Review: Kobe-based trio o'summer vacation returns with their second full-length of industrial noise fusions in the form of Electronic Eye. After several trips to Berlin and Munich, they've found a home with the Alien Transistor label and now drop plenty of guitarless noise punk with production by Shinji Masuko. It makes for an unmatched, hard-hitting barrage that leaves listeners breathless right from the opener, '(Shuku - A)' with its sizzling hi-hats and a unique lullaby from vocalist Ami. Tracks like 'Luna' and 'Anti-Christ Super Star' shift the album from mosh-inducing chaos to 30-second noise punk anthems, all of which embody the band's anti-racist, anti-war sentiments.
Review: The 11th full-length from California pop-punk royalty The Offspring comes three years on from 2021's Let The Bad Times Roll, and shall serve as their first project to feature bassist Todd Morse as an official member as well as multi-instrumentalist Jonah Nimoy and drummer Brandon Pertzborn (who has previously toured with Black Flag, Marilyn Manson and Suicidal Tendencies), while drumming duties were split with the legendary Josh Freese (Nine Inch Nails, A Perfect Circle). 10 tracks, spread out just over a half hour, Supercharged looks set to live up to its title following the band's road break and creative pandemic-enforced respite, with a succinct in-anthem-out mantra.
Review: Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania based melodic hardcore outfit One Step Closer have been left holding the keys to a burdensome legacy. Hailing from the same small town in middle America as emo-hardcore legends Title Fight, there's a lingering sense all eyes in the scene have been slyly pointed at the group since the release of their exceptional debut album This Place You Know in 2021, which they would follow up with last year's surprise Songs For The Willow EP. Where that small batch of tracks indicated a similar creative path to the aforementioned Title Fight with its newfound embracing of melodious shoegazing and melancholic composition, their highly anticipated sophomore LP All You Embrace appears set to marry both the raw and subdued, vicious and vulnerable qualities of their poignant angst-riddled emo-tinged grungecore into one unified cohesion of sincere, gritty, genuine alternative rock.
Review: The Only Ones' third album, Baby's Got A Gun, marked a departure from their previous self-produced work, as they collaborated with renowned producer Colin Thurston. Known for his work with artists like David Bowie and Iggy Pop, Thurston brought a new perspective to the band's sound. The album features guest appearances by Pauline Murray of Penetration, adding depth to tracks like 'Fools' and 'Me And My Shadow.' Fools stands out as the band's only cover song, originally by Johnny Duncan. Released in 1980, Baby's Got A Gun showcased The Only Ones' evolution while maintaining their distinctive style. Despite the album's critical acclaim, the band disbanded two years later, marking the end of an era for their unique blend of rock music.
Review: Osees, led by the visionary John Dwyer, embark on a bold sonic departure with their upcoming album, Sorcs 80. Shedding their guitars and keyboards in favor of synths and drum loops, the band crafts a space rock odyssey that's both infectious and deeply atmospheric. Dwyer's penchant for experimentation shines through as the album brims with a wall of percussion and haunting saxophone melodies courtesy of Cansfis Foote & Brad Caulkins. Recorded on vintage eight-track tape, the album captures a raw intensity rarely seen in modern productions. Tracks like 'Cassius, Brutus & Judas' exemplify Osees' signature punk ethos, blending poppy hooks with heady lyrics that delve into themes of betrayal and human frailty. The result is a mesmerising blend of punk urgency and sci-fi intrigue with an avant-garde punk.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.