How Do We Jump This High?

How Do We Jump This High?
Funny / Not Funny 7''

Brooklyn, NY

Answer Key Records 

1. En Route
2. Potential
3. The Greats
4. Migraines

I used to dislike pop-punk. I used to think it was crappy. This was back when bands like New Found Glory, Good Charlotte, Simple Plan, Blink 182, and Green Day were popular at the same time. I couldn't relate to it. I didn't think it was catchy. Today, I'm quite fond of pop-punk. But it's dissimilar to what these bands put out. Since I live close to Brooklyn, I have the chance to listen to many of the pop-punk bands who may have been influenced by perhaps Green Day but likely more by Superchunk, and that's the pop-punk or indie-punk or melodic punk I like. (NOTE: those styles are mostly the same in my opinion). Catchy punk with noodly guitar and clean vocals are the added dimension to this style that I like. And that's what you get from How Do We Jump This High?. This is the kind of music that speaks to me - you simply have to take one listen to "En Route" to know it's passionate. I've been listening to this 7'' for a few weeks trying to figure out what to say and I don't know how I can do this 7'' justice in writing. It's simply good and some releases that's all you need to say and I guess the comparison to Superchunk is helpful too. 

The EP was released on Jeff of Bridge and Tunnel's new label Answer Key. Up next for them is the new Fellow Project LP. 

Nerd details: Released on 33 RPM black 7'' vinyl. 

Listen to it here: http://www.punknews.org/bands/howdowejumpthishigh

Chicago folk band Paper Thick Walls to release new album, playing 4 NYC shows

Chicago's Paper Thick Walls was a pleasant band to come across. Their brand of folk music is beautifully telling. The band's version brings two voices together--that of Eric Michaels and Kate Schell. Some songs are eerie due in part to the piano and slow vocals like "A Thousand Novels,"  while others like "Orange Tree" are cute, reminding me of Moldy Peaches "Anyone Else But You". Throughout A Thousand Novels you can hear spots of upright bass, fiddle, mandolin, and trumpet--now that's musical. Recommended if you like Arcade Fire, Sufjan Stevens, Mumford and Sons, Kevin Devine, or really any kind of folk music. The band start their NYC tour tonight at the lovely Rockwood Music Hall on the lower east side. Their new album is out May 3rd.

__________

Thursday, April 21

Rockwood Music Hall
196 Allen St
New York, NY 10002

6:00pm Saba
7:00pm Chelsea Lee
8:00pm Justin Tracy
9:00pm Stephanie Nilles Record Release
11:00pm Lily & The Parlour Tricks
12:00am Paper Thick Walls

www.rockwoodmusichall.com
__________

Friday, April 22 - EARLY SHOW

Roots Cafe
639A Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 11215

7:00 All Fox
7:30 Barnyard Brothers
8:00 Paper thick Walls
8:45 Hurah! A bolt of light
9:30 Whale Belly

www.rootscafebrooklyn.com
__________

Friday, April 22 - LATE SHOW

Goodbye Blue Monday
1087 Broadway
New York, NY 11221

9:30 The Migs
10:00 Mail the Horse
10:30 Wisdom is Lost
11:00 Time Travelers
11:45 Daniel Koren
12:30 Paper Thick Walls

www.goodbye-blue-monday.com/
__________

Saturday, April 23 - EARLY SHOW

National Underground
159 E Houston St
New York, NY 10002

7:00pm Paper Thick Walls

www.turnstylemusicgroupl.com
__________

Chicago's Dastardly release Americana/folk goodness on 'May You Never...'

Dastardly- May You Never...

Folk/American/Indie

Chicago, IL

Unsigned 

Recommended for fans of Murder by Death, Roy Orbison, Andrew Jackson Jihad, River City Extention

There are bands that have boldly stepped to heights that surpass the simple "rock" label. Such is the case with Chicago's Dastardly who have a nice indie-folk/Americana sound. The band is composed of six key players who together craft 7 hardy and heartlfelt songs. The group features acoustic guitar, accordian, mandolin, banjo, and harmonica, making for a diverse musical listen. The album is spruced with upbeat, folky numbers, and slower crooning tunes. 

