This fall Cobra Skulls released their debut album for Fat Wreck Chords, entitled Agitations. The band comes from Reno, Nevada and plays a unique brand of rockabilly-infused punk. Agitations is an angry and urgent record, yet it’s also focused and well-rounded, and certainly the most impressive effort thus far from Cobra Skulls. We spoke with singer/bassist Devin Peralta and discussed how the album was written and recorded, what some of its songs are about, touring, Reno and more. Continue Reading…
Winnipeg’s favorite sons, The Weakerthans, released one of their best and most beloved albums over a decade ago, entitled Left and Leaving. The band toured the U.S. and played Fireside Bowl in support of said record, and we spoke with singer/guitarist John K. Samson after the show. We talked about the landmark album, some of its lyrics, touring, the band’s hometown and more. The Weakerthans issued a live album last year and hopefully they’ll return in 2012 with a new studio full-length and multiple tours. Continue Reading…
Noise By Numbers recently released a video for the song “Disappointed,” which comes from their latest album and Jump Start Records debut, Over Leavitt. Noise By Numbers features members of The Bomb, Dan Vapid & The Cheats, Textbook and others. Later this month they’ll release a split seven-inch with England’s The Magnificent, and it will be available on colored vinyl via Solidarity Recordings, (USA) and Drunken Sailor Records, (UK). Take a look at the video above and order the new record here.
Red Scare Industries – Release Date: 9/13/11
With Borrowed Time, their third full-length and debut album for Red Scare, Nothington has crafted not only their best record yet, but also one of the top releases of 2011. Nothington’s folk-inspired tendencies are still apparent, as is their affinity for bands like Social Distortion and Leatherface, but this time around the focus is mainly on straightforward, melodic punk rock. The end result is a timeless and consistent album that’s both well written and highly listenable. After an initial spin of Borrowed Time, it’s clearly evident that Nothington is a capable band and fully aware of its strengths. There may not be much variation or experimentation on this record, but sometimes that’s okay, especially when this many solid and catchy songs are present. Each entry is built around a sturdy rhythm section, complete with inspired drumming and big bass lines. The vocals are gruff and deal with life’s various struggles, and are teamed with soaring backups and skilled guitar leads. Highlights include the road-weary tale of “Where I Can’t Be Found,” a driving, rhythmic march called “Far to Go,” the mega-anthem that is “St. Andrews Hall” and a somber tune named “Hopeless.” Borrowed Time is an energetic and detailed album that sounds great and improves with every listen. It would likely appeal to a wide range of punk fans, because this record’s combination of classic and contemporary styles should prove relevant for years to come. Check it out now and get to know one of the most promising, on the rise bands around.