Choices by Truth And Its Burden (Rite Of Passage Records)

Truly impassioned hardcore collectives may hail from any section of the world, as music has always been the universal language. Truth And Its Burden call Johannesburg, South Africa their home, an exotic, extremely historical location to be sure. Recently signed by Rite Of Passage Records (a subsidiary of the mighty Mediaskare imprint), Truth And Its Burden exudes a massive amount of conviction within their lyrics along with a mesmerizing soundtrack that should easily appeal to genre fans all across the globe. Choices is their stunning full-length debut, and it’s destined to catapult the band onto even greater glories.

Choices begins with the convincing sounds of The Deal, instantly hooking the listener in with its crucial lyrics and soaring musical dynamics. “I’m only human and I’ll share this burden with you,” the chorus conveys with an overwhelming sense of sincerity and fervor.

The Decider then emerges with it’s a stunning exuberance that really grabs your attention. Since Day One is a thrilling track with its shimmering guitar interludes and magnetic spoken word aesthetics. My Distance then pummels the senses with its dazzling wall of sound. “And I struggle and I feel pain and anguish, and they made me strong enough to press on,’ vocalist Ashley Beers sings with a incredible sense of perseverance and strength.

“Every Gift, Each Day” continues with a potent sense of wonder as “I can’t seem to save myself these days” and the entire composition packs such a tremendous punch. Partial is a peaceful instrumental interlude where thoughts may be collected before slamming into the colossal barrage of the fully loaded Placed In My Path. Threadbare has a swampy grunge like underscore while still making one want to launch themselves into the nearest mosh pit.

Symphony Conspiracy is another brief instrumental respite that plays like a remote musical memory from the past. The band then blasts into Building A Better Me, a wonderfully cathartic tune showing a good deal of diversity within the confines of one song. And then closing out Choices on a highly memorable note is the breathtaking Realigning Faith, ending the album on an ultimately inspiring note.

Calvin Clayden supplies an atmospheric wall of sonic artistry on guitar, always keeping the interludes lively and interesting. The rhythm section attack is first rate, courtesy of drummer Dale Keegan and bassist Niekie Van Niekerk. And then the aforementioned Mr. Beers slams it all home with a ferocious magnetism, delivering the powerhouse lyrics with a gripping sense of urgency.

They’ve toured South Africa with The Ghost Inside and even made their way over to the European continent. Here’s hoping Truth And Its Burden head on over to the States and unleash their heartfelt message of positivity as well as their hard-hitting soundscapes. Another landmark discovery from the folks at Mediaskare Records!

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

Truth And Its Burden on Facebook

Pastime by Create Avoid (Pure Noise Records)

The legendary spirit of American hardcore is very much alive and well in Southern California, thanks to bands such as the mighty Create Avoid. Their latest EP Pastime has just been unleashed through Pure Noise Records – four dynamic songs of passion and empowerment that should ignite mosh pits all across the nation when performed live. Producer Sam Pura at The Panda Studios has captured the sonic intensity of the band’s live show, and it’s a staggering assault to the senses genre fans will want to relive time and again.

The EP slams a hardball into the stratosphere right away with the impassioned strains of Left Alone, a commanding track that will surely grab the listener by throat. Never Again then unleashes a metallic fury that is nothing short of a triumph. Nothing More detonates with its explosive breakdowns and confrontational lyrics. And then closing out Pastime on an earth shattering note is Timeline, where a thrash attack shows just how diverse yet thoroughly compelling this band is.

Based out of Riverside, the Create Avoid lineup consists of Mike Alsaybar (vocals), Jake Round (bass), Chris Williams (guitar) and Steve Reese (drums). Fans of Terror and The Ghost Inside should definitely check into what Create Avoid has to offer. Judging by what’s been presented on the devastating Pastime, we’ll be hearing a whole lot more from this vibrant band in the years to come!

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

Create Avoid on Facebook

Be Good. Be Gracious. by Boy Jumps Ship (Self-released EP)

Boy Jumps Ship takes a giant leap towards the stratosphere with their third EP entitled Be Good. Be Gracious. Based out of Newcastle Upon Tyne, Boy Jumps Ship presents indie pop rock and roll gems in the grand tradition of Taking Back Sunday and Death Cab For Cutie. The four tracks found within are destined to acquire Boy Jumps Ship a good deal of attention worldwide. Expect new fans to hop on board once they encounter the massive tunes these talented UK lads has to offer.

