 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=337 a fantastic screamo band in the vein of Saetia. that should be enough to make you want to download this, aye? this band has awesome skram, harmonic guitar battles, upbeat and at times jazzy drumming, and soft yet tough bass lines. the melancholic mood and sheer intensity this bands radiates is astonishing. it makes the mind wander into oblivion. the twinkly guitars are close to perfection! an overall majestic effort by Angora Static, whose beautiful and passionate music will definitely win you over. the insane amount of energy present in this recording will make you think to Beyond the Fences. Saetia + Beyond the Fences = win. get this.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/05/angora-static-ep/feed/ 0 Three Letter Engagement – Healing of Harms Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/three-letter-engagement-healing-of-harms-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/three-letter-engagement-healing-of-harms-demo/#comments Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:18:07 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=336 the last post in this blog was a band that was obviously from the Heroin school of emo. so now I guess I’ll have to post a band from the Cap’n Jazz school. or more precisely, from the mid-west post Cap’n Jazz school. and Three Letter Engagement doesn’t fall into the riffing category like Sunny Day Real Estate, but into that stylish twinkling category where Christie Front Drive and Mineral amongst others reign. so if CFD and Mineral are two of your big heroes – prepare to be introduced to a new hero! because 3LE knows what up. their sweet and charming twinkly emo with sensitive vocals progress into shouting and a full explosion of pretty riffing and intricate lead guitar parts. more than once. this is detailed and diverse music with nothing but highlights and guitar battles. so go get it! it is without a doubt awesome.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/three-letter-engagement-healing-of-harms-demo/feed/ 1 Parades End – 7″ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/parades-end-7/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/parades-end-7/#comments Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:46:57 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=295 Parades End are a ’90s emo band that sounds like something in between the first DC bands (Rites of Spring and so on) and the first San Diego bands (Drive Like Jehu and so on). this is not your Cap’n Jazz style of emo. there’s twinkling, but it is by no means the core of the melodic spectrum. Parades End sound more like the Heroin-school of emo, where sheer aggression, passion and fire reigns. and that’s *not* a bad thing. this 7″ is by a band not afraid to shout and scream, and trash their instruments beyond the limit. this is four beautifully crafted songs, that show a talented and invented band that deserves to be heard. yes I know I write that almost every band on this blog «deserves to be heard», but in all fairness – they are all awesome, right? so get this! listen to this! go go go!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/parades-end-7/feed/ 0 The Kidcrash & Arse Moreira Split – Misspellings http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/the-kidcrash-arse-moreira-split-misspellings/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/the-kidcrash-arse-moreira-split-misspellings/#comments Sun, 26 Apr 2009 13:47:56 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=293 you know that thing I just posted? the split between Coffindancer and The Kidcrash? well here’s The Kidcrash again. but it’s hard to believe that it’s the same band that appears on this split. here we have an upbeat and energetic screamo band. while some of the build-ups and breakdowns are here, it all moves at a quicker pace. maybe not as detailed, but all the more intense. the detailed guitar textures are sure to make you a fan! and as if the track by The Kidcrash wasn’t enough, there’s also another band on here – Arse Moreira. more brutal and straightforward than The Kidcrash, but just as good. they sound less pretty, but just as legit. two awesome bands, two awesome tracks. get this!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/the-kidcrash-arse-moreira-split-misspellings/feed/ 0 The Kidcrash & Coffin Dancer Split http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/the-kidcrash-coffin-dancer-split/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/the-kidcrash-coffin-dancer-split/#comments Sun, 26 Apr 2009 13:46:17 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=480 this split is between an epic sludge band called Coffin Dancer, and an equally epic but more screamo-oriented band called The Kidcrash. the split is rather explosive. it’s full of dynamic as well as melodic goodyness. both bands deliver lengthy and drony pieces. Coffin Dancer are slightly heavier, and slightly more drony than The Kidcrash, who rely more on twinkly screamo guitars and breakdowns. if Coffin Dancer are techno, The Kidcrash are trance. if you know what I’m saying. (if you don’t, google/youtube the differences between techno and trance, and you’ll get it). both bands are unique and original, and both bands deserves your attention. give this a go. you might find two new favourite bands!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/the-kidcrash-coffin-dancer-split/feed/ 0 Jerk City – Jerk City EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/jerk-city-jerk-city-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/jerk-city-jerk-city-ep/#comments Sun, 26 Apr 2009 12:46:55 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=292 more pissed of hardcore. from me to you. but this time it is slightly more melodic than Cut Short and the like. but it’s still rather… upset. and by “upset”, I mean they will tear your fucking intestines out. but with melodic guitar work, harmonic call and response vocals, and punk rock guitar solos. do you catch my drift? because if you have caught it, I am almost completely sure that you’ve stopped reading and started downloading. if you haven’t gotten that far just yet – GET THERE. chop chop.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/jerk-city-jerk-city-ep/feed/ 0 The Dharmas – Album and Singles http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/the-dharmas-album-and-singles/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/the-dharmas-album-and-singles/#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:06:13 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=565 let me introduce you to one of the most charming folk rock bands I have ever listened to. all of you who follow my blog should have made the acquaintance with Steadman, that awesome rock band from the UK. well, before Steadman there was The Dharmas. even folkier in their approach, this band knew how to craft beautiful and bittersweet pop music with sensere and sensitive lyrics about life and everything that affects it. there’s an album and a singles collection in the link at the bottom. go get it! because this is one of the most honest and genuine bands you will ever come across.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/the-dharmas-album-and-singles/feed/ 0 Manhattan Skyline – Curses http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/manhattan-skyline-curses/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/manhattan-skyline-curses/#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:46:54 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=291 with Curses, Manhattan Skyline has taken their start/stop dynamics about thirteen steps further into insanity. the shredding is also more detailed on this new affair. and the vocals are more nuanced. the whole album sounds more thoughtful and planned than Tarantula Arms, which was more seven intense bursts of poetry and madness. this does not make Curses a *better* record than Tarantula Arms however. but what it does do, is make it (probably) much more interesting than it would have been if they just made “Tarantula Arms v2.0″. instead this record sees the band further enhancing their style with more intricate details that the listener is forced into paying attention to. it’s really so much more diverse. at times it even goes into these epic build-ups akin to newer Envy material! it’s just great.