Thrice: Horizons/East

September 15, 2021 by Josh Custer in Album Review

California’s Thrice drop their 11th studio album September 17th, via Epitaph Records. Brining the same energy and edge of prior albums the band takes a step towards creating an album that pushes the envelop and encourages listeners to pay more attention in our everyday lives.

This resulted in Horizons/East, a transparent view of frontman, Dustin Kensrue’s, internal thoughts. Intentional, introspective, and wholly authentic, the album presses into what it' means to be self aware. Instrumentally the album is just as thoughtful but with soundscapes that will take the listener through a journey of emotion.

Phinehas: The Fire Itself Review

August 26, 2021 by Josh Custer in Album Review

"Stillness amplified some struggles I knew I had but hadn't processed," notes McCulloch. "For the first time, I had to deal head-on with fear and anxiety." Through therapy and self-realization

This resulted in The Fire Itself, a transparent outpouring of McCulloch's internal thoughts. Intentional, painful, and wholly authentic, the album presses into what it's like to be a broken human being. Instrumentally the album is just as thoughtful but with drums that will kick a hole in your chest, and guitars that will shred your skin from your bones.

Grayscale: UMBRA Review

August 26, 2021 by Josh Custer in Album Review

Philadelphia's alt rock band GRAYSCALE drop their third full-length Umbra. The album finds the band not reborn but refined and truly coming into their sound. Umbra arrives on August 27 on Fearless Records. The record was produced by Courtney Ballard (Five Seconds of Summer, Waterparks). The band says that “Umbra is the end of the beginning” referencing that all the prior work they’ve done have been building blocks to lead them to the sonic and lyrical platform they are now on.

Bayside: Acoustic Volume Three Review

December 12, 2020 by Josh Custer in Album Review

Bayside has been providing the emo kids soundtracks and anthems for the last 20 years. With every album they have released over the years it has provided a snapshot of where they were in their lives, and given us the music to tie our memories to. Sometimes they like to treat fans to stripped down acoustic versions of songs that hit the feels from all new angles. Now with the release of Acoustic Volume Three fans are getting treated to reimagined tracks from even the deepest pages of the catalogue.

Boy Becomes Hero: Escape Artist album review

December 05, 2020 by Josh Custer in Album Review

Escape Artist is a cinematic concept album, and the prelude to the debut album Reverie. The story follows Amatera (Andrew Brittingham) as he struggles with toxic relationships, mistakes he will make and has made, and searches for Restitution, by creating a life of atonement. Boy Becomes Hero, with a partnership with To Write Love On Her Arms, is dedicated to creating a musical experience across the post-hardcore scene while raising awareness for depression, self-harm, addiction and suicide.

Happy. - Imposter Syndrome Album Review

October 28, 2020 by Josh Custer in Album Review

Pop-Rock Emo band Happy. are dropping their new album Imposter Syndrome on Friday October 30th. Signed to Rude Records, and working with producer Marc McClusky the band have been able to put together a soundtrack that tackles the experience they have had with Imposter Syndrome. Focusing on a positive approach to mental health discussions, and upbeat songs to change the narrative.

Wolf Culture are "Dying In The Living Room"

August 03, 2020 by Josh Custer in Album Review

Dying In The Living Room is a punk highlight of the year for sure. This EP should be on everyones playlists and radars. Wolf Culture is poised to redefine the punk scene and as soon as live music is allowed to happen again the shows that they will put on are going to be must see shows for sure. It was great talking with the guys for the podcast and the EP is a solid showing of their new sound and direction. You can find the EP anywhere you stream or buy music.

Album Review: Emmure - "Hindsight"

June 25, 2020 by Josh Custer in Album Review

Controversial. Brash. Unapologetic. In your face. Aggressive. Heavy. Emotional. Loud. These are all words that you’ve probably heard people use when trying to describe Emmure. While all of them ring true in various ways, the best way to describe them is: Passionate. For nearly 17 years Emmure’s only remaining original member, and founder of the band, Frankie Palmari has been pouring 100% of himself into his passion. While at times it has been a self sabotage, other times it has been the perfect mix of chaos and control. The new album “Hindsight” is exactly that; chaos and control.

New Found Glory promise Forever And Ever X Infinity

June 20, 2020 by Josh Custer in Album Review

After 20+ years being Pop Punk kings I’m not sure who still needs an introduction to New Found Glory. Their resume’ includes 10 studio albums, 1 live album, 2 EPs, 4 cover albums, and countless tours. Forever And Ever X Infinity has been long awaited by fans. If you’ve been a longtime fan of the band this album is going to check all the nostalgic boxes, as well as deliver new and evolved sounds that you have come to expect from NFG.

Same Side Release "Same Side" EP

May 29, 2020 by Josh Custer in Album Review

The 5 track EP features Geyer’s vocals lightly guiding listeners through the spaces of the instruments. Each of the tracks has a unique somber and entrancing vibe. As you listen through each track on the EP you can get lost in a somber and melancholy diary of pent up feelings and emotions.

