Focus on the Light

I apologize for the major lack of posting lately. I haven't been motivated to do much, and when i am I'm focusing my energy on these really cool mid-terms i have the pleasure of doing every 6 months or so. As trivial as it sounds, when I'm done with this school business i'll feel like a really obese ugly looking gremlin has been removed from my shoulders. I guess that's what academia represents to me.....

There are a lot of things i would like to be able to do but can't because of the financial restrictions imposed by incredibly high tuition fees. Coupled with the fact that I'm living in the most expensive city in the country and the fact that I'm still dependent on family for financial support and I'm bound pretty tightly to my current situation. I really shouldn't be complaining though, a lot of people would do nearly anything to be in the situation I'm in. But I'm growing overly pessimistic and I'm frustrated... not a good combination

Enough with that, On to the main reason for this post. True Colors new(ish) LP "Focus on the Light"
I really can't stress how good this record is it has everything you want in a youth crew release. Tons of passion and energy, positive, concise and to the point lyrics, and a bunch of catchy sing a longs. Actually the entire record is catchy. Every Second. Most of the songs are clock in around the 90 second mark or less which works great for this band. They leave nothing to be desired after each song... only the anticipation of the next 90 second rampage.
I think what really grabs me about this record is the vocal delivery. I haven't had this much fun listening to a vocalist in a really long time. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that these guys remind me of the modern day equivalent of Youth of Today. There are a couple parts where it almost sounds like Cappo's overly disgruntled growl is being re-produced. Not nearly as fierce or chaotic but fun nonetheless.

As of this point this record is hands down my # 1 release of 2007. I've been listening to it constantly for the past 6 weeks or so and the more i listen the better it gets. In the title song there's a part where the vocalist really accentuates the words focus on the light... something like "focusss on the liiiggghhhttt" anyway if you have the record listen to that song, you'll know what I'm talking about. I have a hard time containing myself when i hear it.

There are plenty of well written songs on this record but i'll post what might be my favorite here:

The Way To Myself
standing on the edge, nowhere to go
trapped, there's no way out.. NO
my head is going to explode
but you reached out, gave me hold

I’ve got my music, I’ve got my friends
but you took me to places I never went
you keep me out of trouble
gave me back my life
for that I’m grateful
you keep me alive

you can say black, I can say white
you can go left, I can go right
you can think day, I can think night
no matter what, I stand by your side

never let you down
never let you down

I’ve got my music, I’ve got my friends
but you took me to places I never went
you keep me out of trouble
gave me back my life
for that I’m grateful
you keep me alive

you showed me the way to myself

Stanger Than Fiction....

I've really been slacking on updating this thing lately. I've been listening to True Colors so much I haven't had time to bother with anything else i guess. Next up is a major True Colors appreciation post.

A couple months ago my brother and i recorded a couple songs using a new mic he got, it hooks up to the computer so all you need is a really mediocre mixing program. One song was one i wrote and we also covered Insted's "Voice Your Opinion" which was a lot of fun. The recording quality really sucks so i haven't bothered to expose them to the interwebz relentless critique quite yet. I think we'll try and re do them when i go visit for Christmas break.

Anyway here are the lyrics for the song i wrote, it's a rager and i really like the way the lyrics go with it.

"Solace"
They're not taking this away
You give up and give in every single day
But there is one thing you've hidden away
Behind locked doors where your heart has to stay

How are we supposed to live
when all we ever do is give
we give our time
we give out lives
To live out a life that's based on lies

So is it any wonder
That so many want to numb the pain
And is it any wonder
That so many lives are lived in vain

I see you in the streets at night
I see you searching for that light
I see you open up locked doors
And i see you stolen
They took what was yours

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

Go It Alone/Fireworks/Eating Glass/Easy Days

This past Thursday was Go It Alone's last Toronto show as they're breaking up after this tour, I think a final show is going to happen in December or something.

