Song Of The Week: 10/19/14

Song: "Youth Overrided" (acoustic)

Artist: Cave In

Album: "Live Airwaves"

Year: 2005



"Youth Overrided" is a song that appears to be about someone who is very old and possibly close to dying. He feels his life has passed him by much too soon and maybe, he didn't totally soak up his youth. At times, he still feels young at heart, but his memory is starting to fade as well as his existence on this Earth. The original version of "Youth Overrided" appeared on Cave In's 2003 album "Antenna". The version I chose for my song of the week is an acoustic version that appeared on Cave In's 2005 live compilation, "Live Airwaves". Cave In formed as a band back in 1995, hailing from Methuen, Massachusetts. The band was formed by vocalist Jay Frechette and guitarist Stephen Brodsky. The band released a demo and several split 7" recordings before hooking up with Hydra Head Records and releasing their self/titled 7" in 1997. Frechette would leave the band to focus his energies on his other band Ten Yard Fight. In 1998, "Beyond Hypothermia" was released which was basically a compilation of all the 7" recordings that Cave In recorded up to that point. 1998 also saw the band release their very first full length album "Until Your Heart Stops". This album was the first to feature Stephen Brodsky on lead vocals. Up to this point, Cave In was pretty much a metalcore band. With the 1999 release of "Creative Eclipses", this would begin the so called "space rock" period for the band. In 2000, the band released "Jupiter". This album continued on with a melodic, atmospheric sound. People began calling the band "emo-metal Radiohead", a description that the members of Cave In whole-heartedly disagreed with. 2002's "Tides Of Tomorrow" EP continued on the same path as their previous two releases. In 2003, Cave In signed with major label RCA Records and released "Antenna". This album saw the band shift gears once again to a more modern rock/mainstream rock sound. "Antenna" would be Cave In's only album to chart on the Billboard 200, reaching #169, thanks in part to the singles "Anchor" and "Inspire". The band earned a slot on the Lollapalooza tour that year, as well as an opening slot on the Foo Fighters European tour. In 2005, Cave In parted ways with RCA and returned to Hydra Head Records. They also returned to their metal roots with the release of "Perfect Pitch Black". In 2006, the band went on a short hiatus. Some three years later in 2009, Cave In returned with the EP "Planets Of Old". In 2010, Brodsky said that the band would be more selective about their touring schedule and that future Cave In releases may be more focused on a digital medium. In 2011, Cave In released "White Silence". This album saw the band delve more into metal with hints of hardcore. 2013 saw the band release the "Untitled" EP, which basically featured three demos of previously released songs. Currently, not much news on the Cave In front. Brodsky does have several side projects so maybe he has just not set aside any time to work on new material with Cave In. This band has went through so many stylistic changes that if you heard them today as compared to what they were playing in the early 2000's, you wouldn't even know it was the same band! Maybe that's what has hurt them on a mainstream success level but in the underground music scene, Cave In is well respected both musically and lyrically.

Song Of The Week: 10/12/14

Song: "Blame It On Me"

Artist: Unwritten Law

Album: "Live And Lawless"

