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)