Sorry for the lack of updates, peepz. I've been busy not going to shows and I'm still a lazy bum.
Things to look out for, though:
- zine #8, somewhere February or March
- Ten/Fifteen zine by Pejer, with a contributed interview by me
- Crossbonefestzine (22-23/03)
- I have lotsa shows planned in the next months, so that's cool
But first things first.
15 Minute Powernap played their last show evarrrr. Which is sad. Singer Lode decided his baby and his other band were more important. Dude has a baby. No punx.
They were the only band scheduled and it was a Wednesday night so things were rather serene but it was a super fun show. They started out really good, how they always started. The sound kinda sucked throughout the whole show, it was either too loud or too soft, and especially the vocals were wacky. Sad detail, but as true punx we didn't mind all too much.
They played lotsa songs, most of their own, some really good ones that are left unreleased sadly. Some covers, which were alright. Imma be honest here, the show was... well, alright. It could've been better, definitely. But it was funny and fun and they're a cool band, so that made up for the sound sucking and the mistakes and such. It's not like it was bad, either, no sir!
One of the stars of the shows was definitely De Vinger, one of 15MPN biggest fans (and apparently, weirdly enough, also one of MC Karel's biggest fans). He has great moves, and got some dancing going on, so that was fun. He's a real cool dude.
Also the bassist did a half-assed guitar cover of a song I can't remember and they stretched the set out a bit.
Anyway, I'm glad those fuckers are gone. Go listen to F.O.D., everyone.
31-01-2013
11-01-2013
Munchin' Girls
The UK indie/punk rock/emo scene is booming with talent and I'd like to live there sometimes. Today in my mailbox: yet another proof of that fact.
Muncie Girls' Revolution Summer EP was chilling on our porch and I was really glad. Now it's chilling on my turntable and I'm really glad it's doing that.
Muncie Girls - Revolution Summer (Specialist Subject Records, 2012)
1. Feel It Soon
2. Kasper And Randow
3. Bum Chicago
4. Revolution Summer
5. Railroad
So, this record came out in September last year. It's their 2nd EP. Or first one if you distinguish demos and EPs as different things. That's kind of a difficult subject (a specialist subject, perhaps! (see what I did there?)). Let's say it's their second 'release', at least I think so. It has amazing artwork and a limited press of the vinyl has a Scrabble template screen-printed on the B-side. That's sold out, though, I think. Doesn't matter, either way it's a pretty package full of surprises.
I didn't really listen to Muncie Girls actively before this LP arrived on my doorstep. It was more of a "whoa, cool" and "let's instantly buy the shit out of this" situation. Good for the music aficionado in me, not so good for the financial worrier inside me.
Anyway, it's spinning and I'm happy now so that's what's important.
Revolution Summer is an indie/punk rock record extraordinaire. It releases soothing sounds that dance on a the thin line between catchy pop punk and innovative and danceable indie rock. Basically like Weezer. I think? I'm so unsure of a lot of things, still, but I think Weezer is a good reference. Other similar artists include Cheap Girls and Good Luck. Yeah.
The songs are not too far-fetched but they're well-crafted and original. Catchy choruses, great guitar hooks, climactic intros and verses, it's all there. But next to that, there's a world full of interesting riffs, bass lines and drum fills. The "whoa"-part in Kasper And Randow, for example, which includes hand claps and all that jazz, that's something that sparks my smiley sense.
This whole record, though thematically not necssarily positive, seems created with the intention to make people smile. It's upbeat, steady and frivolous. Bum Chicago has this sublime break/outro with a cool drum pattern, completed by this boogy-worthy bass line and a high-pitched solo and it's just makes you go all stupid and ":)". Lyrically though, it's not really positive but it does have an optimistic message (that's open for interpretation of course) and I like that. For example, "Don't hesitate, it'll never put you forward" (from Revolution Summer) could very well inspire you to stop hesitating. Like, now! Not only do the Muncie Girls wanna create an environment of musical joy and semi-poetry, but they also have a message ready for you to read between the lines, or even simply on the lines. The lyrics are not cryptic or anything, but just how I like them: relevant, slightly metaphoric and clearly worded. And it has lots of "whoa"s, which makes this record instantly a lot better than records that do not have "whoa"s. Write that down, "whoa"less bands!
As I'm writing this very sentence, I'm up to my third time listening, and Railroad is definitely the track that sticks around the easiest, and stands out as a hit song or something. It's a rad tune, catchy, it had a super cool intro and outro/bridge and the lyrics/singing is really nice. The singer (Lande, if I'm not mistaken) has a really bright and powerful voice, very enjoyable. When she gets into the chorus of Railroad I just wish she'd never stop. Ever. Well, maybe some time after all. Also, Railroad has a videoclip, and it's cool!
Revolution Summer, although it is the title track and it's a good one, it doesn't stick to the mind as fast as the other ones do. Maybe that's not the point, that's up to them, I'm just putting it out there.
Anyway, I bought the shit out of this EP and now I'm listening and enjoying the shit out of it.
Something you might wanna consider doing.
Know what I mean?
And if you're like "Every inch of me doesn't know if this is right", well then, just "suck it up and give it a try."
Muncie Girls' Revolution Summer EP was chilling on our porch and I was really glad. Now it's chilling on my turntable and I'm really glad it's doing that.
1. Feel It Soon
2. Kasper And Randow
3. Bum Chicago
4. Revolution Summer
5. Railroad
So, this record came out in September last year. It's their 2nd EP. Or first one if you distinguish demos and EPs as different things. That's kind of a difficult subject (a specialist subject, perhaps! (see what I did there?)). Let's say it's their second 'release', at least I think so. It has amazing artwork and a limited press of the vinyl has a Scrabble template screen-printed on the B-side. That's sold out, though, I think. Doesn't matter, either way it's a pretty package full of surprises.
I didn't really listen to Muncie Girls actively before this LP arrived on my doorstep. It was more of a "whoa, cool" and "let's instantly buy the shit out of this" situation. Good for the music aficionado in me, not so good for the financial worrier inside me.
Anyway, it's spinning and I'm happy now so that's what's important.
Revolution Summer is an indie/punk rock record extraordinaire. It releases soothing sounds that dance on a the thin line between catchy pop punk and innovative and danceable indie rock. Basically like Weezer. I think? I'm so unsure of a lot of things, still, but I think Weezer is a good reference. Other similar artists include Cheap Girls and Good Luck. Yeah.
The songs are not too far-fetched but they're well-crafted and original. Catchy choruses, great guitar hooks, climactic intros and verses, it's all there. But next to that, there's a world full of interesting riffs, bass lines and drum fills. The "whoa"-part in Kasper And Randow, for example, which includes hand claps and all that jazz, that's something that sparks my smiley sense.
This whole record, though thematically not necssarily positive, seems created with the intention to make people smile. It's upbeat, steady and frivolous. Bum Chicago has this sublime break/outro with a cool drum pattern, completed by this boogy-worthy bass line and a high-pitched solo and it's just makes you go all stupid and ":)". Lyrically though, it's not really positive but it does have an optimistic message (that's open for interpretation of course) and I like that. For example, "Don't hesitate, it'll never put you forward" (from Revolution Summer) could very well inspire you to stop hesitating. Like, now! Not only do the Muncie Girls wanna create an environment of musical joy and semi-poetry, but they also have a message ready for you to read between the lines, or even simply on the lines. The lyrics are not cryptic or anything, but just how I like them: relevant, slightly metaphoric and clearly worded. And it has lots of "whoa"s, which makes this record instantly a lot better than records that do not have "whoa"s. Write that down, "whoa"less bands!
