ISSUE 23
Jason Bolduc Editor / Layout / Photographer / Columnists Contact: withinmagazine@hotmail.com (905) 462-3052
Jim Smith
Co founder / Photographer / Columnists Contact: withinmagazine@hotmail.com
N.Kelly Copy Editor / Columnists Contact: withinmagazine@hotmail.com
Mike Marshall Photographer / Columnists Mike Marshall Photography Contact: withinmagazine@hotmail.com
Chris Wilbur Photographer / Columnists/Reviews Chris Wilbur Photography Contact: withinmagazine@hotmail.com
Jane Macsmith Columnists Contact: withinmagazine@hotmail.com
EDITOR Jason Bolduc
COPY EDITOR Naomi Kelly
PHOTOGRAPHERS Jason Bolduc Jim Smith Mike Marshall
COLUMNISTS Jason Bolduc Jim Smith Juana Luck
Within Punk Zine
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REVIEWS
Jason Bolduc
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Mike Magee/Stomp Records Melanie Racette / Stomp Records Melanie Kaye PR Sacha Miller/Erin Caroll/ AB Co. PR Mike Cubillos / Earshot Media Nikki Law/ Metal Blade Brian S Gross/ P.R.B James Gooson/Brixton Agency Talia Miller/Brixton Agency Dan Gildan /Brixton Agency
Label ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Epitaph Records /Fat Wreck Chords / Stomp Records / Bird Attack Records / Spartan Records Paper & Plastick Records/ My Fingers My Brain Records/ Greenway Records/ Flatspot Records Metal Blade Records/ Cardigan Records / Rebel Time Records/ Victory Records
Off With Thier Heads /
Ryan Young talks about ‘Won’t be Missed”
STRAIGHTLINE interview Bart talks about “Vanishing Values”
MUTE: Alexis Trepanier on The latest release “Remember Death”
LATEST RELEASE NEWS
MUSIC REVIEWS
IN
RYAN YOUN
WITHIN PUNK ZINE INTERVIEW WITH
RYAN YOUNG OFF WITH THEIR HEADS BY EMAIL
SEPTEMBER 21,2016
NTERVIEW WITH
NG on “Won’t Be Missed”
COURTESY OF
LAUREN MILLS
MILLS ON WHEELS MEDIA
J.B: What was the process of “Won’t be missed”? Was it planned out years in advance as the completion that kind forms the feel of all the albums in sequence? RYAN: Ha. Not at all. Pretty much everything I do in my life is a spur of the moment decision. I just like to try a bunch of shit and see what sticks. I had never tried to actually record much in the way of acoustic stuff. So that being the case, my friend and I decided to record a couple of the old songs in that style. It turned out to have some sort of quality that we liked, so we pursued it. That was it. J.B: You have always been known for your voice that resonates the lyrical content in the songs, on this release with it being acoustic the depth and emotion of the lyrics is really out front. Where you nervous at all about not having that full band behind it? RYAN: Totally, but in a good way. I feel like you need to be uncomfortable and vulnerable to feel like you have done something meaningful. If everything was easy and in your comfort zone, you wouldn’t be challenging yourself and probably churn out mediocre shit. Everything I’ve done has been horribly uncomfortable for me at first. It means a lot to me, but is still probably mediocre to most people. Haha. J.B: What was the inspiration behind this release? The cover as usual is very personal and meaningful? RYAN: I was honestly looking for a way to be able to play my songs without needing a whole band. I love my band. They are
more my family than a lot of my actual family. The problem is that we all live in different cities and getting together for a weekend or a one off show is just not financially possible. Everyone has their own lives and I don’t want Off With Their Heads to get in the way of it. I want that band to be something everyone looks forward to doing, not an inconvenience. On the other hand, it’s what I do. I’ve spent my entire life sacrificing to be able to be a musician. So now with this record, I have a way to just go out and do whatever I want. It can be anything from a house show to opening for a huge band. I don’t care. As for the cover, it’s a photograph my friend Shannon O’Toole took in an abandoned morgue. I wanted to use one of her photo’s for a project and this seemed perfect. I guess I chose it because it kind of reminds me that we will all end up there at some point. I want to strive to not be missed. Face your fears! J.B: “Clear The Air” has the piano in it most classically trained guitarist say they have a back ground in learning on piano? And once you learn the scales everything else is a lot easier to adapt to? Did you learn piano at an early age? RYAN:Kind of. I took a few lessons, but I learned most of it myself. I totally understand how pianos work. Even more so than guitars. With a piano, everything is right there. You just have to hit the right things to make it work. I think that’s cool. It’s like a puzzle. I’m by no means good at the piano, but I do have one that I usually play for an hour or two a week. I like to put on records and play along. Especially to Nick Cave and The National. J.B: In the structure of the songs you also use a lot of “Slide” in place of distortion of course being unplugged, did you find that it brought a new depth to the songs? RYAN: That actually wasn’t me. That was our friend Joseph who actually has talent. We just set him free on a couple songs and he came up with that. I love having my friends come in and just see what they come up with. We have drinks and create. It’s a blast. J.B: Some songs almost sound like they have cello work?
