Lollipop Magazine

Riddle of Steel – 1985 – Review

July 1, 2008

Classic rock licks, cowbell aplenty, and hip-swaggering four-on-the-floor beats. There’s no denying that 1985 is more “rock” than “math rock.”

Hot Water Music – Till the Wheels Fall Off – Review

July 1, 2008

Collects the leftover pieces that Never Ender didn’t get to, including b-sides from the band’s last three full-lengths, multiple splits, and rare comp entries.

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks – Real Emotional Trash – Review

June 1, 2008

Real Emotional Trash takes you back to Pig Lib’s grandiose running times, blazing fretwork, and zany stonerisms.

No Use For A Name – The Feel Good Record of the Year – Review

June 1, 2008

The quartet expands upon Keep Them Confused’s formula, diversifying their repertoire with acoustic songs, different tempos, and a beefier sonic punch.

Paint It Black – New Lexicon – Review

May 1, 2008

Yemin’s “main band” since before (and now alongside) Lifetime got back together. A statement on the beauty of hardcore, and a plethora of outsider music.

NOFX – They’ve Actually Gotten Worse Live! – Review

May 1, 2008

Exactly what you would imagine it to be: Almost as much in-between banter as music, irreverent humor, not to mention meticulously written and executed pop punk.

Death Angel – Killing Season – Interview

April 18, 2008

An interview with guitarist/backup vocalist Rob Cavestany

Soilwork – Sworn to a Great Divide – Review

February 1, 2008

I grew to embrace Sworn to a Great Divide just cuz, well, sometimes a by-the-books melodic death metal album from Soilwork is exactly what a person needs.

Athlete – Beyond the Neighbourhood – Interview

January 25, 2008

An interview with keyboardist Tim Wanstall

Beirut – The Flying Club Cup – Review

December 21, 2007

At only 21, Zach Condon has managed to wield exotic foreign traits, and utilize them in proportionately written, wonderfully executed, heart-wrenching songs.

Ryan Ferguson – Only Trying to Help – Interview

December 21, 2007

An interview with Ryan Ferguson

Richard Hawley – Lady’s Bridge – Review

December 21, 2007

Elvis of the North, Roy Orbison of Sheffield, British Frank Sinatra – but there’s no mistaking Richard Hawley’s voice. Hit ’em and leave ’em wanting more.

Aeon – Rise to Dominate – Review

December 14, 2007

Aeon borrow the eerie intervals and dirges of Morbid Angel, Legion-era Deicide’s rhythmic mastery, and new Cannibal Corpse’s penchant for quick tempo changes.

The New Amsterdams – At the Foot of My Rival – Review

December 14, 2007

Matt Pryor started The New Amsterdams when The Get Up Kids were still active, devoting his folkier/mellower output to the moniker. They’ve never sounded better.

Chthonic – A Decade on the Throne – Review

December 12, 2007

Chthonic on their turf, playing to thousands of screaming Taiwanese fans with a backing choir, laser light shows, and, of course, the prerequisite corpse paint.

Propagandhi – Live From Occupied Territory – Review

November 1, 2007

On July 19th, 2003, melodic thrash punk masters Propagandhi played a benefit show for Grassy Narrows First Nation Blockade in Winnipeg, killing it as usual over 17 songs of blood-boiling, spirit-rousing anthems.

Chuck Ragan – Feast or Famine – Review

November 1, 2007

Hot Water Music guitarist/vocalist Chuck Ragan went solo acoustic after the break up, now focusing 100% upon what made the albums riveting: The melodies.

Ryan Ferguson – Only Trying to Help – Review

October 19, 2007

Acoustic chords rife with subtext and vocal lines that kill you with their details. Songs of deep affection and choruses equally addictive and slightly awkward.

Obituary – Xecutioners Return – Review

October 19, 2007

Xecutioner’s Return, like the last couple of Gorefest and Grave records, is a no-frills old school trip with only one goal in mind: Stick to the basics.

Matt Pond PA – Last Light – Review

October 19, 2007

Several Arrows Later hinted they were wishing they were more rockin’, here they sound like they’re trying too hard, and at the expense of the melodies.

Gorefest – Rise to Ruin – Review

October 19, 2007

Pretty much La Muerte Part Two, meaning that it’s classic Gorefest: Simple but punishing riffs, varying tempos, political lyrics, and bad-ass breakdowns.

Botch – We Are the Romans – Review

October 19, 2007

Crucial records, along with Refused’s Songs to Fan the Flames of Discontent, they pretty much were the pinnacle of the metalcore movement.

Botch – American Nervoso – Review

October 19, 2007

Botch almost single-handedly carved a new path for metalcore. Instead of testosterone-fueled rage, they had genuine passion and a great sense of humor.

Magnet – The Simple Life – Review

October 12, 2007

After venturing into folktronica territory with The Tourniquet, Magnet (Norwegian producer/songwriter Even Johanssen) has returned to a rootsier, organic sound.

No Use For A Name – All the Best Songs – Review

September 28, 2007

You either stuck by ’90s pop punk, grew out of it, or hopped on the “third generation of emo” bandwagon. All the Best Songs is clearly for the first category.