Quite the Undertaking...

In an effort to further populate the newest version of the site with content, I've decided to re-format all of the content from the old site. Unfortunately, this won't be something that happens overnight. Keep your eyes open over the next few weeks, as I move things over. Any old content will include an "ORIGINAL POST" date at the top.

Keep rockin'

Review Format Update

So, after a bit of a trial and error period, we have decided to modify our review format again. We are streamlining things to make it easier on you, the reader, and us, the writers. In addition to the changes below, we will be breaking down reviews alphabetically into only 2 groups (A-L and M-Z). You can find your favorite bands with ease by using the search bar in the upper left corner of the page. (FYI, all reviews posted recently will be re-formatted to the new format).

As you may know, in the past there was little explanation of what our reviews were based upon and our scale was based on the traditional 90% or higher - A, 80-89% - B, 70-79% - C, 60-69% - D, 59% or less - F. Any reviews that have a % out 100% are past reviews using the old format.

The new format, described below, will give more explanation of how albums are critiqued and expose the strengths and weaknesses of each band. The new system will allow the truly special albums to set themselves apart from the average release.

Each of the four categories will be evaluated out of a possible 100, and the four values will carry equal weight in computing the “BSTscore”.

• Musicianship
• Vocals
• Creativity
• Impact
  

Definitions and scale explanation:

• Musicianship – This category will take into account the band’s talent/technical ability and the flow of the songs. Does everything fit together? Does the music fit the band’s abilities?
• 100 – The band has unmatched talent. The songs could not be composed better.
• 80 – Band members have above average talent. Arrangements are strong and tight.
• 60 – The band has average talent. Most of the album is consistent.
• 40 – Most members show average or below average talent. Songs could use work.
• 20 – The band has below average talent. The album should be re-written.

• Vocals – This category will evaluate the vocalist’s ability to deliver lyrics with clarity, range, and key, as well as the songwriter’s ability to convey the band’s message/express feelings.
• 100 – Vocals are unique, flawless, crisp, and clear. Lyrics are unique and meaningful.
• 80 – Vocals and lyrics are strong, powerful, and meaningful.
• 60 – Vocals are adequate, with some flaws. Lyrics are mainstream, somewhat impersonal.
• 40 – Vocals are off-key or muffled. Lyrics are generic.
• 20 – Vocals are incomprehensible. Lyrics are pointless, erratic.

• Creativity – This category compares the album to other releases. Where is this album compared to past releases? To other bands? Is the band pushing any boundaries?
• 100 – Genre defining, groundbreaking.
• 80 – Unique and strong.
• 60 – Stands out from the pack, but nothing extraordinary.
• 40 – Carbon copy. Same “equation.”
• 20 – Regression.
  

• Impact – Where is this band going? How will it impact your music collection? Do they have the "it" factor?
• 100 – This is top of the list material. An instant classic.
• 80 – This will be in regular rotation.
• 60 – Might be good for road trips.
• 40 – You might remember where you put it.
• 20 – Put this on the shelf and forget about it.

The Hot Pursuit

Hey Everyone,

I wanted to let those of you in a band know about a competition.

Sponsored by Spin and Music Nation, this year's Hot Pursuit competition is searching for a breakout band. Last year's winner, The Scarlet, was rewarded with a record deal and a performance at 2008's SXSW.

Once registered, mp3's, videos, and photos of your band can uploaded. Voting for the competition begins May 15th.

For more details and to register, check out this site www.spin.com/thecompetition

Keep rockin'

Review: In Flames - A Sense of Purpose

Artist: In Flames
Album: A Sense of Purpose
Label: Koch / Nuclear Blast
Released: 4/1/2008

BSTscore: 78

One of the things that I love about In Flames is that no matter what, when you hear them, you instantly know it’s them. Whether it is their early material as the forefathers of the Gothenburg sound, or their more recent material that has evolved into yet another unique genre, you can’t deny the band’s ability to stand out from the crowd.

A Sense of Purpose continues to push the band’s more refined sound that has been present over the last few releases (Reroute to Remain, Soundtrack to Your Escape, Come Clarity). It’s not quite thrash, it’s not quite rock, but at times it feels like both. There are a few more guitar solos on this release, but nothing like the older material. This is a crisp, melodic album that does a great job of mixing a little bit of everything.

Lead singer Anders Friden continues to utilize the strength of his vocals on this release. His crisp delivery accents his formidable range. The “clean” singing (if you can call it that) enhances the record’s melody and further carries the flow of the songs. The lyrics continue to focus on personal struggles and refrain from becoming generic.

There are plenty of reasons why this band is the pride of Sweden, and A Sense of Purpose does not disappoint. I love how this band’s albums continue to grow on me the more and more I listen to them. Most bands don’t release more than a handful of albums together, but I hope that In Flames continues to evolve for another 15 years. This may not be the band’s best release to date, but it’s close.

Musicianship: 80
Vocals: 80
Creativity: 75
Impact: 75

Favorite Song: "March to the Shore"

Listen to In Flames

Review: Pennywise - Reason to Believe

Artist: Pennywise
Album: Reason to Believe
Label: Myspace Records
Released: 3/25/2008



BSTscore: 74

It’s still hard for me to fathom that this band has been around for 20 years. I can still remember the first time I heard them in 1995 and the first time I saw them live in 1997. It seems like yesterday to me.