Anyway, The first band to play was Easy Days. They're from St. Catharine's, a city in Southern Ontario and play a mix of youth crew hardcore and early 2000's Boston Hardcore along the lines of Mental. I thought they played pretty well, musically i really enjoyed them, the only thing that bugged me was the singer wouldn't turn and face the crowd, he always had his back to the crowd. I guess being a new band it takes time to feel comfortable, either way i still liked their set quite a bit and I'm looking forward to hearing new things from this band.

Next up were Eating Glass, they got kids moshing and signing along, which was nice to see considering they haven't been around for all that long. This was my third time seeing them and by far the best time. They seem to have really grown in the past few months and their take on thrashy hardcore is going to start catching eyes. Out of any band in the Toronto/Southern Ontario area, I'm most excited to see what the future holds for this band. If they keep at it i think they'll really catch on.

Fireworks played next. They're from Michigan and play really catchy pop punk that's just rough enough around the edges to make it really enjoyable. I just started listening to this band when i heard they were playing this show. I've given their EP a few listens and I've enjoyed it but it was nice to hear the songs played live, they come off really well and the band seemed to have a lot of energy. I think they sound a lot like early New Found Glory, which isn't a bad thing at all, it reminds me of being 15 again.

Next up was Go It Alone. Needless to say I was really anticipating their set, and they exceeded my expectations in every way. They opened with Rapture from their new record, that song sounded way heavier played live. Right from the start kids were moshing and singing along harder than i have seen in a long while. Next they played two songs from The Only Blood Between Us, Constant Refrain, and Cold Winter. Both those songs are great and only made the atmosphere more intense. Next they played the title track to their Histories 7", Evelyn from TOBBU, and Picking Up The Pieces from the Vancouver Gold EP. Evelyn was probably my favorite song of the night, the end of the song was incredible. The lyrics to that song mean a lot to me, i'll post them further down. Next they played Our Mistakes, Rapture, Flatline and a Chain of Strength cover which was awesome. They finished with the title track from their first LP. I don't think people were ready to see them go, so after a little persistent chanting and encouragement they played one last song, Statement, to finish the night.

I can't really describe how much fun i had at this show, i can't remember the last time a show was this memorable. I was happy to see Go It Alone get the kind of response they deserve and even happier to be a part of it. The intensity level of the whole band was great, even with how much i enjoy their records, their live show blows the records away. It's sad to see these guys go, but i imagine they accomplished more than they set out to. Given the sound of their last record i really think their sound has come full circle, if there ever was a perfect time to call it a day i guess this would be it. Anyway, here are some pictures from Go It Alone's set:

Thanks to Andrew Schoenrock for the pictures.

Here are some more pictures:

Credit goes to antipeterleague

I think I've posted this song before, but it deserves to be posted again.

Evelyn

It's a sick world and innocence doesn't last any longer than bloodstains on the city streets that wash out with the rain, slip through gutters and down the drains. Down here life decays like scraps of old newsprint that yellow with age. There's a place in the city where things go to die and the streets are littered with soiled lives. Human wreckage the byproduct of a diseased society. It's a disease. It's a cold world and the sick and addicted are left to die in the corner of town that tourists don't see and on the street corners at night. Desperation is an ugly sight so we force fake smiles and avert our eyes. We become prisoners of our own privilege, living in fear of those we've demonized. There's a place in the city where things go to die. A spectacle of ruined lives. Destitution and addiction, symptoms of a modern plague. It's a disease. So lock your doors and close your eyes and whisper to yourself: "Everything will be alright." It's a cruel world and innocence gets lost somewhere in piss soaked alleys and on filthy streets.

Growing Up Numb

I had a pretty cool chat with a WWII veteran today at work. The guy was overly conservative and i didn't agree with his anti-Muslim, basically anti anyone who isn't white Anglo-Saxon protestant stance but regardless it was cool to hear some of his stories.

He talked a lot about some of the strategy employed by the British army which he was a part of, the bombings, the reckless disregard for life, as long as it meant victory, even if only temporary. I really admired this guy not only for being willing to talk about his experience but also just because he lived through it, he was a part of the greatest human travesty the world has ever known.

