Vulture Raid - Vulture Raid II

 

For years now Philadelphia has built a reputation as having one of the most exciting punk scenes in the country. In 7 minutes 32 seconds Vulture Raid prove that reputation is well merited. Their high energy, poppy take on hardcore is wonderfully addictive. The songwriting is immaculate, the choruses are huge and the vocals are passionate. And yet Vulture Raid II feels like just the start for the Philly foursome. This EP is extremely fun, with a clear passion for the genre bleeding through every startlingly musical chord and agile bass riff. The cover of Gangsters Paradise is wholly unexpected but a great little addition to the melange and has me curious about what else the band might do going forward. Suffice it to say - I am desperate for more from these guys, this is a really interesting, fun offering and the world needs more Vulture Raid. 

Listen for yourself: 

https://linktr.ee/vultureraid

Cherym - Take It Or Leave It

 

Time for a break from our regularly scheduled black metal content to enjoy the fun, dancey pop punk magic of Cherym! Their new album Take It Or Leave It is an incredible outpouring of emotion, from cheerful anthems and rippers about breakups to heartfelt bangers about the struggle of being a woman in 2023. There is something to be said for a band who find a way to delve into all these emotions and keep the vibes so damn good. It's exactly what we all need to be searching for from a new record that just keeps giving. 

Take It Or Leave It is a rager. It's really that simple. Even though the range of emotions presented is deep, the band never really feels the need to slow down or abandon their sugary sweet guitar tones. Instead we are presented with ten tracks of high powered, and truly immaculately written pop punk. And I think that's what resonates the most, through it all, Cherym are incredible songwriters and their work consistently levels up as they grow as a band. This is pop punk done right, with clear ambition, vision and a sense that this music can be what saves us all. 

I've come across very few bands who deeply understand the nature and power of pop punk the way Cherym do. They cash in fully on its twin promises of deeply emotional songs and providing good times, often within the context of the same piece of music. Their work is fully fleshed out and articulately tells the story of who Cherym are, what they believe and what brings their music to the next level. Take It Or Leave It is going to be making the rounds in feminist pop punk circles and beyond, mark my words.

Pre-order the album!

https://cherym.bandcamp.com/music

Cherym - Hey Tori

Now this is an interesting one -pop punk from Northern Island pulling from the influence of everyone from Smashing Pumpkins to American Football by way of Pup. The end result is a nicely polished and surprisingly well composed pop punk record that speaks to a truly talented band who are executing on their brand of pop punk at a very high level. Hey Tori is a truly potent offering and one that seems to continually one up itself. This is pop punk done right, unafraid of its influences and willing to entrance listeners. 

So yes - Cherym aren't really reinventing the wheel on this record but they are doing a great job of crafting fun, hooky music that will keep you coming back and excited for what the band is trying to do here. It's a truly fun way to delve into and interact with the sounds that Hey Tori so elegantly pushes together. The end result is a record that puts smiles on faces and speaks to the heart. There is something to be said for the emotional depth of this record too. Even though the musicians are all fairly young they do a great job of really leaning into their life experiences and sharing some of the struggles of day to day life in Northern Ireland. 

Timeless and fun, Hey Tori is a real blast of a record that though it barely ticks over 15 minutes is the sort of release that you'll keep coming back too. It's addictive and honest, just what you want from a pop punk record like this. These girls have done a fantastic job here and this opening salvo only hints at much more magic to come from a band who seem to really have a deep understanding of just what goes into crafting great, powerful and emotional music that you can really come back too and find yourself totally enamored with. 

Pre-order the album!

https://cherym.bandcamp.com/music

Father Before Me - Ruby

This is an interesting one. Billed 'Progressive Skate Punk' Father Before Me are playing thoughtful and intricate hard rock. There are big melodic hooks that are a blast to sink your teeth into and high powered choruses that will get your fist pumping. It's an exciting balance of ideas that will keep listeners digging in and curious for more. Their new four song EP, Ruby is a fun offering that calls to mind early 2010's metalcore as well as bands like Black Veil Brides. While this sound is a little bit dated, I kind of love it for how earnest it is. 

What fascinates about Father Before Me is their willingness to lean into the poppier side of their sound. While their are clear limitations (Like a bit of a rough mix) that only adds to how honest and real the music feels. Even though this is clearly an early effort, it's just so much fun to really lose yourself in these anthems. Father Before Me lean into classic songwriting tropes for a reason - they work. Ruby excites because of the clear vision behind the music. The influences are fairly narrow in scope, but it's cool to hear a band who are eager within that. So yes, there are pop punk frills next to Dream Theater inspired shredding, but that's what makes it fun. 

