Monday, October 18, 2010

The Brokedowns- Species Bender




It was about a couple weeks ago when I headed up into the city for Riot Fest, mainly to witness Propagandhi and the Circle Jerks with my own two eyes. I had a lot planned for that weekend so by the time these two shows finally came around, I was prepared and just stoked to see both these bands and a couple others to have myself a grand ole time. Once the weekend was over, there were only two bands on my mind and one of them happens to be The Brokedowns, not only due to the fact of this review but seeing them live was honestly a blast; these guys definitely know how to crack some good jokes all while giving the audience what they want.

The Brokedowns, from Elgin, IL, have been cranking out some catchy, memorable tunes for about a couple years now, never losing steam on every album. Now with their third album as their debut on Red Scare Records, The Brokedowns have exemplified they're the next big band to not only keep an eye out for but possibly the next big thing in punk for the decade to come. Hell, it took me one complete listening to the whole album to get my attention.

The album starts off with "Wizard Symptoms", a track that's only less than two minutes and yet grabs you right in, with their crunchy, riveting guitar chords that seem to mirror Dillinger Four, but with more attitude provided, brought to you with lyrics reflecting magic and of course wizards. Odd? yes but damn it, do they make it sound so damn good. "I am a Ritual" follows next, displaying some ferocious chanting throughout, incorporated with a downright funky bass line and straight to the face attack from the rest of the band.

One of my handful of favorites off this album is "Noble Rot", due to the sample provided in the beginning of the track but mainly for the lyrics that are so fun to sing out loud, or if you're in my case, in the privacy of your own home/car/etc. The track showcases a great performance of the band, in regards to rhythm, from the drum beats that sounds almost tribal but still emphasizing a punk feel. Another favorite of mine is "This Cult is a bummer", in my opinion one of the stronger tracks off Species Bender. From the intro to the end of the song, The Brokedowns seem to have no difficulty getting attention from the listener, as the group includes a more melodic side to the album, provided by some strong background vocals and an interesting set of lyrics that set focus on past trends and just how dull they can be. Probably not a in-depth meaning about the song from yours truly but it still brings out The Brokedowns at their finest.

"Skvll Skewl" is another strong track in regards to rhythm that just meshes in nicely with the rest of the album. It has all the necessities for a Brokedowns song; catchy lyrics, furious but easy to sing-a-long too chants, crunchy-cut up guitar chords, and a simplistic bass riff that leave you on your heels and in the mood for starting some action. This track is what really sealed the deal for this band, since it has all the appeal that make for a great, stand out punk song that people will recount in latter years. That may take some time but for now, it sounds fresh and that's what counts.

In regards to the night I saw these guys live, I was pretty blown away at how they performed. The Brokedowns were funny, straight to the point, and played a good set that managed to impress the whole crowd attendance that night who would have otherwise dismissed the band for the headliner, Propagandhi to be more specific. Not only that, but the band even had a guy dress up as a wizard, informing the audience what song was going to be played with the band providing some hilarious one liners that never missed the audience what so ever. Quite impressive, if you asked me or anyone else who witnessed that show at Riot Fest.

If these guys ever manage to make across your town, I advise to make it out to said show and see it for yourself if still doubting my review. Same goes if not convinced on this album, but let's face it, when am I ever wrong in regards to good music?

The Brokedowns

Red Scare Industries

Friday, October 15, 2010

Oct. 14 The House Cafe- The Black Dahlia Murder/Goatwhore

I'll admit, I've lost my touch with the metal scene for the past two years now. Not anything personal to say that I dislike Metal, but I haven't able to get my taste-buds into any of the new bands coming out of the woodwork, at least that wouldn't conflict with my usual habit of metal bands, Motorhead, Deicide, and Kylesa. However, if there was one band that still grabbed my attention, it's Black Dahlia and last night is one pure example.

I remember just last year when a couple buddies of mine paid a visit up to The House Cafe in Dekalb, being fucking mind blown by Dahlia that night, recounting their tales of debauchery (i.e getting stoned with the members of Skeletonwitch) all the while head banging to the riffage of Dahlia. Due to being held up at work, I was bummed I missed out on a good ass show, and as time progressed to the now, I decided to have a first hand witness to their set, along with Goatwhore. A friend that went to said show last year and numerous others before chose to venture out as well, so that was that. The ride up there wasn't bad so to speak, despite our car breaking down on us but none the less, we managed to find a way to step a foot at the house cafe. To be in that situation, it was sheer luck.

Aside from our fouls, we managed to catch the first opening band by the name of Sleep Serapis Sleep. I wouldn't say they were the best band that evening but they weren't the worst. Not as much of a stage presence and their music wasn't mediocre or anything but it didn't really see anything about having potential, probably due to their short set. Some kids were feeling it while a huge majority of the crowd during their set continued to have their conversations or just stood there waiting for Dahlia. We passed their merch table prior to seeing their set and were somewhat impressed with their stuff. Once their set was over, we had ourselves a cigarette when one of the members of Sleep Serapis Sleep tried to obtain a sale from yours truly, but utterly failed. Not even worth mentioning if you think about it.

The next band up was Arkaik, a recently signed band from California. I was into their set for a good portion of it, overall. Kids were getting a little more into the show, starting a pit and pumping their fists in the air so that was good. Arkaik didn't miss a beat and still kept on trekking into their set. Quite impressive for a band on the rise, so I wish them luck on the rest of the tour with Dahlia and Goatwhore. Who knows, maybe they might grab the world by storm one of these days.