Year: 2008



"Blame It On Me" is a song that appears to be about a relationship where the vocalist has been beaten down emotionally and mentally by his significant other. The verbal assaults, the chastising, the being locked out and let down has come to a head and he's finally ready to set her free and be done with this abusive relationship. This is a live version of the song taken from Unwritten Law's 2008 DVD "Live And Lawless". The original version of the song can be found on U.L.'s 2002 album "Elva". Unwritten Law formed as a band back in 1990, hailing from just outside San Diego, California. In 1992, the band released a cassette demo followed by a 7" vinyl release in 1993 called "Blurr". In 1994, Unwritten Law dropped their first full length album, "Blue Room", through Red Eye Records. This album featured songs like "CPK", "Shallow" and "Suzanne", which are still crowd favorites to this day. The band caught the ear of Epic Records who signed them to a deal. 1996 saw the band release "Oz Factor". This album featured the songs "Denied" and "Superman" and earned the band support slots on tours with Blink 182 and Pennywise. In 1997, the band signed with Interscope Records and in 1998 they released their self-titled album "Unwritten Law". This album featured the singles "Lonesome", "Cailin" and "Teenage Suicide" and earned them a slot on the Vans Warped Tour which took Unwritten Law across North America, Europe and Australia. 2002's "Elva" was the mainstream breakthrough for Unwritten Law. The band steered away from their poppy punk style and went more radio accessible rock and it paid off with their single and most popular song "Seein' Red". That single would reach #1 on the U.S. Modern Rock charts. In 2003, Unwritten Law signed with Lava Records and released "Music In High Places", a live acoustic compilation recorded in various places in Yellowstone National Park. 2005 saw the band release "Here's To The Mourning", featuring the singles "She Says" and "Save Me (Wake Up Call)", which would peak at #5 on the U.S. Modern Rock charts. In 2007, the band released a greatest hits compilation called "The Hit List", the lead single off of that was the newly recorded "Shoulda Known Better". In 2008, the band signed with Suburban Noize Records and released the live DVD, "Live And Lawless", which was recorded at the Key Club in Los Angeles, California. In 2011, Unwritten Law released their latest album "Swan", featuring the single "Starships And Apocalypse". In 2013, it was said the band was working on an acoustic album and that they would then begin work on a new studio album. Currently, 2014 is nearing an end and there is no news about either Unwritten Law's acoustic album or their new studio album. Perhaps they are still hard at work on them, I don't know. When bands like Blink 182 and Green Day started getting more and more popular it was not uncommon for major labels to seek out similar bands, trying to catch lightning in a bottle and that was the case with Unwritten Law. It wasn't until the band veered away from their pop punk roots and became more mainstream rock that they began to establish their musical identity. The height of their popularity came between 2002 and 2007 and they've been trying to reach that ever since. Unfortunately, they have had trouble maintaining a stable line-up, mostly due to the volatility of front man Scott Russo. "Elva" was the band's masterpiece while most of their other albums failed to live up to that though their "self-titled" is very solid as well.

Song Of The Week: 10/5/14

Song: "Courage"

Artist: Authority Zero

Album: "Less Rhythm, More Booze"

Year: 2012



"Courage" is a song that appears to be about overcoming any adversity that comes your way. It's an uplifting song about someone that continues to be beaten down by life but continues to pick him or herself up and refuses to stand down to anyone or anything. This person defines courage. The original version of "Courage" appeared on Authority Zero's 2007 album "12:34". The version I chose for my song of the week is a live acoustic performance from the band's 2012 album "Less Rhythm, More Booze". Authority Zero formed as a band back in 1994, hailing from Mesa, Arizona. It took the band nearly eight years to finally settle on a line-up before they would release their debut album. Finally in 2002, the band signed on with Lava Records who released their first album, "A Passage In Time". This album featured the songs "One More Minute" and "Over Seasons". The success of the album earned Authority Zero support slots for bands such as No Use For A Name, The Starting Line, Sum 41, Everclear, Guttermouth and H2O. In 2004, the band's second album, "Andiamo" was released. This was a much more politically charged album as shown in songs like "Revolution", "A Thousand Years Of War" and the Wall Of Voodoo cover, "Mexican Radio". 2006 saw the band release the live acoustic compilation "Rhythm And Booze" through Suburban Noize Records. In 2007, Authority Zero released "12:34". As I said before, this album features the single and my song of the week, "Courage". In 2010, Authority Zero signed with Hardline Entertainment, a company co-owned by Pennywise guitarist Fletcher Dragge, and released "Stories Of Survival". This album peaked at #5 on Billboard's Top Heatseekers Chart thanks in part to songs like "Big Bad World" and the anthemic "Get It Right". 2012 saw the second installment of a live acoustic compilation in the form of "Less Rhythm, More Booze". In 2013, Authority Zero dropped their latest album "The Tipping Point". This album features the singles "No Other Place", "Lift One Up" and "Today We Heard The News" which is said to be a tribute to the late Tony Sly of No Use For A Name. Currently, there has been no news of new material coming out from the Authority Zero camp, though they are active, just completing a European tour and having dates set up for a Fall U.S. tour. The band was heavily influenced by groups like Bad Religion, Pennywise and Sublime and you can definitely hear elements from those three bands in Authority Zero's music. They are parts skate punk, parts politically charged punk and parts reggae/ska punk. Authority Zero is big time in my opinion. Easily one of my favorite bands, Authority Zero can be edgy, can rock out or they can groove and they do all of the above the way it's supposed to be done.

