If last year’s big “classic emo” breakout band was LOOK MEXICO, I have no doubt this year’s could be Philly’s ALGERNON CADWALLADER. The two bands share a lot in common – most notably their knack for using those melodic, twinkling guitar tones made famous by some guys with the last name Kinsella. Where they differ, [...]

Music nerds love the idea of “real reissues” (not the kind that come out six months after a release date with a lame bonus DVD and two non-album tracks). We dream of epic pairings between bands and labels, lost b-sides, buried demo tracks, and remixed and remastered coatings. Because of this, Pastepunk reached to two [...]

- After a Thanksgiving holiday that has left me absolutely exhausted (traveling around with a nine month old makes that an understatement), what better way to decompress and get ready for the work-week with the SICK OF IT ALL classic Just Look Around? If we’re doing word-association with this release, I will always side with “stinging.”

Using a company name that could only connote the straight-edge, legendary hardcore musician John Porcelly (known simply as Porcell – former member of YOUTH OF TODAY, JUDGE, BOLD, PROJECT X, SHELTER, and more) has a launched True Til Death Straight-Edge Gear, exclusively distributed through Merch Direct. In addition to the online store, the site plans to include pages on sponsored bands, information about the straight-edge lifestyle, and a message board.

- How can you have a straight-edge themed online store without a knockoff of the infamous straight-edge Swatch watch? The store looks great though.

- When the airplane pilot reminds you for the third time in 10 minutes to check the security of your seat-belt

- When the phrasing “the ride will be quite turbulent with bumpiness in various degrees of intensity,” is said with a slight quiver.

- When the 180 or so people on board make enough “ohhhhh,” and “wooahhhh” sounds that you if you close your eyes hard enough, you might just think you’re at an amusement park.

- When after you land through rain and fog, the flight crew announces over the PA, “what a landing!!”

As frontman of DAPHNE LOVES DERBY, Kenny Choi has had the chance to write upbeat, melodic pop-rock songs in the vein of MAE and COPELAND. And although there are a ton of bands out there that fit this mold, Choi’s band has always done it in commendable fashion. For whatever reason, Choi’s latest musical adventure [...]

DAMIERA Name and position in band: Dave Raymond, lead vocal, guitar right. DAMIERA sounds like: Fluorescent overlay, earth-tone base. Limited Edition. The best thing about our label (Equal Vision) is: Family, integrity. No contest. When we’re not playing shows, we’re doing the following: Design, horses, gasoline, pastries, books, buses, planes, staying warm, staying thankful. If [...]

From Issue Oriented:

“Tom Gabel talks about the election, his new solo effort, watching what you say and more. Tom performed two songs while he was here – totally rad.

Freddy Cricien of MADBALL talks about artistic integrity, misconceptions, Barack Obama and tons more!

Let Me Run stop by for an exclusive acoustic performance!”

link: issueoriented.com