This week we’re discussing the debut album by Bronson Arm. From Kalamazoo, MI, Bronson Arm is made up of Blake Bickel on baritone guitar and Garrett Yates on drums. Their vicious style of noise rock is reminiscent of 90s AmRep bands, although they still have a character that’s all their own. Fun stuff that any fan of noise rock should give a chance. Don’t forget to check out our history guy Tom Osman’s full interview with the band.
Read MoreEpisode 183: Barkmarket
This week we’re discussing every album by Barkmarket. Led by Dave Sardy (or D. Sardy), who is now a Grammy-winning record producer, Barkmarket was a wholly unique noise rock band. Blending elements of alternative metal, industrial, and grunge, these guys were ferocious. They even worked with Rick Rubin on two albums before he moved onto more commercially viable bands. Awesome stuff, dig it.
Read MoreBest Albums of 2023
It’s the end of another year so we’re picking our favorite albums of 2023. It’s been an amazing year for music, so narrowing down our lists was an absolute nightmare. It’s also the first year we’re ranking our picks, just to make things even more difficult for us. All of these albums are just fantastic so check out as many as you can, please.
Read MoreDC Special by Scream | Album Review
This week we’re discussing DC Special, the reunion album by DC hardcore punk band Scream. In addition to releasing Dischord Records’ first full length LP (1983’s Still Screaming), Scream is also the band Dave Grohl drummed for before joining Nirvana. DC Special reunites the original lineup, along with a slew of guests like Ian Mackaye, Brian Baker, Dave Grohl, Joe Lally, and many others. This is a fun one and so much better than you’d expect.
Read MoreEpisode 182: Sex Pistols
This week we’re discussing the Sex Pistols and their legendary album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols. This band needs no introduction, as Johnny Rotten (John Lydon), Steve Jones, Paul Cook, Sid Vicious, and Glen Matlock (original bassist and main songwriter) are paramount in the creation of punk rock. We’ve all heard the hits, but you might not be familiar with some of the stories about these guys. It’s wild stuff.
Read MoreGirl Vanishes on Way to Jive Club by GASWAR | Album Review
This week, we’re discussing GASWAR’s debut album, Girl Vanishes on Way to Jive Club. GASWAR is a supergroup made up of Kevin Rutmanis (Cows, Melvins, Hepa/Titus, Tomahawk), and Apollo Liftoff (aka Paul Erickson) and Jeff Mooridian, Jr. of Hammerhead and Vaz. Recorded over 20 years ago, Girl Vanishes on Way to Jive Club is one of the biggest surprises of the year. If you have even a passing interest in noise rock, you must hear it.
Read MoreEpisode 181: The Marked Men
This week we’re discussing every album by the Marked Men. Formed in the early 00s, the Marked Men are heavily inspired by first wave, late 70s punk (most notably the Ramones). While they are certainly much faster and more aggressive than those bands, their sound fits right in with that entire era. Fun and energetic, but don’t expect any surprises.
Read MoreFat Chance by mr. phylzzz
This week we’re discussing Fat Chance, the latest album by nose rock duo mr. phylzzz. Made up of Clinton Jacob on guitar/bass/vocals and Danny Sein on drums, mr. phylzzz won over the boys last year with their album Cancel Culture Club, which made Mike’s Best of 2022 list. This time around they’re split, as Fat Chance shows the band noticeably expanding their sound. Dig it.
Read MoreEpisode 180: Jonathan Fire*Eater
This week we’re discussing every album by Jonathan Fire Eater. Known for influencing the post-punk revival of the early 00s (which spawned bands like the Strokes and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Jonathan Fire*Eater only had a brief existence before singer Stewart Lupton became addicted to heroin, spiraling the band into chaos.
Read MoreVOID by KEN mode Is Extreme Noise Perfection
This week we’re discussing VOID, the latest album by extreme noise rock band KEN mode. This is both Mike and Alex’s first time hearing KEN mode and they’ve since become instant fans. VOID is truly devastating, but with no shortage of great hooks and beautiful melodies. All fans of heavy music simply must hear this band.
