.:the batcave below:.

so....

2011-01-23T12:00:00.002-09:00

remember when i was like

"o sorry guys, i'm to busy with my hotshot life doing god knows what to post on a blog anymore"

well, i fucking lied to you okay.
i was ~~seeing some other readers~~ taking a break, but

lets just move past it okay, bygones. anyway blogger is not going to forward you to the new digs, you'll have to update your bookmark yourself. "but gumpy we like it here" well due to some retardness on Google's part, i needed to move my email address plus i did some gay shit on here im not going to do anymore an blah blah this isn't coming together in a way that interests you at all.

go here. [well not here, down there.]

http://ghaus.org

R.I.P. the bcb

2010-07-23T11:25:00.001-08:00

The Batcave Below is dead... but not really.
I'm moving to Gumpys Haus where it will be pretty much the same song and dance.
If you've been with me for the last two years, i thank you kindheartedly and encourage you to continue following me there.
If you just stumbled across this place, same thing.
To all the bands who've become my friends or sent me free shit, or enjoyed the love from this place expect more of the same from Gumpys Haus.
To all the douche bags who trolled here and whined about me not posting enough One Republic, Justin Beiber or other shit music, you're welcome to come to the new site too.

if you need to get a hold of me and are to lazy to click the link for the new page, my email is here.

otherwise, CHEERS and come check out the new digs.

A Great Big Pile of Leaves - Have You Seen My Prefontal Cortex?

2010-06-23T16:50:00.000-08:00

sound: Indie Rock/ Chill Sauce

I haven't even gotten through the first three songs and im just going to post this. This band has really grown into their big boy pants, and are now laying down some seriously slick jams. It's hard to not have a great deal of respect for any band that self releases their first two EP's and then gives this one away for FREE on their website.
Love these guys they are class as hell, and this record is a treat. Check it out, cheers.
a great big pile of leaves MERCH

sounds like: Minus the Bear, Small Leaks Sink Ships

vbr for FREE!

OMNI Vinyl Appreciation

2010-04-29T21:22:00.000-08:00

sound:Indie Rock/Chill Sauce
http://www.myspace.com/minusthebear

shown above: the jacket

shown above: Opaque Red A/B, Opaque White C/D

shown above: OMNI stencil, digital download card, and lyrics insert

Listened to this yesterday on vinyl, and i highly recommend if you like Minus the Bear, seriously consider picking this up. I was oober skeptic based on the pre-order price, but i agree now that Dangerbird made excellent choices with packaging and the deep red and eye catching white vinyl are remarkable to watch spin. By the way all that aside, the actual record is A fucking plus material. The tracks are innovative while feeling familiar, and range from ass shaking to chill as it's ever been. seriously, Cheers on this one guys.

Pick up the ultra boring standard or the sweet ass deluxe edition [as shown above]
OMNI on Vinyl.

[GT] Minus the Bear [live]

2010-04-26T20:34:00.002-08:00

sound: Indie Rock/Chill Sauce
myspace

This is "Secret Country" off the new record OMNI out May 5th, but if you're like me you pre-ordered the vinyl which is already in the mail!!! This is the 4.19 2010 OMNI TOUR kickoff show @ the Knitting Factory in Spokane Washington [my hometown]. Some friends of mine went, and i got to listen to some fuzzy but sweet jams over the telephone, this is the first time in 5 straight Spokane shows i didn't see them live. But i hear they fucking destroyed the place.

Hard Girls [2009] Hello

2010-04-25T20:43:00.000-08:00

sound: Indie Rock/Punk
myspace
Truthfully this record is probably more like something you would see on CTS, but for the sake of diversity i will indulge you. This band plays something between the raspy vocals and hard rock feel you should expect from Indie Rock outfits, while also infusing the uptempo punk drum beats you might expect from my Punk Emo posts of late. Mostly i want to say this is a super fun summer feel EP, that's fucking infectious and a steady high. Anyway they have a blog where you can keep up with the band, although they haven't updated it in a while :( In my opinion this record is pretty fantastic and they have it linked up for free, which is always cool, so check out their sweet merch pronto. Cheers.
Hard Girls merch.

sounds like: Constantines, Channels, State Route 522

320 kbps.

Sore Eyelids [2009] S/T

2010-04-21T14:00:00.000-08:00

sound: Punk/Post Hardcore
myspace
I'm not going to lie to you guys, i have no idea how this came to be on my iPod, maybe the punk gods decided to just dump this off in my lap. This band plays this sort of dream sequence Punk or Post Hardcore with that sad emotional bullshit everyone wanked to in the 90's. Don't take that the wrong way, these are five spectacular songs full of flooded guitars, drifting clean vocals, and steady drum beats that evoke nostalgia in the most heartfelt way. I don't know if that description does this band any justice. I know next to nothing about them, except that i already love them deeply in a totally gay for their music type way. Check it out.

sounds like: honestly my first thought was Elbow, or Black Rebel Motorcycle Club with more reverb

192 kbps.

Minus the Bear [2010] Omni

2010-04-19T07:49:00.000-08:00

sound: Indie Rock/Chill Sauce
myspace
Hi.
Omni leaked.
For everyone who's not good at being a pirate, here is a pg 13 taste.

stream Omni from KCRW.

sounds like: MONEY.

Pirouette [2006] Thinking in Subtitles

2010-04-18T07:08:00.000-08:00

sound:Punk/Emo
myspace
Melodic noodley guitar riffs, clean vocals, fun pop punk. You like the summer record feel of Grown Ups, Snowing, My Heart to Joy with the unfinished basement show production of Chalk Talk, or For Serious This Time? You get the fucking picture right? Pirouette is in that vein of awesome musicianship, with just enough of the bands you see above to sound fantastic, but leaving just enough of themselves to stamp it as their own.
Lately it seems like I've just been poking around in the Punk/Emo genre-basket of bands carrying this sound, looking for something that gets the 14 yr old in me going like the first Kidcrash record New Ruins [which i'm forever going on about i know]. Anyway these guys are defunct as far as i know, if you want to find their shit good luck i would start at their myspace. I've listened to this nonstop for three fucking days, it's definitely worth checking out. Cheers.

sounds like: Chalk Talk, For Serious This Time, Grown Ups

320 kbps.

*By the way, these guys are on the Cake Life Collective which I've talked about before on here, and will post soon.

Glassjaw [2000] Everything You Want to Know About Silence

2010-04-05T20:41:00.000-08:00

sound: Screamo/ Post Hardcore/Progressive
myspace
If you didn't already know about this band or this record, you fucking missed out. Everything You Want to Know.. was a goddamn marker on the long winding road that is/was Post Hardcore which has in the last 10 years morphed into what ever punk/core/screamo blah blah blah fucking genre you want to insert "here". GlassJaw has had about a million members, and their still around playing wildass live shows to their cult-like fanbase.
Ever felt like fucking garbage after breaking up/ fighting with your significant other, wanted to kill your cheating whore of a gf/bf, or tell your parents to get fucked? This record is yours to punch dance too, or smash your room up, play way too fucking loud in your car, or sit around and feel like shit for any other reason. Just bought this on vinyl, i strongly encourage you to do the same. I shouldn't have to tell you to check this record it out, hopefully you already knew.
Glassjaw Merch.

sounds like: This City Sunrise, Since By Man

Bang = ?.

Glös [2007] Harmonium

2010-03-31T10:30:00.001-08:00

sound: Indie Rock/Chill Sauce
myspace
Glös is a band that started much like Able Baker Fox a transferring of mp3 files from one band bro to another, an idea from one talented musician to another equally formidable musical genius, and they combined like a fucking megazord for one sick ass moment in time. Thus once again, a musical miracle was born.
If you like Denali, Ambulette, Sparta, or Engine Down firstly let me say: hi, you're on the right fucking page my friend, and secondly: your probably going to like this. More Maura Davis having a voice that drips of sex, more Keeley Davis playing the most melancholy and heavy hitting riffs your indie rock heart can pound to, and more of sexy Cornbread Compton drums giving you a pulsating hard on. Sometimes when the stars align just right, some pretty epic shit transpires in the music world, this band is no exception.

sounds like: all bands in bold above

Bang = vbr.

Desaparecidos [2002] Read Music/Speak Spanish

2010-03-27T17:54:00.000-08:00

sound: Indie Rock
myspace
I don't feel like writing much right now, just take my word for it these guys are pretty fucking great. Clean vocals from Connor Oberst who you might know from Bright Eyes, if that is starting to turn you off don't worry this does not sound like that band. You can expect heavy distortion, solid drumming, and clean breakdowns. If you want to buy this, i don't know look on amazon or something. Check this out, these nine songs are certainly worthy of your time.

Bang= 192 kbps.

sounds like: Against Me!, Spoon, Channels, Casket Lottery

[GUMPTUBE] Minus the Bear Acoustics

2010-03-23T22:40:00.000-08:00

Watch MTB perform My Time and Hold Me Down unplugged SXSW style.

JUMP.

[ITK] For Serious This TIme

2010-03-12T15:00:00.001-09:00

sound: Punk/Emo
myspace + merch.
For Serious This Time plays just the right mix of jangly pop punk that will shake you loose from any skram / hardcore funk you might be hanging out in. Came across these guys on SAL [serious bro] and could not stop listening to their myspace waiting for their shit to download. You know when you hear a record that really makes you wish you were at their show screamin' all the lyrics with the guy next to you? FSTT bring that in the most infectious way, and leave a smile on your face. Anyway they have some super sweet hand numbered copies of their CD's, plus a sexy little tape with both their [EP]'s on it! If you dug Chalk Talk or Grown Ups these dudes are a definite must listen. Check em out!!

sounds like: Chalk Talk, Grown Ups

This Room [EP] & When You're In It.

Cloud Mouth [2008] S/T

2010-03-11T14:56:00.000-09:00

sound: Screamo/Punk
myspace
Check out "three wild and crazy guys" making a whole bunch of sweet ass noise and stirring up a lot of low key notoriety for their unique mix of heavy gloomy punk and crunchy indie rock riffs. I heard one song from them, and then spent the next several hours trying to drum up some links so i could hear everything these dudes had because I was so fucking hooked. This S/T is soo solid from the familiar guitars of Rats in their Holes to the desperation and gaudy crunch of Rachel. They have a split 7" with Cougar Den on white which you can pick up from Robotic Empire, ....may or may not have done so already. Also they have a lot of shit in the works including a six song 12" [EP] which you can be sure to pick up from Ice Age Records later this year. Keep a thumb on this band, they have some serious promise, not to mention they happen to be super friendly and genuinely sweet guys :) Cheers.
Cloud Mouth Blog.

sounds like: A Day in Black and White, maybe Spires

Bang = vbr.

Grown Ups [2009] Songs

2010-03-06T00:49:00.000-09:00

sound: Punk/Emo
myspace or bandcamp
I don't really know what to say besides, this is genuinely a brief collection of some of the most impressive and emotional punk or indie rock i've heard in a while. This little [EP] seriously blows me away every time i hear it from it's cloud-light guitar riffs and catchy fucking drum hooks to it's group or solo gut wrenching vocal wails. Of the same epic caliber as Kidcrash' first record New Ruins [which i fucking adore btw] but with their own melodic stamp. If you like this, their debut full length More Songs will be released by Big Scary Monsters on May 18th. And if you get a chance, go check them out on tour with 1994! and My Heart to Joy [two equally mind blowing bands]! I cannot express the kind of hate-like envy i feel towards anyone who gets to see these three bands in succession. Also check the sweet DIY Vinyl packaging on their merch, buyin' mine right now!! Cheers.
Grown Ups Merch

sounds like: Kidcrash, My Heart to Joy, Snowing

Bang = vbr.