As I'm writing this very sentence, I'm up to my third time listening, and Railroad is definitely the track that sticks around the easiest, and stands out as a hit song or something. It's a rad tune, catchy, it had a super cool intro and outro/bridge and the lyrics/singing is really nice. The singer (Lande, if I'm not mistaken) has a really bright and powerful voice, very enjoyable. When she gets into the chorus of Railroad I just wish she'd never stop. Ever. Well, maybe some time after all. Also, Railroad has a videoclip, and it's cool!
Revolution Summer, although it is the title track and it's a good one, it doesn't stick to the mind as fast as the other ones do. Maybe that's not the point, that's up to them, I'm just putting it out there.
Anyway, I bought the shit out of this EP and now I'm listening and enjoying the shit out of it.
Something you might wanna consider doing.
Know what I mean?
And if you're like "Every inch of me doesn't know if this is right", well then, just "suck it up and give it a try."
09-01-2013
Gino's Fuckwads
There's this Belgian band called Gino's Eyeball. They're really popular. I mean, locally, and possibly in the Netherlands and France or something. Maybe even further, I don't know? Anyway, they play lots of shows and have been going for a good 13 years. They released a handful of splits and demos and one full length.
They mostly play cover songs and have fun on stage. That's what they like.
But they have this album, it's called Loose Hips Sink Ships, a nice pun at the proverb "losse lips sink ships", but with certain weight characteristics in mind. And well, it's great.
Gino's Eyeball - Loose Hips Sink Ships (Kickass Records, 2010)
1) Track Number One
2) Oh Well...
3) Fastfood Princess
4) Swing And A Miss XXXXL
5) Kournikova
6) Paris
7) My Girlfriend's Fuckin' Cool + Rad
8) Hey Guys
9) Be Honest
10) State Of Awareness
11) Maybee
12) Britney
So yeah, one full length in 13 years, that's not a path many bands walk. But I can only have respect for the path Gino's Eyeball chose. Naturally. It's their thing. Let the guys do their thing. Their thaaaaaaang.
But I think it's such a shame, cause this is one of the coolest Belgian pop punk/punk rock bands around, and it's such a good album, but at their shows they still mainly play NOFX covers like it's 2001. That's fun and all, but these songs are good and could be equally embraced with dancing and singalongs at shows.
This whole album screams 90s (it's like "NINETIES!! NINETIES!!" the whole time) and California punk rock and sun, skateboarding, girls, dancing. It's catchy throughout the whole album. Okay, Kournikova is an odd-one-out track but that's fine after a fast track like Swing And A Miss XXXXL. That latter song actually has great lyrics that I think every punk rock kid who was ever at a hardcore/metalcore show can relate to. Especially fat punk rock kids.
There's a lot of songs about girls. Mostly celebrities, like Anna Kournikova, Paris Hilton, Britney Spears. Iuxtaposed to these famous chicks are regular girls from our daily lifes, such as the Fastfood Princess, Tom's girlfiend and of course the general, always relevant and inevitable 'the girls'. Lyric-wise, it's all super straight-forward like you would expect. No metaphors, no political messages, just plain old fun. Remember fun? Yeah, me too. Those were great times, when fun was still a cool thing to have.
Musically, mostly power chords, some cool melodic parts, some standard key changes, some great ideas and a lot of punk rock. There's some experimenting with songwriting and transitions, nothing too fancy but it's interesting enough to keep up. My Girlfriend's Fuckin' Cool + Rad goes on for a freaking long time, though. Jeez. Well, long in punk rock terms, of course.
'Nyway, the disc is bound to get you swinging and if you don't watch out you'll be doing your most ridiculous dance moves. After a few listens you'll be singing along, playbacking on your own in your room using whatever as a microphone and generally having fun. There's that word again. Fun. Weird.
Anyway, great album, I was just listening to this and thought I should write something about it cause it's pretty cool.
They mostly play cover songs and have fun on stage. That's what they like.
But they have this album, it's called Loose Hips Sink Ships, a nice pun at the proverb "losse lips sink ships", but with certain weight characteristics in mind. And well, it's great.
1) Track Number One
2) Oh Well...
3) Fastfood Princess
4) Swing And A Miss XXXXL
5) Kournikova
6) Paris
7) My Girlfriend's Fuckin' Cool + Rad
8) Hey Guys
9) Be Honest
10) State Of Awareness
11) Maybee
12) Britney
So yeah, one full length in 13 years, that's not a path many bands walk. But I can only have respect for the path Gino's Eyeball chose. Naturally. It's their thing. Let the guys do their thing. Their thaaaaaaang.
But I think it's such a shame, cause this is one of the coolest Belgian pop punk/punk rock bands around, and it's such a good album, but at their shows they still mainly play NOFX covers like it's 2001. That's fun and all, but these songs are good and could be equally embraced with dancing and singalongs at shows.
This whole album screams 90s (it's like "NINETIES!! NINETIES!!" the whole time) and California punk rock and sun, skateboarding, girls, dancing. It's catchy throughout the whole album. Okay, Kournikova is an odd-one-out track but that's fine after a fast track like Swing And A Miss XXXXL. That latter song actually has great lyrics that I think every punk rock kid who was ever at a hardcore/metalcore show can relate to. Especially fat punk rock kids.
There's a lot of songs about girls. Mostly celebrities, like Anna Kournikova, Paris Hilton, Britney Spears. Iuxtaposed to these famous chicks are regular girls from our daily lifes, such as the Fastfood Princess, Tom's girlfiend and of course the general, always relevant and inevitable 'the girls'. Lyric-wise, it's all super straight-forward like you would expect. No metaphors, no political messages, just plain old fun. Remember fun? Yeah, me too. Those were great times, when fun was still a cool thing to have.
Musically, mostly power chords, some cool melodic parts, some standard key changes, some great ideas and a lot of punk rock. There's some experimenting with songwriting and transitions, nothing too fancy but it's interesting enough to keep up. My Girlfriend's Fuckin' Cool + Rad goes on for a freaking long time, though. Jeez. Well, long in punk rock terms, of course.
'Nyway, the disc is bound to get you swinging and if you don't watch out you'll be doing your most ridiculous dance moves. After a few listens you'll be singing along, playbacking on your own in your room using whatever as a microphone and generally having fun. There's that word again. Fun. Weird.
Anyway, great album, I was just listening to this and thought I should write something about it cause it's pretty cool.
06-01-2013
NOISE = TALK
Scandinavia is a land full of nature, culture and beautiful womenz. Everything has a weird name and the favourite pasttime of any Scandinavian person is burning churches. That is a fact. They're all wicked. Wicked cool, that is.