Some of his opinions on the current state of the world got me thinking that those opinions he expressed today are a product of his experiences with war 60 to 70 years ago. War isn't exactly something that gives you faith in humanity, in my opinion it's the product of a wasted human heart that has no capacity to reason with love, it only reasons with self righteousness, lust, and hatred.

After we finished talking i got thinking about the effect of that war not only on those involved but the entire generation that lived through it. The opinions on global issues and the outlook on the world as a whole changed with war. I think it's only natural that when generations grow up with war they can't see the world clearly let alone their place in it.

The main thing i took from talking to this guy was how profound the impact of war on individuals can be. After i thought about it a little more Strike Anywhere's song "Chalkline" popped into my head, particularly the end, where Thomas yells "Watch us grow up to war...no more". If we want to see the world in a more hope full way we need to find a way to diminish the corroding effect that the world around us can have on our lives. Otherwise we'll keep running around with bloodshot, rage filled eyes, looking for next scapegoat, when we live this way somebody has to pay.

Chalkline isn't so much about what i was talking about above, it's more about the boundaries we're forced to live in, the false beauty and the symbols that control so much of this society. It doesn't speak exactly to what I'm saying but i think it's easily relataeble.

"Chalkline"

We see the billboard girl the one devoted to ritual standing in the rain holding all of her pain inside I know you're hurting now but I can't point my finger at the words I should or shouldn't say anything to take the pain away to walk alone on the streets tonight and fear nothing to choose to love what we are in this life and shine brighter don't let the crosses and dollar signs the symbols of man unkind make you feel that you're not real all this time walk out out of the shadows we see the lines in chalk the warning sign for where we walk in the shadows of the cities maze to try and fight for better days yeah we're ungrateful yeah we're ungrateful for holy books, religious men values of beauty, original sin all this time we unwind it i won't give up, I'm not afraid Resister go as long as it takes to reverse the hypocrisy challenge the stakes of safety and survival at the heart of women's voices women's art to walk alone on the streets tonight and fear nothing to choose to love what we are in this life all that matters don't let the crosses and dollar signs the symbols of man unkind . . . I won't give up through all this time walk out out of the shadows if we take our strength to market to trade for their ugly beauty watch us grow up to war no more

A Farewell To Outlast

I haven't posted in a while, I've been way too busy with work, by the time this week is over I'll have worked almost 70 hours when you factor in commute time. Not fun. My work is really easy so i get a lot of time to read, I've read a couple Palahniuk books, i like his writing style but sometimes it seems too over the top. They're always an interesting, relatively quick read, and i like how they play on the down n' out people in society.


Today i finished Ernest Hemingway's "A Farewell To Arms." My copy is nowhere near as cool as the one shown above. I wasn't sure what to expect from this but i was really surprised. The writing style is simple but at the same time really descriptive and raw. There are some moments in this book where the picture painted in your imagination is so detailed you really feel a part of the story. If you haven't read this or heard of it, i won't give any spoilers in case you ever want to read it. It's basically about an American ambulance driver in the Italian army who "falls" for a British nurse. The story follows the main character through his time at the Austrian/Italian front. I won't get into anymore because it's best to know as little as possible before reading it.

I'm reading "Burmese Days" by George Orwell right now and then I'm going to pick up one or two of Rold's recommendations, I'm leaning toward "The Tortilla Borders".

Also, Outlast, the band Outlast rule. It's all I've been listening to this past week on my way to and from work. Their whole discography is great, some of it could use some better production but all in all it's awesome stuff. Songs like "Had Enough People Making My Choices" and "Misprint" send chills down my spine. Some of bassing just shreds so hard. It's perfect blend of melodic youth crew, if i was in a band these guys would definitely be a primary influence.

Everchanging

So i turned 22 this past Monday. I didn't really do anything, i had to work. The weekend before i went up and visited my parents, it's nice where they live in the summer so it was good to get away from the thick summer air in the city.

