The Audio Nut
May 5th, 2005
Welcome to Issue
11! This time around I tried to spread the styles out a bit to cover as many bases
as possible. I hope you can find something you like in this cornucopia of music.
The Reader Reviews section has been eliminated, who knows maybe it can make a
triumphant return in the future, but as of right now it’s been taken out of the
fold. Remember all comments and questions are always welcome.
theaudionut@nutzworld.net
jsohn@nutzworld.net
This time around we will be doing reviews for c.d.’s
from:
1. Nine Inch Nails
2. 4th Ave. Jones
3. John Prine
4. Mondo Generator
5. Sonic Youth
6. Anacrusis
7. The Showdown
8. Coded
9. Torn
Interviews with: Summer Blanket, roAE, Neck and
Alterior Motive.
Message Board: I have been
encouraging bands to post information about themselves on the
message board. Please check
it out and also post anything on there if you wish. You don’t have to be in a band
to post something. You can be a fan of a band or just post anything on there
musically related.
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Reviews |
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Nine
Inch Nails (Parental Advisory)
With Teeth
2005 Interscope Records
Grade: B+
http://www.nin.com
http://www.nineinchnails.net
http://www.myspace.com/ninofficial (to hear the whole
c.d.)
Trent
and the Nails are back, but this time ‘with teeth’. The
result is a gloomy and angry sounding record that seems
poised to spew the wretched NIN venom on your new white
shirt while taking your lunch money and smacking your
grandmother. With Teeth isn’t over produced like
some of the previous projects and I do like the more raw
and edgy sound of this record. Songs worth mentioning
include “The Collector,” “Every Day Is Exactly The Same”
the title track “With Teeth” and the first single “The
Hand That Feeds.”
I think
this release is superior to NIN’s biggest sellers The
Downward Spiral and Pretty Hate Machine,
because it seems like the groups’ architect Trent Reznor
has a grudge against the world (a little more than in the
past) and has something to prove with this c.d. All in all
it’s a decent record to sink your teeth into and a must
for fans of NIN, Tool and any other progressive or
industrial metal bands.
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4th
Ave. Jones
Stereo: The Evolution of Hiprocksoul
2005 Gotee
Records
Grade: C+
http://www.gotee.com
http://www.4thavenuejones.com
Despite
the fact that I am unfamiliar with previous releases from
4th Ave. Jones, I have been hearing the buzz
that has been stirring about this release, so I decided to
check it out. I will say the hype is bigger than the
product itself. It isn’t that bad of a record, but it
isn’t that great either. Stereo: The Evolution of
Hiprocksoul, features some heavy rock styled guitar
parts and some real singing, but it is very reminiscent of
other rap/rock hip-hop records and of groups like GRITS,
Outkast, The Roots and Black Eyed Peas. A positive for 4th
Ave. Jones is the lack of redundant subject matter in the
songs, which seems to plague the hip-hop and rap market
place.
The
first song and single “Stereo” is a really catchy song,
probably my favorite on the c.d. “Unhappy Birthday,”
“Sorry,” and “Why” are all ok, but not enough to bump the
grade up any.
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John
Prine
Fair and Square
2005 Oh Boy
Records
Grade: A
http://wwww.ohboy.com
John
Prine is probably one of the best songwriters that you
might have never heard. He hasn’t put out an album in
almost ten years and Fair and Square makes it worth
the wait. While I am not a Prine history buff, I do know
that he has over come some serious health problems, and to
many, this release is nothing short of a miracle.
John is
in classic form with songs like “Crazy As A Loon,” “The
Moon is Down,” “Morning Train” and “Safety Joe.” I have
always been impressed with his narrative vocals and honest
lyrics. Fair & Square is a must have for people who
like artists like Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and
any other folk, old style country or traveling rock music.
Fans of Johns’ older music will truly enjoy this recording
if they don’t already have it.
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Mondo Generator
Drug Problem That Never Existed (Parental Advisory)
2003 Ipecac
Records
Grade: A-
http://www.mondogenerator.com
Loud,
obnoxious and irate are great words to describe Mondo
Generator, the once side project now turned full on effort
by former Queens of the Stone Age bassist, Nick Oliveri.
