Review: Lost Boys Sessions EP - Night Riots

Bearing a resemblance to the Lost Boys film sometime back (in title), there is nothing dead about this EP (not that the Lost Boys film is dead, vampires are however). Just a bit over 2 years after the release of their 2010 album, Into the Roaring, the fellas at Night Riots haven't slowed anything down. Now, I love Into the Roaring, it is by far one of my favorite albums from this or any band for that matter, but this 6 track EP, ranging from solid, fun, catchy and even powerful contains just about my favorite and best tracks at this point on the bands history. The added synthesizer I believe makes many of the songs distinctive from Into the Roaring, not to mention the fact that Hawley's vocals and melodies surpass what we've heard in previous entries. Complemented by the bands harmonies, Hawley's presentation of his poetic lyrics contain plenty of vocal range that I would also describe as fun, catchy, distinct and just down right impressive.
Similar in solidity, simplicity, and subtle-ness from ItR,  lead guitar hasn't lost its touch (no pun intended) and works well together with the synth in the dual combination of the opener, and a particular fan favorite, "Berelain". For some reason this song always reminds me of Halloween time or the fall in general, I suppose it just gives me that kind of feeling. Upbeat, fun, with a distinctive catchy lead synth, Nick Fotinakes lead guitar meshes together with it to create the instantly recognizable "Berelain" synth, and simple yet fun sing-along chorus, "Berelain" is the perfect opener to this album or any playlist at home or out in public. While this EP features a redone "London" from ItR I personally prefer the original, however, adding a synth, extending the song by a final chorus, redone drums and a change up from lyrics give it a bit of a different taste. From here the EP goes up with "Seawolves" "Chase the Sky" "Some Nights" and "I Know". All being on the equal level of great quality there is one that I have to hold up as the shining crown of this album, but I will get to that towards the end. Onward to the latter portion of the EP, ''Chase the Sky'', unlike the others this one has a rather darker feel towards it, a bit heavier, certainly not as memorable as the rest, but that doesn't mean its lacking on quality. Having resemblance to "Berelain" in description  "Some Nights" has the same distinctive synth lead intro, while having Hawley present some of the stronger vocals of the album in the latter portion of the song, (I mean STRONG, listen and try doing that), Hawley builds into the stronger vocals a few portions at a time,  though you can hear a taste of it in the backing vocals on occasion, "Some Nights'' is one of the stronger songs from this EP. Simple and almost appropriate, "I Know", though there isn't much I can say about this song, I can say that it is the quickest, shortest song off LBS. Simple, nothing too extraordinary  it's still a fun song, and even funner live (I realize ive used that word several times, count them up). Leaving you wanting more is an appropriate way of finishing this song off, and they know it (ha).


And last but by far not the least is

"Seawolves", though it took a bit of time to grow on me, when it did it became my absolute favorite song off this EP and of all time. Solid, right, and entirely complementary are the words I can use to describe the backing track, but the vocals, the song would mean a whole lot less without them. Beautifully crafted, superbly and poetically sung, romantic, and all with a chorus that really makes the song all the more strong itself that will stick in your head, the song starts with a spark and soars towards its grand finale and ending in a clean, quick and quiet exit. Here I believe is where Hawley's strong vocals really come out, especially in the songs climax,  If I had to use one song to describe this entire album, that would be the song. Dont get me wrong, the rest of the album  is well done, again their best songs are on this EP, but I very much consider this THE LSB song.

The Lost Boys Sessions overall is great on a scale from 1 to 10 i would give it a 9, everything about it is done very well and would be a flawless EP except for the London rerun. It's a good song, but it should've stayed how it was in Into the Roaring, but regardless its still a great EP and who knows maybe you'll like it, Check it out!
   
Listen to the EP here!
Buy the EP here!

Written by Carlos Martinez

Review: STYLSS: SUICIDE PACT: FOUR

Portland is a fantastic city and is a huge music community for aspiring artists. STYLSS, which is a Portland based label (and includes artists throughout the whole world) is just one of the most admirable and talented group of artists that really make Portland’s music community better. 