Stöj Snak - Songs About Beliefs (TNS Records/5FeetUnder Records, 2012)
1. Collateral Damage
2. State Of Mine
3. Party On The Hillside
4. Great Ideas Need Landing Gear
5. No Refunds
Now, the band I wanna talk about is Stöj Snak, from Denmark. Weird name, right? Google translate says it means "noise is present talk", which kinda makes sense but I can't really put my finger on it. The band is the brainchild of songwriter and super-multi-instrumentalist Niels Höjgaard Sörensen (yeah, weird names...), who is credited for vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, banjo, bass guitar, organ, harmonica, toy xylophone, melodica, rhythm apple, hand claps, tambourine, cabasa, programming, song writing, recording, producing, mixing and artwork. That's intense. Damn. He does handclaps too! And what the heck is a rhythm apple even? Anyway, let's not ponder about weird names, credit lists and that jazz. Let's listen to the music.
First track: Collateral Damage. It has a very country-like feel but then the vocals kick in and you immediately get a different vibe. An interesting vibe. They describe themselves as acoustic punk or screamer-songwriter music, which are both pretty accurate descriptions. They managed to create a very full-sounding EP with an array of basic and unplugged instruments. The vocals sound slightly desperate and have a very dry tone. There's a Ceremony reference in the first song I think, where Niels screams "This is my war!" at the top of his lungs. Could be just another line, which doesn't reference anything, but it made me think of that. Anyway, the bass line is super fun in this song, composition-wise it's well constructed. I have the feeling that solo artists generally can come up with great song structures and compositions cause they can just do what they want, don't need to account for other opinions and they don't need to explain stuff to other band members.
State Of Mine, the next track, is lyrically my favourite on the EP. "Into a place where people really care/Where folk singers and grindcore bands can stand a common ground fuelled by the same raw creative drive/Something more than power chords and beats in double time/Uncompromised self-expression/Just a place where people really care" That's great. Especially the line about folk singers and grindcore bands is cool, cause you realize Niels has interest in both folk music, grindcore, punk, whatever genre and he draws influence from all those genres, not necessarily explicit musical influence but you hear he has a lot of ideas that come from different places in his mind, that's cool. Also, his brother is in Kollapse, the crust band I reviewed a while ago. Party On The Hillside, for example, has an entirely different sound than the previous songs and has a more old school punk rock feel to it. It's a song about escapism and nostalgia to careless times I guess? I'd like to be careful expressing my opinion about song meanings cause mostly I don't nearly understand it as well as it was intended. Anyway, another great song, the shortest on the album and the subtle ongoing guitar solo is a really cool thing to do.
Niels takes a gear back with Great Ideas Need Landing Gear (see what I did there?), and takes a simpler, more upbeat approach. Yet, the vocal qualities remain the same. I really like his voice, he's really on the edge between singing and screaming in this one, and I love when the raspiness comes through as much as I love the clean-sounding yells, as in "It's gonna be betteeeer for everyooooooone". Great track!
No Refunds goes on about the lyrical theme of State Of Mine a bit and has a motherfucking flute solo. I can't remember if I've ever heard a flute solo. It's pretty damn awesome! The song flows really well throughout and is a nice closing track to this second EP, Songs About Beliefs.
So, while you're at it, check out the first EP, Planned Absolescence, cause it's pretty cool too!
Songs About Beliefs came out in November and is available on orange vinyl, pressing of 250, and it looks really nice.
The download includes a bonus track, The City Burns Tonight, which is the most straight-forward track of all. It sounds angry, it sounds enervated, it sound wack and it sounds really soothing at the same time because of the tempo and the smooth outro.
1. Collateral Damage
2. State Of Mine
3. Party On The Hillside
4. Great Ideas Need Landing Gear
5. No Refunds
Now, the band I wanna talk about is Stöj Snak, from Denmark. Weird name, right? Google translate says it means "noise is present talk", which kinda makes sense but I can't really put my finger on it. The band is the brainchild of songwriter and super-multi-instrumentalist Niels Höjgaard Sörensen (yeah, weird names...), who is credited for vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, banjo, bass guitar, organ, harmonica, toy xylophone, melodica, rhythm apple, hand claps, tambourine, cabasa, programming, song writing, recording, producing, mixing and artwork. That's intense. Damn. He does handclaps too! And what the heck is a rhythm apple even? Anyway, let's not ponder about weird names, credit lists and that jazz. Let's listen to the music.
First track: Collateral Damage. It has a very country-like feel but then the vocals kick in and you immediately get a different vibe. An interesting vibe. They describe themselves as acoustic punk or screamer-songwriter music, which are both pretty accurate descriptions. They managed to create a very full-sounding EP with an array of basic and unplugged instruments. The vocals sound slightly desperate and have a very dry tone. There's a Ceremony reference in the first song I think, where Niels screams "This is my war!" at the top of his lungs. Could be just another line, which doesn't reference anything, but it made me think of that. Anyway, the bass line is super fun in this song, composition-wise it's well constructed. I have the feeling that solo artists generally can come up with great song structures and compositions cause they can just do what they want, don't need to account for other opinions and they don't need to explain stuff to other band members.
State Of Mine, the next track, is lyrically my favourite on the EP. "Into a place where people really care/Where folk singers and grindcore bands can stand a common ground fuelled by the same raw creative drive/Something more than power chords and beats in double time/Uncompromised self-expression/Just a place where people really care" That's great. Especially the line about folk singers and grindcore bands is cool, cause you realize Niels has interest in both folk music, grindcore, punk, whatever genre and he draws influence from all those genres, not necessarily explicit musical influence but you hear he has a lot of ideas that come from different places in his mind, that's cool. Also, his brother is in Kollapse, the crust band I reviewed a while ago. Party On The Hillside, for example, has an entirely different sound than the previous songs and has a more old school punk rock feel to it. It's a song about escapism and nostalgia to careless times I guess? I'd like to be careful expressing my opinion about song meanings cause mostly I don't nearly understand it as well as it was intended. Anyway, another great song, the shortest on the album and the subtle ongoing guitar solo is a really cool thing to do.
Niels takes a gear back with Great Ideas Need Landing Gear (see what I did there?), and takes a simpler, more upbeat approach. Yet, the vocal qualities remain the same. I really like his voice, he's really on the edge between singing and screaming in this one, and I love when the raspiness comes through as much as I love the clean-sounding yells, as in "It's gonna be betteeeer for everyooooooone". Great track!
No Refunds goes on about the lyrical theme of State Of Mine a bit and has a motherfucking flute solo. I can't remember if I've ever heard a flute solo. It's pretty damn awesome! The song flows really well throughout and is a nice closing track to this second EP, Songs About Beliefs.
So, while you're at it, check out the first EP, Planned Absolescence, cause it's pretty cool too!
Songs About Beliefs came out in November and is available on orange vinyl, pressing of 250, and it looks really nice.
The download includes a bonus track, The City Burns Tonight, which is the most straight-forward track of all. It sounds angry, it sounds enervated, it sound wack and it sounds really soothing at the same time because of the tempo and the smooth outro.
22-12-2012
TUMBLR
Some of you might have read my latest zine where I complain about tumblr people being weird.
Well, they still are, but because of the easy usability of the site I made another tumblr blog (in addition to idontgotoparties).
It's called Punk & Hardcore memes and I try to make slightly amusing memes using punk & hardcore lyrics.
It's really nothing important but last night I spent a good half hour or an hour making the following meme thing, so I wanted to post it here. I thought it was pretty cool.
Here it is, it's based on Masked Intruder's Heart Shaped Guitar:
Well, they still are, but because of the easy usability of the site I made another tumblr blog (in addition to idontgotoparties).