Father Before Me are a one of a kind force in the heavy rock scene and it's a delight to really hear how they pick things apart. I can't help but to be impressed with the way that they bring the rage and what they do to really drive home the overarching vision behind the music. This is a really fun listen and a record that I think devout fans are going to find themselves coming back too regularly. Ruby is a blast, any way you slice it. You'll be left wanting more and curious for when Father Before Me are able to come back with more!

Pre-order the album!

https://fatherbeforeme.bandcamp.com/

Eat Defeat - I Think We'll Be OK

Eat Defeat are a pop punk band from Leeds (Yeah I know, but it's my fucking blog so I write about what I want) and they may have the best promo picture ever. Just look at this shit:

And that's just about the long and short of what this band represents. Sort of a spiritual successor to Neck Deep, Eat Defeat are a whole boatload of fun, eagerly reminding you with their masterful new release I Think We'll Be OK that there are things in life to embrace and which you will find yourself falling in love with no matter what.

In a dark world full of stress and misery there is something incredibly satisfying about spending time with a band who focus on the positive and remind us of the beauty of this world. Not only that though, but these Bearded Punk Records signees are really fucking good. Every aspect of this band is finely polished, and that's very hard in pop punk. In a genre that has a low bar of entry it's common to find bands that slack on key elements of their sound, be it shitty bland vocals, poor guitar tone or generally bad songwriting. As I put this record on I was running through this checklist in my head and the more I thought about it the more I realized that Eat Defeat meet all the criterion for being a great pop punk band.

On this blog we often talk about music that plumbs the depth of the soul, that reminds us we face common struggles. Eat Defeat talk about picking up the pieces and putting them together again. That's fucking important. I know it's hard sometimes to want to listen to maximum good times music, but Eat Defeat knock it out of the park with I Think We'll Be OK. This album is fun, punchy and a reminder why we all fell in love with pop punk when we were 13 in the first place. So relax, smile and embrace the high energy love this band can't help but project.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/EatDefeat/

Bong Mountain - You're Doing Great (For The Record)

Y'all already know that I love pop punk that doesn't take itself to seriously and realizes how silly the genre can be.That's why I'm desperately in love with Bong Mountain. They are a band who capture the silly and stupid magic of middle America in their potent tracks that cultivate the same sense of silliness that drew so many of us to bands like Bowling For Soup in the first place It's refreshing in a world of doom metal and blackened hellscapes to listen to a band who sound like Real Friends and Modern Baseball. A band who understand that their is a very real drama to day to day life and that we need to appreciate that.

Bong Mountain use You're Doing Great (For The Record) as a way to show us that the human condition is ever evolving and always beautiful. It gives us a glimpse into the magic of a music meant for kids in basements who never really had anyone who believed in them. It reminds us that even though a lot of people cast this type of music to the side there is some stellar songwriting here and to ignore that would be remiss. Beyond that - despite how relatively ambitious this record is I admire its sense of humor. Bong Mountain get why music isn't the be all end all, but simultaneously pour their souls into it.

I can't help but keep spinning You're Doing Great (For The Record) it's exactly the sort of pop punk that makes me such a slave to the genre. It's dorky and silly, but it KNOWS that it's dorky and silly and that's exactly what makes it such a rewarding listen. So come over and get lost in the madness of Bong Mountain. They aren't going to pressure you to do anything you don't want to do, but they will smoke you out and remind you that life isn't as insane as so many of us try and make it. After all, you're doing great.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/bongmountain/?fref=ts

Across All Oceans - Homegrown

Regular readers have probably noticed that I'm a pretty sad dude with a lot of weird stories to tell. For some reason, almost as a direct result of this I have this weird love for pop punk and emo - especially when fused, as Across All Oceans do on their latest release - the exciting and brilliantly executed five tracks of sadness that is Homegrown. Wonderfully human and a reflection on all the pain that we forgot we had forgot Homegrown reflects a sort of internal drama that reminds us of a certain undeniable humanity within us all. 