[S] Minus the Bear: "My Time"

2010-03-03T13:33:00.000-09:00

In case you didn't already know, i am soo gay for this band. Here's the first Single of their new record OMNI due out May 4th from Dangerbird Records [definite bros]. Plan on being sort of confused when looking for Dave's guitar, mostly cause he's not playing a guitar he's plays a 1981 Omnichord Synthesizer he picked up in Japan when on tour. Also are you fucking kidding me? Pretty sure OMNI is going to be one of the most innovative Minus the Bear records, to date. Also in case your doubting the depths of my hetero-homoerotic love for this band, check out my fanboy page:
http://fuckyeahdaveknudson.tumblr.com

Revisted: Harvard [2009] The Inevitable, and I

2010-02-26T00:29:00.001-09:00

sound: Indie Rock/Progressive
myspace
I rarely do this, i haven't even listened to this whole record and im gonna write about it anyways. I've heard about 5 tracks off this album in the last half an hour, and im going to say im surprisingly blow away. But let me tell you why, normally when people compare a band to Circa Survive or Minus the Bear they almost always turn out to be complete and utter shit.
So needless to say when i saw this record being compared to Juturna my initial response was "there's no fucking way". However i will say these guys share lot with that record, the same haunting feel of the guitars/faders/pedals use you got from Circa, should be expected here because this record is produced by Brian Mcternan. Vocalist is more Deas Vail sounding to me, but still pretty great. Overall this record gives a very intimate feel, its sort of dreamlike and introspective in nature, but extremely enjoyable. Some jazzy aspects, the track French Girls has a glimmer of horns for flavoring and On with Disease sounds like it could have been on On Letting Go. Heavier feeling tracks like Red Dress exist for those who question the prog. rock tag. Interesting record, definitely try these guys out.

*Do these guys a solid and buy some merch, small label bros for sure :)
Harvard Merch.

sounds like: Circa Survive, Deas Vail, As Cities Burn

stream the whole record at Enjoy the Ride.

[ITK] Protestant

2010-02-23T17:00:00.003-09:00

sound: Hardcore/Punk
myspace + direct merch mail order.

So here's a band that you want to be In The Know about, these guys play a brand of Hardcore i cant really say i've had much interest in since i was like 15, HOWEVER for some reason this band is striking a chord with me right now. So to Protestant thanks for playing killer 1/2 drumbeats filling my headphones with your throaty punk goodness. These guys are DIY and straight out of Milwaukee. They say they are out to "destroy shittymetalcore and mtv hardcore", if this is some sort of movement please fucking sign me up twice. They have a handful of music around including an epic fucking split with Northless on you guessed it, InkBlot.
By the way the Dead as We Look LP is fucking uncontrollable. If you like Hardcore, or have been known to use the term Metal sparingly you'll probably want to check these guys out. If you're not a fan of what "Hardcore" actually entails there's a pretty good chance these dudes might make you wet the bed, just FYI. Cheers.

sounds like: the Chariot, old the Bled, Vallon

As Dead as We Look LP [2007]
Protestant/Northless 7" Split
Protestant/Rhino Charge 7" Split
The Hate the Hollow [2008]

Boy Problems [2008] Tour [DEMO]

2010-02-21T21:28:00.000-09:00

sound: Screamo/Punk
myspace
These dudes play a genuinely sweet brand of emotional screamo that is hard not to instantly fall in love with. The incredibly fast hands of Jr. who now drums for Snowing [expect a post on these dudes soon] are just as impressive as the twinkling guitar riffs and catchy hooks of these Philly Bros. Boy Problems was honest and gorgeous and short lived, but a lot of the guys now play in some fantastic other bands, which you can check out on their myspace. Would have loved to see more from them, but they did just do a reunion show on New Year's Eve which i heard from a very reliable source [here's looking at you johnamore] was Fucking Killer so who knows?? Anyway check out their Tour Demo, it's a doozy.

sounds like: Lautrec, My Heart to Joy, You Blew It!

Bang = 192 kbps.

1994!/Spires [2009] 12" Split

2010-02-20T23:53:00.001-09:00

sound: Punk/Screamo Indie Rock/Progressive
1994! / Spires
By now you've probably figured out that i've really been digging 1994! lately, but the Spires half of this Split is what gets me every fucking time. Their just so damn impressive right out the gate with the track Leaving For Home. Love the drum intro with the far off guitars coming through like it's a distant radio transmission. Love bands that aren't afraid to establish their sound, it takes balls to hang back vocally on the intro track, always reminds me of Alexisonfire's S/T intro. These guys don't quit through their next two songs giving you lick after lickpg guitar greatness and fist pumping punk anthems. Also i fucking hate Split's that are jarring when you move from one band to the next, this one no such problem the transitions into 1994! is so smooth you might not even catch it on digital format. These two bands compliment each other soo beautifully i can see why InkBlot Records had to snatch them both up. Pick this up on blue vinyl from InkBlot while they still got it, i know i will be :)

1994!/Spires 12" Split on Vinyl.

sounds like: Boyfriends, Bear Vs. Shark, Loma Prieta

Bang= vbr.

Hollerado [2009] Record in a Bag

2010-02-16T17:14:00.003-09:00

sound: Indie Rock/Poolhall
myspace

Think a raspier Young the Giant [formerly the Jakes, try to keep up] a less whiny Hot Hot Heat or Tapes N' Tapes with a little less Interpol feel. To much name dropping, then let me tell you some cool stuff about this band. People told these bros it would never happen for them, so they decided to start their own label, name it Royal Mountain Records and with a little help from A&C.ca Record in a Bag was released for a second time like 5 days ago on vinyl. SO TAKE THAT THE MAN, DIY lives!!!!! Of course, when you get it on vinyl it comes in a sweet black tote bag. Gonna pick one up this morning, also they have the coolest fucking website ever, its really art-sie and fun, you've got to check it out. Try these guys on for size for sure.
BUY Record in a Bag, literally in a Bag.

sounds like: Young the Giant, Hot Hot Heat, Tapes N' Tapes

Bang = vbr.

Chalk Talk [2009] Killing Spree

2010-02-16T11:13:00.000-09:00

sound: Screamo/Pop Punk/Math Rock

myspace + merch.
Chalk Talk plays a fun lighthearted brand of pop punk that's infectious in nature, bouncy and energetic, with lyrics that are fucking hilarious. They have this knack for screamed harmonies, which is fucking great if you see their live shows cause it's pretty much out of control. They just put out a split cassette with Black Churches, and an upcoming tour with those bros in the summer. These guys run with this DIY promotion group called the Cake Life Collective, certainly worth checking out, their first compilation record is up for downloading there. Chalk Talk have some sweet t-shirts on their myspace, and quiet an underground following of which you can now be apart of. Check these dudes out for sure.
Cake Life Collective

sounds like: Bear Vs. Shark, Algernon Cadwallader, 1994!

Bang = 320 kbps.

Boyfriends [2009] EP

2010-02-11T12:00:00.001-09:00

Hey guys, I'm leaving town again [sad face]

as you read this i am currently trapped on a slow ass ferry with twenty six 12 yr old girls

for TWELVE MINDBLOWING HOURS!!!

sound: Indie Rock/Progressive
myspace + merch.
Anyway i figured i better hook you all up with this sweet ass [EP] from the band Boyfriends to ease my own pain. If you liked 1994!, and honestly how could you not those dudes fucking rocked then you better take a listen to these dudes since it's two of the same guys and some of their hetero-music-playing life mates. Anyway they put some tapes [look up the term: Walkman if confused] out on [get this shit] Ticklebutt Records. Seriously, i have never wanted to make a record label more. Expect more of the same loud crazy punk indie rock hard hitting jump around your living room goodness.
TickleButt, incase you didn't believe me.

sounds like: Bear Vs. Shark, 1994!

Bang = 128kbps.

[RQ] Hats Off, Gentlemen [2008] We Broke Ribs

2010-02-11T00:02:00.000-09:00

sound: Screamo/Hardcore
myspace

I don't know much about this band except that:

1. There were 5 of them
2. They were from Canada [instant street cred.]
3. Unsigned/ DIY
4. Apparently their live shows were the shit to be at.
5. These dudes didn't re-invent the wheel, but they had their own sound and handful of persistent emailing fans, so check 'em out.

sounds like: Calculator., ?

Bang = 192kbps.

[GumpTube] Able Baker Fox

2010-02-08T14:00:00.000-09:00

Arguably one of the best fucking bands of all time.

[that statement not to be confused with "the greatest band of all time" which is still, Minus the Bear]

[that statement not to be confused with "the only band of all time" which is still, Alexisonfire]

just so we are all clear.

Caitlyn Bailey [2008] Fuego!

2010-02-08T11:29:00.007-09:00

sound: Hardcore/Screamo
myspace

After listening to this band for about 20 minutes I'm already sold on the fact that their drummer is fucking hard, and this band is legit. Liking this shit a lot, from what i understand these cats are the face of the Phillipines DIY scene, not super hard to see why. I like bands that can actually write, check out the lyrics to the track Peduran: "we spoke into the sun as the curtain fell on us/my hands were spread across the span of oceans and continents/ arrogantly raised as if there was nothing else here/ "and there was nothing else here", we said." I don't want to say too much about these guys i think their jams speak for themselves, and they already sold out their CDR from Hidden Rainbows Records but i heard from the grape vine they have a full length in the works. So if you like this, definitely stay tuned.
Caitlyn Bailey in the Interwebs.

sounds like: Summons to Yomi, Portraits of the Past

Bang =128 kbps.

Et Tu Brute [2005] S/T Demo

2010-02-07T20:04:00.001-09:00

sound: Hardcore/Screamo
myspace
The intro to the track All Things Equal is what sold me on this band. The Et Tu Brute demo was probably the only thing i listened to on my ipod this weekend, and it was a pretty good choice. This four song demo is deceptively long, and powerful, it is also unfortunately the only thing to survived from this band. Perhaps the notoriety and cult like following this band generates is do to the fact that so little is known about them. What ever it is, their brief library of music speaks loudly for itself. The moody melodic strums of guitar interlaced with subdued drumming giving way to throat grinding screamo is damn fine. The passive aggressive Favete Linguis is a five minute journey. Screamo buffs, check these guys out.

sounds like: Ampere, A Day in Black and White

Bang = ? .

Botch [2002] Anthology of Dead Ends [EP]

2010-02-05T13:00:00.002-09:00

sound: Hardcore/Mathcore
myspace
Mostly i wanted to post this cus im going to be gone again for a little bit coaching, and i wanted to make sure you all had something i know to be Fucking Fantastic. Firstly, who doesn't have love in their hearts for groundbreaking and genre defining [yeah i fucking said that] math-letes Botch? Secondly, in case you've haven't been around the bcb for the last two years i have a ginormous boner for Dave Knudson [clearly that's a joke, because i am, after all, a lady]. And thirdly if you hadn't heard of Botch till two seconds ago where the fuck have you been??? Deafening feedback to throaty screams, ear splitting hand numbing guitar riffs you couldn't even dream of imitating to heavy heart pounding drums that make you want to dance in a circle and punch the dude next to you?? They even through in Afghamastam for pussies who said they were too loud. If Micaragua doesn't make you want to get the fuck up, there's a good chance nothing ever will. This was Botch's last record, and icing on the coffin to quiet possibly the best thing to ever come out of Washington [sorry Nirvana fans, i just went there]. If you'd like to fist fight over that, you'll have to wait till i get back, Cheers you fucks!!!

this on CDEP from HydraHead.

sounds like: maybe Norma Jean or the Chariot, they sound like fucking Botch

Bang = 192kbps.

[SHOWS] Schoolyard Heroes are Not Dead.

2010-02-04T23:20:00.002-09:00

sound: Horror Punk/Post Hardcore

http://www.myspace.com/bloodcellsband

Ok, so technically the previous statement is a bold face lie. However, take a listen to Blood Cells the new project from SYH defuncts Ryann and Jonah. Their sound is just as tight, maybe even more approachable for those who were a little put off by songs about zombies and werewolves. Anyway they have two Seattle shows coming up and i would FUCKING LOVE to go, but i cant so if YOU'RE IN SEATTLE go check them out.

January 15th w/ Jaguar Love and Slender Means All Ages @ the Vera Project.
January 16th w/ Past Lives and Worlds Greatest Ghosts 21+ The Sunset Tavern.

sounds like: Schoolyard Heroes, duh.

[RQ] This Town Needs Guns

2010-02-04T17:00:00.001-09:00

sound:Indie/Chill Sauce
myspace

This Town Needs Guns is a band I've had rolling around in my Itunes for the better part of a year, and i always meant to get around to them. Their record Animals I've always enjoyed for the time i was listening to it, but then i would listen to another band and completely forget about this. Nothing on the album ever stood out to me, and hung around in my head. That being said I'm still going to recommend it because i truly believe they are a talented band, and this record is really bohemian and entertaining.

Animals [2008] = vbr.

Now the split they did with Cats and Cats is where this band shines. I love the song If I Sit Still Maybe I'll Get Out of Here, and Is Dancier Than 4. Besides it's always cool to see bands come together and play off of each other, this split is no exception. This needs to get pressed on vinyl ASAP. Check'em out.