It's called Punk & Hardcore memes and I try to make slightly amusing memes using punk & hardcore lyrics.
It's really nothing important but last night I spent a good half hour or an hour making the following meme thing, so I wanted to post it here. I thought it was pretty cool.
Here it is, it's based on Masked Intruder's Heart Shaped Guitar:
twnnytwlve
Okay, so I have a music blog, which basically means I have to write about the "best of 2012" or something.
This is hard work, ya guys. 365 days of music is a fucking lot to reflect on in one blogpost. It's a lot.
So, now it's December and this horrible task is upon me. I will not make some stupid lists cause that's not how I rolllll (although I really like lists mostly). Like last year, I will try to make an overview of records I liked this year, shows I've seen and enjoyed this year, bands whose dicks I sucked this year, and more. What? Don't judge me.
UPDATE (08/01/2013): I totally forgot to mention The Helltons' Nowhere On The Map, which is absolutely one of the best pop punk records of the year. So, I hope that's cleared up now!
Let's start of with something really obvious: the competition for absolute best album of the year.
There are quite a few contenders, 3 of my favourite contemporary bands put out a new record, all in the first half of 2012. I'm talking about The Hextalls' Rock You To Sleep, The Fake Boys' Pig Factory and The Dopamines' Vices. These are the first that come to mind when picking an album of the year. I'm pretty sure The Fake Boys would feel weird being in competition with 2 pop punk bands and they (rightfully) think pretty highly of themselves, so I guess they'd feel weird being in competition with anyone actually. The stupid thing is that none of these bands have toured Europe this year, so I can't make a decision based on album goodness:live performance ratio.
The Hextalls, in my opinion, stand out because they make the most catchy songs on the planet. No question. They find a way to use chords unlike other bands and their vocal melodies are definitely somewhat original in comparison with other pop punk acts. The Fake Boys are one of my favourite bands and I easily lose my shit to any of their songs, but with this new album they proven to be on another league. Another league of losing shit and perhaps finding shit back. The slowest punk record of 2012, but possibly also the best, and certainly the realest. Makes me wanna headbang, be angry at the world and also dance like a motherfucker. The Dopamines, finally, are such a consistently good band but yet they manage to impress me with every record. Whereas the band used to be compared to death with other bands (most notably the Copyrights, which I never understood), they now wrote the blueprint for dopaminescore (I use this term as an analogy to ramonescore, please don't use it regularly).
And then in August Masked Intruder put out a full length and that one didn't leave my stereo for a few weeks. It's tha catchiest shit of the year (did I just contradict myself regarding my comment on The Hextalls? yes, I did. fuck off.). Definitely also a contender for record of the year. At this stage, the gimmick isn't old yet, the music and lyrics are super fresh and really fantastic, so I absolutely love the shit out of the album. Same for Apologies, I Have None's debut album London. Seeing them perform 4 times the last few months I'm convinced that this is one of the most solid records of the year. I'm hooked start to finish, the album is perfectly sequenced, put together, mixed. It sounds like an album. You know what I mean? It sounds like it was made for the purpose of being a beautiful package of harmonies, sound dynamics and awesome songs. And from the same country, yet not the same region, The Murderburgers! They made their best record yet with How To Ruin Your Life. I'd like to award the world record for most words in 15 songs ever to them. Also the most incromprehensible words. Yeah... Good job guys!
So I think I've made my decision: I'm not gonna choose. Fuck choosing.
There were 2 records this year which made me wish I wrote them. I mean, there's probably more, but two of them are so relatable it's kinda scary.
The first one is Like Bats' Midwest Nothing. This records is primarily underrated, I feel, so please go check it out. It feels like a slow punk record, but these guys actually play pretty wicked songs. And yeah, the lyrics are what tops this of for me. Excellent.
- This is all I know. Aimless nights and targeted frustrations. Why can't I just leave you alone? All I want is to see you in my dreams.
- I know you’re tired of me because you don’t laugh at my jokes anymore. I know that I’m ugly and in your way.
- I guess this ain’t the worst that could happen. I guess I’m still here. I guess that means the worst will still happen because I’m still here. But I don’t give a fuck where I’m going to, just as long as I’m slowly fading there with you.
- I don't wanna be loved. Don't wanna kiss. Don't wanna fuck. Twenty. No hope. Just pushing my luck. Staring at my shoes.
- They might call this giving up. I think we’ve only just begun to see what’s real.
Absolutely love it. Fucking hell.
The other one is actually a Belgian release, The Dutch Rudders' Black Holes EP. A huge step from their previous release, a huge step forward. Or upward. I don't know. Fact is that this EP sounds a lot like my life at times. And it sounds great. It's pretty dark though.
- Sometimes I wish I could stop falling in love.
- Getting drunk is so cliché but it's the only thing that works for me.
- Maybe I'm just not your type of guy. But then tell me why you had to try.
- Everytime I say that I'm okay I die a little more inside. I can't go on this way. I'm not okay. I'm not okay.
- I'm facing black holes. I just smacked my head.
- Once again, I'm waking up and wish I'm dead. Once again I goit this bottle in my hand.
- I'm just waiting for another day to die. Life just disappoints again.
Speaking of EPs, some of my favourite releases of 2012 were also really short. The best song of 2012 is Unfun's Caroline, put on an EP with the previously released Shallow Graves 7". The most punk song of 2012, clocking in at 8 minutes, the embodiment of anger and for a long time a song I tried to fall asleep to. Also one of my favourite songs to scream out while walking home drunk from a lousy party. One of my favourite song to bulk when I felt stupid and alone. One of my favourite songs.
House Boat, though, made a song longer than Caroline, but also less coherent. It's called 21st Century Breakroom and it encases everything you love about punk rock.
All of Be My Doppelganger's monthly singles were really cool, especially In Yr Wires/Spring Break Up
The Drug Church EP was another big surprise in my musical life. Excellent songs. Soul Control released the Bore Core 7". Grooviest hardcore band around. The Wellingtons wrote another batch of songs on a Hey Hey 10" and they're always delightful. I was really happy I could see them again this year. Australia's best.
But good music doesn't have to come from the other side of the world. There's been a lot of great Belgian releases to. The Adjectives surprised me with 15 minutes of super-fun pop punk rock on their debut Bam! Trapped Inside also put out a bunch of songs on a demo, pissed off female-fronted old school hardcore. Or, you know just "hardcore".
Off The Charts released a new EP at the start of this year, which was a phenomenal couple of songs, bound to get stuck in your head. Outline came out of their hole and put out a tape, also with 3 songs of turn-of-the-century 2000s hardcore, pissed off music by super nice guys.
The same description goes for Ashes. Pissed off, heavy as shit and ready to take over the world. They put out a 2-song EP and a videoclip for a new song, each one harder than the last. You better watch out.
Our neighbours from the Netherlands in This Routine Is Hell also released some new songs under the name Repent. Repeat. Fucking fuck, angry songs for angry people. Love it.
Then from the land of Great Britain I discovered a whole bunch of bands. Nai Harvest put out the Feeling Better 7". Loose Cannons put out a new 7". Hindsights put out their debut Wheathered 7". Forrest. put out a great EP. Losing Sleep put out a rad demo. So many great bands, I'd be glad to live there.