Unfortunately, no. That’s just other noise that works out in our favor! J.B: So what was the process in the studio on this release? Who did the mastering? RYAN: We literally went in and did a few run throughs of every song. I traded a guitar cabinet to my friend Dan for recording it. We didn’t want to spend as much time making it flawless as we did making sure it was genuine. That’s how I like recording music. It took me a long time to figure that out, but I’m pretty set in that mentality now. I’m not a perfect player. I never have been. I’m also not a perfect singer. Far from it! I do my best. If that winds up being 60% of what it should to be perfect, pour me a shot and call it good! This record was not mastered. That’s another thing I don’t care about. haha. J.B: The cover art has always been a symbol of what the message of the lyrical content was conveying. That message of course resonates with a lot of people including myself, and for some unfortunately find their peace in the end. That image is kind of reflected in the cover shot of the morgue, although as impactful is also hopeful because the doors are all empty. Was that the concept on choosing the feel of the cover? RYAN: I wanted to use The Jesus and Mary Chain’s “Darklands” as a template for the cover. That’s why there is a photo, the band name on top and the record name below. I think records like that look timeless. As for the actual content, I am obsessed with my own death. Losing people is an insane thing. It’s truly the only thing that all of us have in common. We will all wind up there. So if you look at that photo and you see empty body fridges, that could mean anything. To me, it’s a reminder that you need to do something with yourself other than play video games and talk shit on the internet. Get out and do something you can remember. Hence Brad from Dear Landlord and I deciding to ride bicycles from Minneapolis to Denver. That all started as an idea to just do something crazy. One of the best things I’ve done with my life. J.B: What was the thought on the selection process for the tracks you seem to have a lot from “In Desolation” was that because you felt that was the album you always wanted to make and felt really strong about?
RYAN: I think we really just wanted to do some songs that would translate in that style well. If I could go back, I probably would have done a few more off other records, but fuck it. You can’t keep thinking about what’s over, you have to move on to the next project! J.B: You also end with a track from a compilation “All things move toward their end”? RYAN: I love that song. I thought the acoustic version was much better than the original. John’s backing vocals were perfect. J.B: Of course you have some tracks from “Hospitals” the E.P That felt more like the L.P and had really cool bundles lately? Are there any plans on making perhaps a custom bundle or special Merch for the tour? I’ve noticed you got skate decks for example? RYAN: Not really. I was approached by Hooligan Skateboards to do a deck, and I thought that was cool. Plus, it’s really cool to see your art on a skate deck. I thought Die Today was the most fitting thing to write on a skateboard. J.B: Of course that ties into the creation of the clothing line and now the amazing podcast that is kind of similar to what we are about, and recently releasing some great bands which you were known as a sort of scout for finding great upcoming bands? How’s that going? RYAN: I love it. Again, another thing that happened very organically that I just stumbled upon. We listen to podcasts all day on tour. Some of the conversations we have in the van are goddamn outrageous, so I thought I might take a stab at it. I have no idea how many people listen to it. I don’t want to know. I just want to keep doing it because I love doing it. I like that it covers not only music and people I like, but also shows a side of people that you might not get with other interviews. We are all struggling with our own demons and I think it’s a good thing to talk about. There shouldn’t be a stigma about the way our brains work. I’m definitely pursuing the label side of things more. I love the idea of helping out bands. PEARS was just a band that opened for Off With Their Heads. I loved them. They just had something cool about them. It was great to see people catch on so quickly. Then I helped pass them along to Fat so that they could have more support. I want bands to be successful. Morning Glory is one of my favorite punk bands on the planet. It’s innovative and deeply personal. I relate with that band more than almost any other and it was an honor to be able to have them on my roster. Now I’m working with a band called DEADAIRES from Florida. It’s Andrew (who was in Against Me! for 13 years)’s new band. They have their own sound and I love it. Excited to see what they wind up doing!
