Glassjaw On The Move?

Glassjaw have been fairly dormant years. Since the release of 2003’s “Worship and Tribute” the band had been on hiatus. Promises of a new album were made, and here we are towards the end of 2010 and still no album. Things have been heating up for Glassjaw fans though. The band has been playing shows on and off all year, and a few weeks ago they released their first physical release in years; a new song “All Good Junkies Go To Heaven” on vinyl. This was followed up with a film clip for another new song “You Think You’re (John Fuckin Lennon)”. Follow that with another vinyl release of another new song “Jesus Glue” and yet ANOTHER new video called “Stars” and all signs are pointing to a new release coming very soon.

Enjoy the new videos and head over to glassjaw.com to purchase a digital copy of “All Good Junkies Go To Heaven” for $1.

You Think You’re (John Fucking Lennon) Video

Stars Video

Jimmy Eat World – Invented Review

Predictable. When seeing a Michael Bay movie you know that:

a)Shit is going to blow up
b)There is going to be more CGI than regular actors
c)It’s going to suck

The same goes for a Jimmy Eat World record. You are going to find ten or so tracks that blend melodies and emotion into either a rocking track or a pop sensation. This has been the basic formula since their “Bleed American” album that truly put them in the international spotlight. Their latest album doesn’t break the mould, still providing layered rock anthems and emotionally charged songs to the masses. Interestingly enough the songs that try to capture the “old” rock sound of the band, the “Salt Sweats” or the “Futures” of the album are the ones that fail to propel Invented to full potential.

Leading single “My Best Theory” sound great on its own, but when listening to the album in its entirety it fails to pack the same punch. The same stands for “Higher Devotion” that tries to lure you into a hook here and there but fails to capture attention. Then the album takes a turn with track 5 “Movielike”, a point of the album where everything just works. The driving beat of “Coffee and Cigarettes”, the layered guitars in “Littlething” the minimalistic “Cut” and the full rocking “Action Needs an Audience” gel together so well that you forget about those first 4 tracks that kicked things off.

Jimmy Eat World always end their albums with a strong finish and “Mixtape” is no exception to this long standing tradition. A fitting end to an album that could have been great, but the first four tracks just really let it down. Unlike other Jimmy Eat World albums listeners won’t get instant satisfaction on a single listen; repeat listens on the other hand allow this album to grow and flourish.

Predictable. That word sums up the delivery and execution of Invented. Yet it is still a testament to the song writing and lyrical abilities of Jimmy Eat World that even though they are predictable, they can still release a compelling record.

2.5/5

Anberlin – Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place Review

Anberlin have always been one of those bands who were on the verge of breaking out. Their brand of “Christian” alternative rock that was formed off the back of punk sentiments stands leagues ahead of other successful bands such as Taking Back Sunday or My Chemical Romance, yet they never broke through the barriers to mainstream success. Their ability to mature and progress their sound on every release since their breakthrough album “Never Take Friendship Personal” has garnered them a strong following, and the trend hasn’t been broken on their most recent release “Dark is the Way, Light is a Place”. Replacing the standard pop tones with something darker and more personal, Anberlin have delivered their most interesting album to date, yet that doesn’t mean it is their best.

Opening track “We Did This To Ourselves” comes out swinging with a gut wrenching lead riff that sounds like it belongs on a Story Of The Year record rather than Anberlin, keeping the tradition of starting their albums with a bang. Stephen Christian’s vocals soar during the chorus and bridge and leave you wanting more. Thankfully the album isn’t short of the rock numbers; “To The Wolves” and “Closer” all have that sing along quality that pulls amazing responses at live shows. The layered guitars during the verses of Closer are so slick before leading into a bellowing chorus that is classic Anberlin.

The rest of the album on the other hand is relatively uncharted territory for the band. While they have experimented and proven their worth on slower tracks on previous albums, this time around the band have really pushed their limits in what they are capable of. “You Belong Here” really shows off the wide range of Stephen’s voice. “Take Me As You Found Me” shows the intricacies between guitars that are often overlooked in the harder numbers, and stand out song “Down” is a slow building, multi-layered track that features violin, piano and shakers.

It’s always nice to see a band try something new rather then releasing the same album time and time again. Anberlin have really stepped out of their shells and have released a darker, edgier record that somehow manages to be uplifting as it discusses the journey of life and death. While I applaud them for trying, and succeeding at creating a number of fantastic soft songs, they tend to leave the album feeling a little bare. When you open up with a rocking track like “We Did This To Ourselves” you are amped and ready to go, yet the album offers little in the way to keep that energy rising. A great album that once again puts Anberlin light years in front of their peers, but just needed a little extra oomph to keep it going.

