CD/DVD
BAYSIDE
killing time (2011/WIND-UP)
INDIE/EMO-ROCK. BAYSIDE's major label debut finds them sticking to what works: a formula of both heartbreaking and heartwarming anthems that nods to rock contemporaries like THE SMITHS and NICK DRAKE.
BAYSIDE
the walking wounded (2012/VICTORY)
INDIE/EMO-ROCK. "the walking wounded" is the best collection of BAYSIDE songs yet. It is their strongest effort, with improved musicianship and singing, it would only be right that BAYSIDE broke out with this 12 track release. This record is a testament to the band's perseverance, with timeless pop/rock songs packed with emotion and vitality. CD+DVD edition (called "the walking wounded: gold edition") comes with bonus audio acoustic tracks and a DVD with documentaries, live acoustic tracks and music videos. Colored vinyl includes a digital download card.
BEAR VS. SHARK
Right now, you're in the best of hands (2003/EQUAL VISION)
POST-HARDCORE. BEAR VS. SHARK creates music for people like them who need to be inspired in the same way as they have been by music. The band originates from the greater Detroit metro area, specifically Highland and White Lake, MI. They play with no emotional pretenses and bring a sense of music history and genuine sincerity to their craft. With musical influences as diverse as Fugazi, Led Zeppelin, Hot Water Music, Elton John, The Commodores, Johnny Cash, Sunny Day Real Estate, At The Drive-In and Radiohead, it’s easy to see the root of the band's unique sonics. BVS recorded their Equal Vision Records debut at Big Blue Meenie studios [Thursday, Taking Back Sunday, Breaking Pangaea] in NJ. The studio, with it’s incredible team of engineers, proved to be the perfect environment for the band to harness their raw, melodic power. The members of BEAR VS. SHARK have played shows with broken legs, broken teeth, bloody noses, open wounds, torn cartilage and migraines. They will play through most injuries, and sustain many while playing.
BEAR VS. SHARK
Terrorhawk (2005/EQUAL VISION)
INDIE-PUNK. Michigan-based indie-punk quintet BEAR VS. SHARK has become synonymous with a chaotically beautiful live show and an eclectic musical vision that transcends numerous genres. Citing influences ranging from THE CLASH, THE COMMODORES, HÜSKER DÜ, FUGAZI, LED ZEPPELIN and ARCHERS OF LOAF, BEAR VS. SHARK strive to make music that is cathartic, inspiring and an emotionally cleansing experience for themselves and their listeners.
BECOMING THE ARCHETYPE
dichotomy (2008/TOOTH AND NAIL)
DEATH-METAL. For "dichotomy", BECOMING THE ARCHETYPE teamed up with metal legend Devin Townsend to create an album of metal akin to bands like OPETH, SOILWORK and LIVING SACRIFICE with lyrics that give a nod to "2001: a space odyssey", wherein lyricist and vocalist Jason explores the struggle between man and machine, biological and technological. This release also sees the return of original guitarist Jon and debut of new drummer Brandon. Filled to the brim with innovation and precision, Dichotomy elevates BECOMING THE ARCHETYPE to a level of unrivaled musicianship and songwriting.
BEDLIGHT FOR BLUE EYES
life on lifes terms (2007/TRUSTKILL)
INDIE-ROCK/EMO. Back with a vengeance, New Jersey melodic pop-rock quintet BEDLIGHT FOR BLUE EYES has taken all of their passion, insanity, and rock ’n roll, and multiplied it by one hundred. If you didn’t like BEDLIGHT’s 1st album, you’re not alone. But that doesn’t mean that you should ignore "life on life’s terms". They’re almost a different band all together. This is a pretty good release for the pop-rock genre.
BEDLIGHT FOR BLUE EYES
the dawn (2005/TRUSTKILL)
INDIE-ROCK/EMO. Passion, insanity, rock 'n' roll. Armed with these notions ingrained in their very bones, five kids out of Berkeley Heights have worked tirelessly to perfect a unique and explosive sound. This is BEDLIGHT FOR BLUE EYES 1st full-length. When a unique marriage of post-hardcore grit, metal guitar leads, motown-soul, and hard-rock mentality cross paths, the result is nothing less than jaw dropping. This combination of extremes works as a cohesive sound, anchored by the masterful melodic vocals of the shouter.