To write up how this next band played is pretty impossible, due to the fact it was one of the better sets I've seen at a metal show, period. Goatwhore were phenomenal, a must see band for those who haven't heard anything previous. They raged into their set like no other; incorporating blast beats, maniacal guitar chords, and a voice that seemed to mirror a cry from the four horsemen on the eve of an apocalypse. Biblical references aside, the crowd ate it up, going complete apeshit during their set. A pit started to unfurl and fists were going up in the air like no other, adding fuel to the fire for Goatwhore as they progressed. The chants of Goatwhore took place, with some even adding to keep on playing, but of course, it didn't occur. I admire the humor of these guys, mainly the singer and guitarist for Goatwhore. A man in a Banana costume was present at this show and the guitarist went into the mic and said "who is that guy in the costume. I swear, I've seen this guy at almost every show. Did someone lace my beer with acid, man?" It was non-stop fun with these guys. It made the trip worthwhile. If you haven't heard this guys, do it now.

Of course, how would the night go without seeing The Black Dahlia Murder? Odds are you would have had a bad night, in the since of a bad hangover to remind you of missing Dahlia. These guys were the show from the get go and once they started, the chaos started and from there on, it was no turning back, but who would want that anyway? I hadn't seen a crowd go hectic like that since July when I saw Failures and that was pretty fucking chaotic. Kids were going all over the place, to the front, back, sides, and even over the crowd as a couple kids went stage diving and getting kicked out in the process. One even fell straight to the tiles after diving, with a loud thump being overheard from where I was standing. Another kid kicked one of the lights, with the crowd providing a "Ohh!" in the background. From their earlier cuts like Nocturnal to their newer album Deflorate, Dahlia was on the move and made it quite clear. It was hard not to get into them at all, playing practically every song worth hearing live, from "Necropolis" to "a Vulgar Picture". I felt like a little kid at Disney world, still astonished at Dahlia, like it a vivid nightmare gone terribly right, without sounding oxymoronic or wordy.

If the tour manages to make a stop in your town, I advise you to head up and check it out. If you haven't managed to snag a copy of their new album Deflorate, do so as well. I've heard nothing but great reviews of it.

The Black Dahlia Murder Store

Goatwhore

Monday, October 4, 2010

Demonstration- Korova Demo



Korova- Demonstration Demo

1. Women of Sophistication
2. Magnets
3. Shareholders Meeting
4. Prophet with One Eye

There is nothing sweeter than a good ole dose of straight hardcore punk that manages to get you moving,especially one that is willing to combine a variety of different influences that some would not see coming in their direction. Korova seem to have this going on with their new demo, bringing a little bit of the old school hardcore feel, while creating a vibe of their own.

This Alabama band has been gaining buzz all around the world since their full length, Another Happy Customer, was released, getting compared to the likes of Black Flag, Poison Idea, and Ceremony to name a few. With the full length, a 7 Inch, and a couple demos under their belt, Korova have decided to release another demo in hopes of expanding their music and showcasing what this band is capable of, even if a couple kids are in shock and awe with their approach on hardcore punk.

Being new to this band, I didn't honestly know what really to expect but once I pressed the play button to their demo, I was hooked instantly from the minute the feedback had started. From there on, Korova blasted through like it was nobody's business. With these four new songs, Korova put a variety of different takes, incorporating a sludgish, heavier, style similar to Black Flag's My War, mixed in with feedback and vocals reminiscing Jerry from Poison Idea, all launched at top speed. From the first track off side A to the last, Korova doesn't lose its touch for the listener. I was pretty impressed with some of breakdowns that band had in it's second track "Magnets", having this dangerous deadlier vibe with their playing. To make things on the edge and interesting, the band also provided various layered samples through side A, sort of picturing an image of what a radio station would look like if Korova took over; Dismantled, Noisy, and in complete disarray, provided by commentary from a DJ who didn't know what to expect, anxiously awaiting for a response of help. The lyrics from some of the songs mainly deal with the "punk practices", referring it to a consume and digest kind of mantra exemplified on "Magnets" and "Shareholder's Meeting". Although a big majority of bands now a days often make political statements in their lyrics, none seem to manage capture the essential of real anger than Korova, something desperately needed in the current state of hardcore.

Side B is mainly a treat for the listener, showing how Korova would sound like when witnessed up close in person. Korova had recorded a live show during a tour with Vile Intent and Rational Animals, at Magic City Wholesale. Their set list consisted of songs from their catalog, along with an Infest Cover as a special incentive. I think it to understand how the band is live, heading down to any gig of theirs is in order. From what I heard though, it sounds like good ass hardcore show to partake in; lots of action from both the band and the crowd, no impersonations, just pure hardcore.

Demos are up for order at the band's bandcamp account for only $3.75 for the demo itself, a T-shirt package along with the demo for $12.50, and a digital download of the demo for any asking price, no joke. The demos are limited to 100 copies for the time being, but have provided a stream of the demo on their bandcamp site. The demo is worth the buy and considering the asking price for a digital download, It's not a bad deal at all.

One major aspect I found interesting about this band is the fact that Korova are quite supportive of music blogs, found inside and out on the internet, stating they haven't lost any sales what so ever in an interview with noisecreep a while back in July. Vocalist Ian Wise commented on the theory of music blog being the cause of decline sales of music, providing some interesting points for naysayers. I decided to put in that link as well, in case people are curious to hear his standpoint. Overall, the demo is superb in my book and I anxiously await for future releases from Korova. If still unimpressed by any reason, you might as well plug in nothing and hit record.

BUY


"We haven't lost one Sale to anyone from Music Blogs"