3.5/5

http://www.youtube.com/v/_HAdXUcAA14?fs=1&hl=en_US

Break Even To Support Alexisonfire

It seems that all the good news is coming from Twitter of late – Blink-182 headlining the Big Day Out and now coming straight from the horses mouth Aussie hardcore band Break Even announce they are supporting Alexisonfire during their Australian tour.

Well it’s been announced, we will be supporting Alexisonfire – @aof_official on their upcoming australian tour in October, can’t wait!!!

We contacted the band for a full press release to which they replied “Will be out within the day!”

Alexisonfire will be touring the country this October.

THURSDAY 7 OCTOBER BRISBANE, THE TIVOLI – 18+
http://www.ticketek.com.au 132 849, Rockinghorse and Kill The Music

FRIDAY 8 OCTOBER SYDNEY, UNSW ROUNDHOUSE – Lic A/A
http://www.ticketek.com.au 132 849

SUNDAY 10 OCTOBER MELBOURNE, PALACE THEATRE – 18+
http://www.ticketek.com.au 132 849

MONDAY 11 OCTOBER ADELAIDE, HQ – Lic A/A
http://www.ticketek.com.au 132 849

WEDNESDAY 13 OCTOBER PERTH, METROPOLIS FREMANTLE – 18+
http://www.ticketek.com.au 132 849

Final Soundwave 2011 Additions

Soundwave 2011 was already big, but recent addition of One Day As A Lion has certainly made it even bigger. A new collaboration between Zack de la Rocha (Rage Against The Machine) and Jon Theodore (The Mars Volta) will be heading to Australia for the very first time to dazzle audiences with their amazing live show.

Add this to recent news of Bullet For My Valentine, Bring Me The Horizon, The Murderdolls, Millencolin, Coheed & Cambria and local heroes The Amity Affliction and we have a very solid Soundwave Lineup for 2011.

Who are you excited to see?

Johnny from Children Collide Stops In

Children Collide have released a corker of an album in “Theory of Everything” so naturally we were keen to have a chat about the band, the new album and their adventures on the road. Thankfully lead singer/guitarist Johnny Mackay was happy enough to stop by for a chat.

Theory of everything has been out for a week now, how are you guys feeling about it now the public has been listening?

Well, we’ve been touring it and plenty of people have been singing along, which is nice. They even do the ‘woo’ bits in My Eagle. Unless that’s just voices in my head. I’m not sure.

How long were you in the studio for and how did it compare to recording The Long Now?

Well…I guess it ended up being about 4-5 weeks in 3 different studios. It differed in the fact that we split it between a couple of different countries and that we attempted to make it twice.

Where do you draw inspiration from for your music?

From chewing gum that’s been trodden into the footpath.

When it comes to playing a show how do you get in the zone? Are there any rituals that are performed to psyche yourselves up?

I usually just slap myself in the face a couple of times and eat a lamington.

When you first started the band did you ever envision it becoming as big as you guys have? When did you first sit back and think “holy shit this is happening”?

Still haven’t.

What advice would you offer to young musicians trying to get their music out there?

Make good music. Make sure that is what you enjoy about it. If it’s about money or getting laid you aren’t going to feel very satisfied at the end of the day.

Do you have a favourite Children Collide song?

Yeah, whichever one we’re writing or playing at the time.

You guys have been playing a lot of shows over the past few years with a lot of different artists. Who was the most fun?

I particularly enjoyed playing alongside Tame Impala at the Groovin’ The Moo festivals last year.

What are the last five albums you listened to?

Right now I am listening to a solo album by a guy called Alex Macfarlane from the band Teen Archer who we are currently on tour with. Before that I’ve been listening to M.I.A. – Maya, Kyuss – …and the circus leaves town, a Vangelis record I picked up in L.A. And Tobacco – Fucked Up Friends. We’ve also had the Teen Archer “tour E.P.” on in the car today, but it doesn’t really count as an album as it just has three very rad songs on it

Theory of Everything is out in all good music stores right now, so get on out there and support these guys!

Crocodiles – Sleep Forever Review

Sophomore releases following a highly successful debut are often stressful, strung out and highly confined efforts trying to bow down to the pressures of new found fame and to please critics. Thankfully Crocodiles’ have not fallen victim to this pressure, following up the aggressive Summer of Hate with a darker, more progressive album in Sleep Forever.

