The Weakerthans are to other rock bands what a dog-eared philosophy book is to junk mail. There are issues harbored in their bosom; intellect wrapped in humble introspection and self-discipline.
The sophomore outing by all-girl hardcore act The Wage of Sin is much better than their debut, The Product of Deceit and Loneliness. While still hardcore rooted, there’s a much more pummeling, anthemic flow this time around.
The claustrophobic drum programming and Ed’s lumberjack holler can fatigue, but steamy riffs erupt, sophisticated samples enter, an acoustic guitar or plain singing intrude.
Samoth and Destructhor have created a record where the songs have self-contained logic, the guitar tones are robust and bottom-heavy, and where Trym’s drum vibe is thick and warm.
With All Sincerity are a death metal band in a hardcore band’s body. The band reeks of metal music, but delivers the metallic edge with a hardcore stomp.
The biggest complaint about The Mars Volta is that, although their full-length is damn near impeccable, their live shows feel like an exercise is wankery.
Virus Nine has a very early Rancid/OP Ivy sound, and excellent songwriting. Two sweet covers, “Bound for Glory” by Woody Guthrie, and “Friends in Low Places.”