Be Good. Be Gracious kicks off in a glorious way with the dynamic and thoroughly infectious Black Hearts Don’t Beat – an all-out anthem that has considerable hit single potential. The thrilling aural sensations continue with the victorious inflections of Better Days, with its swirling chorus that will remain in your head for ages.

Fugitive is up next, unleashed with a grand sense of vibrant passion and urgency. And then closing out the EP on a stunning note is a slice of indie rock perfection entitled Let Me In. Although the sonic exhibition ends way too soon, there are more than enough reasons to go back and listen to the tunes all over time and again – and at maximum volume!

The resourceful Boy Jumps Ship lineup consists of Si Todd on vocals and guitar, Jonathan Douglas on guitar and vocals, Jonny Rob on bass and vocals, and Gav Gates on drums and vocals. A wonderfully exhilarating EP that would even launch the most jaded of music critic into a blissful state of appreciation, Be Good. Be Gracious. is an exciting collection of songs well worth seeking out. Expect Boy Jumps Ship to hurdle their way into the big leagues with this one – the third time will indeed the charm!

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

Boy Jumps Ship on Facebook

Moving In Dreamscapes by Dismember The Fallen (Self-released EP)

Structures was the first self-released EP by Detroit’s own Dismember The Fallen, a promising slab of metalcore that would gain the collective a good deal of notice. A commendable effort to be sure, and now their latest recording Moving In Dreamscapes slams the Motor City band towards a whole different level. A thoroughly compelling effort exuding not only skilled musicianship from all members involved, but an all-out stunning brutality and intrigue. This is the kind of sonic experience that gets bands signed! From the passionate death metal growls to the soaring clean vocals and the staggering musical interludes, Dismember The Fallen is a massive adventure well worth seeking out.

The disc begins with the shattering strains of Earthmover, where the listener is slowly catapulted into thrash mode, complete with thunderous breakdowns and otherworldly choruses. Absorption continues to relentless attack, with the keyboard underscore transforming the material into a whole state of wonder.

More Than Meaningless places the pedal to the metal, with its slamming “This is the end of everything you’ve hoped for” passage combined with even more dramatic keyboard work weaving its way through the deadly breakdowns. Aspirations furthers the assault, with tremendously impassioned vocals that launches the material into the stratosphere.

Give It Up shows Dismember The Fallen channeling the glorious melodies of European death metal, creating a pulsating artillery of intense reverberations. This is where In Flames and Underoath collide in the wilds of Detroit, creating a breathtaking composition.

Closing out Moving In Dreamscapes is the impassioned dynamics of Heart. “It is so hard to move on, when you’re still the only one I dream of” screams the refrain with a poignant sense of urgency. Showing the band at the height of their creative prowess, Heart will definitely leave you wanting to commit to even more of the Dismember The Fallen experience.

The Dismember The Fallen lineup is tighter than ever, with imaginative contributions from Nicholas Deneau on vocals, Michael Chamberlain on guitar, Jacob Matzkows on guitar and vocals, Alex Honeycutt on bass, Mark Pfromm on keys, and Nicholas Matzkows on drums. Judging by what’s heard on Moving In Dreamscapes, this just may be the last time we see Dismember The Fallen releasing their work without the assistance of a record label. Fans of truly inspiring metalcore should definitely check into the mighty sounds of Dismember The Fallen, and prepare for the devastating collision of sheer intensity and heartfelt lyrics. Consider this one a promise fulfilled!  Highly recommended!

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

Dismember The Fallen on Facebook

Rewind by Summertime Dropouts (Voluminous Records)

The soundtrack for the summer of 2012 has already arrived! Fans of Blink 182, New Found Glory and Yellowcard are destined to discover a new favorite when encountering the pop punk anthems found on Rewind by Summertime Dropouts. Based out of the sometimes chilly confines of Minnesota, the wondrous music found within would even warm the hearts of an Arctic Eskimo – as well as the most frigid of musical critic.