This gentle giant has always seemed to turn on the insane
switch when he takes over the vocals and songwriting
duties and the releases by Mondo are no exception. “Here
We Come,” “So High, So Low,” “Do the Headright” and “Like
You Want” are all reminiscent of 70’s and 80’s crotch rock
ala Ted Nugent or W.A.S.P. “All I Can Do” and “Day I Die”
are slowed a bit, but still carry the same swagger and
approach. Mondo Generator is for fans of Black Flag,
Dwarves, The Dead Kennedys or anything that will annoy the
general public and pop music fans alike.
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The Double Dose |
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This time we are taking a double
dose of Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth
Goo
1990 Geffen Records
Grade: A
http://www.sonicyouth.com
I’m sure Sonic Youth fans
cringe when I put this recording in here as one of the bands
records. It was their first ‘major label’ release and the
single “Kool Thing” got the band tons of airplay on MTV at
that time. The group has been around for almost two decades
and is still a major influence on bands worldwide. “Dirty
Boots” is one of my favorite Sonic Youth songs of all time.
Mixing sounds and music is an
obscure art form that the group seems to have invented, and
they have mastered it better than anyone else that I’ve ever
heard attempt it. To people that aren’t fans of them they come
across as annoying and bizarre, but to their millions of fans
they are known as the grandmasters of ‘noise’ rock.
Sonic Youth
Sonic Nurse
2004 Geffen Records
Grade: A
This release picks up where
Sonic Youth had left us on 2002’s Murray Street, with
that well known stamp of melodic and abstract genius that the
group is best known for. “The Empty Page,” Rain on Tin” and
“Plastic Sun” are all good songs. While this isn’t the groups’
best effort it is promising because, well… because they are
still around and making music.
Kim Gordon, husband Thurston
Moore and the rest of the ‘Youth’ still have a knack for
smearing words, music and melodies onto an aural canvas to
make an unsightly, yet beautiful work of art. While I truly
never expect this band to make it into the Rock-N-Roll Hall of
Fame, I do expect them to continue to cement themselves into
history as one of the most influential bands to ever walk the
face of this Earth. Other releases to check out by Sonic Youth
include Daydream Nation, Dirty, Bad Moon Rising and
Murray Street, but I don’t think you can go wrong with
anything that they have ever released.
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Blast From The Past |
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Anacrusis
Manic Impressions
1991 Metal Blade Records
Grade: A
http://apogee.whack.org/~ken/ (official homepage)
http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/anacrusis/artist.jhtml
Anacrusis
was a band that was before their time in the world of music.
This group had an excellent mix of heavy guitar riffs and
intricate rhythms. The drumming was exceptional and the vocals
featured such a wide range from straight forward singing to
eerie screams and chilling whispers. Interesting that the
album after this was called Screams and Whispers. I
personally have no idea why this band didn’t get much notice
in the heavy metal scene back in the 90’s. When bands like
Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax where favorites on
“Headbanger’s Ball” this little known band from the mid-west
was churning out some of the most original music in that genre
ever.
Songs like “Idle Hours,” “ Paint a Picture,” and “Still Black”
are all impeccable songs with amazing guitar parts and stellar
bass & drum rhythms. Another bright spot on the recording is
the New Model Army song, “I Love the World” which sounds nothing
like New Model Army, but is one of the best remakes of a song I
have ever heard.
The group
released four albums in total, which is a shame because they
got better with ever recording.
If you are a
fan of guitar driven music and want to hear something that
most people have never heard get this or any other c.d. by
Anacrusis. I’m sure it will impress your friends and make you
the envy of the neighborhood.