J.B: Are there any plans of doing an acoustic video for this release? RYAN: I think if we do a video, it will just be done on Iphones. I think that with all the technology available, the DIY route for shit like that is the way to go. Maybe John and I will kick one out on our tour starting next week! J.B: So you will be touring doing the acoustic tour then heading into tour with The Bouncing Souls and Masked Intruder? (Fall 2016) RYAN: Yes! Very excited to do more shows with The Souls. It’s always cool when a band that inspired you as a young kid digs what you do enough to bring you out on a tour. They are fantastic. J.B: So we always end with a famous book or quote that inspired your life? “Somewhere in my soul, there’s always rock and roll” - Joe Strummer
STRAIGHTLINE interview with
h Bart on “Vanishing Values”
WITHIN PUNK ZINE INTERVIEW WITH
STRAIGHT LINE BY EMAIL
JANUARY 26,2017 COURTESY OF
TONY SHRUM/ EARSHOT MEDIA
J.B: First off let me grab my face off the floor after listening to this amazing album? - Ok. Is the floor wet ? J.B: Right off the hop that intro scream on “Generation Lost” tells ya “Hold on to er pete this album’s going haul ass”? Is this a follow up to where Alteration of the Rules left off because it was only a EP? BART- Alteration of the Rules ended actually with a pretty short song, and had four totally different tracks. If you hear the same on this album that means it gives you the same feeling and we did well. Although this was probably not planned, but we definitely wanted to keep it diverse. J.B: So this release it has a lot more metal influence with more build up and break downs? What was the creative process going into Vanishing Values? BART- The metal influences were always there - sometimes less , sometimes more. The only thing that may changed is that we got better into combining them all together and doing it fluently. It’s hard to tell what a creative process looks like; the songs just happen. As you can probably hear, the feelings during the writing were different - from happy to sad to enthusiastic to depressive. Just like life is in general, I guess. J.B: You guys also did the track “Picking Up the Shattered Pieces “on the Much the Same tribute. How was that because you guys have a very similar sound almost? BART- Actually, we were just asked and luckily that track was still available and was my favorite one. What we made sure to do was change almost all the parts in the track to make it sound like our own song. I don’t see any need in doing covers that sound like the exact same song, as you could just listen to the original.
J.B: What kind of thought goes into the lyrical content because damn this one is amazing with tracks like “Set the Course” and “Welcome to the Machine”? BART- I think we can agree on the fact that we are not a happy or funny band at all. When it comes to the music , I mean. It’s mostly about life, society, a bit of politics and mainly about problems - sometimes with solutions sometimes with questions. There are a lot of bands who can have a happy/party vibe we are definitely not one of them. Although we can be funny sometimes, by mistake. ;) J.B: “Off We Go” is the perfect feel good life song about standing there and being there? BART- Yes, there you got me. We can also have a happy feeling. It was a song I did for two people at the moment. One was my best friend who had a tough time, and the other was my ex-girlfriend who was in the end of her study period and very unsure of herself and afraid if she would make it. I wanted to give them some hope with a song and by saying, “I am there to support your dreams and what you do in life and be sure there is always someone to back you up.” I know how it feels when you don’t have a person like that so I try not to be like that to people that mean something to me. As I said, she’s my ex now and never even heard the song, so basically now it’s for my best friend only. Yes, it’s a personal song somehow. One of the very few. But you also don’t hear any direct names or anything, so I hope that everyone can somehow relate to that one when he/she has a bad time and want something to pick them up again. Even if it’s just a song. J.B: Of course you guys have had some epic cover art from Alteration of the Rules and the middle finger and now this one with the money ship in the storm? And it was Juan who came up with the idea behind it? Almost represented of our economy sinking fast? BART- The last cover showed a kid being something like what you’d expect of him on the one side and what could have been on the other or what he really is - changing the expectations, the rules and not following them. It was done by our bass player. This one was done by a friend of ours and also a bit by our bass player. We gave it to Juan to do the booklet in general, put the new graphic in it, etc. The basic idea was a bit about the current problem of people sinking while they still reach out for money. But the money won’t help them. It will drown them sooner or later. It can also be interpreted as part of the refugee crisis but also a general problem nowadays. People drowning in their problems and things to do in life, while they still reach out for more money instead of focusing on grabbing the lifesaver or just swimming. Money will not save you or help you in life if that’s the main goal of your existence. It’s worthless in the end.
