Adversary – Singularity

(c) 2008 Trustkill Records
Rating: ★★½☆☆

What do we have here? Lots o’ metal for damn sure. Not the worst I’ve heard, but not necessarily something I’m down with. It has some decent riffage but it also has a lot of wankin emo mello crap interludes. I guess you get what you pay for huh? At any rate if you like modern metal then you’ll love the livin’ daylights out of Adversary.

–Jerry Actually

Roll the Tanks – Suffer City

(c) 2008 INR
Rating: ★★★☆☆

Fire the guns and Roll the Tanks! Here’s the new disc from (now) L.A. based band Roll the Tanks. Suffer City is the sophomore effort from the band. Originally from the Boston area, the band now contends with sunshine and smog. I’m not familiar with the bands prior work, but what I’m hearing on the new disc is enjoyable so far. What you get is 11 tracks of somewhat unique sounding punkish rock somewhere between The Clash and Modest Mouse. In all honesty, I’m rushing through this, but for real I do like what I’m hearing. It (the disc) has a distinct early 80’s vibe to it. I’d even go so far as to say I’ll listen to it again.

–Jerry Actually

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Mike Ivey of Basehead

Interview with Mike Ivey of Basehead
Conducted via email 11/08

Jerry ActuallyWhen “Play With Toys” came out it was greeted with a decent amount of attention, but by the time “Not In Kansas Anymore” was released, Basehead seemed to have faded back into obscurity.  Was I just not paying attention to the right channels, or did your audience pick up the ball and then drop it?

Mike Ivey – Actually, the fade back to obscurity was after “Not In Kansas Anymore,” and after we recorded the follow-up “faith” which didn’t get a major label release after parent label Imago’s BMG distribution deal ended.  Prior to that Kansas sold about as much as Toys, we did got some press, and we toured opening for Stone Temple Pilots, Butthole Surfers & fIREHOSE, as well as on our own and in Europe.  Therefore the fade to obscurity was a bit more gradual than described above.

Jerry ActuallyIn regard to the question above question, basehead came about a few years before the massive proliferation of the internet and the whole peer to peer file share phenomenon.  Do you think if basehead would have been more in line with this that things would have unfolded differently?

Mike Ivey – Actually, things unfolded the way they needed to.  “Play With Toys” came out right just as Soundscan was in the process of rolling out, and that multi-year run ended right before the internet really got going, so I feel fortunate to have experienced the record business prior to the traditional industry model falling apart.  I’ve always been skeptical of the panacea of promises of the internet age, particularly in regards to how artists are supposed to be paid for work when everything is available for free.  But in general, it’s a cost-effective means for marketing and communications in the 360 degree-DIY business model that the future seems to be calling for.

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Continue reading Mike Ivey of Basehead

Dillinger Four – CIVILWAR

(c) 2008 Fat Wreck Chords
Rating: ★★★½☆

So I’ve been listening to the new Dillinger Four disc quite a bit lately. Up until recently I can’t say that I was really all that familiar with them. I had heard their name and probably have them on some comps, but hadn’t really listened to them. Based on that I have no real idea of what they’re all about. But just ’cause I’m not familiar with them doesn’t in any way mean that they aren’t from Minneapolis. It should also in no way detracts from the fact they are a pretty kick ass band. My lack of knowledge aside, this new release has apparently been a long time coming. Something on the order of six years since their last full length. All I can say is, “About Time! I suppose.” Seriously though, CIVIL WAR is a solid release featuring 13 tracks that while rockin’ also seem to be trying to re-capture times past. But with the “halcyon days” long gone by, there is still ample opportunity for scathing commentary on modern times. Any ways, if you’re like me, you’ll like this disc. It reminds me a bit of Larry Arms, though a bit more up beat. It’s Sunday. It’s early. Just go listen to it already.

–Jerry Actually
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Sorry About Your Couch – Greeen!

(c) 2008 Sorry About Your Couch
Rating: ★★★★☆

In a world where you bust your ass somewhere around 20/7 (a fella’s got to sleep sometime) you occasionally get the reviews out a little late. I have a serious stack of material in my inbox, so without further adieu, here is Sorry About You Couch. Hailing from the darkest depths of Central Wisconsin and the home of Point Special Beer comes some rude young lads and their new album Greeen! (Though the mailing address on the back is listed as Wisconsin Dells they claim to be from Stevens Point) No matter which place they are from, I spent plenty of my youth in both of those towns and though it was many years ago, I never expected much out of either area musically. Fortunately for me, time or fate has intervened and saw fit to send this disc to my door. SAYC is a raw blend of punk and roots. Frankly they remind me of Rudiments. The sound is a bit on the lofi side, but the raw nature of the tracks only serves to amplify the angst of youth. But what you get is 14 tracks and a bonus one. Running from raw rock to ska punk while trading verses like throwing around the ol’ pigskin, Greeen! makes for a good listen. Incidentally, with an album name like this, I really expected more overt stoner-rasta content. Not that is absent mind you, I just expected more. On another note, there is a cuddly green monster on the cover that appears to be destroying Toronto. I’d like to provide a slightly more in depth analysis, however I am beat. Sufficed to say that if you like the 3rd wave a bit more to the punk side then odds are fair you’ll like Sorry About Your Couch.

