Kiss It Goodbye....

Summer is officially over, although it hasn't felt like it. The last week or two we've had mid summer like weather, it's always nice when summer gives one last valiant effort before the cold sets in.

Over the summer i usually find myself listening to more upbeat, positive music. The summer season seems to have more of an impact on my musical tastes of the moment than even the winter when angry, dark sounding music accents the weather in this part of the world perfectly.

Anyway, here are the records that have been played most frequently this summer:

Face To Face - Big Choice










I really can't say enough about this record, in terms of punk music this has to be one of my favorite. It's incredibly catchy and still maintains a rawness and an authenticity that is rarely seen. My affection for skate punk coupled with my appreciation for good pop punk make this record essential for me.

The Swellers - My Everest










Here's another skate/pop punk record. It doesn't touch the Face To Face record. But, it's good in it's own right. This record sounds like a more pop sounding No Use For a Name when they were in their hay day. There are a couple of acoustic tracks on this record that I'm not very fond of but overall I'm glad stuff like this is still being released, even if it is a little smoother around the edges.

Dogwood - Building a Better Me










More Skate punk.....I listened to this way too often throughout high school. When i listen to it now it's mostly for nostalgic purposes, but every now and then I'm reminded why i loved this band so much. I would compare them to a rougher version of Alkaline Trio, at least on this record. The vocals are incredibly raw but manage to fit the music almost perfectly. Lyric wise, it's borderline cheesy at times but it's positive and uplifting more often than not, and the title song is really well written both musically and lyrically.

Youth Of Today - We're Not In This Alone











Do i really need to explain this? Cappo's vocals make me want to break things.... in a good way. Thats it.

Outlast - As Sure As I Live










This record is quickly becoming a classic in my library. I mentioned this band recently so i won't go into to much detail. The production on this record is really raw. It doesn't take anything away from the quality of the record though. Just awesome melodic hardcore punk with continuously eye watering bass riffs and squawking vocals.

Reserve 34 - Rain City Games










Outlast and Reserve 34 seem to go hand in hand with me, when I'm enjoying one band, a listening binge of the other is sure to follow. This record is just really upbeat melodic hardcore from Vancouver. It has a really distinctive sound, you can almost feel the impact of the city on this band. This is probably my favorite stuff Reserve 34 ever put out, if you've never listened to these guys, check it out.

Those records have been a staple for me this summer, I've listened to a lot of other stuff, I've enjoyed a lot of other stuff. Some of it I'm too lazy to put up and other stuff really didn't impact me than much.

Midnight In America

I got my pre-order for Modern Life Is Wars latest record "Midnight In America" the other day. Luckily I've had it in mp3 format for a little over a month now so I've been able to get a pretty good feel for most of the songs.

Initially i wasn't overly impressed, i felt it was good but nothing really stood out. In almost every aspect the band progressed or changed, whatever you want to call it. Nothing really drastic outside of maybe the vocal delivery, but for a hardcore punk band it was a daring enough effort. Gone are the pulsing, spine shivering build-ups and endings that were evident in the songs "By The Sea", "First and Ellen", and "Hair Raising Accounts of Restless Ghosts", songs I've played numerous times over. "Midnight In America" beats and pulses, the intensity is evident but it never explodes.

I was bothered by this at first but when i was able to put the album into perspective it really doesn't take anything away. This record is definitely more punk rock sounding than their previous efforts, musically but also vocally. Jeff seems to have added a little more attitude and taken away some intensity. This attitude sounds awesome 9 out of 10 times but there are times when it would have been suitable to just let loose.

Overall "Midnight In America" stands out from their previous releases, sometimes in a good way, sometimes in a not so good way. Modern Life Is War are still delivering unique punk music. And it's still better than most stuff being released today. I don't think they've ever released a bad song and songs like "Screaming At The Moon", "Big City Dream", "Pendulum", "These Mad Dogs of Glory", "Humble Streets", and the title track showcase Modern Life Is Wars consistent delivery.

