Subtastics is self described as a power-ish, pop-ish, punk-ish band from Baltimore, Maryland. In October of 2021, they self released their first full length album, Collector’s Edition. We “INTRO” this fist pumping album with a nice little tidbit of information about Photinia. Photinia: evergreen and deciduous shrubs or small trees native in Asia belonging to …
Loud. Fast. Dirty. You want punk rock? You’ll get it here with Some Kind of Nightmare’s 2023 EP, Critical Thoughts. Relentless guitar, bass that is sure to make itself heard, and drums that could remind someone of a 4th of July fireworks finale. All that settled in just under duo vocalists who seem to …
These dudes are a mix between good old fashioned rock and roll, street punk, and good times. Their EP, Cars, Bars, & Weirdos, sounds like if the Souls and the Briggs had a love child that they were raising together and decided to ween it off the boob milk with whiskey and PBR. They start …
There is nothing more satisfying than hitting “play” on a record and being instantly transported back to when discovering new music happened almost exclusively at a record shop. I cherish vivid memories of walking into Full Circle Records, an indie music shop located in the small town I grew up in. I’d ride my bike …
On their third album, Lost in Translation, Forsaken Profits deliver another intense round of the punk chaos that they’ve become known for. The LP is a whirlwind of fast-paced, rebellious anthems that stay true to the band’s roots, while also exploring new sonic territories. Forsaken Profits expertly blend hardcore punk with elements of metal and thrash, creating a dynamic …
Hailing from Western MD, Defiant Brood exist to pummel the listener with their eclectic blend of Punk and Metal while staying rooted in the genres of Horror Punk and Deathrock. Their new LP was recently released on Snubbed By Allegedly. It delves into lyrical themes atypical of the genre; pulling from personal experience and telling tales …
Once again the king of procrastination got to review an album! And once again I took forever to get it done. Sorry, ladies! River City Rebels, hailing from Lebanon, New Hampshire, started life around 1998-99 by frontman, Dan O’Day, as a “high school” ska band. That version evolved into a street rock/punk band after hearing …
OHHhhhhh Yeahhhh! Living the dream, yeah! Deadbeat at Dawn and Chupaskabra, Motherfuckers! Sure, it’s just three tracks, but damn, is this an exciting EP. The album is being put out by Coffin Curse Records from Knoxville, Tennessee. Coffin Curse is also putting together a benefit show on November 15th for flood victims from Hurricane Helene. …
Free Sergio is a punk band hailing from Israel, formed in 2009. Comprised of four dedicated members, the band embodies the rebellious and energetic spirit of punk music. Known for their relentless commitment, they work hard to stay true to their punk roots by delivering fast-paced, high-energy performances. Their specialty lies in combining catchy tones …
In Transit is a progressive/indie/post hardcore band out of Bradenton, Florida. Back on April 12th, they released a new EP titled, Illusionary, through Ashtray Monument Records. Illusionary is nearly 24 minutes of thick bass tones (Matt Roback), (Alex Frazzoni), melodic guitars (Ben Bakker, Adam Byers), and synth (Keith Krusch) wrapped around a conceptual message to …
Now, I’m not going to lie and say that this is going to be a totally unbiased review. I don’t get down like that. So I’m going to start out by saying that I love these dudes. I’ve played with them a bunch of times and I’m always stoked. That being said, I don’t lie. …
DC-based trio, Dot Dash, is back again with their impressive eighth album. Recorded in 2022, the innovative members of this band (Terry Banks- guitar/vocals, Hunter Bennet-bass, and Danny Ingram- drums) deserve a bit of time in the spotlight. Nostalgically (and appropriately) titled 16 Again, this piece of work is a must-have for fans of this …
If pressed about which music venue is my favorite, I’d have a hard time narrowing it down. I go to different locations for different reasons. Although, I will admit that the Pie Shop in DC is definitely near the top of that list. Downstairs is the store front where you can purchase a slice of …
Our Brains Hurt presents: A Night at the Pie Shop Read More »
Today, On the Cinder is known as a powerhouse punk band from upstate New York. But back in 2013, Jason, Tyler, and Mike were just roommates with big dreams at the Flower House in Buffalo. Over the last decade, this trio has used their strong work ethic, diy values, and talent to gain notoriety on several national …
Backyard Superheroes may be the perfect band for anyone who thinks of Reel Big Fish, Less Than Jake, Five Iron Frenzy, and Save Ferris when they think of ska. These bands formed the backbone of the sound for a generation, and Backyard Superheroes have grabbed the baton and continued the race. With incredible horn lines, …
Born in 2014 – Over Our Eyes is a four piece from Baltimore, MD. At the time of recording, the band consisted of: Chad Wells as lead vox and guitar, Keith Smith Jr on drums, Nima Khazaeli on guitar, and Curtis Osterloh on bass. Smith has since left the band and was replaced in 2023 …
A staple in the DMV punk scene, American Television consists of Steve as lead vox and on guitar, Bryan on drums, Edwin on bass and backing vocals, and Chris on guitar and backing vocals. Their latest album, SCARS, was released on September 22, 2023 on Smartpunk Records. They are opening for Diesel Boy at the Pie …