One thing is certain, the years haven’t changed Pennywise one bit. Reason to Believe carries the same emotion and passion as the band’s past releases. Pennywise’s bread and butter has always been fast paced, angry punk rock with a touch of melody. Their distinct sound remains as Jim’s iconic vocals harmonize with Fletcher’s driving guitar work and Randy and Byron’s solid rhythm backbone.

I didn’t expect this release to be far from the path that has gotten Pennywise this far, and it’s not. The lyrics are great, as always, and remain politically charged and as passionate as ever. The song structures have largely remained the same as well, with blast beats, blistering guitars, and Jim’s strong delivery. I did enjoy the slight change of pace of “Confusion” that showed more melody, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the stalwart sound of “You Get the Life you Choose.”

Pennywise continues to bring their sound to new generations without compromise. I really respect that this band has stayed true to their sound over the years and continues to release material without getting stale. The band remains a torch bearer for the punk rock genre and Reason to Believe is as solid as any of the band’s releases.

Musicianship: 70
Vocals: 90
Creativity: 65
Impact: 70

Favorite Song: "It's Not Enough to Believe"

Listen to Pennywise

R.I.P. Dead to Fall

I wouldn't consider myself the biggest Dead to Fall fan, but I did appreciate the band's always energetic live show, even with the ever revolving line-up.

I thought I would pay my homage to the band with one of the funnier (and more random) videos I've seen from a metal band. If you never had a chance to see this band, at least watch the video.

Review: Bury Your Dead - Self-Titled

Artist: Bury Your Dead
Album: Self-Titled
Label: Victory Records
Released: 3/18/2008



BSTscore: 56

Bury Your Dead is back with their self-titled release. Continuing with what seems to be a trend with the band, there is yet again a different lineup. The notable change, but not necessarily noticeable, is new vocalist Myke Terry.

Let’s be honest, Bury Your Dead has never set out to write the most complex, intricate music. Their goal is to have fun and provide heavy, energetic songs. On this album, the band has gone back to the well again. I guess if it’s not broken, then you don’t have to fix it, right? The majority of the album has the same feel as Beauty and the Breakdown. One of the songs that caught my ear because it strays from their usual sound was “Year One” as there is melody and singing.

I would venture to guess that if most people didn’t know the band had a new singer, they may not notice the difference. Myke’s voice has a little more range and he can handle occasional singing to accent his screaming, but his similarity to Mat Bruso is almost uncanny. Lyrically, I can say that there is a bit of a new direction. While the songs remain passionate, I don’t think they are as “in your face” as the band’s previous releases.

With backing from Victory, the band has continued to grow in popularity with each release. While I don’t feel this is their best effort by any means, I wouldn’t expect the trend to change. I think the band has found something that works for them and changing that might be worse than sticking to it. I would have to lump this album in with the later releases from Throwdown. It’s okay if you want something to get the blood flowing, but beyond that, I won’t be listening to it regularly.

Musicianship: 70
Vocals: 70
Creativity: 45
Impact: 40

Favorite Song: "Disposably, Yours"

Listen to Bury Your Dead

Spotlight - April 8, 2008

So I've been listening to a lot of local bands that I was into during high school, and it got me thinking, why don't I spotlight a few of the more recent projects from members of those past favorites?

Below you will find a trio of bands that contain members of past local bands Pinhead Circus, Qualm, The Facet, and Shogun (to name a few).

Rob's Spotlight for April 8, 2008:

• Only Thunder - Back and Forth
  • Solid, melodic, and just a great listen. These guys are in the studio recording their first full length right now and I for one, can't wait.
    
• Mustangs and Madras - TB TAFY
  • Unique band. The music has great flow and really grabs the listener. There's nothing wrong with the water north of Denver.
    
• Love Me Destroyer - Like White Noise
  • The most established of these bands. I won't call it poppy, but it is definitely catchy (just like Pinhead Circus). These guys are fun to listen to.

Until next time, keep rockin'.

Review: Bullet for My Valentine - Scream Aim Fire

Artist: Bullet for My Valentine
Album: Scream Aim Fire
Label: Zomba / Sony
Released: 1/29/2008



BSTscore: 83

Scream Aim Fire is the follow up to 2005’s hit, The Poison and the 2^nd full length from the UK’s Bullet for My Valentine. Vocal injuries to lead singer Matthew Tuck delayed the album, but it was worth the wait.

The band continues to pull from its 80’s metal roots with this release. Thrash parts are countered with melody. Screaming is offset with harmony. It’s a great combination that shows off the band’s abilities. The guitar work remains the band’s showcase and the solos and interludes do not disappoint on Scream Aim Fire.

The lyrics are generic at times, but they cover a wide range of topics. From the angry “Disappear” and “Scream Aim Fire” to the ballad-esque “Hearts Burst into Fire”, there is a good mix that will appeal to a wide array of listeners. Tuck has recovered nicely from his vocal issues, as any evidence of the problems is absent from this release. Bullet for My Valentine continues to balance clean singing with screaming in a way that is crisp and clear.

I feared that the band may water down this release a bit after blowing up with The Poison, but overall I think they avoided that. There are a couple of ballads, but they aren’t the clichéd “we have to do an acoustic song” type. From start to finish, the album flows well and is a good listen. It’s not ground breaking, but the band will continue to grow in popularity with Scream Aim Fire.

Musicianship: 85
Vocals: 80
Creativity: 80
Impact: 85

Favorite Song: "Take it Out on Me"

Listen to Bullet for My Valentine