The anthems on this record speak to to the human condition and the bizarre loneliness, that we face in the modern world. There is a very real sadness at had here and it reminds us that despite it all we are not the only ones. The albums second track Permanence brings the ephemeral nature of humanity to the front and reminds us that we are not the only ones. Maybe I'm just a lonely twenty something in a world of lonely twenty somethings or maybe Across All Oceans have been able to properly tap into our modern nihilism. In a world where it feels like we are destined to be forgotten Homegrown sympathizes and reminds us that people do in fact care.

Don't get me wrong - these guys are bitter and sad - but so am I, and chances are you are too. Homegrown provides us with something that we can all connect to and identify with. It speaks to a darker reality that we all need to deal with. Yes we are haunted b demons of the past but somehow we can surmount them and help build a better tomorrow. This might not seem easy at first but it is possible and PoAcross All Oceans remind us why we are so deeply invested in the music, and like the bands frontman we can acknowledge that their is a way forward even though "all these thoughts of you are hold me back."

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/AcrossAllOceanOfficial

Coheed and Cambria - The Color before the Sun

Coheed and Cambria is a band I can quite surely qualify as an instant crush at first listen. Ever since having heard the first few minutes of “Domino the Destitute” off of The Afterman : Ascension, I’ve frequently and consistently found myself having a hard time laying off of their extensive catalog. It’s now been 2 years since the release of The Afterman: Descension and Coheed and Cambria are back with a new record titled The Color before the Sun, their first to break away from the band’s lineage of concept albums centered around the Armory Wars universe and storyline.

It wouldn’t be inappropriate to say that TCBTS marks a more direct and less ambitious approach to writing from the behalf of the band, though that is not to say that this album marks any sort of radical stylistic shift for Coheed and Cambria. It is thus not so much in the way of the bands’ instantly recognisable progressive pop-rock formula than in the overall pacing and flow of the album that we may notice somewhat of a break in the band's’ tradition. Rest assured for those fans out there, Claudio Sanchez’ serenading voice and the band's’ dynamic and theatrical compositions are still present on this record, most notably illustrated by the epic single Here to Mars. The album also has a fair share of Coheed and Cambria's’ upbeat and straightforward tracks such as with the chiming You’ve got spirit, kid or the sunny and irresistibly catchy pop-punk opener to the album Island. The track Atlas that was first introduced as an acoustic track on the band's’ youtube page is present on the album, though rearranged revamped as a overdriven rock song that fails to captivate me as much as its first form.  Overall, all of the elements of a solid Coheed and Cambria record are present on TCBTS, however it seems to be the pacing and overall balance in the track list that seems to be lacking for this record. Though the production and performances on this album are top notch as always, I couldn’t help but feel as though some of the songs were missing the sense of “direction” that seems to guide most Coheed and Cambria compositions, be it through their catchier songs or through their epic and compositionally ambitious tracks.

While The Color before the Sun may serve as an introduction to Coheed and Cambria in their most “radio-friendly” format for some, as an avid fan of the band I can’t help but feel a sense of redundancy upon hearing some of the tracks on the album.  As harsh as it may seem, while there isn’t so much as anything inherently bad in TCBTS, I doubt the album will leave a lasting impression on its audience, it’s fair quality being greatly overshadowed by the band's’ extensive back catalog.

Coheed & Cambria

Official Website

http://uk-eu.coheedandcambria.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/coheedandcambria/

Twitter

https://twitter.com/coheed

At the Harbour - "GASLIT"

When a debut album/EP comes across my desk I always get tickled.  Listening to a group of people who craft several instruments into a piece of art that grows and spreads across the world like a virus is just amazing.  I want to be this bands ground zero for a whole new population of die hard fans.  I bring to the masses the debut EP "GASLIT" by At the Harbour.  

This six piece from Reading Pennsylvania brings intensity to a scene saturated by skinny jeans and windbreakers that just shatters the pattern of similar sounds coming from the hardcore and pop punk genres.  This EP comes in like a fight song to build up to the mayhem.  Built like a house, this band has a strong foundation of hardcore husk but with a modern twist that captivates the listener.  Harmony is very important when it comes to this EP and most listeners would expect this to be mostly screams but coming in at exactly the right time the other vocalist comes in to seal the deal on your new favorite band.  The vocal duo in this band work together perfectly to bring the emotions of each lyric to life.  Also, you're not getting a "cat in the hat" band that uses basic vocabulary and rhyming schemes.  These are real thoughts and experiences creating each line.