Gone are those simple and catchy hooks. replaced with a more mature and cohesive product that is far more fulfilling after repeat listens. As an offset to the new sound, the album is less accessible which is sure to segregate fans of their first release.

Mirrors opens up with a slow build before shattering into a musical wall of sound filled with crunchy guitars, and eventually culminating in reverb laden vocals that lift the song into more of a shoegaze territory than garage rock. As you move deeper into the LP you are greeted with a more psychedelic sound on tracks like “Stoned To Death” or “Hollow Hollow Eyes”. The addition of the rough organ that would sound right at home on something by The Doors really adds a new element to the organized chaos that presents itself.

Things slow right down on the the romantic “Girl in Black” which sits nicely in the middle of the album. It is soon followed up by the glossy, surf inspired “Hearts Of Love” which is the most out of place, yet catchiest track on the album and “Billy Speed” which has a rock swagger that is totally infectious.

Regardless of tone, sound or style all of these tracks share the same point of reference; death. The album is rather dark and gloomy, yet manages to steer clear of that worrying “emo” territory. A decent effort from an interesting band, which shows potential in their particular take on the “Garage Rock” genre.

3/5

A Perfect Circle Reunite (oh the joy)

A Perfect Circle are back with a brand new lineup after announcing three tour dates in which they will play the entirety of their albums, one each night.

The new lineup consists of founding Memebers Maynard James Keenan and Billy Howerdell, along with new members Josh Freese, Matt McJunkins and former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha.

This is exciting news for those of you who are fans out there, but personally I think this band could quite possibly be one of the worst acts out there.

Jack Beats; Dirtier Than a Public School Whore

Wobble, wobble, wobble.
The familiar sounds of “Jack Beats” are slowly breaking onto the Australian market, with dubstep becoming just as popular as the colour black. The Duo “Beni G” and “Plus One”, have pioneered a new branch of British house music, which is filthier than a pregnant 15 year old, and as bad-ass as the last man stading at Revolver.

With a host of remix’s from well known artists such as Passion Pit, Fake Blood, La Roux and a host of others, the duo have created a sound full of wobble, well pitched accapellas and a driving bass line. They are definitely a pair to keep your eye on, having recently signed to “Cheap Thrills” records.

They’re in the country in a few weeks time, playing a string of dates with the ever so popular “Parklife” festival. So get along to see them, and prepare to have your face melted.

Jack Beats – UFO (Original Mix)
Passion Pit – Little Secrets (Jack Beats Remix)

Little Red – Midnight Remember

Little Red seemed to come out of nowhere during the sweltering summer of 2008. Their infectious melodies, classic rock and roll sound and pop filled lyrics seemed to strike a chord with critics and punters alike, clearly cementing them as the hottest thing to come out of Melbourne. It would have been easy enough for Little Red to release a similar record and let the fanfare roll in.

Instead, Little Red’s follow up record “Midnight Remember” has completely changed the dynamic of the band; gone are those 60’s rock influences (for the most part) to be replaced by a modern indie rock sound, full of sparkling guitars, tightly precision drum beats and a more electronic sound. While this is a huge departure from their debut, it still has that Little Red feel to it.

Get a life opens with a swell of floating keyboards, sparkly guitars and vocal harmonies to die for which sets the tone for the rest of the album to come. Soaring arrangements that transcend into something much more than a simple pop song, Midnight Remember is simply an album that creates a huge sound. Whether it’s the disco infused “Forget About Your Man”, the anthemic “Rock It” or the swirling “Slow Motion” Midnight Remember creates a compelling listen.

But then the album takes a turn for the last handful of tracks which creates a stark change in sound, and some of the most exciting tracks on the album. The big band arrangements on “Place Called Love” sound like something you’d find in an underground club during the 50’s, the stark “Follow You There” that builds and swells until it erupts into an overflowing sonic experience and the album closer “Chelsworth”. Even with such a turn in sound it doesn’t feel out of place, rather an organic extension of what the band was trying to achieve.

Such a departure from an established sound can often be a risky venture, but thankfully it has paid off with Little Red. Creating something that is so different from their debut, yet still managing to keep that unique sound Midnight Remember is such a giant leap forward for this relatively new group. Contender for Australian Album of the Year? I would give them my vote.

4.5/5