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)