The music drives the pace of this album and reminds me of the reason why I chose to play this kind of music myself.  You are getting empowering build ups and destructive breakdowns but still have the option to take the lighter road to get deep with your audience.  "GASLIT" shows the bands ability to play on both sides of the fence while writing for themselves.  They aren't trying to be progressive just to show off and they keep their music catchy and memorable.  Placement is just as important as quality and At the Harbour demonstrates great songwriting techniques throughout the entire EP.  If you haven't caught the virus yet then this must not be your cup of tea, but if you enjoy the variety in bands such as Silverstein, A Day to Remember and blessthefall then welcome to the outbreak. 

Find them on Facebook!!
https://www.facebook.com/AtTheHarbourPA

I Hate Heroes - IF LIFE WERE A BOOK, I'D SKIP THIS CHAPTER

Being in a band is a struggle just plain and simple.  You need to be dedicated and push through every ceiling that tries to hold you back and restrain you from success.  I Hate Heroes from Reading PA has smashed through every obstacle that has been put in their way and their new EP "IF LIFE WERE A BOOK, I'D SKIP THIS CHAPTER" is the newest installment for a young band pushing their way to the top.

The first few seconds of an album is very important to let your audience know what they are in for when they continue to listen.  When track one hits your ears you get exactly what this band is about.  Catchy melodic singing with a perfect balance of screams knitted into a fusion of metal core and pop punk.  Their instruments are like well calibrated machines that keep the listener interested but don't over power the singing or draw too much attention from the song as a whole.  As a musician this is one of the hardest thins to achieve and this band keeps doing it over an over again without skipping a beat.  Your getting progressive leads, heavy pit worthy  breakdowns, memorable hooks, crushing screams and even an acoustic song, all in one EP.  This is what this generation of punk pop music was meant to become.

There are so many bands saturating the market with a similar sound so what makes this band stand out?  They have a unique mix of two genres that really just spreads across the whole plain from metal core to pop music.  You can't help but enjoy yourself.  They lyrics cover a variety of topics that relate to everyone in there constant struggle to preserver and be there own hero.  This band lives by what they preach and never lets the world bring them down.  Take a stance, know your self worth and to hell with those who can't accept it.

 With this EP your getting the sounds similar to bands such as Bring me the Horizon, A Day to Remember and Four Year Strong.  One thing I can't stress enough is how this is a band that really just works.  Theres not a time in the album I thought to myself someone in this band didn't put their all into this music.  Fresh off the Vans Warped Tour I Hate Heroes is hungrier than ever and with music like the EP "IF LIFE WERE A BOOK, I'D SKIP THIS CHAPTER" they will only gain more momentum and climb even higher.

Find them on Facebook!!
https://www.facebook.com/ihateheroesmusic

Knightlife - Swell

One of the thing that always gets me about rock and roll is the youthful exuberance of the genre, so whenever you get a group of young guys excited to be making music and anxious about getting on the road for the first time - well... you know it'll be something immensely enjoyable. Knightlife get that, and they also get their musical limitations making Swell well... swell to listen too.  This is the product of a band who reek of rock and roll and only seek to bring their music to the masses one power chord at a time.

From the very first riff on Otherside you get a sense for what Knightlife are trying to accomplish, old school rock and roll with touches of heavy metal to make things exciting. Now, I'll be the first to admit there definitely are a few limitations, the songwriting is great, but every now and then the vocals feel out of place. MacKnight has a tendency to write Van Halen-esque riffs and their occasionally pop-punky vocals can feel strange at times. That being said it also helps to make Swell iconoclastic. It's a distinct formula and one that probably will be further developed over the years. As is, Knightlife have been able to make their ideas truly exciting and some of the most well constructed in modern rock.

The fact of the matter is that as much as Swell sounds like a bunch of teenagers playing loud music, it also has a distinct rock and roll beauty in its simple sense of power and fun. This is music for the fans, meant to get you pumping your fist and slamming beers. With delicious guitar tone and all manner of high power major key riffs (And a few minor key ballads) Swell is addictive, and every chorus will leave you with a smile on your face, reveling in the glory of a guitar, a bass, a drumkit and some kid pouring his heart into the microphone.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/Knightlife5150

Westboro Baptist Choir, Posers, Teenage Chainsaw and Infernal Stronghold at the Beaumont Warehouse

Showing up to the Beaumont Warehouse is always tricky. The bands tend to start late, which is fine and all, but I'm not cool enough to figure out how late it's sufficiently punk to show up. So inevitably I end up showing up early and looking like a fucking square. That being said, once things start to heat up at this Philly punk hot spot you know you're in for a good time. All the regulars come in, a few newbies just discovering the scene, along with a whole mess of old time friends. Tonight in particular was special as it was the fundraiser for the West Philly Waste, our very own punk softball team... I'm still not sure how that's a thing, but it makes me love America...

