Best of 2014

wow. what a year! lots of good music came out. Some by long time favorites. This year I am going back to something I did years past where I actually wrote about the albums. But given the amount of records, I’m just going to write about select releases from the year. Believe me, I could write about them all. I just know this blog will be put up in a much quicker time frame this way.  I know you people don’t care what I think and just want to download the shit anyway. So lets get to it! As always, the records are listed in no particular order. And please, IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR PURCHASE IT!

This Will Destroy You – Another Language
Instrumental Post-Rock

This really had all the trimmings early on of potentially being album of the year for me. This Will Destroy You was a band I connected early on with. Instrumental post rock is something I love. Often times I feel like singing can take away from the power and feeling that a songs music may convey. And that’s really important to me. This album, no surprise, is powerful. I really wasn’t sure what to expect from this record. “Tunnel Blanket” took awhile to grow on me. But after that record came out they released their “Live in Reykjavik, Iceland” triple LP which contained songs from all their previous records and it really kicked my love for the band into overdrive. So this album hit at the best time possible for me and them. I also saw them live and they played a lot of songs from this album. And it was one of the best concert experiences I’ve had. Sadly, some personal things in my life have sullied this release for me in recent months. Making it hard to even listen to for me. But honestly, I would say this is their strongest release since “Young Mountain”. And I cant wait for the day when I can get passed my pain and hurt that I associate with this record and fully enjoy it again. It’s a great post rock record.
Download The Album Here

Shellac – Dude Incredible
Post Hardcore, Noise Rock

Download The Album Here

Kinoko Teikoku – Fake World Wonderland
Alternative Rock, Indie Pop

Download The Album Here

Frameworks – Loom
Post Hardcore, Screamo/Skramz

This album was sort of a surprise hit in my life. I think, without exaggeration, I listened to it more times this past year than any other album. And it’s really surprising. I wont lie I had only heard of Frameworks when it got announced that they were signing with Topshelf. As a lot of you know, I am a lil bit of a fanboy in regard to that label. Now that’s not to say that I am a fan of everything that they put out. But as this list probably shows, I like A LOT of what they do release. Anywho, I figured, I should check them out. I listened to their EP “Small Victories” a crumb ton and built up a considerable amount of “stoked” for this LP. Though to this day I am not totally in love with the production, I can’t argue with the actual songs that are on this record. Great material in the way of screamy post hardcore. Almost comparable to the European skramz stuff in some aspects. Though there are some vibes on some of the songs that can only be described as American sounding. When you hear it, you’ll know what I’m talking about. These guys might not be on the tip of everyone’s tongue like some bands they would be considered musical peers with. But I guarantee they are better then A LOT of those hyped bands.
Download The Album Here

The Rentals – Lost In Alphaville
Indie Rock, Alternative Rock

Download The Album Here

The Jazz June – After The Earthquake
Indie Rock, Emo

Download The Album Here

Trembling Hands – Self Titled
Screamo, Skramz

Download The Album Here


Adebisi Shank – This Is The Third Album Of A Band Called Adebisi Shank
Instrumental Dance-y Rock

Download The Album Here

The Life And Times – Lost Bees
Alternative Rock, Space Rock

Download The Album Here

Sleep – The Clarity
Stoner Metal

Download The Album Here

Prawn – Kingfisher
Indie Rock

I can not honestly say enough good things about Prawn. My band was lucky enough to play with them early in our life and they were super sweet. Not just sweet musically, which is a no brainer, but as people. You never know how genuine bands are when you play with them. I feel like bands always want to stay nice and keep the networking part of things prominent even if they don’t particularly like a opener/direct support band. I can honestly say I genuinely felt they were earnest with everything that they said. Now enough of my lame personal stories. This album follows numerous splits/comps as well as their amazing EP “Ships” and continues in the same vein. Prawn plays a form of indie rock that often times reminds me of being borderline shoegaze-esc or post rock-y. Just very atmospheric. Very spacey. I know those things can often times be a turn off and can sound like I am describing something you aren't into. I promise. This record is one of the best indie records of the year.
Download The Album Here

