One Year Show
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1. Abandon the Raft
Abandon the Raft are a rock band from San Diego, California with two releases, Concept Paradox (2009), and the House of Gold EP (2010). The two releases are a bit different from each other, with Concept Paradox being more hard-rock driven and atmospheric, while the second release incorporates more electronica and pop oriented themes. Earlier this year, Abandon the Raft released a new mix of the title track from their House of Gold EP. The song still holds the same new-wave intro with bits of electronica and dance beats spread throughout. An additional phrase appears where it originally would have ended. The guitars are tweaked a bit in various parts of the song, not a significant change, but still really tight and interesting. Currently, Abandon the Raft are playing the occasional show, with more in the works and a new EP on the rise soon.The song on this episode is the title track off of their House of Gold EP.
2. Elba
Elba are a five-piece rock band from Seattle, Washington. The band has several releases including a self-titled EP (2005), An Avalanche LP (2008), Don't Be Discouraged Little Sparrow (2009), and their most recent EP, Diplodocus. The new EP features five songs of some sweet pop rock from the Northwest. The title track begins the EP, slow and steady, with some interesting melodies from the bass and keyboard players. The second track, To the Coast, sort of picks up the pace, with its driving guitars and drums. On the track, Broken on the Wheel, it features a lead on trumpet, which carries a simple, but very significant melody throughout the tune. Very nice touch. The EP closes with a more aggressive tune out of the songs, Dispatches. It is acoustic driven, but quick in tempo and energetic. A nice way to end the EP. Elba are currently booking shows and hope to tour sometime in the Fall. The song featured on this episode is titled, To the Coast, off of, Diplodocus.
3. Eskera
Eskera are currently on tour and have been since the beginning of this month (June 2011). Eskera are a four-piece punk/ska band from San Diego, California. Their songs are filled with lots of aggression, political ideals and views, and a lot of hardcore influences. Lots of the songs also showcase a diverse set of styles, especially when they jump into ska phrases of their tunes. Their songs are also sung in both Spanish and English. They have several releases out including, a self-titled EP (2009) and Nuestra Lucha, Nuestra Gente (2010) and a full-length titled, Ruido Debajo del Puente (2011). Their newest album features 15 songs in just under 30 minutes. Check it out on their bandcamp. The song featured on this episode is titled, Nuestra Lucha, Nuestra Gente, off of, Ruido Debajo del Puente.
4. Voice of Addiction
Voice of Addiction are a punk rock trio from Chicago, Illinois. They have a few records out including, Re-Evolution, A New Religion, and their newest record, Reduce, Reuse, Resist. Voice of Addiction released the new record at the beginning of June and will release a vinyl version in July. The album features 13 songs full of different styles and influences, but with roots leading back to punk rock. It's very raw and energetic, layered with political themes and tight melodies. Voice of Addiction have a huge line up of shows coming, including a west coast tour in the ending of July and most of August. Check out their website for show dates and to listen to more songs off the new record. The song featured on this episode is titled, September Remembered, off of, Reduce, Reuse, Resist.
5. Abolitionist
Abolitionist are a three-piece punk band from Portland, Oregon. Their new album, It Used to Rain, is a record full of punk and hardcore anthems, telling the story of war and what it ensues. These 10 songs chronicle an interesting story with a happy (open?) ending. The songs are consistent with a water theme, sung through punk rock angst and aggressiveness. CD and vinyl versions are available for It Used to Rain. Check out their website here. Also available is their debut 7”. A tour is also set for next month in July. The song featured on this episode is titled, Flaming Barricades, off of, It Used to Rain.
6. Thick Shakes
Thick Shakes come from Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. Their newest record is a 7” titled, Why Buy the Cow, released through Aurora 7 Records. It is three songs of some raw, noisy garage punk. Under the layers of distorted guitars, drums and voice, are the sweet sounds of a keyboard off in the distance. Look past the audio clutter, and you got some pretty fun melodies to dance to. Thick Shakes have a couple shows coming up, one towards the end of June and one in August. Be sure to check out their website for details. The song featured on this episode is titled, Neighbor's Goods, off of, Why Buy the Cow.
7. Lands on Fire
Lands on Fire come from San Diego, California. They have one record in its catalog, a self-titled album released through Fallen Angel Records. Their music is rock based, often very melodic with hints of punk and pop origins. The guitar leads are always interesting, leading into epic solos and dissonant melodies. The writing features some great song structures and tons of originality. Lands on Fire's new tunes feature a bigger sound to it, providing more of everything they previously did. The new tunes are available for free on the band's website here. The song featured on this episode is titled, Endless Line, soon to be featured on a new upcoming album.