Sunday, December 25, 2016

Song Of The Week: 12/25/16







Song: "First Step To Recovery"

Artist: Castoff

Album: "First Step To Recovery"

Year: 2016

Place Of Origin: San Diego, California

Years Active: 2012 - present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"First Step To Recovery" is a song that appears to be about how you have to do some soul searching and come to grips with the person who you are. In order to change, you have to own your past mistakes and be honest with yourself. If you accept excuses for your past acts, then you will never really cleanse yourself of the very problems you want to eliminate in your life.

CASTOFF DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2013 - The Dividing Line (self-released)
2015 - First Step To Recovery (Morning Wood Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF CASTOFF:

Castoff formed as a band back in 2012, hailing from San Diego, California. Drawing on the influence of bands like Minor Threat and Bad Religion, Castoff joined the ranks of Southern California melodic hardcore bands that preceeded them. The band's first album was the self-released "The Dividing Line" back in 2013. A few years later, the band signed on with Morning Wood Records for the release of their sophmore effort, 2015's "First Step To Recovery". The band released a music video for the song "Certain As The Sun" from that album. Along with their two full length releases, the band has also dropped three EP's, 2014's "Acquisition", 2015's "Lines And Passages" and their most recent release, 2016's "Castoff". Castoff themselves claim that their music is written for the people who have been discarded, written off, overlooked or ignored. And, their sound can be compared to other melodic hardcore punk bands like Bad Religion, Pennywise, Propagandhi, Strung Out and This Is A Standoff. If a band like Pennywise is considered a top tier hardcore punk band, I'd put Castoff a few tiers lower, perhaps in the same class as a 98 Mute. While the lyrical content is similar to PW, the writing isn't as perfected and the vocals aren't as crisp but that being said, Pennywise is a legendary punk band, Castoff still is in it's relative infancy as a band. Perhaps with more years on the road and in the studio, Castoff can really refine and harness their sound.

TEN CASTOFF SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Certain As The Sun
2. Epilogue
3. Resources
4. Revocation
5. True Wealth
6. Promote Irrational Thought
7. All Is Right
8. The Trite And Trivial
9. Perception And Honesty
10. Selective Memory

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Song Of The Week: 12/18/16







Song: "Ditch Digger"

Artist: Jared Hart

Album: "Past Lives & Pass Lines"

Year: 2015

Place Of Origin: Bayonne, New Jersey

Years Active: 2004 - present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

After reading the lyrics to "Ditch Digger", I get the sense the song is about someone who is so concerned with everything around them that is going on in the world, that they don't take the time to help or heal themselves. It's like they are digging their own hole by having the weight of the world on their shoulders. The only way to get out is to fix yourself first before worrying about everyone or everything else. Could be wrong about that but that's my interpretation of the song.

JARED HART DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2015 - Past Lives & Pass Lines (Gunner Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF JARED HART:

Jared Hart is best known as being the front man for New Jersey punk band The Scandals. He formed The Scandals back in 2004 and for the past 12 years, they released two full length albums and a number of EP's, split singles and 7" singles. Like many a punk band frontman, in 2015, Hart decided to do some solo acoustic touring and by the end of that year released his debut solo album, "Past Lives & Pass Lines". A video was made for the song "Heads Or Tails" on that album. Most recently, Hart released an acoustic version of The Scandals song "Lucky 7's" in 2016. He also played some solo dates in the U.K. in the fall of 2016. If he's not doing solo shows, he's most likely out on the road with The Scandals. Either way, Hart is very active on the touring front. Lots of times, he or his band are opening up for Brian Fallon or The Gaslight Anthem. Early on in Hart's career, Fallon took him and his band under his wing. The New Jersey natives hit it off early on and they often pair up on the same bills together. So of course, when it comes to style, Hart is like many punk band frontmen who've went the solo route like Brian Fallon (The Gaslight Anthem), Dave Hause (The Loved Ones), Frank Turner, Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music) and Chris Cresswell (The Flatliners). As I said before, Hart is a road dog!! Whether it's solo or with The Scandals, he's a hard working artist so support him or his band when they get to your town!

TEN JARED HART SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Heads Or Tails
2. Lucky 7's (acoustic)
3. Totem
4. The Guillotine
5. The Runaround
6. Basements
7. The Leo
8. Ditch Digger
9. Deacon Ain't Dead Yet
10. Interlude

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Song Of The Week: 12/11/16







Song: "A.C.A.B."

Artist: 98 Mute

Album: "98 Mute"

Year: 1996

Place Of Origin: Hermosa Beach, California

Years Active: 1993 - present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"A.C.A.B." is a song that appears to be about how cops have lost the respect of the communities they're supposed to protect and serve. Too many cops abuse their authority, abuse minorities and their attitudes are more of a school yard bully rather than a protector of a community. Funny how this song came out in 1996 and here we are 20 years later and their is still so much distrust between citizens and law enforcement officers. This is an issue that has to be fixed so we can build back the trust in those who are supposed to protect us.

98 MUTE DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1996 - 98 Mute (Theologian Records)
1998 - Class Of 98 (Theologian Records)
2000 - Slow Motion Riot (Epitaph Records)
2002 - After The Fall (Epitaph Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF 98 MUTE:

98 Mute got it's start as a band back in 1993, hailing from Hermosa Beach, California. Hmm.. Sound familiar? There is another major band in punk rock from that very same place, Pennywise. The connections don't stop there. Justin Thirsk, drummer of 98 Mute, is the younger brother of the late Pennywise bassist and founding member, Jason Matthew Thirsk. Like Pennywise, 98 Mute hooked up with Theologian Records for their first two albums. Theologian was Pennywise's first label. Pennywise guitarist Fletcher Dragge would produce all of the band's albums. By 2000, 98 Mute would join the Epitaph Records line-up, following in the footsteps of.. you guessed it, Pennywise!! The band's debut on Epitaph, 2000's "Slow Motion Riot", was probably the most successful album of the band's career but they never quite got over the hump like Pennywise or Bad Religion. 98 Mute would pretty much always be an opening act. During their career they did go on some major tours opening up for bands like Offspring, Blink 182 and Pennywise. Shortly after the release of their 4th album, 2002's "After The Fall", 98 Mute called it quits as a band. Some members, including Justin Thirsk would join forces with Fletcher Dragge on a project called Chaos Delivery Machine. On March 11, 2016, 98 Mute reunited for a show at the Hollywood Palladium opening for Pennywise. It's not known if this was just a one off performance or if the band is in fact reunited and recharging the batteries to work on new material and tour again. That is still to be determined. 98 Mute is your typical mid 90's skate punk/hardcore punk band. Their contemporaries are bands like Deviates, 88 Fingers Louie, Pulley, Good Riddance and obviously, Pennywise. They're a good band but definitely not on the same level as Pennywise, Bad Religion or Good Riddance, all of whom are the standards that so many up and coming hardcore/skate punk bands aspire to.

TEN 98 MUTE SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Slow Motion Riot
2. Another Boring Day
3. Breakdown
4. Bullet For You
5. A.C.A.B.
6. Watch Over Me
7. Hit You Back
8. Something In The Water
9. M.A.D.
10. Painkiller

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Song Of The Week: 12/4/16







Song: "Dunno"

Artist: Venerea

Album: "Losing Weight, Gaining Ground"

Year: 2000

Place Of Origin: Falkenberg, Sweden

Years Active: 1991 - present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Dunno" is a fast paced, melodic punk song under a minute long that appears to be about being stuck in a rut creatively and personally. The vocalist is living a mundane existence. He wants to change but he seems to be waiting for someone else to steer him towards something new rather than do it himself. Without that helpful nudge, he seems to be content in his situation.

VENEREA DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1996 - Shake Your Booty (Gift Of Life Records)
1997 - Both Ends Burning (Gift Of Life Records)
2000 - Losing Weight, Gaining Ground (Community Records)
2003 - Out In The Red (I Used To Fuck People Like You In Prison Records)
2005 - One Louder (Bad Taste Records)
2010 - Lean Back In Anger (Concrete Jungle Records)
2016 - Last Call For Adderall (Dirty Six Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF VENEREA:

Venerea formed as a band back in 1991 when the band members were all still in school. Originally called Venereal Disease, by 1994, the band shortened their name to Venerea. The band released a few EP's early on, most notably "Shake Your Booty" and "Swollen" which would be packaged together in 1996 as a full album called "Shake Your Booty". It wasn't until the 2000 release, "Losing Weight, Gaining Ground", that the band really began to find and harness their sound. That being said, Venerea couldn't remain on a single label for more than one full length album. After releasing four albums in the 2000's decade, Venerea went on a 5 year hiatus. In 2016, however, the band made a comeback with what I feel is the best representation of the band yet, "Last Call For Adderall". It's amazing that this band has been around for 25 years! Perhaps the fact that they are from Sweden, we don't get a whole lot of news about them here in the States. They have shared the stage with some iconic American punk bands, most notably Ten Foot Pole, Ignite and the Deviates. As for style, I'd say early on in the band's career they were more pop punk but I think they were just trying to find their sound at that time. As I said earlier, when they released "Losing Weight, Gaining Ground" is when you get a better idea of what they were and what they were going to become. I'd compare them to bands like Bigwig, Strike Anywhere, Ten Foot Pole, Good Riddance and Pulley. They can be both melodic and intense and still have some pop tendencies and incorporate a splash of metal at times. I found out about this band just a few years ago but after purchasing their "Last Call For Adderall" album, I was sold on them. Hopefully, their next release won't take five or six years to come out like their last one did.

