War Games “Holding Patterns” Album Review

March 6, 2015March 6, 2015 ~ tyspress ~ Leave a comment

Today, War Games, a progressive indie rock band out of Westport, Ma, released their new album “Holding Patterns”. I got word of these guys last year through All About Records, a Taunton based independent record label who have been coordinating with the band for quite some time. Since then I have been following these guys from a distance, never really having the chance to take in one of their releases. I did recently see them play with Balance & Composure, and from what I remember they put on a good show. The release of a new full length has given me the perfect opportunity to really see what they’re all about.

The opening track on a record is always a crucial point for me. It kind of lets me know whether or not the rest of the record is really worth my time. I’ll be honest, this is one of those records that gets better as the record goes on. Don’t mistake me though, “Sinker” has this sort of raw aspect to it. And there is this transition into to this cool rhythm section that I enjoy. While this isn’t my favorite song off the record, don’t stop listening here, cause it’s just going to keep getting better. And this was immediately reinforced for me when “Lucky Man” started. It picks up right away with this upbeat and aggressive guitar/rhythm section. It also has these rough/ grungy vocals that fit perfectly with the tone of the instrumentation. It’s definitely one of the album’s heavier songs. By track 6, “My White Wale”, I really started to understand where these guys were coming from.

At this point in the album, I got an I the Mighty vibe from them. In case you don’t know who I the Mighty are, they’re a progressive/indie/alternative/post-hardcore band out of San Fransisco, Ca. With that in mind, it’s really not surprising why I find similarities between them. With the exception of the post-hardcore elements that ITM displays. But instrumentally and lyrically I see a lot of connections between the two. War Games displays a clear knack for musicianship, incorporating several guitar, rhythm, and vocal dynamics that I can’t find words for. Besides the obvious of it being very much on the progressive side. There are a lot of well placed transitions thrown in over the course of the album. All of which go to create a variety of musical influence, and thats always good. There is nothing worse than going through an album, and having this feeling like you’re listening to the same song over and over again. Listen to any record by Disturbed and you’ll get my point.

Lyrically I get remnants of ITM as well. I usually don’t like comparing bands to each other, but it’s one of those occasions where this comparison is crucial to my understanding and explaining of the album. Although their isn’t as much obvious political motivation behind War Games music, as I find with ITM, they are definitely one of those bands that have something to say. In their Alternative Press feature, War Game’s guitarist Ian Provost said,

“Our album ‘Holding Patterns’ is all about rising above the mundane and the dreadful experiences we all encounter. Too often do people let these situations define their day, week, month—and the album makes you see the light in the dark.”

I totally agree with that. We live our lives each day fussing over things that don’t really matter in comparison to how short of time we have to truly live. It’s important to be able see beyond these days in life and move on; we must keep pushing forward. I really respect the message they’re trying to convey in this album. My favorite line has to be from the title track at the end of the chorus, “Lifes an open ocean, travel with an open mind.” Out of context, this line speaks to me. Lately I’ve been really self aware in accepting others. It’s important to keep an open mind, cause life truly is an open ocean, with a lot of different people to meet. We must learn to be tolerant, and accepting of these differences. The title track also happens to be my favorite from the album. I’ve probably played it 20 times in the past hour. It’s just really easy to get into and sing along with.

Overall, these guys have put out a great album, with an even greater message. If you get a chance, it’s most certainly worth a listen. If you’re around later tonight (Friday March 6th), War Games will be playing their album release/U.K tour kick off show at the Met in Pawtucket, RI. There will be a bunch of other rad locals there as well. You can find all the information on the show below. Come out and support these guys!

Concert even page: https://www.facebook.com/events/830048110393115/

Rating: 8/10

source: https://www.facebook.com/WARGAMESmusic/photos/a.232752173486809.50097.232704873491539/739853192776702/?type=1&theater

Wind In Sails “Morning Light” Review

February 24, 2015February 25, 2015 ~ tyspress ~ Leave a comment

This week marks the release of “Morning Light”, the sophomore album from Newport, Rhode Island solo act and Equal Vision Record’s artist, Wind In Sails. For those of you previously familiar with Evan’s work, the man behind Wind In Sails, then you know he released an album in 2012 called “Brighter Days”. I’ll admit, I had not heard of him until a few week s ago. But for those of you who were avid listeners of his music, I can say that after taking a quick listen to both albums, “Morning Light” takes a step back from the tone of “Brighter Days”. This is especially noticeable from a production side of things. “Brighter Days” sounds very forward and upfront, while “Morning Light” more so sits in there and just chills. Even though I am only recently a fan, I think it can be said that old fans will like this change in tone.