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/manhattan-skyline-curses/feed/ 0 Byron T – Demo Demos http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/byron-t-demo-demos/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/byron-t-demo-demos/#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:47:53 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=294 this is an album full of awesome classic 60s/70s rock with those nice synths that were reserved for only the most epic of anthems, mixed into some weird British invasion pop mixed with Britpop lovechild… and some flair… straight outta Iowa! Byron is a fun man who writes, performs and records his fun music for all of us to listen to it. and lawd are we thankful for his adventures throughout the rock’n'roll highlands – because this is – pardon my French – awesome. catchy pop hooks that leaves no one left without at least humming. this is simply a great deal of fun to listen to, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to absolutely everyone, given its potential to be a hit no matter who you are. your mother will like this. that does not mean you should be ashamed for liking it as well. enjoy!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/byron-t-demo-demos/feed/ 0 DDT punkrock – Coiotes Loucos http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/ddt-punkrock-coiotes-loucos/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/ddt-punkrock-coiotes-loucos/#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:46:52 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=290 DDT punkrock play a furious borderline hardcore style of punk rock akin to Tehosekoitin and Raga Rockers. they are from Brazil and for the most part I have no idea what they are singing and shouting on about. all I know is that they sing and shout with passion. and the music is some of the fastest, loudest and most intense punk rock you will ever hear. this is a real winner!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/ddt-punkrock-coiotes-loucos/feed/ 0 Spåkopp – Spåkopp http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/spakopp-spakopp/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/spakopp-spakopp/#comments Sun, 19 Apr 2009 12:47:51 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=289 Spåkopp plays an eclectic style of jazz fusion with a slappy bassist, an eager drummer and a sometimes soothing, sometimes out of control sax – among other things. they are highly dynamic, and have no trouble changing from an insanely high pace to a calm and relaxing tempo. and the way the songs are constructed makes them feel like collective improvisations like with typical free jazz, only with more structured calm parts. it’s all real good and a must-have. go get it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/spakopp-spakopp/feed/ 0 Belle Epoque – A La Dèrive http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/belle-epoque-a-la-derive/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/belle-epoque-a-la-derive/#comments Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:46:50 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=288 Belle Epoque are a French band that play authentic screamo in the style of e.g. Daïtro and Raein. they play intricate melodies that at their softest resembles mid-90s mid-west emo, and at their hardest resembles City of Caterpillar and various other semi-progressive screamo bands. Envy even, but not as epic – more caustic. but despite not being as epic as Envy, Belle Epoque are definitely hypnotising, and well worth a listen or two or three hundred. a magnificent screamo band that deserves everyone’s attention. the music is hauntingly beautiful at times. especially when the guitars twinkle like Mineral and Christie Front Drive, until it gradually progresses into heavy riff-based screamo. amazing.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/belle-epoque-a-la-derive/feed/ 0 4volt – Array http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/4volt-array-2/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/4volt-array-2/#comments Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:37:46 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=563 “Array” is the continuation of what was started on “Elevate”. it is less ambient and droning, and much more catchy and upbeat. you may recognise some of the tracks on this album from a3o’s “The Infernalist” or “The Misadventures of Lomen” (if you haven’t seen either, go get them – they are hilarious). this is the maybe most catchy effort 4volt has put in. not as droning and creeping as his previous efforts (especially Aware) was. this has an analog sound with plenty of blip blops and the like. it is ultra catchy and mega aewsome. I highly recommend picking this up. it is idm at it’s very finest!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/4volt-array-2/feed/ 0 4volt – Elevate http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/4volt-elevate-2/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/4volt-elevate-2/#comments Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:36:15 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=478 with his third album, 4volt aims to utilize a much more analog sound. this album is an idm masterpiece of intense synths and upbeat rhythms that will get yo feet movin’. it is very much a complete change of style for 4volt. but that does not at all mean you won’t like it if you’re more of an ambient nerd than someone who enjoys electronic music in general. it still has the signature 4volt stamp on it. the quality stamp. so get this. enjoy!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/4volt-elevate-2/feed/ 0 4volt – Elements http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/4volt-elements/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/4volt-elements/#comments Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:35:13 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=243 4volt’s second album is full of many elements that are layered upon one another. and all the songs have pretty different elements as well. this album ranges from classical music influences to Nintendo influences to good ol’ ambient. “Elements” is much lighter than the first album. where “Aware” was mostly dark and creeping, this album is pretty light-hearted – but intense in its own way. where the first album had the listener in suspense due to the creepy atmosphere, this one has the listener mesmerised because of all the beautiful elements and how they are blended masterfully. it just sounds so soothing – it’s amazing. an incredible effort from 4volt, that deserves your attention! get this!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/4volt-elements/feed/ 0 4volt – Aware http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/4volt-aware/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/4volt-aware/#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2009 22:11:14 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=477 not an album per se, this is really a compilation of standalone songs. the title “Aware” was chosen because this “album” demonstrates 4volt (a.k.a. Jeremy Peterson) and his «awareness of music as a form of expression and experiment». it is dark, moody and creeping ambient, creeping down your spine with a creepy atmosphere. and it has its catchy moments as well, actually. some tracks have so catchy beats, you might’ve felt like getting up and dancing if it hadn’t been for the fact that this music might scare the shit out of you. could easily accompany Doom III on a 50″ in the dark.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/4volt-aware/feed/ 0 Noisy Sins of the Insect – Discography http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/noisy-sins-of-the-insect-discography/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/noisy-sins-of-the-insect-discography/#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:34:12 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=242 you guys know what the best thing about having your own blog is? *you* decide what’s going to be upped on it. you know what the second best thing is? you can write whatever the hell you want in the descriptions. this means I won’t have to worry about sounding “subjective”. you see when I write more “professional” reviews, I try not to use words like “good”, “awesome” or “mind-blowing”. instead I try to describe the music and the feelings it give me, as objective as possible, in order for other people to get the general sound and vibe the reviewed record gives, instead of forcing my opinions down their throats. but here, on this blog, all those boundaries are gone! thus: DOWNLOAD THIS ALBUM! DO IT NOW! BECAUSE IT IS TOTALLY BRILLIANT, AND IT IS SO GOOD THAT YOU WILL START TO WONDER HOW THESE GUYS CAN ACTUALLY *BE* THIS GOOD WITHOUT BEING SOME SORT OF UNNATURAL FORCE OF NATURE OR SOMETHING ELSE NON-HUMAN!!! okay. went a little overboard there. but you get the overall message – it’s a good album. Noisy Sins of the Insect is one of the very finest screamo bands. they play a pure bred screamo in the vein of Saetia. high-pitched screams and an extremely dynamic and aggressive melodic approach signalizes their sound. the jazzy and dreamy feel to this album will get you carried away into a trance, from the first second to the very last. so download this, and let it seduce you.