108 "18.61"

All of the drama revolving around this album aside, 108's latest release (recorded in 2009) has all of the fury of what is (or was) a 108 record with a new found affinity for shorter and more spastic songs. In a way its a new (old) 108.

The albums title, 18.61 refers to a section of the Bhagavad Gita, yet lyrically speaking this record is much less related to Krishna conciousness then most of 108's other material. I'm assuming this is obviously because of former singer Rob Fish's decision to leave because of his choice to stop believing in the religion soon after the record was recorded. Whatever the case, what you get with this record is a very wild and chaotic sound. The songs play out as short blasts of anger on the brink of insanity. You can really feel the rage pouring out of your speakers. There is a lack of stucture that comes with 18.61, which defines the record. Short, loose, and schizophorenic are perfect adjectives to describe it. It has a way of making the record feel slightly unfinished but at the same time it's what makes it so unique and what draws you in. There aren't any real structures or patterns with these songs an each track stumbles into the next without any concern for order. The recording seems to reflect this style as well. The overall analog only sound is distorted and fuzzy and very in your face. The album finally collides on the last track "Early Funeral" a strange 5 minute acoustic song with distant, almost dream-like sounding vocals. It is a curious way to end a curious record.

If you like 108, you will like this record. Then again, the album is such a departure, you might even like it if you didn't like them before. Definately worth checking out. Whatever this band decides to do in the future without Rob Fish, I hope it's still this heavy, angry and different.

www.weare108.com

The Gaslight Anthem "American Slang"

Not exactly punk or hardcore, but I still think this record kills. I'm sure you've heard plenty about this band from New Jersey and how they sound like Bruce Springsteen. Regardless of where they are from or who they sound like, they write catchy and heartfelt rock music plain and simple. They are The Gaslight Anthem and American Slang is their 3rd full length.

This record started off a little slow for me. Much less urgent than their older material. I was prepared to be bummed out that had I put down some cash for this. But then after hearing a few more tracks, things began to click. It can become easy to get lost in the mumbled and rusty verses in these 10 songs, but when those choruses hit, oh fuck, they hit you HARD. The band sticks close to their old time rock and roll roots and touch upon some Clash worship ("The Queen of Lower Chelsea") and soft ballads ("We Did It When We Were Young"). The sound is bright and clean and all of the instruments are well balanced in the mix. The songs tend to focus on themes of nights gone by, better days and "old haunts". It can be a little too much and it would be nice to hear something different but the songs still work. No reason to fix what isn't broken yet.

This is the perfect record for summer night drives and for anyone who wants to listen to something that is catchy but doesn't suck . Definately not my favorite Gaslight release (that spot is reserved for the Senor and The Queen EP) but a solid one to be sure. My only problem with this record; I wish there were a couple more tracks. I guess thats a good thing though, right?

http://gaslightanthem.com/

Cruel Hand "Cruel Hand"

I've been anticipating this one for a while. Cruel Hand is just one of those bands that puts out great music, tours like no tommorow and puts on kick-ass live shows. As a preview for this summer's full-length Lock and Key, Bridge 9 has released this lovely little treat. From the album art to the music, this record is bare bones, no bullshit hardcore. Following in the same vein as Prying Eyes, Cruel Hand deliver their hard as nails sound loud and clear. Showcasing thunderous drums, coarse vocals, and the heaviest riffs that Metallica never got around to writing, it's stanard issue CH. One thing that I did notice was the addition of some melodic vocals. Not in a whiny, sing-songy kind of way though. More in like a James Hetfield melodic crooning sort of way. It's a nice touch. The EP features the self-titled track which will appear on Lock and Key, and a special b-side track "Still" which will only be released on this recording.

http://www.bridge9.com/cruelhand

Dead End Path "Death Walks Beside Us"

Coming at you heavier than a 2 ton sledgehammer, is the new 7" from Wilkes Barre PA's own Dead End Path. One word that comes to mind when blasting this ep is "hard". Hard ass beats and hard ass lyrics that paint a musical and lyrical landscape of utter despair and anguish. It has a strong Madball vibe and will have you bobbing your head till your neck snaps off. 5 songs for fans of classic NYHC or anything else you may have heard coming out of Wilkes Barre. Really digging this record can't wait to catch them this summer at Sound and Fury. Features guest vocals from singers of Cold World and Mother of Mercy.

www.myspace.com/deadendpathwb

http://triple-brecords.com/

This Is Hell - Weight Of The World

This Is Hell return after the fallout of their old label (Truskill) and the loss of a guitar player. They sound leaner and meaner than ever. This is a band that in my opinion has never gotten enough credit for what they do. It could be because of the fact that Trustkill fell apart and didn't properly promote their last full-length "Misfortunes". It could also be due to the fact that one of their last major tours was opening for a mismatched lineup featuring Funeral For A Friend. It could be for a lot of reasons, but the excuses stop here. If you haven't checked them out since their breakout record "Sundowning" then now is the time to catch up!

"Weight Of The World" changes up This Is Hell's sound by adding more of a cossover/thrash element to their music that was absent in their older material. Guitar solos and fast palm-muted picking are everywhere on this record(Check out track 9 "Shadows" for further proof). The songs are faster and more to the point than on Misfortunes. One of the reasons I like this band so much is because of their lyrics; always deep, personal, and pissed. That hasn't changed. In fact they sound more pissed now than they did before. But even with all of these new elements thrown into the mix, there is still room for the usual This Is Hell musical interlude ("Eagle of Justice").

Great band, great record. It's time to update your catalog, Sundowning has nothing on this.

http://www.thinkfastrecords.com/thisishell