TEN VENEREA SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Calling Card
2. Back To The Start
3. Mark Of Cain
4. The Real Ewe
5. Sound Of Muzak
6. Rise With The Tide
7. No Rules But My Rules
8. Better Day
9. Living It For The Moment
10. All Washed

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Song Of The Week: 11/27/16







Song: "Enemy"

Artist: Drowning Pool

Album: "Full Circle"

Year: 2007

Place Of Origin: Dallas, Texas

Years Active: 1996-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

Drowning Pool singer at the time, Ryan McCombs, said in an interview that he wrote this song directly about his former bandmates in Soil. When he departed Soil, even though their were internal conflicts within the band, he chose to say he left for personal reasons, specifically to spend more time with his family. The guys in Soil, however, began to trash McCombs in the press. "Enemy" was basically McCombs' retort to all the things the members of Soil said about him. "Enemy" is basically about taking the high road even as people are trying to bring you down.

DROWNING POOL DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2001 - Sinner (Wind Up Records)
2004 - Desensitized (Wind Up Records)
2007 - Full Circle (Eleven Seven Records)
2009 - Loudest Common Denominator (Eleven Seven Records)
2010 - Drowning Pool (Eleven Seven Records)
2013 - Resilience (Eleven Seven Records)
2016 - Hellelujah (eOne Music)

CURRENT STATUS OF DROWNING POOL:

Drowning Pool formed as a band back in 1996, hailing from Dallas, Texas. In 2001, the band released their debut album, "Sinner". Thanks in part to the lead single "Bodies" and a spot on that year's Ozzfest tour, "Sinner" was certified platinum within just six weeks from the date of it's release. It was a rush of success that the band would never attain again, but it instantly made the band headliner material. Just when things seemed to be on the up for the band, tragedy struck when lead singer Dave Williams was found dead on their tour bus. Heart disease was found as the cause of his untimely death. Trying to continue on as a band, they released "Desensitized" in 2004 with Jason Jones on vocals. Almost immediately, the chemistry between Jones and the band was not condusive to remaining together and he was gone after only one album. Enter Ryan McCombs. Formerly of the band Soil, McCombs provided vocals on 2007's "Full Circle", 2009's live album, "Loudest Common Denominator" and 2010's "Drowning Pool". McCombs was a solid replacement for Dave Williams and it seemed to really click with the band but, in 2011, he would leave Drowning Pool and return to his old band Soil. In 2012, the band settled on yet another lead singer, Jason Moreno, formerly of the band The Suicide Hook. He would provide vocals on the band's 2013 album "Resilience" and their latest album, 2016's "Hellelujah". He is currently still the band's lead vocalist, for now!! The remaining band members, guitarist C.J. Pierce, bassist Stevie Benton and drummer Mike Luce have remained the constants in Drowning Pool since day 1. It's a testament to them that Drowning Pool keeps on surviving with different lead vocalists. The band most recently embarked on the "Make America Rock Again" tour which also featured bands like Trapt, Saliva, 12 Stones, Fuel, Tantric and P.O.D. Drowning Pool's sound is kind of a mix between heavy metal, hard rock, post grunge and nu metal. The band cites Metallica, Guns N'Roses, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Pantera and Motley Crue as their major influences. Their contemporaries are bands like Soil, Godsmack, Sevendust, Disturbed and Stone Sour to name a few. To me, nothing beats the Dave Williams era, as short as it was. "Sinner" is a great, heavy album and Dave was a great vocalist. The second best era of Drowning Pool I believe was the Ryan McCombs era. McCombs vocals just fit right with the band's sound and some of their best songs, like "Shame", came about in his era. I'm not a huge fan of either Jason Jones or Jason Moreno, but I'm happy to see the band still moving forward.

TEN DROWNING POOL SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Bodies
2. 37 Stitches
3. Tear Away
4. Feel Like I Do
5. Step Up
6. Break You
7. Shame
8. By The Blood
9. Bleed With You
10. Sinner

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Song Of The Week: 11/20/16







Song: "Beach Pop"

Artist: Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts

Album: "Blaster"

Year: 2015

Place Of Origin: San Diego, California

Years Active: 2013-2015



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Beach Pop" appears to be a song about harkening back to the days of youth. It's being with that girl that's maybe your first love and talking about marriage and having kids when you're both probably too young to know how long the relationship will even last. It's about the good times spent with friends, at rock shows or at the beach. When you're young, those times seems like they are gonna last forever. As you get older, those times are gone, but the memories still bring a smile to your face. The song is really about big dreams, good times and friendships attained in youthful times.

SCOTT WEILAND AND THE WILDABOUTS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2015 - Blaster (Softdrive Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF SCOTT WEILAND AND THE WILDABOUTS:

Scott Weiland, of course, is most famous for being the lead singer of the band Stone Temple Pilots. Exploding out of the grunge/alternative scene of the early to mid 90's, STP became one of the biggest acts of the time. Weiland also fronted the supergroup Velvet Revolver in 2002 featuring himself and former Guns'n'Roses members, most notably Slash and Duff McKagen. Weiland also released solo material in the form of two albums of new material, one covers album and a Christmas album. He also was the lead vocalist on an album for the band Art Of Anarchy, which Weiland tried to distance himself from after the album came out, saying he just wanted to be a contributor to the album but not be in the band. For all of his greatness as a lead vocalist, years of drug abuse hindered a lot of the good things he had going on for himself. His addictions caused him to leave or be kicked out of Stone Temple Pilots on 2 occasions and the same was true for Velvet Revolver. As the 20 year anniversary of STP's debut album "Core" came about in 2013, instead of doing a world tour with the Pilots, he instead rounded up a new band, The Wildabouts, and went out on the "Purple At The Core" tour while STP began working with Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington. With ongoing legal battles between Weiland and Stone Temple Pilots and the refusal of Velvet Revolver to reunite with Weiland, Scott turned his focus onto his new band The Wildabouts. In 2015, the band released their debut album "Blaster" which featured the singles "Way You Move", "White Lightning" and the T. Rex cover, "20th Century Boy". One day before the release of "Blaster" tragedy struck the band when guitarist Jeremy Brown died of drug intoxication. The tragedy didn't end there. On December 3, 2015, Scott Weiland was found unresponsive on his tour bus in Bloomington Minnesota. The addictions that haunted him for the majority of his adult life finally took their toll. Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts were similar in style to STP and Velvet Revolver obviously, Scott Weiland being so instrumental in song writing and lyrics for both of those bands. I'd say The Wildabouts are definitely glam rock with some blues rock sprinkled in where STP was more alternative/grunge/glam rock and VR was more arena rock. Weiland was obviously heavily influenced by David Bowie and it reflects in his style and stage presence. For the generation that I grew up in, which was just as the grunge/Seattle movement began, Weiland was definitely a voice of that generation. Maybe he doesn't get the same credit as Kurt Cobain or Eddie Vedder but he is right up there with those guys. A captivating frontman, excellent songwriter and a true legend in rock and roll.

TEN SCOTT WEILAND AND THE WILDABOUTS SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Way She Moves
2. White Lightning
3. 20th Century Boy (T. Rex cover)
4. The Jean Genie (David Bowie cover)
5. Modzilla
6. Circles
7. Hotel Rio
8. Blue Eyes
9. Amethyst
10. Bleed Out

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Song Of The Week: 11/13/16







Song: "Casablanca Sucked Anyways"

Artist: A Day To Remember

Album: "And Their Name Was Treason/Old Record"

Year: 2005/2008

Place Of Origin: Ocala, Florida

Years Active: 2003 - present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Casablanca Sucked Anyways" appears to be a song about a final breakup of a relationship. Early in the relationship, the vocalist was like the rock she leaned on in a time of need. He stuck with her as she sorted out all of her problems. Once she got through it, however, she left him. The vocalist is standing his ground at this point. He's never going to allow her back into his life after what she did and he's moving on with his life.

