I’m not so sure that the underground is a dying breed (though if you read a certain website it sure feels that way), but after HOT ROD CIRCUIT’s strikingly disappointing 2004 full-length, Reality’s Coming Through, it seemed like this band was a dying endeavor. However, after nearly three years of quiet-time, a label shift to [...]

Boston’s THE CARRIER are presently one of the best up-and-coming hardcore acts around. In late 2007 the band released their debut full-length One Year Later on Rock Vegas Records. In support of getting people interested in the release, the band has posted their demo release for download via MediaFire. You can check that out here. Several new songs from the band can be heard on their MySpace page.

I figured I’d chime in and mention that this photo was taken from THE CARRIER’s set when they opened up for SHIPWRECK A.D. at a recent show at Emerson College. These guys are all really young, but this photo can definitely prove that they are certainly no slouches when it comes to performing a passionate live set. – Jason

San Francisco Bay-area pop-punkers FIRST TO LEAVE have announced that they will be releasing a split with the Tokyo melodicore band VALVE DRIVE in the near future. The band has posted a live video on their MySpace page of a new song titled “Greenwood.”

- Woah. I just checked out VALVE DRIVE for the first time. Holy-forbidden-beat-pop-core! Think OVER IT circa The Ready Series, NO USE FOR A NAME, BIG WIG, etc., and with huge melodies. Sounds like it’s time to hunt down some Japanese tunes.

From the inbox:

A THOUSAND TIMES REPENT’s credo is fairly simple: Their art is their diary. It’s funny how such a small declaration can say so much. Simply put, A THOUSAND TIMES REPENT isn’t merely defined by their sound, instead they can better be characterized by their presence; a lasting impression that resonates an unrelenting honesty coupled with a strange sort of healing humility.

For two years now they’ve traveled the Southeast (as they call Atlanta their home) leaving their mark in small towns and big cities alike. However more importantly, they’ve connected with thousands, and have gained life-long friendships in the process. The release of their debut EP, Virtue Has Few Friends, navigates the musical spectrum taking the listener from savage, yet inspirational death metal with fierce, unforgiving guitar tones to warm and subtle atmospheric vocals.

Much more than a traditional deathcore/metal band, A THOUSAND TIMES REPENT disregards the boundaries wedged between brutality and beauty, instead they merge the two without blinking an eye. Virtue Has Few Friends allows this band to wear their hearts on their sleeves and that, my friend, is a beautiful thing.

link: myspace.com/athousandtimesrepent

- For those who miss GLASS CASKET…

With GAVIN CASTLETON’s ambitious record, you might as well call him SUFJAN STEVENS. While he released a boatload of music when he was in GRUVIS MALT, CASTLETON is already putting out his fifth solo release in the past two years. And he’s got three more planned for this year alone. As a part of a [...]

From the inbox:

Philly’s Flightplan Records is kicking off 2008 with new releases from TITLE FIGHT (Kingston, PA) and MEMORIAL (Richmond, VA). You can stream songs from both bands on their respective MySpace pages, as well as the label’s MySpace page.

TITLE FIGHT takes its cues from 90′s emotional punk and explosive hardcore, and the three tracks on Kingston showcase a young band with an impressive array of rugged melodies and unforgettable choruses. Their enthusiasm and energy will make you smile but it’s Title Fight’s dynamic songwriting that will have listeners coming back for more.

You can pick up a copy of the 7 inch here. Limited to 500, Kingston is available in translucent blue, white, black and green vinyl.

MEMORIAL — which features RENEE HEARTFELT front man Peter Appleby — will release its debut, Berlin / The Creative Process, in March on Flightplan Records. Originally scheduled for release as two separate 7 inches by Revelation Records, Flightplan will now offer these eight songs in a limited pressing of 500 on red, white or blue 12-inch vinyl.

Anyone who is mourning the breakup of the extremely-underrated Renee Heartfelt or finds themselves really missing QUICKSAND, watch out for this amazing album.

Flightplan Records was established in 2007 and has also released records from ZOLOF THE ROCK AND ROLL DESTROYER and REUNION.

ANTI-FLAG will be supporting Bright Lights of America, hopefully released around March 31st.

March 28, 2008