J.B: A lot of punks are going acoustic and on this release you have a really amazing track “Taking Your Time” BART- I consider that a compliment, and therefore just say “Thanks.” ;) It’s an old track from 2008 by the way. J.B: You guys have almost full circle though to the characters of “No Way Out” on your social media site though? And that was George from Mexico? I’ve heard they have a killer scene there? BART- I am not sure if you mean the cover in which we are drowned. That was not drawn by George who did the one on our Facebook page; that was my ex again. It’s a re-release and shows us in the pool along with some other weird things. And yes, Mexico has a killer scene and very dedicated people. We are still in contact with them all. But to be fair, the whole Latin American scene is great. J.B: Was this one also mastered by Max Krach? BART- Max Krach mastered and mixed almost all of our stuff. He did this for “No Way Out” in 2004, as well as for “Final Redemption,” “Alteration of the Rules” and now the new one. He also played in an old skatepunk band with me once. We were called Mongrel. Fun fact: I only joined/founded Straightline cause Mongrel didn’t needed a new guitarist back then and I wanted to play that kinda music. In the end I played for both. J.B: In a world full of upheaval and political change and revolts and the will of the people you guys released “Not Afraid” as the first track to be released off Vanishing Values? Was there a decision or though behind that to the worlds current state of affairs? BART- No, not at all. We just thought it would be good to release that one as an appetizer. It’s not too short, not too long, and kinda represents the climate of the album without showing you all what is to come, and it fits in the current situation as well. It was one of the first songs we wrote for the record.
J.B: And of course that was on the Melodic Punk Sampler, it should have been called Shred Sick Sampler? BART- Haha, yes. He waited especially for us with that sampler before he release it and gave us the slot for the first track. He is a long time supporter and has been a fan of us since 2006/2007. One of the first real fans. J.B: You have been with Bird Attack Records since the last one. How’s it like being part of the Bird family? There’s a lot of amazing new and old talent with them? BART- I can answer that question very shortly: Bird Attack is the new Fat Wreck. Without a doubt. And we are proud to be part of it! J.B: Talking about old school skate punk bands, you’re on tour with Satanic Surfers. How rad is that? Is there any kind of tour mayhem that you want to share? BART- Haha. Well I remember when I was 16, it was a dream for me to play at least once with them. 16 Years later we were on tour with them. In Latin America. Needless to say that I would have never thought to ever do things like this. And nope, sorry, there are no bad stories. They were all as amazing as people can be, we became good friends, shared lots of great stories and music together and we couldn’t fit together better. Not only music-wise but human-wise. We hope to see them soon again as they are really awesome guys! J.B: You guys have some pretty sick merch you got going on the Pizza Skull shirt, the skate shredder baseball style shirt / Toques/ and that rad Straightline Santa Cruz style patch. That’s pretty epic! Any of that coming North American’s way, perhaps on a tour? BART- Ha, good call! If someone reads this and wanted us to come to North America, give us a call/email/whatever. ;) We would love to come, and of
course we would bring all merch with us then. J.B: How sick would a Canadian tour be with Straightline/Mute/Our Darkest Days/Much The Same? BART- Dude, say the word and we’re in! We like all of these bands and are also friends with Mute , who we really really love. So yeah, that would be sick and we would not hesitate to do that! J.B: What were the musical influences coming into the studio on this one? BART- If you mean bands, then it’s the same as always – all kinds bands from metal to funk to punk to hardcore to rap to reggae influenced us/me somehow. But not in a way that we rip off something. We just listen to all and are open minded for all of that. Music has no boundaries, no limits. The other thing is life in general and the problems of this world, and somehow this always stays the same. There is always a war going on somewhere, a crisis, political unrest, injustice and of course private problems of us or friends - broken hearts, broken dreams. So there is always something to write songs about. It all kinda went into it. I think no band in this world can really describe how they do this & that and why. It just happens. J.B: We always end with a famous book or quote that inspired your life. Anything come to mind? -Phew- Tough one without