Split w/ Cats and Cats = 320 kbps.

sounds like: Annuals, Great Big Pile of Leaves, Eulogies

GumpTube: "The Jakes" now "Young the Giant"

2010-02-04T12:00:00.002-09:00

sound: Indie Poolhall

myspace

Super sweet band the Jakes have changed their name to Young the Giant and signed with Road Runner records, why they choose this label [home of Nickelback] i will never know. When asked why the name change, said the band:

"A name is a name, and only serves to unite individuals under a common feeling of togetherness."

Personally i dont care in the least as long as they keep putting out great albums like Shake My Hand. And judging by this video teaser of their new material that is their plan.

The Reptilian [2009] This Boy's Life

2010-02-03T12:45:00.000-09:00

sound: Indie Rock/Progressive/Chill Sauce
myspace
Math-Rock proportional Indie Rock, elemental finger guitar tapping, four-time crash hits, wandering lead guitar riffs, raspy vocals. The Reptilian cover all the bases necessary to make an entertaining and admirable record. This short EP is foot tappin' and lazy chill, So... What are my Torso's Options? is an electro and pedal orgy. This band's music gives off a magnetic vibe, drawing you into the full eighteen minutes of what this little record has to offer. MTB fans, hop on board. Check 'em out.
The Reptilian Blog.

sounds like: Minus the Bear, Look Mexico, Great Big Pile of Leaves

Bang = 128 kbps.

1994! [2009] Thank You Arms and Fingers

2010-02-02T16:00:00.001-09:00

sound: Indie Rock/ Progressive
myspace

Im really excited to share this record with you guys. Mostly because it's really impressive, but also because it's always nice to get "small" bands more recognition. Also 1994! are genuinely nice dudes, who have built the reputation that they are a damn fun show and they treat their fans well. This record is pretty great, for a Bear Vs. Shark fan, im gonna go ahead and guarantee you're going to like these guys. A lot of that same fun upbeat indie rock riffage complimented by a talented drummer who can keep the pace high tempo. Anyway Inkblot's a pretty sweet record label been meaning to show them some love for a while. Be sure to pick this up on vinyl, i know i am. Cheers.
TAaF on vinyl.

sounds like: Bear Vs. Shark, Victor! Fix the Sun

Bang = ?.

Polemarch [2009] A Static Future [EP]

2010-02-02T12:00:00.002-09:00

sound:Hardcore/Screamo
myspace
If you didn't already read my other post about Polemarch then let me sum it up for you:
-these dudes are from Finland
-they're DIY, till they die
-i have a huge music boner for them
-they're fucking talented and make mind numbingly good music

Here's what you might not already know, this three song EP might be the best EP i have ever heard by any band. Three tracks, that can go toe to toe with any bands full length. This EP is it's own little slice of the raw power and musical talent that this band can bring at you. Also Static Future might be my new favorite song of all time. Seriously, you have got to download this.
Polemarch Blog.

sounds like: Kidcrash, I Had Plans!, Calculator.

Bang = vbr.

Great Friend of Mine [2009] Desperate Songs

2010-02-01T22:40:00.000-09:00

sound: Screamo/Hardcore
myspace
Desperate Songs has a lot of things going on in it, but mostly it's just at times good old fashioned LOUD-LOUD-soft screamo like on tracks Twenty-Twelve and Harrison Bergon. Some tracks sort of meander out of heavy distortion into that heavy guitar wailing that ever good hardcore fan can appreciate. Honestly on the tail end of Iceberg, these dudes sound fucking awesome, along with The World which is probably their best song imo. These dudes are artists for real, and their record has a message. They definitely have enough confidence and talent to get it across. These dudes are DIY so support the shit out of them, their LP comes with a 27 page handmade booklet, it doesn't get more intimate than that. Check 'em out.
Great Merch of Mine.

sounds like: Dominic, A Day in Black and White, Admiral's Arms

Bang =128 kbps.

Look Mexico [2008] Gasp Asp EP

2010-01-31T21:45:00.000-09:00

sound: Indie Rock/Chill Sauce
myspace
In the midst of waiting around for MTB to drop their new shit, i stumbled across this band. Who coincidentally have this killer fucking EP. The song that really hooked me on this band is You're Not Afraid of the Dark are You? Mostly because it's really groovy and moody. Love the lyrics to this song, really melancholy and morbid, while being entertainingly upbeat in melody "four years of wading water/only to get this far". Let A Survivor's Code. My Code. is damn catchy too a nice end track to this record. It sort of gives of this mellow, kick ass vibe that just makes you wanna be at a show. Think a lot of MTB fans can get down with that feeling [need to get to a show btw]. Anyway they just signed with Suburban Home who's records it seems like i've been buying a whole lot of lately, so clearly they keep signing talented dudes. Probably going to be forced to get this album on White, since it's actually really great. Be sure to check out You Stay. I Go. No Following. if it's anything like this, it's certainly worth pre-ordering the 7".
Gasp Asp on Vinyl.

sounds like: Limbeck, Minus the Bear, Cheap Girls, Sleep Bellum Sonno, Small Leaks Sink Ships

Bang = vbr.

road trippin.....

2010-01-31T17:35:00.000-09:00

First of all, you better believe Kickapoo Joy Juice will get 26 fourteen year old girls jacked up for a Volleyball Match quicker then cocaine or speed ever could. Secondly here's some albums that were getting some heavy rotation on my ipod while i tried to drown out the sound of people singing Taylor Swift loud enough to rattle the bus windows. :)

My Heart to Joy [2009] Season in Verse : Been talking to these guys lately about how they need to come to AK to do a show. Can't wait to move back to states to see this band again. This record is always great, on a bus, on a plane, with ham, etc
Kidcrash [2004] New Ruins : For some reason anytime i hear any of these songs, they make me smile. Love this band, definitely still my favorite record by them, wish they would buy back the rights and put it on vinyl.
Polemarch [2008] La Fiesta De Disfances : Continuing to be blown away by this band, probably gonna put up a Static Future[EP] pretty soon here.
Minus the Bear [2009] Into the Mirror [SINGLE] : Kind of sick of waiting for these guys to just fucking put out there new album. And i keep saying, "fuck MTB if they want to ignore me and my wants, then FINE." But then i quickly take it back and hope the MTB gods didn't here me and smite me with a longer wait.
Alexisonfire [2009] Old Crows/Young Cardinals: It's always great when bands you love mature and make even better music. It's even better when you agree and support the direction that they want to take their new sound in. It's fucking fantastic, when that new sound is fucking awesome.
Saosin [2003] Translating the Name :Rumors about this getting repressed on Vinyl have really been getting me all hot and bothered. Had to go back and re listen to those fan-fucking-tastic drums again.
Minus the Bear [2005] Menos El Oso :There is no instance in which this record is not 100% worth listening to from start to finish. Had to play this one while zoning out to mile after mile of snow covered mountain tops, and Dr. Seuss looking trees.. Made me miss the ocean, like it was a long lost friend [which most MTB records do].

What do you guys listen to on roadtrips?

[RQ] All the Day Holiday [2007] We'll Be Walking on Air [EP]

2010-01-31T17:30:00.000-09:00

sound: Indie Rock/Chill Sauce
myspace
The song Fingerprints in my opinion is probably the best song on this EP, possibly the best AtDH song period. I've had this record for a while, its alright it sort of wears me out pretty easily, but their definitely talented.
Anyway this band has a super boner for twitter so if you like them you can follow their every move and heart all their re-tweets. Don't ever say i don't fill request!
AtDH on Twitter.

sounds like: Small Leaks Sink Ships, A Great Big Pile of Leaves

Bang = vbr.

Victor! Fix The Sun [2009] Person Place or Thing

2010-01-29T01:14:00.000-09:00

sound: Indie Rock/Progressive
myspace
After a long complicated time of trying to fill the void that Bear Vs. Shark made in my life after they stopped making beautiful music together i happened upon this band. They quickly filled that raucous gaping hole with their self defining fast paced brand of mathy-indie-assault-like rock. Needless to say, Victor! Fix the Sun and i have been going steady ever since. This record is spot on, from the fucking start it doles out track after track of fucking great music.
"Sometimes the most powerful sound comes from being confronted without warning."
Get this shit right now.
Person Place or Thing on Amber Vinyl.

sounds like: Bear Vs. Shark, Kane Hodder

Bang = vbr.

Polemarch [2008] La Fiesta De Disfraces

2010-01-28T23:48:00.001-09:00

sound: Screamo/Progressive
myspace

"We are not interested in gaining quick fame and fortune, fashionable haircuts and hipster attire, nor ridiculous macho posing. We are interested in performing sincere and energetic music" -Polemarch

There's not much more i can say, except that i have spent the better part of the last two days being completely blown away by this band. Polemarch is another great DIY band and these guys are from from Finland [further proving the stereotype that fucking fantastic music comes from overseas]. This record is fucking phenomenal, at times that it's that fist pumping brand of punk, other times it's earsplitting riffed screamo with that raw pulse of emotion. The song Amelia Mary Earhart has been getting some heavy rotation as of late, as well as To Burst at a Supper. I highly encourage you to check these guys out, if you don't you will be missing out. Also can i just say, did i mention to you yet that these guys are fucking great???Seriously, Cheers.
Purchase La Fiesta De Distraces in the states.

Polemarch Blog.

sounds like: Kidcrash, I Had Plans!, Calculator.

Bang = vbr.

You Blew It! [2009] S/T EP

2010-01-27T22:31:00.000-09:00

sound:Indie Rock/Progressive
myspace
You Blew It! play a pretty interesting blend of super chill mostly instrumental indie rock, equal parts emotional and progressive in their stylings. Some tracks you'll think you're listening to a Minus the Bear guitar/electronica interlude, then they switch it up with heartfelt scratchy vocals. At times they're so damn heartfelt they remind me of My Heart To Joy or Kidcrash's first record. Really likin' this short EP, plus these guys are giving it away free so be sure to hit up their myspace or fb for band chats. Definite bros, cheers.

facebook page.

sounds like: Minus the Bear, My Heart to Joy, Victor! Fix the Sun

Bang = vbr.

Ampere [2004] All Our Tomorrows End Today

2010-01-26T16:51:00.000-09:00

sound: Hardcore/Screamo
myspace + merch.
The guys in Ampere don't fuck around, this is about as short and sweet as its gonna get. Clockin' in at under 11 minutes this LP will blow out your speakers and have you screaming it's name before you can even get wet. My fav. is The Old World is Behind Us, a heavy instrumental track that wails through mountains of feedback. If you don't know anything about Ampere don't worry im not going to hold a fucking seminar on DIY punk ethics. But if you don't actually know what that term means might want to check it out, certainly quiet a few ass kicking bands subscribe to those ideals. As a musician who's played quite a few basement shows, and paid out of pocket to cut demos i have to say more power to 'em. Cheers.
AOTET on vinyl.

sounds like: Funeral Diner, Orchid, Summons to Yomi

Bang = 192 kbps.

Loma Prieta [2009] Dark Mountain

2010-01-24T16:38:00.002-09:00

sound: Hardcore/Screamo
First of all Loma Prieta is from San Francisco, therefore being from the Bay Area i was predestined to love them. Secondly this album is a fucking monster of a beast. Eight songs that ooze talent, ambition, and fearlessness. From wild crashing drums and crazed screams, to their bold acoustic guitars outros. I cant say enough about how much i have been enjoying this record for a while now. They even had to put it out on white vinyl, which is my absolute favorite! Who says true love doesn't exist?
Dark Mountain on Vinyl.

sounds like: Caculator. Kidcrash, Sinaloa

Bang = 320 kbps.

La Quiete [2004] La Fin Non é La Fine

2010-01-24T16:15:00.001-09:00

sound: Hardcore/Screamo
myspace.com
Energy, vitality, what ever you want to call it these guys have it. A lot of musical stamina, plenty of people can play loud and fast for 21 minutes it takes more to maintain direction, and these guys do. The song Ciò Che Non Siamo, Ciò Che Non Vogliamo is a great example of this, this track fucking shreds at parts and then just comes at you instrumentally at others. Really diggin' these guys this morning. If you find yourself on a Italian Screamo binge then you should probably know La Quiete are with Sons of Vesta Records [It. label, many great bands]. Anyway if you like these guy you might want to check out this other band Raein, features some of the same dudes and much of the same ass-kicking, face-melting, ear-raping music. Cheers.
La Quiete on the web.

sounds like: Raein, Loma Prieta

Bang = vbr.

