Lollipop Magazine

Escape the Fate – There’s No Sympathy for the Dead – Review

January 5, 2007

The melodies are here, as are the frequent exchanges between clean and aggressive growl (totally laughable, by the way), and rocking yet totally safe guitars.

Youth Group – Casino Twilight Dogs – Review

January 1, 2007

Second release by these Aussies, still well-crafted indie rock, still right on my threshold for lilting. Still worshipping The Smiths.

Converge – No Heroes – Review

December 15, 2006

Built on a mound of rubble, a synergy of brawn and brut, all with the sting of a large vodka and soda, the precious metal(s) that they are, and totally rawk.

The Matches – Decomposer – Review

November 20, 2006

There’s something charmingly dorky about these guys, kinda like OK GO. Only these guys are cuter. Like that’s hard.

The Draft – In a Million Pieces – Review

November 3, 2006

Comparing The Draft to Hot Water Music is a cowardly way to approach the album. Chris Wollard didn’t alter his songwriting just cuz he’s flying a new banner.

Total Chaos – Freedom Killer – Review

September 1, 2006

Total Chaos always sounded kinda metal for punk, in a good way. Hard-charging street punk, short on thinking, long on gruff vocals and spikes in the leather.

Refused Are Fucking Dead – Review

July 7, 2006

Refused Are Fucking Dead is a documentary in the vein of Meeting People is Easy, in that it’s not a “band DVD” but rather an outsider’s telling of the story.

Bad Religion – Live at the Palladium – Review

May 5, 2006

Over two hours of music, capturing the three-guitar line-up over two nights at Hollywood Palladium. There are more hits here than a Barry Bonds steroid streak.

Youth Group – Skeleton Jar – Review

December 9, 2005

As much Death Cab For Cutie as alt rock, Youth Group play emotively lush, atmospheric pop with occasional explosive guitar and plenty of higher-note plucking.

The Lost Patrol Band – Review

November 18, 2005

Lost Patrol was Dennis Lyzxén, vocalist of The (International) Noise Conspiracy, ex-Refused. Now The Lost Patrol Band, acoustic ditties have become power pop,