A DAY TO REMEMBER DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2005/2008 - And Their Name Was Treason/Old Record (Indianola Records/Victory Records)
2007 - For Those Who Have Heart (Victory Records)
2009 - Homesick (Victory Records)
2010 - What Separates Me From You (Victory Records)
2013 - Common Courtesy (ADTR Records)
2016 - Bad Vibrations (ADTR Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF A DAY TO REMEMBER:

A Day To Remember formed as a band back in 2003, hailing from Florida. The band's first recording was the 2004 self released EP, "Halos For Heroes, Dirt For The Dead". The band soon released their debut album a year later through Indianola Records called "And Their Name Was Treason". A Day To Remember then began a long relationship with Victory Records after this release. Their second album , 2007's "For Those Who Have Heart", peaked at #17 on Billboard's Top Heatseekers chart and the follow up to that, 2009's "Homesick", would reach #21 on the Billboard 200 charts. After the release of their 2010 album, "What Separates Me From You", A Day To Remember got into a legal battle with Victory Records that would ultimately delay the release of their fifth album. Victory did release a re-recorded version of the band's debut album in 2008 under the new name, "Old Record". Eventually, A Day To Remember was allowed to release their 2013 album, "Common Courtesy", through their own label, ADTR Records. The band's most recent release is 2016's "Bad Vibrations". The band has planned a tour of Europe and Australia starting in December of 2016 and carrying through to the new year to support that album. A Day To Remember is parts pop punk, parts metalcore and parts screamo. They kind of jump around from style to style on their albums, and sometimes even in the same song. As for bands that have similar styles, I would go with bands like The Used, Silverstein, Four Year Strong, Falling In Reverse and Escape The Fate. I would say that A Day To Remember, The Used and Silverstein are at the head of this particular style, pop punk/metalcore. A Day To Remember got a boost to their popularity back in 2007 when they covered pop artist Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone" with their own pop punk version. After that, their popularity began to rise and by 2009, they were a headlining act. They are an extremely active band. If they are not in the studio, they are on the road. When not headlining their own tours, they are often performing at festivals such as Warped Tours, Bamboozle Fests and Download Festivals. Not my favorite pop punk/metalcore band, but very, very solid band no doubt about it.

TEN A DAY TO REMEMBER SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Right Back At It Again
2. All I Want
3. The Downfall Of Us All
4. All Signs Point To Lauderdale
5. Paranoia
6. You Had Me At Hello
7. End Of Me
8. Bad Vibrations
9. Better Off This Way
10. If It Means A Lot To You

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Song Of The Week: 11/6/16







Song: "Hail To The Hearts"

Artist: Moovalya

Album: "Sixer" EP

Year: 2014

Place Of Origin: Phoenix, Arizona

Years Active: 2009-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Hail To The Hearts" appears to be a modern day punk version of the song "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Some of the same themes are present, most notably, how the rich skate by with an oblivious eye to war and government lies while the less fortunate and poor are often on the front lines. It's a scathing commentary on the American dream, which again, seems to only be true for those who are more fortunate. The wealthy enact war. The wealthy profit off of war. The casualties are usually always the poor and less fortunate.

MOOVALYA DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2012 - Moovalya (Dagger Sight Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF MOOVALYA:

Moovalya formed as a band back in 2009, hailing from Arizona. While the band only has one full length studio album, 2012's self titled, they also have dropped four EP's, 2010's "First Degree", 2011's "Wasteland", 2014's "Sixer" and 2016's "Kings". Currently, the band's focus is on supporting their latest EP, "Kings". Moovalya is a melodic hardcore punk band. Social and political issues are often at the forefront of the band's lyrics. As for style, if you are a fan of bands such as Deviates, Pennywise, Strike Anywhere, Great Collapse or Only Crime, then you would most likely enjoy the sounds of Moovalya. This is a solid band no doubt. Hopefully, they have more staying power than a band like Deviates who was a stellar band that broke up way too soon. I know in this day and age, it's very hard for aspiring bands to make it because the industry is so different than how it used to be. Hopefully, Moovalya breaks the trend and is here for a while because they are a great, intense band. If you are a fan of melodic hardcore punk, go and support these guys when they play a venue near you!!

TEN MOOVALYA SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. To The Throne
2. Hail To The Hearts
3. Fuct Up
4. Flatline
5. When I Say
6. Pussycat
7. Tattoos
8. 18 Wheels
9. Time To Go
10. Kings

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Song Of The Week: 10/30/16







Song: "The Salesman"

Artist: Sic Waiting

Album: "Derailer"

Year: 2015

Place Of Origin: Oceanside, California

Years Active: 2000-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

In an interview with Sic Waiting vocalist Jared Stinson, he commented that "The Salesman" is a song based on the music industry. It's about those who hang around long after their welcome has gone and how everything in music seems to be manufactured. If you happen to be that "flavor of the month", then the industry will push you to the masses but even then, nothing is quite as it seems. Most are torn down as quick as they were built up. Very few achieve sustained longevity.

SIC WAITING DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2005 - Your Name In Lights (CD Baby Records)
2010 - Anchors Astray (self-released)
2015 - Derailer (Felony Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF SIC WAITING:

Sic Waiting got it's start back in 2000, hailing from southern California. Very much influenced by the heyday of Fat Wreck and Epitaph skate punk bands of the 90's, Sic Waiting's released their debut full length album in 2005 called "Your Name In Lights". Taking their cue from a band like Social Distortion, Sic Waiting seems to wait 5 years between their releases. It wouldn't be till 2010 that the band self-released their sophmore effort, "Anchors Astray". They did manage to squeeze an EP between full lengths when they dropped "Vices" in 2012. Their latest full length album was 2015's "Derailer". Most recently, the band has been doing tours of the west coast, first with 88 Fingers Louie, then later on with Pour Habit. As I said earlier, Sic Waiting is very much a product of the 90's skate punk bands, mostly on Fat Wreck Chords and Epitaph Records. Those bands were right in my wheelhouse when I was growing up so when I hear a band like Sic Waiting, they immediately spark my interest. As for their sound, they are very similar to bands like Face To Face, Ignite, Rise Against, No Use For A Name and Bad Religion, though not as heavy as Ignite, more on the melodic side like No Use, but Stinson's voice is similar to Zoli Teglas from Ignite. Sic Waiting is an awesome band. My only complaint is the lack of albums. I mean, they have been a band for 16 years and only 3 albums?!! Some of this is due to Jared Stinson focusing on his solo stuff as well. He often tours solo doing acoustic sets or with his side project, Dead Frets. "Derailer" is such a great album that hopefully, Sic Waiting drops some new material a little sooner than 5 years!!

TEN SIC WAITING SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Active Alumni
2. The Salesman
3. Okay, I Lied
4. Victims
5. This Town Is Burning (And I Couldn't Care Less)
6. Maps
7. Lines In The Road
8. The Price Of A Good Night's Sleep
9. Question Of The Season
10. In Compatible Love

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Song Of The Week: 10/23/16







Song: "Matt Gallante's Got It Right"

Artist: Latterman

Album: "None Of These Songs Are About Girls" EP

Year: 2000

Place Of Origin: Huntington Station, New York

Years Active: 2000-2007



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

I'm going by the ear test because I couldn't find the lyrics to "Matt Gallante's Got It Right" anywhere on the net. From what I can hear, it seems this song is about living life the way you want to live it without adhering to outside factors that may try to sway you or direct you into which path you should take. Happiness is acheived by doing what you love to do, not by how successful you are. Though their may be people out there who think they know what's best for you and try to steer you in the direction that they want you to go, sometimes you just have to make your own path and follow your own dreams.

LATTERMAN DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2006 - Turn Up The Punk, We'll Be Singing (Deep Elm Records)
2006 - No Matter Where We Go...! (Deep Elm Records)
2007 - ... We Are Still Alive (Deep Elm Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF LATTERMAN:

Latterman got it's start back in 2000 in the Long Island area of New York. The band self released the EP, "None Of These Songs Are About Girls" in that same year. 2006 was a busy year for the band as they released two full length albums through Deep Elm Records, "Turn Up The Punk, We'll Be Singing" and "No Matter Where We Go...!". In 2007, the band released what would be their last full length album, "... We Are Still Alive". Citing difficulties with their record label and other conflicts that come with keeping a band together, Latterman decided to pack it in in 2007. In 2011, however, the band did self release a single called "Our Better Halves" which is available for download on their Bandcamp page. They also reunited for a few select shows, including a four date tour of the U.K. in 2012. I'm not sure this will lead to anything in the future for Latterman as most of the band members are active in other projects, most notably Iron Chic, RVIVR and Daytrader. Latterman is a band that features the dual vocal attack of Phil Douglas and Mattie Canino, kinda in the same vein as a Four Year Strong or Hot Water Music. I would say if you are a fan of bands such as Banner Pilot, The Lawrence Arms, Dear Landlord, Dillinger Four or Red City Radio, they you would probably enjoy Latterman as well. At times they can be political and they definitely wear their social concerns and ideals on their sleeve when it comes to content and lyrics. I consider them to be a good band but not great. Perhaps that's part of the reason they lost steam and couldn't hold it together for too long.

TEN LATTERMAN SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. There's Never Not A Reason To Party
2. Fear And Loathing On Long Island
3. Water Manes At The Block's End
4. Mumbled Words And Ridiculous Faces
5. If Batman Was Real, He Would've Beaten The Crap Out Of My Friends
6. Too Many Emo Days
7. Doom! Doom! Doom!
8. My Dreams About Not Sleeping Until 3PM
9. Yo, Get Into It
10. I Decided Not To Do Them

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Song Of The Week: 10/16/16







Song: "Dead Wishes"

Artist: Chris Cornell

Album: "Higher Truth"

Year: 2015

Place Of Origin: Seattle, Washington

Years Active: 1984-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

Chris Cornell himself has said that "Dead Wishes" is kind of a song for the disenfranchised. By taking a look at the lyrics, I see the vocalist is deep with regret over how his life has turned out. Everyone has hopes and dreams or wishes, if you will, about how things will turn out in their future. As you get older, sometimes you feel like you don't know where all the years went. Time seems to fly by so quickly and now you wonder if those hopes and dreams will ever be fulfilled. I don't see the song as all somber however. It seems Cornell leaves glimmers of hope that he still believes some of those wishes will indeed come true.