The point being, the first band up Westboro Baptist Choir delivered some straight up punk rock and roll anarchy. There is a sense of raw chaos to the bands music and their stripped down delivery was to the point. They played a short but tasty set, their energetic frontwoman a veritable dynamo of energy, delivering a crushing  mostly-shouted vocal attack that was way too much fun to watch unfold. These guys play a tight set and hint at a few cool rising trends in the Philly scene. Westboro Baptist Choir get what punk rock is all about and their tight, chunky riffs make sure you don't forget it.

I wasn't sure what to expect with the next band, I certainly didn't think that they would end up being the highlight of my night. Yet Posers blew me away, while they are as punk as it gets the band is not afraid to use pop sensibilities to get their point across. There is something very exciting to me about this band, the way the guitar lines actually have melody, and Jade's stellar vocals speak to the quality of the band. It's in some ways reminiscent of NOLA's Pears. Surprisingly professional Posers managed to capture the hearts of everyone inside the Beaumont delivering fun and intelligent music. These guys have great things in store for them and I hope to book them in the near future! Their instant classic "We Are Posers And So Are You" has the potential to become an epic that defines this scene.

Earlier in the night I had gotten to talk to the guys in Teenage Chainsaw, and I would have felt kind of bad if I ended up not liking their band. I was actually really impressed with the exciting sound that they purveyed. I loved how they passed the vocal line with each song. It created a sense of true egalitarianism and made things interesting. Their Ramones cover was a joy to watch and helped make the set memorable. What I'm trying to say is that Teenage Chainsaw are a band who know how to have fun and watching them tear up the stage will make you have a good time too. Powerful and fairly unique, Teenage Chainsaw are a blast to watch.

Finally it was time for the local legends, the immortal Infernal Stronghold. This is a band who are masters of crunching riffs and blazing drum assaults. Their unique brand of death metal is rife with all sorts of blackened sprinklies and is gloriously satanic making you raise your first in grim fury. The harsh vocals have a certain sense of gory glee to them, they tear at the listener and hold you in thrall. See, Infernal Stronghold's live set is a veritable ritual, people find themselves enslaved to the bands oppressive crush and that's what makes them so fascinating. This band will tear you apart and make you love it. What more do you need to know?

As I headed home taking Philly's gloriously hellish public transport I was left with plenty of time to revel in the terror and triumph of what I had just seen. It's important to remember that nights like these functions as veritable foundations of the scene. Sure maybe not everybody goes to them, but they make it possible for bigger shows to come into town and allow bands to become massive. So support your scene, however you can, and realize that bands like these are why we have this. And remember, Posers kick ass - so go listen to them.

Find the bands on Facebook or Bandcamp!

Westboro Baptist Choir: https://www.facebook.com/westborobaptistchoir

Posers: https://www.facebook.com/WeArePosers

Teenage Chainsaw: http://teenagechainsaw.bandcamp.com/releases

Infernal Stronghold: https://www.facebook.com/InfernalStronghold?fref=ts

Caught In A Crossfire

A tasty young punk act with a distinct visual aesthetic, Caught In A Crossfire are, simply put, fun to listen too. These guys storm out of the gate with melodic gutiar lines and a lo fi pop punk sound that has a very distinct type of nostalgia power for me. Beyond that though, Caught In A Crossfire are sipl good songwriters. Sure they rarely stray from their beloved power chords asides from a simplistic melodic guitar line here and there but that's kind of the point. Caught In A Crossfire have been able to use a few rather stripped down elements to formulate a sound that is honest and to the point. Their new record Lighten Up  seems to capture the ethos these young Brits have been trying to capture. Fully aware of their own charm this is a band who are practically begging for a full length. They've managed to craft something that feels just loose enough to be cool but tight enough that it remains professional. A band who are not afraid to walk the line between order and chaos, if Caught In A Crossfire can keep up this clip, they have great things in store for them.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/CaughtInACrossfireBand?fref=ts&ref=ts

Atlas Losing Grip - Currents

I'm sad to say that recently shit has gotten very real in the Two Guys Metal Reviews camp and sometimes your heart pulls down on you with the wait of a veritable lead zeppelin. Sometimes though  with this blog I find a record that perfectly embodies where I'm at, and Currents does exactly that. Proof that Atlas Losing Grip are one of the premier punk bands of our time, this record will capture your imagination with vivid soundscapes that are created by remarkable simple guitar lines, a testimony to how great these guys are as songwriters.

