Tag Archives: Punk

Review: T-TOPS – ‘Face Of Depression’ [Stream]

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T-Tops hails from the great city of Pittsburgh. The city that gave us the iconic sandwiches at Primanti Brothers has now given us something else amazing to consume, only this time with our ears. The group is made up of ex members of The Fitt, Don Caballero, and Wormrigg. Lead vocalist and guitarist Patrick Waters and bassist/backing vocalist Jason Orr (also current member of the band Holy Rivals) founded the band and after searching for a drummer for an extended amount of time welcomed drummer Jason Jouver to the fold. They certainly have experience in other bands and you can hear that within their music. T-Tops have 5 releases in their discography, 2 of which were dropped in 2016. Their new 7″ ‘Face Of Depression’ dropped in November and was produced by drummer Jason Jouver at Plus Minus (+/-) Recording Studio. It’s the follow up to their April 2016 10″ split ‘Cyrus Gold’. The cover art for that previous release even pays homage to their hometown team the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jouver, who played on the album in addition to producing it, has since left the band due to fading interest/work schedule/and a bad arm injury. The band has since added Mike Koch as the new drummer for the band. While other bands struggle to put out one release every few years this band has issued 4 releases in the past two years. T-Tops is not only a band proud of their hometown but they also proudly deliver some amazing rock music with varying elements that gives them a uniqueness. The power trio expels ravaging riffs, gravely vocals, thundering beats and a soundtrack for driving fast to. The band is now scheduling a tour and we will let you know when and where to catch this amazing band once they hit the road. At times their style is somewhat retro but with a modern twist. So roll down your windows and let your mullet flow in the wind, this band is about to take you from 0 to 60 one track at a time. Continue reading →

Review: CODE ORANGE – ‘Forever’ [Song Stream]

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Critically acclaimed hardcore band Code Orange are set to release their 3rd LP, ‘Forever’ next week on January 13th, 2017. ‘Forever’ will be the band’s first release on major label Roadrunner Records. Their previous 2 records were released on Deathwish. It will be the follow up to their highly praised album ‘I Am King’ which was released in 2014. In my opinion, ‘I Am King’ was one of the best hardcore records in the last 10 years, so topping the record is going to be considered a huge challenge by many. The band formed in 2008 in Pittsburgh, PA. The lineup has changed a few times but has been consistent since 2012, the current members of the band are Eric Balderose on guitar and vocals, Reba Meyers also on guitar and vocals, Jami Morgan on the drums and vocals, and Joe Goldman on the bass. They changed their name from Code Orange Kids to Code Orange in 2014. You can pre-order the new album here. Continue reading →

State Of The Art: Tennessee’s DAWN PATROL

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*This is part of our State Of The Art series, showcasing bands every Monday from the featured State*

This month’s State is Tennessee!

Memphis, Tennessee’s DAWN PATROL help make crossover relevant again. Their ability to blend thrash and punk influences makes for amazing output from the band. The power trio is comprised of brothers Tommy Gonzales- Guitar/Vocals, Kyle Gonzales- Drums/Backup Vocals, and rounded out with Spencer Martin on Bass/Backup Vocals. The band lists some of their influences as Dead Kennedys, Exodus, Leftover Crack, and Megadeth. The band has released some independent EPs in the past but they consider ‘Democracy Delivered’ their debut as it’s when the band truly started finding their signature sound. The album was released on July 3, 2015.  Continue reading →

Review of Sheiks of Neptune live in Las Vegas!

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Random and spur of the moment concerts are always amazing. While out in Las Vegas earlier in the month I just happened to make it to a Dead Kennedys show that was totally unplanned. The concert took place at the Las Vegas Country Saloon on Fremont Street (yes, DK played a country saloon). One of the best things that can happen at a concert happened that night. Other than the Dead Kennedys I knew none of the bands on the bill. I was absolutely blown away by the 3rd band of the night. The band Sheiks Of Neptune was not only the best band I saw that night but one of the most active and best stage shows I have seen in years. (And I have seen a shit ton of shows, trust me) These guys take the stage and every eye in the room is on the stage. The whole theme of the band helps build their stage presence, but when the vocalist known as “Sheikenstein” comes running out its non-stop energy until the set is over. A ride-able toy spaceship, a beheaded Barbie doll and a Marvin The Martian style ray gun are just some of the props used to help their show come to life. Continue reading →

Review: Danzig “Skeletons”

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The release of Danzig’s newest album is upon us. The new album “Skeletons” is a covers album and is being released via Nuclear Blast. It is the long anticipated follow up to 2010’s Deth Red Sabaoth. I personally have always been more of a Danzig fan than the Misfits. While Danzig does have a punk or crossover edge to it overall it is truly a metal band. If you haven’t yet seen the songs being covered on the album it’s a little surprising. Most of the time bands will select very popular songs to put their own spin on them. Not Danzig. The one great thing about Glenn is that he always does things the way he wants to and if you don’t like it tough shit. That’s his attitude and you have to love that about him. This album has been in the works since 2012 and was recorded in Los Angeles. The album will be released on November 27th. Continue reading →

Pig Champion!

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*This is part of our State Of The Art series, showcasing bands every Monday from the state of the month*

This month’s state is Illinois!

You ever heard a band for the first time and it gets you so pumped you just want to jump up and down and smack the shit out of someone? Please make sure your mother isn’t sitting in the room with you and I will introduce you to Pig Champion. The Chicago based crossover band has been tearing up the scene since 2010. The band has released two albums. In May of 2010 they released the debut “Oppression Breeds Violence” which I may add has some amazing cover art. That album has 13 tracks that length wise are more to the punk side of crossover. Most of the tracks average around 1 minute, except for a few standouts like “Apologies” and “I Do The Work” and the almost 4 minute brutal attack of “Bone In The Throat” before the Nixon resignation speech takes over the rest of the 20 minute track. Continue reading →

Review: Black Temple “It All Ends”

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Black Temple had my attention prior to even hearing one note of their music. There were several variables as to why they impressed me. The first being that they were declared the “most violent and energetic live act in Sweden.” I mean how impressive is that? I’m sure that captures the attention of most every metalhead. It’s been mentioned that the band has probably trashed more instruments and amplifiers than they can afford. Second, they were the first band being signed to the label Razzia Notes. One of the cool things about the new label is that it’s owned by Anders Fridén lead singer of the Gothenburg metal legends In Flames. Razzia also has a collaboration with Century Media as well so they will be distributing this album and possibly future albums. Anders himself is quoted with saying “”First time I heard BLACK TEMPLE, I freaked and I said to myself, ‘I gotta work with these guys somehow.” The trio has been together since 2010 and have a variety of influences which may contribute to their unique sound. Continue reading →