I Had Plans [2009] Demo CDR

2010-01-23T16:45:00.000-09:00

sound: Progressive/Screamo
myspace

Missing the wandering guitar riffs, and ear splitting melodies of Dave Knudson in Botch? Try these kids on for size. I know absolutely nothing about this band except their from Portugal [don't worry their vocals are in English, if that kind of thing puts you off] they are [or were] signed to Escucha! Records which also boasts some sweet fucking bands like Suis La Luine and Kidcrash, and they are talented. If the track Animal Man is any indicator of what these guys can do, i would love to see something of theirs on vinyl. This super short demo is the shit, so check it out.

sounds like: Tera Melos, The Fall of Troy, Since By Man, Kidcrash

Bang = ?.

Corinne Bailey Rae [2010] The Sea

2010-01-21T23:15:00.000-09:00

sound: R&B/Indie
myspace
First No, that is not a picture of me [race].
That's Corinne Bailey Rae who blew up a while back with her S/T record and soft British croon. I rarely do this, [as in i don't and i probably won't do this again] but here is a link to stream this whole album from NPR, and here what they have to say about it. Why am i doing this:

a.    I truly enjoy Corinne Bailey Rae, that might seem weird after all the Hardcore I've been posting but i am always a fan of music, and talent first.
b.    Im not a super fan of NPR, but every now and again they make a classy post like this. Which i enjoyed because instead of being Media hacks like everyone else will about her personal life.
c.    This hasn't actually leaked yet, but I'm sure you will see an actual album review when it does.

sounds like: maybe Adele?

Stream on NPR.

Revisited: Since By Man [2003] We Sing the Body Electric

2010-01-20T16:25:00.000-09:00

sound:Screamo/Progressive
myspace
Ok, so i might have bought this on vinyl today [I FUCKING KNOW RITE] anyway I'm going to go ahead and tell you this is NOT FOR EVERYONE! Somebody is going to see the sweet album art and be like "oh gumpy, this looks cool" and then listen to it and the be all like "uh gumpy, this is too loud for me" and to you I'm going to say you are fucking right! These guys are pure energy and chaotic glory, this record is no exception. Progressive to say the least, this album is a screamo electronica orgy and its going to fuck your face off! Probably not literally, but then again you never know. Also We Sing the Body Electric is a FAME reference in case anyone cares and NO! not the new one, the 80's one with Irena Carre [sp?] so go ahead and Push the Panic Motherfuckers!

Since By Man Vinyl.

sounds like: These Arms are Snakes, Hot Cross, the Plot to Blow Up the Eiffel Tower

Bang = 128 kbps.

also yes this was already on here.

Drowning With Our Anchors

2010-01-20T16:02:00.003-09:00

sound: Screamo/Hardcore
myspace
Even though my boyfriend is going to destroy me, i still had to buy this bands LP You Can Never Go Home Again and their 7" Breathing Lessons because both are FUCKING FANTASTIC. Honestly, Breathing Lessons is probably my new favorite song ever, of all time and fucking space right now. Their demo is about as rough sounding of a cut that you can listen to and still enjoy. But let me tell you what it lacks in polish it makes up for in raw emotion and energy.
The LP is something else too, 2 tracks 20 minutes long unprecedented [joke] . I'm not gonna go on and on about this band I'm just going to say' go to their myspace immediately and listen to the second song.
I cannot FUCKING WAIT to spin both of these nonstop, my boyfriend can thank me later. Seriously if you're in the crowd that likes true Screamo and real Hardcore not that bullshit scene garbage this is a MUST FUCKING HAVE!!
DWOA on vinyl.

sounds like: Funeral Diner, A Day in Black and White, Summons to Yomi

You Can Never Go Home Again LP

DWOA Demo

Funeral Diner [2002] Difference of Potential

2010-01-20T13:15:00.000-09:00

sound: Hardcore/Screamo
www.myspace.com/funeraldiner
Not sure if anyone has told you yet, but this record is fucking tough as shit. I just might be a sucker for a band featuring a talented drummer, and Funeral Diner is no exception. Also oddly enough these dudes are from Half Moon Bay, CA where i spent a couple of summers. Being from CA always gotta give Cali bands love. I don't think Im getting ahead of myself when i say this is Screamo as it was intended to be heard. This record is a mad cross between being honest and raw while still being captivating and polished. Needless to say, here is one worth coveting on vinyl, and trust me this is hard to find. These guys have a huge cash of gems so expect to see more from them on up here. Always a fan of bands that tour nonstop, try to stay exclusive, and have a close knit fan base. By the way There are no Today's Today, So There Will Be No Yesterday's Tomorrow better get this shit now!
band's site.

sounds like: ...Who Calls So Loud, Ampere, A Day in Black and White, Dominic

Bang = ?.

A Day in Black and White [2004] My Heroes Have Always Killed Cowboys

2010-01-20T11:28:00.001-09:00

sound: Hardcore/Screamo
myspace
This record is at times the chillest Screamo, Post-Hardcore, Post-DC-era-Punk: what ever tag you want to give it. Sometimes its moody and feels like you're sitting in on a private jam session with the band, which i thoroughly enjoyed. Other times it chaotic and pulse pounding like being shoved around at the front of the crowd at one of their shows, which i also got a kick out of. Every track is it's own little story, climactic and singular. Yet some how they manage to hold all five songs together through the melodic, at time mostly instrumental feel of this album. Storming the Bastille is by far my favorite song on this record. Check 'em out.

A Day in Black and White: Vinyl or CD

sounds like: City of Caterpillar, Funeral Diner

Bang = 192 kbps.

Buyin' Mad Vinyl, You should be To!!

2010-01-18T18:27:00.002-09:00

Just Came in:
My Heart To Joy ||2009|| Seasons in Verse | Topshelf Records | White |/100
Pretty Girls Make Graves ||2007|| Élan Vital | Matador Records
Pretty Girls Make Graves ||2002|| Good Health | Matador Records

Coming In the Mail:
Alexisonfire ||2010|| Old Crows/Young Cardinals | Drive Thru Records | A/B Red w/Black Swirl, C/D Black w/White | /1000
Arctic Monkeys ||2006|| When The Sun Goes Down | Domino Records | Limited Edition | /80
Arctic Monkeys ||2007|| Favourite Worst Nightmare | Domino Records | /1000
Arctic Monkeys ||2009|| Humbug | Domino Records | Pizza
Blink 182 ||2010|| Enema of the State | Mightier Than Sword Records | 2nd Pressing | White | /500
Fear Before the March of Flames ||2006|| Art Damage | Suburban Home | Picture Disc | /1000
Fear Before the March of Flames ||2007|| The Always Open Mouth | Suburban Home | dbl LP | Red and Yellow Swirl |/500
My Chemical Romance ||2001|| I Brought you my Bullets, You Brought me your Love | Eyeball Records | Clear Red |
No Doubt ||2001|| Tragic Kingdom | Trauma Records | Green | /775
Sharks Keep Moving ||2002|| Desert Strings and Drifters | Second Nature | Translucent & Opaque Orange w/ Black Splatter | 1st Press
So Many Dynamos ||2006|| Flashlights | Hello Sir Records | /1000
The Used ||2002|| S/T | Reprise Records | Limited Edition dbl LP
Touche Amore ||2009|| ...To the Beat of a Dead Horse | 1631 Records | blue?peach |/500
Into Vinyl check these places out:
Dead Format : this place is great to use as a record index, lots of vinyl news, plus the forum has a lot of trades.
Vinyl Collective : sweet Distro, up to date vinyl news, suburban home's home, also a forum with trades.
Viva La Vinyl: vinyl news, forum boasts alot of randomness and funny shit, also a legit trade hub.

Buy vinyl and support the bands you like!!! It'll ease that little voice in your black music-pirating hearts.

love
gumpy

Finch - [2005] Say Hello to Sunshine

2010-01-17T12:37:00.000-09:00

sound: Punk Rock/Post Hardcore
myspace
Been re-listening to Finch's S/T lately and it had me wanting to put this album up here cause it's fucking solid. And actually this just went up on a friends blog, so lol great minds do think alike. I'm not gonna say that What it is to Burn was poppy or overtly happy in nature, but you will certainly notice a great deal more flats and sharps in the melodies on this record. A lot of people weren't fans of this album stating it was too hard or too dark. To those people I'm going to say two things. Firstly, bands have to grow. If their not maturing and trying different shit out then they either had it 100% perfect the first time, [highly unlikely] or their too scared of not being accepted by the mainstream. And if that's your favorite bands main concern, then they've fucking failed you already my friend. Secondly if you think Say Hello to Sunshine was too dark then clearly you weren't listening to What it is to Burn the right way. This band was already capable of the rugged sound of tracks like Fireflies and Insomniatic Meat . This is a great record, and i am super pumped for them to drop the new LP World of Violence hopefully in the spring [*crosses fingers]. Love these bros, cheers!
a present from Finch.

sounds like: Chasing Victory, Moneen, Scary Kids Scaring Kids

Bang = VBR.

Ok Go - [2010] Of The Blue Color of the Sky

2010-01-16T15:40:00.000-09:00

sound:Indie/New Age
myspace
Is Ok Go trading in their delightfully indie pop-rock feel for a more futuristic psychedelic-rock groove and Prince [as in the artist formerly known as] like vocal styling? Perhaps for once i will leave you to decide. Personally i found the record entertaining instead of the deafening drone of sickeningly catchy singles coming out of more popular indie acts right now. Tell me what you guys think, you diggin' it or are you not impressed by the new approach?
merch.

sounds like: Hot Hot Heat, Cake, Band of Skulls

Bang = VBR.

Jawbox - [1994] For Your Own Special Sweetheart

2010-01-16T11:03:00.001-09:00

sound: Indie Rock/Post Hardcore
myspace
Listened to this record 3 times in a row the other day while shoveling snow, no sweat. You know it's pretty fucking good when you don't mind hearing it from start to finish, much less three fucking times in a row. This band sounds surprisingly like Pilot to Gunner, if you don't get that joke then look up the word sarcasm. They are without a doubt a staple of any lover of DC Post Hardcore, or any one with a hard on for J. Robbins. Fortunately for me my discovery of this band was because my boyfriend fits in both of those categories. If there was a Post Hardcore starter kit, or a 90's post grunge school of rock, i'm pretty sure this record would be in both. Anyway, this band is epic, this press is prolific, and if you don't believe me then listen to the track Savory because it's fucking fantastic.
FYOSS reissued on vinyl.

sounds like: Burning Airlines, Pilot to Gunner, Sparta

Bang = VBR.

So Many Dynamos - [2003] Are We Not Drawn Onward To New Era?

2010-01-15T16:05:00.001-09:00

sound: Indie/Funk/Progressive
myspace + merch.
Think im more in love with this band on every listen, and this record is no exception. Maybe im a sucker for the razor sharp drumming, or the wild guitar arrangements, or it could the intelligent lyrics with just the right delivery. Yes. Yes. A Thousand Times Yes. is probably hands down my favorite track "It takes a lot of courage to be a coward, it takes a lot of pills to make you feel alright..." Not quite as upbeat as the jams you'll find on Flashlights but certainly one of their best. Wouldn't mind seeing this one on vinyl, also if you like these guys check them out at their touring blog here.

Bang = 192kbps.

sounds like: The Plastic Constellations, City in Fiction, Dr. Manhattan, We are the Scientists

Vampire Weekend [2010] - Contra

2010-01-14T00:29:00.000-09:00

sound: Indie/Pop

myspace.

Contra on vinyl.

Firstly, don't start with me Chris i know this isn't the actual album art but im seriously freaked out by the girl on the cover. There's only so much eye rape i can take, besides this one is better. This is the sophomore record [ i hate that term, but look at me using it anyway] from Vampire Weekend, once again if you hadn't heard of these guys a year ago you must not have had your ear to the Hip Music Coconut Wireless. Even after a nauseating amount of attention from the media, they stayed classy, toured as intimately as their sudden success would allow, and have maintained their tight knit fan base from NY. Which includes multi-talented NY bros Ra Ra Riot [see; The Rhumb Line] who they teamed up with to drop the funky LP under the name Discovery.
I've had 6, or 7 listens under my belt now and i can't really shake that beach fire, summer bbq, skating in Santa Monica, lawn beers feel of this record. A little less of that Peter Gabriel [small pun intended] college drum circle feel and a little more electro on this one, but surprisingly it works. Still expect those fast hats, light guitar riffs, and gentle croons you loved from their S/T. Oddly enough i think my favorite songs so far are White Sky and Cousins both of which i was convinced on first listen were the most annoying fucking songs in the world. If you were a big fan of the sweet low tones in jams like The Kids Don't Stand a Chance and I Stand Corrected then check out Taxi Cab and the ultra chill I Think Ur a Contra. Lovin' this record right now, Cheers.

sounds like: Ra Ra Riot, A.C. Newman, Discovery

Bang = vbr.

