Review: Japan's Envy created one of the most respected post-rock screamo albums of all time with this third album of theirs. Originally released in 2001 on Japense punk label H.G. Fact and again as a limited released in 2003 on Dim Mak Records in the U.S., with not many physical copies printed they've been scarcely available. Thankfully, that's all about to change now that this enduring masterpiece of foreboding post rock and blisteringly powerful screams is getting repressed. Envy's strength lies in their ability to flip flop between introspective atmospheric passages and intense guttural aggression within a track and for it to be cohesive. That said, where they don't relent, like on 'Invisible Thread', the adrenaline really kicks in and it's a palpable reenactment of the atmosphere at their live shows.
Review: Popstock's latest Fall retrospective Singles Live Vol One 1978-81 captures Smith and his mighty co. in their rawest, fuzz-worthy phase. Whether it's the discordant organ furzes of 'It's The New Thing' or the snarled highway punk of '2nd Dark Age', this one's a great distillation of the Fall's sound at a select interval. Culled almost exclusively from the period spanning their Live At The Witch Trials era to the brink of the Hex Enduction Hour, the album compiles ferocious stage renditions of early singles, delivered by a revolving door of members as usual. Yet it was also born from frustration with how other Fall archival material has been handled, and how more recent lineups have been emphasised and represented as immutable over and above classic, yet more unusual suspects. Steered by ex-Fall members Paul and Steve Hanley, Marc Riley and Craig Scanlon, Popstock exists as a corrective, revisiting a pivotal moment with a twist.
Review: Originally released in July 2008, Have Heart had already been peddling their unapologetically up front hardcore punk for a good six years by this point. What would be their final statement on the matter, disbanding 12 months or so later, Songs To Scream At The Sun would continue the focus on earnest messaging for the group, who were known for dealing with issues such as social ethics to inclusivity. Never really ones for compromise, while Have Heart continued in the positive hardcore vein here, it's also worth noting that at the time the sound itself was falling out of favour, but the Massachusetts troupe doubled down instrumentally, too. When many peers were desperately looking to dilute in the hopes of crossover success, this is how you bow out with style and dignity.
Old Man (Last Words & Lessons Learned) (II) (2:31)
Song Of Shame (1:27)
To Us Fools (2:47)
Something More Than Ink (3:03)
The Machinist (1:14)
Watch Me Rise (2:14)
Review: "The defining hardcore record of the century so far" said Las Vegas Weekly. While punknews.org commented on the "undeniably earnest lyrics and blistering, relentless pace." Make no mistake, Have Heart made a big impression in 2006 with The Things That Carry, their debut full length. Following on from two very well received EPs, the record cemented the band's status as leading lights in a nascent positive hardcore movement. Screaming out of the starting blocks, the music is angry but the messaging looks to celebrate ideas such as love, inclusivity, tolerance, difference and social consciousness. The group would only put out one more official LP after this one alongside a live album after they broke up, but their energy and ideas remain as relevant and vital today as they were back then.
You Know What They Do To Guys Like Us In Prison (5:15)
I'm Not Okay (I Promise) (0:45)
The Ghost Of You (3:09)
The Jetset Life Is Gonna Kill You (3:26)
Interlude (3:40)
Thank You For The Venom (2:44)
Hang 'Em High (1:54)
It's Not A Fashion Statement, It's A Deathwish (1:33)
Cemetery Drive (3:02)
I Never Told You What I Do For A Living (3:53)
I'm Not Okay (I Promise) (live) (3:11)
Helena (live) (3:03)
The Ghost Of You (live) (3:16)
You Know What They Do To Guys Like Us In Prison (live) (3:18)
Review: The sophomore full-length from New Jersey goth-punks My Chemical Romance was originally released in 2004, changing both the course of their career trajectory as a band but also altering the mainstream acceptance of the goth/emo/alt scene in the 21st century ever since. While it was 2006's third full-length The Black Parade which would cement the band as alt rock legends, Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge was an unprecedented success, fusing the macabre darkness of Misfits and Alkaline Trio with stadium-sized hooks to put the likes of Blink-182 or Green Day to shame. Boasting the pop-punk hit 'I'm Not Okay (I Promise)', whilst the later singles 'Helena' and 'The Ghost Of You' illustrated their expansive yet understated weaving of emo, post-hardcore and punk rock, all elevated by vocalist Gerard Way's uniquely grim lyricism, experience as a graphic novel illustrator and Billy Borgan-style vocal fractures. Selling over 3 million copies in the US alone, even being certified Platinum less than a year after initial release, this semi-modern fully classic punk staple returns with a revitalised deluxe edition, housed with updated artwork and offering an entirely new remix as well as four previously unreleased live recordings.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.