Jerry Actually – Page 58

Skarhead – Drugs, Music & Sex

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A. There isn’t enough good Hardcore anymore. B. East Coast Hardcore is the straight up goods. C. Skarhead freakin’ kills it. Skarhead returns with Drugs, Music & Sex, out now on I Sream Records. What’s in it for you? 13 tracks of crushing Hardcore and some insight on the well founded urban confluence of Hardcore Punk and Hardcore Rap. Perhaps I should explain that. In most situations you get Hardcore bands bridging the genre from Hardcore to Rap by being more “rap-like”. In the case of Skarhead the idea happens in reverse. Traditional hip-hop/rap devices (like scratching) are transmuted into hardcore. The effect works. Genre comparisons aside, Drugs, Music & Sex is a pretty damn decent disc. 13 tracks that shred your guts out, vocals that sound like Overkill on track 4, “Bomb the System”, a whole mess of tracks that are acronyms for titles and a shit ton of self-aggrandizing name drops. Like I mentioned before, it works.

–Jerry Actually

Dead To Me – African Elephants

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Somehow along the way I missed the bus when it comes to Dead To Me. I’m not sure how, but that is in the past now and we don’t have to dwell on it, do we? I can’t help but be curious about the prior LP and EP that I missed, but what if I listen to them and it takes away from how I feel about the new album African Elephants? I think I’ll hold off for now and bask in the glory of what is currently my favorite disc. San Francisco punk rockers, Dead To Me, have crafted an album that is at once both familiar, yet novel. The band wears their influences on their sleeve. The Clash, Police, Nirvana, perhaps even Violent Femmes? The effort, however, is far from cookie cutter or pandering to fans of their influences. Instead it is 13 tracks of diverse and unique punk rock. I’m sure I’ve mentioned it before, but there is something about trios. When done right, as it is here, they are a musical powerhouse. Flat out, African Elephants has the guts and sincerity to be a serious contender as one of my all time favorite discs.

–Jerry Actually

Alkaline Trio – New Release

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ALKALINE TRIO FORM HEART & SKULL LABEL; NEW ALBUM TO BE RELEASED EARLY 2010 ON EPITAPH / HEART & SKULL

Alkaline Trio has announced the birth of Heart & Skull, the band’s own label formed in partnership with Epitaph Records. The band will release its seventh album through Epitaph/Heart & Skull in early 2010.

Commenting on the formation of the new imprint, named for the band’s longstanding logo, Alkaline Trio singer/guitarist Matt Skiba said, “We made the decision to form Heart & Skull to put out our own records after having been through every kind of label deal in the industry, big indies, small indies, majors. We knew it was time to adapt to the shifting tides of the music industry and we could not be more thrilled about doing that in conjunction with the team at Epitaph. Taking control of our own label situation was something we always wanted to do but never thought was possible, but now thanks to Brett Gurewitz and the fine folks at Epitaph, it is. All three of us in Alkaline Trio have always had the utmost respect for the music and the work ethic of the Epitaph, Anti- and Hellcat family and now we’re honored to be working together under one big happy roof. Heart & Skull/Epitaph is truly a dream come true for us.”

Alkaline Trio bassist/vocalist Dan Andriano added, “For our band at this time it really makes sense to release our own records, but we wanted to make sure we could partner up with good people who we would want to share in something very special to us. When Brett called and said he wanted to be involved, that was it. Epitaph is a label I’ve admired and supported for more than half of my life! I couldn’t be more excited for how this is turning out!”
Alkaline Trio first emerged from Chicago in 1996 and has since released the full length studio albums Goddamnit, Maybe I’ll Catch Fire, From Here To Infirmary, Good Mourning, Crimson and last year’s Agony & Irony, which was the highest charting record of the band’s career to date. The band is comprised of Skiba, Andriano and drummer Derek Grant, all of whom are partners in Heart & Skull.

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For More Information:
www.alkalinetrio.com
www.myspace.com/alkalinetrio
www.epitaph.com

The Psycho Kid – Hypocrite Land

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I’ve got to stop moving apartments. Once again I’ve lost the one sheet that came with “Hypocrite Land”, the new CD release by Chicago area trio The Psycho Kid. Thanks, however, to the modern miracle that is the Internets, I have their bio up online. Here’s the rundown: Glenn Brandt (vocals/guitar), Julia Zap (vocals/bass), Chris Morrow (vocals/drums)started in 2005, developing material for their next album, playing music, playing well, making people grit their teeth (not dentist friendly) and making people dance. I say these are all admirable goals, except maybe the teeth gritting part, but I am not a dentist, so I don’t really know. Ok, now that you know who the hell I’m talking about let me tell you a bit about the disc. 13 tracks of poppy punk rock with a good amount of crunch, not to say that the music is crunchy, but the instrumentation is very crisp, it’s snappy if you will. The vox have an interesting sort of talk-sing sort of thing going on with a decent amount of complimentary backups going on. Here is the weird thing though, I almost get the feeling that this disc was recorded at 78rpms and then down-shifted to 45 and then pitch corrected. I’m sure it wasn’t, but I get a weird impression that some of these songs want to be faster … ne, need to be faster. Perhaps I’m just impatient. I tell you what though, I like The Psycho Kid. They are a hard working 3-piece combo keeping the DIY spirit alive and well in Chicago. Rock on!