Focusing now on just “Morning Light”, the effort opens with this dynamic acoustic guitar followed by these echo-e vocals. It quickly builds up into a more full vibe, but the presence of the acoustic is never lost. “Push To Shove” was a very good choice to open the album, it really previews what to expect as you listen to the rest of it. The rest of the album is a really comfortable balance of softer, more acoustically prominent songs, and full band songs. This is important, while acoustic projects are cool, sometimes they’re just so relaxing that they put you to sleep. Evan does a good job of mixing things up and keeping our attention through the whole album. My favorite song off the album has to be “Lucid State”, which also happens to be the title track for the album. I just love everything about it, from the guitar work, and especially the vocals. The melody in the chorus goes in a direction that I didn’t expect, and it’s so catchy for it. Actually the whole album is catchy, it has this unique mix of folky/country twang/alternative rock guitar parts, with these emotional, airy/atmospheric vocals. It all just blends really well together. There’s three songs that I think highlight these qualities most, “Push To Shove”, “Lucid State”, and the albums closing song “Wild Child”. But don’t just check those out, listen to the whole thing!

Overall, I must say I really enjoyed this album. Lately, I’ve been getting into a lot of solo projects like Front Porch Step, Speak Low If You Speak Love, Aaron West and the Roaring Twenties etc. With that said, I’m really glad I stumbled upon Wind in Sails, even more so cause he’s local. To conclude, go pick it up, stop reading this review and go pick it up. It’s on Itunes and is available at most local music retailers like FYE and Newbury Comics. You’re still reading this, I thought I told you to go pick it up!

Download here: http://smarturl.it/Morning_Light

Rating: 8/10

source: https://www.facebook.com/windinsails/photos/a.469531829732089.114487.215410468477561/958162080869059/?type=1&theater — source:
https://www.facebook.com/windinsails/photos/a.469531829732089.114487.215410468477561/958162080869059/?type=1&theater

Stick to Your Guns “Disobedient” Tour

February 21, 2015February 22, 2015 ~ tyspress ~ Leave a comment

Show Date: 2/21/15

Line Up: Stick to Your Guns, The Amity Affliction, Being as an Ocean, 68′, In Hearts Wake

Venue: Palladium Downstairs

I’ve been to the Palladium multiple times over the years, but this is the first concert review I’ve down in the downstairs portion of Worcester’s famed opera house gone punk venue. Over the years I’ve grown weary of shows at the Palladium. It’s not that it’s too far, but for whatever reason, there is never a good way to get there from where I live. I swear, every time I go here, I always find a new route. Located on Main St, one would think there would be plenty to do, but all there is, is a pizza place a few blocks down the road. Worst part, I don’t think Worcester has public bathrooms anywhere, at least none that I can find. My advice, if you go to a show here, don’t be dumb and go there 2 or more hours before doors, you’ll be hurtin. Inside the venue is a little run down, but thats expected. The more important thing is the sound, which honestly varies from concert to concert. I’ve been to shows where the sound has been really awesome, and others where the mix is just off. Fortunately the show last night had a great sound, and for whatever reason they were playing top 40 all night in between songs. I didn’t mind too much, it was kind of funny in a sort of out of place way. Overall this venue is a good venue to get to maybe half an hour before doors, once you get in theres plenty of places to stand or sit, and a decent bar, with two caged areas for merch. Not my favorite venue to go to these days, but they put on good shows most of the time.

