Lollipop Magazine

The Pale – Gravity Gets Things Done – Review

April 19, 2004

Absolutely adorable in a Ben Kweller/Ben Folds singer/songwriter kind of way. Since 1994, cousins Gabe Archer and Cameron Nicklaus have been writing and recording melodic power-pop that has brains and brawn.

The Notwist – Different Cars and Trains – Review

April 19, 2004

This new EP offers remixes and instrumental interpretations of songs from their last full-length, the highly-acclaimed Neon Golden, featuring such guest knob-twiddlers as Four Tet, Manitoba, Loopspool, and the band’s own Console.

Boys Night Out – Make Yourself Sick – Review

April 19, 2004

What do you get when you mix the sugary drum machine synth-pop of The All-American Rejects, the sweet bouncy melodies of New Found Glory, and the random screaming of Taking Back Sunday? Boys Night Out’s Make Yourself Sick.

Beth Orton – The Other Side of Daybreak – Review

April 19, 2004

A collection of unreleased tracks and remixes from her last, stunning full-length, Daybreaker, this is an eclectic batch that covers everything from Beth Orton solo acoustic to Beth Orton dance party goddess.

Bayside – Sirens and Condolences – Review

April 19, 2004

Sirens and Condolences, is absolutely awesome. It’s morbid, melodic rock that’s catchy and intense, with rough guitar solos, gentle, brooding vocals and lyrics that are masochistic and often murderous.

Anathema – A Natural Disaster – Review

April 19, 2004

Danny has written most of the record, but Anathema have turned in a fairly single-mooded, periodically guitary record, one that is equal parts Radiohead, Porcupine Tree, and late ’90s Anathema.

Dismantled – Post Nuclear – Review

April 19, 2004

A 10-track collection that’s not geared to the dance floor, but more towards the ears of the listener. It offers complex soundscapes and strong songwriting that makes you listen deeper and deeper into the album.

Hammerfall – One Crimson Night – Review

April 19, 2004

Offering everything you’d want out of a live album, Hammerfall make this thing look and sound like Live After Death. The set is spirited throughout, one show in the band’s hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden.

John Vanderslice – Cellar Door – Review

April 19, 2004

On his fourth solo album, Vanderslice pushes the limits of analog recording to its threshold, saturating tape and overdubbing a plethora of instruments without losing the warmth of the human touch.

eROTic – A Million Empty Lives – Review

April 19, 2004

Imagine an ’80s speed-metal demon fueled by an EBM drum track and blanketed by a combination of dry British New Wave verses, and hair metal choruses.