ACTIONREACTION - 3 IS THE MAGIC NUMBER

Handclaps and a mid-temp rock beat starts off 3 Is The Magic Number, the debut album from the progressive rock outfit out of New Jersey. The eleven tracks contained on this disc have a mainstream rock feel, something I'm not too fond of these days. Jason Gleason's vocals seem to replicate Bono's (of U2) sound to a tee, therefore giving off a feeling of unoriginality. Musically the band is at top form but fail to really let loose. This meaning that everything sounds so scripted and planned out leaving no room for improvisation or experimentation. Although I wasn't all that impressed with this album, I'd recommend it to those who enjoy no thrills, no frills straight ahead rock.

(Review originally appeared in the December 2006 issue of Big Wheel Magazine)

VARIOUS ARTISTS - UNSOUND

Say goodbye to the PUNK-O-RAMA compilations and introduce yourself to its replacement, UNSOUND. In an attempt to give the Epitaph label a facelift, UNSOUND features the new breed of Epitaph bands that come with a screamo/emo sound. Hip-hop artists Sage Frances and Dangerdoom also contribute to this title. It's as though Epitaph is attempting to ride the ever-changing trend of bands having an MTV appeal (screaming 20-somethings who wear too much eye shadow). This album also includes a DVD filled with 10 music videos from bands like From First to Last and Bad Religion. Fans of the defunct PUNK-O-RAMA series should be hesitant in picking this up. Epitaph isn't the Southern California punk label it once was. Besides a few decent tracks, there isn't much worth getting excited about here.

(Review originally appeared in the July 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

THE ANTHEMS - S/T

Although they were conceived just two years ago, The Anthems have already toured in Germany and Amsterdam. On this self-released four-song EP, seconds into the first track you realize what the attraction is. One of the first things I am amazed by is the sound these kids (they look to be in their early 20s) produce. The songs are well played and rich in sound, and the vocals are quite impressive, bringing to mind a comparison with Joe Strummer. You can also sense a bit of 1960s surf influence (mainly in the percussion). Another impressive band out of Anaheim! www.theanthems.com.
  
(Review originally appeared in the July 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

THE ADORED - A NEW LANGUAGE

The Adored's story spans the United States from east to west, being that they in Boston and eventually formed the current line-up in L.A. But their sound isn't a product of American rock roots; rather, their tunes come across as being influenced by late-'70s Brit-pop, with a splash of punk rock. Buzzcocks' Pete Shelley even caught wind of their sound and contributed to their 2005 EP. What you will find within this disc are 14 infectiously catchy tunes that can't help but put you in an upbeat mood. Perhaps the most valuable aspect of this album is its ability to make you dance! Hey, Punky McPunkerson, it's okay, to shake your ass to music like this!

(Review originally appeared in the July 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

SSM - S/T

SSM (an abbreviation for its band members' last names: Szymanski, Shettler, and Morris) delivers music that could be described in many different ways. One word is "quirky," for the keyboards that provide groovy, rhythmic melodies. Rough and somewhat distorted guitars hit hard with a classic garage feel, while the drums keep up a steady beat. Tracks like "Candy Loving" and "Ain't Love" give this album a toe-tapping feeling of joyful energy, while songs like "Dinosaur" brings a psychedelic edge. No matter how it's described or sold, SSM's throwback to the '60s psychedelic sound should have no problem pleasing its listeners.

(Review originally appeared in the July 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

OH NO NOT STEREO - LP-001

Is it possible to please more than one type of music fan with one album? I think we have found that answer. Oh No Not Stereo could be on the verge of being the next big thing in mainstream music, with harmonizing vocals and catchy hooks. If you don't particularly enjoy sweet vocals, don't fret: these boys lay it on hard with screaming guitars that make the mix of sweet and harsh balance itself out. "Death to the Attitude" displays the softer side of this band with a hook that sounds a bit like "Miserable" by Lit. Whatever your musical preference is, Oh No Not Stereo is worth a listen.

(Review originally appeared in the July 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

VARIOUS ARTISTS - CLASS PRIDE WORLD WIDE 3

Highlighting the very best of Insurgence Records, CLASS PRIDE WORLD WIDE 3 smacks us across the face with 22 punk-rock and hardcore tracks from artists all across the globe. Many of the tracks featured on this disc deal with the theme of the plight of the working-class man and his never-ending grudge with the corporate police-state world he lives in. It's punk in its purist form. I got a kick listening to German kraut-rock band Freiboiter with their track "Schone Neue Welt". Actually, I enjoyed all the foreign selections quite a bit—maybe more than the U.S. and Canadian tracks. In all, this disc is well worth picking up if you're looking for something new and unheard of.