CHRIS CORNELL DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1999 - Euphoria Morning (A&M Records)
2007 - Carry On (Interscope Records)
2008 - Scream (Interscope Records)
2011 - Songbook (UMe Records)
2015 - Higher Truth (UMe Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF CHRIS CORNELL:

Chris Cornell is, of course, most famous for being the lead vocalist/rhythm guitar player of Soundgarden whose roots date back to 1984. At the forefront of a burgeoning Seattle music scene, Cornell was the powerful voice of some mesh of punk rock and heavy metal that morphed it's way into a generic term called "grunge". Soundgarden of course would go on, along with Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains, to blow up the face of hard rock music in the early to mid-90's. By 1996, however, the "grunge" movement was starting to get saturated and internal problems within Soundgarden caused them to disband. This allowed Cornell to explore his musical creativity with the release of his debut solo album, "Euphoria Morning". This album definitely showed a softer side to Cornell but it showed that his powerful voice could handle multiple genres, not just hard rock music. Of course, it wasn't long before he was back in the heavy music fray. When Rage Against The Machine vocalist Zack de la Rocha departed his band, Chris Cornell stepped in and Audioslave was born in 2001. The supergroup was an instant headliner and in five years, released three hugely successful albums. Cornell was again being pulled by his own creativity however, and he departed Audioslave in 2006. 2007 saw a continuation of his creative juices with the release of his second solo album, "Carry On". In 2008, things got a little weird. Cornell decided to hook up with R & B producer Timbaland and create a soul album, kind of devoid of real instruments. The album sold well, but to his core fans, was a disaster. Cornell is one of the best hard rock voices ever. Even though his solo albums weren't heavy like his work with Soundgarden or Audioslave, they were still based on real instrumentation, not programmed beats. "Scream" is not looked at fondly by his hardcore fans. Cornell did do a few rock re-makes of a couple of songs on "Scream" and their was rumors out there that he might re-do the whole album using real instruments but as of this date, that has not come to fruition. Thankfully, in 2011, Cornell released a live album called "Songbook". Just Chris and his acoustic guitar and it's complete magic. Spanning his entire career, he played stripped down version of Soundgarden songs, Audioslave songs, Temple Of The Dog songs, his solo songs and some covers. This album is just fantastic, showcasing one of the most powerful voices in rock history! More great news is that by the time "Songbook" was released, Soundgarden had officially got back together and were hitting many festivals. In 2012, Soundgarden released "King Animal", their first album in 16 years! Now it's different, however. Now Soundgarden will take time between touring and albums to give the members time to work on their other projects. Cornell did this in 2015, releasing his most recent album, "Higher Truth". As I've said before, for more than 30 years, Chris Cornell has more than made his mark as one of the greatest voices in rock and roll history. He can be delicate with an almost bluesy feel at one moment, then he can let out a gutteral scream from hell in the next. His work in Soundgarden is legendary. That band is often described as a modern day Led Zeppelin because of their ability to write monster riffs and weave through different styles with ease. His one off, Temple Of The Dog, with members of what would become Pearl Jam, is one of the holy grails of the whole grunge movement. Audioslave proved he could write hard rock anthems that were more accessible to the masses than some of his darker work with Soundgarden. His solo material showed that he has the range to handle any genre, whether that's acoustic, blues, country or soul. And, he's also collaborated with many of the biggest acts in the music world including Alice In Chains, Alice Cooper, Linkin Park, Slash, Carlos Santana, Zac Brown Band and Mad Season. Cornell will always hold a special place for me, along with the other Seattle bands, because it impacted my life at an age when I was really finding out who I was. It's really the soundtrack of my youth and I will always love the Seattle bands because of that.

TEN CHRIS CORNELL SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Sunshower
2. You Know My Name
3. Seasons
4. The Keeper
5. Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart
6. When I'm Down
7. Thank You (Led Zeppelin cover)
8. Can't Change Me
9. Nothing Compares 2 U (Prince cover)
10. Cleaning My Gun

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Song Of The Week: 10/9/16







Song: "An Outbreak"

Artist: Paper Arms

Album: "Days Above Ground"

Year: 2010

Place Of Origin: Adelaide, Australia

Years Active: 2007-2016



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

To me, "An Outbreak" kinda reminds me of the movie "Fight Club". The vocalist appears to be stuck in the mundane, everyday rut of getting up at the same time, going to work at the same time, coming home and repeating over and over again. Ok, maybe it's like "Groundhog Day" too!! Where I say it's like "Fight Club", is that I feel he needs a drastic change to stir up something in his life to spark something in him. He definitely needs change to light a fire under him.

PAPER ARMS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2010 - Days Above Ground (Poison City Records)
2013 - The Smoke Will Clear (Poison City Records)
2015 - Great Mistakes (Poison City Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF PAPER ARMS:

Paper Arms is an Aussie punk band that got it's start in 2007. Right off the bat, the band forged a great relationship with Poison City Records who released all three of their full length studio albums beginning with 2010's debut, "Days Above Ground". 2013 saw the band release their second full length, "The Smoke Will Clear" as well as a split 7" with the band Nothington. The band's latest album was 2015's "Great Mistakes". There are many punk bands who were influenced by legendary bands of the past. Take your pick, The Ramones, The Clash, Misfits, Black Flag, Bad Religion, The Descendents. All great bands to emulate no doubt. There are a slew of bands, however, that began coming out in the mid to late 2000's that clearly are influenced by Hot Water Music. The gritty vocals, the melodies but not so much in a pop way, but in a meaner, heavier way. Paper Arms is a band that I feel falls into that category. Their contemporaries are bands such as Polar Bear Club, Timeshares, Apologies, I Have None, Above Them and Banquets. Paper Arms was a very solid band. It disgusts me that I used the term "was". Too many good bands just don't seem to make it now-a-days for a multiple of reasons and it sucks, especially when you listen to a band that had so much potential like Paper Arms. Unfortunately, the band announced it was breaking up on it's Facebook page and played it's last official show on February 26, 2016 in it's hometown of Adelaide.

TEN PAPER ARMS SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Bricks And Mortar
2. Wrong Again
3. An Outbreak
4. Tanks Of Dust
5. Blackout
6. Write Us (Blueline Medic cover)
7. Medicine
8. In Silence
9. You Don't Speak For Me
10. These Nights

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Song Of The Week: 10/2/16







Song: "A Synonym For Acquiesce"

Artist: Bayside

Album: "Sirens And Condolences"

Year: 2004

Place Of Origin: Long Island, New York

Years Active: 2000-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"A Synonym For Acquiesce" appears to be about a break-up so bad that it has left the vocalist depressed and possibly suicidal. He is more comfortable being alone, dealing with his pain and emotional scars than he is amongst friends so his rut is deep. Bayside's Anthony Raneri is a very solid lyricist, something that separates Bayside from their contemporaries and the line "So take this razor, sign your name across my wrists. So everyone will know who left me like this.", pretty much sums up what this song is about and the pain she has left him in.

BAYSIDE DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2004 - Sirens And Condolences (Victory Records)
2005 - Bayside (Victory Records)
2006 - Acoustic (Victory Records)
2007 - The Walking Wounded (Victory Records)
2008 - Shudder (Victory Records)
2008 - Live @ The Bayside Social Club (Victory Records)
2011 - Killing Time (Wind-Up Records)
2014 - Cult (Hopeless Records)
2016 - Vacancy (Hopeless Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF BAYSIDE:

Bayside formed as a band back in 2000, hailing from Long Island, New York. The band New Found Glory actually took Bayside under their wing in the early days after hearing the band's demo. Bayside's first offering to the masses was their 2001 EP, "Long Stories Short". By 2003, Bayside hooked up with Victory Records, a partnership that lasted 8 years and delivered four studio albums, a live album and an acoustic album. The band's second album, "Bayside", was the release that really began sparking interest in the band that led to success, thanks in part to the hit single "Devotion And Desire". In 2005, tragedy struck the band when the van they used while on tour hit an ice patch and flipped. Though most of the band sustained minor injuries, their drummer, John "Beatz" Holohan was tragically killed in the accident. The band wrote the song "Winter", which is on their "Acoustic" cd, as a tribute to Holohan. 2011 saw the band part ways with Victory Records and they released "Killing Time" through Wind-Up Records. This proved to be a one time deal with Wind-Up as the band's next and current label mate would be Hopeless Records, who released the band's 2014 album "Cult", which is the band's highest charting album, peaking at #24 on the U.S. Billboard charts and their latest record, 2016's "Vacancy". Bayside is parts punk, parts pop and parts melodic rock. What makes them really stand out is Anthony Raneri's vocals and his lyrics. He is a solid writer as I said earlier. His vocal style is somewhat unique as well. His voice and his vocal delivery really don't seem to mimic someone else's style. If you did ask me to compare Bayside's sound, I would say they have similarities with bands such as I Am The Avalanche, Taking Back Sunday, The Menzingers, The Swellers and The Early November. Bayside has been a headlining act for quite some time now and they have also appeared at several festivals such as The Warped Tours, Bamboozle Fests and Riot Fest. The band is planning an upcoming Australian tour in November of 2016 to support their latest release, "Vacancy".