–Jerry Actually

Hay Perro – Summer of Destruction (EP)

(c) 2008 Belgian Style Records
Rating: ★★★½☆

From lands far east of here, in a town known unto legend as the Windy City and Chi-Town comes forth a alchemist’s concoction. Combining the dark forces of metal, the thunder of rock and the furious pace of the mighty jackalope a newer stronger less leaden band has been thrust forth thusly. Harkin unto Hay Perro I say. Listen to their five mighty tracks of sonic and rhythmic destruction. Ok, but more seriously I was getting way side tracked into the Dark Age tale of yore. Hay Perro hails from Chicago and has been around for about half a decade. “Summer of Destruction” brings it with five tracks of metal tinged rock and roll. You can certainly hear the Maiden influence as well as Kiss and perhaps a little Zeke … but what do I know? Comparisons aside Hay Perro has a fresh rock sound and from what I can gather would likely be quite formidable in front of you on a stage, preferably somewhere near to where you are. So, um, without further banter, go check ‘em out on the inter-tubes: www.hayperro.com www.myspace.com/hayperro and www.belgian-style.com

–Jerry Actually
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Bankrupt – Rocket to Riot City

(c) 2008 PiaRRecords
Rating: ★★★★☆

First and foremost I’d like to point out that we (that usually being me) here at !upstarter review HQ really dig it when bands from across the world find their way to my inbox. I absolutely love the positive exchange of music and ideas from across this big ol’ punk rock community that I would like to refer to as the Earth. That said I’d like to introduce you to Bankrupt. Readers meet Bankrupt. Bankrupt meet my readers. Right now I’m listening to a five song EP from straight outta Budapest, Hungary. “Rocket to Riot City” is a catchy little number, albeit a short one, but full of substance despite its lack of duration. With a sound somewhere between the rockabilly of the Peacocks and the punk rock of Millencolin, Bankrupt’s Rocket to Riot City blasts back at a messed up world. I suspect there’s nothing like rioting and economic crisis amidst political disarray to make life a waking nightmare. (not that we aren’t becoming a frightening reflection of that here in the states) Despite all the chaos, Bankrupt has made a kick ass EP. I strongly urge everyone to do their part for their local economy and international relations and buy a couple copies.

www.bankrupt.hu

–Jerry Actually
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MUSHROOMHEAD TO RELEASE “VOLUME 2” DVD

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO PREMIERE OF “SAVE US”
AT WWW.THEGAUNTLET.COM

BAND ON TOUR NOW

NEW ALBUM COMING 2009

Mushroomhead one of the more unique and adventurous alternative metal outfits to ever emerged on the scene gears up for the DVD release of Volume 2, on October 28, 2008 on Filthy Hands/Megaforce Records. It’s the highly anticipated follow-up to their 2005 DVD release Volume 1. The new DVD features 2 ½ hours of pure mayhem featuring exclusive never before seen content, live footage from the past three years on their “Savior Sorrow” tour, music videos including Headbanger’s Ball 2007 Video Of The Year “1200,” “Simple Survival,” and the band’s brand new video “Save Us.” Other extras include video commentary, behind the scenes footage and band antics.

Check out the new video “Save Us” from the forthcoming DVD to premiere exclusively on The Gauntlet.com Thursday October 23.

Director Steve Felton states “it’s like wonka vision on mushrooms, video psycho therapy for the masses. Save us from ourselves!”

See it here: http://www.thegauntlet.com/article/278/14219/Mushroomhead.html

Mushroomhead will hit the studio this winter to start recording a new CD slated for attacked in early 2009.

Continue reading MUSHROOMHEAD TO RELEASE “VOLUME 2” DVD

Tim Fite Celebrates Halloween With A NEW FREE Digital EP

Available Only On 10/31/07

Brooklyn-based multi-genrist Tim Fite will release a new free, Halloween-centric recording via his website (www.timfite.com) on October 31st, 2008. Available for one day only, the innovative song cycle entitled ding dong Ditch comes at the culmination of his tour with Man Man and will be celebrated with a special Halloween show at the Starlight Ballroom in Philadelphia.

Fite says “I will be handing out more candy on Halloween this year, and all the bad kids are excited!!!”

Last year Fite had a bowl full of It’s Only Ketchup – his first haunting collection of Halloween music up for one day only for free, featuring such spine tickling classics as “We Look Good Together,” a sweet song about switching body parts with his love. The EP received over 12,000 downloads in one day as several influential blogs wrote of his intention to put the work up for a single day, or as Fite told Spinner.com “I am choosing ‘treat’…or is it ‘trick’?” Yet, the abrupt going-away of the EP left fans scrambling to find the songs elsewhere on the web.

This year Fite is adding a few more songs to his costume clad repertoire in the form of a brand new EP ding dong Ditch – a bone crunching, titty twisting examination of the less savory rituals of Hallows Eve. If you have ever hurled an egg at a neighbor, stolen candy from a baby, dug a shallow grave, or been disappointed by a box of raisins ding dong Ditch is the soundtrack for your Halloween mischief!

Stay tuned for more news on Fite’s recent proper release for ANTI- Fair Ain’t Fair which has received rave reviews in SPIN, Filter, and Alternative Press, and which he’ll continue to tour behind in the US and Australia.

Continue reading Tim Fite Celebrates Halloween With A NEW FREE Digital EP

LEATHERFACE BACK IN THE U.S.!

CATCH THEM AND NOTHINGTON
+ A TON OF OTHER BANDS AT THE FEST!

ALL SHOWS WITH TILTWHEEL, FORMER CELL MATES

11/02/08 Gainesville FL @ The Fest 7
11/03/08 Atlanta GA @ Drunken Unicorn
11/04/08 Chattanooga TN @ J.J.’s Bohemia
11/05/08 Asheville NC @ Emerald Lounge
11/06/08 Athens GA @ Transmetropolitan
11/07/08 Jacksonville Beach FL @ Landshark Cafe
11/08/08 Tampa Fl @ Transitions art gallery @ S.P.O.T
11/09/08 Orlando FL @ Redlight Redlight

Frankie and the gang are back! They’ll be making their first stop at this year’s The Fest, followed by more shows. These appearances are rare, so go drown
your sorrows and check em out!