(Review originally appeared in the June 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

STUTTER - S/T

Their press release describes their sound "like Blondie dry-humping Gwen Stefani in the back of Billy Idol's car." Trust me when I say that I wish I could say the only bad thing about Stutter is their PR manager, but that is truly not the case. In an attempt to relive the new-wave glory days of The Go-Go's and Devo, these Canadian trendoids present us nine tracks of watered-down super pop that makes me cringe at the thought of the pain my ears went through while listening to this album. There's a huge difference between being influenced by the new-wave sound and trying to replicate it. For those looking for a truly original new-wave experience, check out Japan's Polysics. It sure beats this crap.

(Review originally appeared in the June 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

SNOWGLOBE - OXYTOCIN

Snowglobe are influenced by acts like The Beatles and Electric Light Orchestra. The 14 selections on this disc are lighthearted and upbeat, sure to have you taping your feet and bouncing to the beat. On tracks like "Dry", the use of strong and elaborate brass and string ensembles gives the tune a Beatles-like feel. Another impressive facet of this band is their ability to incorporate instruments like the saw and steel guitar. Snowglobe's ability to create a sound so strongly rooted in classic rock but yet keep things original and fresh really attests to the top-notch musicianship of this band. Thumbs way up for this one.

(Review originally appeared in the June 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

SCOTCH GREENS - PROFESSIONAL

I was pleasantly surprised when I found out I was going to be reviewing this album. I caught these guys opening up for Flogging Molly in March and was quite impressed with their brand of blue-collar rock 'n' roll. PROFESSIONAL truly captures the working-class sound these boys have made their own. Banjos and mandolins accompany the foot-stomping, fast-paced first track, "Rumspringa". From there, there is no looking back, as they throw us on a roller-coaster ride of in-your-face rock that lasts for the entire album. Fans of Flogging Molly would highly enjoy this band and album. Whether you pick up this album or see them live, Scotch Greens are sure to please your musical taste buds.

(Review originally appeared in the June 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

HOUSE OF HEROES - SAY NO MORE

Playing sounds not too hard and not too soft, House of Heroes new album SAY NO MORE comes off like mainstream rock wet dream. Melodic vocals backed by a safe but strong guitar riffs make this album as a sure fit with fans of bands like Jimmy Eat World. Through the 12 tracks on this album, we really don't get a sense of this band's true potential. This is all too common with bands that play music with media-play potential in mind. Another thing that turned me away from this album was the all-too-sweet and high-pitched vocals. I would have loved to hear the music be a little bit more experimental. I guess you can't always get what you wish for.

(Review originally appeared in the June 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

TWO GALLANTS - WHAT THE TOLL TELLS

In a world where the majority of music is not about quality, Two Gallants gives us a brand of acoustic storytelling that comes across like a refreshing breeze of fresh air. On this sophomore release, we get a dose of the mellow vocals of Adam Stephens, vocals which are haunted by his emotionally wrenching lyrics. Not all of the songs are Dylan-like, though. For example, "Long Summer Day" brings something a little more upbeat (though the lyrics tell a gripping story). The sixth track, "Threnody in Minor B", comes across as inspired by another influential songwriter, Tom Waits. WHAT THE TOLL TELLS proves that these San Francisco natives are only beginning their musical journey and are sure to produce even more stellar albums. www.twogallants.com.

(Review originally appeared in the May 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

STREETLIGHT MANIFESTO - KEASBEY NIGHTS

It's time to jump into your time machines back to 1998 for this release. Actually, this is a re-recording of KEASBEY NIGHTS performed by members of Catch 22 and New Jersey's own One Cool Guy. Bringing it back to 2006, Streetlight Manifesto has reformed not as a side project but as a full-time band. With this re-recording, it's safe to say they plan on reliving those third-wave ska memories. This album is jam-packed with catchy, upbeat punk-ska. Their sound resembles that of many Southern California ska acts of the '90s such as The Scholars and Jeffries Fan Club. Let the critics say ska is dead-I'm sure Streetlight Manifesto will be at the head of the line ready to prove them wrong.