I actually did live in the UK for 5 days last summer. Just to see At The-Drive-In. And of course, other great bands such as The Subways, Ceremony, Touché Amoré, Apologies, I Have None, Fidlar, Social Distortion, The Vaccines, Mastodon.
I had the chance to see Ten Speed Bicycle, who I'm really psyched about. and Chalk Talk and Everyone Everywhere in London the day before Reading, so that ruled. Chalk Talk is amazing (they have a new record called Bad Influences), Everyone Everywhere is... also amazing actually. Got to see them twice on that tour so that ruled.
I'm not gonna get too much into shows I saw this year, cause that's a hassle and I like a lot of shows I see generally. Let's say though that Apologies, I Have None in Leuven was off the hook, The Copyrights in Nijlen ebenso, Crossbone fest ruled in its entirity with the cherry on top being Mikey Erg (who released a split 7" with Alex Kerns this year, sick shit! and a Fucifier 7", trashy stuff). Oh, and seeing Dr. Frank play songs was marvelous. The Direct Hit! shows were super fun, Groezrock was really good because of Refused, Alkaline Trio, Dillinger Escape Plan and others, and Joyce Manor in Antwerp is another one worth remembering. And let's not forget the Midnight Souls release party.
This party was to celebrate the release of Going Through The Motions, an album I have thoroughly enjoyed this year and although it sounds great coming from my speakers, it's even better on a stage or floor in some venue. Dudes are killing it.
Let's talk other full lengths. As we speak the new Sugar Stems record is blasting on my turntable. It's called Can't Wait and it's probably not as good as Sweet Sounds (it's a lot softer) but nonetheless a great record. The guys and gals breathe pop music and I fucking love it.
Talking pop music whose previous album was most likely better, The High Hats put out an album called And Then Came Cancer which is real cool, but yeah... The same country (I think) brought us Tyred Eyes, who released The Piercing Stare, The Thousand Lies. There's something about Scandinavia and power pop that makes it evil but overtly fun at the same time.
The new Billy Raygun record arrived at my doormat today and that rules too. They're amazing songwriters. On one hand it's a shame they don't manage to record/mix/produce their stuff very well, it seems, on the other hand it has its charm and I like the songs regardless. Great band.
Mixtapes finally put out something you could call an full-length album, Even On The Worst Nights. I used to be all about this band and I still love 'em to death but I haven't given this that many spins. Great songs, though, super catchy stuff, like always.
Oh, and the new Teenage Bottlerocket of course. On of my favourite bands released Freak Out! this summer and managed to yet again put out an album of amazing pop punk gems that are as fresh as Will Smith in Bel-Air.
There was a new Chotto Ghetto record, called Sparkles, which kinda got under the radar I think but I really like it. Some of the strongest material they've written.
Other mentions for The Ponches - The Long Goodbye, PJ Bond/Brian Bond - Brother Bones/Baby Bones, Sick Sick Birds - Gates Of Home, Gateway District - Perfect's Gonna Fail, and many others.
If you're like "where is Make Do And Mend?", "why isn't Title Fight in this blog?", "what the fuck, why don't you mention The Menzingers", well, I have one answer for you, and I bet you're not gonna like it: I didn't check out those albums. I really enjoy Make Do And Mend, the Menzingers and Title Fight but for some reason I am just not motivated to check out their new material. Weird, innit? Super weird. But yeah, you should know by now that that is how I roll, and you'll just have to accept the way I roll. If you want 2012-lists with those albums included, please visit more relevant blogs than this one. You should know better than to think I would listen to relevant records. Fuck no. I liked Coexist by The XX, though. That is a relevant record I think. Lotsa people liked it. Me too. I like that record. I think it's nice. It's hard to not like it I think.
I wouldn't have listened to it if it wasn't for my internship at V2 Records though. Got some nice records there, like the Riverboat Gamblers' The Wolf You Feed and JJ DOOM's Keys To The Kuffs.
Some bands I've listened to a lot in 2012, but should've done earlier, are definitely Cheap Girls and Crusades.
Asian Man recently reissued the first 2 Cheap Girls records so that's rad. I should probably check out Giant Orange but I haven't yet so I'm not gonna say anything 'bout that.
Crusades put out a new EP Parables which leaves me wanting more, but I just discovered The Sun Is Down And The Night Is Riding In about halfway through 2012 and it's radical!
For 2013 I'm really looking forward to the Be My Doppelganger Artless LP, A Strength Within LP, the MC Karel Unluck EP, songs by Parry Gripp, new material by Nerf Herder maybe? Possibly more, I can't think anymore.
Oh, and here's my last.fm list of most listened artists of 2012:
This is hard work, ya guys. 365 days of music is a fucking lot to reflect on in one blogpost. It's a lot.
So, now it's December and this horrible task is upon me. I will not make some stupid lists cause that's not how I rolllll (although I really like lists mostly). Like last year, I will try to make an overview of records I liked this year, shows I've seen and enjoyed this year, bands whose dicks I sucked this year, and more. What? Don't judge me.
UPDATE (08/01/2013): I totally forgot to mention The Helltons' Nowhere On The Map, which is absolutely one of the best pop punk records of the year. So, I hope that's cleared up now!
Let's start of with something really obvious: the competition for absolute best album of the year.
The Hextalls, in my opinion, stand out because they make the most catchy songs on the planet. No question. They find a way to use chords unlike other bands and their vocal melodies are definitely somewhat original in comparison with other pop punk acts. The Fake Boys are one of my favourite bands and I easily lose my shit to any of their songs, but with this new album they proven to be on another league. Another league of losing shit and perhaps finding shit back. The slowest punk record of 2012, but possibly also the best, and certainly the realest. Makes me wanna headbang, be angry at the world and also dance like a motherfucker. The Dopamines, finally, are such a consistently good band but yet they manage to impress me with every record. Whereas the band used to be compared to death with other bands (most notably the Copyrights, which I never understood), they now wrote the blueprint for dopaminescore (I use this term as an analogy to ramonescore, please don't use it regularly).
So I think I've made my decision: I'm not gonna choose. Fuck choosing.
There were 2 records this year which made me wish I wrote them. I mean, there's probably more, but two of them are so relatable it's kinda scary.
The first one is Like Bats' Midwest Nothing. This records is primarily underrated, I feel, so please go check it out. It feels like a slow punk record, but these guys actually play pretty wicked songs. And yeah, the lyrics are what tops this of for me. Excellent.
- This is all I know. Aimless nights and targeted frustrations. Why can't I just leave you alone? All I want is to see you in my dreams.
- I know you’re tired of me because you don’t laugh at my jokes anymore. I know that I’m ugly and in your way.
- I guess this ain’t the worst that could happen. I guess I’m still here. I guess that means the worst will still happen because I’m still here. But I don’t give a fuck where I’m going to, just as long as I’m slowly fading there with you.
- I don't wanna be loved. Don't wanna kiss. Don't wanna fuck. Twenty. No hope. Just pushing my luck. Staring at my shoes.
- They might call this giving up. I think we’ve only just begun to see what’s real.
Absolutely love it. Fucking hell.
- Sometimes I wish I could stop falling in love.
- Getting drunk is so cliché but it's the only thing that works for me.
- Maybe I'm just not your type of guy. But then tell me why you had to try.