When Allegedly Records puts out a call for people to review their music for PA and Find Out, you don’t ignore that!! I obliged and I was asked to review Ramona‘s Basement by The Super High-Tech Jet Fighters. Now, this is something new for me. So come along and see how badly I screw this …
The Super High-Tech Jet Fighters – Ramona’s Basement Read More »
These folks play a groovy and infectious blend of ska and punk with metal influences. Throw in a fair dose of comedy and general goofiness, and out pops The Sneaky Heat Missiles. The band consists of: (Sir) Richard Dean Girt the Third – Vocals, Guitar, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax Mordecai “Immortalcai” Girt – …
The Sneaky Heat Missiles – Illusions of Sonic Brilliance Read More »
If you’ve never heard of Fortitude, let me catch you up on 25 years of blistering, positive hardcore from Orlando, Florida. Fortitude is a band that believes in the “Old Ethics” of hardcore; one scene where no matter where you come from, we are all in this together. This live record was put out by …
DCxPC is a label that was founded during the Pandemic with the goal of putting out live music on vinyl. Over the past four years, they’ve done exactly that. Back in January, they put out DCxPC Live: Volume 16 featuring Long Island’s Skappository and Staten Island’s Scum Shot. The show was recorded live on February 25th, …
Having members living in both Pittsburgh, PA and Germany is not the only standout characteristic of Doping the Void. They are a punk band with a trumpet player, but don’t you dare think that they play ska music. Consisting of Paul Neil on guitar and vocals, Jörg Frauendiener on bass and vocals, Michael “Treetop” Voss on trumpet …
I must have sat down and began this review at least fifty times. Only to move each one to the recycle bin, because I didn’t like how it started. The whole “you are your own worst critic scenario”. All I wanted was a whimsical way to open a review on an album called Call It …
Play fast, skate faster! That is the battle cry of Virginia skate punks GTI. The trio consists of Cable on guitar/vocals, Drew on Bass, and Mikey on drums. On January 5th, they released their EP entitled Ride the Fucking Line. The EP contains 6 dense, fast, tight tunes dripping with 90’s punk influence à la …
Tampa, Florida is famous for Ybor City, Busch Gardens, and seminal hardcore band, Defrauded. Their music is for fans of Kill Your Idols, Minor Threat, In My Eyes, and Shark Attack. They released their EP, The Choice, in November of 2023. This EP consists of six songs of fast, straight in your face, hardcore – …
In March 2023, Trash Rocket dropped their first full-length album, Rock and Roll Repeat, on Allegedly Records. But this album plays like a time machine to the female fronted bands of the 1990s. A Post Punk band, emerging from Virginia’s Fredricksburg music scene, Trash Rocket has a bygone alternative, and punk rock sound, that delivers …
Making a five song EP is like licking your elbow. It sounds easy until you try to do it. Go ahead and try to lick your elbow. Unless you’re a yoga teacher, I’m guessing that you can’t. It must start strong, gain acceleration, maybe take a (very) short breather, and finish even stronger than it started. There’s …
This review was super easy to do. To begin with, they don’t use their real names or info so if I get any of the details wrong – they can’t sue me. (Editor’s note: All lyrics are written by Tre Marsh aka Tr38cho.) But also cause Old City’s Self Titled EP is really tight. Like …
In an ever changing, post pandemic musical landscape, Lancaster, PA – aka Amish Country – seems like the most ironic yet logical place to find a pop punk powerhouse. Many may think of The Menzingers when eastern PA is mentioned, but Ford The River has been consistently perfecting a sound akin to groups that ushered …
At first glance of Garage League’s album, Dance, Humans!, I thought, “Well that’s a lot of songs for one album.” Naturally, my next observation was song lengths. “Oh, okay, they’re all pretty short.” The song titles seemed like I was about to be told a wonderful story and I was very excited to dive in. …
In 2017, life long friends, Ken Bousquet and Chris Jackson, wanted to create a project to continue making music in the Boston area. After the addition of Aria Rad and Mike Barone, K.C.U.F was fully realized and is shorthand for Ken and Chris’s Undecided Franchise. It is aptly named, because it is hard to put this …
“There’s no way this sound is just three guys!” is what I incredulously exclaim to myself, almost every time that I listen to Treaties summer 2023 album, Parting Gifts. This is saying something, because it’s become one of my go-to running albums and therefore features prominently in my listening rotation! Not only am I blown away …
Back in October, Barbicide dropped an album that nearly slipped completely under my radar. The debut album, Songs About Heartbreak and Nazis, features original members from the acclaimed New York Satanic two-tone punk ska band Mephiskapheles. Mikal Reich and Brendon Tween do the writing and much of the singing on the album, in addition to …
The Skluttz are a Washington DC based ska band that is slipping under a lot of people’s radar. Their last EP, The Good Fight, was released in 2022 by Allegedly Records. In the last year, they have played shows with bands like Hub City Stompers, Sgt Scag, Hans Gruber and the Die Hards, Joker’s Republic, …
