BYO
Written by Frank Realitos

Can I get a big “FUCK YEAH”? That’s right…thank god, Satan, or whoever the hell you thank when you get to hear the new record from one of the finest punk bands EVER. This, their third offering since reforming in 1999, finds the band really hitting a songwriting stride. However, unfortunately, my copy didn’t come with lyrics…so I’ll just have to assume some of these songs are as sad as the melodies would make them seem. But not sappy…the tempos are up and the songs are driving, but morose all the same. And the guitar playing on this record really shows off their love of The Police, with tracks like “Heed The Ball” and “Small Yellow Chair” reeking of the influence of Andy Sommers. I feel better…2004 is looking like a fine year for music.

Buddyhead
Written by Frank Realitos

If I had to come up with one of those clever album review blurbs it would be: Driving post-hardcore being force-fed a healthy diet of keyboard smoothies. But that doesn’t really tell you much about this energetic LA based band. But know this…they’re on tour with Dillinger Escape Plan and The Locust, so you know they’re gonna rock. But unlike either of those bands, these songs have hooks and choruses and you won’t break your neck if you try to rock along to it. And I’d SWEAR the last two tracks (“The Comfort System” and “Easy Assault”) sound like Pink Floyd covers. Guess the drugs kicked in…

Fat Wreck Chords
CD review by Hektor D. Esparza

Passion, intensity, sincerity: the first three words that come to mind when listening to Against Me. The Florida based band serves up anti-folk and punk rock ’n roll anthems with a style all its own. But with that said, its latest release slightly misses the mark set by the band’s earlier albums. As always, the songs are rife with left leaning, anti-status quo ideals delivered with unmistakable conviction. But Eternal Cowboy has one glaring flaw: Its songs are marked by an air of impatience, a rush to reach rhythmic and emotional climaxes too soon. This flaw is most noticeable on "You look like I need a drink," and "Cliché Guevara"- songs that could have easily been improved by a little more build up. But the album’s successes outweigh its shortcomings. Straightforward rockers like "Slurring the rhythms", and the love-lost-lament, "Cavalier Eternel," prove Against Me still has what it takes. (For a taste of Against Me at its best try Reinventing Axl Rose.)

Dead Beat Records
Written by Poizen Ivy

It’s quite true that the Black Jetts are simply lauding the holy trinity of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll as preached by The Stooges and MC5, but the Las Vegas band is quickly becoming known on the Left Coast for their fast and ferocious live shows. Charismatic vocalist Gabe Stiff snarls lowbrow lyrics about heroin and heartbreak, while guitars sizzle and drums pound in an insanely primal manner. Their first album (released on both CD and vinyl) successfully captures this raw, sweaty and high-energy sound. This is no perfectly retouched studio album; it’s 35 minutes of menacing, switchblade-sharp music.

Fat Wreck Chords
Written by Lenny Nero

The godfathers of pop-punk - the Descendents - return with a brand new EP and a brand new label (Fat Wreck Chords). The 5 songs on 'Merican prove that even though it's been 7 years since their last release, the Descendents are still kicking much ass. 'Merican - tackling the ups and downs of being an American, and I Quit - Milo's rant on the rock and roll life, both sound like they were written in the the mid eighties - the band's heyday. For all the kids who think Simple Plan and All American Rejects are kings of pop-punk, here's your history lesson.