Watter – This World
Ambient Rock, Post Rock

Download The Album Here

Coping – Nope
Emo

Download The Album Here

Nothing – Guilty Of Everything
Shoegaze, Alternative Rock

Download The Album Here

Dikembe – Mediumship
Emo Rock

Download The Album Here

Sun Kil Moon – Benji
Acoustic, Slowcore, Sadcore

Download The Album Here

Braid – No Coast
Emo

So there were 2 releases this year that were kind of a big deal. Both coming from long defunct emo bands. Braid’s release being not as surprising as The Jazz June’s return given their releasing the “Closer To Closed” EP in 2011 and then a split in 2013 with Balance and Composure. What I think shocked a lot of people was how truly good the album is. At least within my present social circles, not a lot of my peers loved EP. Everyone I talked to didn’t hate it. But being the follow up to “Frame and Canvas” there was a lot to live up to. And there comes a lot of scrutiny in that situation. “No Coast” blew fucking everything away. I’ll just say it. From the opening track it rocks the hell out. The big surprise on the album would be that Bob Nanna is sharing vocal duties WAY more with Chris Broach than in the past. And Broach’s singing style is more like singing and less like shouting on this release. View that however you like. I actually really liked his shout-y vocal style that you can hear on “Frame”. I won’t lie that his actual singing reminds me of Tom Delonge of Blink-182 at points. All that said, this album just fucking rocks. Some of the catchiest songs of the fucking year. And realistically, a proper return for one of the most important Midwestern emo bands. End of story.
Download The Album Here

Restorations – LP3

Download The Album Here

Mogwai – Rave Tapes
Post Rock

Download The Album Here

Owls – Two
Indie Rock, Experimental Rock

The first Owls record is hugely important in so many ways. It was the original Cap’n Jazz members (yes, Davey Von Bohlen was in Cap’n Jazz…later. Not originally) getting together later on in life and seeing what they wrote. By that point both Victor Villarreal and Mike Kinsella were at almost virtuoso levels of playing and writing. And what was released blew away the math rock AND indie worlds. Influenced countless bands. In addition to the Albini recorded full length there were some other random songs that appeared on compilations. All of it gold. I will say this, this is not that band. The biggest note is that 2 guitars are very prominent on this record. Where there is some of that in notable amounts on the first LP, its VERY noticeable on this record. Take that how you will. I think I would prefer just a Villarreal heavy record personally. But that’s the band I love. I also wish the record was produced by Albini again. His drum sounds are what I crave. So where does this leave us? Well, beside a record of more straight forward (time wise) material and a less noodlely, less Villarreal-y Villarreal, it’s good. I know, I know. It sounds like I am shitting on it. But believe me, I wouldn’t put the record on here if I didn’t enjoy it. Just the classic follow up falling a lil bit short. And being this came out over 10 years after all their initial material was released, they get a pass. Still a hugely influential band. I wouldn’t even be surprised if this album influences new bands to come out.
Download The Album Here

Sore Eyelids – For Now
Shoegaze, Emo

Download The Album Here

Pianos Become The Teeth – Keep You
Post Hardcore, Emo

You would think it is a different band if you compare this album to their previous album. I don’t know if it was the producers doing. I don’t know if the band is just trying something different. I just don’t know. The only thing it’s slightly comparable in their musical history is their split with Touché Amoré. I really liked that song when I heard it. Cause historically, the band has been all screams. And to have that break up was nice. If their other music previous to that split is on one side of their musical spectrum, this is complete opposite end of the spectrum with the TA split lying in the middle. The music in general is not as aggressive as I am used to from the band. There are almost no screams on the album. And the ones that are there, sound different from previous releases. I feel like the lack of screaming allows for the introspective lyrics to punch through a little easier. I know this album got a lot of hate when it was released. And truthfully, there are elements from the older albums that I miss. But the truth is, I whole heartedly enjoy this record. I think it’s a great album. And if you can get away from how different it is from previous releases, I think you can really enjoy it.
Download The Album Here