Although it went down more than two months ago, I keep thinking back at how special this night was. *cue the Wayne’s World dream sequence* Garage League released their debut full length album Dance, Humans and had a party at the venerable and aromatic 222 Ormsby on 10/14/23. They filled out the evening with an incredible, …
Following their 2018 Self-Titled debut album, Vagales (comprised of Giancarlo Zamora Ibarra on guitar and vocals, Paul Becerra on bass and primary vocals, and Steven Saenz on drums and vocals) deliver a street punk masterpiece in 2022’s Insania, released by Ninety Four Records. The aptly named first track, “Despertar” (Wake Up) slams into your ears, …
Usually Virginia is just outside of my travel zone for shows. That 5+ hour drive is just a bit too much for me to stay awake on the way home. But after a shitty year and an offer to crash at a friend’s house – I decided to make the journey to Richmond, VA to …
It’s no secret that I have a heavy (albeit VERY respectful and VERY healthy) man-crush on Will West and the Paperback Tragedy (PbT) Crew. I proclaim it to be “respectful and healthy” because I have yet to cross the line of stalking band members on their off-days. Nor have asked them to sign my man-boobs at …
“Saved By the Blood” This is an excellent opener for this new EP. The ominous repeating guitar notes that are then spiced with a haunting violin and powerful vocals immediately draws you in to listen to the story. As the accompanying instruments unfold and your ear begins to breathe in the beautiful arrangement, you feel …
The Artist Known As Tim – Bitter As Hell, Part 3 Read More »
Down-stroke: a technique used by musicians in which the pick only comes in contact with the guitarstrings in the downward motion; generating a tighter and more energetic sound. The Downstrokes definitely live up to their name on their newest release, This Close To Vertigo. This album was co-released by Coffin Curse Records and Allegedly Records and was …
Curse Words are a four piece pop/punk band from Washington D.C., self described as: “passive aggressive punk rock, meets death by bar tabs.” I would say that is a fair assessment. It Was the Cursed Of Times is their first release on the independent label, Allegedly Records. At 13 tracks, this album definitely deserves multiple …
Tim Nave is an experimental folk artist from Carter County, Tennessee. He goes by TAKAT, or The Artist Known As Tim. Bitter As Hell is a series of short albums that are inspired by his life and the area of Appalachia where he was raised. In preparation for his upcoming release in August of 2023, Watering …
The Artist Known As Tim – Bitter As Hell Parts 1 & 2 Read More »
Ahh, Pop Punk. The genre that’s damned if it does, and damned if it doesn’t. The de-facto outcast in a music genre made for outcasts. Pop Punk has saved my soul several times. It’s also been the bane of my fandom. If done right, it can be a rich, fulfilling consumption experience akin to a …
Covid ushered in a period of stagnation for the punk community. While many saw their venues close, others snatched up opportunities and hashed out plans to create new ones. Jason Overmiller was one of those individuals, but he took a different approach to his planning process by including the scene from the very beginning. At …
That wait finally ended last week when they dropped their latest single, “Struggle. Survive. Repeat.”, off of their upcoming album, Stress Marks. As soon as the song kicks off – you hear the familiar sound that belongs only to this established band. The upbeat and fast paced tempo delivered by Wittmere, Dunlap, and West pairs perfectly, …
The dudes of Idleminds are: Chris Joyce on lead vox, Mike Pruitt on bass, Josh Winn on guitar, and Holden Duke on drums. Formed in 2008, these guys are based out of Maryland, but have been known to melt faces in Delaware, Virginia, PA, and DC as well. Although I’m always looking for a good crabcore …
Most people are superstitious of Friday the 13th. After 2 weeks of terrible luck, however, I figured that I may as well tempt fate. So I checked into my seedy hotel for the weekend and headed to Porky’s Bar and Grill in Etna, PA, just on the edge of Pittsburgh. I was warned to get …
Porky’s Bar and Grill and Steel City Destroyers – Pittsburgh, PA Read More »
Formed in the humidity of St. Augustine, Florida in 2015 – Justin Pritchard, Ben Bennett, Nick Shoaf, and Patrick Drury make up Kid You Not. This band didn’t hit my radar until I put a previous album of theirs, Home Again, in a monthly Punk Box. Since then, I’ve been combing their catalogue and I was pleased …
Kid You Not – Here’s To Feelin’ Good All the Time Read More »
In less than a week, punk rockers (at least those who are 21 and up) will travel across this never great nation to the fabulous vacation spot of… Thornville, Ohio. So what’s causing this pilgrimage to the Midwest? After four years, the Punk in Drublic Festival has returned. And this one is bittersweet, not …
This heavy hitting, melodic four piece consists of Dave on guitar and lead vox, Jon on drums, Trevor on guitar, and Johnny on bass. Puncture Wounds is the third full length album by this crew and they gave me a chance to check it out before it was released to the public. I’m a huge fan …
If you aren’t quite ready for spring, ship your ass up to Boston where it seems that everyday is winter – at least according to pop punkers, KCUF and their album, Everyday Is Winter Here. If you haven’t heard it yet, I am here to tell you that it is more than worth a listen. Pop-punk is …
