Deep Sleep - Manic Euphoria

I think the best way to review this record is by not listening to it while I do the review - which is what I usually do.

So, Baltimore's Deep Sleep really are a killer band. It's once in a while when you get a record completely off the cuff based on what you've heard and they turn out to be really really something. This is short, sharp and delivers a complete package of Circle Jerks and Descendents style inspired hardcore punk. It's catchy, and filled with riffs that Greg Hetson wishes he wrote (or in the case of Textbook Timebomb, did actually write; busted dudes!). Needless to say, bar one weird emo breakdown, this is the complete package. I knew I couldn't get away with doing this review without comparing them to some band. Whoops. - Nick [Grave Mistake]

Civic Progress - Disposable

Nine tracks of angry pissed off hardcore punk. Rough til the end this band rips through the dregs of society, and leaves you feeling exhausted. Second seveninch, and still going strong Civic Progress are one of those bands you wish you could see live all the time because you know they'd destroy it every time. Fashionable Idiots should be proud, this really doesn't let go. I know I'm constantly giving good reviews, but y'know, I only buy good records, and this is another. - Nick [Fashionable Idiots]

Double Negative - Raw Energy EP

Negative Points:

- Ridiculously large thank you list, not even in an ironic way. Pretty disheartening to see I'm not on it.* I'm in two minds whether to do a good review. I jest.

Positive Points:

- Fast, thrashy, hardcore punk in the vein of Void, and loads of 80's hardcore bands I can't even think of right now.
- Probably my favourite 7" in the past few weeks.
- Packaging is illuminating. You can actually tear it apart and it makes a stencil of their logo. Although taking it apart would probably decrease its eBay value in a few years. Ooooh decisions. - Nick [Sorry State]

* There is literally no reason why I would be on the thank you list whatsoever.

Crocus - The Worst Kind of Joy is Hope CDEP

Will, I freely admit I am not a manly man (despite my size and stature), but I am a man all the same and generally act accordingly. However today was an different day, when this EP arrived and I put it on I squealed with girlish delight as each note was played, each string with struck and each lyric was sung.

You can always tell if a Screamo band is going to be good. This can be done in two ways, firstly if they list influences from the 90's and secondly if they name themselves after a flower (and example of this tenuous theory is Orchid).

This is the second recording by Crocus (the one track Kristallnacht demo was reviewed earlier) and released on We Heart Records. These guys are a truly amazing band captured perfectly on CD (shame its not vinyl, but there you go) on this 5 track wonder. From the moment "When Your Own Heart Asks" rips out to when "Eight Great Fears" drones to a halt is a complete joy. Zach is an incredibly accomplished guitarist and his frantic playing is flawless through out and Lewis does a brilliant job of keeping up the pace while playing exceptionally himself.

Lyrically Crocus are decent as well, they're everything you might expect from an emotional band and more with lyrics that deal with love, sadness and thinking about your role in life.

Id have to say my two favourite tracks on this EP are the first, "When Your Own Heart Asks" due to the ferousity and punch that it packs and "Merit Lies" because of its truely haunting sound and fantastic lyrics.

I think everyone who loves early Screamo like Orchid, Guyver-One or Saetia should actively go out and buy this and listen to it forever because its just one of the greatest EP's ever!

J.W [We Heart Records]

Podcast Number FIVE

yo, i've done yet another podcast featuring an array of bands including:

modern action, wipers, dean dirg, banxthis, the germs, the vicious, to the dogs, regulations, sick mormons as well as a heap of others. some new, some old.

can be downloaded from here:

http://www.mediafire.com/?4eofd0zmxrp

- Nick

Fucked Up - Mixtape II

Fuck, this is pretty cool. It's got some pretty hilarious stuff on it ranging from dodgy interviews to really really shit Nirvana covers. It's got loads of decent songs on it, including the Hidden World version of Dangerous Fumes - which wasn't included on the LP, God knows why not! Especially considering they play it live still. I think. Songs from Social Circkle, Brutal Knights, Sex Vid, Dangerloves, and various other bands. This is pretty good to listen to on a Sunday afternoon.

Pretty rad on the whole. - Nick [Deranged]