FACELIFT 2010

2010-01-13T09:45:00.000-09:00

might be poking around in the html, so if you're unable to do what you need to on here today, i apologize in advance.
new vampire weekend will go up today, i promise.
- gumpy

also here's some russian dude with a cute piggy.
:)

Dr. Manhattan (2009) - Jam Dreams

2010-01-12T17:36:00.000-09:00

sound:indie/funk/rock
length: 12 songs, 13.5 minutes
myspace
1. "Electraumatized" - 2:02
2. "Texas" - 3:06
3. "After All" - 4:09
4. "Mailman" - 4:03
5. "I'm High" - 2:44
6. "Cowgirl" - 2:38
7. "Misses Stewart" - 2:44
8. "Biscuits and Groovy" - 3:22
9. "Listen Up" - 0:41
10. "Man With a Woman's Chest" - 3:02
11. "Hard Time" - 2:53
12. "Camping Ground" - 3:34

Im not really sure how to describe this record, besides saying it's a great fucking time. Pretty much everything you can think of you'll find on it, steady dance beats, odd cheering, tambourine, random yelling, people singing in strange voices, electro, breaking glass, etc... This might seem like the last thing you want to listen to, but i'm telling you even though it's completely random at times, it manages to have a coherent undertone of foot tappin' indie rock goodness. Honestly if you can listen to the track Biscuits and Groovy and not smile, you might want to see a fucking therapist. + they got's a sweet comic book name :) and if you didn't know that before last year YOU SUCK.
LET THE WILD RUMPUS BEGIN!!!!

sounds like: So Many Dynamos, Tokyo Police Club, The Grates

boink.

City in Fiction - (2009) Laughing in the Dark EP

2010-01-06T18:14:00.000-09:00

sound: Indie/Funk/Progressive
length: 5 songs 15.2 minutes
myspace

1. Send'em to the 'Lectric Chair
2. Shave Damage
3. I Liked it Better When You Didn''t Speak
4. Dark Holes and Moonlight
5. The Vizzerdrix

I've been meaning to get to this record for almost a year now, cause i think its fantastic. It's an EP so you can power through it in 15 minutes but This Is Fiction packs enough style, groove, and definitive musicality for you to get a real feel for this band. These guys are like So Many Dynamos meets Minus the Bear, with that upbeat Progressive tempo while also being super chill. Love Shave Damage because it is a gem, but i think Dark Holes and Moonlight really showcases what this band is capable of. Honestly all five tracks are great, Vizzerdrix is a trip down the rabbit hole. Check 'em out.

sounds like: So Many Dynamos, A City Safe From Sea, Minus the Bear

*bang.

REQUEST: Hail Archer - (2009) Leave Your Body Behind

2010-01-06T17:49:00.000-09:00

sound: Punk Rock/Post Hardcore
length: 6 songs, 19.26 minutes
myspace
1. Open Air
2. Stormbringer
3. Fearing Forever
4. Bury This in Texas
5. Decades Underground
6. Manipulated Living

Hail Archer is not in danger of drowning in the sea of the newer version of Punk Rock, [which is getting too fucking Pop imo]. A lot of bands are leaning on the crutch of one these two tone types:
-these almost sickeningly lighthearted guitar chords, which cant even really be glorified as guitar "lines", with poppy pulsating drums running underneath
- or heavy distorted "crunch" guitar strumming, and unnecessary double pedals[don't. get me. fucking. started.].
For some reason I've been seeing this band lumped with these types of bands, but they don't fall into either of these categories. On first listen they just sounded like a more melancholy version of Aphasia. However, after a second and third listen this short 6 song record started to define itself. I think Bury This In Texas is just hands down, my favorite song by this band so far. They remind me of Hundred Reasons if they made a punk baby with Chasing Victory. Im not sure who these guys are signed to, but i would be surprised if they weren't on Tooth and Nail, they got that Ivoryline feel. Honestly my interest in Punk Rock as of late, had been a waning one so cheers to Brent from AL, for requesting this.

sounds like: Fiore, Chasing Victory, Ivoryline

bump. [expect an immediate jump]

Kidcrash - (2009) Snacks

2009-12-27T12:45:00.000-09:00

sound: Screamo/Progressive
length: 7 songs, 32.8 minutes
myspace
01. Space Between Mountains
02. Where Nerves Where
03. Grim Collections
04. Wound Eraser
05. Slow Applause
06. Brainsnares
07. Sleeper Wave

First of all Happy [insert what applies to you here] to you all, i hope you're enjoying the holidays. Secondly here is your present from me, gumpy and the BCB. If you haven't already heard this album, you have been missing out my friend. Of the many records i heard this year, this one is worth the most praise, a truly commendable effort, by a band that once again is getting blown up on this blog. I don't really want to say too much about it, just that if you enjoy this blog, but are put off by the genre tags i implore you to take a listen to this record regardless. I think there is a little something on this album for any person with the ear to appreciate musical talent, because as a whole this record is tops by a fucking solid band.
Have a great one guys, cheers.

sounds like: Calculator. , Hot Cross, La Dispute

gift.

2009 at the Batcave

2009-12-23T22:11:00.000-09:00

List of Links by Genre of shit that got a Caveworthy plug this year:

HARDCORE:
C'est La Guerre - Demo
Dolcim - Guillotine Ride
Dominic - Nord
Touche Amore - ...To the Beat of a Dead Horse

INDIE/ALTERNATIVE:
The Working Title

INDIE/ALTERNATIVE ROCK:
Band of Skulls - BabyDoll Sugar Doll Face Honey

INDIE/ALTERNATIVE/CHILL SAUCE:
All the Day Holiday - All the Things We've Grown To Love

INDIE/FOLK:
Chet - Chelsea Silver, Please Come Home

INDIE/FUNK/POOLHALL:
Post War Years - The Greats and The Happenings

INDIE/FUNK/PROGRESSIVE:
City Safe From Sea - Throw Me Through Walls
So Many Dynamos - Loud Wars

INDIE/POST ROCK:
The Hickey Underworld - S/T

INSTRUMENTAL/POST HARDCORE:
Caspian - Tertia
If These Trees Could Talk - Above the Earth Below the Sky
Pushkin - Demo

POST HARDCORE/SCREAMO:
Alexisonfire - Old Crows / Young Cardinals

PROGRESSIVE ROCK:
As Cities Burn - Hell or High Water
Harvard - The Inevitable and I

PUNK ROCK/SCREAMO:
Dance Gavin Dance - Happiness
Vanna - New Hope

PUNK/POOLHALL:
Arctic Monkeys - Humbug

ROCK/POST HARDCORE/SCREAMO:
City of Ships - Look What God Did To Us
Emery - While Broken Hearts Prevail EP
Emery - ...In Shallow Seas We Sail

SCREAMO/HARDCORE:

Elder - Reflect
Mutiny On The Bounty - Danger Mouth
Oceana - BirthEater

SCREAMO/PROGRESSIVE:
My Heart To Joy - Seasons in Verse
This City Sunrise - This City Sunrise In Unision
We Are the Emergency - Seizure EP

*This is not the end of 2009 in review, coming soon "things i never got around to" + your christmas present!!!

Things that Disappointed in 2009 pt. IV

2009-12-23T21:10:00.000-09:00

Punk/Screamo:

The Used - Artwork
Look i was 14 once, i still have a couple the Used t-shirts, so when they put out a record i normally listen to it at least. The last one Lies for the Liars was ok. This is more like an entire record of songs that are bids to be in future Transformers movies. And no, that is not a compliment. Too much pop, i know i keep saying that, but i'm not really fond of popular music, deal with it.
myspace

Screamo/Hardcore:

Burden of a Day - OneOneThousand
What can i say, i like Blessed Be Our Ever After in spite of myself. And then they just went and dropped the fucking ball with this record. Some songs are tolerable but as a whole, i'm just not that impressed.

Screamo/Progressive:

The Fall of Troy - In the Unlikely Event
I love this band, this record is certainly worth listening to if you're a TFOT fan. It's a little more chord progression a little less of those crazy technical guitar lines, and wild finger taps that i love. And im not gonna lie, i don't have a giant fucking interest in listening to Thomas sing, i think he sounds better screaming. I personally will stick to their S/T and Doppleganger.
www.myspace.com/thefalloftroy

Things that Disappointed in 2009: Pt. III

2009-12-23T12:21:00.000-09:00

Indie/Post Rock:

Wolfmother - Cosmic Egg
This record sounds like maybe if it came out in 1988 i might have been more interested in it. They took the heavy distortion and rock heavy shit that worked just fine for them, and traded it in for Alternative slow jam mush. Not a fan.

Pop/Punk Rock:

30 Seconds to Mars - This is War
Not that i like this band a bunch or anything, but they do have songs like "The Kill" and "Attack" which make me think maybe i could like this band. But then they put out a record like this one which is too pop for me, HOWEVER before you fans freak out i know a great deal of you enjoy it. But in my humble opinion a little more rock and a little less piano and synthesizers might make this record sound a great deal less awful.
myspace

Punk Rock/Progressive:

Closure in Moscow - First Temple
I like this band, i just couldn't do this record. I don't know why. None of the songs are catchy, they all seem to be all over the place. Got some friends who really liked this record, so it's at least here for you to decide.
www.myspace.com/closureinmoscow

Things that Disappointed in 2009: Pt. II

2009-12-22T10:03:00.000-09:00

Hardcore:

The Chariot - War and Rumors of War
Maybe I've grown out of this band, or something but this record did not do it for me. It's just more of the same great band, ok record just nothing really stood out on it. Still got love for The Fiancee though.
myspace

Indie Rock:

Dredg - The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion
Not that i was in love with Catch Without Arms , but it was decent if i was in the mood, so i was sort of looking forward to this album [but not really]. Then it came out and it sounds like some weird John Cecada shit. Not even remotely interested, thanks.
myspace

Indie/Funk:

The Gossip - Music For Men
I really like Standing in the Way of Control, still not sure completely why it's not really my style. Not that this record isn't in the same fashion it just didn't really get me this time, but still got love for this band.
myspace

Things that Disappointed in 2009: Pt. I

2009-12-21T11:21:00.000-09:00

*2009 in review is going to be a weird sort of disorganized mess, so bear with me. But i've decided regardless of how i felt about any of this stuff there will links to everything, so you can decide for yourself.

Alternative:

John Mayer - Battle Studies
Not that John Mayer is a musical guru or anything, but regardless of how you feel about the guy he can play the shit out of a fucking guitar. Unfortunately on this record, he doesn't really showcase any of that, its mostly that annoying raspy voiced simple chords crap like "your body is a wonderland".
myspace

Electro-Pop:

Discovery - LP
I like Ra Ra Riot + I like Vampire Weekend = one would think i would like this. Until it actually came out, and turned out to be a weird electro pop thing, which sort of works for the first song "Orange Shirt". Then completely looses my interest.
myspace

Indie/Punk/Poolhall:

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!
Despite changing my tune about Fever to Tell, i just didn't really enjoy this record. Maybe i need to listen to it more, but it just didn't hook me. A little too electro, needed more rock from this press.
myspace

to the person who requested the Kings of Leon.

2009-12-18T08:42:00.000-09:00

just got this email:

The Bat Cave Below-

I rely like your website, but why don't you write about more popular music on here? I think they're are alot of people who want to here what you think about those bands. Could you maybe write something about the Kings of Leon?

-~~anonymous~~

I don't want to blow anyone up here so i'm not going to name names. I would like to start by saying thanks for the email, it's always nice to know people are reading this page. But the day i write a review about the Kings of Leon and post it on the website will be the day i find jesus, support American soccer, write Michael Bay a letter saying he is without a doubt the best director of this or any generation, buy the Jonas Brother's 3D Concert, watch it 50 times in a row, move to New England, get Mrs. Tom Brady tatooed on my ass, and pop out 8 kids all named after strange fruits/occupations/spices.

