Posts Tagged ‘Dag Nasty’


31.03.2009

Band Spotlight: Rapid Cities

posted by Will

in Band Spotlight

Who? Rapid Cities

Where are they from? New Brunswick, New Jersey

What do they sound like? New Brunswick just keeps ‘em coming and Rapid Cities are the next in line. Emotional hardcore is a genre that has become largely forgotten for whatever reason. Luckily we still have bands like Rapid Cities keeping it real. The band’s sound has a definite DC punk/hardcore influence of bands like Dag Nasty and Fugazi. Just as those bands did before them, Rapid Cities meld their melody with a powerful aggression. This is really well played stuff that is as intense as it is intelligent. Rapid Cities’ debut full-length, Machinery Saints, is due out soon.

In My Mind

02%20In%20My%20Mind.mp3

www.myspace.com/rapidcities

12.10.2008

Den Of Thieves: Letters From The Tanzerouft

posted by Will

in Music Reviews

Bands like Den Of Thieves seem to be few and far between nowadays. The Staten Island band plays an intense maelstrom of post-hardcore akin to bands like Avail and Silent Majority. In fact, if I didn’t know I would think this was yet another in a long line of bands from Tommy Corrigan (Silent Majority, Blood Red, Capital). The similarities are written all over Letters From The Tanzerouft. Much like Corrigan’s bands, Den Of Thieves are pulling from hardcore’s roots while adding more musicianship and an unmistakable emotional element to the picture. I like to call it arena hardcore cause it just sounds so emotionally charged and huge. Letters From The Tanzerouft is truly pummeling as the band pounds out ten songs in 26 minutes. Precise, raw and above all sincere, Den Of Thieves are showcasing the depth and reach of hardcore.

Unfortunately, It seems I continue to review bands that have just broken up. Den Of Thieves unfortunately called it a day a few months ago. Too bad though. In this political and social climate, bands like Den Of Thieves are always needed.

Genre: Punk/Hardcore

RIYL: Avail, Dag Nasty, Quicksand

Label: Exotic Fever

The Fable Romantis

01%20The%20Fable%20Romantis.mp3

www.myspace.com/xdenofthieves

11.10.2007

Dear Tonight: We’re Not Men

posted by Will

in Best New Music, Music Reviews

deartonight.jpg

With so many faceless, uninspiring bands playing music today it rekindles my spirit to hear a record like We’re Not Men. Dear Tonight hail from Brooklyn, NY and play a breathtaking take on hardcore that combines elements old and new. Upon my first listen I was taken back to the great DC emo/hardcore bands of the late eighties like Dag Nasty and Rites Of Spring. Further listens showcase a modern post-hardcore approach to the band’s intelligent punk rock. It is that impressive mixture that guides the band along their ambitious way.

Dear Tonight spare the bullshit on We’re Not Men. What an appropriate title for an album that spends so much time asking questions…begging us to look in the mirror and realize our faults. We’re Not Men seems like an exorcism of sorts. The album has a sense of urgency much like the times we live in. Dear Tonight turn a critical eye on social and political issues as well as all of our own personal shortcomings. This is raw passion and Dear Tonight simply have no patience for apathetic souls. Yet, Dear Tonight are speaking to themselves with these songs just as much as they are to you and me. The album is laced with confusion and insecurity. We’re Not Men is a therapeutic confession…one that is personal, yet incredibly powerful.

The politically based lyrics of “Broken Golden Rules” ring true in more ways than one. They speak to the brutal honesty of We’re Not Men and the willingness of Dear Tonight to explore themselves and the world around them. To tell you the truth, these days, liberty is a luxury; I’ve lowered the bar on battle cries: give me honesty or give me death. Dear Tonight have done their part. What will you do?

Genre: Post-Hardcore

RIYL: Rites Of Spring, Dag Nasty, Latterman

Label: Red Leader

What We Love Not Are

What%2BWe%2BLove%2BNot%2BAre.mp3

You Have Too Much Faith In Us

You%2BHave%2BToo%2BMuch%2BFaith%2Bin%2BUs.mp3

We Aren’t Doing It

We%2BAren%2527t%2BDoing%2BIt.mp3

www.myspace.com/deartonight