-Jerry Actually

Loudog – Kito

loudog_kito Loudog hails from Braunschweig, Germany. Formerly known by the less appealing moniker “cumshot”, the band changed names in honor of their appreciation of Sublime and late (Sublime) singer Bradley’s dog. Kito delivers 11 tracks of upbeat roots ska with a bit of punk edge blended in. If I had to draw some comparison I would say that Loudog sounds a lot like a more ska oriented Millencolin. I’d also say they remind me of another band and I’m not sure who it is. I’m gonna go out on a memory loss limb and say that they sound like Umbrella Bed. Prove me wrong. If they do or don’t sound like someone else, what the do sound like is enjoyable. As usual it is refreshing to hear sounds from outside of my continent. Of note, Kito is released under the Creative Commons license. So maybe some enterprising young sound systems can mash some of these tracks into a wicked dub mix, no? It’s your call, but I like it. That said, I would have scored it a higher than a 3/5, but I think some of the tracks could have had a bit more pep.

-Jerry Actually

Youth Brigade Tour Update

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UPCOMING ‘LET THEM KNOW’ MOVIE SCREENINGS & YOUTH BRIGADE SHOWS
DROPKICK MURPHYS SHOWS ADDED!

YOUTH BRIGADE DATES

10/23/09 SLC,UT @ In The Venue

10/24/09 Denver,CO @ Marquis Theatre

10/29/09 Dallas,TX @ The Lounge on Elm

10/30/09 Houston,TX @ Walter’s on Washington

11/01/09 Gainesville,FL @ The FEST!

11/02/09 New Smyrna,FL @ Beachside Tavern

11/04/09 Anaheim, CA @ The Grove w/Dropkick Murphys

11/05/09 San Deigo, CA @ SOMA w/Dropkick Murphys

11/06/09 Oakland, CA @ Fox Theatre w/Dropkick Murphys

11/08/09 Austin, TX @ Fun Fun Fun Fest

OCT 23 / SALT LAKE CITY, UT @ SPYHOP 1OPM *Q&A WITH YOUTH BRIGADE!*
Slug Magazine and BYO Records presents the exclusive SLC screening of ‘LTK’! This screening will take place immediately after the Youth Brigade show at In The Venue on the same night. Seating is limited (movie is F-R-E-E!) and the only way you’re gettin’ in is to RSVP in advance to: youthbrigade@slugmag.com R.S.V.P now or you’ll be left out in the cold!

OCT 24 / DENVER, CO @ MARQUIS THEATRE 6:30PM *MOVIE/SHOW COMBO!*
Purchase of a ticket ($14 adv / $16 at the door) is good for both the movie and show! Doors at 6:30, movie at 7pm, and show will follow!
[Go to website for more info]

OCT 28 / HOUSTON,TX @ THE MINK ON MAIN 8PM
LEFT OF THE DIAL is proud to present this screening and will be offering archive copies of LOTD Issue #7, featuring a lengthy Shawn Stern article, at the showing. A portion of the proceeds from the show will be donated to Rich Cunningham of Happy Days Records, who is undergoing cancer treatment. A record and book sale will also take place before/after the show to raise funds as well.
[Go to website for more info]

OCT 28 & 29 / SAN FRANCISCO,CA @ MISSION UNDERGROUND FILM FEST
MUFF is an ongoing film festival with monthly screenings held at the Pirate Cat Radio Cafe. MUFF specializes in screening independent and limited released films with the intent of shining the light on marginalized ideas and creating an outlet for the independent film community.
[Go to website for more info]

NOV 7 / AUSTIN,TX @ ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE RITZ (FUN FUN FUN FEST AFTERPARTY!)
We’ll be screening the movie to a lucky crowd as part of FFF Fest’s afterparty festivities! $10 gets you into the best punk doc of the yea! Consider it a worthwhile activity as you’re resting your tired festival feet and taking in some punk history. Also, Youth Brigade will be playing the FFF Fest the following day, Sun 11/8 @ 3:30pm on the Black Stage!
[Go to website for more info]

Oh No Not Stereo joins Manatour with Hit The Lights

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October 21, 2009: Los Angeles pop-rock group Oh No Not Stereo are joining Hit The Lights on tour this fall, taking their high-energy live show coast to coast. The four-piece will be jumping on the remainder of the Manatour—which also features There For Tomorrow, Fireworks, Vinnie Caruana and Sparks The Rescue—beginning this Saturday in Anaheim, CA.

Having self-released their third album “003” in March, Oh No Not Stereo are putting up their entire catalog for free download via their website until the tour’s end. Produced by the band with assistance from Jim Wirt (Incubus, Live, Something Corporate) and Max Coane (Jack’s Mannequin, The Rocket Summer, The Bronx), “003” spent seven consecutive weeks in the CMJ Top 200 earlier this year. Music from the record has also been featured on MTV’s The Real World, used in Warren Miller films, and included in the popular iPhone game Tap Tap Revenge 3.0.