STYLSS recently released their “SUICIDE PACT: FOUR”. The release includes seventeen tracks by different artists. The Suicide pact starts with the track "Feelings" by INDICA + SATIVA. The song is extremely mellow and a clever way to prepare you for

the sixteen songs that come after. One of the tracks that really caught my attention was YOUNG GUTTED'S "GORE". The first moment I heard the track I got goosebumps by the chopped n screwed voice and intriguing background noise. About a week ago I was received an email from LOOK giving me a sneak peek at his track "Adapt" before it was even finished. Now, as I'm hearing the finished project, it's a true masterpiece. LOOK has produced many of my favorite pieces of music since I first started listening to many of STYLSS artists. QUARRY released an awesome track on the pact as well. His track "make-believe" is another slow track with a lot of great elements that really kept me hooked and is a track that I have listened to more than once. My favorite track off the album is Dead Fetus' "Piss Black". I found myself nodding my head and tapping my fingers throughout the whole track. 

STYLSS Suicide Pact is some of the best work I've heard from STYLSS and the artists keep releasing more tracks that are good enough to give anyone goosebumps. I have always been someone who was into punk and grunge growing up, but after I was introduced to STYLSS and the amazing artists included on the label almost a year ago, I have been hooked on all the music the artists produce. If you enjoy STYLSS Suicide Pact Four be sure to check out earlier work by all the artists and keep your eyes open for more awesome tracks coming your way.

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Written By Emily Charnock

Review: Night Birds - Maimed for the Masses EP

       Night Birds' wave-rippin', pill-poppin', no-stoppin' 4 track EP "Maimed for the Masses" dropped on May 7th under Fat Wreck Chords, in prelude to upcoming LP "Born to Die in Suburbia", scheduled to be released on Grave Mistake Records in July. The Night Birds are horror-flick junkies known for their affinity with macabre song topics, legendary pizza discussions, pop-punk a la The Ergs, disdain for authority and a root-down, unique interpretation of play-fast punk in a refreshing, exciting outlet.


       This  7"  packs  a  serious  surf-punk  punch, as  expertly demonstrated in its title track "Maimed for the Masses", which is about wrestling legend Mick Foley, and how he sacrificed his body for the good of the people.  The second track on the album, "Barred Out" is a hearkening to the suburbanite's innate ingrained tendency to lose your cool, get high and say "Fuck it, dawg." This track is like a throwback to Midnight Movies and the Self Titled EP, with its outright fast and genuinely original sound. Next up is the auto-erotic asphyxiation anthem "Last Gasp". This song is probably my favorite on the album, complete with suspenseful spooky surfy guitar, off-the-wall drum patterns and angsty vocal incantations. The singer clues us in on one  of his favorite down-time hobbies: "I don't care if they stare, when they find me lying there, because I died, satisfied". Definitely going to be humming this tune in my head for weeks to come. "Boat Trash" is the last song on the album, and it's dirty, scummy and gravelly, yet still ridiculously groovy. Makes me want to get up and dance. It's written in traditional radical surf instrumental fashion, the guitar making you feel like Magnum P.I. on the beach with some floozies, the drums nonchalant and chill as fuck, the bass fuzzy and warm, and the only lyrics being "BOAT TRaAaAaASHHHHHHH". A great closing track and great competition for the band's other instrumental tracks like "Squad Car" and "Harbor Rats".

       Overall, "Maimed for the Masses" is another solid release from New Jersey and New York's finest self-proclaimed "thoroughly modern morons". Right up there with "Killer Waves" in my book. Night Birds are always up to something, if it's not creating masterpieces, it's touring all over the place and coming out with some of the coolest band merch I have seen.


Full streaming of the album can be found here.  For a more complete retinue of NB tunes, go here. From cheap shades to sweet swagger for your favorite jean or leather jacket, you can get your Night Birds merch and records fix here. 