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/noisy-sins-of-the-insect-discography/feed/ 0 Iskra – Iskra http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/iskra-iskra/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/iskra-iskra/#comments Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:35:11 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=241 this is without a doubt one of the most violent and intense albums I have ever put on this blog. and it definitely deserves to be on here. the music is very heavy and violent, but what is even better (or worse) is that the lyrics are equally extreme. and you can tell that these guys are serious when they urge you to «work illegitimate jobs, evade any tax» while stressing that «direct action is the only recourse for developing opposition». this is without a doubt an anarchist punk band. they practice what they preach. and the music is crushingly heavy, and a definite fresh breath of air – no matter what you were listening to prior to putting on this record. it is non-stop energy and intensity. it is one of the freshest albums ever, and you should not miss out on it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/iskra-iskra/feed/ 0 Iskra – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/iskra-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/iskra-demo/#comments Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:34:09 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=240 by the early 90s the metal genre had grown overly technical and cold. the genre was simply drowning. then suddenly, from the Norwegian forests and mountains came a genre known as blackened metal. this was a genre that stood out in stark contrast to the other metal genres. it was lo-fi, had shrieking and painful vocals, no palm mutes and no concern as to whether it was actually technically impressive or not. it was simply raw. Iskra are kind of to punk rock what Darkthrone were to metal. it is raw, it is heavy, it is in your face like nothing like it – and it is awesome. this demo of lo-fi Amebix-like “blackened crust”. Iskra crosses black metal with crust. and the result is a very heavy form of crust with black metal guitars, kind of resembling Burzum (on speed). it also has much in common with the 90s power violence scene in terms of the political lyrics and how raw the music is. one detail Iskra does not share with black metal at all however is the sentiments that are evident in their lyrics. this is without a doubt anarchist punk rock, as creative and interesting as the likes of Rudimentary Peni and Crass. you will basically need to hear this to get this – so download it and have a go!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/04/iskra-demo/feed/ 0 The Little Hands of Asphalt – Leap Years http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-little-hands-of-asphalt-leap-years/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-little-hands-of-asphalt-leap-years/#comments Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:34:08 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=239 while The Little Hands of Asphalt is still sensitive and tender folk rock like on the previous release (Spit Back at Rain – also available on this site if you scroll down), this album is vastly different from the previous effort. it has a much less synthy Pulp-ish sound, and much more southern rock and Americana-influenced music. it is obvious that this kid knows his Bruce Springsteens as well as his Paul Simons. and it’s not such a bad thing at all. because this album has everything from emotional ballads to epic folk rock anthems where The Little Hands of Asphalt pushes the borders with so much going on at once that it’s magical. this is a magical release. it’s rocking perfection! so you need to give this a go, and be mesmerised by the imaginative and bright lyrics as well as the honest but far from modest music, by the always unwrapped The Little Hands of Asphalt. remember to buy his music from http://www.howisannierecords.com if you really dig this. :)

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-little-hands-of-asphalt-leap-years/feed/ 0 Benjamin Finger – Woods of Broccoli http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/benjamin-finger-woods-of-broccoli/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/benjamin-finger-woods-of-broccoli/#comments Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:35:07 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=238 ohh… this is a tough one to write about. how can I possibly explain this? it’s ambient, but at the same time not. it’s atmospheric? it’s melodic? I could just as well say “this is music”, because I do not really know how to describe this. all I can do is describe the feeling it gives me… well okay, I can’t really do that either. but let me assure you, it does provoke feelings. perhaps way too many? I think that’s why I am having trouble describing this album. it is so emotionally challenging to listen to. and that is a very powerful feature when it comes to ambient music. it creates all kinds of different moods, all at once. it really has to be heard to be believed, let alone understood. this is a true gem. get it! and buy it from http://www.howisannierecords.com if you have the funds.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/benjamin-finger-woods-of-broccoli/feed/ 0 Safehouses on Fire – So We Fell in Love With All of Our Pro-longed Goodbyes http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/safehouses-on-fire-so-we-fell-in-love-with-all-of-our-pro-longed-goodbyes/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/safehouses-on-fire-so-we-fell-in-love-with-all-of-our-pro-longed-goodbyes/#comments Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:34:12 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=476 anyone familiar with Fighterpilot or Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson should understand me when I say that this is progressive rock with a touch of ambient from How Is Annie Records. but Safethouses on Fire are not as ambient as Fighterpilot, nor as emo as YP. it has its own, very atmospheric style. the songs flow beautifully, and really dig into your brain, refusing to let go of it. you might be puzzled by this wonderful journey. and you will certainly have to listen to it several times to really fathom all its complex layers, due to the sheer amount of layers. this is deep and wild music. get into it. if you really like it, you can buy it from http://www.howisannierecords.com – which I highly recommend you to. if this is a dream, don’t let it end.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/safehouses-on-fire-so-we-fell-in-love-with-all-of-our-pro-longed-goodbyes/feed/ 0 Rudi Simmons – Heart Attacks http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/rudi-simmons-heart-attacks/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/rudi-simmons-heart-attacks/#comments Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:34:06 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=237 Rudi Simmons album Heart Attacks sound nothing like heart attacks. it sounds more like summer. it’s a tasteful and classy take on the indie pop genre. from oompas to bare acoustic numbers, Simmons manages to create interesting atmospheres. add clever and amusing lyrics to the mix, and you have these catchy and intelligent folky melodies with words that sparkle with wisdom. it is a modest but still ingenious interpretation of pop music. it is however way too many filthy words and unconventional (or at least not-conventional-enough) melodies in here to make this a true pop album. if you ask some dumb music journalist of allmusic or such, this would probably be tagged “Adult Contemporary” (with capital letters) or “Singer-Songwriter”, or whatever made up genre is in at the moment. but whatever you choose to call this: at least give it a listen! because this is honest music that deserves a listen – your listen. and not only that, it even deserves a purchase! on CD! http://www.howisannierecords.com

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/rudi-simmons-heart-attacks/feed/ 0 The Ergs! – Acoustic LP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-ergs-acoustic-lp/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-ergs-acoustic-lp/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:35:05 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=236 you like The Ergs!, one of the most catchy and consistent punk rock bands of all time, right? then you will love how they sound acoustically! their sweet lyrics and hypnotising riffs are intimate and more cosy than ever. this is one of the cosiest albums ever actually. and you will have to get it. it’s like those few really awesome Soul Asylum and Goo Goo Dolls tracks, only this sparkles with optimism and happiness. download this and sing a long! then go to http://www.myspace.com/theergs and support the band by purchasing some records. :)