"When did I become such a cliche. I'm so ashamed. I've gone ashtray from where I began." - from "Traffic"

EP Review: The Great Explainer- The Way Things Swell

The Great Explainer- The Way Things Swell (10" EP)
Trenton, NJ
Released July 13, 2010
Chunksaah Records

For fans of: Hot Water Music, Latterman, Small Brown Bike

The Great Explainer do what many a bands have before, blend punk and post-hardcore for a swirling mix of melodic and chuggy guitar goodness. Here  the 5-piece Trenton band craft a solid EP. They take what's out there and put their version on it. Different lyrics, different vocals, different musicians, but similar sounds. That's not bad. It's too say that this sound has made a good impression on  these musicians. The band's dual vocals featuring guitarists Sean and Matt make for some extra nice dynamic. This sound will always sound good to me. Two different guitar parts, two vocalists, and passionate lyrics. Yeah. Check out "Quotas."

The EP is available on coke-bottle blue vinyl and lemon lime 10'' vinyl here.

Amy Bezunartea released new album, played The Living Room (pics)

Amy Bezunartea @ The Living Room 11-3-10

Amy Bezunartea released her first solo album this past Tuesday on Kiam Records. The album Restaurants and Bars is an interesting themed album about being away from the ones you love, working too much, having trouble falling asleep, and also gives some astute observations. As a waitress, she found a common theme and source of inspiration for her songs, though not all songs are about restaurants and bars. She performed the entire album at The Living Room on Nov. 3. The album is personal, delicate, pretty. You can hear guitar, harmonica, banjo, and piano. It's folk at its loveliest. Some songs are sad, others upbeat, but overall, the album is laced together nicely.

The highlight of the night was hearing "Rope," the last song on the album. Amy performs acoustically with a harmonica and has a banjo player who also sings back-up harmonies. "People die young and younger it seems. Guys like you, girls like me/You are ok when I like you, I like you, and hold you tight, as a rope in the sky, and I never say sorry just think it to myself and laugh it off like it's funny." Afterwards, folks enjoyed a cake with the artwork for Restaurants and Bars. It was tasty. Thanks! And that was the end to a great record release!

Grab the album here.

EP Review: Black Birds- Galaxy Rising

"all i do to not give up is keep on walking/ all i do to not give up is keep on keep on keep on"- from Fever Creature

Black Birds- Galaxy Rising

Asbury Park, NJ 

Released Oct. 2010

Death to False Hope Records

DOWNLOAD: BLACK BIRDS- GALAXY RISING  

Alyssa- vocals, Sharon-guitar, Bob-bass, Azzara-drums

Black Birds have a new EP out that I'm very excited for. Since seeing the band over the summer in Kearny, I've been waiting for some digital tunes to surface. This comes in the form of a 4-song mini album called Galaxy Rising. The band has released it through North Carolina label Death to False Hope Records on a free/donation basis. The songs are gnarly rock 'n roll. Lead song "Brightest Diamond" has killer motorcycle sounding guitar riffs, if you know what I mean. I hope you do because it sounds great. Riffy but not excessive. The vocals are strong and fit the music well. Solid ep. 2 guys, 2 girls making rock n' roll music fit for you to headbang to and dance around to. Yeah. I have no comparisons on this one. Just listen.

Also, Brooklyn readers or anyone willing to travel, check out the band at Spike Hill (right off the Bedford L train stop) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Tuesday, Nov. 23rd at 8PM! The show is FREE! You can't beat that, right?

Review: My Pet Dragon- Flow (single)

My Pet Dragon- Flow 

New York, NY

Released Oct. 5, 2010

Gimme That Sound

for fans of: Arcade Fire, Mercury Rev, Smashing Pumpkins, Peal Jam

My Pet Dragon's new single "Flow" is an upbeat, peaceful song with smooth instrumentation. Todd Michealson and Reena Shah vocals are soothing. The chorus pulls you in: "Come on now this could be our last chance. What a night for a moonlit rooftop dance. Let the energy go, let the energy flow, let the energy flow flow flow." The song keep the exact beat the entire song. Normally, that would be boring, but for My Pet Dragon it's done nicely. There's an calm vibe, yet upbeat indie feel to "Flow" that makes it pleasant. 