Rating: 2.5/5

Band 1: In Hearts Wake, a metal/post hardcore band from the U.K started this spontaneous night of concert going off (I wasn’t planning on going to this show). This band had my attention until about halfway through their first song. At that point, it was cliche after cliche. There were lyrics in their somewhere, I’m sure of that. But the only thing I heard was, “move your feet”, jump”, or “you’re free”. Needless to say, they bring truth to the “Every Metal Core Vocalist” video posted by Youtube star Jarod Alonge. Their instrumentation and production we’re good, but again, nothing I hadn’t heard before. Between their guitar riffs and samples, I felt like this set was nothing but a collection of continuous breakdowns. At times I thought I was listening to a “Pop Goes…..” record. Their presence was a cliche too, from them spinning around in circles, to how they held their guitars to the floor. Just watch the music video for “Stick Stickly” by Attack Attack and you’ll get my point. At one point in between songs they said they were from the U.K, which was a shocker honestly (sarcasm if you didn’t catch it). Overall, possibly the most cliche band I’ve ever seen, but to each his own. My metal core/post hardcore days were over like 4 years ago, so maybe I’m not the best person to ask.

Rating: 3/10 *thats a new low, but I went there anyway

Band 2: 68′, an experimental duo out of Atlanta, Georgia, had the challenge of saving the night from the opening act. Before their set even started one of the guys told the sound engineer something along the lines of, [hold on, I gotta get my sample pad ready]. Here I am thinking, please not again. After that last band I don’t know how much more I could take. But this two piece act went onto to surprise me, I couldn’t keep my eyes off them. Being a two piece band, they naturally gave off this Twenty One Pilots vibe, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they are confused for them a lot . They have this crazy mix of classic rock n’ roll mixed with noise rock/sludge metal. I don’t think I’ve heard that much noise come from two dudes. Their stage presence was off the charts too, between throwing their guitar in the air, to a full on drum off, and the vocalist/guitarist climbing on the drum set. I’m surprised they didn’t just trash their instruments and call it a night. Their set was essentially one big jam session, no boundaries. I saw a lot of people standing still, and one person shaking their head. It didn’t really surprise me, there are a lot of close minded people these days. But whether you liked them or not, they definitely had you talking after. I’ve grown to really love bands who experiment like this, who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible with live music.

Rating: 8/10

Band 3: Being as an Ocean, a post hardcore band from California, had a lot of work to do if they wanted to impress me after that last band. I remember listening to these guys for the first time when I heard their song “Dear God”. I didn’t think they were that bad, but over the years I’ve heard nothing but bad things from my peers about these guys. They’re not as bad as everyone has told me, but they’re not the pick of the crop either. These guys incorporate a lot of spoken word. At times I thought it was slam poetry night at a local coffee shop. As cliche as that might sound from a band, I think it’s the only thing that makes these guys worth anything. They have something they want to say, but their words are just drowning in the generic instrumentation and clean vocal choruses. Frankly, I think the lead vocalist should be in an emotional hardcore band. That type of sound would suit him a lot better I feel. And I give the dude a lot of credit, he jumped into the crowd and stayed there for the whole last song, passing the mic around the pit. Together, while they’re not as bad as I’ve heard, they didn’t blow me away by any means.

Rating: 6/10

Band 4: The Amity Affliction, a post hard core band from Brisbane, Australia, was the only band of the night that I’ve had history with. Back in the glory days of my sophomore year of high school (my metalcore/post hardcore phase), a friend of mine showed me “Young Bloods”, the bands second full length that they release in 2010. I honestly still like jamming to that record, even despite me not being a part of that scene anymore. After this release I kinda fell off this band, so seeing them after not paying attention to them for so long was interesting. I think before this night I’ve only seen them briefly on Warped Tour in 2013, if I’m not mistaken. Their set was a decent mix of their old sound that I remember and new things they’ve incorporated. They’ve added a lot more sampling, and I feel they have gotten more generic. But their are glimpses of their earlier sound thrown in there. Their clean vocals were a little pitchy in the beginning, and for the first song you couldn’t even hear him. This was probably due to their guitars being a little too loud; the floor was shaking. Overall this band has progressed noticeably, and I wouldn’t say I’d start listening to them again given the direction they’ve gone in. But they’re set was entertaining at times to say the least.