You can't talk about a Modern Life Is War record without mentioning the lyrics. Lyrically this record is more literary.. i guess you can call it. Jeff is one of the best lyricists in punk music and reading the lyrics to songs on "Midnight In America" he shows he's just a good writer in general. The lyrics are a bit different i can't really pin point why, i think they just sound more "mature" for lack of a better word. That's all i can really say about this record now, I'm sure I'll have more to say when i let it grow on me some more.... ohh yeah Brooke Strausse's vocals on the last song are great, one of the highlights of the record.

Screaming At The Moon
It's a good life if you don't weaken, so I won't weaken. And I'm a kid with a history of confusion. The life that was pushed upon me was one I could never lead. Cause my candle burns at both ends. My problems never seem to end. Just like my footsteps in the vein of the American night. Just like the burning in my lungs. Just like the rocks in my guts. Just like I can't get enough. With persistence of my vision. With this bottle in my hand. I bless the thieves who stole my masks. I wander this land and through it all... I drag my chains, they don't drag me... through moments of pain. I drag my chains, they don't drag me... through moments of grace. I drag my chains, they don't drag me... through untamed thoughts. I drag my chains, they don't drag me. I walk right through. Cause my candle burns at both ends. My problems never seem to end. Just like my footsteps in the veins of the American night. Just like fire in my lungs. Just like the burning in my guts. Just like I can't get enough. Only the madman is wise in a world of cold logical minds. I seed no shelter. I emerge unscathed. As propaganda rains down even harder I become that much stronger. I walk right through

More Than Music

There's been a bit of slacking in the blogging department as of late, I've been relatively busy with the return of school, not that i couldn't find the time. I've been too busy breaking out the room mosh to the new Bitter End record, Climate Of Fear. This record is awesome in just about every way. I'm usually not a huge fan of metallic hardcore but 2007 seems to be dishing out the goods in this department, the new To The Lions and Allegiance LP's are both memorable listens.

The vocal delivery on this record is beyond venomous at times, it never seems out of place and the occasional growl really adds to the authenticity. Almost every riff is perfectly placed and the breakdowns, while maybe not the most original are very well done. Coupled with politically and socially vibrant lyrical content and some great bass lines and you have one of the best releases to date in 2007.

Other stuff I've been listening to as of late:

Robot Whales - Vehicle

Groovy hardcore with really well written lyrics.

Strung Out - Blackhawks Over Los Angeles
This band just keeps getting better, melodic skate punk with some awesome metallic riffs. They've gotten a bit more pop over their last two records but its only enhanced their sound.















Outlast - Trust
Everything about this band rules, I'm working my way through their discography and this is the latest release I've had a chance to listen to. I'm still missing some of their stuff so if anyone knows where i can order it or download it, let me know.















Uniform - Screaming for Change
This stuff gets better and has more meaning with every listen. For me this band marks a landmark in hardcore punk. The song Once I Cry is unbelievable and would make an awesome band name.... at least i think so.

Once I Cry

The rain begins
And yet the sky is clear
My eyes are shut tight
No one gets in here
My mind’s in a room
With no windows or doors
Away from the hands
That wrap tight around my neck

My neck, my neck, my neck around my neck
These hands that wrap tight around my neck

Where is the sun
I’ve heard so much about
Whose glance is all warming
Erasing doubt
I feel a chill
Run down my spine
So many contradictions
Which road leads home

Once I cry
The rain begins
Once my heart hurts
No one gets in

The sweat pours down
And it stings my eyes
Just as your promises
Turned into lies
I trusted you
What a fool was i
Now I just sit in a room
With no view

No view, no view, no view
With my eyes shut tight I’ve got no view

I heard a sound
Now I’m all alone
A heart beat pounding
It’s my own
Seeking an answer
Question unknown
I’m slowly drowning
I’m my sea of remorse