(Review originally appeared in the May 20063 issue of Skratch Magazine)

NONE MORE BLACK - THIS IS SATIRE

It seems as though Fat Wreck has had more releases over the last three months than any label out there. With THIS IS SATIRE, the hits just keep on coming. This is the first full-length in over three years for None More Black, and they surely don't disappoint. There's something about the cigarette-smoker vocals of Jason Shevchuck that gives each song its own personality; and you couldn't ask for a better group of musicians to back it up. Perhaps the only downer to this album is "I See London", which totally drags down the momentum of the first six tracks-although it's a good track, highlighted by Shevchuk's emotionally-charged vocals. The good outweighs the bad on this solid disc.

(Review originally appeared in the May 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

NAZI DOGS - CHASE THE MAN

CHASE THE MAN is the debut album from this band from Germany. Influenced by classic punk acts of Europe and the U.S., these krauts have an old-school sound that is clean cut and generally impressive. Aside from their original material, this disc features three covers songs: The Suicide Kings ' "Suicide Kings", The Pagans' "What's This Shit Called Love", and Devo's "Mongoloid" (with a punk twist). Politically-motivated lyrics and tight musicianship makes "Neutrons" one of the many highlights of this release. Fans of the classic three-chord, upbeat sound should most definitely give this a chance. Eat your heart out, David Hasselhoff-Nazi Boys reign supreme in Germany's music scene. www.tkorecords.com

(Review originally appeared in the May 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

46 SHORT - TRUTH DENIED

Bringing it all back to basics is what Southern California's 46 Short have in mind with their latest album. Here you will find 13 tracks of fast punk rock reminiscent of old-school punk-rock acts. The lyrics are rich with powerful words pertaining to our doomed way of life in America (e.g., "Damned Nation"). All 13 tracks pretty much sound the same-but I guess it's what I should expect from a band like this. However, there's no doubt that fans of the retro sound will fall in love with this album. Well done, boys!

(Review originally appeared in the May 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

THIRTEEN BLACK - HOME TOWN TERRORISTS

Yet another self-released album by another band whose passion for making music is clear. Arizona's Thirteen Black hits hard with this album. HOME TOWN TERRORISTS borders on a hardcore sound but sans the nonstop screaming. This album took a few listens before I really got to like what was featured. At times, I didn't care too much for the vocals, as they remain monotone throughout a few early selections. After the second listen, I got a clear vision of what this band is good at, something exemplified in "Get in Let's Go", a hard-hitting display of pounding drums and slick guitar work. It's worth checking out for all you thrashers out there. www.thirteenblack.net

(Review originally appeared in the April 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

THE LAWRENCE ARMS - OH! CALCUTTA!

I caught these guys live in Santa Cruz, CA, about five years ago at an Asian Man Records show and totally loved them. Unfortunately, I never bought one of their albums, until I picked up this, their new one on Fat Wreck. You have to enjoy the raspy vocals that give this band their signature sound. Their music is upbeat, with bouncy hooks and riffs that should have everyone bobbing their head (or at the least tapping their feet). "Recovering the Opposite Thumb" starts like an Elvis Costello song, but then comes back to The Lawrence Arms' style. This album is catchy and well played, totally proving that The Lawrence Arms are one of the finest acts on the Fat label. www.thelawrencearms.net

(Review originally appeared in the April 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

THE DAY AFTER - COUNTING ALL THE UPSETS

Musically, The Day After has a sound driven by strong bass lines and rhythmic guitars set to a straight-ahead rock beat. The vocals of Jenine Cali are enjoyable, although I did get a feeling like she didn't give it her all on this release. The rest of the band shines as a well-tuned musical machine. There's a ton of possibilities with this band, but their sound is held back. I dug this album for what it is: a very safe-sounding album lacking attempts to break out of a clichéd sound. Check them out for yourselves at www.myspace.com/tda.

(Review originally appeared in the April 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

Hailing from north of the border, The Black Halos bring to the table 13 tracks filled with driving guitars in all their glam-rock glory. Lead vocalist Billy Hopeless has a voice that could drive a vocal snob absolutely insane, but its raspiness is a perfect match with the music. Unlike a lot of modern-day post-punk glam rock, these guys have it together not only musically but also lyrically. I sense a lack of egotistical attitude with this band, something that keeps the music from being the clichéd, recycled crap I hear so very often. If you are in the mood for some hard rock minus the lame lyrics, give ALIVE WITHOUT CONTROL a shot.

(Review originally appeared in the April 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

SUZUKI SMITH - WIFE BEATER

Who says you need to be on a record label to make your mark on music? WIFE BEATER is a perfect example of good ole three-chord punk rock put out by a group of guys who obviously love making music. The lyrics are quite funny in some of the tracks, like "Get Out! Get Out! (Jonny's Song)" and "Hindu in America", yet they remain intelligent. I really liked listening to this album due to its rawness, something not found in a majority of new music today. You can check out more from Suzuki Smith at www.suzukismith.net or www.myspace.com/suzukismith.