Rating: 6.5/10

Band 5: Stick to Your Guns, a Hardcore band out of Orange County, California headlined the festivities with plenty of theatrics. I’ve seen these guys twice before, once at Warped Tour 2012, then on the Story Far’s headliner back in late 2013. Until now I hadn’t really paid any mind to them, but tonight they caught my attention. Their walk out was cool with the incorporation of police sirens, fog lights,and all that jazz. It definitely set a good atmosphere for their record “Disobedient”, which by the sound and vibe I got from their set, speaks a lot of police corruption, and really just corruption with authority. They weren’t that tight starting out, but they soon found their groove, and everyone got really into it. Maybe too into it cause my friend got punched in the face, and then got kicked out of the venue by security for all the blood he was dripping. Shout out to security for making sure he was okay, always cool to see them doing their jobs (more sarcasm). I dug their sound too, they have a solid blend of metal/ post hardcore and hardcore. It made for a good set that could appeal to two different crowds. Overall these guys stick to their name, and I picked up their new record at the end of the night!

Rating 8/10

Overall Show Rating: 6/10

If you were at any of the dates for this tour, let us know what your experience was. If you are going to one of the dates, who are you most looking forward to see? Let us know in the comment section below!

source: https://www.facebook.com/STYGoc/photos/a.399406981011.180576.214341916011/10152533352306012/?type=1&theater

Northernmost Release “Sonder”

February 17, 2015February 20, 2015 ~ tyspress ~ Leave a comment

Northernmost have just released their new song “Sonder” off of their new split with Last Great Hero (both out of Massachusetts), that will be released on March,1st. From the very beginning, since their Self-Titled and their last EP “Culprit”, Northernmost have always been dynamic song writers. Not only that but they are cohesive, and this is impressive considering that the writing process with three different guitarist can be a challenging one. But somehow, they manage to pull their songs together and create something that is not too cluttered or overbearing, and is instead truly tasteful and musical. TYS was fortunate enough to get an early listen to the bands latest single, and I can certainly say that you’re in for something. This time around they changed things up, and more specifically, turned things up. When I listened to the track, it was audibly clear that the band has become a bit heavier, and are more up front/ in your face in respect to previous releases. I had a discussion with Jesse, one of the guitarist/vocalist for the band, about the new single. When asked about the change in tone within “Sonder” as compared to the bands past works, he explained

“I think that we have the ability to be an extremely dynamic band making each song different sonically from the last and so the subject matter can really reflect the tone of the song itself. Our full length and the culprit EP were both about recovery and relationship loss- coping for the most part. This new song “Sonder” takes on a sarcastic, dark and pissed off tone about experiences in really bad relationships with friends, family, whoever.”- Jesse

I think you’ll see what he means when you give the track a listen. Which you can do right now over on the Dreambound Youtube channel, over at Under the Gun Review, and conveniently right below!

The Following is brought to you by Dreambound:

Thoughts On The New Aviator Single, “High Hopes”

February 4, 2015February 19, 2015 ~ tyspress ~ Leave a comment

Last Thursday, January 29th, Alternative Press streamed a new single from Aviator, a Boston emotional hardcore band signed to No Sleep Records. After digging their first release through the label, “Head In The Clouds, Hands In The Dirt”, I was really excited to see what they were up to musically. From the time I listened to their first label released single, “Pipe Dreams”, I’ve just been completely drawn in by their melodic guitar riffs, and the vocal style of TJ Copello, who has this unique raspness to his voice that compliments the aggressive emotional tone of the music very well. These qualities still capture me when listening to their latest single “High Hopes”. The song is pretty simple, relying on a hook based lyrical structure, which makes sense considering they recorded it so they could have something new to give to Alternative Press. But in this case, simple is just fine, and the song is really memorable and easy to sing along to as a result. One thing that did catch me off guard, and I’m still not sure what they were going for, there is this interesting transition toward the end of the song. It almost makes you think the song is over, but think again, because it picks back up with a twist that I didn’t see coming. Overall, if this is any indication of what they’re next release will sound like, it can be said that the future for this band looks bright and hopeful.

Take a listen to the new single below!

Bane Announce U.S Headlining Tour!