That is to say, sorry, but no.

love gumpy

City of Ships - (2009) Look What God Did to Us

2009-12-17T11:23:00.000-09:00

sound: Rock/Post Hardcore/Screamo
length: 10 songs, 39.4 minutes
www.myspace.com
01. Wraiths in Flight
02. Spring Tiger
03. Praise Feeder
04. Grand Contour
05. March of the Slaves
06. Welcome to Earth
07. Silver Anniversary
08. Complacence in the Nest
09. Grandfather Paradox
10. The Star in the East

Remember when i was like "if you like Hopesfall/Thrice you're going to like this band" ? Actually that was a gross understatement, the song Wraiths in Flight came on and i had to open my itunes to be sure i wasn't listening to some A Types B-side. This record is fucking dark. Half the tracks are like heavy shadows, dense with guitar presence and high impact cymbals hits only to clear up to reveal melancholy vocalizations. Don't ever let anyone tell you Virginia boys can't bring it, pretty sure this record just curb stomped my fucking headphones into dust. Still think Live Free or Dont EP is my fav. by this band so far but this is pretty epic too.

sounds like: Hopesfall, Thrice

bump.

Band of Horses - (2006) Everything All the Time

2009-12-14T01:00:00.000-09:00

sound: Indie/ Alternative Rock/Chill Sauce
length: 10 songs, 36 minutes
myspace
1. The First Song    3:43
2. Wicked Gil            2:57
3. Our Swords           2:26
4. The Funeral           5:22
5. Part One                  2:35
6. The Great Salt Lake       4:45
7. Weed Party              3:09
8. I Go To The Barn Because I Like The 3:06
9. Monsters            5:21
10. St. Augustine       2:41

These guys do a pretty fantastic job of mixing post rock and folk elements to create some fantastic songs. They also boast a very unique vocalist, and don't try burying him under guitar lines or crashing cymbals. The delivery on this album is pretty great, and it has a couple of real gems, but for some reason i can never make myself finish listening to the whole thing. I think it's one part i have the attention span of a three year old child, my boyfriend is forever complaining about how i will listen to the first 30 seconds of 100 songs instead of letting any of them play. And the second part is despite all it's got going for it, the record sort of melds into one giant song towards the end. Then again, who knows you might think it sounds like fucking garbage, or you might think im an idiot and this whole record is one giant diamond in the rough. YOU NEVER FUCKING KNOW!! I'm not saying i'm infallible, i mean i refuse to capitalize the word i because i'm to lazy.
Regardless, i still think it's worth posting on here, take a listen if you find at least one song on it then i've done my job. Also like six of these songs are in the film Assassination of a High School President which has Bruce Willis being totally weird and Mischa Barton still pretending she could be young (and slutty) enough go to my high school. Like i said, give the record a spin or at least listen to the song The Funeral because its really great, and who wouldn't like a band who titles the first fucking song on their record The First Song? amirite? oh look something shiny....

sounds like: Manchester Orchestra, Lydia, Small Leaks Sink Ships

bump.

Seven Story Fall - (2008) Time Will Tell... EP

2009-12-09T03:35:00.000-09:00

sound: Punk Rock/Post Hardcore
length: 3 songs, 12.3 minutes
myspace

01. Systems
02. Time Will Tell...
03. Last Chance

Happened across a video of these guys performing at (i think) the Portland stop of Boom Boom Huck Jam, or maybe some Tooth and Nail thing??? i don't know the videos not even on youtube anymore, the important thing is it fucking blew me away.
Are they young, good looking guys, who wear skinny jeans and might by your fathers standards need a haircut? Yes, of all those things they are completely guilty. However, regardless of what you might want to say about these guys, their fans, or the way they dress, they have some raw fucking talent to back it all up. Traditionally i would be right there in the thralls with the haters, but this EP is fucking solid. These three songs pack a lot of kick from the epic guitar opening of Last Chance to the frantic foot pounding drumming of Systems. If you have been in need of some Punk Rock from this website then look no further then Seven Story Fall. I fucking like this band, and they are really friendly personable guys. And you can fucking quote me on that. Cheers.

sounds like: Vanna, Dance Gavin Dance, Scary Kids Scaring Kids

bang.

Hot Cross - (2007) Risk Revival

2009-12-09T03:04:00.000-09:00

sound: Screamo/Progressive
length: 13 songs, 43.48 minutes
myspace
1. Exits and Trails
2. Turncoat Revolution
3. Resent Resist Rebuild
4. Fire the Foundations
5. Cardiac Silence
6. Kill the Name
7. Silence is Failure
8. Fatefully
9. Existence
10. Rejoinder
11. Finance Fuels the Sickness at Heart
12. Blame Truth
13. Scrape Wisdom

I'm actually really surprised i haven't posted this ages ago. Here a screamo band certainly worthy of a little praise. Prepare yourself for dueling guitars, intricate riffs, and fast steady drumbeats. Not to mention the vocalist of defunct Saetia. I will just say from the first time i heard Turncoat Revolution ages ago i was pretty much hooked on this fucking band. I dont have a giant interest in vinyl, however when i saw this on vinyl i didn't even hesitate to purchase it. I encourage you to do the same, cus in case you didn't notice the album art for this record is fucking sick. Seriously plug worthy, if you've been skating on the edges of clicking anything with the label "screamo" on this page, i insist this be the one you try. Cheers.

sounds like: Circus Circus, the Fall of Troy, Since by Man

bump.

Kidcrash - (2004) New Ruins

2009-12-06T20:42:00.000-09:00

sound:screamo/progressive
length: 9 songs, 37.4 minutes
myspace
01. Your Valley Is Our Volcano
02. Until The Light Kills The Film
03. New Ruins
04. Scalpel Cuts Concrete
05. Gun At The Parade
06. The Afterburn Of Being Born
07. Talking Underwater
08. Eyes That Never Hit The Sky
09. The Drowning Swan's Song

I know i've been blowing this band up lately but it's not my fault their so fucking great. Let me preface this post by saying i love the way Kidcrash sounds now, but i think i'm getting a real soft spot for this record. If you just heard this record, and nothing else by them, you'd have no idea they had the heavy riffs and wild build ups of Jokes in them. New Ruins is like Kidcrash's punk, crooning, light guitar lined, younger brother. For all the people who look at this page and are on my ass about not posting enough punk rock, just take a second out of your busy day and listen to this album. I think you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised, despite its screamo tag. Maybe all the emotion felt from this record comes from all the effort and hard earned dollars the band put into it themselves. So if you like it, once again don't buy the digital version from an online vendor, support the band by buying merch/vinyl here. Love these guys, check it out.

sounds like: Loma Prieta, Third Memory, C'est La Geurre

bang

REQUEST: Still Dreaming - (2009) Demo

2009-12-05T17:47:00.000-09:00

sound: Screamo/Hardcore/Progressive
length: 3 songs
myspace

1. intro
2. still dreaming (ft Ian Fike of It Prevails)
3. never forget

Rough demo from some Kent, UK boys. They describe themselves as "high fives and good times" im gonna say they sound a little heavier than that imo. Expect the heavy guitar riffs that make hardcore universal, and yes i put screamo, because for the faint of heart or pussy of hearing there is no sweet melodic crooning here. However, they don't lack talent or direction, this little demo grows on me with each listen. I would like to see a produced full length from these guys for sure, also once i have some info on merch or vinyl expect to see it here. These guys are certainly worth checking out, cheers.

sounds like: It Prevails, Lost in Bazaar

klang.

Kidcrash - (2005) I Haven't Had a Date in 4 Years Goldie Hawn EP

2009-12-03T18:43:00.000-09:00

sound: screamo/progressive
length: 3 songs, 16.7 minutes
myspace
1. I
2. II
3. III

Remember when i was all like
"Jokes is my favorite anything by Kidcrash"
well i fucking lied to you.
I think i might be in love with the infectious nature of the drumming in the first track, seriously i have listened to this song like 20 times in the last three days. I think a lot of bands could try to come at you hard for like 13, or 14 tracks and not be able to move you as much as these three fucking songs could. Lets pretend the crash/ride is an explosion, the tail end of track three makes you feel like your existing in a Michael Bay movie. (Also rule of thumb if any film has the names Bay or Bruckheimer attached to it, anything that can explode, will. For example cars, boxes, highways, grandmothers, etc)
My favorite thing about this band is that they aren't bashful about putting a lot of emotion into their manner of playing or vocalizations. Really gotta say, this EP knocks my proverbial socks off, cheers once again.
PS. i listened to Jokes on Vinyl today, fucking great.
PSS.did i forget to mention again that you could have found this yourself right here, where all their shit is still F-R-E-E not a buck-o-five asshole, FREE.

sounds like: Loma Prieta, Third Memory, C'est La Geurre

boom.

C'est La Guerre - (2009) Demo

2009-12-02T02:47:00.000-09:00

sound: hardcore/screamo
length: 9.7 minutes
myspace

01. The Beginning
02. Beauty Of A New World
03. We Are One Flesh
04. Balcony Scene
05. End

Quite literally the best use of 9 minutes i can think of, listening to this short but certainly not incomplete demo from C'est La Guerre. If you like your hardcore melodic, you are in the right place. This record reminds me a lot of the February Heartache, or My Heart to Joy simply because with all three bands the word earnest always comes to mind when describing their sound. The mix is pretty rough, hopefully a more trim production can be had on their upcoming split with Summons to Yomi. I think a little more polish on their cuts will allow them to convey more coherently with their great melodic guitar lines. Besides that with their new drummer, and the guarantee of some revamping of songs, I am eagerly awaiting whats next from this band. A lot of promise here, check these guys out for sure.

sounds like: City of Caterpillar, the February Heartache, My Heart to Joy

bump.

City of Caterpillar - (2002) S/T

2009-12-02T02:17:00.000-09:00

sound:Hardcore/Screamo
length: 7 songs, 44.1 minutes
myspace
1 "And You're Wondering How a Top Floor Could Replace Heaven" - 8:32
2 "A Heart Filled Reaction to Dissatisfaction" - 2:35
3 "Minute-Hour-Day-Week-Month-Year-(The Faiths in My Chest)" - 9:17
4 "Fucking Hero" - 3:52
5 "When Was The Last Time We Painted Over The Blood On The Walls?" - 4:37
6 "A Little Change Could Go a Long Ways" - 9:38
7 "Maybe They'll Gnaw Right Through" - 5:36

Today i heard a really great album and i thought, gee why don't i get off my ass and put this on my fucking page. Originally this post was going to have a long winded description of the bands back story, blah blah blah but i was boring myself to death. If you're curious about the origin of this band, then look at their fucking wiki like everyone else on the internet. All you need to know is, these guys put together one head rushing meld of hardcore delicacies, feature some fantastic instrumental interludes, and understand the meaning of the world "crescendo" as though they put it in the fucking dictionary themselves. If you like this record, also check out this 7" split they did with pg.99 entitled A Split Personality (Document#9) which we (the bf, and gumpy) have on vinyl in our house ftdub.

sounds like: pg. 99, Malady, C'est La Guerre

whomp.

Kidcrash - (2007) Jokes

2009-11-29T20:28:00.000-09:00

sound: Screamo/Progressive

length: 9 songs, 37.4 minutes

myspace

1. Turtlelephant
2. The Ground Eats You
3. Life Was Real, Vital, Urgent, Important
4. Hypothetical Basking Shark
5. Kiss from a Roach on the Grave
6. Parrot's Just Don't Understand
7. Ron Ghousley's Fucked Up Dream
8. A Conduit Rather Than a Vault
9. Swingsets and Frozen Grapes

I've been waiting a long time to say something about this band, whom i think are fucking great and want you, (my beloved reader or angry internet fanatic) to hear about. I present to you a band with a tremendous amount of talent, and have no problem showcasing it on this album. Do not expect to find any excess fat on this lp, not a wasted beat, melody, snare hit, or guitar riff. Every song on this record sounds like alot of dedication and complex musicianship went into it. Of the records of theirs i have been listening to lately, this one is probably my favorite. Their knack for understanding the dynamics of intellectual guitar playing as opposed to random riffage is put on display in the track Kissed by a Roach. Every song on here deserves its own blog post, but to highlight a few greats A Conduit rather than a Vault: fucking epic, the Ground Eats You: gorgeous, Hypothetical Basking Shark: so good i just had a seizure. Honestly I'm sure enough cannot be said about the extremely impressive nature of this record. Simply put, if you are a fan of screamo, enjoy post-hardcore or are interested in progressive at all you definitely need to, absolutely must listen to this band. Also if you find yourself an instant fan (as i found myself a few months ago) then by all means go here and get all of their stuff for FREE. At their website you can read a bit about how Lujo records screwed them out of a great deal of money. So if you would like to support the band, make a donation on their website because they encourage people to NOT buy their record New Ruins from Amazon or Itunes. Or you could just buy all their records on vinyl :)

Check these guys out.

sounds like: Loma Prieta, Third Memory

bang.

once again, all their stuff is at their site for fucking FREE goddamnit.

great fucking music, for no damn money.

sometimes, you gotta love the internet.