Written by Austin Raff

Review: Merchandise - Totale Nite

As a last.fm user so elegantly put it, “Anxiety’s Door” is Carson doing his best Morrissey impression. I don’t think it’s any secret that Carson’s vocal style is very derivative of Morrissey’s own somber voice, and Merchandise as a vehicle for that voice is a very effective one. Much like the Smiths in the 80s and Morrissey’s subsequent solo project, Merchandise is a desperate escape for the sorrowful. I spent many a night playing Children of Desire and Strange Songs at full blast, alone in the dark. Totale Nite was a beautiful surprise, and an excellent addition to their bountiful discography. I first got my hands on the EP at their show at Munoz Gym in Bakersfield on March 23^rd. When we finally piled back into the car and took a 2 hour drive back home, the only logical thing to do next was to play the much awaited 12” over and over until I finally fell asleep.

Merchandise

Totale Nite speaks greatly of Merchandise’s emotional side, and introduces a fresh sound tinged heavily with psychedelia. “Who Are You,” the opening track, is a bluesy, psychedelic rock tune, and came as a surprise when I first heard it. The harmonica melody that plays throughout is a bit unexpected coming from a band known for playing fuzzed out post-punk, but it is a welcome change.

And then “Anxiety’s Door” kicks in, an almost 7 minute ripper of a tune, providing listeners with everything they’ve come to love from Merchandise. It’s another “I Locked The Door”; it’s one of the most memorable tracks of the album. You’ll find yourself singing along to the chorus whether or not you know the words. “I’ll Be Gone” is the big ballad of the album. Heavily seeped in psychedelia, this track sways and moves like a dancer. One may recall “Bells Ring” by Mazzy Star.

I remember when waiting around the boxing ring at Munoz Gym for Merchandise to set up, they had brought with them a saxophone player. I hadn’t yet heard Totale Nite, and my only idea of what it was going to sound like was from the leaked “Anxiety’s Door” track on YouTube. On the titular track for Totale Nite, that mysterious saxophone makes its appearance. Words can’t describe the energy of this 9 plus minute epic. This is the climax of the album. This is what it all builds into. His eerie vocals are especially pronounced here, and the guitar tone is thick.

SXSW

Totale Nite sometimes feels less like an album and more like an opera. It feels like there is a plot, and though you can’t quite put your finger on what it might be, it’s that feeling that keeps you listening throughout the whole album. The dynamics between each song are so pronounced and so profound. Winter’s Dream, being the conclusion of the journey that Totale Nite takes you on opens with a simple, but deceptively beautiful bassline that remains constant throughout D. Vassolatti’s psychedelic guitar noodling. Carson’s voice desperately calls out and croons. The music fades out. It’s time to start the album over again.

Totale Nite Cove

Listen/Download Merchandise for free here!

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Written by Nate Rodriguez

Review: Ty Segall & Mikal Cronin - Reverse Shark Attack Album Review

Now that it's May and we're getting closer to summer, it's time to put together our "Summer 2013" playlists and mix tapes. In the summer I have listened to various artists such as Wavves, Best Coast, Vivian Girls, etc. But my favorite band to catch up on during those hot summer days is Ty Segall. I have been listening to Ty Segall for four and a half years. I first heard of them while searching through iTunes for new music (this was before spotify and music blogs came into my life and I searched for new music by listening to the 25 second samples on iTunes (ha-ha)). While searching under related artists to Wavves, I came upon Ty Segall's album "Lemons". The first song I heard: "Die Tonight". 

My mind was blown. As much as I love Wavves fun beachy feel, Ty Segall just blew my mind. "This is just really really really good noise" was what ran through my mind throughout my whole "Lemons" experience. If you like noise, the most gut-wrenchingly noisy song on that album is "Johnny". I wasn't a big fan of that song awhile back because to be quite honest it gave me the biggest headache, but after a couple of years I developed a liking for it. To tone down all of the noise is the last track of the album "Like You". The slow guitar settles down your ears from all the fast paced noise. In my opinion the song is a great way to end a brilliant album full of noise and goosebumps. 