INTERVIEW WITH ALEXIS TREPANIER ON “REMEMBER DEATH”
WITHIN PUNK ZINE INTERVIEW WITH
ALEXIS TREPANIER MUTE
OCTOBER 11, 2016 BY EMAIL
COURTESY OF MELANIE KAYE PR PHOTO: HELEONE BOUFFARD STEPHANIE BOURGEOUS J.B: Okay first of all how insane is it to haul that much on the kit and sing amazing vocals? Like how does one do it what’s the secret? Lots of practice? ALEXIS: There’s no big secret here, it’s like anything else. You have to practice a lot to be good. J.B: You’ve described the scene as dying out and being consumed of a younger generation that only takes in what the next thing is, the scene is use to be about solidarity and unification do you find that this album has that metaphorical meaning behind that? ALEXIS: Not really... There is only one song on the album that directly addresses the scene, the first one, “Resistance”, and it’s actually not about it dying, but rather being reborn. The running theme of death throughout the album is not really a reference to the music scene. J.B: Of course the scene rejuvenation in Brazil and Europe is the opposite do you find that scene had resonated into the feel and influence of this release? ALEXIS: Having travelled a lot since the release of our previous album, we have had the chance to witness the passion of the fans all over the world. It certainly motivates to keep playing that genre of music. Like I said before, our song Resistance is very much about carrying the torch in the face of adversity.
J.B: What was the concept behind Remember Death” the feel of the album is kind of a journey from darkness there is hope and prevail? ALEXIS: Remember Death is not a concept album per se. All of the songs were composed as individual works, with no conscious intention of having an overarching theme. With that being said, there is indeed a recurring theme of death in several of the songs’ lyrics. J.B: Of course you guys did the amazing video for “Fill the void” is it done by the same people that did “Bates Motel” because it really shows the energy you guys bring? ALEXIS: Some of the guys that did our videos for the songs from Thunderblast were back at work on this one too. We also teamed up with the crew at Exposed Films to help us make this music video. J.B: Who’s the iconic poster women? ALEXIS: Some random woman! She was spotted by our drummer in the street completely by chance. He was looking for a specific face to fit a concept he had in mind for the cover art of the album. She was gracious enough to accept our offer to play the model and also to star in the video. J.B: Of course talking about Europe you guys are tour again? Any plans of a North American in the winter? ALEXIS: At the moment, we’re exploring many touring scenarios. We have several shows booked in Québec for later this Fall and next year. We’re looking at the possibility of a larger tour but nothing is confirmed so far. J.B: With the previous release “Thunderbalst” you had melodic breakdowns and Tempo shifts similar on this one. This one also has more metal influence like the solo on “Fill the void” and that intro to “Allies” is this the new direction of Mute? ALEXIS: I wouldn’t call it a “new direction”. That sounds a little bit too radical. More like a natural progression. There has been an obvious metal influence since at least The Raven(2008), so it’s not like this was anything new. We have had solos and more metal parts
since the beginning. Our line of thinking when we write songs is “whatever works works”. We don’t really spend time thinking about what influenced whichever part in question. If it sounds good, it’s all that matters. J.B: Of course metal has found its way into the scene years ago and that element can be found in the many sub genres and styles of punk and hardcore. What influenced the sound of that on this release? ALEXIS: A lot of the metal influences that contributed to this album are the same that have been following us for a long time. Angra, In Flames, Helloween, Dark Tranquility and stuff like that. One album that was key in defining the composition of the record was Soilwork’s monumental double album The Living Infinite. It came out at the time we were starting to write new songs and I remember being very impressed by the quality of the songwriting. That a band would release one of their best album after more than 15 years of career inspired and motivated me to write new music that would surpass what we had done before. Remember Death would not be the same without The Living Infinite. J.B: Of course “Thunderblast” had that lyrical content that personal and reflective and on “ Remember Death” that content intensifies, what was the creative writing process on that one? ALEXIS:Not very different from the last few albums, as far as