Archives: June 2011
Ninja Gun – Roman Nose EP
Sabot Productions – Release Date: 4/12/11
Ninja Gun is a quartet from Valdosta, Georgia and this EP is the band’s first release since their 2008 full-length, Restless Rubes. Roman Nose finds the group focusing more on pop and country influences, as opposed to the southern/indie rock that dominated their last album. What’s surprising is how well this shift in style works. Few bands can experiment and mix varying genres with such success, but Ninja Gun’s exceptional musicianship allows them to do so with ease. In that regard, Roman Nose is the perfect record for someone in search of something new and different. The first song, “That’s Not What I Heard”, talks about corporate greed and the continued decline of America’s economy, and uses a sunny melody, tons of backing vocals and layered instrumentation to solidify what is an extremely catchy opening track. “Hot Rain” leans more in a country direction before seriously rockin’ out at its midway point, while “Lepers in Love” revolves around a huge riff that helps to shape a unique and memorable chorus. Lastly, the title track is a somber lament that appropriately concludes this EP with a haunting rhythm and piano/string accompaniments. If Roman Nose is any indication of what to expect from the next Ninja Gun full-length, then fans of original and creative music everywhere have a lot to look forward to. Don’t wait to check this out if you’re in need of a refreshing change of pace.
Dillinger Four Interview, 2000
In the spring of 2000, we interviewed Dillinger Four before the release of their milestone album, Versus God. This full-length in particular found the band sharpening their sound and taking their songwriting to a new level. We spoke with singer/guitarist Erik Funk and singer/bassist Patrick Costello before one of their shows at Fireside Bowl. We talked from inside D4’s van about the record, including its lyrics and the motivation behind its title. We also conversed about the band’s relationship with Billie Joe from Green Day, a memorable appearance at South by Southwest, The Triple Rock and more. Continue Reading…
Slapstick, 6/15/11
Photo by Katie Hovland
Rise Against
Photo by Katie Hovland
With their latest album, Endgame, Rise Against has reached new levels of creativity and critical acclaim. It blends the various styles found on their previous records, ups the intensity and remains as passionate as ever with its lyrics. We spoke extensively with lead singer Tim McIlrath about Endgame, as well as the band’s relationship with producer Bill Stevenson, their experiences while touring with Bad Religion and more. Catch Rise Against on tour this fall with Foo Fighters and don’t forget to check out their new split record with Face to Face. Continue Reading…
The Smoking Popes
Photo by Katie Hovland
The Smoking Popes are one of Chicago’s most influential bands. They got their start in 1991, achieved widespread success with two albums on Capitol Records and this March released their latest full-length, This Is Only a Test. We spoke with singer/guitarist Josh Caterer about the new record’s concept, what it was like recording at Atlas Studios, the band’s relationship with Asian Man Records and more. Be sure to check out the Popes on tour this summer with Alkaline Trio and look for their classic album Born to Quit to be reissued later this year. Continue Reading…
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