Reissues
Slint – Spiderland
Math Rock, Post Rock

Download The Album Here

Street Smart Cyclist – Discography
Emo

Download The Album Here

Nirvana – In Utero 2013 Mix
Grunge, Alternative Rock

Download The Album Here

Fugazi – First Demo
Post Hardcore

Download The Album Here

The White Octave – Style No. 6312
Post Hardcore, Emo Rock

Download The Album Here

Tangled Hair – Two EPs
Math Rock, Indie Rock

This collection of the bands previous 2 EP’s (hence the clever name) is pretty unstoppable. Tangled Hair’s lineage sprouts from their Singer/Guitarist and Drummer coming from the defunct Math Pop (yes folks, it’s a genre. Well, maybe not, but pretty sure these guys were it haha) band Colour. I’ve often described Colour as a combination of Bloc Party and Damiera. Does that get you interested? it should. and you should go listen to their “Anthology” record stat. BUT, we are talking about Tangled Hair. Colour breaks up. These guys start Tangled Hair. And shit gets a lil crazy. Like no joke. Not to say the pop sensibility is gone. But there there some leaps on all levels with the music these guys pop out. The drumming especially is super interesting and crazy. Like pretty sounding guitar and vocals? Crazy time changes? Just listen to this record. And join the kickstarter campaign I’m going to make to bring these boys over to the States.
Download The Album Here


Local/Friend’s Bands
Del Paxton – Worst. Summer. Ever.
Indie Rock, Emo

This should probably be in the reissue area. But fuck it. These guys are my friends and I am seriously so happy for them. Its like, the classic story of what you’d like to see happen. Band comprised of friends who have all played in other bands, toured, etc. Self release a EP. Plays loads of shows. EP gets lots of hype. Next thing you know they are signed to local label with all sorts of other larger labels showing interest in signing or releasing future material. This is what you want to see happen for your friends! This all too short 6 song EP consists of some super fun and high energy indie rock. Influences range from more twinkly indie/emo stuff to alternative rock mainstays like Third Eye Blind. I’ve heard and seen what the future holds for these guys. Its awesome. And this is where it all started. Get on these guys and hold on for dear life. They are going places.
Download The Album Here

Human Lanterns – Debut
Post-Metal

Download The Album Here

Stepfriends – All We’ve Got
Indie Rock, Emo

Download The Album Here

Bridge Under Fire – I Got A Guy For That
Punk, Post Hardcore

Download The Album Here

Living Room – Moonchaser
Emo, Post Hardcore

Download The Album Here

League – Self Titled
Indie Rock, Emo rock

Another record that should be in the reissues. Another one where my friendship and connection with the members of the band warrants its inclusion to this section. League were a early Post Hardcore/Emo Rock band hailing from the Buffalo area of NY. They did what was pretty common place. Play a shit ton of shows. Tour seemingly endlessly. Break up. Members go to be in other awesome bands like Saxon Shore and Damiera. Ultimately, for me, this record brings back early thousands. I was playing guitar and sing in a band called Amorous Radio. We were trying to do the same thing as League. Play. Tour. Release. Be awesome. They just did it better. But we shared lots of bills with them. We broke up long before they did. But all stayed friends. It was that connection that spanned all our future friends. And we are still friends to this day. Music time. If you have heard Damiera, then you know what you are getting vocally. Though Dave’s singing in League tended to be even higher. There are often some cool time switch ups here and there. But usually its more straight forward and rocking. Breakdowns! and not chug chug, money grab breakdowns as much as what Helmet used to do all so well. Seriously there is a part in the song “Scarecrow” that I argue needs to be played as loud as fucking possible. If you like anything like what I’ve mentioned, and have not heard these guys, you need to listen to this record. Just listen to it anyway. <3
Download The Album Here


Honorable Mention
Department – Conversation

I’ve done this one other time. But at the time it was a band I had just joined and a record I had nothing to do with really. This record is a big deal to me personally. My band Department self released it in August. We faced much adversity getting to this point. The fact we even released it is often a feat to me. Most people don’t even know we’ve been a band since 2012. Within that first year we wrote 10 songs. 6 of which our featured on this EP. Our bassist quit and we spent what seemed like forever finding someone who liked what we were doing enough to join and learn everything we had. But it finally came together. And since then its been a really great ride. We’ve played so many great shows with bands that are amazing. Met great people. And released this EP. Thank you to everyone that was a part of our first real and active year as a band. More great things await!
Download The Album Here