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The Underground Spotlight |
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To be
considered for The Underground Spotlight send me an e-mail
with contact information to
jsohn@nutzworld.net
or
theaudionut@nutzworld.net
The Showdown
A Chorus of Obliteration
2004 Mono vs. Stereo Records
Grade: A
http://www.embraced-dc.com/showdown/index2.htm
http://www.monovsstereo.com
http://www.purevolume.com/theshowdown
Just like He is Legend, The
Showdown is breathing life into this rotting corpse called
heavy metal. A Chorus of Obliteration is an amazing
journey into the realms of blistering guitar riffs and killer
drum tracks. Imagine if Iron Maiden, Slayer, Obituary and Six
Feet Under had children who took over the music biz from their
dads and put out a c.d. From the opening track “A Monument
Encased in Ash” until the final song “Laid to Rest” The
Showdown bring shear talent and heart to the table in a very
impressive debut release. I strongly urge fans of any of the
aforementioned bands to go get this c.d. now because this band
one day could be worth it’s weight in gold. Be sure to check
them out on tour this summer opening for Showbread and
Blindside.
Coded
Upcoming 7-Song CD
2005 Unsigned band
 Grade:
A
http://www.coded.tv
http://www.myspace.com/coded1
I’ve been swapping emails
with the bands drummer Mike over the past few weeks and he has
let me in on the behind the scenes action of this band getting
their c.d. finished. When it’s complete I expect the band to
start getting more recognition due to their tireless work
ethic, love for their music and for helping other bands as
well.
Coded has a really good
sound. The lyrics are heartfelt; the vocals are very strong
and ever-present in the songs. Add that to a super tight
rhythm section and a gunslinger guitarist and you have a
recipe for success. Fans of groups like Disturbed, Sevendust,
Queensryche or Kittie should really check out this band.
“Live On,” “Torture” and “Wasteland” are all great tracks. I
am really looking forward to the release of the c.d., which
should be out in the next few weeks. Be sure to check out the
bands web pages to get the latest information on it.
Torn
Reincarnate
 2005
Unsigned band
http://www.tornband.com
Torn has been added to PCT
Music’s “America’s Best Independent Artists” collection which
means that the band is getting a lot of attention in the music
business. One listen to this disc and you can see why. Torn
has a great ability for writing songs and they have a very
good sound as well. “Broken,” “Slip Away,” “Remind Me” and
“Empty Eyes” are all outstanding songs for an unsigned band.
Honestly, I expect them to get plenty of offers for a
recording contract. If you like bands like Creed, Lifehouse,
Modern Day Zero or 3 Doors Down, I highly recommend getting
this c.d.
If you check the message
boards here you will see that Nate, the singer of Torn has
posted a message saying that you could get this c.d. at Target
for $1.00 in the Target Dollar Bins. Let me tell you it is
worth every bit of a dollar to go and purchase this release.
In fact you should probably get two or three and give them
away to your friends; I know I am.
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7 Questions With... |
Keith Michaud of Summer Blanket
Q. How did you come up with the name Summer Blanket for the
band?
A. At the time the name of the band came about, I had just
written a song called "my summer blanket". My idea of a
'summer blanket' is that it's a combination of things that
keep you feeling safe like friends, family, books, and
music... whatever brings you comfort. So it comes from that
idea. It also brings me a feeling like the Beach Boys or
something. Drop a blanket on the beach and start the party,
you know?
Q. What would you like to tell us about your new record
Whisper Louder?
A. I think that I realized that maybe what I was looking to do
on the first record wasn't fully realized. I am a huge fan of
indie rock and hard rock music, but that doesn't really come
out in Summer Blanket. I mean I love My Bloody Valentine,
Sebadoh, Pavement, Deftones, the Shins, Death Cab for Cutie.
There is something so feminine about those bands. The
aesthetic was so pleasing because it didn't shove itself down
your throat like a lot of these alternative bands do. I wanted
Whisper Louder to be a true indie music record to ME, if not
to anyone else. I wanted to hear the weird things and extend
some musical passages a bit. I mean there is only one song
under or around 3 minutes, and most are 4-5 minutes long. I'm
hoping that it's evident that I care about the songs and how
they are presented on 'Whisper Louder'. Maybe a little more so
than on the first record. I love the first one still, but this
one feels right to me. It feels more dramatic, and less like
some sterile singer/songwriter pap. :)
Q. Any plans for a tour or live performances?
A. I tend to play about 3-5 times per week in the South
Florida area. I'm really looking to get onto a good tour for
this record, playing solo acoustic. I believe in the songs,
and think they still stand up when played acoustically, so I'm
looking forward to sharing them with people wherever I can.