January 29, 2015January 29, 2015 ~ tyspress ~ Leave a comment

Bane, a hardcore band of Worcester, Ma, have just announced a U.S tour with Backtrack, and Malfunction. The tour will run from March 26 – April 25, and it kicks off right in Providence, RI. Should be an awesome show, so grab your tickets at your local box office, word on the street is that they are selling fast!

source: https://www.facebook.com/banecentral

Stolen Houses/ Shiver Split Review

January 28, 2015March 26, 2015 ~ tyspress ~ Leave a comment

On January 15th, Stolen Houses out of Boston, Ma, and Shiver out of Salem, released a split together. I was fortunate enough to feature them on my radio show the week of its release, and I have not stopped listening since.

Starting off with Stolen House’s part of the split, they open the effort with a very dark and gloomy atmosphere, that would turn into this full and rather intense projection of musicality. This side of the split overall is much more up beat, and aggressive in play, but still maintains this gloomy vocal tone that I mentioned earlier, which I found to be a very interesting contrast. My favorite song of this side has to be “Fade”. The guitar riff is just so catchy I can’t stand it, and really the whole song just ingrains itself into my head. Between the guitar, rhythm, and vocals, It’s one of those songs that I’ve had stuck in my head for weeks.

Shiver’s side of the split is much less up beat and aggressive. Everything starts to take a step back, and become this really open and atmospheric work of musical genius. I just get lost in their sound, to the point where its like I’m not even listening to music in my room, but in some cosmic place where nothing exists but me and this piece of music. My favorite song off this side has to be “Bliss”, which so happens to be the last song of the 6 song EP. I don’t really know what it is, I love the calmness of it all, and the transition into the chorus just gets me in all the right places every single time.

Overall as a whole, these two bands could not be more well suited for each other. Together they have created a fantastic blend of something that is both up beat and groovy, while also being incredibly majestic and calming. I spent the past hour drumming to it, and thats a first for me. I’m into the local scene and all, but so far nothing has really struck me as hard as what these guys have created together. This split is not just something that I’d listen to on a night drive, it’s something that truly inspires me musically. So with that thank you, thank you both for inspiring me. Make sure you continue below to find the links to where you can listen & download the split for yourselves!!!

Rating: 9/10 *the first time anyone has scored above an 8, well deserved

source: https://www.facebook.com/stolenhouses

https://www.facebook.com/stolenhouses – Stolen Houses FB

http://stolenhouses.bandcamp.com/ – Stolen Houses BC

https://www.facebook.com/shiverma – Shiver FB

http://shiverma.bandcamp.com/ – Shiver BC

Defeater Sign To Epitaph Records!

January 21, 2015January 21, 2015 ~ tyspress ~ Leave a comment

Our hometown heroes in Defeater have just announced that they have signed to Epitaph records! It’s Really cool to see them get on a bigger label, and it’ll be interesting to see what will arise from this partnership!

The Band also just announced their first ever full U.S headliner for this Spring, check out the dates below!

source: https://www.facebook.com/defeaterband

Have Heart Reunion Tour Flyer Faked?

January 5, 2015January 5, 2015 ~ tyspress ~ Leave a comment

Today a tour flyer advertising a Have Heart reunion was posted to the Triple-B Records twitter. Being that Have Heart were one of the most popular Boston hardcore groups in the scene before their break up in 2009, people were really excited about this!

See you in November, Europe pic.twitter.com/nHKc50TNqZ

— Triple B Records (@TripleBRecords) January 5, 2015

It seemed pretty legit as well, Ryan Hudson, one of the bands guitarist since 2002, made a convincing Facebook update concerning the flyer!

For all the skeptics pic.twitter.com/vBfDBdJgUt

— Triple B Records (@TripleBRecords) January 5, 2015

However, it turns out that this tour flyer was faked by a Tumblr user that wanted to crush all of our hopes and dreams! The user has since removed the post from the account, and unfortunately Triple-B has been taking a lot of unnecessary backlash for this.

