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Record Reviews1 2 3 4 5 | 0-9| A| B| C| D| E| F| G| H| I| J| K| L| M | | N| O| P| Q| R| S| T| U| V| W| X| Y| Z| < Prev Section | Next Section >  RSS Feed
Y:
Sooo...Intense: 7"
This is so dumb that it’s awesome. If you don’t like this, you’re no fun. Highly recommended. Smoke weed and drop out of school.
–Josh (Soooooo Intense)
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Y EQUALS, THE:
Consume Regurgitate Resume: CD
Dances the fine line between hardcore and screamo. Their pretentious aspirations failed to impress.
–Jimmy Alvarado (www.theYequals.com)
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Y LA BAMBA:
Lupon: CD
Delicate indie rock stuff with no shortage of very mellow, very pretty, and well written songs. Definitely not a recommended selection for narcoleptics, though.
–Jimmy Alvarado (tenderlovingempire.com)
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Y, THE:
It’s Pyzza Tyme!: 7”
Crucial forgotten jams from early ‘80s OrangeCounty about being drunk, gettin’ nasty, and eating pizza… except it was recorded in 2002 in Florida. If I could skate, I would skate to this.
–Steveo (Sooooo Intense)
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Y, THE:
Soooo Intense: 7”
The Y, from Gainesville, just
made the journey out to the west coast and I got to see them in Riverside,
CA. They played in someone’s bedroom, which had at one time been the
garage and was about the size of a small to mid-size car. Despite this,
as The Y started to play, the best four-man mosh pit started. I’m
talking tackling, running across the kitchen and diving into the room,
and quite possibly the most brilliant idea ever – hitting people with
other people’s hands. And The Y? They rocked through it all. I’ve
been told by two people, on separate occasions, that The Y would change
my life. I’ve seen their tattoo on at least five people. The 7”
captures all of this pretty well. Best song is either “O.O.C. in the
U.S.A.” or “M’ Jus’ Waggin’ M’ Tail A’ ‘Cha,” depending
on the mood you’re looking for. Shirts off, dudes on.
–Megan Pants (Sooooo Intense)
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YACOPSAE:
Einstweilige Vernichtung: CD
Gawd, this five inch aluminum disc contains the blasting power of an A-bomb! Faster than what would seem physically possible, they’re super tight as well. Unbelievable. The instruments sound rickety and dirty, perhaps it’s from how the band mercilessly throttles ‘em in every single song. But that’s good, as the power of their music is often found in the rawness and urgent approach. Not one song close to a minute long. Many not even thirty seconds.
–Matt Average (Slap A Ham)
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YAHZENBURG, DER:
Demo: Cassette
A cacophony of guitar parts and drum tracks possibly being played by men caught in traps originally designed for bears. If it’s a joke, it’s a brilliant satire worthy of being listened to by all bands recording their first demo as an example of what to avoid. If it’s serious, what the fuck?
–Bryan Static (Baby Carrot, myspace.com/itlsvnwo)
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YAKUZA:
Transmutations: 2x LP
Yakuza draw from a variety of musical genres to create their brand of progressive metal. There’s some jazz, some grind, some black metal (particularly the vocals on a few songs), ambient, and Eastern influences seeping in. As a result, this album is a collection of mixed results, some good, and some pretty bad. First off, there’s not much of a seamless flow, as you get the overly tech grind song (“Meat Curtains”), then a ambient type song (“Egocide”), etc. When they find their stride in songs like the aforementioned “Egocide”, “Perception Management,” and Justin K. Broadricks’s (Jesu, Godflesh) remix of “The Blinding”. Unfortunately the majority of songs tend to drag on and on, getting buried in being overly musical and trying to cram as much as they can into each piece. The packaging is nice. Gatefold sleeve, with minimal layout of red type and graphics on a black field, which captures the tone of the album well. Limited to 500 copies.
–Matt Average (Scenester Credentials, scenecred.com)
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YALE, MASSACHUSETTS:
Act Like You’ve Been There: 7”
The first song on this record starts out with buzzsaw guitars riffs and pounding drums. It’s a little more indie rock-sounding than the rest of the record and starts things off just right. The second song, which sets the tone for the rest of the record, is total pop punk, but in a way that’s not too candy coated, just catchy like good rock ‘n’ roll should be. You get three more songs on this record and they’re everything that I would be desperately looking for if I was desperately looking for good pop punk, but I’m actually never looking for pop punk at all. I often am, however, looking for good rock and roll with hooks and such needs are sated here. The lyrics deal with self-doubt, scene parasites, and faltering friendships. Others have done a better job on such topics, but I can still appreciate their choice of subject matter and the lyrics work well with the upbeat songs. So, no complaints. I’ve put this record on quite a few times in the morning before heading out the door. And I’ll definitely be watching this band.