Q. Who are some of your influences both musically and
non-musical?
A. Musically, I'd go with Lou Barlow (Sebadoh, Folk Implosion,
etc), Evan Dando (The Lemonheads), and Jeff Tweedy (Wilco) as
my favorites. They all have the ability to play in bands that
lead their songs out into this kind of damaged pop thing, but
I've heard all of them be able to pull off a solo acoustic
set, which really appeals to me. At the end of the day, if
you're writing songs, you should be able to play them by
yourself. You see all these alternative (or whatever) rock
bands and they simply aren't that good without their pedals
and expensive equipment. I think it's half of the appeal of
someone like Chris Carrabba from Dashboard Confessional. He
can get up there and do it himself, but even when he's with
his band, you can hear that it's coming across very pure and
honest. I like that and can respect it.
Non-musically I'd have to say there are a handful of authors
like Dave Eggers, Denis Johnson, and Tobias Wolff really turn
me on with their use of language. I read a lot of books, but
some authors just have this way with words that inspires me to
write more often and make better use of my own words in the
songs. I'd also say movies have a big influence on my music.
I'm constantly pulling quotes or ideas as I watch movies.
Q. Read any good books lately?
A. “How We Are Hungry” by Dave Eggers, “Fiskadoro” by Denis
Johnson, which I am right in the middle of as I type this.
Q. If you could be anyone in world history, who would you
be? Why?
A. Bob Dylan around the time of “Don't Look Back” being
filmed. I'm not a huge Dylan fan or anything, but I love
everything that I've heard by him. When I saw “Don't Look
Back”, it really struck me how honest he was about his art and
with the people around him. He seemed to be the epitome of
cool, to me, during that period. Plus it would be awesome to
be playing all those old halls in Europe and have the kids
there to listen to every word. People talk too much at shows
these days. Unless you're Conor Oberst or something... hahaha.
I just saw Wilco recently and Jeff Tweedy was standing there
singing a song and people are just YAPPING away, and he says
after the song "Wow you people must be rich down here to pay
for a ticket to a concert and talk through the whole song" I
was pumping my fists for sure after that one... haha
Q. What music are you currently listening to?
A. I've been listening (maybe too much) to the Streets. I
can't get his songs off my iPod man. There is such a modern
poet feel to most of it, and such a great humor to it. I don't
know. If I could rap, I'd try and do something like that. Oh,
and the new Gratitude record. Unbelievably good stuff. Jonah
Matranga and I played a couple of times together a couple
years back when he came through as onelinedrawing, and I was
just amazed at how similar what we do is. He plays almost the
same exact covers as me, and it was amazing to me how into it
people were simply because of his personality coming over the
speakers. It taught me a lot.
On The Web
http://www.summerblanket.com
http://www.myspace.com/summerblanket
http://www.popuprecords.com
roAE
Q. How did you come up with the name, roAE?
A. IF YOU TURN IT UPSIDE DOWN IT SPELLS LOVE (WHICH IS PRETTY
FUNNY IF YOU KNOW THAT THE ONLY OTHER PERSON ON THE INTERNET
THAT USES THE NAME IS A CUTE LITTLE GOTH GIRL THAT USES IT
BECAUSE IT IS AN ACRONYM FOR ROOT OF ALL EVIL)
Q. You have recorded and released 16 c.d.'s as roAE, what
inspires you to write and where do you find the time to keep
putting out c.d. after c.d.?
A. I HAVE BEEN MAKING A CD EVERY FOUR MONTHS SINCE 1995. I
HAVE OVER 30 TOTAL. I MADE MY FIRST "ALBUM" WITH TWO CASSETTE
TAPE DECKS AND A FENDER TWIN REVERB AMP. I WOULD RECORD A
TRACK ONTO ONE TAPE DECK THROUGH THE AUDIO
OUT OF THE AMP THEN I WOULD PLAY WHAT I HAD RECORDED ON THE
SECOND TAPEDECK, WHICH WAS PLUGGED INTO THE 2ND LINE OF THE
GUITAR AMP WHILE PLAYING THE SECOND GUITAR PART ALONG WITH THE
TAPE. TWO OR THREE TIMES AND YOU HAD A CRAPPY 4 TRACK.
