It was two Fridays ago when the Mrs. and I headed downtown to catch Rocky Votolato and Josh Caterer (of the Smoking Popes) live at Schubas. It was simply amazing. Josh opened and I felt like I was one of the only people singing along to every single word. It kinda sucked and struck me as odd considering how great the Smoking Popes are, but people were talking through his entire set (as well as most of Rocky’s). C’mon people, if you aren’t out for the music, what’s the point? Anyhow, Josh played a whole bunch of old material from the Smoking Popes (including “Pretty Pathetic” request by the Mrs.), a Duvall song, and even what Josh described as a new song from what will be a new Popes album! Did I ever mention just how much I love the Smoking Popes?
Next Rocky played an impassioned set of songs old and new from his catalog and firmly cemented himself near the top of my favorite artists list with Makers undoubtedly being my favorite album of his. Check out the 5 videos below for proof.
Every once in awhile I’m completely surprised by this blog. I mean, things are never dull with two kids at home, but occasionally this blog just leaves me scratching my head. For example, I never thought that I would ever review a Hungarian rockabilly group, but, folks, that day has come. The Tom Stormy Trio plays neo-rockabilly that sounds like an updated version of something almost straight outta the 1950’s. It’s really no surprise that their album is called Respect for the ‘50s. The band features Tom Stormy on drums, Buddy Benkey on double-bass, and singer-guitarist Long Tall Sonny. The music is energetic and even though I’m not a huge fan of rockabilly or garage rock I still think this stuff is pretty good considering what it is. I mean, just look at the album cover; I think these guys are serious. RIYL: Foxboro Hot Tubs, Buddy Holly, Hot Rod Lincoln, etc…
I generally enjoy most of what Dave features on 
Yeah, so Native just released their debut full-length, Wrestling Moves on Sargent House, but this isn’t a review of that record. I could never be that “with it” or “in the know.” Nope. Instead, I offer you a review of their We Delete; Erase EP. It features six songs of skronking algebraic post punk that balances the delicate emo of American Football or Braid with the searing punch of Faraquet, Shellac, or (maybe) Lustre King. It’s all a bit frantic but (nevertheless) kinda pretty; like watching the waves of the North Atlantic rolling across the bow of a helpless freighter. This is some seriously good stuff from some boys from just around the corner in Northwest Indiana.
Without knowing anything about Syracuse Me except that they’ve got a ridiculous name, I can tell you that their EP Out With The Old, In With The Dudes sounds exactly like you imagined it would; music made by testosterone-filled teenage boys. Even so, let me just state that it actually a somewhat entertaining listen. So these guys from Prince Edward Island, Cananda play what I might call bro-core, boys rock, pop-core, or something like that. The EP begins almost as a parody with some grinding almost metallic nu-core stomping and then there’s a sample of the famous Jeff Spicolli line, “I’m so wasted!” That should have been the tipping point that made me turn this off, but I kept listening and what I heard was pretty typical pop-core that isn’t all that far removed from the likes of Four Year Strong or Set Your Goals. Still a lot of what I heard on Out With The Old, In With The Dudes seemed gratuitous and unnecessary. I mean how much can you take of big gang vocals, snotty (and basically terrible) sloppy lead vocals, and slow stomping breakdowns? Perhaps these guys have hardcore in their hearts but it seems as if they might be playing pop punk just to get laid.
Wow! This is one of the best things I’ve heard in, well, forever… On their (now sold out) Life Moves 7”, 
Rumspringer is a band from Tempe, Arizona who sounds like they could be from anywhere but there. I love this EP. Their brand of good old fashioned pop punk is as awesome as it is imperfect. Their Rumspringer EP is simply amazing and needs to heard. The vocals are scratchy without being gruff perfectly matchy the upbeat and punky guitar sound. These six songs find the perfect balance between warm and catchy pop melodies and the raw and youthful punk I heard at so many basement (and bowling alley) shows when I was younger. This EP is 18 minutes of nostalgia that sounds like heaven to me. I can’t imagine any reason that you also wouldn’t be smitten with Rumspringer. Here’s hoping for a full-length sometime soon! RIYL: The Ergs, Crimpshrine, Ben Deily-era Lemonheads, Banner Pilot, etc…
