The Dismemberment Plan live review.(@ Shibuya O-West, Tokyo)
"...The sort of people who care about bands like this REALLY cared about The Dismemberment Plan. Considering that they split up some 7 years ago, anyone who can claim to have actually seen them gets major show-off points among friends. This reunion - in celebration of their recently re-released "Emergency & I" album - is among the wildest dreams for some people but, yes, that's definitely them, standing up there in shirts and cardigans, a little more facial hair but not too old yet, playing the songs again..."
Full article: [click]
Mono interview.
I originally wrote and asked the questions in Japanese, then translated them into English for the article.
"...Everything they release seems to get called "their best yet", and this was no different. After this much time, I wonder what inspires the band to make something so powerful. The answer, Goto says, "is going to sound kind of weird. When we compose, it's like we just have to convert the inspiration welling up inside us into sound. At shows, each band member works together to share that inspiration with the people who came to see us."..."
Full article: [click]
"...Across The Sun's distinguishing feature is their taste for the dramatic. The crooned, clean vocals warble on about hearts and salvation or something, over both chug-a-lug riffs and "meaningful" reverberous chasms. The guitar frequently peals off into a Hollywood, "riding the horse into the sunset, injured but triumphant" kind of guitar solo. Songs often feature violin or piano, because they are grown-up instruments that are classy and stuff..."
Full article: [click]
Protest The Hero - Scurrilous (album review).
"...Protest The Hero are back with their latest contribution to the hardest difficulty setting on Guitar Hero. As usual, their fretboard tapping is impressive simply as a feat of stamina..."
Full article: [click]
Conan / Slomatics (split EP review).
"...The implication is that the music has somehow tapped into some ancient, older power. It's transmitting the wrath of Thor, or Mars, or nature itself. But, if it had really managed to channel the essence of rock, then it wouldn't need to..."
Full article: [click]
Wolf - Legion of Bastards (album review).
"...Perhaps you've heard of Iron Maiden. They play in stadiums to tens of thousands of people, and are easily one of the most famous bands to ever have existed. They've written more albums than they've had birthdays, and that's saying something. Oh, you have heard of them? So have Wolf.."
Full article: [click]