tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17300587480202021232023-11-15T17:37:21.888-08:00The Thrash CompactorI like music.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-24221306556559876832012-02-13T20:20:00.000-08:002012-02-13T20:33:16.905-08:00Disappearing actIn case you didn't notice my lack of posts, I don't really use this blog anymore. If you're wondering why, well, its rather simple. I have been almost completely turned off from 'hardcore' music and it has escalated to a point of little to no return. <br />
I'm pulling myself out of any music scene and keeping to myself these days so please don't ask me to review your album because I'll give you maybe a sentence fragment of spite and a middle finger if you're even deserving of it. Not to mention how sick of regurgitated punk/hardcore I am... anyways, go read some Tales From the Crypt or whatever it is you kids are doing these days and leave me alone so I can spend years developing an alcohol problem while secluding myself to a home theatre wherein I will memorize every detail from North By Northwest, Psycho, Strangers On a Train, and Vertigo so long as I am not sober.<br />
PS. I don't drink.<br />
-Evan HitchcockUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-70941535619800609422011-12-14T01:39:00.000-08:002011-12-14T01:44:06.616-08:00Perdition - s/t EP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQe_x2s1g3DuZYIAKmqpsjL08vtIw6eIZ9PTxvg2VCPGV7eKuKmYvgknM8vngRnrU3Hhr5nkuDVwm4zmTm2UpezLGfe2GwH6rEEQXsiSW2jPchpc_uq5jRn8PXSMcx58S4XkaJATIvOeQ/s1600/prdtns.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQe_x2s1g3DuZYIAKmqpsjL08vtIw6eIZ9PTxvg2VCPGV7eKuKmYvgknM8vngRnrU3Hhr5nkuDVwm4zmTm2UpezLGfe2GwH6rEEQXsiSW2jPchpc_uq5jRn8PXSMcx58S4XkaJATIvOeQ/s400/prdtns.png" width="395" /></a></div>Fans of raw, noisy hardcore punk everywhere will rejoice when they hear Perdition's self-titled EP. People who don't like stagnant music, however, will not.<br />
Now, I'm sort of at an in-between point for this 7". Perdition, for what they do, are great. Raw, noisy, violent.. and just listen to that voice. At the same time, however, the crusty-noisy d-beat style has been done to death and it's not really 1980 anymore.<br />
These guys have a fresh touch to it vocally, I have to say, but when it just sounds like a crust-metal band covering Discharge, you gotta admit that the style is just getting a tad bit old... especially when every band in the genre sounds like a crust-metal band covering Discharge (hey, they might as well be, right?).<br />
Don't get me wrong, this album is a fun listen if you're in the mood for something violent and fast, and I'd recommend them much more than I'd recommend the majority of d-beat / crust-core, but if you wanna listen to something that sounds like Discharge.... why not just listen to Discharge?<br />
I saw these guys back in February with Night Birds, Government Warning, and Ex-Humans, and their fanbase was the most violent of the night. I always hear bad things about these guys as people, too, but I guess ya can't know until you talk to them yourself, right?<br />
Anyways, I did enjoy this record. Don't give me all these comments like "fukk u, ur not punxrawkanarky" because believe me, a few years ago I was punxrawkanarky and I would've loved this to death, and I can see how fans of the genre and band do love this to death, but the d-beat thing has gotten pretty old.<br />
Regardless, I like this 7", and if you're looking for crust or d-beat, get this, because I can definitely say that it's the best record these guys have put out, and they're the best d-beat band you've got going for you these days if you're a "RAW ATTAX PUNX". Or whatever you guys call it.<br />
I'd give it a 3/5 if I was on a scale. But I'm not.<br />
<br />
These guys don't have much of an online presence so I'll give ya what I can find.<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/_71nggjh8aU">PERDITION-S/T Demo E.P. on YouTube</a><br />
<a href="http://toxicstate.blogspot.com/">Toxic State Records</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-8365341177226847342011-12-12T10:56:00.000-08:002011-12-12T11:06:43.536-08:00Timeshares - Bearable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://liecc.com/storage/album-art.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1316130542393" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://liecc.com/storage/album-art.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1316130542393" width="400" /></a></div>Pop-punk band Timeshares from New York just recently put out their new full-length album 'Bearable' on If You Make It Records. Though I haven't heard from this band before this album, I'm really glad I picked up on this release.<br />