Don't be mad at me, everyone. Some doofus made that flyer and posted it on tumblr. Although I am still pushing for one to happen eventually

— Triple B Records (@TripleBRecords) January 5, 2015

AAR Show 11/8/14

November 8, 2014January 27, 2015 ~ tyspress ~ Leave a comment

Show date: 11/18/14

Line Up: Arrowhead, I Dreamt the Seam,Bottomfed, Bookburner, and I Eat Rocks

Venue: All About Records

Venue Rating: 4/5

Band 1: I Eat Rocks, a sludge metal/noise rock band out of Providence, opened up the show with a bang. Now when I say bang, I mean like a nuclear bomb, because true to their genre, they make a lot of noise.The band is a three piece act featuring bass, drums, and vocals. The band currently does not have guitarist, and they have mentioned to me that they don’t want one. Even without a guitarist these guys manage to be louder, and more distorted than a lot of five piece bands. Despite all the noise, these guys still manage to be musical, incorporating a lot of experimental sounds into their music. Of which I noticed a lot of in the vocals. Ben (the vocalist) uses a megaphone effect on his voice which actually gives their music somewhat of a political vibe. Which could very well be a driving force behind their music, because i have noticed the band appears to be very politically aware. I will say this though, they are a unique and different musical act, and must be approached with an open mind. With that said, go check out their music and social media pages that I will link below!

Rating: 7/10

Band 2: Next up was Bookburner, a 3 piece post-hardcore project. I’ll be straight forward, I wasn’t really into their set all that much. Not much really stuck out to me as a musician, aside from the occasional catchy riff or interesting transition. I did notice that someone tried to open a pit during a pre-mosh sort of part, but that pit never really got anywhere. Overall, they just really were not my cup of tea, and I really don’t have a lot to say about them. Don’t let that stop you from checking them out though!!!

Rating: 5/10* neutral position

Band 3:Bottom Fed, a hardcore band with a mix of whatever they feel like out of Buzzards Bay, were up next. Their set started out with a really fully intro, and everyone took no time in opening a pit. These guys have a pretty intense sound, probably the most mosh-able band that played the show. During their set, they did a few covers, one of them being a Touche Amore’ cover, which turned into this chain reaction and caused a pile up. These guys were really tight, and had smooth transitions. Buzzards Bay definitely has something right when it comes to hardcore. From the Makers Of are also from that area, and they kill it too. Bottom Fed actually did a split with them, which makes a lot of sense cause they are similar in a lot of ways. I’ve been getting into more heavy hardcore lately, and these guys definitely satisfy that for me. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on Buzzards Bay from now on.

Rating: 7/10

Band 4: I Dreamt the Sea, a melodic hardcore band out of Long Island, NY, were the touring band on this show. They drove something along the lines of 8 hours just to play a local show at a local venue, which I have a lot of respect for. Honestly, our scene needs more bands willing to go the distance to get their music out there, because that’s the only way you’ll find new people that like your music. Getting into their set, they played songs from their latest Ep “Set An Open Course”. Their set was filled with catchy guitar parts, rhythms, and vocals. The song that stuck out to me the most was their song “Outlook”, which starts off with this kind of progressive guitar intro that immediately drew me in. The song also had really well placed gang vocals that just go to compliment any song. Also, their song “Lions Mandible” had this subtle melodic guitar part that reminded me of Parkway Drive. Overall these guys have awesome stage presence, and really catchy and melodic instrumentation that will just get stuck in your head whether you like it or not. Hopefully they’ll adventure over this way again soon, definitely check them out if they do.

Rating: 7.5/10

Band 5: Closing out the show was Arrowhead, an emotional hardcore band out of Boston. Before seeing them play live, I listened to their single “As You Were”, and I was really impressed by it. Their set was as equally impressive, their music is very emotionally evocative. Anytime a band can make you feel what they’re singing/playing it makes it really easy to get into their music. Not to mention that they’re groovy and catchy as all hell. I think the crowd agreed to because several mosh/ push pits opened up for these guys. During their song “Imbalance”, the vocalist even jumped into the pit and got into it. And overall these guys have really good presence, and try their very best to get you to not just hear their music, but to feel it. If you get a chance, definitely go see them live!

Rating: 8/10

Overall Show Rating: 7/10