Local Show

Hey All,

This is just a reminder (especially for old timers like me) that Colorado's beloved Pinhead Circus will be having a reunion show on Saturday. It's at the Marquis Theater. Details can be found here.

I hope to see you there.

Keep rockin'.

Reviewer Wanted!

Hey Everyone,

BST is looking for a reviewer/interviewer. We’ve come to point where our staff could use an extra person to manage our workload. We can’t pay you, but keep in mind that this as an opportunity to further your musical palette as well as have something to show for your love of music. It’s not a job!!!

Below is a list of requirements, as well as characteristics of our ideal candidate. By no means do you have to meet all of these, but the more that you meet, the better your chances.

Requirements:

• Passionate about music
• Knowledge/familiarity with hardcore, metal, punk, and/or emo genres (and their subgenres)
• Solid writing/grammar skills
• Honest
• Motivated/Dedicated
• Willingness to meet with BST staff to receive review materials (or pay for materials to be mailed to US address)

Preferences:

• Experience writing music/concert reviews and/or interviewing
• At least 18 years old
• Extensive music background (playing, writing, attending)
• Reliable transportation
• Willingness to pay to attend (occasional) shows

How to “Apply”:

If you are interested, please e-mail us here. Please include the following:

• Name
• Age
• Location
• Short list of favorite bands/influences/genres
• List of albums you’ve listened to recently
• 1 or 2 sample reviews (albums, shows, whatever), interviews, articles, etc. We need something that shows your writing ability. Feel free to use our current review format, but don’t feel constrained by it.
• Anything you think we should know (i.e. you play guitar, you go to 2 shows a week, you ran sound for your friend’s band, you know every word to every Iron Maiden song, etc.)

If we feel you are a good candidate for the position, we will contact you with more information about responsibilities and goals. Ideally, we just want someone dedicated who loves music and wants to show it through their words.

Keep rockin’.

Interview: Against Me!

bst interviews Against Me!

by rob tatum

Recently, bst had the chance to interview Tom Gabel, the guitarist/vocalist from Against Me!, when the band hit Denver as part of this year's Warped Tour. We asked Tom about the band's latest album, the current tour, as well as some other things. The following is a recap of the interview. If you are interested in learning more about and listening to Against Me!, visit the band's official website, and Sire Records.

bst: Please state your name and instrument.

Tom: My name is Tom Gabel. I play guitar and sing in Against Me!

bst: New Wave was released about a year ago and has received a lot of positive feedback. How would you compare it to your other releases? What were your expectations for the album?

Tom: Well I like to think that with each record we've made we've gotten better at what we do. I like to think we've gotten better at our instruments, better at playing together as a band. I like to think I've gotten better as a song writer, as a lyricist. I mean when you spend all your time doing something, you hope that you're improving at it. So I look at New Wave as the next logical step in the progression. We didn't have any expectations for the record. When we finished the record we knew that we were happy with it; that was enough. Anything after that is just icing on the cake.

bst: On that note, what are the current plans for the next album? Is there anything different you will do this time around?

Tom: We're just now starting to think about the next record now. I've been writing constantly and I have a handful of songs that I'm really excited about. But we aren't really going to start focusing on the next record until we're done touring for this one.

bst: Obviously Warped Tour has become a staple of the summer and it seems like every year it gets bigger and bigger. Every summer it seems that more and more summer tours and festivals are started. With $40 ticket prices and larger crowds, do you think this has some adverse effect on the music community? Do the shows have any intimacy from your perspective?

Tom: Festival shows aren't supposed to be about intimacy, they're about the group experience. It's a gathering. I think for most people the idea is that they're paying 40 bucks to go and see a bunch of bands play, mostly bands they've never heard before and a couple that they are already fans of. How can that not be a healthy thing for music? Bands playing music; fans listening to music. That's kind of the way it works right? Music is played for people to listen to it. I mean, I think the unhealthiest thing that could happen to music would be for people to not play music, and people to not go to shows. As far as ticket prices go, you pay around $40, and there's about 100 bands that play each day That's 100 bands plus their crew that have to get fed each day. 100 bands that all have to pay for gas (which isn't getting any cheaper). There are around 900 people who are working on this tour, playing in the bands, working on the crews, in production. $40 for a ticket? That means you're giving about .4 cents to each person who is making this tour happen.

bst: Through the years, the tour has offered a little bit of everything and created some diverse crowds with its eclectic lineups. Clearly for up and coming bands (regardless of genre or personal agenda), the exposure is beneficial, but for established acts, what motivates you to play Warped? At times there is tension between the crowds, does this translate back stage? Any memorable moments you’d like to share (good or bad)?

