May 2000
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Bad Religion

"The New America"
Atlantic Records

Rating: 9/10

 Bad Religion is just one of those bands that know how to keep things going and I have to say these guys are unbelievable. Maybe their recipe for punkrock has changed over the years, but Bad Religion succeeded in recording an awesome sounding, well-considered piece of music history. "The New America" is a must for any true Bad Religion fan!  With a mix of earlier styles from "Suffer" and "Stranger Than Fiction" make this one of Bad Religion's best CD's. A striking aspect of "The New America" is the use of a lot of odd studio effects. Greg Graffin uses some strange deformation effects for his voice, 'I Love My Computer' is filled with wacky bleep-sounds, but I gotta say, those effects are refreshing, very well thought out. Another striking aspect is that former Bad Religion member, Brett Gurewitz, wrote 'Believe It'; and in fact it does sound like a song from 'Stranger Than Fiction'. My favorite songs are 'A World Without Melody' and 'Don't Sell Me Short'; songs with a lot of alternation and of course Greg's great lyrics. This CD is going to be released on May 9th so make sure that you get your ass down to the local record store and get it! For thoese that live near the Orange County area in California, don't miss Bad Religion's CD signing at the Warehouse in Irvine on Barranca. Call (949) 857-1095 for details!

Frank Rizzo

 

The Pressure

"Things Move Fast"
Elastic Records

Rating: 9/10

Things move fast is the release of the 1999 three piece out of Costa Mesa. The band has since reformed after an unfortunate accident to then drummer Jason thorn berry. Destined for stardom this album is an incredible weave of punk. A blend of X meets sonic youth, with a touch of the harder smashing pumpkins and you have the pressure. Dana James and Ronnie Washburn take turns being the front man for the band. Adding to the diversity of the bands sound. The band builds its music in layers then drops you to a mellow pace just to jerk you back into more dynamic side of the song.
From the spacey go-go like "outer space" to the dreamy coriganesq "this morning". On "this morning" Washburn does a great job slowing it.
From the spacey go-go like "outer space" to the dreamy coriganesq "this morning". On "this morning" Washburn does a great job slowing it down and showing a simpler side, the song is a mellow acoustic jam the has to get some major label attention. They appeal to a very eclectic crowd. All kinds of people show up to a pressure show and it seems to work. Liberty spiked punks next to a nerdy dweeb sitting across from some. Surfer kids and they are All having a good time. They seem to appeal to fringe people. And that’s a good thing. I love this album and highly recommend you go out and see this band up close while you still can. It’s only a matter of time till they get huge. So keep an eye out for them.

Tim Buctoo.

 

Millencolin

"Pennybridge Pioneers"
Burning Heart Records

Rating 8/10

 This band was always one of my preferred until their last release For Monkeys. I didn't like that one much because I thought there just wasn't enough vigor and too much soft songs included. Good thing that they decided to record this new CD in a new location with new producers. Thanks to the great work by Brett Gurewitz who produced and engineered (with the also renowned Donell Cameron) this album which was recorded in the famous Westbeach Recorders studios in Hollywood. The ska-ish sound has almost entirely been thrown overboard or at least has become a lot faster and made room for a more melodic (Pulley/Bad Religion-alike) touch. The guitar lines have a finer tone and crunchier rhythm to them that makes this CD that much better! . Nikola's rare vocals are the one constant thing I should mention; they still are the trademark of the band. Normally, I would pick a few songs I like most, but this album is stuffed with them. All of them are good sing along songs except for the final song The Ballad, this song sucks ass! A ballad with piano and guitar is not something I wanted to hear from Millencolin. There's nothing that should stop you from getting this album as soon as possible.

Frank Rizzo

 

The Dwarves

"Come Clean"
Epitaph Records

Rating: 8/10

 One band that never ceases to amaze me are the Dwarves. Ever since they first appeared out of a basement somewhere in Illinois with their 1983 debut, Lick It, they've been kicking out the best, snotty, open embrace of sex and drugs, punk rock there is and the have been pissing off almost anyone who came in contact with them all at the same time! They haven't mellowed much since then, but they have learned how to play their instruments a bit better. With ghoulish noise-metal, Come Clean blitzes through 12 songs in just over 20 minutes, which is actually pretty long by Dwarves' standards. Another thing about this CD, beside the well designed cover, is that it is diverse in all ways. Being that there are so many god damn types of punk out there, its hard to find bands that aren’t a flush of yelling and screaming neo nazi shit faces, or so watered down you think your listening to a poppier version of sissy boys NSYNC! If you get this CD you are safe! The Dwarves continue their legacy with yet another fine example of "I don’t fucking care" punk!

Frank Rizzo

 

The Generators

"Burning Ambition"
Cool Guy Records

Rating: 8/10

 Wow, I dig this band. These Pasadena locals really know how to rock. This CD passes by way too quickly and left me wanting more. It has killer guitar leads and strong drum beats. The lead singer (previously of the band Schleprock with the drummer) has a powerful voice that complimented well with the backing vocals. It has a driving force and doesn't leave you hanging.

Check this band out!!!!!

Aimee Schwartz

 

 

Rollins Band

"Get Some+Go Again"
Dreamworks Records

Rating: 8/10

 This 13 song CD shows how powerful Henry Rollins can be. Henry's vocals always tell a story, baring his soul to the whole wide world, about the many trials and tribulations of the everyday person. Joined along with him is the band Mother Superior from L.A. which are a great extension to Henry. You often feel as if he's speaking directly to you. This CD is hard-hitting and definitely a keeper. Go out and purchase this one, you won't be disappointed.

Aimee Schwartz