The Henry Clay People – Somewhere On The Golden Coast (TBD Records)
Not much new here–these guys mostly remind me of The Hold Steady, but with prettier vocals. But that’s not to say they’re bad. In fact, they’ve got some pretty great singalong anthems here. The Henry Clay People put the emphasis on songcraft, and it pays off big time.
Landmine Marathon – Sovereign Descent (Prosthetic Records)
Brutal metallic hardcore with crust influences; this style is usually my jam, especially when produced this well. But Landmine Marathon’s songs, most of which stretch past the four-minute mark, overstay their welcome. Their riffs are great, but they play them too many times. They need an editor.
This Or The Apocalypse – Haunt What’s Left (Good Fight Music)
I haven’t heard a mall-metalcore (think Avenged Sevenfold, Bullet For My Valentine) record that I’ve liked in at least five years. I thought the style was played out. And yet, I’m all about This Or The Apocalypse. Their production is somewhat robotic, but the songs are undeniable. Who knew?
The Henry Clay People – Somewhere On The Golden Coast (TBD Records)
Not much new here–these guys mostly remind me of The Hold Steady, but with prettier vocals. But that’s not to say they’re bad. In fact, they’ve got some pretty great singalong anthems here. The Henry Clay People put the emphasis on songcraft, and it pays off big time.
Landmine Marathon – Sovereign Descent (Prosthetic Records)
Brutal metallic hardcore with crust influences; this style is usually my jam, especially when produced this well. But Landmine Marathon’s songs, most of which stretch past the four-minute mark, overstay their welcome. Their riffs are great, but they play them too many times. They need an editor.
This Or The Apocalypse – Haunt What’s Left (Good Fight Music)
I haven’t heard a mall-metalcore (think Avenged Sevenfold, Bullet For My Valentine) record that I’ve liked in at least five years. I thought the style was played out. And yet, I’m all about This Or The Apocalypse. Their production is somewhat robotic, but the songs are undeniable. Who knew?
