Monthly Archives: June 2013

Review: We Are Monroe – “Self Titled EP”

We Are Monroe – “Self Titled EP”

We Are Monroe

 

Released: January 14, 2013
Label: Unsigned
Purchase: Digital

The Montreal based band, We Are Monroe at the start of this year released their self-titled EP. It opens up with the track, Give Me Some… which right off the bat demonstrates their signature style of commanding vocals and post-punk guitar work. The fast paced guitar riffs and bass licks accompanied by frontman, Pat Gomes’ vocals create a catchy tune. Next up is Modern Day Gentlemen, stylistically similar to songs by Interpol and The Bravery, allows the listener to really understand and identify with the intricate melodies and percussion encompassing of the genre. The powerful vocals in the chorus highlight the undeniable passion for music that the band has. At times the pace is picked up, but this calmer listen really supplements the rest of the EP.

The third track, Old Orchard once again demonstrates the post-punk rock component of the band. It’s a personal favorite of mine, as you can fully hear the range of the vocalist, and each instrumental component is perfectly crafted to create a coherent standout track. Finally on the EP, there is Tear Yourself Apart, a perfect closing song. With a soft start up and an end that provides a bang, it allows a great finish to a fantastic EP. With intriguing powerful vocals, and catchy melodies, this self-titled EP should be appreciated due to the evident vision that was implemented into its creation. Fans of indie, post-punk, and rock will truly love their musical genius and hopefully help this band continue to grow and produce more music. Check out their website, Facebook page and Soundcloud for more information, and stayed tuned for an interview with the band in the coming weeks.

Standout Tracks: “Give Me Some…”, “Old Orchard”

8.0

Stream: Adventures – “Clear My Head With You”

Adventures

In anticipation for their upcoming EP release Clear My Head With You, Pittsburgh based indie-punk band Adventures have announced a summer tour and are currently streaming their EP in its entirety. The band’s new EP, Clear My Head With You, is scheduled for purchase on June 18th via No Sleep Records.

The band consists of Jami, Reba and Joe from reputable Deathwish Records hardcore band Code Orange Kids, who along with friends Kimi and Dominic fuse their punk and hardcore roots with indie-punk riffs and duelling vocals for an intense, emo-esque charged sound. Pre-order a copy of the new EP either digitally or on 7″ vinyl here and catch the band live this summer in the following places below. Check out their Facebook page for more details.

 
 
Tour Dates:
June 10 – Barnesville, OH – 611 N Chestnut St.
June 11 – Chicago, IL – Gnarnia House
June 20 – Vancouver, BC – Zoo Shop
June 22 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
June 23 – Portland, OR – Laughing Horse
June 24 – Redding, CA – Pastry House
June 26 – San Francisco, CA – Submission Art Space
June 27 – Fresno, CA – CYC
June 28 – Pomona, CA – American Legion Hall/Growing Up Is Dumb Fest
June 29 – La Jolla, CA – Che Cafe
June 30 – Mesa, AZ – The Underground
July 1 – Albuquerque, NM – The Gasworks
July 2 – Okalahoma City, OK – Bad Granny’s Bazaar
July 3 – Kansas City, MO – Art Closet Studio
July 5 – St. Louis, MO – TBA
July 6 – Ashtabula, OH – West End

Listen: The Story So Far & Stick To Your Guns – “Split EP”

The Story So Far & Stick To Your Guns Split
Pop-punk outfit The Story So Far and hardcore band Stick To Your Guns are streaming their upcoming split EP in its entirety on Soundcloud, to be released via Pure Noise Records on the 18th of June. The EP features the soft acoustic track Clairvoyant and a cover of the Pinback song Loro by The Story So Far, along with We Still Believe and the Inside Out song Burning Fight by Stick To Your Guns. Listen to the tracks below! Pre-order the split EP from the iTunes store here.

Listen: Coma Cinema – “Posthumous Release”

Posthumous Release

Coma Cinema‘s new album Posthumous Release was officially unveiled today despite a prior intentional leak. The album has been in the works for three years encountering various problems such as sickness, heartbreak and broken instruments. After recieving a message from Brad Petering of TV Girl inviting frontman Mat Cothran to go to LA, it was then recorded within nine days. Brad Petering and Jason Wyman produced the album and it was mastered by Warren Hildebrand from Foxes in Fiction. Rachel Levy of RL Kelly also contributed her wistful airy vocals to the album.

From Mat Cothran’s tumblr about the release, “I spent a lot of time in los angeles walking around by myself thinking about how my life had come to this. I was born in a shitty town, and I was born poor, from trailer park to project to parking lot to apartment. Somehow i was in Los Angeles making a record, it didn’t make sense I didn’t know if I deserved it. As it is don’t give up on your fucking dreams, I’ve done so much in my life but you’re capable of even more. Never listen when they tell you you can’t. It simply isn’t true. I hope everyone likes the record, the response thus far has been amazing and I’m so thankful to have all you folks along for the ride. I’m not sure what happens now to me or this project, I might take a bit of a hiatus from the world. But I’ll be around, and I’ll be back to see you. I love you, thanks for taking care of me.”

The album as expected features many standout tracks such as White Trash VHS, Bailey Jay, Survivor’s Guilt and Posthumous Release. The song, Posthumous Release was adapted from hmm…I Was Born written by Justin Blackburn and Noel Thrasher. Being Cothran’s fourth album under this moniker, a maturation of his sound organically has occurred both lyrically and instrumentally. In comparison to his other releases, the album is a much more hi-fi ordeal, sonically allowing all the melodies and his soft vocals to be heard precisely. Even breaths can be heard being taken on a personal favorite track from the album, Partners in Crime. This in turn removes the beloved constant tape hiss signature to much of his work, but allows the synths and guitars to shine through. Pick up the record digitally from the Bandcamp page for free or for a donation. For a casette version of the album you can purchase it over at Orchid Tapes, and as a vinyl from Fork & Spoon Records. Stream the album in its entirety below.

Fitness Club Fiasco’s Disjointed History

Fitness Club Fiasco

Indie synth-pop outfit, Fitness Club Fiasco, have had a bit of a disjointed history. The band formed in Bristol, England, with Mike Harloff (vocals, guitar, synths) teaming up with Jess Underdown (vocals). They released two tracks through Something in Construction Records titled Forest City and Dialogue Dreamer, and both received coverage from NME and regular spins on BBC radio.

To continue on their journey, the expats have now returned to Canada and added new members Matt Henderson of Old English, local singer-songwriter Jess Janz, and drummer Cam Guthrie. With the new setting and additional members the band has now acquired a new sound. Holding onto their dancey rhythms, infectious pop melodies, clever, thoughtful lyrics, and a heavy helping of synths they have now grown and evolved into something more mature, more emotional, and more organic.

No song showcases this progression and rebirth better than their new single Goldmine. Self described as a brooding, slow-burning synth-pop number that builds deliberately, note-by-note, from its haunting, minimalist opening to its explosive end. Goldmine, the first single off of their upcoming full length, is available to stream below and can be downloaded for free on their Bandcamp.