Bent Left – Skeletons in Your Closet – Review May 24, 2005 Debut from a young political punk band from Missouri. Good gruff singer, solid but indistinguishable songwriting. Give ’em a few years.
B.C. Camplight – Hide, Run Away – Review May 24, 2005 The cop-out would be to compare this to Ben Folds, because it’s beautiful piano pop with Beach Boys harmonies like only a few greats can pull off.
Attack Haus – W8 – Review May 24, 2005 Now there are two Japanese bands playing this unique style. Kinda DHR-style drumming, kicks nü metal’s Ministry-worhipping ass on many levels.
American Minor – Review May 24, 2005 Don’t automatically hate it because it’s on a major. They sometimes accidentally get it right. Play this loud at a BBQ and see if anyone complains.
Agents of Man – Count Your Blessings – Review May 24, 2005 Stuttering hardcore with some clean singing, sweet interludes, and song 10 is a full-on ballad, just like crappy punkpop bands wanting to emote.
Youth Group – Skeleton Jar – Review May 24, 2005 Singer/songwriter stuff that doesn’t make me want to hurl, or kick the shit out of the whining pussy. Not as huge as Manchester pop, more intimate.
Venerea – One Louder – Review May 24, 2005 Wow! Tight and fast, melodic, and filled with whoa-whoa harmonies. From Sweden, where they know their shit.
Thor – Thor Against the World – Review May 24, 2005 Thor comes from the Manowar, Rollins, Danzig school of beefcake metal. Produced by Bruce Duff and Frank Meyer. They know rock’n’roll past its prime.
The Yellow Belts – Review May 24, 2005 The crossroads of punk and rock, melodic but gritty, a bit of rockabilly (where rock came from) without yips, just the balls to drink gasoline and piss fire.
Theta – Tone Poems For Sad Times – Review May 24, 2005 Interesting mix of indie stoner rock (you have to hear it to know why this makes sense) and atmospheric rock.