I almost did what Kate suggested. Get a cake and eat in my room alone, but i thought better of it when i realized the humiliation i would feel even if i was the only one to know what i did. haha.

Anyway, the past couple years on or around the time when i turn a year older i can't help but feel the urgency of time. Sure, I'm still young but it's easy to stagnate and just stop progressing. It can be frustrating when you look back on the year passed and realize you didn't accomplish what you wanted, you didn't accomplish anything really. But i think it's important to remember that you don't always see results instantly, sometimes it takes years to realize that what you learned at a certain point in time was incredibly valuable, even though you had no idea you were even learning anything at that time.

We're so concerned with instant results that it's easy to get frustrated with yourself, but if your willing to learn and adapt with time you'll be better off than the overwhelming amount of people who opt for the instant success or the instant feeling of accomplishment. Slow and steady i guess. Time can be an ugly thing if we let it but it doesn't have to be.

The latest Go It Alone record and the single preceding it were themed around the challenges of time and the changes that come with it. I think both the LP and the single were really well written and given that Go It Alone are calling to quits after this tour I'll post a song relating to what i was just talking about from the "Histories" Single.

Histories

I used to think i was unchanging like the rock besieged by the pounding sea, but Ive come to realize nothing is set in stone as i once believed. time can change me (and it has) but i cant change time. time can change us (and it will) but we cant rewrite our own histories.

Like i promised before here is a rare picture of me looking approachable or even sensible for that matter. I was an usher in my sisters wedding so i had to walk to my mom up the isle during the ceremony, this is the only reasonable looking picture of me out of a ton that were taken and it's the only picture where it doesn't look like i was trying to impersonate a clown with those stupid shoes i was wearing, my mom also looks extremely nervous and freaked out by something, so enjoy.

Unravelling

I started working night shifts doing security for a nursing/retirement home. So my sleep pattern is non existent and i haven't really had time to do much else other than eat and sleep. I usually have a lot of free time during the nights, it's a 12 hour shift and at most i have 5 hours of work, so i get a lot of reading done.

I've been reading a book by Mother Theresa called "no greater love" nothing has really grabbed me about it, she's basically just preaching selflessness to the point where you choose poverty and therefore can relate to and begin to help the poor. There is one part that really grabbed me though:

" When i pick up a hungry person from the street, i give him rice and bread, and i have satisfied that hunger. But a person who is shut out, feels unwanted by society, unloved and terrified - how much more difficult is it to remove the hunger?

You in the West have the spiritually poorest of the poor much more than you have the physically poor. Often among the rich are very spiritually poor people. I find it is easy to give a plate of rice to a hungry person, to furnish a bed to a person who has no bed, but to console or to remove bitterness, anger, and loneliness that comes from being spiritually deprived, that takes a long time."

There's a lot of truth in that statement, you look at our society, we have so much but we have so little. Our immense wealth is able to mask our downfalls, it doesn't take much to see it and if you look closely you can see every bit of structure in our culture and our society rotting. It hasn't collapsed yet, but I'm not sure how much longer a society that is as empty as we are can stand on its own two feet. I guess we're staggering pretty hard now.

All you have to do is look at history and it will show you what happens to a society that rises to the top, eventually it falls to the bottom. Thousands of years ago these collapses took hundreds maybe even thousands of years, but with the acceleration of technology and rapid movement of social systems these collapses can happen much quicker.

I guess looking at North American you could say the pendulum was set swinging in Europe with all the political turmoil and social hardships many of our ancestors had to endure, current generations in North American are so far removed from that struggle that it doesn't mean anything to us anymore. We just let government and the corporations do whatever they please and as long as it doesn't affect our bottom line we don't seem to care.

All of this connects to being empty inside, our pockets and our bank accounts are full but our minds and hearts are empty. I think it's up to the ones who are bitter, angry, socially neglected, and oppressed to make a change. People who are accepted aren't desperate enough.

