(c)2007 I Scream Records
[rating:4/5]
Bosterdamian group Jaya the Cat deliver a unique fusion of punk, reggae, rock, and ska that took a few listens before it gelled into awesome. More Late Night Transmissions With… bounces across the Atlantic like Cannabis Cup winning weed followed by a dram of 20 yr barrel aged Glensomething whiskey — oh-so-hazy and smoother than a mo’fo’.
Continue reading Jaya the Cat – More Late Night Transmissions With…
(c)2009 Fat Wreck Chords
[rating:4/5]
Philly punkers The Loved Ones dropped this 6 track EP earlier this year, needing to give fans something to hold between whirlwind touring. Half originals, half covers, it performs well as it stands. EPs should leave you wanting more than their scant offerings, and Distractions does just that.
Starting with a powerful song of a woman overcoming domestic violence, rocking through to a drunkard’s lament, and punking out on an awesome weekend anthem, the original tracks show promising writing and talented performances. The covers are mixed: a wonderful electric version of Bruce Springsteen’s Johnny 99 (just as moving in today’s economic climate), Billy Bragg’s Lovers Town Revisited, and Joe Strummer’s Coma Girl. While they fit the feel of the album, I love to hear a more original interpretation in covers than just excellent reproductions. For an EP, Distractions impresses, and I am eagerly awaiting a new full-length.
-HK-47
(c)2008 Mute on 2nd Wave Records
[rating:5/5]
I’m kicking myself for never listening to Mute before. This CD hasn’t left my player since it was sent, but it was time to take it out to write a review. GO GET THIS NOW. Seriously, if you like music, you should like Mute. This an amazing album — skate-punk steeped in metal, sweetened with power chords and harmonies, served up with a twist of punch-the-air songs to quench your music thirst.
I can taste the Lagwagon flavor, but Mute takes it over the edge…like a hotdog compares to gourmet imported Italian sausage. The Raven serves up 12 tasty tracks, amazingly crafted — both lyrically and musically — and beautifully presented. These guys are technically proficient, crisp, punchy, and savory. Some lyrics toe the edge of heartbreak and come back swinging, others have you banging your head or shaking it in empathy. They sing “Can’t be slowing down…” and here’s hoping they don’t.
The Raven is perfect for an afternoon barbeque or a raging party — you may need to re-up on beer, but you can just hit repeat on this CD and be sated.
-HK-47
