Blinded By Rage- Green Mountain Beatdown Vol. II

independently released 2010

This is the newest release by local Burlington hardcore band, Blinded By Rage. As I noted in my review of Vol.1, the drums seemed out of place to me. I believe they've remedied that. Clocking in at under 15 minutes total, this CD could pass you by and you wouldn't know what hit you. To summarize, "Left Hook" starts off this CD in full force with distorted hardcore drums and loud, piercing vocals. There's very much a metal influence. "Blue Collar Kings" is an ode to the working class. In fact, the lyrics seem to focus a lot on loyalty and staying strong. I feel that "Alone We Break" is one of the strongest songs with lots of competent melody followed up by the usual aggressive hooks. It kind of reminds me of another local hardcore band, 5 Seconds Expired. "Worn With Pride" and "After The Agony" are well done as well. Blinded By Rage have a lot of potential to expand their sound and as they continue to build up a following, I hope that their next offering will clean up the sound a bit. Otherwise, check this out.

FCC: 1,2

Try: *3*, 4, 5

Good Riddance- Capricorn One: Singles and Rarities

released July 6, 2010 on Fat Wreck Chords

This CD is a compilation of singles and rarities from Good Riddance. Formed in Santa Cruz, CA in 1986, they released their first album in 1990 on Little Deputy Records before being discovered by Fat Mike of NOFX. Often described as straight-edge, political melodic hardcore but they don't hit you over the head with their sXe views like other bands. Highlights of this compilation include "Stand", "Class War 2000" (inspired by a TSOL song of the same name and musically similar), "Off The Wagon" (well-crafted melodies mated to strong drums), "Tragic Kingdom" (riff-heavy and anti-Disney..I like), "Little Man", "Great Experiment" (kind of a cross between punk and grunge) and "Not So Bad". Most of their songs were inspired by the style of RKL and other older hardcore punk bands. They're certainly one of the better bands in the Fat Wreck lineup and this compilation is something to check out if you're a fan of the Fat Wreck family of bands.

FCC: 7,13,14,17,21

Try: 1,2, *4*, *5*, *18*

Canadian rockers, The Lions, are back with their most recent release, New Rise Of The Footsoldier.  A mix of Alternative and Psychedelic with a Blues jam edge.  The music took a track or two for me to get into it, but midway through the album, it really opened up with some straight up Rock N' Roll jams.  A good album with a good rockin' sound.

Tracks: 3,4,5,6,7

Self titled album, The Blood Of Heroes, is a collaboration project featuring Justin Broadrick (Godflesh, Jesu, Napalm Death) and Bill Laswell, with beats from Submeged and End.user and vocals from Dr. Israel.  A wild mix of Industrial Dancehall, Metal Dubstep, Ambient, and Drum N Bass.  Agressive with heavy drumbeats, the mix of genres creates a new sound that transcends the usual Metal/Industrial sound.  Tempered by the ambient vibe and laced with Middle East/Asian influences, the music doesn't club you over your head, but still has a very dark, futuristic dystopian vibe.  Music to listen to while reading Paolo Bacigalupi.

RIYD: Techno Animal, Aphex Twin

Tracks: 1,4,5,10,11

The latest from N.E.R.D. is the Hot And Fun feat. Nelly Furtado Remix album.  The tracks are high energy Pop Dance and will get you sweatin' on the dance floor.

Tracks:4,6

The Truest Faith is the latest from Korallreven.  The album contains two tracks with several remixes for both.  The first four tracks are remixes of The Truest Faith which is a slower dance track with some disco nuances.  The remixes of this are more varied than the Loved Up remixes, ranging from Afrobeat to Downtempo to Ambient Celtic.  The other track, Loved Up is a dreamy, Dance track and the remixes are similar to the original with the final remix (Mixed up by JD) having an Alternative edge to it.  Overall both tracks and their remixes are quite good and have a fresh sound to add to the Dance genre.

Tracks: All Tracks Good

4 out of 5 stars

Crystal Castles return with their second self-titled effort, conveniently referred to as II (do I see a resemblance to little band from the 70's named after a heavy airship?). Unlike their debut, II is bizarrely accessible throughout; blending fuzzy synth patterns and driving kick drums with shimmering female vocal howls.

"Celestica" is the second cut on the album, and rightly so, as it serves as the catchiest and most straight-forward song structure. Following is "Doe Deer," by far the most abrasive tune, packed with a blown out guitar refrain and paired with beautifully distorted and sequenced vocals which act as more of a percussional element. "Baptism" directly follows and serves as a perfect sequel to "Doe Deer" by using similar dynamic elements.

II is much more dance-friendly than previous works, this is obvious on cuts like "Suffocation," "Empathy," and "Intimate." Overall, II is a move in the right direction for CC. They are innovating on their sound and becoming stronger as a male-female two-piece. This album is GOTHIC DANCE-FLOOR APPROVED.

RIYL: Fever Ray, Sleigh Bells

Recommended Songs: 2**,4,6*,7

Download/Stream: "Crystal Castles - Celestica (Bear In Heaven Remix)"

(Courtesy of Fiction)