- Everytime I say that I'm okay I die a little more inside. I can't go on this way. I'm not okay. I'm not okay.
- I'm facing black holes. I just smacked my head.
- Once again, I'm waking up and wish I'm dead. Once again I goit this bottle in my hand.
- I'm just waiting for another day to die. Life just disappoints again.
Speaking of EPs, some of my favourite releases of 2012 were also really short. The best song of 2012 is Unfun's Caroline, put on an EP with the previously released Shallow Graves 7". The most punk song of 2012, clocking in at 8 minutes, the embodiment of anger and for a long time a song I tried to fall asleep to. Also one of my favourite songs to scream out while walking home drunk from a lousy party. One of my favourite song to bulk when I felt stupid and alone. One of my favourite songs.
House Boat, though, made a song longer than Caroline, but also less coherent. It's called 21st Century Breakroom and it encases everything you love about punk rock.
All of Be My Doppelganger's monthly singles were really cool, especially In Yr Wires/Spring Break Up
The Drug Church EP was another big surprise in my musical life. Excellent songs. Soul Control released the Bore Core 7". Grooviest hardcore band around. The Wellingtons wrote another batch of songs on a Hey Hey 10" and they're always delightful. I was really happy I could see them again this year. Australia's best.
But good music doesn't have to come from the other side of the world. There's been a lot of great Belgian releases to. The Adjectives surprised me with 15 minutes of super-fun pop punk rock on their debut Bam! Trapped Inside also put out a bunch of songs on a demo, pissed off female-fronted old school hardcore. Or, you know just "hardcore".
Off The Charts released a new EP at the start of this year, which was a phenomenal couple of songs, bound to get stuck in your head. Outline came out of their hole and put out a tape, also with 3 songs of turn-of-the-century 2000s hardcore, pissed off music by super nice guys.
Our neighbours from the Netherlands in This Routine Is Hell also released some new songs under the name Repent. Repeat. Fucking fuck, angry songs for angry people. Love it.
Then from the land of Great Britain I discovered a whole bunch of bands. Nai Harvest put out the Feeling Better 7". Loose Cannons put out a new 7". Hindsights put out their debut Wheathered 7". Forrest. put out a great EP. Losing Sleep put out a rad demo. So many great bands, I'd be glad to live there.
I had the chance to see Ten Speed Bicycle, who I'm really psyched about. and Chalk Talk and Everyone Everywhere in London the day before Reading, so that ruled. Chalk Talk is amazing (they have a new record called Bad Influences), Everyone Everywhere is... also amazing actually. Got to see them twice on that tour so that ruled.
I'm not gonna get too much into shows I saw this year, cause that's a hassle and I like a lot of shows I see generally. Let's say though that Apologies, I Have None in Leuven was off the hook, The Copyrights in Nijlen ebenso, Crossbone fest ruled in its entirity with the cherry on top being Mikey Erg (who released a split 7" with Alex Kerns this year, sick shit! and a Fucifier 7", trashy stuff). Oh, and seeing Dr. Frank play songs was marvelous. The Direct Hit! shows were super fun, Groezrock was really good because of Refused, Alkaline Trio, Dillinger Escape Plan and others, and Joyce Manor in Antwerp is another one worth remembering. And let's not forget the Midnight Souls release party.
This party was to celebrate the release of Going Through The Motions, an album I have thoroughly enjoyed this year and although it sounds great coming from my speakers, it's even better on a stage or floor in some venue. Dudes are killing it.
Let's talk other full lengths. As we speak the new Sugar Stems record is blasting on my turntable. It's called Can't Wait and it's probably not as good as Sweet Sounds (it's a lot softer) but nonetheless a great record. The guys and gals breathe pop music and I fucking love it.
Talking pop music whose previous album was most likely better, The High Hats put out an album called And Then Came Cancer which is real cool, but yeah... The same country (I think) brought us Tyred Eyes, who released The Piercing Stare, The Thousand Lies. There's something about Scandinavia and power pop that makes it evil but overtly fun at the same time.
Mixtapes finally put out something you could call an full-length album, Even On The Worst Nights. I used to be all about this band and I still love 'em to death but I haven't given this that many spins. Great songs, though, super catchy stuff, like always.
Oh, and the new Teenage Bottlerocket of course. On of my favourite bands released Freak Out! this summer and managed to yet again put out an album of amazing pop punk gems that are as fresh as Will Smith in Bel-Air.
There was a new Chotto Ghetto record, called Sparkles, which kinda got under the radar I think but I really like it. Some of the strongest material they've written.
Other mentions for The Ponches - The Long Goodbye, PJ Bond/Brian Bond - Brother Bones/Baby Bones, Sick Sick Birds - Gates Of Home, Gateway District - Perfect's Gonna Fail, and many others.
If you're like "where is Make Do And Mend?", "why isn't Title Fight in this blog?", "what the fuck, why don't you mention The Menzingers", well, I have one answer for you, and I bet you're not gonna like it: I didn't check out those albums. I really enjoy Make Do And Mend, the Menzingers and Title Fight but for some reason I am just not motivated to check out their new material. Weird, innit? Super weird. But yeah, you should know by now that that is how I roll, and you'll just have to accept the way I roll. If you want 2012-lists with those albums included, please visit more relevant blogs than this one. You should know better than to think I would listen to relevant records. Fuck no. I liked Coexist by The XX, though. That is a relevant record I think. Lotsa people liked it. Me too. I like that record. I think it's nice. It's hard to not like it I think.
I wouldn't have listened to it if it wasn't for my internship at V2 Records though. Got some nice records there, like the Riverboat Gamblers' The Wolf You Feed and JJ DOOM's Keys To The Kuffs.
Some bands I've listened to a lot in 2012, but should've done earlier, are definitely Cheap Girls and Crusades.
Asian Man recently reissued the first 2 Cheap Girls records so that's rad. I should probably check out Giant Orange but I haven't yet so I'm not gonna say anything 'bout that.
Crusades put out a new EP Parables which leaves me wanting more, but I just discovered The Sun Is Down And The Night Is Riding In about halfway through 2012 and it's radical!
For 2013 I'm really looking forward to the Be My Doppelganger Artless LP, A Strength Within LP, the MC Karel Unluck EP, songs by Parry Gripp, new material by Nerf Herder maybe? Possibly more, I can't think anymore.
Oh, and here's my last.fm list of most listened artists of 2012:
- Parry Gripp
- The Dopamines
- Nerf Herder
- Teenage Bottlerocket
- Ultimate Fakebook
- The Hextalls
- Mixtapes
- Lifetime
- Cheap Girls
- Be My Doppelganger
17-12-2012
Monster Zero Mish-Mash
Things I have become at the Monster Zero Mash 2013 in Innsbruck:
- incredibly drunk
- pretty badly injured
- a complete fucking moron
- an object of general concern
- a bonehead
- a thief
- a laughing stock
- an even bigger pop punk fanatic
In short, I (got) really fucked up but I managed to see amazing bands as there are (dutchism):
- The Bat Bites. oh man, the motherfucking Bat Bites
- The Apers, playing Reanimate My Heart in its entirity
- Maladroit, what a good fucking band
- DeeCracks who played no less than THREE MUGWUMPS SONGS WITH CHRIS MUGWUMP and also a great set of their own
- The Priceduifkes, best band
- The Murderburgers who shouted a lot of HEY HEY HEY HEY HEY
- The Ponches. tight band, lotsa Italians
- Teenage Bubblegums. fastest band around I think.
