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Stigma – For Love and Glory

June 12, 2013

There are few names in Punk Rock as respected as Vinnie Stigma, and for good reason. From founding Agnostic Front, one of the most iconic Hardcore bands of all time, to NYHC Tattoo, and even saving the life of a child in Melbourne last year, it seems there is very little he hasn't done (though he is not publishing a children's book telling the plot of "The Warriors" with bunny rabbits.

 

That was a joke. Please stop asking where to buy it.). And now his new project Stigma has released their second album titled "For Love & Glory" available through Durty Mick Records.

 

"For Love & Glory" is 13 furious songs about working, drinking, surviving, and loving music, averaging about two and a half minutes each, but this isn't just another hardcore album from the "Godfather of Hardcore". While there are some recognizably NYHC breakdowns and lead-ins, there is an undeniably strong Oi! sound to many of the tracks, especially "Don't Lose Faith" and "The Spirit Remains". Lars Fredericksen helped co-produce the album, and the punk influence is similarly identifiable, as on "Free Your Mind". 


Some fans may find the album disappointing on first listen, as it is a more complex and varied album than previous Stigma projects, but the songs are infectious, and have a tendency to creep into your mind. Given some time, this album will probably be able to win over even the most dedicated Hardcore fans. 


If you'd like to check out the album for yourself, you can pick up a copy from Durty Mick HERE

 or you can preview tracks HERE

 

 

-Jo Problems-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
 

 

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This is Peterborough Goes Forth – Compilation

June 12, 2013

"This is Peterborough Goes Forth" is, cleverly, the fourth compilation in the series by Rowdy Farrago Records featuring active bands from Peterborough. If you don't know where Peterborough is, grab a map of England, and head north from London... or just ask Google maps.

"This is Peterborough Goes Forth" is a very eclectic compilation, so there's a good chance of finding something that will appeal to almost everyone. Popular Oi! band The Black Marias contribute "Havoc", a high-energy fist pumper, while A Story to Tell cover the more melodic indy side of things, and Thee Ancient Mariners deliver a Power-Pop flavored Punk. 


Overall, this compilation serves as a great catalog to the variety of music coming out of a city too often overshadowed by the London and Manchester scenes. So if you're looking for some new bands, but aren't ready to commit to a full album, give this comp a try. You can pick up your copy HERE

 

-Jo Problems-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
 

 

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Left Alone – Hate The Day EP

May 12, 2013

Left Alone - Hate The Day EP ReviewA few weeks ago i was Lucky enough to catch one of Hellcat Record's finest Left Alone in Modesto, California. It was the start of their tour with Voodoo Glow Skulls promoting the releases of Dale La Boota “Mexican Give Em The Boot” and the new ep “Hate The Day”.


I got talking to Elvis and the others after their exciting and fun set and decided to review their brand new 4 song cd released by Hellcat Records and Smelvis Records. “Hate the Day” is a really good ep, I like it alot because in my opinion it gives a splash of everything this awesome band has to offer, there is two Ska style songs and two faster Punk style songs making it a rad and exciting listen.

The first song “Hate The Day” is a catchy popy Ska Punk number with lots of great bass lines and organ throughout, the lyrics are just as catchy as the song and the chorus is simple and fun. Elvis hates the day he met an ex girlfriend, he loves the day she left and he doesn't miss her at all. “Hate the Day is a great song and it's one I imagine myself skanking too later this month at Punk Rock Bowling.

Like I mentioned earlier not all the songs are as happy and as feel good, “Stuck in a Haze” is much faster and a little harsher, with lots of bass slapping. I am no expert but I'm pretty sure James their super rad and totally talented bass player is using an upright bass for this one, it's fast paced but still very melodic, Left Alone can play hard and fast of slow but they always keep everything melodic. I think this song is about life taking its toll and life on the road being an some what an escape.

The next track is called “Jen” and it goes right back to that classic Left Alone's Ska Punk sound heard on the first song, this one however is not about an ex but about a girl he met on a HorrorPops tour back in 2005. Pretty much every Left Alone's song is a story and that's one of the things I love most about this band. The track has lots of organ, lots of great bass lines and is super catchy.

