State Champs: Kings of the New Age

May 12, 2022 by Josh Custer in Album Review

It may be a bold statement to some, but I think this is an early frontrunner for the pop punk album of the year. Calling the album Kings Of The New Age may sound arrogant or conceited but I think it is more of a revelation that pop punk is in a different place now and while there is certainly a lot of legends in the scene, there is a new era of artists coming through. I would say its hard to argue that State Champs aren’t the “Kings Of The New Era”, and this album is an open challenge for someone to prove them wrong, or give them the crown.

Simple Plan: Harder Than It Looks

May 06, 2022 by Josh Custer in Album Review

If you have ever been a fan of Simple Plan this is an album that you have to check out. If you are of the younger generation and are thinking about checking out the album because “everyone seems so excited about this” then I would say do it, but do it the right way and that is to listen to it from start to finish in order to get the full experience of the album.

The Used: Heartwork (Deluxe)

September 25, 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.

Written By Wolves: The Collab Project / / Secrets

September 20, 2021 by Josh Custer in Album Review

The Collab Project is about more than just cool reimagined songs with awesome other artists contributing. It is about breaking the stigma of mental health. Frontman, Mikey Murphy, has said that this is just the first step for this project, and that it will always be a part of the band. Mikey was a guest on the Musicians For Mental Health Podcast where he talked about breaking the stigma, finding community through music, and much more.

Thrice: Horizons/East

September 15, 2021 by Josh Custer in Album Review

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.