- Zatopeks. well yeah, some parts of it.
- I missed the Sex Toys and Tough.
So yeah, punk rock show whoa oh oh
Perhaps I'l write a better report of the trip in the next zine.
Who knows.
- incredibly drunk
- pretty badly injured
- a complete fucking moron
- an object of general concern
- a bonehead
- a thief
- a laughing stock
- an even bigger pop punk fanatic
In short, I (got) really fucked up but I managed to see amazing bands as there are (dutchism):
- The Bat Bites. oh man, the motherfucking Bat Bites
- The Apers, playing Reanimate My Heart in its entirity
- Maladroit, what a good fucking band
- DeeCracks who played no less than THREE MUGWUMPS SONGS WITH CHRIS MUGWUMP and also a great set of their own
- The Priceduifkes, best band
- The Murderburgers who shouted a lot of HEY HEY HEY HEY HEY
- The Ponches. tight band, lotsa Italians
- Teenage Bubblegums. fastest band around I think.
- Zatopeks. well yeah, some parts of it.
- I missed the Sex Toys and Tough.
So yeah, punk rock show whoa oh oh
Perhaps I'l write a better report of the trip in the next zine.
Who knows.
12-12-2012
AB? More like AGAY!
So I went to 2 shows in the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, one on Sunday and one on Monday.
On Sunday The Bronx and The Hives were playing. Obviously, sick line-up, both amazing shows.
I wasn't really overwhelmed by The Bronx but they played a great show, with a great variety of songs, although mostly new ones. The banter was kinda annoying though.
Now, The Hives play the most danceable music ever so it's really fun. Their singer is known for his banter and it was less annoying than the Bronx' but in a way also more annoying but not pretentious. Weird, I know.
Musically, both acts shredded the audience to bits. In a good way. Loved the shows.
Monday it was Crystal Castles. One of the few electronic acts I, and many fans of punk/hardcore I think, can really enjoy. Perhaps because the music is walking a thin line between dance-y and aggressive. Amazing show, the set was amazing, the lighting was great, Alice was in great shape and it's always nice to see a live drummer. Ethan's renditions of the songs mainly stuck to the album versions, expect for probably their most famous song, Alice Practive (I think it was that one, not entirely sure), it was all weird but cool.
Now, if you follow this blog or you know me (probably/hopefully both), you know I'm not a fan of the AB.
One reason is not related to the AB itself. It's just the fact I don't like being in large venues. There's too many people and the whole edge of a rock show gets lost. All of the 'festival'people come out and either they act stupid or there's just too many for me to properly enjoy a show in a way I like to enjoy a show.
At the Bronx/Hives show there were a lot of smelly people. I don't know why, but that was the case. I personally smelled it.
At the Crystal Castles show, I was in the direct vicinity of 2 'Snooki"'s. Two girls of under-average height, intoxicated, dancing all extravagantly, taking pictures of themselves etc. One of them was even turned to the other side of the venue for half of the show. That's just silly. I respect people having fun in their own way, but it kinda bothered me.
Other reasons are mostly due to the AB policy itself. Expensive drinks, expensive tickets and mostly additional ticket services, ...
Pros are mainly good sound/acoustics, free toilets (at least nowadays...) and it's not too difficult to reach.
On Sunday The Bronx and The Hives were playing. Obviously, sick line-up, both amazing shows.
I wasn't really overwhelmed by The Bronx but they played a great show, with a great variety of songs, although mostly new ones. The banter was kinda annoying though.
Now, The Hives play the most danceable music ever so it's really fun. Their singer is known for his banter and it was less annoying than the Bronx' but in a way also more annoying but not pretentious. Weird, I know.
Musically, both acts shredded the audience to bits. In a good way. Loved the shows.
Monday it was Crystal Castles. One of the few electronic acts I, and many fans of punk/hardcore I think, can really enjoy. Perhaps because the music is walking a thin line between dance-y and aggressive. Amazing show, the set was amazing, the lighting was great, Alice was in great shape and it's always nice to see a live drummer. Ethan's renditions of the songs mainly stuck to the album versions, expect for probably their most famous song, Alice Practive (I think it was that one, not entirely sure), it was all weird but cool.
Now, if you follow this blog or you know me (probably/hopefully both), you know I'm not a fan of the AB.
One reason is not related to the AB itself. It's just the fact I don't like being in large venues. There's too many people and the whole edge of a rock show gets lost. All of the 'festival'people come out and either they act stupid or there's just too many for me to properly enjoy a show in a way I like to enjoy a show.
At the Bronx/Hives show there were a lot of smelly people. I don't know why, but that was the case. I personally smelled it.
At the Crystal Castles show, I was in the direct vicinity of 2 'Snooki"'s. Two girls of under-average height, intoxicated, dancing all extravagantly, taking pictures of themselves etc. One of them was even turned to the other side of the venue for half of the show. That's just silly. I respect people having fun in their own way, but it kinda bothered me.
Other reasons are mostly due to the AB policy itself. Expensive drinks, expensive tickets and mostly additional ticket services, ...
Pros are mainly good sound/acoustics, free toilets (at least nowadays...) and it's not too difficult to reach.
10-12-2012
Ubehaget bliver ubeskrivelig usandt
My friend from Never Trust An Asshole records recently put out a record by Kollapse, a Danish hardcore punk band with member of the Mighty Midgets. I was interested so I listened to it and wrote a review.
So yeah. Free/pay-what-you-want download over here: http://nevertrustanasshole.bandcamp.com/album/kollapse-10-vinyl
Do itttttt.
Kollapse - Kollapse
(TNS/Never Trust An Asshole/5FeetUnder/Throw Me Off Balance, 2012)
1. Coffins
2. Man Machine
3. Liberate
4. Grief
5. No Gods
6. Minamata Disease
Keywords to describe this band and record are: dark, hardcore, crust, punk, Denmark, good. I think the main rule is that bands that start with a K are crust bands and bands that begin with a D are D-beat? Something like that. I don't have clue actually. I guess crust bands use a lot of D-beats as well?
Anyway, this is supposedly a Danish hardcore band, influenced notably by crust punk. Even just the distortion level on the bass gives that way. It's hella distorted, which makes it sound really cool, really shred-esque. The intro to this record is basically such a bass riff, building up to a climax (cfr Ceremony's Dead Moon California but filthier). And the climax in this case is basically a really catchy yet ominous riff to the song Coffins. Listening to this record makes me realise why I don't listen to crust all that often, I think one of the reasons is definitely the vocals. With Kollapse, there's 2 singers and I like the shrieky, screamy vocals, but not so much the grunty, bellowed vocals. But it's no reason to stop listening, though. It's definitely audible and probably really good in its genre. I can get used to it. Maybe I'll like it after some more listening. And for me, dual vocals are definitely interesting. The vocals work together in a collaboratory sense, which plays out really well in a song like Man Machine. Lyrically the album is pretty dark, as it is costumary for such music. "Is happiness for the clueless?" they ask. I don't know, man. It makes me sad thinking about that. "Growing up means watching all my heroes turn to humans." Oh damn. If you're in a good mood, I suggest you don't listen to this record. But you can tell by the artwork I guess. Dark shit. Good shit though. Not everything dark is evil.