During the Summer of 2011 I was stoked for FYF fest. I bought my ticket as soon as they went on sale. The line up was out of this world and Ty Segall was on it. I was extremely pumped to see their set. When I arrived at FYF fest I rocked out to plenty of sets including Title Fight, OFF!, The Strange Boys, and a lot more. I can remember getting ready for Ty Segall's set and trying as hard as possible to get to the front. Although I didn't make it to the very front, I was close enough to watch one of my favorite bands. The set started and I couldn't have been more happy. Everyone in the crowd was having a blast, crowd surfing and singing along to the lyrics. I danced and contemplated crowd surfing, but I wasn't close enough. When they played the song "Caesar" the crowd went wild, and I got major goosebumps. I took a bunch of photos and videos of their set with my little digital camera. After Ty Segall's set my friends and I stayed until everyone left the crowd and we giggled and said hello to Ty and told him his set was great. He gave us a smirk and continued packing up his gear. Out of all the sets I watched that day, Ty Segall was the most memorable and fun experience I had. 

(One of the photos I took during their set at FYF fest 2011)

A couple of months ago I discovered Ty Segall's collaboration with Mikal Cronin on the Reverse Shark Attack album. Like a lot of Ty Segall albums, I had to get used to this one. Now, it is one of my new Summer picks. The album starts off with "I Wear Black", which is a really cool way to start off the album. The song isn't too fast and it isn't too slow, so it kind of gives you a taste of what the album has to offer. My favorite song off the album is "Doctor Doctor". It starts off really fast and fairly noisy  It's a short, purely noise track that is one minute and twenty-four seconds of repetitive (but good) guitar chords and overpowering drums. The next song "Bikini Babes" is also one of my favorites off the album. Like "I Wear Black" it's not too slow and it's not too fast, but it's really good. I like it because it isn't so repetitive, it's broken down into different sections. Reverse Shark Attack is a must for summer 2013. I highly recommend listening to Ty Segall if you have never heard of them, or if you are a fan but haven't caught up on their latest masterpieces. 

Ty Segall never fails to dissapoint me.


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Written by Emily Charnock

Upcoming Events!

September 16th: Against Empire, Hydro Thunder Hurricane, & More at Zoey's Cafe in Ventura!

September 13th: Perkins Show with CancerxPatient, FBA, Hydro Thunder Hurricane, & MORE!

***CLICK ON THE LINKS TO GO TO THE EVENT PAGES***
ALL EVENTS ARE OXNARD/VENTURA 
EXCEPT FYF FEST IN LA.

THIS PAGE WILL ALWAYS BE UPDATED! OLD EVENTS WILL BE FEATURED DOWN HERE! CLICK ON "LOCALS ONLY" TO SEE THIS PAGE!

**OLD SHOWS**
May 10th: House Show with Blasting Concept & FBA in Oxnard!

May 22nd: ИO///sé, Stop Breathing, The Pullmen, & Deepakalyps at Zoey's Cafe in Ventura!  

May 26th: Constant Fear, Vaginors, Stoic Violence, Death Crisis, and Negative Degree at Zoey's Cafe in Ventura!

May 28th-Take Offense, Downpresser,Trap Her Keep Her, Isolation AD, Inner Strength, Attributes at the Cobalt Cafe in Canoga Park!

May 30th- Rotting Out, Sleepwalkers, Nomads, Harness and Isolation AD at Rock City Studios in Camarillo!

May 31- Made Do and Mend, Cheap Girls, Diamond Youth, Vain and Valor, at the Cobalt Cafe in Canoga Park!

June 1st: HRBRS, Unstrung, MNHD, Winston, & Soul Hex at Zoey's Cafe in Ventura!

June 1st- False Confession, The Grim, The Loads, Declining Youth, Bootleg Brigade at Rock City Studios in Camarillo!

June 7th- My Distractions, Galvanized Souls, Dregs, Jimmy and the Poor Boys, Andrew Rivera at Rock City Studios in Camarillo!