The band has already released a single entitled Full Time Cutie, a slice of pop rock perfection that opens Rewind.  Telling the carefree tale of a girl, “who will never be a prom queen, she’s got one too many tattoos and a lip ring” with a “bright pink guitar,” this dazzling song is a genre classic in the making.

The sweet confections continue with the sentimental 1999, a wistful tune about going back to best time in your life to correct a mistake.  Get Lost is a Goo Goo Dolls style rock number with a ton of attitude and powerhouse vocals.

Getaway is a standout cut about being stuck at work when the hot weather and ideas of the beach are running rampant in your head. “I’m gonna hit the beach, take a swim in the ocean, work on my tan with cheap crappy lotion, lay in the sand and watch the world pass me by,” is the super terrific chorus that will jangle in your head for ages!

X has a stunning sense of punk rock aesthetics that should send pits all across the nation spinning with excitement. Then there’s the spirited power balled Spring Flings that possesses its own keen sense of adventure.

Just The Way is an important song for the band, emphatically dedicated to the misfits and outcasts of the world. The spoken word performance towards the end of the track possesses a commanding sense of empowerment as the vocals says, “Hold your head up kid. We’re all in this together.”  You’ll want to take on the world after hearing this one.

Put Em Up has a sing-a-long chorus that should have audiences responding enthusiastic. Then the booty shaking Amie takes you on tour while being very much in love. This bit of sonic heaven should be overplayed all over the radio airwaves!

The album closes out with a stunning piano rendition of 1999 Rewind, giving the already superb song a whole new sense of poignancy.

Rewind by Summertime Dropouts is that rare album where each and every tracks stands out and shines.  The tremendously talented Summertime Dropouts lineup consists of David Erickson on lead vocals and bass, Danny Knoblock on lead guitar, Joshua Stoll on rhythm guitar, and Mark Nolan on drums. The album was executive produced by Clint Gibbs, whose recording credits include such high profile top charters as Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj and Britney Spears. With soaring hooks, epic choruses, and memorable lyrics, Summertime Dropouts are destined for the big leagues. Check into Rewind when it comes out in June and catch a rising star. The most exciting pop rocking feel good album since the arrival of Ocean Avenue by Yellowcard!

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

Summertime Dropouts on Facebook

True by Violens (Slumberland Records)

I love being able to tell others about new music. Case in point, this three-piece from Brooklyn called Violens.  Led by Jorge Elbrecht, who also produces here and elsewhere, he’s obviously not content to stick with one style, mood or color.  Throughout 2011 the band released a song a month via download and while some appear on True, they have been mixed to fit better as a cohesive album.

Der Microarc brings to mind Stereolab in the tightly wound rhythms and layered guitars, Elbrecht’s vocals express a breezy nostalgic mood.

Nostalgia is also to be felt on Totally True, the jazzy pop lushness continues the vocal harmonies having less to do with Spandau Ballet’s True than evoking sunny memories of times past and hopes for the future. 

When to Let Go sounds like a long lost pop classic with high echoing vocals, direct bass melody and jangling guitar.  The song builds up to the last minute, rising into a blissful racket.  Sariza Springs takes you to a warm outdoors area, birds chirping in the breeze, Elbrecht’s vocals taking on a woodsy feel, Myles Matheny creating a strutting bass tempo, two thirds in, the song takes a more serious tack, as if the earlier good times don’t always last. 

Every Melting Degree is the fittingly titled blast of hot hair caused by thumping bass, crashing percussion and ecstatic vocals followed by cloudy highs and blood-pumping distortion-heavy low.  The guys get their guitar groove on with this one.  All Night Low starts fast and hard, barely letting up for a second, Elbrecht’s vocals soaring through the distorted guitars and double time percussion.   

Watching the Streams builds up a swirl of off-key and off-putting guitar noise that is carried over into the instrumental Lucent Caries as the guitar melody winds down into an eery moaning voice.  Through the Window takes your heart from the first seconds, Elbrecht echoing around Iddo Arad’s textured synths and scratchy, itchy, soothing guitars, the solo is bright and invigorating. 

True closes with So Hard to See, as woozy guitars play over a shaggy drum shuffle Elbrecht “oohs” and “aahs”, his vocals weaving together around a tinkling keyboard line and dancey bass groove.