There are four remixes of "Flow" by Karsh Kale, Randolph Correia, Bill Will and Mercury Rev’s Carlos Anthony Molina. Additionally, the b-side is a cover of Peal Jam's "Release." They do a great job to capture the essence of the pleasant, serene, and comfortable song.

The band have two upcoming Brooklyn performances, including a single release show this Friday, Oct. 8 at Trash Bar (10pm) and Oct. 21 also at Trash Bar (8pm) for CMJ.

The single is available on CDBaby and iTunes, as well as the band's own store here. 

Album Review: The Defending Champions- ...of the legend convention

The Defending Champions- ...of the legend convention

Released August 2010

Verona, NJ

Home Front Records

for fans of RX Bandits, Gogol Bordello, Mad Caddies, ska, rock

Where are the good ska bands these days?  I liked ska bands in college, but nowadays I'm hard pressed to hear much about any, especially in Jersey. Sure, there's Streetlight Manifesto, but they've been at it since 2002. I seek something refreshing. That's where The Defending Champions, a Verona, New Jersey 7-piece band, come in. Their album, ...Of the Legend Convention, whatever that means, is a refreshing 12-song ska, rock 'n roll punch with a soulful, smooth, yet dirty style. Lead vocals switch between trombonist Matt Ryan and Jenny Hoastson or at times the two sing together. 

Some notable songs are "Plague on your house" and "The Reckless Legend." "Hot Fever" is also tight with some great guitar riffs at the end. "I Can't Wait" starts with your traditional reggae guitar hook. The lyrics are at times questionable. Like what the heck is this band talking about? Are they trying to be funny or what? Like "have you tried some of my head" on "Ode to the Working Girl" and simply the title on "Jesus Wants You to Dance." However questionable, this is no put down, the songs are great. "Say Goodbye to Me" reminds me of some '90s song I can't put my tongue on. Perhaps, The Defending Champions shining lyrical moment is on "Things To Do," where Ryan sings: "people ask me what are you doing? You're not making money playing that music. Well I got a news flash, fuck all the cash. Money comes and goes. And I don't care. Cause I got things to do." True indie, D.I.Y. attitude! What follows is some crazy good horns! My goodness. If there was a guitar shredding equivalent for horns, then what's happening at the end of this track would be just that! There's also some guitar riffage goodness in there too! This album is simply good. 

The band blend reggae, ska, and rock together for a delicious, danceable sound that is undeniably groovy, funky, and jammy. The band know when to speed things up and when to slow it down. They know when to make you smile and when to make you laugh. When to sing and when to play our their instruments. I can imagine the energy the band puts out live. This is a fun album. So get your dancing shoes on and enjoy yourself some The Defending Champions. 

The album features guest appearances from Nicole Scorsone of Waking Lights/ Bern & the Brights on two songs and Jason Gleason formerly of Further Seems Forever and now in Old Wives on gang vocals. 

The cd is available on CDBaby here and iTunes here.

--By Star Morales

EP Review: Brit & Cavalry- Hiker

Brit & the Cavalry- Hiker
Brooklyn, NY
Released Oct. 12
Self Released

Tracklisting:

1. Breathing Under Water
2. The Great Forest Divide
3. Hiker
4. The Sun

for fans of: St. Vincent, Feist, and Jenny Lewis

Brit & the Cavalry is a darlin' violin-driving indie rock 7-piece band from Brooklyn. Their new release showcases some pretty violin that keep the music lovely, along with the soft sax, trumpet, and trombone parts throughout the songs. The EP is filled with nice harmonies, a steady beat, and beautiful vocals from Brit Boras. Hiker is a pleasant listen.

Their EP release party is Oct. 15 at Piano's with The Beach Project, Measure, and The Pastel Group. The band is on at 9pm. 

Best track: "Hiker" (Grab a free download here with the password hikersingle)

EP Review: The Wicked Tomorrow- S/T

The Wicked Tomorrow -S/T
Brooklyn, NY
Released: August 2010
Self Released

1. Frenemy
2. Wake Up
3. You Want My Soul
4. Just Break
5. Love Let Down

The Wicked Tomorrow is a rock band that don't rely on guitar solos to draw you in, but rather twangy and heavy chords that are groovy in an edgy rock 'n roll way. Just a two-piece this Brooklyn act makes me close my eyes and rock out, moving my head back and fourth and air drumming! The music is somewhat psychedelic, too. The drums are played by Michelle Feliciano with guitar duties by Ian Jacobs. The harmonies are great and both musicians sing. This is a great EP to check out. 