TEN BAYSIDE SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Already Gone
2. Devotion And Desire
3. Duality
4. Winter
5. Pigsty
6. Masterpiece
7. Pretty Vacant
8. No One Understands
9. Sick Sick Sick
10. Carry On

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Song Of The Week: 9/25/16







Song: "It Could Have Been Me"

Artist: From Plan To Progress

Album: "Evolution In The Wrong Direction"

Year: 2008

Place Of Origin: Brighton, United Kingdom

Years Active: 2005-2011 ???



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"It Could Have Been Me" appears to be a song about two people. The guy, who talked to her about his depression and his desire to end his life, and the girl, who listens to his stories and spent the time with him in hospital rooms. It's a pretty sad song lyrically, knowing that he did in fact go through with his warnings of ending his own life and she is left to grieve something she knew was inevitable.

FROM PLAN TO PROGRESS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2008 - Evolution In The Wrong Direction (Lime Records)
2010 - Ink Stains & Incidents (Fond Of Life Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF FROM PLAN TO PROGRESS:

The U.K.'s own, From Plan To Progress got it's start as a band back in 2005. They self-released their first EP in that very same year called "Bombs, Towns And Chords". In 2008, the band hooked on with Lime Records, who released their first full length album, "Evolution In The Wrong Direction". Most recently, which isn't really that recent at all, the band released "Ink Stains & Incidents" in 2010 through Fond Of Life Records. The band's style isn't breaking any new music territory with their melodic hardcore brand of punk rock. I'd say if you made up a recipe to achieve From Plan To Progress' sound, I would start with the melodic hardcore stylings of bands like Strung Out and Propagandhi. Then I would sprinkle in some pop punk tendencies of bands such as MxPx and Unwritten Law, especially the songs of those bands that are more uptempo. Then I would add the punk vocal stylings of a band like Autopilot Off. Mix that up and you'd get a little bit of an idea of what From Plan To Progress sounds like. The band really hasn't been heard from since about 2011. I haven't heard anything about them officially breaking up, but it's been about 5 years since they have been heard from so it could be a wrap for From Plan To Progress.

TEN FROM PLAN TO PROGRESS SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. This Gig Has Electric Shock Written All Over It
2. The Last Destroyer
3. Ink Stains & Incidents
4. A Promise To Disperse
5. Immersed
6. Product Of The Past
7. It Could Have Been Me
8. The Times Are Changing
9. Departed
10. Audi Alteram Partem

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Song Of The Week: 9/18/16







Song: "Sinking"

Artist: Ambitions

Album: "Stranger"

Year: 2007

Place Of Origin: Plainville, Connecticut

Years Active: 2005-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Sinking" appears to be an anthem of sorts for those who have been shunned and cast aside by the powers that be. It's definitely an outsiders type of song. It's a declaration of those who don't feel they have a voice and who feel that they haven't been given the opportunity to grow that they will stand for their ideals in the face of those who deem them unworthy or even unuseful.

AMBITIONS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2007 - Stranger (Bridge Nine Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF AMBITIONS:

Ambitions formed as a band back in 2005, hailing from Connecticut. In 2006, the band released their debut EP, "Question". 2007 would be a rather extensive year for the band, not only releasing their first full length album, "Stranger", but also three EP's, "Neon Lights", "Exile" and "No Limits". The band's most recent release was the EP "Surface To Air" in 2015. Though "Surface To Air" was released in 2015, the songs were actually written in 2010. By 2008, the band basically went on a hiatus while the band members moved on to other projects, most notably Hostage Calm and Defeater. They wanted to get "Surface To Air" out in 2011 but several factors prevented them from doing so. In support of finally getting "Surface To Air" out, the band reunited for two New England shows in March of 2016. Does this mean Ambitions might work on new material? Not sure. But perhaps those shows sparks an interest amongst the bandmates to work together again in the future. Ambitions style is that of a post hardcore/punk band. If you are a fan of bands such as With Honor, The Argument, Ignite, Great Collapse or Avail, then you'd probably like Ambitions. There's nothing extroadinary about their music, nor anything that stands out, but they're a nice little post hardcore/punk band that's definitely worth a listen.

TEN AMBITIONS SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Sinking
2. Lines I've Drawn
3. Uphill Battle
4. Surface To Air
5. Running Like Thieves
6. Distant
7. There Is A Difference
8. Neon Lights
9. Rapid Succession
10. Astro Zombies (Misfits cover)

Monday, September 12, 2016

Song Of The Week: 9/11/16







Song: "Blood Bank" (Bon Iver cover)

Artist: A Great Notion

Album: "A Little Scared" EP

Year: 2014

Place Of Origin: Peterborough, United Kingdom

Years Active: 2010-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Blood Bank" appears to be a song about a relationship between two people, beginning with the initial encounter, moving to a part where their love for each other is reciprocated and finally, to the point where they foresee their lives as always together with children in their future. It's kinda like the past, the present and the future and all the while, even at their first meeting, you feel like they know that this love at first site is going to turn into something more and they will forever be entwined together. "Blood Bank" was originally written and performed by the American indie folk band Bon Iver in 2009. A Great Notion covered this song for their 2014 "A Little Scared" EP.

A GREAT NOTION DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2012 - Fun With Swifts (Ashes Records)
2013 - Possibilities (Self Released)

CURRENT STATUS OF A GREAT NOTION:

A Great Notion is an acoustic/folk/punk project of Jordy, who plays in the bands Evil Macaroni and Sammy's Fatal Mistake, two bands entrenced in the Peterborough, U.K. punk scene. The band first broke on the scene with the "Still Singing" EP in 2010. Along with their two full length albums, 2012's "Fun With Swifts" and 2013's "Possibilities", A Great Notion also released the "Demos" EP and a split 7" with Andrew Cream in 2011, a split 7" with Luke Hilly & The Cavalry in 2013 and the "A Little Scared" EP in 2014. Most recently, the band was on the bill on the Leeds, U.K. "Scene Better Days Fest 2016" in August of 2016. A Great Notion brings a brand of acoustic/folk/punk with their sound. They do at times, however, incorporate some electric instrumentation in some of their songs but acoustic guitars are at the foundation of what their music is all about. If you are a fan of bands such as Onward, Etc, Chuck Ragan, The Horrible Crowes, FM359 or Flatfoot 56, then you would probably enjoy the music of A Great Notion. It's been quite commonplace for punk rock bands, or at least bands with punk rock roots to explore the acoustic format and A Great Notion is no different. I would say they aren't one of the top acoustic folk punk bands, but good enough to warrant being checked out.

TEN A GREAT NOTION SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Black Lungs
2. Anywhere
3. Sleep Well
4. Long Live Tonight
5. Drinking For Possibilities
6. This Isn't Kansas
7. Ode To The Grove
8. Late Nights In The Morning Sun
9. Insecure V (Political Jam)
10. 5th February

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Song Of The Week: 9/4/16







Song: "Straight Papers"

Artist: The Dopamines

Album: "Expect The Worst"

Year: 2010

Place Of Origin: Cincinnati, Ohio

Years Active: 2006-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Straight Papers" appears to be an anthem for the total slacker! The vocalist is well aware that he is a failure surrounded by others who are seemingly successful all around him. He seems quite content, in a way, to live his life in boredom, laziness and drunkeness! A total slacker!!

THE DOPAMINES DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2008 - The Dopamines (It's Alive Records)
2009 - Insubordination Fest '08: Live From Baltimore (Insubordination Records)
2010 - Expect The Worst (Paper + Plastick Records)
2012 - Vices (It's Alive Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF THE DOPAMINES:

Cincinnati, Ohio punks The Dopamines got their start in 2006, forming as a side project of members of the bands Black Tie Bombers and Ukraine Crane. It wasn't long before The Dopamines became the main focus of all the members involved and those other bands soon disbanded. Getting their music out there via pop punk forums and message boards, The Dopamines caught the ear of It's Alive Records who released their debut self/titled album in 2008. 2009 saw the band release the live cd/dvd "Insubordination Fest '08" as well as an EP called "Soap and Lampshades". 2010 saw the band hook up with Paper + Plastick Records to release their sophmore effort, "Expect The Worse". The band landed the opening slot on a Less Than Jake tour to promote that album. Their last full length release, 2012's "Vices", saw the band return to It's Alive Records. The Dopamines most recent release was the 2015 7" single "Guided By Vices". The Dopamines are known for their beer drenched, energetic live performances and their infectious brand of melodic, pop punk with a little snarl. This is a band that definitely draws it's influence from skate punk of the mid to late 90's. As for contemporaries, if you're a fan of bands like Dear Landlord, House Boat, Off With Their Heads, Banner Pilot and Dillinger Four, then The Dopamines should be right up your alley! Gritty pop/skate punk at it's finest!