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-ergs-acoustic-lp/feed/ 0 Andrew Jackson Jihad/French Quarter – Fresh Quarter/French Jihad http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/andrew-jackson-jihadfrench-quarter-fresh-quarterfrench-jihad/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/andrew-jackson-jihadfrench-quarter-fresh-quarterfrench-jihad/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:34:04 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=235 more heartfelt and truly genuine and honest to the core folk punk from Andrew Jackson Jihad. but this time it’s mixed up with the dark, creeping tones of French Quarter and their country tinged folk. and they’ve obviously influenced AJJ, because they are sounding more Americana and country than ever. perhaps especially on the beautiful “Skipping Stone”. the bands play four tracks each, and they are – while similar enough to make this split work – very different. they create vastly different atmospheres, emotions and moods. they are however equally impressing to listen to. so get in on this timeless classic! take especially notice of the Dead Prez cover by AJJ.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/andrew-jackson-jihadfrench-quarter-fresh-quarterfrench-jihad/feed/ 0 Railway Ghosts – Railway Ghosts http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/railway-ghosts-railway-ghosts/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/railway-ghosts-railway-ghosts/#comments Sun, 22 Mar 2009 21:11:11 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=475 if your playlist has Daniel Striped Tiger, What Price Wonderland? and various other hardcore/emo on it, you might want to step up and download this. Railway Ghosts play upbeat and semi-chaotic punk with a lot of shouting most of the time. but quite a few times they slow down in order for those skram guitars to do what they were always meant to do – twinkle. there’s quite a bit of dynamics on this record. but despite of this it still has a somewhat inherent monotone expression. this is not a bad thing at all though. it gives this a distinct sound. I mean Dinosaur Jr. are pretty fucking monotonous, but no one is going to argue with me when I say that the three first albums and Beyond are four of the most awesome albums ever, eh? so get into this South-Wales band here. get into the frantic drumming on the very mellow and pleasant drum kit, the monotone guitars and shouting, and how they manage to be both semi-chaotic and semi-catchy at the same time. this album is like flying a kite in a thunderstorm.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/railway-ghosts-railway-ghosts/feed/ 0 The Ergs! – Hindsight is 20:20 My Friend http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-ergs-hindsight-is-2020-my-friend/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-ergs-hindsight-is-2020-my-friend/#comments Sun, 22 Mar 2009 14:34:03 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=234 if you are lacking splits, EPs and other nice non-album things by The Ergs!, you need to download this. and it’s not just a bunch of tracks from different records packed together, no no no! it’s remastered and remixed (maybe some of it is even rerecorded?) to perfection! the tracks sound better than ever here. so if you actually have those non-album tracks, you still should download this. because chances are you won’t ever listen to them again in their original forms, if you have this compilation accessible instead. it’s mindblowingly good. for those of you who don’t know these tracks or The Ergs! altogeher – get to know them! now! if you like anything even remotely punk or punk-influenced, you will love this. it doesn’t matter if you are into Sugar, blink-182, AFI, Weezer or actual punk and hardcore bands such as Minor Threat, Dag Nasty, One Last Wish or Cap’n Jazz – you will like this either way. so get it. “because you’re worth it”. no matter what you are expecting of it – this will surprise you! buy it and support the band at http://www.myspace.com/theergs

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-ergs-hindsight-is-2020-my-friend/feed/ 0 The Ergs! – It’s A Celebration, Bitches http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-ergs-its-a-celebration-bitches/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-ergs-its-a-celebration-bitches/#comments Sun, 22 Mar 2009 12:37:03 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=560 a compilation like this is definitely a celebration. a celebration of one of the greatest modern punk rock bands to ever play. there’s a Nirvana cover (not a coincidence at all, seeing as how The Ergs! sound a great deal like Nirvana at times), a Joe Jackson cover, some upbeat and punky alt-country tunes, some this, some that. most of it is hardcore or Minutemen and/or Replacements influenced. one unifying factor though is all of the tracks’ awesomeness. it’s fast, it’s melodic, it’s catchy – what’s not to like really? get this! and support the band by ordering stuff from http://www.myspace.com/theergs

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-ergs-its-a-celebration-bitches/feed/ 0 The Ergs! – Upstairs/Downstairs http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-ergs-upstairsdownstairs/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-ergs-upstairsdownstairs/#comments Sun, 22 Mar 2009 12:36:02 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=233 Upstairs/Downstairs one of the most defining albums a band has ever released. this album sees The Ergs! succeeding in everything they attempt. from alt-country bar tales to hardcore punk to sweet ballads to noise rock to whatever, it is all fantastic! and it all fits together incredibly. you would expect an album this diverse to sound somewhat awkward, as if there were multiple bands on it rather than one powerhouse of writers. but The Ergs! flabbergasts everybody with this truly unique album. an honest, passionate and admirable effort that needs to get the attention it definitely deserves. please listen to this. I assure you that you will not regret it, ever. you should also very much consider purchasing it from the band at http://www.myspace.com/theergs

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-ergs-upstairsdownstairs/feed/ 0 The Ergs! – Jersey’s Best Prancers http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-ergs-jerseys-best-prancers/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-ergs-jerseys-best-prancers/#comments Sun, 22 Mar 2009 12:35:02 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=231 Jersey’s Best Prancers is one of the most catchy albums you will ever hear. it also proves numerous times that the verse-chorus-verse formula is all but necessary to make catchy music. the different parts of the tracks don’t have to repeat themselves two or three times each if the parts are all equally awesome, and as long as they fit well together. this is proven again and again on this album. and in addition to being catchy, The Ergs! showcase brilliant guitar solos and a keen sense of harmonies. the album title is an obvious tribute to Lifetime’s Jersey’s Best Dancers. but where that album sounded like east coast emo (Falling Forward, Elliott and so on), this album sounds more like Hüsker Dü’s latter days combined with The Get Up Kids (both their punky efforts and their more alt-country-ish sound). intelligent yet joky. you will have to download this! and if you like it, buy it at http://www.myspace.com/theergs

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-ergs-jerseys-best-prancers/feed/ 0 The Ergs! – DorkRockCorkRod http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-ergs-dorkrockcorkrod/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-ergs-dorkrockcorkrod/#comments Sat, 21 Mar 2009 22:11:10 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=474 The Ergs! are a very rare band. playing with Hüsker Dü tattooed in their foreheads, and an obvious Descendents and Queers influence, they rock harder than most. and DorkRockCorkRod definitely proves this! with funky riffs, upbeat drumming and the extremely distinguishable vocals, this band has got a good thing going. punk songs about love, relationships and other personal issues. not exactly emo, but there’s probably no one who will kill you if you call it emo anyway. but whether you call it emo, punk, hardcore, rock, alternative, pop-”punk” or whatever – it’s awesome nevertheless. call it what you will, as long as you listen to it. if The Beatles was a 2000s band, they would sound like this. and everybody loves The Beatles. so get this! you can buy their albums and support the band at http://www.myspace.com/theergs