Best track: "Wake Up"
Pick it up here!

Sept. 2010 Album Review Round-Up

 Here are some reviews from songstress Amy Regan, pop-punkers Such Gold, ambient rockers For Every Story Untold, and power-poppers Airplane Noise.


Amy Regan- Gonna Get Better
New York, NY
For fans of Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell, Basia Bulat

With Gonna Get Better, Amy Regan reminds us that things will push forward despite hardships. That optimistic, positive perspective is what is lovely about this release

http://www.starbeatmusic.net/2010/09/review-amy-regan-gonna-get-better.html

Such Gold- Pedestals
Rochester, NY 
For fans of: Daggermouth, A Wilhelm Scream, Hot Water Music, Set Your Goals

Such Gold's new EP Pedestals is one of the best hardcore influenced pop-punk records of this year. The songs are super fun. "Cut Rides" is inspiring ('I know that I'm doing my best, to be as happy as I can)'' "Sycamore" offers advice (hold on to whatever keeps you warm inside)...

http://www.starbeatmusic.net/2010/09/ep-review-such-gold-pedestals.html

For Every Story Untold- Hideout EP
New York, NY
For fans of As Tall As Lions, Sigur Ros, Mew, ambiance, instrumentals

NYC's For Every Story Untold makes music you close your eyes to, so you don't have any distractions. It's only you and the serene, pleasant sounds of two musicians, Lauren Edman and Brian Caesar (former bassist of As Tall As Lions) pulling you closer to something deep...ambient epicness...

http://www.starbeatmusic.net/2010/09/ep-review-for-every-story-untold-bring.html

Airplane Noise- Getting Down
Florence, NJ
For fans of: Weezer, Death Cab for Cutie, Reggie and the Full Effect

Airplane Noise is a power pop band.; however so, the songs have slight ska and folk elements. Their songs feature keyboard, harmonica, tambourine, and xylophone.

http://www.starbeatmusic.net/2010/09/ep-review-airplane-noise-soften-your.html

Review: Amy Regan- Gonna Get Better

Amy Regan- Gonna Get Better
Self Released
Released July 27, 2010
New York, NY

Tracklisting: 
1. Gonna Get Better
2. Keep You Warm
3. Crazy
4. Just Once More

For fans of Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell, Basia Bulat

With Gonna Get Better, Amy Regan reminds us that things will push forward despite hardships. That optimistic, positive perspective is what is lovely about this release. "Gonna Get Better" is an uplifting, upbeat song. Following is the pretty piano song "Keep You Warm." The pace picks up again with "Crazy," showing off a steady beat, finger snapping vibe, and sophisticated style. "Oooh, oooh, I'm going crazy," Regan sings.  Finally, "Just Once More" closes with a softer, slow guitar about a guy. Regan makes for a great living room listen, relaxed and at ease.

The EP is available digitally here. Regan performs at The Living Room in the lower east side of Manhattan on Oct. 7th at 9PM. The performance is free and 21+.

EP Review: Such Gold- Pedestals

Such Gold- Pedestals

Rochester, NY 

Physical Release: November 2010

6131 Records

for fans of: Daggermouth, A Wilhelm Scream, Hot Water Music, Set Your Goals

Such Gold's new ep Pedestals is one of the best hardcore influenced pop-punk records of this year. The songs are super fun. "Cut Rides" is inspiring ('I know that I'm doing my best, to be as happy as I can)'' "Sycamore" offers advice (hold on to whatever keeps you warm inside), "The Brass Tax" is in your face ('where do you get off telling me who I am when you don't even know yourself?'), "So Close" (featuring Kenny Vasoli of The Starting Line) calls home out (' No matter where I go this place follows me like home'), "Gut Rot" is honest ('I misjudged you'), and "Pedestals" (featuring Karl Buechner of Earth Crisis) closes with 'I won’t be caught dead or seen without my beliefs held high on top of pedestals. Posi, fast, melodic pop-punk with hardcore tendencies.

