The Files You Have On Me seems to do almost the impossible – create a slick, meaty sounding hard-rock record that is a) not flaky and b) seriously gripping. WATERDOWN, with their second stateside release, straddle and mulch the line between hardcore, metal, and melodic rock with calculated precision and massive heart. This disc just [...]

A lot of people complain that STRETCH ARMSTRONG doesn’t tour enough to support their ever-growing (and rightfully so) fanbase. I propose that to solve this dilemma, people start booking WHERE EAGLES DARE instead, as this band sounds remarkably similar – and trust me, that’s certainly not a bad thing. Hailing from Arizona, this five-piece erupts [...]

Oh hell yeah!!! I didn’t have the greatest of expectations coming into this release, thinking it might be more generic old-school hardcore, but WHERE AND FEAR AND WEAPONS MEET tore the lips off my face and made me mosh it up hard just to get them back. At only six songs in 17 or so [...]

There’s an odd trade-off that exists when a band tries to really diversify their sound and talents. Although such extra instrumentation is valued as standing out and above the rest of the pack, there’s always the risk that people are going to have a tough time adapting to something slightly less than conventional. WAFFLEHOUSE* I [...]

Has anyone else noticed the rise in usage of the term Christmukkah this year? Anyway, Pastepunk wishes everyone a very happy and healthy holiday and start to the new year. If 2004 is anywhere near as fantastic musically as 2003, we all have a lot to look forward to!

This band’s EP really surprised the heck out of me as I was previously both unfamiliar with the band and their label, The New Beat. I did however notice that the disc was produced by Matt Allison, and there is a strong ALKALINE TRIO / JAWBREAKER influence, which of course made me rather happy. Dark [...]

Brian Briggs of “”BBspot.com”" has posted a thorough comparison of the growing field of competitors in the digital music services industry. While it may be a little too late to influence those making holiday purchasing decisions, it’s still an excellent read for anyone on the cusp of getting an iPod or a similar portable device, as well as those in general who are entering the fray of legal downloads. I personally use both iTunes and the Napster Premium service, and am satisfied with both. I dropped my Emusic subscription a few months ago after they were sold and retooled their options, so if anyone is still a subscriber and wants to share some thoughts on the service, feel free to do so.

http://www.bbspot.com/News/2003/12/digital_music_store_reviews_1.html

I’m beginning to get the impression that Indecision Records is starting to stray even further to the heavier side of the hardcore/metal spectrum. Like their labelmates BLEEDING THROUGH, this band absolutely pummels the listener with a well executed combination of shredding guitars, gruff, growly vocals, and a decidedly unorthodox method in songwriting. No two songs [...]