lyrics are concerned. When the music is mostly done being written and demoed, the guys choose which songs they wanna sing and then go on their own to write the lyrics. Those lyrics are still mostly about personal experiences. J.B: So where was this one recorded because the mastering on this release is brilliantly balanced and perfect? ALEXIS: It was recorded, mixed and mastered by Jef Fortin at BadAss Studio. We also worked with him on our two previous album as well. We think that this is our best sound yet. We tried to have a more natural and organic sound this time. This is no drums sampling on this one, no auto-tune or pitch correction. A lot less editing too. All of that contributes to the exceptional sound quality of the record. J.B: Of course you did the tour with another iconic Canadian punk
legend “Belvedere” how was that experience? It was great. We have known these guys for more than a decade now. After they broke up we never thought we’d have the chance to see them live, much less to do another tour with them. It was a fantastic experience. J.B: you’ve mentioned about “Much The Same” before for a European leg? Any idea’s on doing the North American tour together? ALEXIS: I don’t think they are doing any tours right now. I think they just do some festival appearances once in a while. We’d love to do a tour with them, that’s for sure, if only to see them live once more. J.B: What’s next for “Mute”? How do you like being part of the Bird Attack family? What’s next is promoting the hell out of Remember Death. We will be playing a lot of shows all around the world. Bird Attack have been nothing but great to us. We’re extremely happy to be a part of their team now! J.B: we always end with a famous book or quote that inspired your life anything come to mind? From the movie Irréversible: “Le temps détruit tout - Time destroys everything”.
https://birdattackrecords.bandcamp.com
https://birdattackrecords.bandcamp.com
NEWS RELEASES
Thousand Below Sign with Rise Records; New Single/ Music Video “Tradition” Now Streaming San Diego rock band Thousand Below has signed with Rise Records and has released “Tradition,” a new song and music video.“Tradition” is available for purchase now via iTunes. For fans of Underoath, The Amity Affliction, Our Last Night. Vocalist James Deberg says, “We’re beyond excited to have signed with Rise Records. Rise was the label that opened the door to the world of ‘heavy’ music for most of us, and it’s such an awesome opportunity to begin our story on such an amazing platform. The record we finished is without a doubt the best work I’ve ever been apart of, and is the emotional culmination of our past year’s hard work. When we heard the Rise team was interested in giving us a chance to jump-start our careers we were overwhelmed with excitement, and we’re beyond grateful for everything they’re doing to help us share our story. We felt ‘Tradition’ was a great song to come out the gate with as it showcases various aspects of our sound, and we really hope people connect with the vibe of the song and the emotion we put into it.” Thousand Below will be supporting Silent Planet at a hometown show at SOMA on March 9th. Watch for additional information coming soon.
Las Vegas Alt-Rockers Avalon Landing Premiere New Video on Earmilk.
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Las Vegas alt-rockers Avalon Landing are premiering a new video for their new single “Only Kids” on Earmilk. Download the single on iTunes or stream it on Spotify. The band has already shared stages with the likes of Imagine Dragons and Andrew McMahon and will make an appearance at LA’s The Viper Room on February 11. Avalon Landing is learning from the past with eyes fixed on the future. With an unrelenting drive and passion for all things music, Avalon Landing surely stands out in an era where there are more bands than ever before but fewer than ever on the charts, and where music is so accessible to everyone that your only hope is to write a truly great song. “At the root of it, I think the definition of a great song has been the same forever,” says guitarist Mike Vargovich, “You can play it with all the bells and whistles, or you simply play it with just an acoustic guitar and it still has the same impact. That’s a great song.” To see Avalon Landing live, and to witness recent addition Charlie Buice behind the drums, tearing into songs such as “Only Kids,” is to see music come alive. Since honing their skills, rising through the Las Vegas bar scene and onto stages with the likes of Imagine Dragons and Andrew McMahon, Avalon Landing has now coupled their exceptional studio work with a dynamic new live show that exhibits the same amount of range, ambition, and emotion we’ve come know in their recorded music.
