MUSIC Friday, February 23rd, 2007 Greg Drudy must have recently discovered (or rediscovered) his love for all that is grind. His label, level-plane respectively, has arguably single-handedly revived the dwindling grind scene on the west coast with releases from Los Angeles favorites GRAF ORLOCK and Arizona veterans LANDMINE MARATHON. The trend continues with an amazing marble vinyl 7" split between Canada's KURSK and New York's DEFEATIST. KURSK kicks off the record with a very traditional metal sound mixed with screamed and growled vocals. For some reason they remind me of DAHMER played at the wrong speed. The guitar work definitely stands out here, but the music is not really as heavy as i usually like it. DEFEATIST, well my friend was right when he likened them to KUNGFU RICK. Although they do avoid the inevitable comparisons by adding thick heavy parts to the mix. I think the most impressive aspect of DEFEATIST is that it manages to stay technical and hectic with only three members. This band is definitely worth checking out. -Anders
MUSIC Thursday, February 1st, 2007 San Diego's LANTERNS are making quite a name for themselves in the punk world. fresh off of a full u.s. tour in support of a split cd/lp with fellow locals THIS FLOOD COVERS THE EARTH as well as at least one show every few weeks, the four boys are definitely keeping busy. Their sound can be compared to sonic youth's more indie sounding songs added with a certain sense of nostalgia circa all those indie rock bands in the 90's that never made it past a few underground releases. Think braid or jawbreaker if they existed today. Their four song contribution to the split cd/lp are very heartfelt and noisy, often times exploring the experimental noisy side of punk but just as easily breaking into a hushed sing-along that will make you want to clap to the inaudible beat. Be on the look out for a 7" with new songs through DOOD RECORDS as well as another U.S. tour. if you are still kicking yourself for missing the BRAID reunion tour, definitely check out LANTERNS. They will be legends.
You can contact LANTERNS through myspace at . They have shirts and the cd/lp available.
MUSIC Sunday, January 28th, 2007 With two solid releases under their proverbial "belt" (a.k.a. the release of an lp version of the classic ONE AM RADIO/WIND UP BIRD split and an amazing debut lp from Philadelphia's own PYRAMIDS) Paramnesia Records is at it again with a great record and incredible packaging. IN FIRST PERSON combines the intensity of noise with the standard hardcore hooks and classic layered screaming style of yesteryears. Don't let the name fool you, this isn't cargo short and athletic jersey friendly music. The only thing that one might possibly try to criticize about this release is the fact that it is yet another "members of" band which seems to be the trend in hardcore as of late. I see it as a revolution summer aspect, where classic bands are hanging up their girl's jeans and flat irons in order to explore other realms of sound and volume not befitting of their former projects. In any case, IN FIRST PERSON includes members of influential bands such as THE ASSISTANT, A PETAL FALLEN, THIS SHIP WILL SINK, as well as often overlooked geniuses YOU & I. If that doesn't tell you that this release is amazing, then I am not sure what will. In any case the music is thick with noise, heaviness, and an overall chaotic tone. Lyrically the subject matter is what the average listener might consider "typical" of the hardcore scene, but does well in staying current and prevalent with the issues and events going on in the world today. If you like the aforementioned bands and have always wondered what they would sound like five years after their break through albums, then pick up this release.
EVENTS Friday, January 26th, 2007 Last nights show went great, kicking off with Milo Fairweather and Jefferey Christian. Campground then blew the crowd away with their amplified rocking sound, and even taking some of us back with a nostalgic Campground Effect song. The last band to play, Table Fruit, preformed a great set which wrapped up the night quite nicely.
Still waiting to hear word on next weeks show at Cero's, but once we get the info we'll post it up.
DEADPAN Friday, January 26th, 2007 This is the beginning of the Deadpan Blog. This is kind of an experiment and we'll see how it goes. The purpose of this blog is to basically add another dynamic to this website which may provide some useful information to people. The blog will consist of almost everything from local events, reviews of music, books, zines, ect., to politics, or just general ramblings about whatever.
The Anarchist Cafe is such a beautiful event because it is based on participation. There is no one group of people organizing the whole a-cafe, but individual people who take initiative to bring something to contribute to the event. What skills do you have? The Green Party is not just an electoral political party, but a community of activists working locally to bring about progressive social and political change.
