Review: Living With Lions - "Some Of My Friends Appear Dead To Me" EP

Release Info

Living With Lions - Some Of My Friends Appear Dead To Me EP
Release Date: July 9^th, 2013
Record Label: Pure Noise Records
Pre-order: vinyl/merch

Band line-up changes is similar to a difficult divorce, for both the fans and musicians. The fans may feel lost and confused about the direction of their beloved band, and also scared of the possibility of the band never being as promising as it was. The musicians may worry about their future, their own individual career goals, and about how their fans will feel if the band completely deteriorates. This concept is dramatically exacerbated if the line-up change involves a crucial member of the band -usually the primary lyricist/songwriter(s) or the vocalist(s). Losing and/or dropping a key member to the band’s function and success could be career-altering and have devastating consequences if said member’s replacement does not live up to their predecessor’s legacy.

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Review: Man Overboard - "Heart Attack"

Release Info

Man Overboard - Heart Attack
Release Date: May 28^th, 2013
Record Label: Rise Records
Pre-order: CD/vinyl/merch

Man Overboard, one of the primary frontrunners of the contemporary “Defend Pop Punk” movement, have given us the pleasure of indulging in another vibrant record. Heart Attack is out May 28th via Rise Records and showcases the ever-growing progression of the New Jersey band’s maturity and musical stylings as well as the continuity of their signature sound.

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Review: Audiostrobelight - "What You're Running From" EP

Release Info

Audiostrobelight - What You're Running From EP
Release Date: May 14^th, 2013
Record Label: Little Heart Records
Pre-order: Digital/CD/merch

Audiostrobelight is the only band that could get away with fusing together their natural affinity for pop punk, electronic pop, alt rock, and dance... all in the same songs. The Virginia Beach quintet can effortlessly pull off writing summery rock/pop tracks while incorporating a piano interlude and/or an electric violin in the mix. That is essentially what the band’s latest EP, What You’re Running From sounds like. Yes, that summation of the record’s overall sound may read as though the EP sounds like a clusterfuck of subgenres, but bear with us; the final product sounds pretty sweet. Will Pugh (Cartel)’s help as producer is easily discernible and even valuable to the overall quality of the record. What You’re Running From is a harmonious blend of the band’s numerous instrumental talents.

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Review: Bellwether - "…But I Have To" EP

Release Info

Bellwether - …But I Have To EP
Release Date: April 9^th, 2013
Record Label: Self-released
Pre-order: N/A

The classic Long Island pride emanates from …But I Have To like heat radiating from a terrible fever; it’s ubiquitous. Bellwether-the composers-is a noteworthy local LI band, whose sophomore EP was produced by Vinnie Caruana and Brett Romnes (I Am The Avalanche). The record is a solid follow-up to 2011’s The Elephant In The Room EP, and isn’t a far stretch from what fans of Bellwether are accustomed to.

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Review: American Verse/The Tired And True - Split EP

Release Info

American Verse/The Tired And True - Split EP
Release Date: March 26^th, 2013
Record Label: Broken Rim Records
Pre-order: Vinyl

New England up-and-comers American Verse and The Tired And True have joined forces to bring us a new split to add to our ever-growing favorites list of the year. Each band experiments with contrasting thematic elements in their contribution, which are faintly displayed in the split artwork - emphasis on split. The record is another addition to each band’s discography that the members should be eager to boast about.

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Review: Your Demise - "Cold Chillin'" EP

Release Info

Your Demise - Cold Chillin' EP
Release Date: February 7^th, 2013
Record Label: Pinky Swear (UK/Europe)/Distort (Canada)/Alliance Trax Records (Japan)
Pre-order: Digital/CD/vinyl/merch

We are a few weeks into the new year, and if one of your resolutions was to hit the gym more often, we have the perfect record to accompany you in doing so. Southern England’s hardcore quintet, Your Demise, will be releasing their gritty EP, Cold Chillin’, on February 7th. The record sounds like a continuation of their well-received LP, The Golden Age (2012); unrelenting vocals and a mighty instrumental section sets things off to get your blood pumping at an unhealthy yet satisfactory rate.

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Review: Diamond Youth - "Orange" EP

Release Info

Diamond Youth - Orange EP
Release Date: January 22^nd, 2013
Record Label: Topshelf Records
Pre-order: Digital/CD/vinyl/merch

Diamond Youth has recently contributed to a new year of music and really set the bar high. The Baltimore, Maryland quartet, formerly known as Diamond, released their new EP, Orange, via Topshelf Records on January 22nd. The highly-anticipated follow-up to their debut, Don’t Lose Your Cool, will not disappoint.

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Review: Man The Change - "Defeated" EP

Release Info

Man The Change - Defeated EP
Release Date: November 13^th, 2012
Record Label: Hooked On Records
Buy: Digital/CD/vinyl

In addition to the plethora of impressive records that were released in 2012, Melodic Punk outfit Man The Change felt the need to leave their mark before the year wrapped up. Being natives of Brooklyn, New York, Man The Change are completely surrounded by groups who have made it big and other bands who are paving their own path to success, not unlike themselves. Hailing from such a competitive scene only made Man The Change exert themselves even more in order to stand out. Their latest release, Defeated EP, attempts to do just that.