I'm not sure how this all connects and i don't really care, it makes sense somehow. There's a song by Rise Against off of their first and best record called The Unravelling, it sort of speaks to what I'm saying here, even if it doesn't this song is incredible, lyrically and musically. The Unravelling is one of my favorite records of all time, so much raw emotion and intensity. The few times i saw this band live while they were touring for this record were unbelievable. I know they've gotten insanely popular and even though i don't really like their last two records I'm happy for them, the lyrics are still meaningful, the music just got a little more tame.

Anyway here's the song:

"The Unraveling"

and all these things that we tie together

keep unraveling apart

and the light that used to burn so bright

now is dark

with anger-laced intent we set fire

to the bridges that remain

and they're wading through the current now.

and they drown in the flood of the tears

that have been wept

and i scream to the sky

"no, you are not alone..."

if you think that your words will ever make a difference

think again and carry on

because the weight behind the hand that holds us is strong

but there is hope in the roar of a thousand pleading cries

and all these things that we tie together

the sound of their tongues being bitten

is all I hear

as we fire at the whites of theirs eyes then

dance on ashes of the world

as they drown in the flood of the tears

that have been wept

and their tongues being bitten

is all that I can hear

as I scream to the sky,"I need you now..."

can you feel this truth now unraveling?

or will you chase the burning sun

into the sea.

Desperate Times

It's been incredibly hot lately, it's almost unbearable at times. A couple days ago it was 45 degrees (113 if you don't get Celsius) Summers are violently hot and winters are bitterly cold.... i need to move.



I got the new Allegiance LP in the mail a few days ago, This record is pretty harsh, if you liked "Overlooked" in any way whatsoever you'll dig "Desperation".

I also won Insted's "We'll Make The Difference" 7" with gold print, I'm pretty sure it's the first pressing. This record as well as "What We Believe are both really fundamental when it comes to youth crew hardcore in my opinion. The lyrics aren't exactly groundbreaking, they're simple, to the point and ooze conviction. The music, on this record is a little more raw production wise in comparison to "What We Believe" but it's just as good.

This:Is awesome, TFS in Guatemala, if only kids around here got that stoked on hardcore

In other news, my sister got married Saturday along with 40 million other couples being that it was 7/7/07. It was weird because she's my younger sister, but I'm happy for her, they're happy that's all that matters. Pics will be posted of me sporting a tux looking like a total geek, but only upon request.

Local Talent

Lately there have been a few promising bands start up in and around Toronto, this is really good to see, i think this city is in need of a revival of sorts.

Eating Glass - www.myspace.com/eatingglasshc

These guys are the band I'm most excited about, they sound a bit like Infest with more of a modern vibe and a little Outbreak thrown in for good measure. The vocals are really good, and for being pretty young dudes the lyrics are impressive.

RAH - www.myspace.com/wearerah

Weird name, i don't really know what they sound like but i can get into it.

About To Snap - www.myspace.com/abouttosnap

This band isn't new they've been at it for a couple years, you may or may not have heard of them. These guys are by far my favorite band in Southern Ontario at the moment, fast, pissed early 80's hardcore with a modern touch, thought provoking lyrics, and a front man who is prone to unpredictable antics. They're playing a pretty extensive U.S tour this summer, if you get the chance make it out to one of there shows.

Fever Out - www.myspace.com/feverout

I saw these guys play with Another Breath, the lead guitarist shreds.

Urban Blight - www.myspace.com/urbanblight

These guys have also been around for a few years, but they they deserve mention considering outside of ATS they're my favorite Toronto band. Probably the closest to a true youth crew sound this city has to offer. They hardly play any shows but when the do it's always a fun time.

Rain City Paradise

Vancouver continues to produce a plethora of great hardcore/punk band. I guess Circles is the latest. www.myspace.com/circlesvancouver

I've only hear the three songs they have up but I'm really into it. Former members of Blue Monday and one or two other bands. The Blue Monday influence is pretty prevalent in the songs I've heard. Far more punk sounding than anything Blue Monday ever did, just read their influences and its pretty easy to see where they're coming from.