The band's MySpace says: "Such Gold is about sing-a-longs/gang chants, DIY house shows, pile-ons, rad friends, fast-beats, touring, and having good times with good people." Yeah, that's how I like it! That's what I like to hear. Good times, indeed. This ep owns.

Listen on the band's bandcamp and get a digital download now or pre-order the physical copy via 6163/ Hellfish store on multi-color vinyl and CD here and also SmarkPunk here. Lyrics here.

EP Review: For Every Story Untold bring ambient epicness on 'Hideout'

For Every Story Untold- Hideout EP

Released August 2010

Unsigned

New York, NY

NYC's For Every Story Untold makes music you close your eyes to, so you don't have any distractions. It's only you and the serene, pleasant sounds of two musicians, Lauren Edman and Brian Caesar (former bassist of As Tall As Lions) pulling you closer to something deep. Together the two create a delicate sound that reaches into your heart and holds it. You listen to their sounds with headphones because you want to be as close to the music as possible, not missing a single melody or arrangement. Sometimes you get caught up in the colliding, mesmerizing music that you can't focus on the lyrics. The voice instrumental itself. For a moment the words don't matter. Not because there is no meaning or you can't understand them, but because everything meshes together in a way that makes it hard to focus on the words. The voice is lovely and rather than focus on the words you focus on the  how Edman sings. The music hits you in all the right places. Hideout is an EP of the untold stories of two people. "Mistakes We've Made" pulls your back with its acoustic quality. "I am the Wolf That Bit Me" picks up the edge with its jammy vibe. The four songs clock in at close to 20 minutes. Ambient epicness at its finest!

LISTEN TO HIDEOUT HERE.

-Star Morales

Album Review: Bern & The Brights- Swing Shift Maises (win CD)

Bern & the Brights
Swing Shift Maises
Montclair, NJ
Released July 17, 2010
Self Released

For fans of: Rilo Kiley, Ra Ra Riot, R.E.M, The Decemberists

This EP is the first recorded production from Bern & the Brights. For a band with over 20 songs it's only a sampling of the band's sound, but a good one at that. These four songs are glowing with a charm, sincerity, and drive that gets you right where you need it most—your heart. Their violin-driving indie-rock sound is lovely.

Bernadette Macavera's voice is soothing and soulful with additional vocals by Catherine McGowan.
Here are some comments with notable lyrics track-by-track:

Boo-- Starts off with a pleasant violin and acoustic with some sweet lyrics. “I don't think I want to die, just leave me be tonight...it's just the blues now, honey. It's just the frost on frozen dreams. It's just the stomp of my restless feet. Down this lonely turnpike. Through these plastic city streets. I've been soul jackhammering. Where is your girl who can tell, it's been so long since I've been myself.”

Sangria Peaches-- The way Macavera holds notes on words like "here," "happening," and "believe" is refreshing. The violin is lovely! "What is happening to me?."

Sleepless Aristotle-- Catchy, classy guitar that makes you smile with bass lines that make you dance. Wonderfully delivered. Best song on the EP! "Don't you stay awake at night."

It Goes Like That--This is a folky number. "Somethings just go like that. Why? I don't know? Just goes and goes. You said I have beautiful eyes, so I sat their mortified. And I laugh when I get shy. I'm an astronaut. I'm an airplane pilot."

Album Review: Kevin Devine- She Stayed As Steam 12''

Kevin Devine- She Stayed As Steam
Brooklyn, NY
Released July 7, 2010
These Are Not Records

Kevin Devine is one of those rare artists who seamlessly releases good music. Every song heartbreaking, in the best way. His voice cracks. His heart calls. His lyrics speak. He gives me hope when there is none. He is my company on lonely days. She Stayed As Steam is one of those records you listen to on sad days, rainy days, happy days, but mostly the former. After finishing you feel relieved. Happy. Calm. Hopeful. The EP features 2 songs from the Brother's Blood recording session, 2 dance remixes of songs from Brother's Blood, and 2 live songs (1 cover, 1 original). The cover is from a session in Vienna earlier this year. To add to the impressive recordings and selection of songs, the record is pressed on beautiful coke bottle green vinyl.