This record is just so incredibly perfect on multiple levels. Though it is essentially a punk record you hear elements of metal, indie, and more in the sound. It's at times exciting and others deeply emotional. There are big choruses here and lyrics that speak to the sorrow of our time. No matter who you are, it's easy to latch on to the simple beauty of Atlas Losing Grip. I didn't know about this band before, but sinking into their sound feels so incredibly natural, it speaks to something deeper about humanity. Currents takes you on a veritable musical journey from the hard hitting intro of Sinking Ship to the epic closing track, this is an alubm that you will not soon forget.

In the end, what more can I say other than that Atlas Losing Grip know how it's done. Their music is exciting and well executed, the kind of stuff that most other modern punk bands dream about. Easy to fall in love with a fun to sing along to Currents will capture your imagination mere minutes in to your first listen. This is an album that reminds me why I love music, and why in this crazy old screwed up universe of ours we have reason to go forward. Atlas Losing Grip may very well save us all from the madness of the twenty first century.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/atlaslosinggrip

The Jury And The Saints - S/T

Last night I did something a little strange, even for me, I took my little sister out to see Modern Baseball, I was fairly impressed even though the music wasn't really for me. Perhaps the aftereffects of that show are still resonating within me, because I'm finding the powerful pop punk tinged vibes of The Jury And The Saints speaking to me in a wonderfully profound voice. Although often rather rough these songs have a wonderful and undeniable pop element to them that gets me bopping around as I jam to some of the most invigorating rock music I've heard all year. 

See, these guys know how to write a good song, and that is what really gets me off. The Jury And The Saints are, simply put, fun to listen too. They understand what the spirit of rock and roll is all about and they have none of the pretentious and oftentimes saccharine ideas that pollute so much of what rock and roll music has become these days. Sure this is only their sophomore release but they're doing some very exciting things and I'm definitely not going to complain if this is the direction that they choose to follow for the rest of their careers. These New Zealanders have an output that is, while not paradigm shifting, certainly enlightening.

Raw and unashamed of its own primitive glory, The Jury And The Saints are clear masters of their craft. Ranging from powerful arena rock to simple and beautiful punk nihilism The Jury And The Saints never fail to impress and I'm excited for what their future holds. This is the kind of band who speak to the human condition and I am never going to forget that. There is a true artistry to their music that goes beyond mere songwriting and into the very souls of the songs themselves, and that is what makes The Jury And The Saints worth listening too!

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/thejuryandthesaints

Fights and Fires / Idle Class Split 7"

It's not too often anymore that you hear an artist that provides just good, bare-bones, fun punk rock - and so it is a testament to quality craftsmen Fights and Fires that their half of their Split 7" release with Idle Class is teeming with "good vibes" hidden beneath a tapestry of angsty lyrics.  Fights and Fires provides straightforward punk with catchy, simplistic riffing supported by some really satisfying background vocals and a lead vocalist that sings incredibly well without sacrificing the rough tonality of his voice.  The lyrics he sings are tinted dark, but the musical composition makes it hard not to jam happily along, providing a satisfying similarity to Black Flag's, Slip It In.  

Idle Class ground themselves in the same stream as Fights and Fires, but in a slightly different vein.  While their contribution to the split drips with direct punk rock influence, it deviates slightly in the direction of pop-punk.  Their instrumentation provides a more directly emotive context for their lyrical content, at times feeling desperately hopeful and at others like melancholy remembrance.  The subtle contrast between both bands' distinctive brand of punk rock allows this release to feel like a cohesive record without sacrificing the integrity of either band's unique styles, providing an "all-in-good-fun" jam-fest that feels oddly complete at just under 15 minutes.  Kudos.