(Review originally appeared in the April 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

DPI - DRUNKIN PUNKIN IDIOTS

The name pretty much sums up what you are going to find on this disc: super sloppy punk rock with silly, juvenile lyrics. The music sounds like it's been inspired lyrically by GG Allin, while musically it sounds a little bit like Black Flag or Dead Kennedys. I will have to admit that in the right situations this music may be appealing, but I can't see myself listening to this album more than two times. It's as if they attempted too hard to be "punk" by singing so off-key and at obnoxious volumes. I question how serious these guys are about making music. Possibly this album was only meant to be passed around a circle of friends. If that's the case, how the hell did SKRATCH get this?

(Review originally appeared in the April 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

FILM REVIEW : BAD RELIGION - LIVE AT THE PALLADIUM

It's been close to two-and-a-half years since I caught Bad Religion live at the Hollywood Palladium that cold November evening; but now, with this brand-new DVD, I can truly relive that unforgettable show. With over two hours of concert footage, as well as some ultra rare footage from 1980 and '82, this DVD captures the epic history of Bad Religion. Unlike past Bad Religion DVD releases, this one is shot superbly from many angles covering the huge Palladium. It also includes interviews with the band, as well as some key questions asked to Bad Religion's faithful following. Hands down the best DVD featuring Bad Religion live, and quite possibly one of the greatest music DVDs EVER!



(Review originally appeared in the April 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

IF ALL ELSE FAILS - DO NOT FORGET TO BE ANGRY

For the members of If All Else Fails, eight years is an awful long time. Eight years without an album—but the wait is finally over! DO NOT FORGET TO BE ANGRY could be considered a kind of "best of" album. It features 12 tracks that span a wide spectrum of musical genres (ranging from up-tempo rock to driving, melodic ballads). I was really impressed with the versatility of Ryan Murphy's voice, as well as the lyrical content throughout this effort. "Inside the Lie" proves to be my favorite track, with its political content that's to the point yet subtle in delivery. I love the way this disc flows from one track to the next. Independent music at its finest.

(Review originally appeared in the March 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

CASIOTONE FOR THE PAINFULLY ALONE - ETIQUETTE

Electric loops play as the backdrop to the poetic lyrics of Owen Ashworth on this release by Casiotone for the Painfully Alone. The music is quite simple, filled with synthesized beats and ambient sounds, while Ashworth speaks words that paint vivid pictures. His delivery reminds me a little bit of Tom Waits. The songs are quirky, and the listener not only identifies with the lyrics but enjoys listening to them. Many guest vocalists appear on this album, including Katy Davidson from Dear Nora and Sam Michens from The Dead Science. Usually something this musically simple would be a downer to me, but the lyrics and warmth of the stories won me over.



(Review originally appeared in the March 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

ANTI FLAG - FOR BLOOD AND EMPIRE

With America on the brink of becoming a police state, Anti Flag's new album hits really close to home. Being on RCA hasn't toned down their passionate songs of injustice at all. Perhaps the only difference between THE TERROR STATE and this album is a sound that comes across more polished. Justin Sane and his comrades tackle issues like the Project for a New American Century, the WTO, and the American media. "Depleted Uranium Is a War Crime" ends the album with one of the strongest tunes on the disc and features Rage Against the Machine/Audioslave (Rage Garden) guitarist Tom Morello. Yet another stellar release from one of the best politically-motivated bands today. It's music with a message that's well worth picking up!

(Review originally appeared in the March 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)

EVENT REVIEW - ANTI-WAR MARCH AND RALLY PRESENTED BY THE ANSWER COALITION (3-18-06)

It's been over three years since our country invaded and first occupied the country of Iraq. A bloody battle over land rich in natural resources has led America down a road of uncharted danger. More and more Americans are questioning our true intentions for invading. Are we there really to bring a free society to the Iraqi people? Perhaps this is the start to World War III, planned over decades by military think-tankers who see opposition to the United States as a threat to our economic future. Whatever the reasons for questioning, people are growing more and more concerned with the direction our country is headed. Most feel their only way to change things is to vote. Others (like myself) find it necessary to take our feelings to the street and protest this unjust act of aggression. This was the case in Hollywood, as over 20,000 people came out calling for an end to the occupation.