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/the-ergs-dorkrockcorkrod/feed/ 0 sleepmakeswaves – in today already walks tomorrow http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/sleepmakeswaves-in-today-already-walks-tomorrow/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/sleepmakeswaves-in-today-already-walks-tomorrow/#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:16:02 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=189 sleepmakeswaves are punking it up. while the demo (see post #90) is mostly slowly creating this soft atmospheric music, or droning the shit out of the listener with distorted guitars and cymbal-heavy drumming, this release starts of with a mostly very upbeat piece with rocking harmonic guitars. of course the band can’t help but fill the mid-part with some progressive goodiness that builds up with a faster and faster hitten snare, melodic guitars and mellow bass – all of which eventually climaxes in an explosion of powerful melody alike to Mogwai on their finest. this really sounds like City of Caterpillar sans the screaming, only more patient and with more instruments. kind of like Envy. it’s big and it’s good. and everybody should download it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/sleepmakeswaves-in-today-already-walks-tomorrow/feed/ 0 Dominic & The Third Memory split http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/dominic-the-third-memory-split/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/dominic-the-third-memory-split/#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:15:19 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=558 Dominic has always struck me as on of the most unique hardcore/emo bands out there. they are so distinct in their sound that it’s not hard to recognise how different and great they are. a simply awesome band. and the two tracks they contribute to this split is nothing short of awesome either. the dramatic approach to screamo present in their style is spectacular. it’s progressive, noisy and beautiful. and not to be missed out on. while most intense screamo bands (this rules out the math rock twiddle/noodle bands) are either very brutal or equally brutal but with the occasional melodic approach for ten seconds or less. Dominic manages to get the best of both worlds at all times. truly impressive. especially given how progressive their music is. it takes great song writing to achieve music as good as this. The Third Memory are a vastly different band. yes they have semi-similar guitars at times, and are definitely melodic and progressive as Dominic – but this band are noticeably less noisy. while incorporating intensively screamed vocals, the music is essentially very soft. the guitars are kind of twinkly like Dominic’s, but not even half as distorted. and while the drummer beats the shit out of the snare from time to time, it’s generally not very heavy. it’s a bit weird listening to this band, because they are so fast, progressive and technical – but they never get carried away and just climax into a big bunch of noise. and that is admirable, the way they contain themselves. but it’s by no means reserved or anything like that – it’s passionate alright. it’s just diciplined as well. and it’s awesome. get this split!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/dominic-the-third-memory-split/feed/ 0 sleepmakeswaves – sleepmakeswaves http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/sleepmakeswaves-sleepmakeswaves/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/sleepmakeswaves-sleepmakeswaves/#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:18:01 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=188 sleepmakesnowaves have no vocals, but that doesn’t mean they have no voice. they are in fact highly vocal, despite lacking a vocalist. they are an instrumental rock band that play a great deal on ambience. it sounds like they are trying to capture Mogwai’s magic ambient twinkling, and then completely destroy it with distorted drone guitars in the vein of Isis every now and then. they succeed at this. very much. this demo sounds very dark and meek, yet there is this optimism and power inherent in the music. especially the parts with distorted guitars and an overall loudness. the twinkly ambient bits come off as sort of passages into these great climaxes of honest, humble and very *awesome* music.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/sleepmakeswaves-sleepmakeswaves/feed/ 0 Manhattan Skyline – Tarantula Arms E.P. http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/manhattan-skyline-tarantula-arms-e-p/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/manhattan-skyline-tarantula-arms-e-p/#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:17:09 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=473 Manhattan Skyline are one of the best band I’ve ever seen live. their extremely aggressive music and intense performance is marvellous. this band plays Orchid-style hardcore/screamo, and mixes it up a bit with mathcore influences. it reminds me very much of The Crinn, which again sounds like a more insane version of Dillinger Escape Plan with cooler vocals. Manhattan Skyline can probably also be compared to DEP. though not as obviously as The Crinn, because this band isn’t as jazzy. it’s more in your face screamo with obvious metalcore and plain hardcore influences. more The Spectacle than DEP. on the other hand, if you’ve ever heard Kaospilot or Dominic and digged them, you will probably welcome Manhattan Skyline as a different, but equally awesome band. equally awesome, but definitely unique in their sound. they thrash around like no one else, both live and on record. the lyrics are perhaps not all that intelligible at the first listen due to the mad screaming and loud music, but once you pay attention they are every bit as great as the music. they are definitely a vital organ in the Manhattan Skyline body, and I recommend paying attention to them, once you get over the whole stroke-thing you’ll get after listening through this for the first time with the stereo cranked up at 95db. this is loud shit. enjoy.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/manhattan-skyline-tarantula-arms-e-p/feed/ 0 Arctic Monkeys – Don’t Believe the Hype http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/arctic-monkeys-dont-believe-the-hype/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/arctic-monkeys-dont-believe-the-hype/#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:16:00 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=187 I suppose the world’s biggest band or so at the moment does not need any introduction, but still – let me pretend it still is 2004 or whenever I downloaded these off of SoulSeek. the band was admittedly not as famous back then, but they were definitely as good as they are now. these demos shows a new band in town, eager to show off their newly discovered skills at composing and performing music. the music is in fact extremely eager. they play fast, intense and energetic punk tracks, with several tracks clocking in well under three minutes – some even under two. the waililng guitars are loud as can be. the whole sound picture is generally fast and loud. crashing drums, distorted and crisp guitars, shouted vocals and fast bass. but what perhaps makes Arctic Monkeys stand out the most are their intelligent and observant lyrics, penned by guitarist/vocalist Alex Turner. some have even compared him to Jarvis Cocker (that might be a bit over the top though), due to how he manages to put down what’s going on in his world to paper. there’s no “bigger picture” here, it’s just Turner and the way he sees the world. what’s going on in his head. whether it’s clever observations on the youth cliques, patronizing words on a scumbag, or simple straightforward tunes about love – Turner knows his shit when it comes to writing. and so does he when it comes to killing his guitar, like Jamie Cook also does his fair share of. so if you’re into crisp and deadly guitars, loud and fast drumming, melodic and hasty bass and shouted vocals that tells stories – this is for you. download it!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/arctic-monkeys-dont-believe-the-hype/feed/ 0 Engerica – Unreleased, Unleashed http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/engerica-unreleased-unleashed/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/engerica-unreleased-unleashed/#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:00:34 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=556 Engerica released one of the best metal-influenced screamo/punk affairs of 2006. this is not it. this is a demo session sometime before that. and it’s golden! while it has not yet fully developed the screamo anxiety, and the quirky/serious/insane balance isn’t yet perfected, this is four sleazy rock tracks with humorous lyrics and desperate melodies. definitely worth getting your hands on.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/engerica-unreleased-unleashed/feed/ 0 Come What May – Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/come-what-may-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/come-what-may-demo/#comments Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:15:59 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=186 two frantic experimental emo tracks filled with despair and chaos. shouting, heavy drums with plenty of cymbal rape, guitars that reminds me of Paper Moshay by Antioch Arrow, weird synth effects and so on. all of this comes together… well to say “nicely” would be a bit of a lie, because this is simply chaotic artsy and angsty punk rock that probably would fit in on Gravity records in the early ninetees or even late eightees. it’s hypnotic, claustrophobic and nervous, with a dark edge to it. also this band is slightly obscure as far as I know, because they kind of disappeared after I got this demo from them. they don’t even log into their MySpace, let alone answer messages from it – so yeah. score eliteness points today! download this gem. :)