The album starts strong with a catchy opening track, already setting the mood for a good half-hour of emotionally charged pop-punk . Musically, they sound like a cross between Jawbreaker and Iron Chic while the vocals sound like if the Get-Up Kids had deeper, scratchier voices and formed a choir with blink-182 in their earlier days. The guitar is jangly and has that sort of lingering sense, where it sounds like it's still alive but slowly dying and trying to write out its last will or something. These guys clearly aren't stupid, either. There's some very creative and constructive breaks and changes in their music, which blends beautifully with their poetic lyrics of broken hearts and obvious emotive discontent. A truly inspiring album in an age full of cookie-cutter, less-than-average Four Year Strong / Wonder Years wanna-be bands (as if those 2 bands aren't awful enough on their own).<br />
I really do enjoy this album. Check it out.<br />
<a href="http://timeshares.bandcamp.com/album/bearable">Timeshares bandcamp page</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/album/timeshares/bearable/">Timeshares - Bearable - If You Make It Records</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-32035896634012834062011-12-08T13:24:00.000-08:002011-12-08T13:24:35.262-08:00Battles - Gloss Drop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61XgNe8F0OL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61XgNe8F0OL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Sick of the same mediocre music? Want something new and exciting? Good, so was I. Then my friend showed me this album and it's fucking great.<br />
Battles features ex-members of Don Caballero, Storm & Stress, Lynx, and Helmet.<br />
'Gloss Drop' is a wonderful experiment of poppy sounds and strange noises. The effect on the guitar makes a strangely blissful stinging sound, like being stabbed in the ears with a sharpened candy cane. There's not much ordinary structure in the music which is really cool, it's not just straightforward music. It's all over the place, and that's one of the coolest things to hear from bands these days. Though this album is mostly instrumental, there's some guest vocals provided in a few of the songs which is just enough vocal and instrumental balance to make this album extremely fun.<br />
I'm glad to hear something like this in an age of bands afraid to do something new, especially considering this band is pretty well-known. Check it out if you're looking for something fresh, new, and crazy fun.<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/battlestheband?sk=wall">Official Facebook page</a><br />
<a href="http://bttls.com/">Battles webpage</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-66692629460829867872011-11-16T10:03:00.000-08:002011-12-14T01:55:26.415-08:00Fucked Up - David Comes to Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://store.matadorrecords.com/media/catalog/product/cache/4/image/360x/85e4522595efc69f496374d01ef2bf13/o/l/ole-952_fucked_up_-_david_comes_to_life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://store.matadorrecords.com/media/catalog/product/cache/4/image/360x/85e4522595efc69f496374d01ef2bf13/o/l/ole-952_fucked_up_-_david_comes_to_life.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/mW0-jrDeSgQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Track 4 - The Other Shoe </span></i></b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">"We're dying on the inside."<br />
</span></i></b></div></b><br />
Why did it take me this long to review this? Well, it's rather simple - this is more than just another punk rock album. This is more than a hardcore record written by a bunch of angry teenagers. This is something we haven't seen all too often, if at all, come from a 'hardcore' (too rigid a term to use for these guys, really) band.<br />
'David Comes To Life' is a love story about a boy named David (duh) who falls in love with a girl, Veronica. A true tragic romance story for the ages, one for historians in years to come to remember. One that matters, makes sense, and shows a beautiful side of a band we have only caught a glimpse of on their latest efforts.<br />