There's a nice balance between slow 'bash your head into a wall' parts and faster 'jump around and hate life' parts. In my book, those are good parts, although their names may deceive you. They're real good. I think what strikes me about this record is firstly that they bring down my entire perception of crust punk, secondly that they pull it off so well. They just rely on writing good riffs and combining them into good songs, and they don't try to fancy it up with unnecessary elements. They embrace the power of full-measure-length chords/notes and they don't try to get a bass or guitar line in it, or do a silly drum fill. No, they just let it go and that's powerful enough. Other than in No Gods - which features a bad-ass movie sample or something - there's little actual soloing going on. And I mean that in a good way. I think. I mean, like I said, they just write good songs and go with that, and I admire that. They don't get really monotonous. Closer Minamata Disease is proof that they know what they're doing and can do it for about 4 minutes even, without getting super boring. It's to god-fucking-damn heavy to be boring. And I'm just listening to the mp3's now. I can't wait to put on the vinyl and hopefully someday see them perform, cause they sure as hell have spiked my interest! The a capella break (in Danish! (I presume)) in this middle of the song is super intense and the screams that kind of go beneath the covers of the music afterwards just penetrate the mind, it's like you're walking the corridors of a mental hospital. Sick.
Although I'm unfamiliar with the genre other than the occasional Tragedy record, I really enjoyed this. This 10" record came with a DIY hand-sewn screen-printed bag, which is pretty freaking rad. Blood-red vinyl, too, this is a work of art an sich. But the music is the most important and most impressing part of this package of course. I suggest you go get it now! Do itttttt.
So yeah. Free/pay-what-you-want download over here: http://nevertrustanasshole.bandcamp.com/album/kollapse-10-vinyl
Do itttttt.
(TNS/Never Trust An Asshole/5FeetUnder/Throw Me Off Balance, 2012)
1. Coffins
2. Man Machine
3. Liberate
4. Grief
5. No Gods
6. Minamata Disease
Keywords to describe this band and record are: dark, hardcore, crust, punk, Denmark, good. I think the main rule is that bands that start with a K are crust bands and bands that begin with a D are D-beat? Something like that. I don't have clue actually. I guess crust bands use a lot of D-beats as well?
Anyway, this is supposedly a Danish hardcore band, influenced notably by crust punk. Even just the distortion level on the bass gives that way. It's hella distorted, which makes it sound really cool, really shred-esque. The intro to this record is basically such a bass riff, building up to a climax (cfr Ceremony's Dead Moon California but filthier). And the climax in this case is basically a really catchy yet ominous riff to the song Coffins. Listening to this record makes me realise why I don't listen to crust all that often, I think one of the reasons is definitely the vocals. With Kollapse, there's 2 singers and I like the shrieky, screamy vocals, but not so much the grunty, bellowed vocals. But it's no reason to stop listening, though. It's definitely audible and probably really good in its genre. I can get used to it. Maybe I'll like it after some more listening. And for me, dual vocals are definitely interesting. The vocals work together in a collaboratory sense, which plays out really well in a song like Man Machine. Lyrically the album is pretty dark, as it is costumary for such music. "Is happiness for the clueless?" they ask. I don't know, man. It makes me sad thinking about that. "Growing up means watching all my heroes turn to humans." Oh damn. If you're in a good mood, I suggest you don't listen to this record. But you can tell by the artwork I guess. Dark shit. Good shit though. Not everything dark is evil.
There's a nice balance between slow 'bash your head into a wall' parts and faster 'jump around and hate life' parts. In my book, those are good parts, although their names may deceive you. They're real good. I think what strikes me about this record is firstly that they bring down my entire perception of crust punk, secondly that they pull it off so well. They just rely on writing good riffs and combining them into good songs, and they don't try to fancy it up with unnecessary elements. They embrace the power of full-measure-length chords/notes and they don't try to get a bass or guitar line in it, or do a silly drum fill. No, they just let it go and that's powerful enough. Other than in No Gods - which features a bad-ass movie sample or something - there's little actual soloing going on. And I mean that in a good way. I think. I mean, like I said, they just write good songs and go with that, and I admire that. They don't get really monotonous. Closer Minamata Disease is proof that they know what they're doing and can do it for about 4 minutes even, without getting super boring. It's to god-fucking-damn heavy to be boring. And I'm just listening to the mp3's now. I can't wait to put on the vinyl and hopefully someday see them perform, cause they sure as hell have spiked my interest! The a capella break (in Danish! (I presume)) in this middle of the song is super intense and the screams that kind of go beneath the covers of the music afterwards just penetrate the mind, it's like you're walking the corridors of a mental hospital. Sick.
Although I'm unfamiliar with the genre other than the occasional Tragedy record, I really enjoyed this. This 10" record came with a DIY hand-sewn screen-printed bag, which is pretty freaking rad. Blood-red vinyl, too, this is a work of art an sich. But the music is the most important and most impressing part of this package of course. I suggest you go get it now! Do itttttt.
05-12-2012
"Wassup?"
Yo I'm MC Karel and I'm here to say "wassup"If this sounds familiar to you you might have been at the show yesterday. I mean at the show in Leuven. There was also a "the show" in Mechelen but that's not the show I'm talking about.
I'm here to ruin the show, cause you all know that I suck
What the fuck - Move up front - Bitches show me what you got
Cause these guys are 'bout to kill it with their loud music and stuff
So dance, dance, dance and move your booty to the beat
It's Outline, motherfuckers - And I got a front seat
GO!
This show I speak of was a hardcore show in the Rock Café. It was a fun show.
First up was Every Stranger Looks Like You. The name sounds like they could be a bad metalcore band, fortunately this wasn't the case. They were a three-piece slow-paced somethingcore band. Maybe hints of Cursed or something, but less overwhelming. Pretty cool actually, something interesting and not overdone to the max. More like, overdone to the min. (Yeah, good play on words there.) ust really cool, check it out if you like heavy music or something.
Die nächtste band was Heartfelt. There's a Dutch punk rock band with that name but I don't know if they still exist. Anyway, this is the Limburgian band. They just started out, they're pretty cool. I don't really know what to say. Kinda melodic. Cool. Check 'em out. Yeah. Do that.
Then it was Outline's turn. They asked MC Karel to do an intro so I did, I kinda screwed up the 4th line and I'm not a good rapper by default so I guess that wasn't really good but it was fun to do and stuff. Thanks Ari for the neat beat. Their show was rad, the demo songs tend to strike me more and more and the new songs are pretty damn nice. Also I wanted to interview them for the next zine but due to forgetfulness that didn't work out. Thanks to new technology such as e-mail and stuff it will work out in the end though, so stay tuned for that.
These guys are awesome, they rule the pans of the roof (dutchism) and you should, as usual, check them awwwwwwt.
Headliner Reality Check came awwwwwll the way from Poland, and they ruled. They play like old school straight edge 90s idon'tknow kind of hardcore. Great riffage, great vocals, great songs. Yeah, it was definitely good. They got some moshing. If I wasn't kinda lazy I would've maybe also did a dancemove, but that didn't go through. Sorry. Anyway, cool band, they're on tour so support and shiznizzle.
Also, look out for an Outline/MC Karel split. Heh.
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