The rain cleared about 10 hours prior to the march, leaving the L.A. Basin free of smog. Taking the Metro from Long Beach to Hollywood, I got into Hollywood around 11:45 a.m. This being my sixth time participating in a protest against the war in Iraq (three up in my home area of the Bay Area and three in my new home of Southern California), I knew exactly what to expect. A decent-size crowd gathered at the intersection of Hollywood and Vine, but it was nothing like crowds in the past. Many people sported signs of "Impeach Bush," while another group carried cardboard caskets lined with American flags in honor of those men and women who lost their lives in this war. There were also cardboard caskets draped in black to remember the Iraqi civilians who were also victims of this war.

I have to admit that after attending six of these events, I have observed some disappointing things. For one, I have to question how serious these protesters are about actually fixing the problems that face this country. Personally, I don't trust politicians to fix anything. I'm an anarchist, plain and simple. I have hope that someday the truth behind the lies of both major political parties will come to light and we, the people, will stand up and take back this country from the capitalist grip of greedy politicians. I see many people stating that putting a Democrat in office will right the wrong. In my opinion, putting faith in a Democrat or any politician is like putting a Band-Aid over a bullet wound. Face facts: our political system is broken, and it needs to be smashed. Another observation I have made is that people treat these important marches and rallies as some kind of social event for liberals to Bush-bash. Granted, the man is evil, but the fact is that the problem is much deeper than his administration.

The march started around 1:00 p.m., an hour after the intended start. The march stretched down Hollywood Boulevard and eventually made its way to Sunset Boulevard. The police presence was considerably light, as only cops on motorcycles and bikes patrolled the route. Marchers chanted anti-war songs while making the trek to Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue (where the rally was to take place). Eventually arriving in front of the Kodak Theater and Mann's Chinese Theater, the stage was set for a huge rally. Perhaps the most surreal thing about the setting of this rally was the mix of protester and foreign tourists. Imagine seeing Japanese tourists taking pictures next to some guy in a Homer Simpson costume while someone is holding up a sign that states "Fuck Bush" only feet away. It was something out of an acid trip! The rally consisted of representatives from ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) and others opposed to the war. Congresswoman Maxine Waters spoke to the crowd, as well as some of Hollywood's film-industry elite. Actor Martin Sheen gave a rousing speech that moved the crowd with cheers and applause.

I was impressed with the rally up until the point when KPFK radio host Jerry Quickly took the microphone and proceeded to pressure the crowd to donate money to ANSWER. Why do this in the middle of what should be a rally focused on the war? I understand the need for funds in order to put together a march like this, but there is a time and a place for this kind of thing. It felt very inappropriate. This is just another way that ANSWER has dropped the ball by diluting the anti-war message. Why do the issues of immigration and police brutality need to be brought up at an anti-war march? This does nothing but take the focus off of what we are all marching against. If ANSWER wants to march against police brutality, do it on another day. Let's keep the focus on one issue at a time!

As I took the Metro back to Long Beach, I did a lot of thinking about what I witnessed. I thought back to my first march in San Francisco before the invasion took place in February 2003. Over 100,000 people took to the streets in a boisterous, energetic, and angry mob. We were pissed off and frustrated that our president was about to strike against a country that posed no threat to us nor had a connection to the attacks of September 11th. The crowd in Hollywood lacked energy and seriousness. While I walked along shouting at the top of my lungs and pumping my fist in the air, I saw people talking on their cell phones, chatting with each other about sports, and drinking Starbucks coffee.

Jello Biafra once said, "Real freedom scares you because it means responsibility!" It's as though people want to place blame rather than fix the problems at hand. We have been conditioned to believe in the voting process, that voting Democrat will successfully place a Band-Aid on the Dick Cheney/conservative bullet wound. The anti-war movement in America is almost as depressing as the war itself. People don't want revolutionary change because that would mean giving up comfort. As for me, I'll be hitting the pavement no matter who is in office, because the expansion of American empire not just a Republican agenda but that of whichever of the two major political parties that may be in office. As for the Green and Libertarian Parties, we have yet to see the day when cruise to political victory, and I doubt we ever will. Perhaps things could be different, but it seems very unlikely. I mean, consider the fact that they are also politicians-meaning they're capable of anything. Who knows what America would look like if Ralph Nader became president? The bottom line is that people need to get pissed off and aware of the lies sold as truth. People need to get angry and motivated. People need to WAKE UP, or else we'll be marching for peace for decades to come. Let's get serious and send a sincere message to our faulty government. It's time for a real revolution.

(Review originally appeared in the  March 2006 issue of Skratch Magazine)