Oh, Canada (Part 9): Damages - Scars

The situation leading up to this review was safe to say one of the more awesome things to happen to me since starting my own music blog. as i think a lot of you who read my blog know, i used to write for a blog called Listen To This Once. Well, one of the members of Damages must have been a follower of that blog because I got a message in my myspace inbox asking if i would like to review their latest 7inch for L.T.T.O. I was really excited. No one has ever asked me personally to review their album. Up until this point I’ve just written about bands and albums i just really love. But I was really excited at the possible opportunity. So I told Andrew, from Damages, that that blog no longer existed but that i would be more than happy to write about their EP on here. And they said that was fine. To quote Wayne Campbell, “Excellent!” Now as I said, I'd never heard Damages prior to their offer, but what is so rad is, they are definitely my type of band. Maybe that's why I was asked to review this in the first place. They knew from my track record that I’d love it. Damages hail from Vancouver, British Columbia. But what they sound like, they could easily be confused with something coming out of Ottawa. Maybe in the mid-nineties? Okay, what I’m getting at is that, to me, Damages sounds like a direct musical descendant from Okara, Shotmaker, and the like. And that is honestly a very great thing, because I love those bands. Quick rant. Alot of times really shit bands will list awesome bands as a influences. and you think to yourself the band “Fall Out Boy are a bunch of fucking liars.” Check out the list of influences Damages has listed on their myspace, and know that none of them are bullshit…“Shotmaker, The Jesus Lizard, Swiz, Black Flag, Yaphet Kotto, Unwound, Shellac, Fugazi, 400 Years, Brito, Portraits of Past, Render Useless, Still Life, Embrace, Dischord, SST, Ebullition, Touch and Go” I KNOW RIGHT?! Fucking awesome. The two song “Scars” 7inch is very energetic and heavy. Both of the songs are fast and driving. Side A’s “Gears” starts with screamed/yelled lyrics and fast/dissonant guitar chords. next thing you know the bass kicks in, and it continues from there. If I had to pick one element from this band that is most close to the Shotmaker/Okara comparison, it might be the bass work. The basslines on these two songs are totally awesome. All over the place doing crazy shit, straight forward and heavy when the guitar is doing more intricate lines. The guitar has that buzzsaw sound, and style that you could say was influenced from everything from Shellac to Drive Like Jehu to Fugazi. Like i said, their influences don't lie. “A Failing Cell” on Side B is kindred to the energy of “Gears” but as some more breakdown-y, head bobbing parts. (Hold your horses stupid money grabbing jock hardcore kid. I think the Hatebreed concert is down the street.) It also contains more riff’s, which usually coincide with the aforementioned “breakdowns.” The song soon builds and builds till it hits a point at the end where its like it keeps hitting you in the face repeatedly. This is a good thing. This band is a good band. This EP is a excellent EP. I recommend anyone who is a fan of the brand of canadian post hardcore/mathy emocore/ hardcore/etc. DEFINITELY check this band out. I really love what they are doing musically and hope they continue forward releasing more awesome music. Many thanks to Damages for letting me review their EP!

Listen To Scars Here

Buy The Scars 7inch Here

True If Destroyed

So this is my first music blog entry since being back from tour. I had actually meant to post this before I left. But due to time restraints I was unable to do so. I thought this would be a good entry to leave on, but I think its probably just as good to come back with. Come back with a severe bang! That was what I felt the first time I saw this band. I was blown away. It was unexpected. The show they played was, for the most part, unmemorable. But when they played, mind blowing. This Philadelphia band played post hardcore in the vain of the greatest dischord bands. And they had that same intense energy of alot of those bands. It was alot like if Fugazi had a female vocalist who also played piano and guitar on occasion. I had the good enough fortune to be able to play a show with these guys. It was actually a amazing show that, for whatever reason, very few people attended. Sever The Hands, True If Destroyed, The Amateur Party and One Hundred Metronomes. Solid stuff. Anyway, years pass and memories stay strong. This band is still one of the best and most memorable out of town bands that played Syracuse in my opinion. Fans of the classic DC post hardcore sound take note.

Download Their Demo & Full Length Here

Try to find these if you can!