MY MOST PROLIFIC TIME WAS MY LAST TWO YEARS OF COLLEGE. I
DIDN'T HAVE A JOB = LOTS OF TIME.
I MAKE MUSIC BECAUSE IT IS IN MY HEAD. I LOVE LIFE AND I NEED
A GOOD SOUNDTRACK. I DON'T LIKE TO TRAVEL AND I DON'T FIT IN
MOST PLACES SO I DON'T GO OUT. PLUS I HAVE A DEMENTEDLY HIGH
WORK ETHIC.
SO, TO BE SUCCINCT I MAKE SO MUCH BECAUSE I VALUE
PRODUCTIVITY, I PLAY IT ALL MYSELF, I HAVE ALL THE EQUIPMENT,
AND I DON'T DO ANYTHING ELSE. (I'M LIKE PRINCE)
Q. Does roAE do any live shows and if so are there any
upcoming events?
A. NO, I HAVE PLAYED 2 SHOWS IN TEN YEARS. BOTH DISASTERS.
Q. Who are some of your influences both musically and
non-musical?
A. Quiver of Jasper, Cream, THE MUSIC MACHINE, Zappa,
Tomahawk, Mars Volta, Beatles, WEEN, Soft machine, LOVE, the
Zombies, Giles Giles Fripp, Line47, Moby Grape, Thin Lizzy,
Old Yes, Aphex Twin, Smashing Pumpkins, Square Pusher, King
Crimson, 80s music, Steely Dan, Primus, Hatfield and the
North, Tool, Mr. Bungle, PREFAB SPROUT, The Police, Zakhir
Husein, Myself, Dave, blah blah...
Q. If you could be anyone in world history who would you
be?
A. ME 21 YEARS OLD IN CALIFORNIA IN 1967
Q. Read any good books lately?
A. I READ THE ENTIRE COURT TV CRIME LIBRARY WEBSITE
Q. What are you listening to in you car/home stereo?
A. roAE
Note: Check out a review for the
roAE c.d. Rut: Music by Anomaly in Issue
8
roAE on the web
http://www.soundclick.com/roae
http://www.pagodaproductions.com/roae
Neck
Q. Who are you and what do you do in the band?
A. Mike D - I scream at people about their mommies not
treating them right and play the guitar out of tune.
Q. How did you come up with the name, Neck?
A. I was starting at a Heineken bottle and was trying to come
up with a name. Neck popped out at me...and then, ya know,
like all this poetry came out from that...That the Neck
separates the mind from the body and all this $h*t.
Q. You guys have released a new c.d. What would you like to
share with us about it?
A. Its f**king awesome because we did it ourselves...It
doesn’t fit into any genre and it really has a wide range of
emotion. We are releasing the first pressing ourselves so
right now the only way to get it is at our websites or at
shows. But it should be available in stores in the next few
months.
Q. Are there any plans for a tour or any live shows coming
up?
A. Yeah...we got a bunch of shows we are doing in the North
East. We have a European tour scheduled for this summer with
Candiria...and we have a Southwest tour coming together for
when we get back from Europe.
Q. Who are some of your influences both musically and
non-musical?
A. Drug habits, depression, disappointment, Sleepy Time
Gorilla Museum, William Shatner, Slayer, Mars Volta (I am just
speaking for myself here)
Q. If you could be anyone in world history who would you
be? Why?
A. Jesus Christ...because that would have the most influence
on the world...and I could stop so many killings and murders
in the name of JC by just telling people to f**king chill....
Q. What are you listening to in you car/home stereo?
A. Sleepy Time Gorilla Museum, Pinback, William Shatner, The
Minor Times, Norma Jean...
http://www.neckhq.com
http://www.myspace.com/neck
Alterior Motive
Q. Who are you and what do you do in the band?
A. I’m Jonathan Curry and I’m the drummer.
Q. What's your favorite song off of the demo that you have
out right now?