Tom: I would argue that it's almost more beneficial to the established acts to play Warped Tour then for an up and coming band. We actually would never have done Warped Tour had we not been given Main Stage offers. On Warped Tour if you're a band up on stage playing and no one is watching you, chances are people are just going to keep walking by. However, if you already have a crowd of people who know who you are, who are watching you play and into the music, other people walking by will be more apt to stop for a second and see what's going on. Warped Tour is a chance for bands to win over fans that might not otherwise come out to see them play. I've never really experienced any tension in the crowd other than your random drunk asshole here and there.

bst: It’s been nearly a decade since mp3’s (Napster) came out and changed the music industry. Dollars and cents aside, do you think the internet and mp3’s have benefited the music community? Or do you feel artists are being exploited? How do feel about someone who purchases your album online instead of buying the CD? Downloads it?

Tom: I think in general it has an overwhelming negative effect on music. You already have a whole generation of kids who don't think you should have to pay for music. They see no worth in recorded music. They only see worth in Ipods and computers. So Steve Jobs wins and artists lose. It's like if you bought a microwave and then you think that you should get food for free to cook in it. As far as someone buying music online though I have no problem with that. I buy music online myself. I think it's a little overpriced but I think that will change eventually. The one real benefit I do see to digital music is the positive effect it has on the environment. There are no digital albums filing up landfills across the world.

bst: What do you think is the best part of the music industry right now? What can be done to keep that going?

Tom: Music is the best part of the music industry. What can be done to keep it going? People have to play music.

bst: What do you see as the biggest problem with the music industry right now? What do you think can be done to fix it?

Tom: See above.

bst: What are your plans at the conclusion of this tour? More touring? R&R?

Tom: We're going to Canada in September with Japanther and Saint Alvia Cartel. Then in October we're doing a U.S. Tour with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists and Future of the Left. I'm really looking forward to both of these tours.

bst: Anything else you would like to add?

Tom: Thanks very much for the interview.

bst: Thanks so much for talking with us and answering the questions.

Old Content

Hey Everyone,

Just a quick note, I'm officially to the halfway point of transferring our old content. All of our past interviews and reviews from #-L are now accesible in the new format. I'll be moving the rest of the reviews over the next few weeks. As always, the old site is linked at the bottom right.

Until then,

Keep rockin'.

Review: Alkaline Trio - Agony and Irony

Artist: Alkaline Trio
Album: Agony and Irony
Label: Epic
Released: 7/1/2008

BSTscore: 89

So it’s been 10 years since the first time I saw Alkaline Trio and things certainly have changed. Something tells me I won’t be seeing them in a venue that holds 150 people ever again. The band is back with their 6^th album, Agony and Irony. Building off the momentum of 2005’s Crimson, the band has found the support of a major label and continue to surge in popularity.

All of that aside, the band has not compromised its sound or direction. Sure, through the years the songs have gotten a little darker, at times a little slower, but one thing is clear, it’s still Alkaline Trio. I actually caught the first single, “Help Me” on the radio (don’t ask), and I immediately knew it was Alkaline Trio before the first words were sang. Few bands have that impact.

I might always be a bigger fan of the band’s early material (who isn’t?), but that doesn’t mean that the new material should be ignored. For all the fans that turned their back through the Vagrant years, let’s get real, there will never be another Goddamnit, so let it go already. The band still has the ability to twist a dark song into a pop hook and Agony and Irony exhibits that throughout. Songs such as “I Found Away” and “Ruin It” start slow and dark and transform with driving melodies and catchy choruses.

Vocally and lyrically, the band continues to keep things simple, yet effective. Matt Skiba and Dan Andriano are still one of the best vocal tandems and carry the band’s melody even further. Skiba’s usual dark lyrics are scattered all through Agony and Irony. Some of the album is a little whiny, but listeners should have come to expect that from the band by now. Regardless, the songs are strong and meaningful.

I really feel this is one of the band’s most complete albums. It’s not perfect, but it’s something that I can listen to over and over without getting tired of it or skipping past songs. Agony and Irony delivers everything I’ve come to expect from Alkaline Trio and more. The dark and yet catchy lyrics and melodies pull the listener in and never let go.

Musicianship: 90
Vocals: 95
Creativity: 80
Impact: 90

Favorite Song: “Over and Out”/”Lost and Rendered” (tie)

Listen to Alkaline Trio

Warped Tour 2008

DATE: Sunday, June 29th, 2008
LOCATION: Invesco Field, Denver, CO




This year makes 14 years and counting for the summer corporate fest… err… the underground music fest know as Warped Tour. On the way, we were trying to figure out if this was our 10^th or 11^th time going, which led me to the conclusion that we’re getting old… The following is about half review, half editorial, so feel free to comment on anything I include below.