Last but not least, the cd finishes with a straight up fast paced Punk song called “Wall Street” this one is faster, heavier and political, which a little different, but totally rad. “Wall Street” is about greed, money corruption and how we need to protest and take our country from the rich. I really like this track alot and it's great to hear a band that covers more than one genre and does it well.

This EP comes in a nice digi pack and has cool cover art of kids riding their bikes, the inside has a photo of all the band members and the lyrics are included. If you are gonna be in Las Vegas for Punk Rock Bowling, make sure you check them out on Friday May 24, 2013 at The Fremont Country Club .... You will not be disappointed.

-Brian McCann Jr.-
Big Wheel Contributor
 

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Biv and the Mnemonics – The Pace

April 13, 2013

Biv and the Mnemonics - The PaceOnce in a great while a band comes along that encourages thought and inspiration through their art. For a band to accomplish such a feat said band would need to bring the listener into a specific frame of mind; a frame of mind that does not overpower the listener’s senses while delicately keeping them aware of their surrounding yet keeping the listener focus on what comes next in the listeners life.

Biv and the Mnemonics album The Pace succeeds in doing just that. By integrating a melodic balance of rhythmic Folk-Rock musical style along with solid lyrical content Biv and the Mnemonics are able to improve any listeners’ mood over all.

 

At first glance the lyrics throughout the album speak of good times gone by and a life that has become a distant memory. However, it is the essence of reflective thought present in the album’s subtle undertone that somehow aids in communicating a deeper message; a message that proudly speaks of moving on through life without allowing the past to be a burden.

The end result is clear; The Pace by Biv and the Mnemonics is definitely an album worth picking up for anyone into Folk-Rock or someone who wants to take part in a poetic lyrical experience.

Biv and the Mnemonics can be found via www.bivband.com, www.facebook.com/bivband, and www.soundcloud.com/bivandthemnemonics.

 

-Ryan Redondo-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
 

 

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The Insurgence – Elimination

April 13, 2013

The Insurgence - EliminationIf this is the first time you are hearing about Seattle Washington’s own The Insurgence then hold onto your seats. I can say that it certainly won’t be the last time you hear about them, this band is rad at what they do and If you are particularly interested in Hardcore Punk mixed in with balls to the wall Thrash Metal then this band should be on your radar and this record should be on your player.

One can’t listen to this record without feeling the urge to get up and slam as it seems this record was tailored for just that.  It has plenty of screaming over loud and fast guitars and drums that seemed picked right out of the 80’s. There are many instances where you may be reminded of Poison Idea or The Dwarves which I think The Insurgence would take as compliment, I mean how could they not? This album is full of pissed off songs that represent what this band is best at, angry social and political infused Punk Rock mosh anthems.

There are a number of stand out tracks that you should sample soon before you go out and buy this album and those are; “We Can’t Be Stopped”, “Elimi-Nation” and “Cocaine Wasteland”. After listening to those do yourself the ultimate favor and go get this record, it’s gonna be one of the best choices you make in Punk purchases this year.

 

-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
 

 

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Dead Ending – DE II

April 13, 2013

Dead Ending - DE II The new 5 song EP I just played on my turntable is one of the raddest new records to be released on the bay areas own Alternative Tentacles label. That EP in particular would be by Dead Ending, a modern day Punk super group featuring members of Rise Against, Alkaline Trio, Articles of Faith and The Bomb.
 

This record is hard, much harder than the bands full time bands and a good indication that these guys are not fucking around when they get together to jam. Well maybe they are and this is the kind of material they come up with when they just let loose and go for it, there probably isn’t a concern with sales or marketing to radio stations or a hot topic based audience so why not go full throttle right?

 

I think that’s what these guys decided to do here and with that came a 5 song ep that rips your heart out and feeds it to a pack of rabid dogs. Lets hope these guys continue to spend time on this project, its perfectly suited for a club show, a show that you would definitely want to be at.

 

-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
 

 

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