Record Reviews

I haven't done a review in a really long time, so I figured that since I have a crap load of new music, I should knock out a few reviews.

Negative Reation - Under the Ancient Penalty - This Dark Reign
I feel like I should know this band, but surprisingly, I don't. They released their first 7" in 1993 and they're still a band that's actively releasing records, so somehow they slipped through the cracks. It seems like I should have been into this band in high school, since aside from the ample amounts of pop punk and blisteringly fast hardcore that I was into, I was a fan of sludgey doom driven rock.
This band's roots are equally in hardcore and the "New Wave of British Heavy Metal," which of course makes this band well worth listening too. I really want to say that there's more to this band than it's slow grinding "slothcore" guitars, but there really isn't. THAT'S A GOOD THING THOUGH. If you tried to put an artsy spin on this style of punk, you'd end up ruining it, or worse, attracting kitch-hungry hipsters looking for an ironic shot in the arm.
This band of of burly harry men come from New York City, despite their sound being much more familiar and terstrial of much more climately arctic or rainy terrains. If I were to guess where these guys hail from, I'd probably guess Chicago, Minnesota, Portland or Seattle, but looks can deceive. If you liked the Chicago band, Wickerman or the legendary Seattle power house, the Melvins (early works of) this band is up your alley. Also, if Blue Cheer, Clutch, Black Sabbath, Neurosis, or TAR, are your bag, you'll probably really dig this band. I'm hoping they do their next record with Steve Albini. His massive drum sound would lend itself nicely to their already dense sound.
Negative Reaction

Exploding Hearts - Shattered - Dirtnap
I know I'm several several months late on this one, but I'm playing catch up. I'm backed up pretty heavy right now, so since this is one of the best records to come out last year, I'm going to take care of this one right now.
We all know about the tragic demise of the Exploding Hearts, so I'm not going to get into that. What I will say is that if you loved their full length, Guitar Romantic, you'll probably love this as well. Personally, as a complete work, Guitar Romantic was a better record, but the songs on this record stand up better on their own than the tracks on the full length. The reason for this is because the songs on Shattered are from 7"s and comps, but feature some of the absolute best song writting this band ever did. From the lead off title track, straight up through one of the best power pop songs ever written, (Making) Teenage Faces, you have hit after hit. It upsets me so much that this band was silenced at such an amazing point in their lives.
I was listening to this album a couple nights ago while reading a copy of Cometbus and at one point during (Making) Teenage Faces, I punched my bedroom wall, because it was such a brilliant song. The hooks are so simple, but executed in such a way that you realize that the Hearts knew that despite being able to make the song much more complex, it would have ruined it. That my friends is song writting. Knowing the old web design rule of "keep it simple, stupid." There's no need for complexity or virtuosity here. Leave that shit for people like Steve Vai.
While listening to Shattered, I can't help but feel like these kids were listening to a great deal of Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello and various other Stiff Records bands when they were writting these songs. They were able to take that classic sound and still convey originality and emotion that bands that otherwise fall into a more "copy cat" category can't quite get across to the listener. Basically what I'm trying to say is, these kids took what they know and love and did it because they know it and love it. If this band doesn't become your favorite band right away, there's clearly something wrong with you.
Dirtnap Records
Exploding Hearts

The Ergs! - Upstairs/Downstairs - Dirtnap
Hailing from New Jersey, the Ergs! are putting a new spin on the classic North American pop punk sound. The lazy man's review would say something about Screeching Weasel and the Ramones, but people who know better would pick up the heavy Replacements and Husker Du influence, as well as Dinosaur Jr and Sebadoh. This is a band made up of music nerds writting catchy pop songs, dealing with things other record nerds can relate to and for that I, being a record nerd am grateful.
On this album, they turn down the "class of '95" style punk and focus more on song writting and smarter hooks, without sacrificing the youthful awesomeness and playful energy that we all have come to love. The most noticable aspect of this record is the lengthy final track, which ends with an extended jam filled with soaring guitar solos and feedback and flanger filled noise. This track is great for hanging out at home and reading, but not so much for long drives from Chicago to Minneapolis to see Naked Raygun and the Dillinger Four. This record is well worth owning as it's equally fun and engaging.
Dirtnap Records
The Ergs!