Anyway, when I first saw this year’s lineup, I noticed a number of bands that caught my eye, but I didn’t see a lot that would catch everyone else’s. When we arrived at the ticket counter, my assumption was correct. Sure, 18,000 is a ton of people, but I’ve also seen it sell out before the 1^st band takes the stage. Between the lighter crowd and the fact that it wasn’t 100 degrees, the day started out on a good note.

As always, we went back and checked in at the press tent to set up interviews and hoping to get a schedule of the day’s sets. I was informed that this year they were “going green”, which led me back to the giant inflatable schedule surrounded by at least half of the 18,000 people in the venue. I understand being environmentally friendly, but “going green” at Warped Tour is like telling me that you put E85 in your Escalade…

After sorting through that mess, we laid our schedule for the day. We planned a route that would fit with our interview schedule and would hopefully allow us to catch a little of everything.

Our first band we caught, albeit brief, was Story of the Year. They were the 1^st band of the day playing on one of the main stages. Their set started while we were sorting through the schedule. This is where the other half of the crowd was during the first 30 minutes. I was able to pay attention to handful of songs. I caught the staple “Until the Day I Die” and a few songs from the recently released album, The Black Swan. We were a little too far back for pictures at this point, and I wasn’t about to fight my way to the front at that point. At the end of their set, the crowd split up toward the various stages scattered throughout the venue.

Next up on our agenda was Evergreen Terrace. I set the bar pretty high for their set. Based on the amount of energy they pour into a full set, I expected nothing less from a shortened 30 minute set. I wasn’t disappointed. They played a couple of older songs, highlighted by “No Donnie, These Men Are Nihilists”. Over half of their set was devoted to songs of their recent album, Wolfbiker. As Florida’s resident “cover” band, they tore it up on the gem “Mad World” by Tears for Fears from their covers album, Writer’s Block. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen so many confused little kids in my life, but it was hands down their best song.

Making it easy on the fans of the heavy stuff, August Burns Red started on the stage right next to Evergreen Terrace as soon as their set ended. Needless to say, there was fairly large contingent of the “God Squad” today, but I’ll try to focus on the music and performances. August Burns Red is almost a guilty pleasure for someone like me. I don’t agree with their outlook on life (although Messengers isn’t too preachy), but I definitely agree with their musical abilities. We had a discussion during their set comparing them to Unearth (musically, that is). We came to the conclusion that the talent is there, and Jake Luhrs voice is similar to Trevor’s, but the raw energy that makes Unearth so great just isn’t there. There set wasn’t boring by any means, but after being spoiled for years with a band that sounds similar and outperforms everyone, it’s hardly fair. August Burns Red mixed in a few songs from Thrill Seeker and ended the set with “Composure” which was a nice end to a solid set.

We took a little break from watching to wander around the band tents and corporate row. I’ll try to save some of my frustration for a different article, but there were some things that are hard to ignore. First on my list, when did it become okay for a band to charge $20 for a T-shirt? I realize that costs have gone up, inflation, blah, blah, blah. Regardless of all that, it is still price gauging. It doesn’t cost $20 to make and distribute a shirt. And it’s events like Warped Tour that allow bands and labels to get away with it. The “Hot Topic” mentality that it’s okay to pay that much for a shirt has driven up prices for everyone. I want to say thanks to the bands that were charging $15 or less. For a festival that started as a way to celebrate the “counter” culture, it’s sure looks like capitalism is still winning.

Next on my list was the “Truth” tent. Don’t get me wrong, I was young and dumb once, and I think that young kids need to know about the dangers of smoking. I think that focusing on the facts it is expensive and unhealthy should scare off a good number of those thinking about smoking. With that said, when we were checking out some of the band tents nearby, I overheard as they held a “Bikini Contest”. What exactly does that have to do with smoking? What’s next? A wet T-shirt contest? If this is their marketing tactic to inform people about smoking, they should re-evaluate their approach. This takes the seriousness and integrity out of their message.

That’s enough of my ranting for now. Next up on the agenda was A Day to Remember. Being that I would describe this band as a “sing along” type hardcore band (however cliché and cheesy their sound might be), I expected an energetic set with lots of crowd involvement. Unfortunately, this isn’t what we saw. It wasn’t a bad performance, but maybe a big, open air stage didn’t capture the energy of the band. I definitely wasn’t feeling it. The one high/lowlight (depends on how you look at it) was the cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Since You’ve Been Gone”. It was cliché, but at the same time, it was hilarious. And anyone who’s heard that song knows how damn catchy it is.