Oh, Canada (Part 7): Blake

Its sort of strange how I attacked this "series" from the get go. Really, I should've attempted to go at it in a chronological order. I just had a really hard time doing that for whatever reason. But I'm going to attempt to at least right one wrong, if you will. I've made reference to this band over and over again in the past. And after each time I would make a reference, I would think "I really should've written about them already." Especially considering that Evan Clarke started in this band and he is sort of a personal musical hero of mine. Its also important to note that their drummer was one Gus Weinkauf, who went on to start Rockets Red Glare with Evan later in band life. I love the music Blake created. Its young. And like youth, sometimes its aggressive, and other times its mellow. They followed suit with the style of canadian hardcore that Shotmaker played, but expanded further taking influence from Okara (who I also still need to write about in this series). The band could be tagged with the "math" label I suppose. Its funny, I hate throwing that term around certain times, even when it fits. Lets just say, when I say math in reference to Blake, its not relating them to Tera Melos or Giraffes? Giraffes!, its relating them to the original trinity. Slint, Chavez and Polvo. Musically, they dont share much with any those bands. But their concept of mathy music fits much better with what those original bands created. Do you like canadian emo bands from the 90's? Well, if so, you may already know of Blake. If not, give them a listen. For fans of all good DC post hardcore and all Canadain & Virginia screamy hardcore-ish stuff.

Download Their Discography Here

Buy it here if you like it

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The Red Robot

I don't exactly know how to start this off. Maybe just a history lesson of sorts. I used to be in the Syracuse NY band Amorous Radio. I wont get into much about that band. I will say that I was not a original member. The band existed for at least a year before I joined. Amorous Radio's drummer Anthony (who I went on to start Ladies & Everyone, Kaihoro, & One Hundred Metronomes with and who also played in Know Nothing & Cancer and now plays in Tailings. You've probably heard me mention him before.) told me stories about their US tour. (Besides being blacklisted by the Syracuse music scene, that band really did do things ahead of their time. Especially for the genre of music they played. A whole US tour before This Afternoon OR Long Since Forgotten, their supposed local musical peers, ever dreamed of doing such a thing.) On that tour Anthony met Mat Calderon who if i remember correctly was playing in the band Hand Over Fist at the time. Through the years, Mat and Anthony kept in touch, and it was later that i heard of The Red Robot through Anthony. In typical Anthony fashion, he talked the band up so much that, to be completely honest, i got sick of hearing about them. He eventually showed me some songs by them. They were early tracks but they were good. But i think Anthony always resented me because my immediate reaction wasn't one of shitting my pants. (I will say, as Ive said many times in the past, if a band is hyped to me on a constant basis, chances are, I'm going to judge them pretty hard.) But one thing was sure to me after listening to the tracks, I liked the band and was going to follow them. And I did. Their sound is the kind of thing i like, and it would be a surprise to anyone who knows me. Ian MacKaye-esc sounding vocals. Music that is definitely influenced by Fugazi, but could also be compared to At The Drive-In, Drive Like Jehu, and at times even Faraquet. Recently The Red Robot broke up. Which has left me heartbroken. I never got a chance to see them. Too my knowledge, they never did tour outside of their immediate area. Which is sad. I think about them playing DC and other places and killing. Early videos of them showed that they had a large following. And just personally, their videos reminded me of Bad Cops shows from when the Syracuse scene was in its prime. Crowd singing along, everyone smiling and having a great time. And its just so awesome when you see that happening at shows and to bands that aren't meathead hardcore or dumb MTV2/Fuse mallcore. I'll continue to follow the members new bands, but The Red Robot will always mean alot to me and hold a special place in my heart. I highly suggest everyone giving them a listen.

Self Titled (I included the songs "Modern Living" & "Wrangler Butts" in this download.  They may be from the Grun-Tu-Molani EP that I've never been able to get a copy of. These two songs are the songs Anthony showed me all those years ago. You can get a actual copy of the album here. If you're in Syracuse, you might also be able to get one from Anthony. I know he had some copies not that long ago.)

Memory (Their last album. Only released online.)