Find them on Facebook!
Fights and Fires: https://www.facebook.com/fightsandfires/
Idle Class: https://www.facebook.com/idleclass/

Shorthand Phonetics

Shorthand Phonetics are an Indonesian pop-punk band who do not shy away from catchy hooks and powerful choruses. These guys may not be the most serious thing in the world, but by god is their new record Sansa fun to listen too. These guys have a finely polished sound and their talent is obvious. Sure these tracks aren't too technical, but the songwriting prowess behind the band is apparent. Simply put, Shorthand Phonetics are the kind of band you put on while you're working, and makes you feel better about yourself. These guys speak to the heart with their cautious innocence. If you're looking for a serious exploration of the human condition, you might not find it here, but you'll definitely get something that lets you cheer up and crack up, music that humanity needs to keep going. As the band descends into chaos on their EP's final track, The One That Endures Now you realize, that no matter what, this is the kind of band who will stick around, and give us all a hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/shorthandphonetics

The Oversight-Far From Gone

I have a weakness for pop punk, I don't know why, it just reminds me of childhood, it's strangely beautiful, and sometimes it even makes me cry a little. Does that make me some sort of weak heavy metal softie? Probably. In the long run though, music like that which The Oversight put out on Far From Gone reflects something about my generation. We're kids who grew up on artificial drink mixes and fascistic churches, something pure and honest is what we need to make it through our day to day existence.

For a five song EP, The Oversight succeed in capturing a pretty diverse mixture of emotions. While the record is predominantly fairly sad there are definitely a lot of very happy and triumphant moments here too. There's something about pop punk in the way that it can reflect the totality of human emotion in just a few short minutes, not a lot of genres of music can claim to do that! So sure, one of my earbuds died while writing this review and I'm going to need a new pair even though I'm already broke, but that's not the point! The point is simply that The Oversight get pop punk and by extension they get the human experience.

The stellar waves of production on Far From Gone are going to capture your heart and hold you in thrall to the sort of magic that few other bands can really compare too. The Oversight understand what pop punk is all about and their stellar songwriting, crisp production and distinctly human vocal lines will keep you interested for many a spin. The record is concise and fun, I've spun it maybe five times now and am still finding cool new twists and turns. Open your heart and join the music, maybe you'll find all is one. 

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/TheOversightBand

Midday Committee-Girls in Open C

Longtime readers know that I have something of a weak spot for pop punk. Something about the very natural vocal lines and simple guitar riffs reminds me of the music of my childhood. Midday Committee though are something more, something greater. Using unique tunings and all sorts of interesting songwriting twists and turns, this band have gone to become something more than just another pop punk group. Instead they are triumphant masters of a genre that many have left behind. Their new EP Girls in Open C is the most exciting thing to happen in pop punk in years.

From the first its clear that these guys have a great understanding of melody. The way that the vocals layer on top of high powered riffs on these tracks is impressive. Filled with a vibrant energy it's simply fun to listen too Midday Committee rip on their guitars and get bodies moving. Sure it isn't super intelligent black metal, or totally brutal death metal, but it's still good. See, Midday Committee are singing the songs of the people, getting at the struggles of the common man in a universally acceptable sound. I think this is what's going to really set these guys apart in future years. The fact of the matter is few bands are as simply human as Midday Committee.

Now normally with EP's I complain about them not being long enough and not giving the band enough time to really develop their ideas. Well, this may just be the exception that proves the rule. Girls in Open C is simply the perfect length, leaving the listener feeling complete and whole. The riffs are a joy to listen too, but they don't overstay their welcome. Worth quite a few spins and many a smile Girls in Open C is good vibes in music form. Midday Committee understand the pure magic of pop punk and bring it straight to the listener, this is the friendliest frontier of rock and roll, so come on and join the fun!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/Middaycommittee

Foreign Affairs

Seamus Heaney is one of my favorite poets, in large part due to the way the he uses a down to earth simplicity to communicate a beautiful message. This is the sort of thing that his Northern Irish fellows in Foreign Affairs seem to be doing too. They get at a certain beautiful human innocence thats we all can relate too. Their is something much deeper in the sound of Foreign Affairs, a power that not a lot of bands can really claim to have. Foreign Affairs get at the heart of the human condition, through a unique brand of anthemic pop punk that features catchy riffs and moving choruses. From the first, it is clear that Foreign Affairs know how to write a tight pop punk track. Though they only have a couple of songs up for the moment, their is al ot more to Foreign Affairs than meets the eye. How else could a band who put out their first single in October of 2013 already be at more than 1,500 Facebook fans? So lovers of pure and sacred pop punk across the globe, get ready, Foreign Affairs will be taking the world by storm!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/ForeignAffairsNI/app_204974879526524