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/come-what-may-demo/feed/ 0 1099 – Machine! Fire! Ghosts! http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/1099-machine-fire-ghosts/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/1099-machine-fire-ghosts/#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:11:08 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=472 1099 are a band that plays very atmospheric music. the guitars are twinkling nicely, whilst the strings are ensuring the music is constantly flowing like a waterfall. the drummer makes use of the entire kit, at the right times. cymbals galore to create intense moments, snare to create suspension and a nice utilization of toms to make sure the music doesn’t run away. where Yndi Halda’s songs are so different that they could just as well been split up into several tracks, 1099′s tracks are definitely single pieces that are so sewn together, you wouldn’t dream of replacing – let alone removing – a single bit of them. where Explosions in the Sky generally tend to have long intros that lead into this one climax – 1099 are a constant flow of climaxes, making the tracks less tiring than Explosions in the Sky’s. the songs go from downbeat moments with toms and the infamous Indian Summer guitars, onto the same Indian Summer guitars only with snare instead of toms. then the strings come. then the cymbals come, increasingly louder and louder and louder. the snare is hit faster and louder as well. the guitars go higher and higher. the strings are constrasting slower and slower. everything breaks. the twinkly Indian Summer guitars are alone. then comes the upbeat drumming, the distorted guitars, the everything. there’s climaxes all over the place. everything is alive with beauty, power and passion. this ep is awesome, and you should get it. I’m not generally into bands without vocals, but this is simply awesome.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/1099-machine-fire-ghosts/feed/ 0 Faustcoven – March of the Cloven Hooves http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/faustcoven-march-of-the-cloven-hooves/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/faustcoven-march-of-the-cloven-hooves/#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:18:58 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=185 more ultra-heavy black metal from Norway. there’s more drone/doom-influenced black metal with drop tuned guitars, but this time there’s some semi-fast (well not slow as hell (pun intended) like they were at all times on the previous Faustcoven album I upped) guitar solos with upbeat (fast even!) war drums. shrieked Burzum-ish vocals and whatnot. this has it all. all that you would want from black metal. not as incredibly depressing and dark as the previous album, but all the more diverse.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/faustcoven-march-of-the-cloven-hooves/feed/ 0 Faustcoven – Satanic Doom http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/faustcoven-satanic-doom/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/faustcoven-satanic-doom/#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:17:07 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=471 this is true Norwegian black metal indeed. war drums, slow and depressing guitars with shrieked as well as growled howls from hell. “Satanic Doom” is a more fitting description of this album than I would be able to give you. black metal at its heaviest (no look-how-fast-we-can-tremolo-bullshit) with clear doom influences. it’s droning and dark. probably best listened to in complete darkness by yourself. heil.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/faustcoven-satanic-doom/feed/ 0 august hell – Life Without Germs http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/august-hell-life-without-germs/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/august-hell-life-without-germs/#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:15:57 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=184 I was contemplating whether to put this in the who knows section, or whether to simply put it in this ambient category. the ambient category barely won due to the way this album makes you visualize a story – an epic tale. I view this album as a soundtrack to a war. it has it all. the initial anger when the war breaks out. the hopelessness when there seems like no end to it. the losses that affect everyone in it. the uprising. the underground parties. the passion. the uplifting optimism and hope for an end to not only this war, but every war ever. the sheer happiness of victory, of end. I mean this album just generally succeeds in so many ways when it comes to evoking feelings. it’s a roller-coaster. get on it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/august-hell-life-without-germs/feed/ 0 Beowulf – A Rock Operetta http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/beowulf-a-rock-operetta/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/beowulf-a-rock-operetta/#comments Sun, 01 Mar 2009 12:16:56 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=183 this has a great intro that’s just so “right”. really sets the mood. haunting. the violin, the percussion, the vocals… mysterious-like, dark atmosphere. then a more “orthodox” melody starts rockin’. and it really does rock. funky yet sensitive stuff. it’s spaced out track with f’ucked up vocals and punchy, distorted guitars. but it’s also fantastic folky stuff, complete with flutes and what sounds like some sort of goblet drum, like a djembe or whatever. then it’s also Dr. Dre-ish hip-hop with awesome beats and great vocals. it’s an opera. and it allows itself to do whatever the fuck it wants to. and all of it is awesome. also there’s a Ray Charles impersonation. what’s not to love? if Green Day has made you think that a “rock opera” is equal to major suckage – get this, and Beowulf change your opinion on rock operas all together. if you on the other hand *like* rock operas… then why are you still reading this? DOWNLOAD IT!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/beowulf-a-rock-operetta/feed/ 0 Fua – Retribution http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/fua-retribution/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/fua-retribution/#comments Sun, 01 Mar 2009 12:15:55 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=182 hard hitting metalcore with metal style (grumpy) vocals. it’s drop-tuned and heavy like Minoria Activa. the vocalist kind of sounds like Corey Taylor’s growling voice on the s/t Slipknot album. the drums are fast and use double pedals. there’s also this nü-metal feel to them (as well as the guitars) on certain occasions. don’t let that scare you though. I mean the s/t Slipknot album was really good because of the aggressivity and in-you-face-ness. this has those qualities. and even though the vocals, drumming and guitars might be a bit Slipknot-ish (there’s no nü-metal DJing or extra percussion though), I assure you that even the most Slipknot-hostile music fan out there might still be into this, as it shares quite a lot with pessimistic hardcore punk like Black Flag or Negative Approach. there’s also a great deal of early 90s thrash influences to be spotted here. and it sounds tough and angry. and it’s cool. I guess it’s head banging material. I’m not much for that stuff myself, but if you are you must get this. if you are like me – not a head banging metal guy – get this anyway, and enjoy it nevertheless. it’s cool. especially the industrial-ish bits where it sounds all faux-rapcore-ish.