Archives: August 2011
Off With Their Heads
Photo by Katie Hovland
Since their inception in 2002, few bands can claim to have released as much music or toured as frequently as Off With Their Heads. Such productivity has earned them numerous fans and helped the group to become one of today’s most popular independent punk bands. They played Chicago twice this summer and we caught up with singer/guitarist Ryan Young shortly afterwards to discuss their latest album and Epitaph debut, In Desolation, as well as touring, record labels, the meaning behind some of their songs and future plans. Continue Reading…
The Copyrights
Photo by Katie Hovland
Earlier this month The Copyrights released their fifth full-length, North Sentinel Island. The band formed in Carbondale, Illinois in 2002 and through the years has progressively perfected their signature take on classic, mid-‘90s pop punk. North Sentinel Island finds the group further experimenting with different sounds to create what is arguably their most comprehensive album yet. We spoke with singer/bassist Adam Fletcher about the new record, its recording process, their extensive touring plans this fall and more. Continue Reading…
All Eyes West – Self-titled
Photo by Katie Hovland
Jump Start/Bermuda Mohawk Productions – Release Date: 8/23/11
What with the pedigree of the members of newish Chicago band All Eyes West, (Jeff Dean has done time with The Bomb and Justin Miller with indie rockers Hinter) one would be hard-pressed to come into the listening experience without some manner of expectations. Thankfully, the band does not disappoint. All Eyes West serve up eight songs of Foo Fighters-inspired rock on their excellent debut disc, along with nods to bands like Drive Like Jehu and Jawbox for good measure. The songs are impassioned, melodic, driving, mid-tempo anthems that seem like they would translate very well in a small, sweaty club environment. The recording is clean, but not overproduced, (Dean handled the recording and mixing duties himself at Million Yen Studios) and suits the material well. My favorite track is “Help Is on the Way”, (you can check it out below) which features some classic guitar work along with interesting tempo changes and the best example of Justin Miller’s Dave Grohl-inspired vocals. All in all, All Eyes West’s debut is recommended as a good purchase for anyone hungry for melodic ‘90s punk done up right. My only complaint has to do with the CD packaging. The band photos were taken by the awesome Katie Hovland and are way, way too small. But that’s just a small quibble in an otherwise great package. All Eyes West play Metro on August 27th, with reuniting local legends Braid.
– Marc Ruvolo
[audio:http://www.jadedinchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Help-Is-On-The-Way.mp3,|titles=Help Is On The Way]Bright Eyes
Photo by Katie Hovland
Landmines – Commerce and Marx
Paper + Plastick – Release Date: 7/12/11
Landmines formed in 2005 and hails from Richmond, Virginia. They play punk-influenced hardcore and consequently comparisons are often made to hometown mainstays Avail and Strike Anywhere. Unlike the aforementioned bands, Landmines uses less punk tendencies and favors more classic hardcore traits, similar to bands like Gorilla Biscuits, H2O and Bane. Commerce and Marx is their third release for Paper + Plastick and it’s easily the band’s strongest and most complete effort to date. The song “You Are Number Six” talks about the dangers of the digital age and a need to maintain individuality. It uses a breakneck tempo, shredding guitars and gang vocals to make its point, and enough can’t be said about how great it sounds to hear a contemporary band that’s genuinely pissed off about something. “Evil Eye” is a personal song that addresses change and a desire to maintain a troubled relationship. It’s one of the album’s more melodic tracks and a definite highpoint. Another quality entry is “Left on Memory LN.”, which celebrates friendship and mixes various genres to create a memorable, well-structured song. With Commerce and Marx, Landmines has made a cohesive record that displays the passion and proficiency of the band’s live performances. The album is also noticeably different than what a lot of young, up-and-coming bands are doing nowadays, and that alone should be reason enough to give them a listen. Check out the song “Evil Eye” below.
[audio:http://www.jadedinchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/05-Evil-Eye.mp3|titles=Evil Eye]Dead To Me
Dead To Me formed in 2003 and has since released two full-lengths, an EP and a seven-inch. They’ve also toured extensively, continuously advanced their sound and gone through several lineup changes, all without ever missing a beat. They recently finished recording a new album in Chicago at Atlas Studios and we talked with singer/bassist Tyson “Chicken” Annicharico before their show at Subterranean. We discussed the upcoming record in detail, as well as touring, substance abuse, the band’s hometown of San Francisco and more. Continue Reading…
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