Episode #56
1. Sohns

Sohns are a four-piece experimental rock band from San Antonio, Texas. They have one album out titled, To Ward it Off and Drown it Out, featuring nine songs of chaotic noise rock. Their newest record, Ripe/Rot, is a 7” with five tracks released through Flannel Gurl Records (pick up a copy HERE). The record has an excellent selection of really aggressive rock tunes, both experimental and noisy. On the song, Soul Train Blues of the Broken Skull, a slow and steady opener, is heavy with drums and bass, with the guitar providing some feedback and noise. It serves as a nice track and lead in to the proceeding song, Abomination (check out the music video HERE), a livelier track of screams and dissonant melodies. Alex Mendez's vocals are always on maximum screams at the higher range, but really nice to listen to. The closing track, Soul Salvation, presents the band at its heaviest. The guitars are crunchy and the basslines provide some pretty thick tones and grooves. Nice way to close this new record. I dig this band. A lot. Sohns' song on this episode is titled, Abomination, off of, Ripe/Rot.
2. Strike to Survive

Strike to Survive are a hardcore band from Santa Rosa, California. They're currently on a cross country tour with select dates with Matahari. Last night of tour happens in Los Angeles, California. They recently released a split with Hides (check them out HERE) from San Francisco and it's available for nameyourprice from either band (check out Strike to Survive's bandcamp HERE). Strike to Survive's side of the record features two new tracks (Vapor Eyes and Obsidian) of fast hardcore and punk. Not typical three chord-style songs too, lots of nice breakdowns and bridges. They need to write more tunes. Hides present five continuous songs of aggressive hardcore that's loud and chaotic. Very nice stuff. Strike to Survive's song on this episode is called, Obsidian, off of their split with Hides.
3. run, Walk!

run, Walk! are a drum and bass duo from the UK. They played their last shows in July along with releasing a final album titled, Health (pick up a copy of the album HERE). The album, Health, is a nice collection of breezy instrumentals (Intro and ///////), whacked out drum and bass (Dead Room, Black Canvas and Lose All Your Fear), and a bit of experimental noise (Out of the Blue). I only just recently heard about this band, and that's too bad. They have some really nice stuff (check out another tune of theirs on EPISODE 49). It's a bit tricky to figure out who the real driving force is between these two, but it's safe to say they share equal parts into making this band as kick-ass as they are. The percussive elements are heavy and the bass is always fuzzy and noisy. Excellent tunes. Excellent album. run, Walk!'s song on this episode is titled, Black Dreams, off of their album, Health.
4. Still Alive

Still Alive are a four-piece punk and ska band from Chicago, Illinois. Earlier in the year, Still Alive released an album, Trials, digitally (check out another tune from that album on EPISODE 42). It's their debut record. Just recently the band re-released the album on vinyl format with some new cover art. The vinyl itself is green with some splattered colors as well (pick up a copy HERE). Both the cover art and vinyl look really solid. But other than that, nothing else new with the album. This album really is solid and worth picking up (the album is still available for nameyourprice on Bandcamp HERE). Still Alive's song on this episode is the title track from their new album, Trials.
5. Siblings

Siblings are a four-piece hardcore band from the island of Oahu, Honolulu, Hawaii. These guys play very aggressive tunes and they keep it fast and to the point. And they cover a range of topics in their music, from personal ideals and issues to the importance and lifestyle of the DIY approach. They have several releases, all of which can be downloaded for free from their Bandcamp HERE. They've also been featured on a recently released local compilation along with other Hawaii superstars (check it out HERE) called, Revolution Endless Summer. The same tune on that comp can be heard on EPISODE 55 b). A split with fellow local band, Coral Stabz is in the works. Some demos can be heard HERE. Siblings' song on this episode is titled, It's Okay Not to Pray, off of their EP, The Book of Siblings.
6. Lands on Fire

Lands on Fire are a four-piece progressive rock band from San Diego, California. They've been releasing demos and final-mixes of new songs since last year on their website HERE and playing the occasional show (check out some footage of their sets HERE). Their songs have a lively flare to them and are just always upbeat and progressive. It will be an awesome day when they finally release a proper full-length. Listen to some of their other tunes on EPISODE 21, EPISODE 25 (features the track, Too Many People from their self-titled album released through Fallen Angel Records), and EPISODE 36. Lands on Fire's song on this episode is their newest track, Addictions.
7. From Scars

From Scars are a punk band from San Diego, California. Currently a three-piece, they play a really tight mix of punk and ska, with very upbeat grooves and melodies. The vocals are scratchy and gruff, in a very good way and the instrumentals are top notch and fun to listen to. They released a four song EP earlier this year titled, Spare Change (download it from their Bandcamp HERE). These four songs are fast and energetic with loads of melody. Some writing is also in the works for a new album. Hopefully it will be out this year. Get into them. Now. From Scars' song on this episode is titled, Rust, off of, Spare Change.