A. Well I like Last Breath it has some great lyrics to it.
Q. Read any good books lately?
A. The Book of Nod, I just started my band doesn’t know this
but I guess they will now. HAHA
Q. Who are some of your influences both musically and
non-musical?
A. Musically I’m influenced by ever note that comes out of an
instrument.
Non-musically would have to be my passion to be better than
what I came from and the need to tear myself away from what
the majority thinks is "the Way".
Q. If you could be anyone in world history who would you
be? Why?
A. I would have to say I wouldn’t want to be anyone but myself
cause ya never know how the world could turn out if your
someone else.
Q. What are you listening to in you car/home stereo?
A. Right now in my truck I am listening to the new
Chevelle CD and some burnt Three 6 Mofia just to bump! haha
Q. In closing is there anything you'd like to share with
the world about your band?
A. Know the meaning of the name there is always hidden reasons
for actions you take hand in. And we know its spelled with a
damn U we like the A.
Note: Check out a review for the
Alterior Motive demo in Issue 8
Alterior Motive on the web
http://jcurry.homestead.com/homepage.html
http://www.myspace.com/alteriormotiveband
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©1997-2005 NutzMedia, Inc
Parental Advisory Note:
Artists and/or their record companies place Parental Advisory
and Explicit Lyrics stickers on the recordings. I will note it
next to the title of the recording when it is posted on the
recording or album artwork its self. Some of the recordings
received by The Audio Nut are not in the original packaging
and therefore may not include the Parental Advisory warning
next to the title. Please take this into consideration when
purchasing a disc that has been reviewed on this page.
Disclaimer:
The opinions
stated above are that of J Sohn and The Audio Nut. They are
not the opinions of NutzWorld, EntertainmentNutz or any of the
above listed bands/artists; their record labels or associates
unless other wise noted. J Sohn, The Audio Nut, NutzWorld and
EntertainmentNutz are not responsible in any way for the
actions or business practices of the above listed
bands/artists etc. |
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The Audio
Nut
Message
Board
1. Garbage
2. American Hi-Fi
3. Starlight Run
4. Mudvayne
5. At The Drive-In
6. Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention
7. Richard’s Nixon
8. Do Unto Others
Interviews with:
Modern Day Zero, Kids in the Way, Peculiar People Band and Deadworks.
1. Beck
2. Eisley
3. Modern Day Zero
4. Kathleen Edwards
5. Prong
6. Fastway
7. Jah Root
8. Monet, Madrid, Madagascar
9. Chaos Order
Interviews with:
The Juliet Dagger, Mankind is Obsolete and Quiver of Jasper.
1. Queens of the
Stone Age
2. He is Legend
3. Shooter Jennings
4. NOMEANSNO
5. Mankind is Obsolete
6.
roAE
7. Alterior Motive
Plus Interviews with:
Calico System, Given and Inkognito
1. Rise Against
2. Ivy
3. (hed) P.E.
4. Grascals
5. Primus
6. Rush
7. Drivin’ Rain
8. Fists of Phoenix
Plus Interviews with:
Ryan Clark from Demon Hunter and Dick Witham from The Curse of Western Culture.
Mars Volta
Jack Johnson
Interpol
Thievery Corporation
Blindside
Deep Purple
Quiver of Jasper
Plus an interview
with the band, This, Is A Virtue.
3 Doors Down
The Zutons
Shadows Fall
Alison Kraus and Union Station
P.J. Harvey
Fugazi
Driven to Her Death
and you
will know us..
Tobymac
Killswitch Engage
Kelly Clarkson
Kenny Chesney
James Gang
Underoath
U2
Green Day
Slipknot
Gwen Stefani
Blake Shelton
Mudhoney
Given
The Audio Nut - Issue 2
- featuring reviews from:
Chevelle
Cake
Ministry
Bad Brains
Byproduct
The Audio Nut - Issue 1
- featuring reviews from:
Muse
Brand New
Demon Hunter
Shellac
Emaciation
For an e-mail
update when a new page gets posted
click here and
e-mail us |
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