Dead Lakes release "New Language"

May 16, 2020 by Josh Custer in Album Review

Dead Lakes from Seattle, Washington release their new EP, “New Language”. The guys have taken a trip away from their more traditional post-hardcore roots to explore the space of a genre blend of high energy rock, post-hardcore, passionate vocals, and electronic flourishes. The band worked with Erik Ron for the production of this EP, Erik has worked with artists such as Dance Gavin Dance, Set It Off, and Godsmack.

Little King released Occam’s Foil

April 24, 2020 by Josh Custer in Album Review

The 5-song EP is a play on the theory “Occam’s Razor,” a problem-solving principle that states “Entities should not be multiplied without necessity,” as theorized English Franciscan friar William of Ockham. It is sometimes paraphrased by a statement like "the simplest solution is most likely the right one". This album is exactly that, it is the simplest solution to showcasing the new lineup.

The Used release their "Heartwork"

April 23, 2020 by Josh Custer in Album Review

Overall this album is one of the strongest showings from the band, and thats saying a lot as they’ve been producing great albums for nearly 20 years. There are tracks for every fan of The Used on this album whether you’ve been around since the self-titled “The Used” album, or maybe the previous release “The Canyon” was your first exposure to the band.

Sum 41 Evolves With 'Order In Decline'

July 23, 2019 by Josh Custer in Album Review

Order in decline, the newest release from Sum 41, is the next album in their evolution of sound. The fact that Sum 41 has been able to make music, take a hiatus, change directions and grow as musicians while seemingly never missing a beat is truly a testament to not only them but their fan base that has continued to support the band for nearly 2 decades.

Dark Skies are here from Fit For A King

September 11, 2018 by Josh Custer in Album Review

The album has everything you could ask for out of a Metalcore album, heavy breakdowns, melodic rhythms, deep screams, and crazy guitar riffs. The substance of the album, lyrically, is a powerhouse, tackling tough subjects and providing release of emotion.

Real Friends release "Composure"

July 12, 2018 by Josh Custer in Album Review

Overall this album has a great mix of styles and honest lyrics. Whether you are a fan of old albums, or just now finding Real Friends this will be an album to play loud with the windows down. Play it with your friends, or when you are reflecting on life by yourself. Be sure to check out Real Friends on tour as well, they will be Vans Warped Tour all summer for the final cross country run.

The Material Returns With ‘Gray States’

May 18, 2018 by Josh Custer in Album Review

The Material have returned, after nearly 5 years, with their new EP "Gray States". Getting their first big break on the Moutain Dew Breakout in 2007. The Material has been featured on MTV and MTV2 and their song "Moving to Seattle" is also available to download for the video game, Rock Band. Lead singer, Colleen D’Agostino, has also worked with Deadmau5 on “Drop The Poptart” and “Stay”.

The One That Got Away is the first single from the EP is a strong showing. The song lyrically speaks of regret, not taking chances on someone. Musically if you were a fan of The Material when they were around before this song will strike a chord right away. (pun intended)

Give Anything is one that stands out to me. It is an anthem for anyone that feels like they've been stuck reaching for something that they couldn't get. The song talks about feeling like you would give anything to get to what you're after.

Closing out the EP is Mistakes. Its a song that begs for acceptance, and forgiveness. The song also speaks of the importance of another. This song is incredibly powerful for anyone that has been through a similar situation.

This EP is a great teaser and is sure to bring in new fans as well as hyping past fans up from r the future of the band. Be sure to check the album out and let us know what you think.

Hawthorne Heights has Bad Frequencies

May 14, 2018 by Josh Custer

Hawthorne Heights has released Bad Frequencies, this is the first full length album from the band since 2013, and it is definitely worth the wait. Many people will remember the band for The Silence In Black and White, and If Only You Were Lonely. The album was released by Pure Noise Records on April 27th, 2018, you can pick up your copy here.

Opening with, “In Gloom”, an upbeat sad reflection track. The tempo and riffs are counterintuitive for the lyrical base of the track. But it all works, bringing together a faster melody and somewhat vintage emo lyrics blend together beautifully in this track.

“Pink Hearts” takes its shot next. This will be one of the more popular songs live. It just has an energy and sound that is going to lend to a great time for fans to dance, jump, and sing along at the top of their lungs.

Skylark is an up tempo track that will remind listeners of the "Fragile Futures" album. This throwback is sure to keep the listeners attention to the album.

Perhaps the most emo song on the album is The Suicide Mile. Lyrics talking about reflecting on years past, and spending sleepless nights next to a loaded gun, it is a reminder that nobody is exempt or safe from depression. The band has talked about mental health quite a bit over the course of their career and have been advocates of talking to people, seeking help, and pushing forward.

This album is a strong showing from the band. Bringing emo circa 2005 back. Hawthorne Heightshave put out an album that is sure to bring them back into the light of many people that may have forgotten about them over the past couple of years.

Underworld by Tonight Alive

January 11, 2018 by Josh Custer in Album Review

The album is impressive through and through. The band has never shied away from experimentation with their sound, and "Underworld" is no exception.

The Peace and The Panic -- Neck Deep

August 19, 2017 by Josh Custer in Album Review

British pop-punk’s rising stars Neck Deep are back again with their third record, The Peace and the Panic. The band have come to grips with the highs and lows in life emotionally, they’ve created their most diverse release yet.