Young Poor & Angry Press

First hearing the name Polar Bear Club, I was a bit skeptical on what exactly to expect. After giving the “The Summer of George” EP a solid listen, I could easily see why PBC was becoming a band to recognize. Even though the EP only had 3 tracks, it was a solid album. The raw vocals against the hard-rock edge captures an emotion like no other. With their sophmore release “Chasing Hamburg” I was ready to dive in.

Like many of you, I’ve had those days when you’re looking to just start the next day. That’s when “Living Saints” comes into play. Fueled with passion and angst, you’ll be chanting along the lyrics after the first listen leaving you wanting more. Once you hit “Drifting Thing” you’ll notice the slower down-tempo rock is perfectly placed within the album giving “Chasing Hamburg” a great flow from start to finish.

Check them out on tour:
6.10 - Syracuse, NY
6.11 - Providence, RI
6.12 - Baltimore, MD
6.13 - Richmond, VA
6.15 - Covington, KY
6.16 - Pontiac, MI
6.17 - Chicago, IL
6.18 - Minneapolis, MN
6.19 - Omaha, NE
6.20 - Denver, CO
6.21 - Salt Lake City, UT
6.23 - Anaheim, CA

Listening to hardcore records for me is a lot like pitching a baseball game. There are some bands that I can open my day with. Bands like Hatebreed who get the blood flowing and every single song is a hit. There are bands that are middle relief, meaning they need someone to open for them because while they’re good they need time to warm, and then there are closers. Closers are bands that save the day, bands that throw strikes every time.

For me listening to Rhinoceros is like listening to one of the best middle relief bands period. While it’s not anything earth shatteringly new, their album They’re Coming For Me gets the job done. At times songs like Let Me Die In Peace take a little too long to build up to the vocals, but once they do it’s a sonic assault.

I liked Righteous Man a lot, it was a quick to the point hardcore song. The breakdown is actually really reminiscent of Cold as Life. No Trust is one of those mosh worthy songs that will set a pit off quicker than a racist at a Obama rally.

If you’re into tough guy hardcore with rough breakdowns and songs that make you want to punch someone in the face, these guys are definitely your band. Good solid hardcore circa ‘99.

When I was sent the press release for this band the first thought that came to mind was “oh dear god there is going to be some carnage on this tour” as this band’s bio reads more like a police blotter. That being said you probably think the Kings of Nuthin’ are some Blood for Blood style hardcore band or a sneering punk rock band, but the truth is this band has a style all their own. The first release since 2002, the band comes back stronger than ever and with a stolen piano to boot combining a blend of 50s style rock n roll and street punk that will leave you singing all day.

Chances are you’ve heard of them out on tour with Dropkick Murphys and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. This eight-piece band is rock solid in this release. Black and Blue will sure to make you want to pogo and Sick and Tired reminds me of something I’d hear at a really great pub jukebox. Asleep At the Wheel will make you laugh your ass off and is something that all of us who’ve ever been in journalism can relate to. Bystander should be in a Guy Ritchie flick, that’s the kind of imagery it conjures up. From beginning to end you’ll be nodding along with these guys. Definitely worth the listen.

It takes a hell of a lot to impress me in the punk genre. I love punk music, but I also love good punk music. I love stuff that makes me wanna drink beer, hang out with my friends, read a newspaper and get pissed off. Without a doubt Angel City Outcasts is one of the most unique bands I’ve heard in a really long time. Trying to pinpoint what you like about this band is like trying to find out what got you into rock and roll to begin with.

Whether it’s blistering fast tracks like Five Guns West or a little slower anthem-like sing-a-longs like On My Way/Exodus they rock in a way I’ve not heard since I first listened to Appetite for Destruction when I was like twelve. Personally two of my favorite tracks is Going Crazy which is country/punk/rockabilly rolled into one and Sidewinder which is just damn good psychobilly pure and simple. The album clocks in at 47 minutes which usually would make me fall asleep. That being said, if you fall asleep listening to this you’re probably a deranged nut-job.