TEN THE DOPAMINES SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Public Domain
2. Useless
3. Try This Kids At Home
4. Molly
5. You're Ruining My Life
6. Soap And Lampshades
7. Vices
8. October 24th
9. Car Trouble
10. The Satisfaction Of Physical Retraction From A Chemical Reaction

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Song Of The Week: 8/28/16







Song: "Old Dirt Road" (acoustic version)

Artist: Lexington Field

Album: "Redwood" EP

Year: 2016

Place Of Origin: San Diego, California

Years Active: 2009-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Old Dirt Road" appears to be about not forgetting about where you come from. There are certain roots, ideals and values that the vocalist holds near and dear to his heart and he will always make time to go back to where he came from even though there are people around him who may feel he should let go. His past and his roots are what made him to be the man he is today and he will never forget that or let go of that. This is an acoustic rendition of the song that was released on the band's 2016 EP "Redwood". The original version appears on the band's 2011 album "Old Dirt Road".

LEXINGTON FIELD DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2011 - Old Dirt Road (New Folk Records)
2013 - No Man's War (New Folk Records)
2015 - Greenwood (East Grand Record Company)

CURRENT STATUS OF LEXINGTON FIELD:

Lexington Field formed as a band back in 2009, hailing from San Diego, California. The band soon hooked on with New Folk Records for the release of their first two full length studio albums, 2011's "Old Dirt Road" and 2013's "No Man's War". The band also dropped a couple of EP's and straight singles between the years 2012 and 2016 on top of playing hundreds of shows including three national tours. The band's most recent full length album was 2015's "Greenwood". In 2016, the band released an all acoustic EP called "Redwood", which featured stripped down versions of their songs. Lexington Field bases their sound around the fiddle, in fact, they call their sound "fiddle rock". Basically, their style is reminiscent of Celtic punk/Irish folk punk bands. If you enjoy bands such as Flogging Molly, Hoist The Colors, Flatfoot 56, Dropkick Murphys or Bastards On Parade, then you would probably enjoy Lexington Field as well. Some of those other bands just replace the fiddle with bagpipes but the style is very similar all around. Lexington Field is a pretty solid band, the type of band that you could envision playing in local Irish pubs, which they do in fact! I'd definitely put them at a lower level the the Dropkick's, Flogging Molly and Flatfoot 56, but not a bad band at all.

TEN LEXINGTON FIELD SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Tracy Boys Fight The World
2. Selfish Bastard
3. Variation Of Promontory
4. Poor Troubled Life
5. I Can't Die Today
6. Here's To You
7. Weathered Heart
8. Rest Of Our Days
9. American Crow
10. Drunken Sailor

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Song Of The Week: 8/21/16







Song: "Spiderbite"

Artist: Local H

Album: "Local H's Awesome Mix Tape #1"

Year: 2010

Place Of Origin: Zion, Illinois

Years Active: 1987-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Spiderbite" appears to be a song about poison getting in your blood and in your veins. It slowly starts to creep in your brain and ultimately, it is going to kill you! "Spiderbite" is a cover song of a United Kingdom band called Winnebago Deal. The original version of the song can be found on their 2006 album, "Flight Of The Raven".

LOCAL H DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1995 - Ham Fisted (Island Records)
1996 - As Good As Dead (Island Records)
1998 - Pack Up The Cats (Island Records)
2001 - Here Comes The Zoo (Palm Pictures Records)
2004 - Whatever Happened To P.J. Soles (Studio E Records)
2005 - Alive '05 (Cleopatra Records)
2006 - '99-'00 Demos (G & P Records)
2008 - Twelve Angry Months (Shout! Factory Records)
2010 - Local H's Awesome Mix Tape #1 - (G & P Records)
2012 - Hallelujah! I'm A Bum (Slimstyle Records)
2014 - Local H's Awesome Mix Tape #2 - (G & P Records)
2015 - Hey, Killer - (G & P Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF LOCAL H:

Local H formed in 1987 when all the members were in high school. Originally called Rude Awakening, the band changed their name to Local H in 1990. Originally the band featured 4 members but as of 1993, only vocalist/guitarist Scott Lucas and drummer Joe Daniels remained. They decided to continue on as a two piece and, thanks to the grunge explosion of the early 90's, hooked on with major label Island Records in 1994. The band's second album with Island, 1996's "As Good As Dead", helped Local H attain a high level of success. The single "Bound For The Floor" reached #5 on the Billboard U.S. Alternative charts and two other singles, "Eddie Vedder" and "Fritz's Corner" both were in the top 40 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock charts. The band would never attain the same level of success as they did from their sophmore album though they did have moderate success with the singles "All The Kids Are Right", "Half Life" and "California Songs". A 2005 cover of Britney Spears' song "Toxic" also generated the band some airplay. Scott Lucas remains the heart and soul of Local H. He's the chief songwriter and lyricist and the one constant. Original drummer Joe Daniels left the band in 1999 and was replaced by Brian St. Claire who was replaced by Ryan Harding in 2013. The band's latest full length release was in 2015 called "Hey, Killer". Most recently, Local H has embarked on a 20th anniversary tour to celebrate their "As Good As Dead" album. Original drummer, Joe Daniels, performed with Lucas for the whole album in it's entirety, then Harding comes back out to play drums for other Local H hits and covers. Local H has quite the reputation for their live shows. At times they've had fans vote on setlists and on Halloweens, they have played entire shows covering certain artists from Nirvana, Kiss, Pink Floyd and more. Local H is a product of the grunge/post grunge/alternative sound so if you are a fan of bands like The Toadies, Nirvana, Mudhoney, Bush and early Silverchair, then you would probably enjoy the sounds of Local H as well. Hell, they made the 2 man band popular way before the White Stripes!!

TEN LOCAL H SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Bound For The Floor
2. All The Kids Are Right
3. Hands On The Bible
4. Eddie Vedder
5. Team (Lorde cover)
6. Fritz's Corner
7. California Songs
8. All-Right (Oh, Yeah)
9. Half Life
10. Everyone Alive

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Song Of The Week: 8/14/16







Song: "Marching On"

Artist: The Exposed

Album: "Marching On"

Year: 2006

Place Of Origin: Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Years Active: 2006-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

At one point, "Marching On" is an ode to the young soldiers who fight in wars and often die in vain. On the other hand, it's a anti-war stance, especially wars which are not fought for valid reasons. In the end, it's the families of these young men and women who are left with the pain and the scars. It's also a testament to the young soldier who will continue to march on despite the carnage around him whether or not he's fighting for a just cause.

THE EXPOSED DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2006 - Marching On (Headcase Records)
2010 - In The Face Of Resistance (Up & Atom Records)
2013 - Static Armageddon (Up & Atom Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF THE EXPOSED:

The Exposed have been in the game since 2006 and have been an underground part of the burgeoning English punk rock scene. That year saw the release of their debut album, "Marching On". Some four years later, the band hooked on with Up & Atom Records to release their sophmore effort, "In The Face Of Resistance". Most recently, The Exposed released their third full length album, "Static Armageddon", in 2013. The Exposed are a band that was lauded by fellow punkers and true legends of the genre Tim Armstrong and Lars Fredericksen or Rancid. In fact, if you're a fan of bands such as Rancid, Swingin' Utters, Street Dogs, Bouncing Souls and Have Nots, then you'd find that The Exposed's style is reminiscent of all of those bands. They definitely blend that street punk edge and have no problems wearing their political and social beliefs on their sleeves when it comes to lyrical content. It's been a few years now since the band's last release so I would assume that something new may be on the horizon. The band's lead singer, Sim Williams has been working on some solo material as well as doing some shows during the band's downtime.

TEN THE EXPOSED SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. College Park Blues
2. Sleeping's A Waste Of My Youth
3. Rebel City Rockers
4. To Your Demise
5. Kristen
6. R.C.P.
7. Marching On
8. Red Alert
9. Flowers Never Bend
10. Soulless

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Song Of The Week: 8/7/16







Song: "No Says The Nose"

Artist: Timeshares

Album: "Timeshares/Dividers" Split 7"

Year: 2012

Place Of Origin: Suffern, New York

Years Active: 2009-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"No Says The Nose" appears to be a song about enjoying life better on the road than at home. The vocalist seems to be more at peace driving down the open road in strange towns than he is when he is at home. He is very content with the constant moving than settling down, especially in the place where he is from.

TIMESHARES DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2011 - Bearable (Kiss Of Death Records)
2015 - Already Dead (SideOneDummy Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF TIMESHARES:

Timeshares formed as a band back in 2009, hailing from New York. The band's first musical project was a self-released EP called "Untitled" in 2009. The band hooked on with Kiss Of Death Records for their very first full length studio album, "Bearable", in 2011. Timeshares also released three split 7" singles with the bands Captain, We're Sinking, Luther and Dividers. Most recently, the band released their sophmore album, "Already Dead", in 2015. The band supported that album with a co-headlining tour with Signals Midwest in late 2015. Timeshares has also spent much of 2016 on the road trying to get their music out to the masses. As for the sound of Timeshares, I think of bands such as Red City Radio, Samiam, Banner Pilot, Hot Water Music and Banquets. Timeshares has many similar elements to their sound as those bands I mentioned. Very solid band with great use of melodic structure and passionate vocals. A definite up and comer in my mind.