Miss Emily Brown - (2008) Part of You Pours into Me

2009-11-26T16:00:00.000-09:00

sound: Indie/Folk
length: 12 songs, 40. 6 minutes
www.myspace.com/missemilybrown
01 Sleeping Lions
02 Spindrift
03 Recovery
04 What Sort of Bird Are You
05 All My Heroes
06 Heirloom Interlude
07 Moose Along the Tree Line
08 She´s a Ghost in the House
09 My Friend
10 Sadswan Interlude
11 Love Don´t Come Cheap
12 Alpaca Antique Robbery

Find yourself longing for the harpsichord, light guitars, xylophone, and the gentle croons of a female singer??
Me either, however if any of those words put you off, you might be surprised to find yourself enjoying this record. Another really light and easy album to listen to, love the jazzy feel of What Sort of Bird Are You. Just a genuine collection of very live off the cuff feeling tracks, from a very sincere and intelligent young artist. enjoy.

sounds like: Alessi's Ark, Chet, Blind Pilot

bump.

The Working Title - (2009) Bone Island

2009-11-26T15:49:00.000-09:00

sound:Indie/Alternative
length:13 songs, 59.3 minutes
myspace
1.Physical Love 3:30
2.Dead Inside 4:45
3.Love Make Me Free 4:14
4.Followed 6:44
5.Wolf 3:33
6.Arms And Thighs 3:52
7.You Should Know 4:26
8.Hijackers 3:56
9.Darkness 5:27
10.Someone Else 3:38
11.Listen, Read, Decide 5:18
12.Sugar For My Sugar 4:23
13.Might As Well 5:59

Looking to sit down on the floor with your bohemian friends after a giant Thanksgiving meal with a glass of wine and listen to some raspy introspective and completely hip indie music?? Here's your record. Every track on this odd duck is a completely different feel, from the catchy Physical Love to the sad and lyrically in depth Love Make Me Free to the edgy Tom Waits like vocals of Hijackers. There is a track for every indie goer on this press, enjoy.

sounds like: Other Girls, Blind Pilot, Wolf Parade, Dr. Dog

bump.

Dance Gavin Dance - (2009) Happiness

2009-11-22T17:40:00.000-09:00

sound: Punk Rock/Screamo
length: 10 songs, 36.9 minutes
myspace
01. Tree Village ( 3:22)
02. NASA ( 3:35)
03. I'm Down With Brown Town ( 3:01)
04. Carl Barker ( 5:13)
05. Happiness ( 3:30)
06. Self-Trepanation ( 3:13)
07. Strawberry Swisher Pt. I ( 3:28)
08. Don't Tell Dave ( 3:17)
09. Strawberry Swisher Pt. II ( 3:06)
10. Powder to the People ( 5:11)

Im not gonna lie, i thought Downtown Battle Mountain was the worst piece of shit garbage record i had heard in a while. But not for lack of talent or trying, because the guitars were interesting, but needed some direction and the drummer was pretty good, but their singer* sounded like absolute shit. It was like all this directionless unnecessary screaming being drowned out by some asshole trying to harmonize or find this one certain elusive note. Needless to say, when this record came out i was not, fucking, interested, at, all.
But my friend Brenden told me they got a new vocalist, and some other new band mates so i gave the track Tree Village a chance. This was like listening to a completely different band. The guitar effects and rifts suddenly had purpose, the vocals were enjoyable and not grating, and damn if the song isn't actually catchy. The drums are quite a few degrees above the slightly better then novice level of the two previous albums. This record is considerably far more impressive then anything this band name has ever been associated with in the past. Also quite a few interesting instrumental tracks littered through out the album. It's a confusing, ambitious and innovative press, if this is a first step in re inventing the band, i am all for it. Cheers to these guys, i hadn't even realized i had been starving for a complete and polished record from this band.

sounds like: later Fear Before, Vanna, Closure in Moscow, Seven Story Fall, Silverstein

bump.

* sidebar: if you are a fan of Jonny Craig and i have offended you... i don't really give a shit it's my fucking blog and i'll say what i want. Also Kurt Travis sounds way better, and is the best thing to happen to this band, ever, period.

Saosin - (2003) Translating The Name

2009-11-17T21:33:00.000-09:00

sound: Post Hardcore/ Progressive Rock
length:7 songs, 21.3 minutes
myspace, click on the song translating the name
1. Seven Years (3:12)
2. Translating The Name (3:26)
3. 3rd Measurement In C (2:38)
4. Lost Symphonies (2:55)
5. They Perched On Their Stilts, Pointing And Daring Me To Break Custom (2:51)
6.3rd Measure in C (acoustic)
7. Seven Years (acoustic)

Ok, so for about ten minutes today i thought i might be a Saosin fan. But then i took a deep breath counted to ten and came to my senses. It turned out i was actually just still an Anthony Green fan because the man is a musician worthy of praise, and a vocalists capable of amazing feats most men would not dare. Besides that hes capable of conveying a great deal of emotion and managing to some how command your attention over the music. Not to mention he is a prolific fucking lyricist.....but that's enough hand jobbing Anthony Green for one post.
When really i just want to talk about the fucking drummer. Pat McGrath, a drummer Saosin pulled in for this single EP, a man who had never played a single show with them live. They simply asked him to emulate the voracious sound of This Day Forward. Well, he pretty much took that direction and blew it out of the fucking water. Honestly if they'd managed to keep these two this band would have been fucking outrageous, possibly way too fucking talented. Maybe its better for the universe that Green went on to Circa Survive, who boasts another great drummer by the by. And as for Pat Mcgrath, well he went back to the fucking Underworld from whence he came, where he shall remain, until he is whole once again.
This EP is a constant battle between these two very talented musicians putting on one hell of a fucking show over 4 tracks. If you are a Circa Survive fan do not skim over this, it is an absolute treasure.

sounds like: Circa Survive, This Day Forward

bump.

A City Safe From Sea - (2009) Throw Me Through Walls

2009-11-17T14:12:00.000-09:00

sound:Indie/Funk/Progressive

length: 9 songs, 37.6 minutes

myspace

1. you and all your friends

2. understudies

3. well dressed at the hospital

4. french architecture

5. worcester cinema north

6. little white shelves

7. soft duels

8. two twin telephones

9. we can turn around, but i can't take you back

What i gathered from this record was a handful of catchy tracks filled with fast high hat hits and continual wandering guitars. Lots of overdrive and pedal effects stopping just seconds before your eardrum starts spewing blood all over your skull candies. Think the Dartz only slightly heavier. Who doesn't want to hear songs about dead friends, and shitty girlfriends?

sounds like: So Many Dynamos, Dartz, White Denim

bump.

Taking Back Sunday - (2001) Tell All Your Friends

2009-11-12T18:42:00.000-09:00

sound: Punk Rock
length: 10 songs, 33.8 minutes
myspace
01 : You Know How I Do : 03:21
02 : Bike Scene : 03:35
03 : Cute Without The 'E' (Cut From The Team) : 03:31
04 : There's No 'I' In Team : 03:48
05 : Great Romances Of The 20th Century : 03:35
06 : Ghost Man On Third : 03:59
07 : Timberwolves At New Jersey : 03:23
08 : The Blue Channel : 02:30
09 : You're So Last Summer : 02:59
10 : Head Club : 03:02

It seems like prior to a few years ago, which is to say when i was young and a great deal more naive about things like love, sex, betrayal etc, i listened to music with much more of a writers ear. Which is a lot of posturing so that i can say i used to be more lyrically motivated to listen to records. Where the fuck am i going with this you might ask?
It's simple, if you haven't been under a rock you've heard what ever it is you've heard about this band, and I, gumpy, am not going to try and change what you've heard about this band. I don't care what shitty shit shit you've heard about Adam Lazar or fucking people leaving the band or what an MTV whore the record Louder Now was. Also don't fucking look at this post and think the words "scene" or "scene kids" because i will come to your fucking house and cut your fucking heart out. This band was around before the media and myspace and other fucktards coined "scene" to describe fans or shitty ass genres of music.

However, beyond everything i just said i am going to tell you despite it being a sort of messy, young, throaty, overly emotional and unpolished first press, this record has a multitude of poetic value. Boasting lyrics like:

hoping for the best just hoping nothing happened
a thousand clever lines unread in clever napkins
i will never ask if you dont ever tell me
i know you well enough to know you never loved me

or

you never knew cus i never told you
that everything i know about breaking hearts
i learned from you its true
ive never done it with the style and grace you have
but i've made long term plans
based of this mistake

It takes a lot of fucking guts to write that honest and to get on stage and bare your soul like that. I saw this band live when i was 17, it was a very impressive and emotionally draining show for everyone involved. I don't care what you've heard about this band, or what they sound like now. If you just look at this one record, and allow yourself to feel something other then food hunger or the need for masturbation you just might find that you like it. And if you don't then seriously, and honestly, please believe me when i say "FUCK YOU CHARLES!"
Hey im just kidding, but seriously go fuck yourself.

sounds like: Punk Rock motherfucker

Bang.

Gumptube: AOF Born & Raised (official video)

2009-11-12T17:41:00.000-09:00

Alexisonfire once again proves why they are the onlybandever.com. This band has no shortage of creative music videos and this video is no exception. Lets be serious what's more visually entertaining then giant colorful Chinese Dragons?

If you don't know who this band is then check this blog and start downloading, i fucking love this band they are fantastic. And if you would like to read the least masturbatory description of how this band came to be then read this by George Pettit. Cheers.

Finch - (2008) S/T

2009-11-12T17:21:00.000-09:00

sound: Punk Rock/Post Hardcore
length: 4 songs, 19.3 minutes
myspace
01. Daylight ( 4:16)
02. Famine Or Disease ( 3:56)
03. From Hell ( 3:38)
04. Chinese Organ Thieves ( 7:28)

If you liked What It Is To Burn you will not be disappointed, however if you were expecting Insomniac Meat you might be. I think the song Daylight could be the song stuck in my head most often last year, simply because its so damn hard. Check this shit out.

sounds like: Scary Kids Scaring Kids, From First To Last, The Messenger

Bump.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - (2007) Isis EP

2009-11-12T17:15:00.000-09:00

sound: Indie/Funk/Poolhall
length: 5 songs, 17.45 minutes
myspace
1. Rockers to Swallow
2. Down Boy
3. Kiss Kiss
4. Isis
5. 10x10

Im going to start this post by saying i'm not a huge fan of the new album, and truly half of A Fever To Tell has to catch me on a good day unless im listening to Maps because... well its Maps . That being said i fucking love this EP. It's just five straight songs that are damn catchy, each boasting their own version of scratchy guitars and punchy vocals. This EP commands your attention from foot tapping Rockers to Swallow to the steady drumbeat of Kiss Kiss. People like to get lazy and lump them together with Pretty Girls Make Graves because they're both women fronted. This is the only complete record by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs that can hang with PGMG, and that's high praise on this blog. It's good stuff, check it out.

sounds like: We Are Scientists, Band of Skulls, Blood Red Shoes

*Link taken down by BAND REQUEST.
However i cannot control people posting it anonymously in the comments.

Finch - (2002) What It Is To Burn

2009-11-09T16:12:00.000-09:00

sound: Punk Rock/Post Hardcore
length: 13 songs, 1 hour
myspace
01 4:01 New Beginnings
02 3:19 Letters To You
03 2:50 Post Script
04 2:39 Grey Matter
05 3:09 Perfection Through Silence
06 4:48 Awake
07 4:10 Without You Here
08 4:02 Stay With Me
09 5:19 Project Mayhem
10 4:13 Untitled
11 4:38 Three Simple Words
12 13:28 Ender
13 4:51 (Bonus Track) What It Is To Burn

My sophomore year of High School i stumbled across this in a store, and purchased it on a whim simply because it was being put out by Drive-Thru Records. Possibly the best random purchase of my young life. At the time, a very unique punk band that used its rock influence and blended it with electronic mixing, screaming lines, and heavy guitar riffs to fill young hearts with blood. When your 16 you find yourself a little susceptible to emotionally charged lyrics, angry guitars, and star crossed songs about love gone wrong. Finch might have been the soundtrack to my high school years, but who didn't suffer for love at that age? So to those who can look back and remember the one that got away, or got busy, or just should have got stabbed THIS RECORD IS FOR YOU MY FRIEND!
Granted, now in the year 2009 this record has been made and remade by a million bands boasting the names that start with Boys Liking Something or Other and The Anything Anybody's. BUT this record will always have my vote of confidence, simply because for me they did it first.

sounds like: From First to Last, The Messenger, Scary Kids Scaring Kids

Bump.