June 15th: ANS, LECHEROUS GAZE, BLASTING CONCEPT, FBA at the Hard To Find in Goleta! 

June 21- Koji (Performing with a full band), Turnover, Ivy League,
Living Ghosts, Have Mercy, Spanaway, Just Go, Just Leave at the Cobalt Cafe in Canoga Park!

June 22nd- A Whilem Scream, The Flatliners, Special Guest at Rock City Studios in Camarillo!

June 30th: IMPULSE, SORDO, SLEEP WALK, TENSION, CHIMPOWA, HARUKE, DISDIG, & R(A)NECORE at Zoey's in Ventura!

July 12th: Destroy LA Fest in LOS ANGELES!

July 20- Freedom Fest featuring: Artist Vs Poet, Stanley & The Search, Sink Swim, Like Giants, Thieves, Plan Your Escape, Gunpowder Secrets, Carpe Diem, Zach Valladon at Rock City Studios in Camarillo!

July 24th: BLACK FLAG at the Ventura Theater in Ventura!

July 26- Shai Hulud, Early Graves, more TBA at Rock City Studios in Camarillo!

August 6th: OBLITERATIONS & WOODEN NOMAD at ZOEYS CAFE in VENTURA!

August 10th: THE POWER OF THE RIFF 2013 in LOS ANGELES!

August 16th: BRAINDAZE in MARICOPA, CA!

August 16th: THE FUCKING WRATH, STOP BREATHING, BLASTING CONCEPT, FBA, CATASTORPHE at ZOEYS CAFE in Ventura!

August 17th: NARDSTOCK at the Ventura Theater in Ventura!

August 24th - 25th: FYF FEST in LOS ANGELES!

Review: ИO​/​/​/​sé - S/T LP

The first time picked up this LP was on my 18th birthday haul solely because I was looking through the local vinyl bin at Salzer's and saw this on sale for $9.99 & thought that was a fair price. Going home I popped the record on my console and damn. They say a good band now a' days has elements of a handful of other "good" bands but damn I'm digging the surf garage rock influences. From Reatard esque' verses with major chord insturmental jam offs with the surfy leads stand-off leads.

ИO​/​/​/​sé Live - © Lindsay Beaumont 

Lyrically this album can be described as a, "FUCK YOU, I'M TIRED, YOU'LL NEVER UNDERSTAND, AND I WON'T EVER UNDERSTAND." The epitome of adult realization. Songs such as "If I Told You Once" & "Why Are You So..." fall in this vein of dependency and bringing you down relatable to the friend that fucks up and loses everyone as a leach and falls into a void of a inevitable depression. As Tear It Up would say, "Taking You Down With Me".

While other songs like "Own Blood" dive into the realm of one trying to escape from what they are but realizing they can't yet it's a constant question many of us have driven to after the indulgence of drugs/alcohol. " "Trust Issues (I Don't Get it)" is the big brother anthem with the lyrics "I don't trust no suit and tie. I don't trust no cops. I don't trust no handshake. Don't trust myself. I don't trust no optimist. I don't trust no hope. I don't trust no pessimist and don't trust the one's you love."T hese lyrics take the listener onto a 2nd perspective to see past the outer exterior, the impression we all amount to yet easily become manipulated and taken advantage at our blind ignorance. The B-side dives into songs about self-identity & our personal comfort, songs that tackle into hypocrisy/denyal, "fabricated" reality, and opening our eye's to who we are and the burdens we put and the desire we have to truly change who we are for better.

Photograph by Dave Fuller

This S/T LP by ИO​/​/​/​sé is highly recommended for it's jam TY Segalll King Khan Reatard esque jam with lyrics in the vein of a Fucked Up Screamers, "You're a fucking idiot" vibe. Check-out this first wave release by another gem from Ventura County.

Listen/Buy to their new album here!

Like Them On Facebook Here!

Check out their upcoming show at ZOEYS on May 22nd Here!

Written by John Williams