TEN TIMESHARES SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. From An Admirer Not Darryl
2. State Line To State Line
3. The Bad Parts
4. Woke Up In Grappler School
5. Spend The Night
6. No Says The Nose
7. In A World Of Ghosts... (Lemuria cover)
8. Little Full, Lotta Sap
9. Who's Going To Watch You Through The Witching Hour
10. Focus, Eddie

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Song Of The Week: 7/31/16







Song: "Crystal Court"

Artist: Run Forever

Album: "Big Vacation" 7" single

Year: 2015

Place Of Origin: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Years Active: 2009-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Crystal Court" appears to be a song about wallowing in one's own depression and self-loathe. The vocalist perhaps is in a failing or failed relationship and he is in just complete misery. You get a sense that the vocalist was perhaps caught cheating or in some way not being faithfull. He also knows that it was him who was in the wrong and he just wants to get away from his surroundings and everyone that is included in them.

RUN FOREVER DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2011 - The Devil, And Death, And Me (Solidarity Recordings)
2012 - Settling (Tiny Engines Records)
2015 - Run Forever (No Sleep Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF RUN FOREVER:

Run Forever formed as a band back in 2009, hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The band has released three full length studio albums, 2011's "The Devil, And Death, And Me", 2012's "Settling" and 2015's "Run Forever". The band has also been featured on a few split singles and EP's. Most recently, the band was touring in support of their self-titled album, a tour which wrapped up in early 2016. Run Forever is an indie/punk band with a slight touch of emo mixed in. If you took elements of bands like The Menzingers, Apologies, I Have None, The Riot Before, Against Me! and Permanent Bastards, you'd get something that sounds like Run Forever. The band's lyrics are very personal in content and you can feel the emotion in Anthony Heubel's vocals. Run Forever is very much an underground band but if you seek passionate and energetic playing under thought provoking lyrical content, then Run Forever is a band you should definitely check out.

TEN RUN FOREVER SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. The Devil, And Death, And Me
2. A Sequence Of Bad Events
3. Grand Marquis
4. The Grand Illusion
5. Sun Bruised
6. Get Better
7. Basement
8. Crystal Court
9. Good Enough
10. Big Vacation

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Song Of The Week: 7/24/16







Song: "Boroughs"

Artist: A Dying Regime

Album: "Shuttles" EP

Year: 2013

Place Of Origin: Orlando, Florida

Years Active: 2011-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Boroughs" appears to be a song about revolution. It's about believing so much in your ideals that you are willing to stand and fight for them and you will not succumb to something or someone that you don't believe in. It's about not conforming to ideals or ways of life or rules that you don't believe in and fighting for those you do.

A DYING REGIME DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

A Dying Regime has not yet released a full length studio album.

CURRENT STATUS OF A DYING REGIME:

A Dying Regime is a five piece punk outfit from Orlando, Florida. The band released the EP, "Lost Ave" in 2012, just one year after they formed. They then signed on with Dying Scene Records for the release of their follow up EP, 2013's "Shuttles". Most recently, the band appeared on a punk compilation from Dying Scene Records called "Dying Music From A Dying Scene". The song "Breaking The 4th Wall" is an unreleased A Dying Regime track that appears on that comp. A Dying Regime is a band that is still in it's relative infancy with just two EP's under it's belt. They play an aggressive form of melodic punk with hints of metal. If you're a fan of early Thrice or bands like Story Of The Year, 1000 Degrees, From Plan To Progress and Much The Same then you would most likely enjoy the music of A Dying Regime. This seems like a band that has some real potential for fans of punk rock music.

TEN A DYING REGIME SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. A Hedgehog Dilemma
2. Stand Up
3. Breaking The 4th Wall
4. Monitor Burn
5. Let's Start The Show
6. Swinging For The Fences
7. Boroughs
8. Keeper Of The Blade
9. Twisted Fate
10. Moving Forward

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Song Of The Week: 7/17/16







Song: "Ordinary"

Artist: Like A Storm

Album: "Awaken The Fire"

Year: 2015

Place Of Origin: Auckland, New Zealand

Years Active: 2005-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Ordinary" appears to be about being sick of being stuck in a life that just doesn't seem to be going anywhere and the surroundings and moments are always the same. Nothing ever seems to change for the vocalist. Though he wants to get out of his situation and his environment, he seems confined by the fact that as boring and ordinary as his life is, it's also all he knows. He seems to want help from someone to possibly give him the nudge or point him in a different direction to spark a fire in him to change his surroundings and his life.

LIKE A STORM DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2009 - The End Of The Beginning (Prospect Park/Rasputin Records)
2013 - Worlds Collide: Live From The Ends Of The Earth (Fatal Records)
2015 - Awaken The Fire (Another Century Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF LIKE A STORM:

Like A Storm formed as a band back in 2005, hailing from New Zealand. Formed by brothers Chris, Matt and Kent Brooks, the guys knew almost immediately that they had a chemistry and became super serious about moving forward with their band. They also knew that in order for them to have success, they had to move to North America and leave their homeland behind. Setting up shop in Canada, the band released their debut album, "The End Of The Beginning", in 2009. The album entered the Billboard New Artist chart at #61 and the band was invited to open up for Creed on their "Full Circle" tour. The band released a few EP's next, 2011's "Like A Storm Unplugged" and 2012's "Chaos Theory" followed by the live album, "Worlds Collide", which featured a live cd from North America and a live acoustic cd from their native New Zealand. In 2015 the band dropped their second full length studio album, "Awaken The Fire". This album featured three singles that peaked in the top 25 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart, "Love The Way You Hate Me" (#21), "Become The Enemy" (#11) and "Wish You Hell" (#17). The band most recently toured Europe in support of "Awaken The Fire". Like A Storm is a mainstream rock outfit, you could say post grunge or hard rock. If you like bands in the ilk of Smile Empty Soul, Fuel, Three Days Grace, Trapt or 12 Stones then you'd most likely enjoy the sound of Like A Storm. Both of their albums have charted and have had success and the band has shared the stage with many big mainstream rock acts including Alter Bridge, Korn, Creed, Shinedown, Puddle Of Mudd, Staind, Drowning Pool and Three Days Grace. Not sure if I expect anything new from the band in 2016, but would not be surprised to see the band put forth new material sooner rather than later.

TEN LIKE A STORM SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Love The Way You Hate Me
2. Become The Enemy
3. Wish You Hell
4. Chemical Infatuation
5. Lie To Me
6. Gangster's Paradise (Coolio cover)
7. Break Free
8. Just Save Me
9. Never Surrender
10. Change Tomorrow

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Song Of The Week: 7/10/16







Song: "Aside"

Artist: Resistors

Album: "Drag"

Year: 2015

Place Of Origin: Brooklyn, New York

Years Active: 2011-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Aside" appears to be a song about the vocalist thinking about all of the regrets he has in his life. The question is, do you pick yourself up and move forward or do you let your past mistakes continue to haunt you and affect decisions you make in the present and the future. It's a struggle within himself. Keep plugging away and step aside and give in.

RESISTORS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2012 - Conditioned (Self Released)
2013 - Breaking Tradition (Self Released)
2015 - Drag (Aces & Eights Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF RESISTORS:

Formed in 2011, Resistors is very much the brainchild of vocalist Scott Wolff. As he gathered more and more songs together, he realized it was time to form a band to get his music out. The band self released their first two albums, 2012's "Conditioned" and 2013's "Breaking Tradition". In 2015, the band signed on with Aces & Eights Records and released the album "Drag". Resistors' style is very much related to 90's melodic hardcore punk. If you listen to bands such as 88 Fingers Louie, Good Riddance, Bad Religion, Strike Twelve or Sic Waiting, then you'd get a feel for the sound of Resistors. There isn't a whole lot of news out there about this band. I assume they are still trying to establish themselves in the local New York punk scene but judging from their songs, especially those on their "Drag" release, they should be a staple in any melodic hardcore punk fan's catalogue.

TEN RESISTORS SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Hometowns
2. Wasting Away
3. Aside
4. He Had A Good Run
5. I Guess That This Punk Thing Caught On
6. Wrong Track
7. Ageage
8. In Pieces
9. 26th Street
10. Illusions And Traditions

Sunday, July 3, 2016

Song Of The Week: 7/3/16







Song: "White Canyon"

Artist: Crazy Arm

Album: "Union City Breath"

Year: 2011

Place Of Origin: Plymouth, United Kingdom

Years Active: 2006-present




WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"White Canyon" appears to be about just wallowing in depression. Whether it's the summer or the winter, it doesn't matter. The vocalist is finding it harder and harder to come up with a good reason just to leave his house. It's almost as if he is trapped by his own decisions to not try to better his situation. At the end it seems he is calling out for help to anyone he knows so maybe, there is a chance someone can pull him out of this darkness he finds himself in.