I'll make one more note. The cover of Leonard Cohen's "Chelsea Hotel No. 2" is superb. Devine's voice over the strumming, delicate acoustic with Cohen's lyrics is enough to bring tears. It's a sad song that Devine delivers with precision. "I remember you well in a Chelsea hotel. You told me again you prefer handsome men, but for me you'd make an exception...we're ugly but we have the music." Yes, we do.

The ep is available here. 

Tracklisting below. 

Album Review: Young Mammals keep it interesting on indie-rocker 'Carrots'

Young Mammals- Carrots

Houston, TX

Self Released

Released June, 22, 2010

For fans of: Animal Collective, Flaming Lips, Broken Social Scene, Sunset Rubdown 

DOWNLOAD: Young Mammals- Confetti (MP3)

Young Mammals take the explosive indie rock world by storm with their latest release, Carrots. The band are charged and ready to delight with an album that connects every part of your body to the compelling sounds. The band throws everything together, but not in a messy fashion, in a way that's freshing for the new era of indie rock. I like the experiment/psych sound of the band- it's dynamic, different, interesting, yet still listenable.Carrots sounds like the soundtrack for life if life was only about kissing, holding hands, and partying. 

Review: Forming tape (2010)

Forming- Forming (2010)

Long Beach, California

Release Date: July 2010

Crooked Direction Records

For fans of: Dinosaur Jr., Archers of Loaf, Built to Spill, Saves the Day, early Cursive, new Crime in Stereo

DOWNLOAD: Forming- Stay Home 

It's not all the time we review bands outside of the NJ/NY/PA area, but one band from California called Forming, seemed to fit within the indie/emo rock sound that reminds me of many Brooklyn bands. There's a desperation in the singer's voice when he sings of struggles, heartache, and missing others. "Hate My Gutz" is a bittersweet song in great indie/emo-rock form. Parts of the band have a slowed down guitar feel like on "Burgundy" and others noise rock like the "Morning After." These are some cool songs overall. Check out one of the songs above.

"All I want is you....Where are you? I'm wasted, you're wasted, your time on me." - The Night Before

"I think you're full of shit. I'm not even trying to be hard on you." - BABCAB

The tape is available from Vitriol for only $3 here. 

Tracklisting: 

1. Hate My Gutz

2. The Night Before
3. BABCAB
4. Stay Home
5. Burgundy
6. The Way You See
7. The Morning After

Album Review: Candy Snatchers- Down at Delilah's

Candy Snatchers is a punk, rock 'n roll in-your-face band. They get you fueled, and ready to dance, and pump your fist with their reckless songs. on Down at Delilah's. These are songs you fall over to with a beer in your hand. These are songs you hear at a club or live show show to let loose. Loud and fast without pre-caution The Candy Snatchers play and say whatever the hell they want. Unapologetic and brash, guitar pummeling, rock 'n roll that'll snatch you up if you're not paying attention.

Down At Delilah's is out now. It is available on limited edition picture disc LP, CD and as a digital download at drugfrontrecords.com.

 

--by Star Child

Album Review: The State Lottery uplift on 'When The Night Comes'

The State Lottery- When the Night Comes
Brooklyn and Buffalo, NY / Seattle, WA / Detroit, Michigan
Released June 2010
Salinas Records

For fans of: Fake Problems, The Gaslight Anthem, Defiance, Ohio, Nana Grizol

By Star Child

When The Night Comes is the kind of album you smile to--and cry to--and sing to. Not because it's particularly sad,  but because it's so good and uplifting. It conjures that sort of emotion in just 9 songs. These guys know how to deliver good wholesome folk-punk tunes that stand on their own. The addition of trumpet adds compelling musical flavor to the songs. "Coming Alive" is just about what the name suggests. "Stories" is a bold one. "When the Night Comes" is another great number. "Everyone knows that everyone dies, that it's all the same in the end," goes the song. The album closes with "Spring, 2008, Detroit," an 8-minute song that hits you hard. Overall, these songs are fast, slow, sharp, poppy, boppy, and passionate. The melodies are great, the lyrics are honest--it's what I've been looking for to get me through rough days, and rough nights, to keep looking up to good days, and keeping in good spirits. Download it. Own it. This is the summer release you want to have.

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