Song Of The Week: 9/28/14

Song: "Alligator"

Artist: Foxboro Hot Tubs

Album: "Stop Drop And Roll!!!"

Year: 2008



"Alligator" is a song that appears to be about someone who aggravates, irritates and agitates the vocalist. The vocalist just wants the person to get away from him as he sees him as a shady character and someone he doesn't want to associate with. "Alligator" doesn't contain the best lyrics in the world but it is a cool Kinks style garage rocker. Foxboro Hot Tubs formed as a band back in 2007, hailing from the Bay Area in California. It has been said that the band formed after a few late night jams and a few too many bottles of wine. At first, the band tried to hide their identity, using fake names and what not. Of course, anyone who heard their music automatically started drawing Green Day comparisons and eventually, they were proven right as all of the members of Green Day are in the Foxboro Hot Tubs. Unlike other Green Day side projects Pinhead Gunpowder, who had a more gritty punk feel, and The Network, which was an ode to early 80's electro, new wave style pop, the Foxboro Hot Tubs had a stripped down garage rock feel. In 2008, the band dropped their first full length album, "Stop Drop And Roll!!!". The lead single "Mother Mary" reached #16 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. The second single on the album was "The Pedestrian". In 2010, the band played a new song live called "Fuck Time". In 2012, "Fuck Time" saw the light of day on a record, but it was on Green Day's album "Dos!". "Dos!" would be the second of a trilogy of albums Green Day released in late 2012. In fact, it has been rumored that "Dos!" was originally supposed to be the second Foxboro Hot Tubs album. In 2013, the Foxboro Hot Tubs performed a secret show in Oakland. The performance featured several songs off of "Dos!" as well as the majority of "Stop Drop And Roll!!!". In 2014, the band performed at the SXSW Festival in Texas. Currently, the Foxboro Hot Tubs remain active, but it is important to remember that they are a side project and Green Day is the main focus of members Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, Tre Cool and Jason White. The band seems to pop up here and there during Green Day downtime. Besides playing the SXSW festival recently, there doesn't appear to be any new material coming out by the Foxboro Hot Tubs anytime soon.

Song Of The Week: 9/21/14

Song: "Ink Soaked Pages"

Artist: Thought Riot

Album: "Sketches Of Undying Will"

Year: 2003



"Ink Soaked Pages" is a song that appears to be about the beauty of undying will. There's something impactful about someone who has been through so much physically, emotionally and psychologically, yet, there's still a fire inside of them. A spark that's just looking to ignite. For a punk song, the lyrics are quite poetic. Thought Riot formed as a band back in 1997, hailing from California. The band was driven by progressive political thoughts that many of their lyrics expressed. They were highly influenced by the writings of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. After some line-up shuffling, the band recorded a demo in 1998 called "Our Six Best Takes". 2000 saw the band record yet another demo titled "Bright Dreams For A Dark World". By 2001, Thought Riot caught the ear of label A-F Records and in 2002 the label released Thought Riot's debut full length album, "Shattered Mirror Syndrome". Thought Riot began touring with bands you would consider their peers in punk rock such as Anti-Flag, Good Riddance, Pipedown and Strike Anywhere. In 2003 the band released the EP "The Dangerous Doctrine Of Empathy". Later in that year, the band released their second full length album, "Sketches Of Undying Will". Between 2004 and 2006, Thought Riot toured relentlessly, including an appearance on the Warped Tour. In 2007, the band confirmed on their MySpace page that they had several songs written but not recorded as well as having some songs recorded that were never released. Unfortunately, Thought Riot was basically disbanded by 2008. Currently, Thought Riot is no longer a band. They could never quite keep a stable line-up over the years and it just seemed like the band was going nowhere. They did have one song surface after their break-up called "Rock Is Not Revolution" but i'm not quite sure what year that came out, perhaps it was one of those finished songs that the band was referring to on their MySpace post. If you're a fan of politically charged punk like Anti-Flag, Pennywise, Good Riddance or Rise Against then perhaps you should give Thought Riot a go. Not a real groundbreaking band, but not bad either.