If you check this out be sure to listen to the song "Find My Breath" i can't stop listening to it.

Good Riddance

This band is one of my all-time favorites, a perfect blend of punk and hardcore. And i always liked that they had a bit of a 90's skate punk vibe to them at times. It's sad to see them go, but they had more than a good run. It also means more time for Only Crime, who are touring through Canada later this summer.

Here are two of my favorite records as well as their last record. I haven't given it much of a listen but from what I've heard it sounds as good as ever.



It's impossible to pick a favorite song by Good Riddance, looking at it from a musical and lyrical perspective they had so many solid songs. Whether the songs were about personal, political or social issues they were always well written and thought provoking. If i had to pick a song it would probably be "Choices Made", this could change by next week but as of this moment this song will have to do.

"Choices Made"

I'm so alone
In the darkest place I know
I'm a prisoner in my mind
And I'm searching for that light
And the faith I left behind
I've tried so hard
To look you In the eye
Time has never been a friend
And once again I've been betrayed
By the weight of what I know
And the choices that I've made
You stood so tall
And I've watched you fall
Looking on the bright side
I've known some peace
Cried on the shoulders
Of better men than me
It's going to take a lifetime
To wash away
If I want to stay clean
I've got to start today

DIY Drumming Pt. 2

Haha, check this out. My brother exposing his drumming skills to the world of youtube.

DIY Drumming Pt. 1

Time Marches On

Go It Alone have been one of my favorite bands ever since i heard the Vancouver Gold EP. Then, after the The Only Blood Between Us was released i was even higher on this band. Needless to say i was anticipating GIA's second full length pretty intensely.

Initially i was a little disappointed in the progression of their sound. I heard the Histories Single and i was really impressed but when i first heard the full length it seemed like the band had lost a bit of their edge. I wasn't going to give up on it that easy, so i listened a few more times and sat down with the lyric sheet and let Histories grow on me. The more i listen to this record, like any previous GIA record, the more i appreciate it. This record is more mid-tempo but it's just as furious. It's more hard hitting and has more a dreary rain city vibe to it.

Histories is also more of a themed record. I think that's one of the reasons i like it so much, it really shows the creativity of vocalist Mark Palm. The record seems to flow flawlessly from one song to the next without losing any steam. Songs like 'Monastery' and 'Rapture' have a more typical GIA vibe lyric wise. While a song like 'Love' shows the sincerity put into the lyric writing. Of all the songs this band has written i think this one is the most easily related to and one of the most beautifully written.

I'm sure there are those who will just stop listening to this band given their relative "popularity" within the hardcore scene. But it's their loss. I can't wait to see this band in August, i guess then we'll see if they've been disbanded to join the heap of "unhipular" bands that came before them. In any case, this record is great, listen to it.

"Love "

I never felt the ache of being alone, never sensed an empty space inside myself. Never felt the urge to fill a void with the presence of someone else. But you uncovered a feeling inside of me, unfamiliar and unique. Created a vacancy within where one never used to be. Dear absentee, dear missing piece, I've missed you since the day we met. Dear truant friend, dear tune stuck in my head that i cant forget....a lost memory, an errant wish, you were a missing limb; every morning i had to wake up and realize you were gone all over again. An unfinished sentence, an interrupted thought, a name on the tip of my tongue. An unsent letter, an unopened book, a lyric left unsung. Dear absentee, dear missing piece, I've missed you since the day we met. Dear truant friend, dear tune stuck in my head. Dear you....I've got these feelings inside, somehow i always knew you'd understand. they've been laying dormant for a lifetime. I'm waking up for the first time.

Anchorless

"Isn't it true that you start your life a sweet child believing in everything under your father's roof? Then comes the day of Laodiceans, when you know you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, and with the visage of a gruesome grieving ghost you go shuddering through nightmare life." - Jack Kerouac

That quote is probably one of the most disturbing, most tragic pieces of writing i have ever read.