NEWS RELEASES Poeta Releasing “Golden Fields” on March 31’ Stream Title Track; Album Now Available For Pre-Order
New Jersey rockers Poeta will release a new album, “Golden Fields” on March 31. “Golden Fields” is now available for pre-order on iTunes and via the band’s online store. Poeta just wrapped up a short Canadian tour with We Were Sharks (Panic State Records) and will be playing a series of shows in the months ahead. See dates below. The title track is now streaming exclusively on New Noise. Vocalist/guitarist Kevin Torres tells New Noise, “‘Golden Fields’ is a song tha I wrote after having a conversation with someone who told me I was nothing but a dreamer. I was told to put my life into perspective and to make school a priority over music, but that just wasn’t what was going to make me happy. This song is about standing tall and rising up above the noise even when everyone is against you because dreams do come true, all it takes is a little bit of faith in yourself.” 2/11 The Clubhouse (Toms River, NJ) 2/24 Game Changers (Howell, NJ) 2/25 The Fire (Philly, PA) 3/25 Stockton College (Galloway,NJ) 4/22 Desmond’s Tavern (NYC)
STREAM IRON REAGAN’S CROSSOVER MINISTRY LP IN ITS ENTIRETY Out this Friday from Relapse, Listen now via Noisey
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In the wake of one of the most controversial presidential elections in American history, Iron Reagan’s new album Crossover Ministry couldn’t have come at a better time. Due out this Friday from Relapse Records, Crossover Ministry is comprised of 18 tracks in just thirty minutes. Mixed by Kurt Ballou and recorded by Iron Reagan guitarist Phil “Landphil” Hall, the album is a further continuation of the band’s punchy, thrashy gallops and unique hardcore punk attitude. Hear their vicious sermon at a circle pit near you in February and March (dates below) and stream Crossover Ministry in full today exclusively on Noisey. Iron Reagan are no strangers to the fine art of crossover thrash. Comprised of veterans Tony Foresta, Phil Hall, Mark Bronzino, Rob Skotis, and Ryan Parrish, between them they fill, or have filled the ranks of Municipal Waste, Cannabis Corpse, Mammoth Grinder, Darkest Hour and numerous other bands. Formed in 2012, the punk-metal quintet quickly released a demo EP followed by their debut full-length, Worse Than Dead via A389 Recordings, and splits with both Exhumed and Toxic Shock. The gang then signed to Relapse Records and released their self-produced sophomore full-length The Tyranny of Will, mixed by Kurt Ballou (Converge) in 2014.
February 10,2017 The BOMBPOPS “Fear of missing out” The Bombpops have finally released the much anticipated follow up from “Stole the T.V” even though the E.P “Can of Worms” hauled some serious good tracks to buy some time. It was a conversation left unfinished and the world of punk rock parenthood that time would tell and finally come it’s way. This release has been a long time in the making with some lineup changes that has seen the band evolve and grow over the years to what they have become today. A staple in the ways of the West Coast Pop punk hemming the way of some notable influences from The Muffs and even band label mates Bad cop Bad Cop. The overall catchy mid-tempo pop tracks and melodic skatepunk style will have you reeling in for that good times vibe. With catchy lyrical content it’s no wonder that Kim Shattuck is a heavy influence in the direction of the Bombpops. From the opening straight chords of ‘Capable of lies”, it has that poppy edge feel that goes back and forth between backing vocalist Razali and front gal Van Dam. This is followed up by the catchy “CA in July” that was the track that picked as it has one of the catchiest chord work and break downs with the harmonic melodies of soda shop drive in meets punk feel. The next couple of tracks “Be Sweet” and “Sweet for Sorrow” are heavier grittier tracks that are darker and more reminiscent of the Rockabilly / Horrorbilly vibe. And the haunting backing vocals from Razazi and the spirited punchiness of Van Dam’s vocals and lyrics brings out the no holds back content. Jerk is probably the most notable track that really resembles the influences of The Muffs on this album with that heavy distortion and low fat bass line. This album carries well from ‘Fomo’s “ four and four tempo to right back up in your face with “I can’t” straight up fast chords and rhythms to catchy endings and wearing your heart on the your sleeves kind of feel. Well thought out chord work, rhythmic basslines and catchy melodies. Enjoy people.