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Review: Maker - "Maker" EP

Release Info

Maker - Maker EP
Release Date: November 13^th, 2012
Record Label: Engineer/Asbestos/Black Numbers Records
Pre-order: Digital/CD/vinyl

Maker chose to go along with the trend of composing commendable EPs which has been present in the scene as of late. They will be releasing a self-titled EP on November 13th on CD and vinyl. The brilliance of this record from the Springfield, Massachusetts quintet spawns from their balance of instruments and voice to create a beautiful overall harmony.

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Review: Light You Up - "Broken Jaw" EP

Release Info

Light You Up - Broken Jaw EP
Release Date: October 15^th, 2012
Record Label: Great Escape/Hang Tight/ICE GRILL$ Records
Pre-order: CD/vinyl/merch

October 2012 is a milestone for UK band, Light You Up (formerly LYU). Not only is it when their EP, Broken Jaw, is released, but it will be the month where their past efforts will finally be paid off and the world will praise their talent once and for all. Light You Up has wow-ed crowds opening for the likes of A Loss For Words, Hit The Lights, and Set Your Goals in the past, in addition to landing a spot on pages in Kerrang! Magazine. And with new vocalist Tom Napier at the helm, it’s only a matter of time until the band’s name is plastered across every major tour and publication that is out there.

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Review: Seaway/Safe To Say - Split EP

Release Info

Seaway/Safe To Say - Split EP
Release Date: October 23^rd, 2012
Record Label: Mutant League Records
Pre-order: Vinyl

Canadian Pop-Punkers Seaway and Safe To Say are releasing their split on October 23rd via Mutant League Records. The split is the first for each band, but there are no surprises that divert from their previous work. Both groups have previously released tunes in addition to newer ones to show off on this record.

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Review: State Champs - "Overslept" EP

Release Info

State Champs - Overslept EP
Release Date: September 11^th, 2012
Record Label: Pure Noise Records
Buy: Vinyl/merch

State Champs released their latest EP, Overslept on September 11th. The four-track album is another addition to the State Champs collection that presents the band as just not your ordinary Pop Punk outfit, but a group that needs a full-length release immediately.

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Review: Anchorless - "Bridges Burned, Lessons Learned" EP

Release Info

Anchorless - Bridges Burned, Lessons Learned EP
Release Date: September 12^th, 2012
Pre-order: N/A

Anchorless is a four piece Easycore outfit hailing from Santa Fe Springs, California, a state where some of the more popular Pop Punk bands in the scene today originate from. The band is barely on the verge of celebrating its first birthday, forming in late 2011 by ex-members of Tiefighter and Destruction Of A King. Their three-song EP, Bridges Burned, Lessons Learned, will be released via the do-it-yourself approach, paving the way for other up and coming bands to emulate their path to success.

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Review: Neck Deep - "Rain In July" EP

Release Info

Neck Deep - Rain In July EP
Release Date: September 18^th, 2012
Record Label: We Are Triumphant Records
Pre-order: TBA

Neck Deep is a Pop Punk quintet from the UK and will be releasing their debut EP, Rain In July, on September 18th. For a first release, Rain In July is a decent start for an up and coming Pop Punk act; however, the EP does not separate Neck Deep from their contemporaries all that much. The band needs to move on and grow away from the influence of their Pop Punk role models in order to stand out among the masses.

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Review: Storm The Bay - "Travel Songs" EP

Release Info

Storm The Bay - Travel Songs EP
Release Date: July 28, 2012
Record Label: Streaker Records
Buy: Bandcamp/iTunes/Amazon

Storm The Bay is a template of the perfect balance between Pop Punk and Hardcore. This five-piece group from Upstate New York recently released their third EP, Travel Songs, via Streaker Records. The release sets an example for how to incorporate two sub-genres of Alternative music to form one smooth, flowing collection of songs.

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Review: Such Gold - "Misadventures"

Release Info

Such Gold - Misadventures
Release Date: August 14, 2012
Record Labe: Razor & Tie Records
Pre-order: CD/merch

A powerful instrumental section, a fierce and passionate frontman, and a loyal following give Such Gold the strength that is present on both a stage and a record. Their highly anticipated debut full-length, Misadventures, is the pinnacle of their previous EPs and splits, displaying their consistent energy and unrelenting force.

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Review: Thieves - "Achiever"

Release Info

Thieves - Achiever
Release Date: July 31, 2012
Pre-order: Digital/CD/merch

Achiever is an eight-track concept EP from Thieves, a Texas-based Pop Punk outfit. In the words of vocalist/guitarist Billy Canino, Achiever focuses on, “facing your demons… [and] learning to truly appreciate the people who make you want to be a better, more honest person, instead of obsessing over the idea that you have something to prove to them, society, and yourself”. Achiever is a fresh change of scenery that strays from the field of banal Pop Punk groups that exist in music today.

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Review: Giants At Large - "Doubt"

Release Info

Giants At Large - Doubt
Release Date: August 7, 2012
Pre-order: CD/tour book

Early next month, Long Island Pop Punk quartet Giants At Large will be releasing their highly anticipated album, Doubt. The record works against its title and verifies the band’s distinctive standing in today’s Pop Punk scene.

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Review: I Call Fives - "I Call Fives"

Release Info

I Call Fives - I Call Fives
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Record Label: Pure Noise Records
Pre-order: Digital/CD/vinyl

It took six years and two EPs for upcoming Pop Punk frontrunners I Call Fives to put out a full-length record. The experiences and lessons they have acquired along their journey have culminated into an eponymous LP that epitomizes their potential and leaves room for greater improvement.

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