For more on Oh No Not Stereo, and to download the band’s catalog, visit www.ohnonotstereo.com.

Continue reading Oh No Not Stereo joins Manatour with Hit The Lights

Becca’s U.S. Debut CD

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BECCA’S U.S. DEBUT CD ALIVE!! TO DROP ON JANUARY 5TH

ON SIN (SONYMUSIC INDEPENDENT NETWORK)

KICKIN & SCREAMIN EP OUT NOW

2010 TOUR DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON

“the stage presence of Joan Jett and Suzy Quattro all rolled into one 20 year old young woman with a bit of a chip on her shoulder and a edge that we’ve not

seen since those two artists hit rock in the late 70s”

– Young Poor And Angry Press, September 2009

Hailing from Portland, OR and now based out of Los Angeles Becca has already made a mark on the international music charts and she is gearing up to do the same in the U.S. as she gears up for the release for her U.S. debut CD ALIVE!! co-written and produced by singer-songwriter Meredith Brooks who had hits herself with such songs as “Bitch” and “What Would Happen.” Becca’s ALIVE!! to drop on January 5 at all digital outlets and Amazon Disc On Demand via SIN – SonyMusic Independent Network.

Equally adept at belting out full-throttle, female empowering rockers as she is crooning big arena-sized power ballads Becca carves a melodic blast on songs like “I’m ALIVE!,” her vow to live life to the fullest in the wake of the premature death of a friend, and “Turn Up the Stereo,” a cautionary tale to her peers about the dead-end offered by non-stop partying as well as songs examining personal relationships, such as “Turn to Stone,” “Lose You Now” and “Perfect Me,” the expressions of an artist who is wise beyond her years. Sugary enough to give you a tooth ache until she throws you a sucker punch to the gut!

Look for US tour dates to be announced soon.

ALIVE!! Track listing:

I’m ALIVE!
TURN TO STONE
SHIBUYA
Turn Up The Stereo
Guilty Pleasure
Kickin’ & Screamin’
Lose You Now
EMPTY
Without You
Make You Mad
Perfect Me
Falling Down
I DROVE ALL NIGHT

Check out www.BeccaOfficial.com or

www.myspace.com/beccachanofficial

Follow her at twitter.com/BeccaUSA

Epitaph to Re-issue Classic Blood Brothers

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Indie-hardcore Heroes’ Influential albums Revisited and Re-issued
Like Never Before

October 20, 2009 – Los Angeles, CA. – Epitaph Records announces plans to re-issue The Blood Brothers’ classic albums “Burn, Piano Island, Burn,” “Crimes,” “Young Machetes” and “March On Electric Children” on November 17. The CD and digital re-issues will include rare previously unavailable live tracks and videos, music videos and B-sides for the ultimate collectors’ edition.

From 1997 to 2007, The Blood Brothers’ “molotov mixture of suburb surrealism and sonic extremity” (Alternative Press, 2003) rocked and riveted critics and fans around the world. Formed in the suburbs of Seattle, the dueling singers Johnny Whitney and Jordan Blilie along with Cody Votolato (guitar), Morgan Henderson (bass) and Mark Gajadhar (drums) crafted a unique style of convulsive, ground breaking hardcore that was quickly embraced by critics and fans of punk, hardcore and indie rock.

Over their ten years in existence the quintet released five critically acclaimed studio albums (four of which Epitaph is re-issuing), including Burn, Piano Island, Burn, “the most prolific, beautiful, and vital statement of rock since the Stooges’ Raw Power” (PopMatters, 2003), Crimes, the sturdiest bridge between the hardcore underground and indie-rock elitists” (Alternative Press, 2004) and “one of the best of 2006” (PopMatters, 2006), Young Machetes.
Having moved on to other projects, Whitney and Votolato with indie-rockers Jaguar Love and Blilie, Gajadhar and Henderson with post-punk outfit Past Lives, The Blood Brothers called it quits at their creative peak, leaving behind a catalog the helped define a genre and continues to influence bands around the world.

Continue reading Epitaph to Re-issue Classic Blood Brothers

Skarhead – Drugs Music & Sex

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Skarhead’s brand new album “Drugs, Music & Sex” hits US stores on November 17th!

Skarhead was founded in 1995 by Lord Ezec and the EP “Drugs, Money, Sex” was released that same year. Their follow up album, “Kings At Crime” took the worldwide hardcore scene by storm in 1999 and instantaneously became one of the all time classic hardcore records. Today 10 years after the release of “Kings At Crime” Lord Ezec, a street fighting legend from Queens and leader in the hardcore community, is back as frontman of the world’s most infamous hardcore bands!

“Drugs, Music & Sex” is already a classic and Ezec has managed to record another timeless album for those who love a good blend of street brutality and the most ignorant hardcore party anthems a band can create. A record with yet another impressive and distinct list of collaborations featuring some of hardcore’s greatest from the now and legends from the past such as Freddy Cricien, CIV, Eddie Leeway, Jamey Jasta and Armand from Sick Of It All, to name only a few. Thirteen brand new tracks that will shake the fundaments of the hardcore, metal and punk scene!!!