Thanks to our best friend the common cold I was only able to stick around for OVER IT, the opener on a night where Alley Katz featured a plethora of catchy punk bands (but to be completely honest, I had only a waning interest about seeing MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK and NORTHSTAR live anyways). Despite a [...]

It might seem silly to be 23 and bummed over a band breaking up, but it’s more than just the songs that will missed. I think I’ve probably moved slighty past the point where show-going was an impact on memory-making (I’m usually happier studying these days), but at the height of my entrenchment into all things punk/hardcore, etc. and far before ‘screamo’ ever appeared in a glossy mag, THE MOVIELIFE were one of those must see bands. At the same time, THE MOVIELIFE were both the best and worst band live. The worst because they played their songs so sloppily, it was usually an audio mess, but clearly, this was a result of their best attribute – an energetic performance practically unmatched. The kinetic forces in any room they played immediate scrambled off the charts. Intense, sweaty, and propelling, these guys knew how to give it their all. So with that, you tend to remember the other things about the shows they played; the friends you were with; the food you ate afterwards; the other killer bands that played…

These memories don’t vanish because the band they are based around happens to break-up, but they start to become dated, and a bit more remote from the present than we’d like them to remain. It’s the fear of those memories fading however, that makes it hard to stomach.

Although I’m a fairly rabid hockey fan and an obvious devotee of hardcore, SLAPSHOT for whatever reason eluded my radar for many, many years until this collection of newly re-recorded “hits” was put released stateside by Bridge 9. Twenty-two tracks, including two new songs make up “Greatest Hits, Slashes, and Crosschecks,” and while it’s all [...]

Washington Redskins: 3-1 and in first place!

We won’t discuss the seasons of my fantasy football teams thus far.

Seriously…lotsa suckage. Thanks for the great show memories guys. THE MOVIELIFE were definitely something special. I’m gonna go lie down now…

the long island force known as THE MOVIELIFE have called it quits. the guys are all still good friends, but it was decided that it was time to end the band. THE MOVIELIFE leaves a lot of great music behind them, and the individuals surely will continue to make more great music in the future. it is a sad day for the long island scene, and we wish the best to brandon, vinnie, evan, phil and dan.

long island’s calling me…

This six song release on Stillborn Records offers an interesting first impression on an up-and-coming hardcore band that seems to still be trying to find their sound. For the most part, STALEMATE tread in a post-hardcore vein, taking a few licks from QUICKSAND, vocals not too unlike BOTCH, but neither influences sound as good. The [...]

I admit, seeing hardcore bands on major labels does make me a bit uncomfortable. I’m always wondering if the label is going to promote the release and band to the community that cares to listen, or if they’re just going to put it out and forget about it. Well, I hope Elektra puts a lot [...]