–Craven (Self-released)
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YAVINFIVE:
Breathe Melody, Bleed Dissonance: CD
A bit more restrained than, say, Combat Wounded Veteran, and they don’t inundate the listener with the same caliber of little annoying and cutesy noise moments like, oh, The Locust, and there’s not quite the same full-on “vocalist who rolls around on the floor and cries” emotive quality as bands like, uh, Indian Summer? Current? But if you roll all of that stuff up into one tortilla, dilute it with the fact that there’s only six songs on this thing, and simmer over a low flame for a while, you’ll probably find yourself admitting that there’s some cool parts here, that they’re probably a pretty rad band to see in the basement but, despite the fact that the guy’s screaming like his life depends on it, there’s ultimately nothing here that really, really sets Yavinfive apart from the pack.
–Keith Rosson (Tor Johnson)
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YDINTUHO / KYLMÄ SOTA:
Split: 7” EP
Both bands crank out Discharge-influenced hardcore with HISSSSS guitars, ramped up tempos, and over-the-top delivery like only Scandinavians can pull off. Kylmä Sota at times sounds a bit like prime-era Rattus. Ydintuho wears the Discharge influences on their sleeves the most of the two, but neither sounds like they’re going outta their way to fit into the Dis-hole, which is as it should be.
–Jimmy Alvarado (Psychedelica)
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YE OLDE BUTTFUCK:
How to Get to Heaven from Chattanooga, Tennessee: 7"
That must be a trick question. Chattanooga, Tennessee is Heaven. I grew up around there and I greatly admire that city’s beer-soaked contributions to punk rock, as well as that train that goes up the side of Lookout Mountain. That said, this was kind of a letdown for me. Perhaps my memory of their beer-soaked punk rock is a bit fuzzy due to me being soaked in beer at more than one Jack Palance Band show, but I don’t know. I didn’t really get excited when I listened to this record and I can’t put my finger on why that is. This label put out the Stun Guns LP that you should definitely check out. Also, I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: don’t play Rolling Stones songs unless you are Devo.
–Josh (Shut Up)
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YEAR FUTURE:
First World Fever: CD
Another band here with an interesting racket being made by the band—in this case arty skronk with a melodic undertow—marred by an annoying singer.
–Jimmy Alvarado (GSL)
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YEAR FUTURE:
The Hidden Hand: CDEP
Featuring ex-members of the VSS, Angel Hair, the Pattern and Blackfork (oddly enough, listing former bands is also the bullshit way to start a record review), Year Future makes a relatively noisy and angular racket. It’s defiantly political—critiquing perception and complacency with all the grace of a sawed-off shotgun. For the most part, it’s relatively similar to contemporaries like the Blood Brothers. It’s also relatively bland and forgettable.
–Puckett (GSL)
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YEAR FUTURE:
The Hidden Hand: CDEP
Lotsa weird stuff I’m hearing in the mix here, most interesting of which are shades of a less satanic Mighty Sphincter (which would earn them hella bonus “cool” points if it was intentional) and other bands from the noisier end of the post-punk/proto-goth wing of the death rock hordes. This is not to say they’re all gloomy and shit, but they do have that “dark” tinge to their sound, even if they do try to hide it behind one mean racket. Do be sure to float a copy of any subsequent full-length this way, will you boys?
–Jimmy Alvarado (GSL)
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YEAR FUTURE:
self-titled: CD-EP
I never thought I’d hear a band that simultaneously reminded me of Drive Like Jehu, Deadbolt, and some of the more ambient Man or Astroman stuff, and I definitely didn’t expect to hear some guy yellin’ nonsensical lyrics over it. They could use a good werewolf song or two, and some snazzy artwork wouldn’t hurt, either.
–Josh (GSL)
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YEAR OF THE PIG:
Self-titled: cd
Thinkin’ man’s metal, with sludgy geetars and songs about blind consumerism and media manipulation. The reimagining of the famous Iwo Jima flag-raising photo with an oil derrick replacing the flag that serves as this disc’s cover art is great.