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/03/fua-retribution/feed/ 0 Hit the Ground – Rat Racing http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/hit-the-ground-rat-racing/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/hit-the-ground-rat-racing/#comments Sat, 28 Feb 2009 12:11:06 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=470 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/hit-the-ground-rat-racing/feed/ 0 Damage Digital – Split Tape http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/damage-digital-split-tape/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/damage-digital-split-tape/#comments Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:15:54 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=181 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/damage-digital-split-tape/feed/ 0 Elysis – Chillout/Alphawave http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/elysis-chilloutalphawave/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/elysis-chilloutalphawave/#comments Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:16:53 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=180 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/elysis-chilloutalphawave/feed/ 0 Nothing’s Forgotten – Vestfold HC Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/nothings-forgotten-vestfold-hc-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/nothings-forgotten-vestfold-hc-demo/#comments Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:15:53 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=178 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!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/nothings-forgotten-vestfold-hc-demo/feed/ 0 Caitlyn Bailey – Fuego! http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/caitlyn-bailey-fuego/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/caitlyn-bailey-fuego/#comments Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:59:19 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=554 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/caitlyn-bailey-fuego/feed/ 0 Paul Baribeau – Grand Ledge http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/paul-baribeau-grand-ledge/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/paul-baribeau-grand-ledge/#comments Sun, 22 Feb 2009 21:54:16 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=158 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/paul-baribeau-grand-ledge/feed/ 0 Paul Baribeau – Paul Baribeau http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/paul-baribeau-paul-baribeau/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/paul-baribeau-paul-baribeau/#comments Sun, 22 Feb 2009 21:53:14 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=162 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!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/paul-baribeau-paul-baribeau/feed/ 0 iwrotehaikusaboutcannibalisminyouryearbook – 8 Song Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/iwrotehaikusaboutcannibalisminyouryearbook-8-song-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/iwrotehaikusaboutcannibalisminyouryearbook-8-song-demo/#comments Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:38:54 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=142 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!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/iwrotehaikusaboutcannibalisminyouryearbook-8-song-demo/feed/ 0 Fall Children – Fall Children http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/fall-children-fall-children/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/fall-children-fall-children/#comments Sun, 22 Feb 2009 21:37:53 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=141 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!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/fall-children-fall-children/feed/ 0 Elysis – Techno/Hardbeat http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/elysis-technohardbeat/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/elysis-technohardbeat/#comments Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:45:50 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=438 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/elysis-technohardbeat/feed/ 0 Elysis – House/Minimal http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/elysis-houseminimal/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/elysis-houseminimal/#comments Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:39:52 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=140 this is very minimalist house music. almost idm-ish. it’s awesome. a long dreamy journey through the human mind. on LSD. get it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/elysis-houseminimal/feed/ 0 Elysis – Funky/Happy http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/elysis-funkyhappy/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/elysis-funkyhappy/#comments Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:38:52 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=139 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/elysis-funkyhappy/feed/ 0 Elysis – Elektro/Drum’n'Bass http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/elysis-elektrodrumnbass/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/elysis-elektrodrumnbass/#comments Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:38:51 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=137 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/elysis-elektrodrumnbass/feed/ 0 *luhn – *luhn http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/luhn-luhn/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/luhn-luhn/#comments Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:37:51 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=138 *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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/luhn-luhn/feed/ 0 The Mega Games Two – The Mega Games Two http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-mega-games-two-the-mega-games-two/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-mega-games-two-the-mega-games-two/#comments Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:37:50 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=136 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-mega-games-two-the-mega-games-two/feed/ 0 Magnus Eliassen – Second Grace http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/magnus-eliassen-second-grace/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/magnus-eliassen-second-grace/#comments Sat, 14 Feb 2009 13:17:58 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=583 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/magnus-eliassen-second-grace/feed/ 0 Draff Krimmy – The Poetry of Vår http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/draff-krimmy-the-poetry-of-var/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/draff-krimmy-the-poetry-of-var/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:37:49 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=135 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/draff-krimmy-the-poetry-of-var/feed/ 0 The Cortlandt Homes – Twirly Brown EP http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-cortlandt-homes-twirly-brown-ep/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-cortlandt-homes-twirly-brown-ep/#comments Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:40:48 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=133 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-cortlandt-homes-twirly-brown-ep/feed/ 0 Dominic – Dominic CD http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/dominic-dominic-cd/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/dominic-dominic-cd/#comments Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:39:49 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=437 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/dominic-dominic-cd/feed/ 0 Grapefruit – Grapefruit http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/grapefruit-grapefruit/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/grapefruit-grapefruit/#comments Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:37:47 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=132 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/grapefruit-grapefruit/feed/ 0 Beyond the Fences – No Ceiling in the Sky http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/beyond-the-fences-no-ceiling-in-the-sky/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/beyond-the-fences-no-ceiling-in-the-sky/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:55:48 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=436 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/beyond-the-fences-no-ceiling-in-the-sky/feed/ 0 Cut Short – Master 08 http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/cut-short-master-08/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/cut-short-master-08/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 22:00:46 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=134 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/cut-short-master-08/feed/ 0 Andrew Jackson Jihad – Candy Cigarettes & Cap Guns http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-candy-cigarettes-cap-guns/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-candy-cigarettes-cap-guns/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:22:29 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=123 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-candy-cigarettes-cap-guns/feed/ 0 Andrew Jackson Jihad – Issue Problems http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-issue-problems/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-issue-problems/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:20:04 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=106 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-issue-problems/feed/ 0 Andrew Jackson Jihad – Holy Man, Holy War http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-holy-man-holy-war/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-holy-man-holy-war/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:18:51 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=552 four folk punk tracks about religion, expectations, cigarettes and killing ladies. it is tight. energetic music with intelligent lyrics.