On True Violens craft classic pop and reference new wave, expressing a sometimes spectral, always pleasant sound all their own.

(by Bret Miller)

Learn more about Violens HERE.

Alpha Noir / Omega White by Moonspell (Napalm Records)

Dark Metal masters Moonspell return with their ninth album Alpha Noir / Omega White. The Alpha Noir CD opens with Axis Mundi, evil Latin chanting and angry guitars clawing skin from your chest.  There’s a brief respite towards the end of the song with Fernando Ribiero’s soothing melodic crooning in English.  Moonspell know how to get your blood boiling, and keep up the energy for Lickanthrope. Moaning and animal noises merge with a sinister swinging rhythm and chugging guitars as Ribiero growls about Little Red Riding Hood and night swallowing the day followed by some truly frightening howling.

On Versus Ribiero snarls about a primal man-to-man battle at the end of times while keyboards and strings elevate the song with beauty.  After the out-there disco beat and orchestration of Versus, The title track grabs you by the throat from the get-go, Miguel Gaspar’s kick drums propel the song at a break-neck pace as the guitars squeal and chug, Ribiero layering various vocal approaches, making one long for more of his baritone crooning.  Aires Pereira’s bass pounds your skull at the start of Em Nome Do Medo, then Pedro Paixão’s choral keys soothe as Ribiero growls in Portuguese.  There’s some amazing guitar solos from Ricardo Amorim stabbing like a sword further into your heart. 

Opera Carne stays rather straightforward and unpretentious, Ribiero gruffly singing ”Our flesh burns in mysterious ways”.  Here the keyboards are quite accomplished and the melodic guitar solo is enthralling.  Sine Missione, an orchestral instrumental closes Alpha Noir on a dramatic note, sounding for all the world like the theme to a heroic epic, horns and strings begin the song creating suspense, then the band joins in with jagged guitar chugs and pulverizing percussion adding more muscle to the proceedings, rising in intensity to a climax of deep horns and wailing guitars.  Simply stunning.

Omega White is the companion album to Alpha Noir and is a more textured, contemplative but no less impactful album for its slower pace.  Ribiero croons and sings, the guitars are strummed and are under less distortion and the keyboards are more distinct. Because the vocals are intelligible, Ribiero’s lyrics express their meaning more directly, coupled with the cleaner performances and arrangements, the songs on Omega White are just as accessible and successful in expressing Moonspell’s strengths as anything on Alpha Noir.

(by Bret Miller)

Moonspell Official Website HERE

Aloha Moon by Magic Wands (Bright Antenna Records)

Magic Wands is the duo of Chris and Dexy Valentine.  Like their surname, their music is lovey-dovey, soft and fuzzy indie-pop with sexy vocals from Dexy.

The title track opens the album with waves lapping a beach and a tropical feel.  You can almost taste the salt on the briny breeze, Dexy cooing against synth strings and surf guitar, caressing your ears.  Black Magic follows, a darker affair, taking you from the beach to the dance club, heavily distorted guitars menace as a peppy beat gets your body moving. 

Crystals is a deliciously dense pop song: guitars sparkle and bend amongst chiming keyboards, Dexy singing of space and deserts and eclipses and who knows but it all sounds so inviting.  Space is slinky and shadowy electro-pop with a motorik bass pulse, guitars flit and flutter behind Dexy singing “I fell in love” over and over and over, Chris contributing backing vocals like a ghostly echo. 

Warrior is somewhat tongue in cheek with the flutey whistle and tribal beat.  While the song sounds like it was written in 1984, Magic Wands still manage to add warmth and passion. 

Wolves closes Aloha Moon with another seeming throwback, drums and bass a dance beat, guitars used as accent against Dexy chillingly singing of “Psychotropic dreams” and “Supernatural worlds”.  The song ends too early, leaving you yearning for more.

Along with their emotional and invigorating music, Magic Wands make their own videos which are amusing and touching.

You can purchase Magic Wands’ Aloha Moon as a “Deluxe Edition” which adds different mixes of several songs.  Catch them on tour too.