If These Trees Could Talk - (2009) Above the Earth, Below the Sky

2009-11-09T15:32:00.000-09:00

sound: Instrumental/Post Hardcore
length: 10 songs, 44.9 minutes
myspace
1. From Roots to Needles
2. What's in the Ground Belongs to You
3. Terra Incognita
4. Above the Earth
5. Below the Sky
6. The Sun is in the North
7. Thirty-Six Silos
8. The Flames of Herostratus
9. Rebuilding the Temple of Artemis
10. Deus Ex Machina

Simply put this is a great record. The guitar work is far from simplistic, however finding nonplus riffs will be hard on this album. Each song seems to have had a great deal of time and effort put into them, perfecting just the right amount of all elements. The musicianship is tremendous, enjoy.

sounds like: Dawn Chorus Ignites, Caspain

Krunch.

Emery - (2009) While Broken Hearts Prevail EP

2009-11-06T02:30:00.000-09:00

sound: Rock/Post Hardcore/Screamo
length: 7 songs, 37.48 minutes
myspace
1. The Smile, The Face 2:45
2. Edge of the World 3:50
3. Say The Things (You Want) 3:03
4. Ten Talents 3:26
5. Always Depends 3:40
6. Thoughtlife 3:46
7. Do The Things (You Want) 3:52

Let me premise this by saying right now:
I fucking LOVE this band.
I have a ton of their merch, i have every demo, every unreleased track, and ton of live shows. I have a fucking Emery sticker on two of my goddamn guitars Including the one i use on stage. They would be the band i have seen live most if it wasn't for Minus the Bear, and i repeat Emery's live show is Out of Fucking Control.

But im not going to lie to you guys their previous album I'm Only a Man was like this weird divulge into some Alternative bullshit and it was terrible. The feel of the record was off, musically it was absolute fucking Garbage. I mean, im pretty sure i would rather have listened to a pile of the bands actual shit then ever hear that record again.

OK, now that being said this EP right here, is a honorable revisit to everything that makes this band SO FUCKING AWESOME. Back to basics ladies and gents, we're talking all the raw energy that makes up their live shows pouring through the speakers. The introspective lyrics that are so specific, but emotionally universal laid over and under a rock steady chorus and beautiful harmonic breakdowns. The odd mix of acoustics in heavier songs is an innovative touch, adding personality to some of the more substantial would be "screamo" tracks.
Best part of this album is the bands maturity in their admission to fans over I'm Only A Man with lyrics like "Let's write the songs that they want/I thought they'd love us but they don't." Previous fans of Emery will get a kick out of the old demo Always Depends remastered. These guys still got it, Cheers.

sounds like: Hopesfall, City of Ships, He is Legend

Bump.

Emery - (2009) ...In Shallow Seas We Sail

2009-11-06T02:14:00.000-09:00

sound: Rock/Post Hardcore/Screamo
length: 13 songs
myspace
1. "Cutthroat Collapse" – 3:24
2. "Curbside Goodbye" – 4:05
3. "Inside Our Skin" – 3:14
4. "Churches and Serial Killers" – 2:55
5. "Butcher's Mouth" – 3:14
6. "In Shallow Seas We Sail" – 3:38
7. "The Poor and the Prevalent" – 3:05
8. "The Smile, The Face" – 2:41
9. "A Sin To Hold On To" – 2:48
10. "Piggy Bank Lies" – 3:23
11. "Edge of the World" – 3:52
12. "Dear Death Part 1" – 1:41
13. "Dear Death Part 2" – 3:02

So i decided the hold out on writing about this record for a while, because i like this band a great deal and i wanted to be sure i was fair. So here goes:

This is without a doubt a VERY IMPRESSIVE full length follow up to The Question. All the glory of their trademark weaving heartfelt vocals and Josh's well placed screams. Expect a return to heavy crunchy guitar riffs, and those familiar melodic guitar riffs from Matt. Piggy Bank Lies is Fucking great guys, along with Butcher's Mouth, Shallow Seas and Edge of the World. From top to bottom this a strong record, honestly restored all the faith i had lost banging my head against a wall with *I'm Only a Man.

* I'm Only a Man.
was terrible, and if you liked it, then You are a horse's ass.

sounds like: Hopesfall, He is Legend, City of Ships

Bump.

Chet - (2009) Chelsea Silver, Please Come Home

2009-11-03T00:56:00.000-09:00

sound: Indie/Folk
length: 7 songs
myspace
01. The Night The Night
02. Cautious Melody
03. Saint Jerome, My Baby Tames Lions
04. The Clement
05. An Abiding Love Despite Adversarial Vice
06. Every Night a Supper Wine
07. Allerseelen

I would like to start this post by saying this record could be the most beautiful and promising collection of songs i have heard in a longtime. It is humble and bold, slow and tender, a mix of gentle cadences followed by soaring soulful vocals. And yet, this band is still hip in a very bohemian and folk feeling way. Fans of Fleet Foxes simply must have a look at this record. I encourage you to support this band and buy their LP here. Cheers.

sounds like: Fleet Foxes, Delta Spirit, Ruru

Bump.

Sparta - (2004) Porcelain

2009-10-29T18:31:00.000-08:00

sound: Indie Rock/ Progressive
length: 15 songs, 1.04 minutes
myspace
1. "Guns of Memorial Park" – 3:49
2. "Hiss the Villain" – 3:27
3. "While Oceana Sleeps" – 4:24
4. "La Cerca" – 3:43
5. "Breaking the Broken" – 3:47
6. "Lines in Sand" – 6:02
7. "End Moraine" – 4:26
8. "Death in the Family" – 3:37
9. "Syncope" – 1:19
10. "Tensioning" – 5:59
11. "Travel by Bloodline" – 3:06
12. "P.O.M.E." (drum solo by Tony Hajjar) – 0:47
13. "From Now to Never" – 8:39
14. "Splinters" – 4:23
15. Fairwell Ruins (hidden track)

Ok, Fuck. I forgot how much i love this goddamn band.
The song End Morraine is so epic. Look i'm not going to shit you guys, pretty much every track on this record is like pure fucking gold.
This band was like a golden goose just shitting out song after song of complete awesome.
You know when your listening to something with headphones on in public, but you want to be jumping all over benches and shit pumping your fists in the face of onlookers, pushing over old ladies, high fiving fifteen year old's in the face?
That is the glory of this record.
And no im not gonna "describe" the fucking music to you, its Sparta. It's Indie Rock that kicks ass and takes numbers. You like it, you take a chance, or don't fucking download it. I'm not gonna hold your hand, so get this damn record and go terrorize society and go back to knitting.

sounds like: Pilot to Gunner, At the Drive In, Bear Vs. Shark

Bang.

Happy Halloween!!

2009-10-25T20:39:00.000-08:00

The bf and i made some jack o lanterns and before you say anything, i made the Yoshi.
Look for some boorific posts.... wow that was lame. Anyway enjoy the holidays, cheers.

Paulson - (2007) All At Once [Reissue]

2009-10-23T00:58:00.001-08:00

sound: Indie Rock
length: 13 songs
myspace
1. Voids (3:45)
2. Under Crowns (3:04)
3. Calling on You (3:37)
4. Window Frames (3:09)
5. Slow Down (3:58)
6. Programs (3:45)
7. Miami Current (3:29)
8. Not By A Long Shot (3:12)
9. Break Me In (3:23)
10. Ultra-High (3:16)
11. Just Shy (4:20)
12. I Knew You When (3:29)
13. What Are You? (4:30)

The funny thing about this record is mostly people have said it sounds like "Surf Rock" which is an odd term i personally wouldn't use. I would just say it sound sort of like Dredg and i guess their singer sounds something like the guy from 311 but not really. Honestly this album sounds nothing like their other one Variations which is a little heavier. But, this record, in my opinion is way laid back, im a big fan of the drumming, and the lyrics are very earnest. I was completely in love with Window Frames almost all of last summer, because it is just brilliant. If i can find the version minus the three new songs i will up that, but for now here is this.

sounds like: Dredg's Catch Without Arms

Krush.

Sparta - (2002) Wiretap Scars

2009-10-23T00:30:00.000-08:00

sound: Indie/Funk/Progressive
length: 12 songs, 47.4 minutes
myspace
1. "Cut Your Ribbon" – 3:04
2. "Air" – 3:57
3. "Mye" – 3:39
4. "Collapse" – 4:16
5. "Sans Cosm" – 3:59
6. "Light Burns Clear" – 4:24
7. "Cataract" – 5:11
8. "Red Alibi" – 3:42
9. "Rx Coup" – 3:14
10. "Glasshouse Tarot" – 5:13
11. "Echodyne Harmonic" – 3:57
12. "Assemble the Empire" – 3:02

So the other day when i was giving my boyfriend shit for not having Relationship of Command in his itunes or on his ipod, i remembered this album.

[possible rant coming]
And if you are unfamiliar with that album by name.... then please.... please take a moment out of your very busy existence and LISTEN TO THE FUCKING ALBUM YOU ROBOT FUCK.
[rant avoided]

Anyway, if for some reason you have never heard of Sparta one of the two factions that At the Drive In became, then now is your opportunity. The first song on this record is a perfect embodiment of what you have in store for you. Because let me tell you Cut Your Ribbons is a gorgeous "post rock" tune that mellows into a damn catchy chorus, much like the rest of this record. The tail end of this album is a trippy little reverb sess. that i have always loved. Great Stuff here, take a peak.

sounds like: Small Brown Bike, At the Drive In, Riddle of Steel

Bump.

Pushkin Demo 2009

2009-10-23T00:16:00.000-08:00

sound: Instrumental/Indie Rock
length: 4 songs, 19.6 minutes
myspace
1.Jezebel
2.Casual Dismount
3.Forest Dwelling Donkey
4.Calpol Sandwich

Hey if you recall i said in the Enemies post that i would eventually get you something by this band. Here it is, just a couple of songs very heartfelt super chill from a group of great guys unsigned out of Ireland. Check it out, very Sharks Keep Moving [which is high praise coming from me].

sounds like: Enemies, Sharks Keep Moving, A Great Big Pile of Leaves

Bang.

Dominic - (2009) Nord

2009-10-17T18:59:00.000-08:00

sound: Hardcore/Screamo
length: 10 songs, 35 minutes
myspace
01- End of Man 4:53 █░█
02- Idiocrazy 3:17 █░█
03- Incorporated Desert Fileds 4:08 █░█
04- Deep, Deep and Forever 1:25 █░█
05- Get Rich and Die Trying 4:08 █░█
06- Railroad of Attraction 3:44 █░█
07- Red Light 4:23 █░█
08- Farewell Welfare 2:20 █░█
09- Loss of Breath 1:57 █░█
10- Ink for Bullets 4:50

So i thought i posted this on Hardcore Day, but clearly i spaced it like a useless fuck so...my bad guys. You deserved to know on that day this band is pretty fucking Solid (with a capital F) and will probably blow your ear pussies to pieces.
How can i best describe this record... perhaps melodic glory, hardcore with a heart ? I like this press because the lyrics demand as much of your attention as the beautiful harmonies they are laid over. I think my boyfriend and i will both argue over who buys this lp when you can buy it from somewhere in the states. PS sweet fucking album art as well, check these guys out.

sounds like: Portraits of the Past, KidCrash

Wham.

Elder - Reflect / S-T

2009-10-17T18:36:00.000-08:00

Elder -(2009) Reflect
sound: Screamo/Hardcore
length: 6 songs, 23.5 minutes
01. Empty Lots
02. Niños
03. Evasion
04. Friendly Fire
05. Vultures
06. Remember These Days

Bang.

Elder - (2008) S/T
sound: Screamo/Hardcore
length: 3 songs, 15 minutes
1. Town of Clay
2. Shifting Gaze
3. Golden Flower

Thump.

Just stumbled across these guys, and i have to say i think they are pretty fantastic. Basically the chillest band one could consider "Screamo" i have ever encountered. There self titled is Just fucking Massive . Check it out.

sounds like: Portraits of the Past, Dominic

Caculator.- (2009) Five

2009-10-11T20:48:00.000-08:00

sound: Screamo/Progressive
length: 5 songs, 15.2 minutes
myspace
1. our homes
2. paradise
3. bandages
4. breathing in
5. breathing out

This show promo poster is just one more reason why this is my new favorite band. Found this on their blog, its songs from the molda and jon cota split.

Bump.