The songs are magnificent arrangements of punk aggression, strange yet catchy melody (similar to that of... well, Fucked Up), and a chaotic noisy 3-layers of guitar. This album isn't for kids with short-attention spans who are used to 1 minute blasts of fury (unless you're willing-and able-to try something new). I feel that, to get the full effect, you need to listen to the album in its entirety, which is over an hour in duration (again, willing and able).<br />
I have to say, the lyrical content and well-executed musical arrangement really stands out from anything these guys have done before (as if everything they already do doesn't stand out from the rest). In fact, it stands aside from most music in general. The mashing of guitars battling over a steady bass rhythm and crashing drums as Damian growls out songs of love and despair makes for a record beyond much of our wildest musical imaginations. <br />
If I was on a rating scale, this album would get a 20 out of 10, because its so good that I had to listen to the whole thing twice in a row to actually be able to review it. Like 2 consecutive times in a row, not on different days or anything. It's that diverse, talented, and fucking beautiful. Seriously. Soooo good.<br />
Potential best album of 2011? It's up there.<br />
<a href="http://store.matadorrecords.com/david-comes-to-life">Fucked Up - David Comes To Life - Matador Records</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-81825043450656999902011-09-15T15:44:00.000-07:002011-09-15T15:44:23.011-07:00Live Night Birds set!<a href="http://shithawkpunks.blogspot.com/2011/09/crust-never-sleeps-podcast-volume-38.html">Shit Hawk Records' Crust Never Sleeps podcast with a live set by Night Birds</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-s9T00xk4OoMVGSD9fo4Q2EnLQsPs-1hbaTFfHDNl82P7lHpIiHowGrVk3QMegz_GszlkGkhEP7KZMnI4BYHM6WQUE6DCc7SzSmhxRYNz0Dbnnu84JHY7lhJCfdHAl1R8E1KpY2xZsc/s320/IMG_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-s9T00xk4OoMVGSD9fo4Q2EnLQsPs-1hbaTFfHDNl82P7lHpIiHowGrVk3QMegz_GszlkGkhEP7KZMnI4BYHM6WQUE6DCc7SzSmhxRYNz0Dbnnu84JHY7lhJCfdHAl1R8E1KpY2xZsc/s320/IMG_0222.JPG" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-39201657718916957222011-09-05T20:22:00.000-07:002011-12-14T02:02:17.841-08:00Night Birds - The Other Side of Darkness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://exclaim.ca/images/Night-Birds-The-Other-Side-of-Darkness-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://exclaim.ca/images/Night-Birds-The-Other-Side-of-Darkness-.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><br />
Finally, my most anticipated release of 2011. It came to me in a dream... it said 'I'm gonna kill you tomorrow'. Horrified, I ran to my mailbox when I woke up only to find the sheer terror that was about to unfold! <br />
A package from Alex Grave Mistake? Oh fuck. I opened it and there it was. The new Night Birds LP in all of its horrific glory. I popped it into my stereo and my face melted and I died. It did kill me.<br />
Okay, now to get serious. This album has been on repeat all week for me since I first put it on. I am not only satisfied but blown away at this debut LP by those dirty Jersey boys. 13 (coincedence? I think not!) tracks of cryptic lyrics, shredtastic music, and just.. perfection. From the opening riff of 'Demon Haunted World', the Halloween theme to this Michael Myers, it's already well-known that the next 20+ minutes will keep you at the edge of your seat, your hairs standing up, and your ears screaming. The Bird boys bust these haunted tracks one by one with some of the greatest energy I've heard in recent times. Tracks that really stood out to me were 'Landfill Land', 'Hoffman Lens' (written about the great 1988 film, 'They Live!'), 'Failed Species' and the ripping title track, not to put the other songs to shame! There are redone versions of 'Cant Get Clean' and 'Paranoid Times' from their 2009 demo and a killer instrumental track that sounds a lot like Hunchback (gee, I wonder if these guys know them durrdurr). <br />
Not to mention how fucking catchy this band is. God dammit, dude, so catchy. I've been so sick of run-of-the-mill, boring, average hardcore bands who have nothing to say but "I HATE YOU I'M PUNK", which is why I'm extremely glad this album was put out. These songs aren't "FUCK YOU GOVERNMENT MIDDLE FINGER PUNX" anthems. These are "Hey, you remember that one horror movie that came out in like 1980-something that was super-gory and stupid? Yeah, so do I. I'm a nerd." which is exactly how to describe most of my conversations with other people (I'm a nerd). Night Birds' brand of twangy surf guitar over high-speed aggression and fucking complex as hell bass-lines from Joe Keller is one of those styles that can inspire a whole genre-full of fuckhead teenagers who wish they were in Night Birds. Which is awesome, unless that actually happens. Then I'll just hate those fuckhead teenagers and be the grumpy, cantankerous guy who sits in his room and grumbles about how he was there for that band that started the whole thing. "Grrr... back in my day, there was only one band doing that.. and they were good".<br />