Read MoreEpisode 179: Mayhem
This week we’re discussing every album by the infamous Mayhem. While they are known for pioneering modern black metal in Norway, most people know them because of their horrific, bloody, and disturbing history. Seriously, if you’re unfamiliar, grab some popcorn before you listen. Formed and led by Euronymous (Øystein Aarseth) until his murder by then bassist Varg Vikernes (of Burzum) in 1993, Mayhem continues to put out great albums with various lineups. However, they are held down by longtime drummer Hellhammer and bassist Necrobutcher. This band’s music is as intense as their reputation, so get ready.
Read MoreEpisode 178: Ween
This week we’re discussing every album by the one and only Ween. Made up of Gene and Dean Ween (real names Aaron Freeman and Mickey Melchiondo), Ween is one of the most impossible bands to pigeonhole. Garage rock, funk, folk, hard rock, tropical, pirate sea shanties, prog rock, psychedelic—this is only a taste of all the styles these guys frequently hop between. And they do so with complete sincerity and unmatched songwriting. A one of a kind band.
Read MoreReverend Kristin Michael Hayter SAVED Us
This week we’re discussing SAVED! the debut album by Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter, formerly known as Lingua Ignota. We’ve been fans of Kristin Hayter and Lingua Ignota for years (both Caligula and Sinner Get Ready were Mike’s albums of the year at their times of release). But Hayter has moved on to a whole new project and aesthetic, which revolves around old southern gospel. If you’re familiar with Hayter’s work, you already have an idea how disturbing it is. This ain’t an easy listen, so get ready.
Read MoreWe Love Wheeler Walker Jr... but We're Not Sure About This One
This week we’re discussing Ram, the brand new album by Wheeler Walker Jr. We’ve been fans of Wheeler back when he was just Ben Hoffman of The Ben Show. But he’s since adopted the brilliant, foul mouthed, outlaw country persona of WWJR, putting out awesome country records. Ram showcases his first stab at rock. And let’s just say we hope you like ZZ Top.
Read MoreEpisode 177: Sleep
This week we’re discussing every album by stoner metal pioneers, Sleep. No band in existence has paid tribute to Black Sabbath and cannabis more than Sleep. Made up of core members Al Cisneros (Om) and Matt Pike (High on Fire), Sleep is as brutal as they come. Sleep’s Holy Mountain and Dopesmoker are both legendary metal albums that will beat you down while simultaneously ripping a bong.
Read MoreMutoid Man Takes Us Back to Our Childhoods
This week we’re discussing Mutants, the newest album by Mutoid Man. Led by Stephen Brodsky, who many should know from Cave In (among many other side projects), as well as his guest appearances with bands like Converge (not to mention his role on Two Minutes to Late Night), Mutoid Man is one of the absolute most fun metal bands around. Blending elements of countless metal subgenres, as well as 90s video game and cartoon nostalgia, Mutants is one of the coolest albums we’ve heard from this year. Catchy, diverse, expertly performed, and charming as hell. Give it a shot.
Read MoreEpisode 176: Buddy Holly
This week we’re discussing every album by the one and only Buddy Holly. Holly is truly one of the most influential musicians of all time and was responsible for popularizing rock ‘n’ roll in the late 50s. His tragic death at age 22 immortalized his legacy, but the question is: how well do his actual songs hold up? We’re brutally honest here, no holding back.
Read MoreBaroness's New Album Stole Our Hearts
This week we’re discussing Stone, the newest album by Baroness. We’ve been huge fans of them for years and this record only seems to be deepening that love. Stone shows Baroness experimenting in subtle but noticeable ways here, and showcases some of their most and least accessible moments ever. We love it.
Read MoreEpisode 175: NoMeansNo
This week we’re discussing every album by NoMeansNo. Made up of core members and brothers Rob and John Wright, NoMeansNo helped pioneer math rock and post-hardcore, in addition to being possibly the only actual prog punk band ever. Their songwriting, arrangements, and performances were nothing short of legendary and decades ahead of their time. You guys wanted this episode, so get ready.
Read MoreOxbow's New Album Taught Us How to Love
This week we’re discussing the latest album by Oxbow, Love’s Holiday. Underground music nerds are already familiar with the reputation of singer Eugene S. Robinson and Oxbow, but for the uninitiated, they rule. Aggressive, noisy, and passionate, but with intricate musicality and poignant lyrical themes. Love’s Holiday is an album about love, but holy hell will it mess you up.
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