Q and not U - No Kill No Beep Beep

I can safely say this is the only record this band released that I care about. There were a couple tracks off of Different Damage that were okay, but this is a great record. I know people who HATE this band, and they have never heard this record. Not trying to be a dick, but i can totally understand. With later releases, Q and not U got into all this keyboard based techno bullshit. I guess if you like that stuff, that's okay. But understand that there are people who hear that and cringe. I think that anyone who hears this record and falls in love with it, would have the same response to the band's later works. This is my favorite set up for a post hardcore band. guitar guitar bass and drums. You cant beat it. Especially when the two guitar players are able to play off each other so well. This is their only album as a four piece, which might also be why I like this album and not the rest. Essentially, to me, this album is like if Fugazi listened to more dance bands. It has a sound that fits right in with that Dischord post hardcore sound, but is different enough to keep you interested. I wish I had been able to see the band in this era. I saw them years later, and it was a very big disappointment. This is who they will always be in my eyes, even though i realize that is wrong.

Download The Album Here

Buy it if you like it

Fugazi - Steady Diet Of Nothing

Here comes the surprise. This is my favorite Fugazi album. Yep, fuck all of you, I don’t care. Haha. Though "13 Songs" was the first album I owned by them, as I assume it was/is the first album most people have heard by them, this album has continually been my fave. I’m not going to get into what the band sounds like or “for fans of whatever.” It’s Fugazi. If you haven’t listened to them, there is something fucking wrong with you. Especially if you consider yourself to have any knowledge of underground or indie music. They have influenced a lot of the bands you probably listen to. And even some mainstream bands claim to have been influenced by them. I pretty much view them as one of the best examples, and pretty much the definition, of post hardcore music.

-matthew st.

Download The Album Here

Buy it from a independent record store if you like it

Or get it at the Dischord Records online store

Lisabö - Ezarian

Anyone who has talked to me in depth about music lately has probably heard me mention this band. This is the first album I ever heard by them, and I still think it is outrageous. Its by the band Lisabö. They formed in 1998 in Spain. In their 11 years of existence they have released four albums and an EP. “Ezarian” was released in 2000 and is their second album.

“Matt, describe them with one word.” Okay. Powerful. Since forming, they have forged a unique sound for themselves. I can honestly say that they are the first band I have heard with two drummers that I don’t think ,“What the fuck is the point of this? They are playing the exact same thing the whole time!” Lisabö’s drummers have a way of playing off each other, playing in between each others lines, that mingle and intertwine in such a way that at times tricks you into thinking there is only one drummer. The music they produce will sound new and yet, familiar to anyone who knows enough of the genre. At times you can hear elements of everything from Shellac to Fugazi to Unwound to Sonic Youth.

This album starts off quiet with whispers and moody guitar/cello interplay and then wacks you upside the head when the second song kicks in with its driving rock. The contrast of quiet and moody & powerful and passionate runs all through out this album. What they are going for is so easy to grasp that is doesnt even matter to me that they aren't singing in English. Which is honestly, the only thing I can see turning people off to this album and band. But its definitely worth checking out.

-matthew st.

Personal Album Highlights:

-Hemen Naiz Ez Gelditzeko Baina

-Ur Gainean

Download the album here

I don’t honestly know if you can get their albums in America, but I would highly suggest checking your local record store.

More of their music can be found at their myspace page.

Here is a live video of them playing the song "Hemen Naiz Ez Gelditzeko Baina" & some of the song "Ez Nago Maitatzeko Prest" from the "Ezarian" album.

Unwound - Leaves Turn Inside You

Unwound were a band that changed with every album they put out. "Leaves Turn Inside You" is their last album and though its sad that it is their last release, what a way to go out! The term "swan song" gets tossed around alot, but it fits perfect for this album. All of the elements of the bands past albums are here, but along with new experimentations. Piano, Keyboards, Cello, etc. It feels very open. I dont like to use the word spacey, but it can totally fit with this album. Almost like you are floating from song to song. And yet, there is an aggression that is usually reserved for more straight forward/non-adventurous post hardcore bands. This band was often overlooked in the face of bands like Fugazi. But I suggest anyone into post hardcore, or even early math rock or post rock, giving this album at least a listen.

Personal Album Highlights:

-Off This Century

-Below The Salt

Download it here

if you like the album, please buy it from a local record store.

-matthew st.