Song Of The Week: 9/14/14

Song: "Closet Monsters"

Artist: Sink The Bismark

Album: "Sine Metu"

Year: 2011



"Closet Monsters" is a song that appears to be about being stuck in a rut in life. The vocalist seems prone to making the same mistakes over and over again and there just doesn't seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel. It seems he feels that time is running out for him to make the necessary changes to steer his life in the right direction. Sink The Bismark formed as a band back in 2008, hailing from St. Louis, Missouri. It took the band a few years to build up a following and eventually in 2011, they signed a deal with I Hate Punk Rock Records. The band's first release was an EP called "Without Fear". 2011 also saw the band release their debut full length album entitled "Sine Metu". The band remained very much an underground band and have been touring relentlessly, spreading their brand of melodic punk rock music. In 2013, the band performed an acoustic song called "Decades", no word yet if that will see an official release or not. In 2014, the band did state that they were working on new songs and for their fans to get ready for some new release information. There's not a whole lot of info out there about Sink The Bismark, but if you've heard their debut album "Sine Metu", it's a really solid effort. If you are a fan of bands such as The Gaslight Anthem, The Loved ones, Against Me!, The Menzingers, The Flatliners and Red City Radio then Sink The Bismark should be a band you should check out. Real solid melodic punk rock band.

Song Of The Week: 9/7/14

Song: "Sick Boys"

Artist: H2O

Album: "Don't Forget Your Roots"

Year: 2011



"Sick Boys" is a song that appears to be an ode to the rebel, the punk or the outsider. It glorifies being the bad boy, the guy you don't want to fuck with but the girls all want to get with. The song was originally performed by Orange County, California punk legends Social Distortion and released on their 1990 self-titled album. The version I chose is a cover of the song by hardcore punk stalwarts H2O. H2O formed as a band back in 1995, hailing from New York City. Lead vocalist Toby Morse was actually a roadie for Sick Of It All when he decided to form his own band. In 1996, the band released "H2O" and filmed a video for the song "Family Tree". 1997 saw the band release "Thicker Than Water". This album featured the song "Everready". H2O earned opening slots for bands like The Misfits, Pennywise, Sick Of It All and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. They also toured Japan for the very first time. In 1998, H2O played their first Warped Tour and in 1999, the band released "F.T.T.W.". This album featured the song "One Life One Chance" and the band played with the likes of NOFX, The Bouncing Souls and 7 Seconds. In 2000, the band recorded a punk version of Ice Cube's song "It Was A Good Day". 2001 saw H2O sign with major label MCA Records and release "Go". This album featured tracks like "Memory Lane" and "Role Model", perhaps the bands most popular song. In 2002, H2O released the "All We Want" EP which features three new tracks as well as two live songs. From 2004 to 2007, H2O mostly toured, playing in the U.S., Japan and performing for the first time in South America. In 2008, H2O signed with Bridge 9 Records and released "Nothing To Prove". This was their first album of original material in seven years! The album spawned two singles, "What Happened" and "Nothing To Prove". 2008 also saw the band release their very first DVD called "One Life One Chance". In 2011, H2O released an all covers album called "Don't Forget Your Roots". The band payed tribute to many of the bands that influenced them including Social Distortion, Sick Of It All, Rancid, The Clash, 7 Seconds, The Descendents and more. In 2013, it was announced that H2O expected to have a new album out but that year ended without a new release. Currently, the latest news on H2O was that they did in fact enter the recording studio in February of 2014 but as of now, there has been no news about when or if a new album will be released any time soon. The band tours relentlessly, sometimes it seems at the expense of getting in the studio and putting out new music. Unfortunately for underground bands like H2O, the money is on the road, not in the studio so that is perhaps why releases have been spread out over years. Whatever the deal, H2O is a staple in the New York City melodic hardcore punk scene.