BEFORE THEIR EYES
s/t (2007/RISE)
BEFORE THEIR EYES is a five piece Christian outfit from Findlay, Ohio, whose passion is putting on an energetic, explosive live show since their inception in September 2006. This full length features artwork from renowned illustrator Derek Hess, and the music can be recommended to fans of DROP DEAD GORGEOUS and UNDEROATH.
BEFORE THEIR EYES
The Dawn Of My Death (2008/RISE)
POST-HARDCORE. Returning with their sophomore album, "The dawn of my death", BEFORE THEIR EYES us a melodic driven album that is both energetic and explosive. The guitar rifts are harder and more complex than before. They continue with a good balance of clean vocals and screamo to create a catchy sound with introspective lyrics that is noticeable from beginning to end. For fans of A DAY TO REMEMBER, CHIODOS and ATREYU.
BELLINI
the precious prize of gravity (2009/TEMPORARY RESIDANCE)
POST-ROCK. After 4 years, this husband-and-wife punk-rock power couple reunite to unleash their 3rd and most thunderous album. Recorded as always with long-time collaborator Steve Albini. Tilotta wraps a hundred notes per minute around the towering, sturdy rhythm section while Cacciola's poetic lyrics and smoky melodies alternately recall Grace Slick and PJ Harvey. Lyrically, this is their darkest album yet, but the songs are more complex, with a driving, X-inspired cow punk vibe. Recommended for fans of JESUS LIZARD, X, HÜSKER DÜ, GIRLS AGAINST BOYS, THE EX and PJ HARVEY. LP comes with CD of the entire album.
BELLRAYS, THE
have a little faith (2006/COBRASIDE/CARGO)
SOUL-PUNK/GARAGE. "have a little faith" sounding closer to ARETHA FRANKLIN than Kathleen Hanna, KEKAULAs soulful pipes often seemed at odds with the three-chord punk fury of THE BELLRAYS, but the aptly named "have a little faith" offers salvation for this long-running L.A.-area quartet. The band doesn't abandon punk-rock so much as balance the old roar with new sounds and the moody Middle-Eastern rhythms. Proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks, this album will be a welcome double take for anyone who thought they knew the band and a soul-stirring introduction for new converts.
BELLRAYS, THE
the red, white & black (2005/ALTERNATIVE TENTACLES)
GARAGE-PUNK. This full-length will blow your speakers and your mind at the same time. Intense fuzz-face guitars, over-the-top fervant black soul preaching by one of the best female singers in the world and a pace that just will not back down. One of the few bands who can be legitimately compared to the MC5 in terms of intesity. Every time you'll listen to this album you want to click it off and go firebomb the man! (and you will too!)
BEN DAVIES
aided & abetted (2003/LOVITT)
INDIE/POST-ROCK. This album is the result of 16 musicians (members of MILEMAKER, BAT & MICE, ENGINE DOWN, RAH BRAS, and more) and 6 production gurus from 6 states working together during 4 recording and mixing sessions. Unlike many other studio albums, the album is enhanced by the input from such diverse sources and individuals.
BEN DAVIES
the hushed patterns of relief (2001/LOVITT)
INDIE/POST-ROCK. You might know BEN DAVIS as the guy in SLEEPYTIME TRIO who would smash his bass on the ground. You might remember him as the man in MILEMAKER who lit his drums on fire. You will definitely change your perception about him after hearing "the hushed patterns of relief". Where SLEEPYTIME TRIO and MILEMAKER reveled fiercely in blasts and squalls, Ben's newest role as a frontman finds him nursing tender melodies and tending to lush harmonies. Most of the musicians on the CD also perform with Ben live and are members of CHAPEL HILL ensembles.
BEN DAVIS
charge it up! (2009/LOVITT)
INDIE/POST-ROCK. "charge it up", BEN DAVIS' 3rd solo full-length (and the 14th album on which his solo work has appeared) is packed to the gills with the kind of frenetic, danceable, shoutable, undeniably beyond catchy hard pop that has flowed like a river of hot lava through his entire catalog. It is a tremendous, itch-scratching record that makes you jones to see Ben Davis & Co.. For fans of PINBACK, TED LEO and DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE.