CRAZY ARM DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2009 - Born To Ruin (Xtra Mile Recordings)
2011 - Union City Breath (Gunner Records/Xtra Mile Recordings)
2013 - The Southern Wild (Xtra Mile Recordings)

CURRENT STATUS OF CRAZY ARM:

Crazy Arm formed as a band back in 2006, hailing from the U.K. The band's first official release was the 7" single "Broken By The Wheel" in 2008. In 2009, they released their debut full length album, "Born To Ruin". Continuing their partnership with Xtra Mile Recordings, Crazy Arm dropped "Union City Breath" in 2011 and the all acoustic album, "The Southern Wild" in 2013. According the the band's Last.fm page, they are currently working on new songs for what will be their fourth full length studio album. It's not known if it will be all acoustic like their last album, or the full on electric style of their first two releases. Crazy Arm is a band that takes it's influence from all types of genres including melodic hardcore punk, 60's protest music, American, English and Irish folk, anarcho punk and classic rock and roll. If you throw all those styles in a pot and mix it up, you'd get something resembling Crazy Arm. If you like bands such as Apologies, I Have None, The Flatliners and The Menzingers and meshed up those styles with the likes of Chuck Ragan or Dave Hause, then you'd get a feel for what Crazy Arm sounds like. They're a tough band to pinpoint stylistically, but that is what makes them somewhat unique. Crazy Arm is a solid band that is well worthy of a listen!

TEN CRAZY ARM SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Bandalito
2. 200 Pints Of Blood
3. Tribes/Animals
4. All Butchers Are Men
5. We Don't Go There Anymore
6. Still To Keep
7. Broken By The Wheel
8. Asphalt
9. Blind Summit
10. Henry Fabian Flynn

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Song Of The Week: 6/26/16







Song: "Left On Memory Lane"

Artist: Landmines

Album: "Commerce And Marx"

Year: 2011

Place Of Origin: Richmond, Virginia

Years Active: 2005-2011



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

Couldn't find the lyrics to "Left On Memory Lane" anywhere on the net, but after giving the song a close listen a few times, I get the sense that the vocalist is reliving old memories with old friends, maybe in a bar setting. You can tell that whether they did some things right or if they did some things wrong, the vocalist wouldn't change a thing. Those times are what molded him into the person he is today and those memories hold strong sentimental values.

LANDMINES DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2008 - Landmines (Paper + Plastick Records)
2011 - Commerce And Marx (Paper + Plastick Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF LANDMINES:

Landmines is a melodic, hardcore punk band that formed back in 2005, hailing from Richmond, Virginia. They are the very first band to ever sign on Paper + Plastick Records, a label that has now gone on to be one of the bigger punk rock labels that are out there. The band released their debut album in 2008, "Landmines", then followed that up with an EP in 2009, "Hell Is What You Make It". Their most recent release was 2011's "Commerce And Marx". By November of 2011, the band had decided to call it quits after just 6 years as a band. Landmines definitely showed some promise picking up where fellow Virginian hardcore punk legends Avail left off. If you are a fan of bands such as Protagonist, Static Radio NJ, Asado, DC Fallout or Hear The Sirens then you should give Landmines a listen. It's a shame where the music industry is right now that small bands have such a hard time making it. There are so many bands that I listen to that just can't seem to make it financially work to sustain keeping their bands together. Landmines is one of those bands that just dissolved before they really left an imprint on the music scene.

TEN LANDMINES SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Hell Is What We Make It
2. Three Little Pigs
3. Sleeping Sidewalks
4. Black Tide
5. 80 Proof
6. Excess And Indifference
7. Ditch Digger
8. In Our Name
9. Careless Haircut
10. Evil Eye

Sunday, June 19, 2016

Song Of The Week: 6/19/16







Song: "See You At The Bottom"

Artist: This Is A Standoff

Album: "Be Delighted" EP

Year: 2011

Place Of Origin: Calgary, Canada

Years Active: 2007-2012



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"See You At The Bottom" appears to be about a girl who's been abandoned by her boyfriend, leaving her with their newborn son. She is struggling to find a job to make ends meet and she totally feels alone. She's in a constant struggle to commit suicide or not to. Her son is the reason she wants to live, yet she sees her boyfriend in the son when she looks in his eyes which brings on the suicidal thoughts. Her future definitely doesn't look to bright when reading the lyrics to this song.

THIS IS A STANDOFF DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2007 - Be Excited (Effervescence/Feuzeul Records)
2009 - Be Disappointed (Animal Style Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF THIS IS A STANDOFF:

This Is A Standoff formed out of the ashes of the punk band Belvedere. Belvedere members Steve Rawles and Graham Churchill formed This Is A Standoff almost as a side band at first, but when Belvedere disbanded, This Is A Standoff became their main focus. The band hails from Calgary, Canada and formed in 2007. The band released their debut full length studio album, "Be Excited" in that year as well. In 2009, the band hooked up with Animal Style Records to release their sophmore effort, "Be Disappointed". The band's last release would be the 2011 EP called "Be Delighted" through Funtime Records. This Is A Standoff would be a short-lived band as they announced on their Facebook page in February of 2012 that they were going to disband. Some members of This Is A Standoff went on to form a new band called Torches To Triggers. This Is A Standoff is a technical, melodic hardcore punk band much in the same vein as fellow Canadians Propagandhi. If you heard bands such as Much The Same, A Wilhelm Scream, Bigwig, No Trigger or Venerea, then that's the style of punk that you'd expect from This Is A Standoff. This band is pretty damn good so it's a shame that they didn't continue on and broke up so soon. Just goes to show that it's very hard out there for bands to make it. Sometimes the struggle isn't worth it in the long run. In just 5 short years however, This Is A Standoff played some 322 shows in over 25 countries so it was not a lack of effort to get their music out there to the masses.

TEN THIS IS A STANDOFF SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Dream Beater
2. Everything We Take
3. We're Really Doint It
4. The Enlightened One
5. Face The Sun
6. You Won't Pass
7. Head In The Sand
8. Days Go By
9. Underwater
10. See You At The Bottom

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Song Of The Week: 6/12/16







Song: "So Much For The Afterglow" (Everclear cover)

Artist: Four Year Strong

Album: "Explains It All"

Year: 2009

Place Of Origin: Worcester, Massachusetts

Years Active: 2001-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"So Much For The Afterglow" is a song that appears to be about how the shine of a new relationship has faded as the years have gone by. You get the feeling that the vocalist thought that this was a relationship that was going to last and very much be a part of his future. As the years have past however, the two have grown farther apart and the future is that their is no future for the both of them. Four Year Strong covered this song for their 2009 "Explains It All" album. The original was recorded by the band Everclear and you can find it on their 1999 album "So Much For The Afterglow".

FOUR YEAR STRONG DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2005 - It's Our Time (Open Your Eyes Records)
2007 - Rise Or Die Trying (I Surrender Records)
2009 - Explains It All (Decaydance Records)
2010 - Enemy Of The World (Decaydance Records)
2011 - In Some Way, Shape Or Form (Decaydance Records)
2015 - Four Year Strong (Pure Noise Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF FOUR YEAR STRONG:

The members of Four Your Strong met when they were still in high school in Worcester, Massachusetts and officially formed as a band in 2001. After a few years of jamming together and playing local shows, the band released their debut album in 2005, "It's Our Time". Their 2007 release, "Rise Or Die Trying" peaked at #31 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart. By 2009, the band hooked up with Decaydance Records, a subsidiary of major label Universal Motown/Universal Republic. The band's 2010 release, "Enemy Of The World", debuted at #47 on the Billboard 200 charts thanks in part to the singles "It Must Really Suck To Be Four Year Strong Right Now" and "Wasting Time (Eternal Summer)". After their 2011 release, "In Some Way, Shape Or Form", the band took a bit of a hiatus. They were back in 2014 however, releasing the EP "Go Down In History" and in 2015, the band released "Four Year Strong" which is their latest release to this date. Most recently, the guys in Four Year Strong completed a late summer/fall U.S. tour supporting their self-titled album in 2015. The band remains pretty active on the touring and recording front so I wouldn't be surprised to see new material from Four Year Strong come out in 2017 at some point. Style-wise, Four Year Strong is a melodic, pop punk band at heart with hints of hardcore at times, but not often. If you are a fan of bands such as The Swellers, Living With Lions, A Day To Remember, Polar Bear Club or Transit, then you'd probably enjoy listening to Four Year Strong. While they are influenced by melodic punk bands like Green Day, MxPx and The Offspring, as shown by their "Explains It All" album, their sound is also heavily influenced by 90's alternative/pop/grunge as they covered songs by Everclear, The Smashing Pumpkins, Third Eye Blind, No Doubt and Nirvana. Mix that all together and you get the sound of Four Year Strong. Pretty solid band, not spectacular, but pretty solid.

TEN FOUR YEAR STRONG SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Wasting Time (Eternal Summer)
2. Stuck In The Middle
3. Bada Bing! Wit A Pipe!
4. Just Drive
5. We All Float Down Here
6. Heroes Get Remembered, Legends Never Die
7. Eating My Words
8. It Must Really Suck To Be Four Year Strong Right Now
9. Go Long Dad
10. Semi-Charmed Life (Third Eye Blind cover)