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-holy-man-holy-war/feed/ 0 Andrew Jackson Jihad – Home Recordings http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-home-recordings/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-home-recordings/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:17:03 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=105 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!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-home-recordings/feed/ 0 Andrew Jackson Jihad – KXLU Recordings (January ’07) http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-kxlu-recordings-january-07/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-kxlu-recordings-january-07/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:16:47 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=435 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!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-kxlu-recordings-january-07/feed/ 0 Andrew Jackson Jihad – Demo III http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-demo-iii/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-demo-iii/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:15:02 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=104 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-demo-iii/feed/ 0 Andrew Jackson Jihad – Demo II http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-demo-ii/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-demo-ii/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:14:46 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=434 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!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/andrew-jackson-jihad-demo-ii/feed/ 0 The Spectacle – I, Fail http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-spectacle-i-fail/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-spectacle-i-fail/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:13:01 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=103 on I, Fail, The Spectacle takes things to the next level. they use much of the heavy and gritty crust sound of previous releases, but favour far more experimental compositions that incorporates eastern influences as well as a much wider utilization of their core instruments. they have the more modern chord progressions of screamo bands such as City of Caterpillar and Circle Takes the Square. but amidst all of the screamo-like guitars and snare-focused upbeat drumming is a spiritual or magical presence. this is devastating sludge. when they break away from the crust 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!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-spectacle-i-fail/feed/ 1 The Spectacle – Rope or Guillotine http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-spectacle-rope-or-guillotine/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-spectacle-rope-or-guillotine/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:12:44 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=433 «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!!!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-spectacle-rope-or-guillotine/feed/ 0 Last Lights – Demo CD http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/last-lights-demo-cd/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/last-lights-demo-cd/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:11:00 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=102 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/last-lights-demo-cd/feed/ 0 hjördis – eplemjölk http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/hjordis-eplemjolk/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/hjordis-eplemjolk/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:10:28 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=550 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/hjordis-eplemjolk/feed/ 0 Silje Halstensen – Feedback Promo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/silje-halstensen-feedback-promo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/silje-halstensen-feedback-promo/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:09:59 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=101 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/silje-halstensen-feedback-promo/feed/ 0 The Spectacle 10″ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-spectacle-10/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-spectacle-10/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:09:29 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=127 if you like what is often refered to as “post-rock” (ugh), you might like this. if you like extreme metal, you might like this. it’s diverse and epic progressive crust-tinged metal. enough said. get it. the album is magnificent. it will change you. and you’ll be better off for it.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-spectacle-10/feed/ 0 The Spectacle 7″ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-spectacle-7/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-spectacle-7/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:08:58 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=100 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-spectacle-7/feed/ 0 The Spectacle – Lakonia Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-spectacle-lakonia-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-spectacle-lakonia-demo/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:05:57 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=98 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!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/the-spectacle-lakonia-demo/feed/ 0 Sinnssyk Ugle – Pistola/Chloe O’Brian Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/sinnssyk-ugle-pistolachloe-obrian-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/sinnssyk-ugle-pistolachloe-obrian-demo/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:04:08 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=86 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/sinnssyk-ugle-pistolachloe-obrian-demo/feed/ 0 Sinnssyk Ugle – Odas Liv Demo http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/sinnssyk-ugle-odas-liv-demo/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/sinnssyk-ugle-odas-liv-demo/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:03:43 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=432 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/sinnssyk-ugle-odas-liv-demo/feed/ 0 Alpinist – Demo 2007 http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/alpinist-demo-2007/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/alpinist-demo-2007/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:03:07 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=85 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!

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/alpinist-demo-2007/feed/ 0 boyhitscar – 8 track demos 30-22-00 http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/boyhitscar-8-track-demos-30-22-00/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/boyhitscar-8-track-demos-30-22-00/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:02:07 +0000 indietrash http://thatspunk.net/blog/?p=84 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.

click here to download

]]> http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/boyhitscar-8-track-demos-30-22-00/feed/ 0 Hit Factory – Party Animals http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/hit-factory-party-animals/ http://thatspunk.net/blog/2009/02/hit-factory-party-animals/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:01:06 +0000