February, 2006 | Lollipop Magazine

“Dead Mexican in my Headphones”: Dio- Printer of Evil – Column

February 28, 2006

I interview rock guys two, three times a week. I use voice recognition software to transcribe these interviews. It doesn’t always come out as planned though.

Darkest Hour – Undoing Ruin – Review

February 24, 2006

One of the better American bands stealing the oft-stolen Swedish melodic death metal style. They’ve been doing it for years, perhaps even a decade.

Cash Mattock – Sexy 21st Century Sleaze – Review

February 24, 2006

Opens with two Nine Inch Nails-inspired organic/electronic instrumentations. Then, the acoustic “A Girl Like You” crosses into Violent Femmes territory.

Beautiful Creatures – Deuce – Review

February 24, 2006

Hard to believe it’s Joe LeSte of Bang Tango. The band are so corrected and corporate-sounding, every trendy texture thrown on the guitar, bass, and vocals.

Throwdown – Vendetta – Review

February 24, 2006

One of the best Pantera tribute bands you’re bound to hear. All the breakdowns, all the rampage, the wall of guitars, and the exact same vocal spitting.

The Paper Champions – End.Transmission – Review

February 24, 2006

Sounding more like Look Up and Live-era Someday I mixed with The Chase Theory. Heavier, less melodramatic, and tasteful dynamics without losing the immediacy.

The Boils – From the Bleachers – Review

February 24, 2006

Oi, street punk, hardcore, and dub. Sure to draw comparisons to The Clash’ masterwreck, Sandinista!, but The Boils offer a comprehensive and cohesive epic.

Million Dollar Mouth – Say My Name… Now Say It Again – Review

February 24, 2006

These guys sound like they’re stylistically kicking the crap out of The Strokes while smoking Stone Temple Pilots’ cigarettes and listening to the Marvelous 3.

Matt Pond PA – Several Arrows Later – Review

February 24, 2006

Delicate but not fragile hooks, airy but not ethereal production, ornate but not orchestral string accompaniment, all coming together around bulletproof tunes.

Flotsam and Jetsam – Dreams of Death – Review

February 24, 2006

It’s playing in the background, and I’ve yet to be engaged in any way. It’s not so bad I’ll take it off, but it’s not good enough to ever play again.