–Jim Ruland (Spider Cuddler)
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YEAR ZERO:
Year One: CD
A bad draw of luck happens sometimes for releases getting reviewed. I honestly can say I am not the best person to review this release. Not really the genre I listen to much anymore. But I will give a good ole boy try. Melodic pop punk with a polished sound of a band like Pulley with a garage-y feel of a band like Tiltwheel or Dillinger 4. In fact, the singer of this band sounds a lot like Scott from Pulley to me. Musically, they tend to play mid-tempo numbers that do have memorable rhythms. For me, if it was played a bit faster, I think the songs would come alive. Good effort and is not bad on the ear drums to this listener.
–Donofthedead (Young Modern)
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YEAR ZERO:
Year One: CD
Clean yet dirty. Completely put together, but scuffed. Shiny but “imperfect.” Melodic, but not future-insulin-injections sweet. Tough, but not street fight tough. Twisted cords in a thick rope tough that can hold a lot of weight tough. Year Zero’s from Ottawa. They’ve somehow fused stuff that usually doesn’t go well together, that actually sounds a little shitty when I’m writing it out: The Carbonas with Pennywise. Marked Men with early Good Riddance. It’s a strange alchemy of high-end-sounding production with fangs, anthemy parts, and spikes rolling along on the chassis of prime, searing garage rock hookery. If I wasn’t listening to it right now, I wouldn’t believe it myself. But isn’t that the point of great new music? To be a little confounded, yet excited? To set new expectations? To let the magic just come even if it doesn’t make a lick of “music logic” sense? I have no idea how they pull this off without it being absolute poo. It’s gold, though. Surprise of the issue for me. Highly recommended.
–Todd Taylor (Young Modern)
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YEARS AROUND THE SUN:
Inva De Siva: CD
I remember a few years back
when Pinback made it huge. They had a sound similar to Modest Mouse, but
sounded more compelling and bass that was a little thicker and more driving.
This San Diego band takes its cue cards from Pinback to the point of losing its
own identity. I thought I was actually listening to a Pinback song. Over and
over again, ‘cause this is a one trick pony. The recording sounds great, and
the musicianship is there, but I can’t help but feel that the sincerity is lost
in unoriginality. I live in San Diego and I guess they had to let the reviewer
know they have been nominated for “best alternative band” in the San Diego
Music Awards, which I never give an ounce of credit to, anyway. Guys, use your
talent to create something new!
–Buttertooth (Manaloft)
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YEARS FROM NOW:
We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat: CD
Do you have friends? How did they not tell you that you are not good enough to cover any Descendents’ song, let alone “Bikeage,” which should probably be covered by nobody. Ever. Because it’s that good. Oh, also, people on Press Your Luck said “Big money, big money, no whammies” and not, as your first song is called, “Big Bucks, No Whammies.” Thanks for playing.
–Megan Pants (Get Outta Town)
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YELLOW BELTS:
Self-Titled: CD
Oh dear me. This is so awful on pretty much any level. Lyrics? Stupid. Vocals? Whiny. Music? Uninspired hipster rock. Thank god for trade-ins at the record store.
–Megan Pants (Eugene)
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YELLOW BELTS, THE:
Self-titled: CDEP
The first thing that pops in my head is old dirty leather, hot rods, and flaming skulls. Back in the ‘90s, there was an upswing of dirty garage rock bands on the East Coast. This is what this band sounds like: early White Zombie but with a Duane Peters and Die Hunns drunk punk sound mixed in. Hives fans would also find an appreciation for this if they wanted a more balls-to-the-walls rock sound. Good stuff.
–Donofthedead (Yellow Belts)
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YELLOW SWANS:
Bring the Neon War Home: CD
Assorted static and other noise, sometimes with a beat added, but usually not. It's all arranged in specific patterns, but, unfortunately, the drugs I'm currently on aren't the kind that would enhance listening to this.
–Jimmy Alvarado (Narnack)
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YESTERDAY’S KIDS:
Can’t Hear Nothin’: CD
Pretty typical poppy stuff here. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were signed by a major soon. Most of it sounded like a cross between Mathew Sweet and the theme song to Friends. I thought it had promise with a song called You Can’t Fake Being Chinese. It’s true, I guess, but I can’t fake liking this either.
–Megan Pants (Panic Button)
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