February 03/2017 “ LESS THAN JAKE” “Sound the Alarm” If you have ever been a Less than Jake fan then you know that they have been doing amazing work for over twenty years on the scene with countless tours and endless records and the catchiest EPs. So what’s this latest release all about? Sound the Alarm is different. It comes back full circle more to the GNV FLA release, it has a laid back vibe that’s balanced but still that notorious Less than Jake sound. Like the old track ‘This One’s gonna leave a bruise” that’s how that sound found it’s way back into the newest “Sound the Alarm” Less than Jake have released 8 Full length studio releases and drove fast right into where they left off from “See the light” the first track is more reminiscent of that polished Rock sound from hits off Anthem or G.N.V with that flow and well written composed songs. “Whatever the Weather” comes right into a groove with J.R shining through on this track with a catchy jazz section with up chord work and a catchy bassline with a groove percussion. It’s one of those feel good directional songs equipped with a lyrical harmonic breakdown at 2.05. The one thing that sets apart Less Than Jake albums are the balancing of vocal tracks between Chris and Roger. The thing that makes Less Than Jake work so flawlessly is that they complete each other’s vocal range and lyrical content and emotional full range and depth of feeling. Bomb drop has elements of that fast paced horn section and distortion from earlier works like Hello Rock view vibe and that crazy Sax notes similar to “Mostly Memories”, full of whoa’s and that feel good metal sound that shines through every now and then of classic L.T.J. Everybody knows that there are some really well written Less Than Jake songs that hit hard to the heart and there’s no exceptions on this one.Third wave of ska has changed there will always be change and this time around “Years of Living Dangerously” has that Caribbean sound mixed with some interesting pedal magic that punches right into your head making you run for the nearest Mai Tai. The album has so much refinement and classic elements incorporated really well with the typical fast paced full ska/ rockin’ punk song that is by far typical Less than Jake that we all love.
We always end with a famous book or quote and Vinnie Fiorello said “The only thing constant is Change”.
Anarchy in a Cold War is a novel by Kurtis Sunday set in the West Berlin alternative-squatter-Punk scene during the latter part of the Cold War. The city, a focal point in the conflict between East and West, was a capitalist enclave smack in the middle of Communist East Germany. It was entirely surrounded by the Berlin Wall, complete with razor wire and machine gun posts. There is much that is familiar and much that is not. The Cold War is raging and the missiles are armed and waiting in their silos. If nuclear war breaks out there will be a four minute warning. There is no internet and perhaps NO FUTURE. Reality? Sur-reality? Or hyper-reality?
https://archive.org/details/AnarchyInAColdWarKurtisSunday
“Fear of Missing Out” AVAILABLE FEB 10 /17 www.fatwreck.com
“The Devils Will Talk”
AVAILABLE MARCH 3,2017 www.fatwreck.com
“Comfortable Scars” AVAILABLE NOW
“Sanguine”
AVAILABLE NOW
NEW NOISE
https://exhibition.bandcamp.com/releases
https://crusades666.bandcamp.com/
https://depositmanpunk.bandcamp.com/releases
https://heartofoak.bandcamp.com/
UPCOMING RELEASES
THE Mezingers “After the Party”
Epitaph Records FEB 03 ,2017
Less Than Jake “Sound the Alarm”
PURE NOISE RECORDS FEB 03 ,2017
Senses Fail “In your Absence”
PURE NOISE RECORDS FEB 03,2016
Dave House “Bury me in Philly”
RISE RECORDS FEB 03 ,2017
The Bombpops “Fear of Missing out ”
FAT WRECK CHORDS FEB 10,2017
Straight Line “Vanishing Values”
Bird Attack Records FEB 10 ,2016
UPCOMING TOURS/SHOWS
UPCOMING TOURS/SHOWS