(by Bret Miller)

Magic Wands Official Site
On Facebook
Magic Wands Videos
Purchase Aloha Moon at Bright Antenna

Lovers Love, Liars Lie by Melina May (Self-released)

Melina May is the creation of Brison X. Cortez of Fresno, CA – a one man project that has been gaining a good deal of attention due to Facebook exposure and remarkably catchy songs.  Comparisons to Never Shout Never and The Ready Set are inevitable, but Cortez wisely injects his own quirky personality and distinctive voice into the proceedings, coming up with a collection of wonderfully memorable tunes. Lovers Love, Liars Lie is an inspiring eight-song effort destined to gain the artist a whole new cadre of fans, and could possibly peak the curiosity of record label types as well.

The recording begins with the wildly infectious Second Chance, where soaring keyboard meanderings mesh well with a lively vocal performance. Definitely a standout cut! Up next is Call It Cliché, a wistful love song performed with ukulele that is simply a sheer delight.

Chaos Control may be a bit of the dub step side, but Cortez adds his clever inflections into the song, rendering this one a dizzying confection. Wonderful Winters has a timeless, folksy appeal showing another diverse side to the Melina May experience.

Catch A Clue is reflective acoustic track, featuring a catchy “oh-oh-oh” chorus that will remain jangling within your head long after the song concludes. Brakes is Cortez at his most imaginative, presenting an electronic aural ride filled with positive motion and intrigue.

The party kicks into high gear with Twenty Twelve, with mischievous techno beats and spirited vocalizations. And then closing out the recording on a poignant note is Forever Ember, a deeply personal song about a split couple and the child involved.

Lovers Love, Liars Lie is a broad step in the right direction, showing a highly charismatic artist more than ready for the big leagues. Although Facebook is packed to its illogical bandwidth when it comes to one person projects, Melina May has the talent and drive to take it all to the next level. It will be exciting to see what the future has in store for Brison X. Cortez. Be sure to check out Lovers Love, Liars Lie, and catch up with a rising star!

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

Melina May on Facebook

Griseus by Aquilus (A Sad Sadness Song/ATMF Records)

Like the most vivid and complex of dreams, Griseus by Aquilus is a thrilling collage of sound that will enchant the senses. Best described as atmospheric metal, imagine the elite black metal intensity of Emperor mixed with the cinematic inventions of legendary film composer Ennio Morricone, and you’re only beginning to conceptualize the aural adventures ahead of you. A startling work of artistry, Griseus by Aquilus simply has no compare when it comes to the imagination and intrigue involved throughout it’s lengthy yet serenely epic running time.

The disc startes off with the symphonic extreme metal assaults of Nihil, a 14-minute masterpiece that collides into a dazzling neo-classical reverie of utterly cosmic proportions. One can imagine a full symphony orchestra majestic performing its grand reprieves.

Loss is haunting and desolate, sending the listener on a melancholic journey before launching itself into an ardently sinister, melodramatic climax. Smokefall then smolders with its glorious, sweeping passages, complete with bombastic choirs and spacious progressive meanderings.

In The Land Of Ashes is 13 minutes of somber tranquility threatening to burn through your psyche with its bewildering sense of danger and unease. Latent Thistle then slams into the listener with its ultra electrifying black metal meanderings and then leaves you with a totally unpredictable conclusion consisting of a mischievousl lightness.

Aboreal Sleep is a restless composition that meshes jarring electric guitars with a lush orchestral underscore. And the The Fawn commences on a perilous trek through a thicket of impending malevolence.

Closing out the eloquent Griseus is the dark and foreboding Night Bell. Clocking in at a prodigious 17 plus minutes, this masterwork shows Aquilus at the very height of their creative prowess.

One of the most exhilarating one-man creations to ever surface from a metal label, Aquilus is the invention of Waldolf, performing all of the instruments and vocals with a commanding sense of imagination. Based out of Melbourne, Australia, the world may now be enraptured by Waldolf’s magnificent visions thanks to the folks at A Sad Sadness Song. Truly great art arrives in the most distant of places, and Griseus by Aquilus is sure to enrapture the most adventurous of musical connoisseurs. An opulent classic for the ages that you’ll want to revisit time and again.

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

Aquilus on Facebook
A Sad Sadness Song/ATMF Records Official Home Page