We headed back to the main stage to watch Against Me! I was surprised that the crowd wasn’t larger. The last time I saw them at Warped, it was like squeezing 10,000 kids into a Yugo. This was the most entertaining set of the day. While I wish they had played a few more of their older songs, they still hammered out “Sink, Florida, Sink”, “Pints of Guinness Make You Strong”, and “Don’t Lose Touch”. The rest of their set was devoted to songs from their album New Wave. The only downside was when a fight erupted halfway through their set. Despite the interruption, this was one of the highlights of the day.

Our next endeavor was interviews. I think the one we did with Rody of Protest the Hero was one of the most entertaining interviews I’ve ever done. I’ll be posting that at a later date. You won’t want to miss it.

Although it was only in the upper 80’s, it was starting to take a toll on us. We had no intentions of staying all day (even though As I Lay Dying was headlining at 7:30), but we decided to revise our schedule a little. While we were walking to the next set, I found something that really got under my skin. Sure, I could go on and on about the $7 beer or the $6 burgers (which none of us purchased), but low and behold, one of the Sunglasses, Sunscreen, and Batteries tents was selling a photocopied version of the set schedule for $2 each. I had noticed a few in the crowd, and I had begun to wonder where they were finding these. So congratulations, this is what “going green” produced. Another reason for someone to make a buck and another reason for me to bitch. Just lovely.

Further compounding my sense of annoyance, I had to sit through about 4 or 5 Reliant K songs waiting for Pennywise. I tried to have an open mind with this band since I wasn’t familiar with them and I didn’t know much about them. What I found out is that they are poppy, generic and topped with a huge dash of Jesus (see my “God Squad” comments). Thanks to their extended set and the tight scheduling, I knew I wouldn’t see much of Pennywise.

Hands down, the biggest crowd we saw during our time at Warped was for Pennywise. A late addition to the bill, I think everyone was happy to see them. They started with two songs from the new album Reason to Believe. The band and crowd were very energetic. Our schedule caught up with us, so I was only able to catch one more song as we walked toward a different stage.

Regardless of my personal feelings about Protest the Hero, even an objective person would have recognized the tragedy of this band playing the Ernie Ball truck. This band was, hands down, the most talented band at Warped Tour. Musically, there wasn’t another band in their league, and yet here there were, playing one of the smallest stages in the venue. This further fuels my frustration of how this event works. 2 years ago, this band was playing a bigger stage at the same event. They certainly haven’t regressed. Pathetic. Anyway, their set was rock solid. They played a fairly even mix of tracks from Kezia and the recent Fortress. They ended with “No Stars Over Bethlehem” and capped a decent Warped Tour for me.

We caught two Every Time I Die songs as we were leaving, and I was a bit disappointed with the overlap with Protest the Hero’s set. I would have liked to have seen more, but it seemed like they were doing a good job and keep the crowd entertained.

All of my nitpicking aside, this wasn’t a bad year at Warped. Sure, I’ve had better, but I’ve also had much worse. All of the negatives aside, it’s the music that keeps pulling me back every year. And I guess that is all that matters.

Review: Cataract - Self-Titled

Artist: Cataract
Album: Cataract
Label: Metal Blade
Released: 4/1/2008

BSTscore: 66

Swiss metal group Cataract is back with their self-titled 5^th full length album. The first thing I noticed was how the production has unleashed a more polished sound from the band. Their music hasn’t changed, but the sound quality provides a depth to music that I feel was missing on the previous albums I had heard. The album is heavy with driving guitars and thundering rhythm. I wouldn’t call it unique, but there is a solid mix of hardcore, thrash, and “southern” metal.

The guitar work, as with the band’s previous releases, is straight forward and adequate. It meshes well with the backbone that is Ricky Durst’s drumming, which is the strength of the band and album. The songwriting strength is exhibited best in the songs transitions. While the band mixes multiple genres into their sound, the flow of the songs is uninterrupted.

Lyricist/Vocalist Federico Carminitana provides a strong voice and lyrics that are worthy of the band’s sound. The best comparison I have is Himsa’s John Pettibone, but Carminitana has more range. His raw vocals fit the songs and the occasional screams are within the limits of his voice. Lyrically, the album follows suit with Cataract’s past releases, showing a dark and angry side that encompasses their sound.

While Cataract hasn’t done anything to hurt their standing in the metal community, I feel that they may not have done enough to help it either. Cataract is a good listen, but not a great listen. I would put this album somewhere in the middle of the road between technical and melodic, which makes keeps it from leaving a lasting impression. There are a handful of good songs, but not enough to propel the band to the next level.

Musicianship: 70
Vocals: 70
Creativity: 60
Impact: 65

Favorite Song: “The Separation of Life and Time”

Listen to Cataract

Something Wicked this Way Comes July 22

New Misery Signals. Can't wait until the end of this month. Here's a live performance of one of the new songs.

Fantastic.



Misery Signals—"Weight of the World"

Got a review and article that will be published shortly. Keep an eye out.