Punk

Matt Toka covers Adele

1/25/2012
Elliot Evans
Artist: 
Matt Toka
A punk take on "Someone Like You"

Another Adele cover isn’t exactly what YouTube needs, but punk rocker Matt Toka went ahead and did it anyway. Fortunately, his take differs from the usual acoustic guitar renditions that most people do.

While his style is far from unique, he does a fine job injecting some energy into a song that drags on if played too slow. In Adele's “Someone Like You” her powerful singing makes for a stunning ballad, whereas Toka’s version relies on a upbeat pop-punk style.

The Greater the Risk's 'Say What You Never Said' album review

11/15/2011
My Nguyen
Artist: 
The Greater the Risk

The Greater the Risk’s second EP release is youthful sounding with a punk-sensibility. Their summery songs conjure up a very Warp Tour energy with their tendency to exalt in the ubiquitous jam-fest. But it is no wonder because the band started out as a dream the band members were each striving for. Formed during their years as college buddies, one could get lost within the melodic force and the power riffs that permeate the tunes on Say What You Never Said. The compilation exists as a powerful dream-aesthetic, and the newer songs can be very charismatic.

'Satellite' by Rise Against

11/8/2011
Chelsea Lewis
Artist: 
Rise Against

Rise Against is a hardcore rock band from Chicago, Illinois that formed back in the late nineties. Rise Against has always stayed dedicated to their musical style, of punk rock/hardcore punk. Rise Against is on tour promoting their latest album, Endgame.

Road Killer

5/20/2011
Claudine Paul
Artist: 
The Murder Junkies

The Murder Junkies deliver a murderous Punk sonic assault on their new music release, Road Killer.

This Year's Model

3/2/2011
Gyra Chan
Artist: 
Elvis Costello

If you want to add just a dash of the past and a pinch of groovy to the recipe for musical greatness, I would seriously consider taking a moment to listen to Elvis Costello’s This Year's Model.

His second album, released in 1978, includes some of his most popular songs, and will forever hold the spot of my favorite Elvis Costello album. It is a must have on the Gyra Chan list of top 100 albums to enjoy before you die. (Granted, that might not hold too much pull since I’m just a random intern, but it can’t hurt to check the album out and let me know what you think!)

In Your Head

1/11/2011
Anthony Feole
Artist: 
Playing Dead

In Your Head is the debut album of the New York indie outfit Playing Dead. The band, which formed in 2004, was signed by Saint Elsewhere Records. In addition, they were recently ranked #27 in Deli Magazine’s list of New York City’s top 300 bands.

The high ranking is no surprise, as the band opens their songs with catchy and powerful guitar melodies. Although the riffs initially capture the audience’s attention, the vocals of Sam Hoyos ultimately make listeners excited about where the songs will head.

Reviewer Rating: 
4.00Stars

'Day Drunk'

4/22/2010
Kim Alsumiri
Artist: 
SPIC (Satanic Punk International Conspiracy)
Small towns do drive people crazy.

Well, it's official, small towns really can drive people crazy. The punk group from Texas, SPIC, or Satanic Punk International Conspiracy, is releasing their debut album Day Drunk in September 2010. It is painfully clear that they want out of their town.

The first track, "Hitsville TX," makes it obnoxiously obvious they are extremely bored in their town. "Nothin' goin' on in this town'" makes up the majority of the song, and it gets a little too repetitive. I mean, ok, we get it, there's nothing going on!

Reviewer Rating: 
1.50Stars
ASIN: 
B002R4RQ8Q

Inflammable Material

7/13/2009
Nick DeSimone
Artist: 
Stiff Little Fingers

Stiff Little Fingers sound angry, and with good reason. Religious and political fighting has been a part of Ireland's history, and the violence that comes with it. "Inflammable Material" is the quintessential angry punk album. It's easy to see where a band such as Green Day took their lessons from, in particular their more recent politically charged albums, because Stiff Little Fingers have something to say, or more aptly something to yell over power chords and frenetic energy.

Songs such as "Suspect Device" and "Alternative Ulster" go down in the catalogue of great punk songs.

Reviewer Rating: 
4.00Stars

Self-titled

6/23/2009
Lailaa Salaam
Artist: 
The All-American Rejects

I don't remember exactly how the debut album of the All-American Rejects self titled album ended up in my CD collection, but I do know that I'm glad it's there. I do remember rocking out in my room with the volume turned up full-blast and singing all the lyrics by heart. I felt so freaking cool!

It is safe to say that I did have good taste in music back then. Who couldn't help swinging their hair to the songs, "Swing, Swing," "Your Star," and "My Paper Heart," with lyrics about love and breaking up.

Reviewer Rating: 
4.50Stars

So Wrong, It's Right

6/21/2009
Erika Adams
Artist: 
All Time Low

All Time Low, a pop-punk group formed in 2003, out of Maryland, have announced that they will release their next album, "Nothing Personal," on July 7.

Their September 2007 release, "So Wrong, It's Right," is pure fun. It's easy to see that the group doesn't take themselves too seriously. Their subject matter is mostly that of California beaches, young love, the party scene, etc. You know, basically all that stuff that a young high school student might be overly concerned with.

Reviewer Rating: 
4.50Stars
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