In a sense it's what inspired me to write this:

"Deathgrip"

Where did it go wrong?
When did my mind become so restless it turned on itself?

I used to know the difference between fact and fiction,

Between truth and lies.
Now I only know what fiction is, I only know lies.
And everything is a lie, this world is dead
And we made it this way, we watched it die
We had our say, but it’s all lost on us, it’s lost on us.

Why choose to feel when you only feel pain
The knives twisting in and out of your back.
Why choose the light when darkness hides everything you hate
Your scars are concealed when darkness permeates
Why choose the narrow road when you can’t see the end
And the end is only something you dream of
On those nights you were nearly broken, but you wouldn’t give in

I’m still holding on
I’ve seen too many fall short
Wasted lives take a piece of me with them every time they die

You only hold on because somewhere, you believe in hope
You only let go because death is easier
Than staring yourself in the eyes
Swallowing your pride
And admitting you were almost too far gone
And the direction that we were heading was stomped, peddled, and beaten upon

We were wrong, we were all wrong

So just let go, let go

Lights Out....For Good

I'm so glad i was able to get my hands on this record. It was the second pressing out 215 or something like that. I love the artwork on the album cover, it really suits the whole vibe of the record. Most of the songs on this record took some time to grow on me, but ever since i was able to sit down with the lyric sheet and listen along I've gained more of an appreciation for this record.

Pretty much any song this band put out was teaming with anger. It's easy to be angry but most anger lacks any sort of direction. Every song seemed to have a direction or a focus whether it be pointed inwards or outwards towards other people or towards society. My favorite song from this record is "Trapped" to me it epitomizes what this band stood for for the short time they were around. I'm a little bummed i didn't get to see them live a single time, but i think I've took what needed to be taken from this band.

Swarm, like a pack of dogs
Destroy the wounded
Fucking eat me alive
But I'm far from harmed because I don't hate my life
You want to break me down and build me up
Follow your every move
Sell me happiness in 15 minutes
You think you can because so many do
Fall into your trap, I'm smarter than that
Your fucking lies, your dirty scheme, I'll never let you beat me
Their control....
Refuse it....
Destroy it....
Control it....
Cause it's always you telling me what i want
and no matter what i do you'll never stop
Everywhere I turn, there you are
But you'll never destroy what i know inside

We Are The Walking Dead

Usually when i write i try and make it somewhat poetic or i try and put it into the format of a song. Its more powerful that way. But sometimes its too hard to say what i want within that context. I've been in a bit of disturbed mood lately, here's some of the outcome.


What does it mean to be alive in this world? I'm not talking about simply breathing, waking in the morning to face the same blown-out routine. You can only walk down a path so many times before it becomes beat, boring, and lifeless. It might seem enticing at first, giving in is always the easy way out but you'll live to regret it. For generations we've been nothing more than walking dead, marching our way to burn out in beach side towns and retirement homes.

There are a few who resist but most of us either get dragged in line, kicking and screaming, or we can't even will to raise an eyebrow at the fact that we're living unfulfilled. In doing so we've raped and ravaged entire continents of landscape and entire societies of people. Because we do it better, who needs to live when your skeletal remains can bask in a sea of colored paper?

One of the problems is that we've created an empty life, we're born into it, it requires us to leave our true ambition, or aspirations at the steps, before we even see the light of day. Most of us don't even know what it means to be ambitious, in the true sense of the word. You can be ambitious within the realm of our society, but set foot outside those confines and you can't even fathom what it means to breath freely. Let alone know what it means to have aspirations that are true to your heart.

I'm trying to figure out how it feels to be dead inside, but i don't know, I'm not there yet. I don't know what it feels like to live because I'm not there either. I'm stuck in between light and darkness, blinded by a grey haze that leaves me waving my arms out in front of me in fear that i might grasp something that will point me in the right direction.

To be continued.....