All around, I have to honestly say this is my favorite release of 2011 (so far!). Evil, fast, catchy, snotty, in-your-fucking-face rock n roll perfection. Buy this album. Give them money. See them live.<br />
<a href="http://night-birds.bandcamp.com/">Night Birds streaming</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/NGHTBRDS">Night Birds Official Facebook Page</a><br />
<a href="http://www.gravemistakerecords.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4219&osCsid=3efd004813679d5316bcd1f5ee7470ff">Grave Mistake Records - Night Birds - Other Side of Darkness LP</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-27192184736957086972011-09-05T19:54:00.000-07:002011-09-15T15:29:40.192-07:00Retina - EP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/268632_220247061347114_200475993324221_584498_6031574_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/268632_220247061347114_200475993324221_584498_6031574_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Retina is a fantastic punk / indie band from Brewster, NY comparable to the early Sub Pop sound. The band features 2 ex-members of Loud Youth, primary songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist Jackson Abatemarco and drummer Sam Moore. On these recordings, Will Moore from Loud Youth also played bass to fill in for Chris who was kicked out but Matt Joyce (ex-Eatenbywombats/Gascan, also in Doofus) currently plays bass for them. Their first show was at the June 4th Adrenalin O.D. reunion in Danbury, CT.<br />
This EP was recorded, mixed, and produced in Brooklyn by Mike Jung of Alice Donut. There are 5 tracks of killer musicianship and pure creative imagination. They range from heavier, violent songs like 'Cockroaches' to the dreamy salvia-influenced 'Toys' and the fast, poppy aggression of 'Sucked Up'. Retina shows a different side to these former suburb-thrashers, a sort of 4-way sex party between Jawbreaker, Nirvana, Rites of Spring, and Dinosaur Jr. <br />
Retina is trying to play out more and are currently writing/performing new songs so be sure to contact them and help out!<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/retinarock">Retina Official Facebook Page</a><br />
<a href="http://retina.bandcamp.com/">Retina streaming</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-71122141219422206532011-09-05T19:38:00.000-07:002011-09-05T19:39:48.287-07:00Update!Sorry I haven't posted in a long while, my internet connection got cancelled so I've been using a phone to get online. I'll try to keep posting with this but its not as easy to do with such a small keyboard and whatnot. Better than nothing, though, I suppose.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-85362197607847981722011-07-04T13:02:00.000-07:002011-07-04T13:06:13.142-07:00Black America - We're Like Trash Talk... But Good<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvKoGnrGXPDM0vajhBuP4mgLokt1WCnyAg5VPckT4QBdC9cGHmdcyO25g6uUhIBoeVZkdungZ6JFFMf61AprdT_ZpOwyqYe1HocPdSnf430oGClq6z-SIVS_cEk3NfP8PIJJkCP2Lamue/s1600/black_america_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvKoGnrGXPDM0vajhBuP4mgLokt1WCnyAg5VPckT4QBdC9cGHmdcyO25g6uUhIBoeVZkdungZ6JFFMf61AprdT_ZpOwyqYe1HocPdSnf430oGClq6z-SIVS_cEk3NfP8PIJJkCP2Lamue/s400/black_america_front.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I need to begin by saying these guys aren't like Trash Talk. But they certainly are good. Black America are a great surf-infused hardcore punk band from the West Coast with a great sense of humor. All of the songs on this EP are sure to make you at least crack a smile if not totally burst out with laughter. From the beginning, these guys just rip on everything they can while making catchy-ass music in vain of bands like the Angry Samoans and the Meatmen. Grimy, suburban, and witty as fuck, Black America is going to make your stomach hurt in the best possible way.<br />
<a href="http://www.tankcrimes.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=34&products_id=1037&osCsid=262008163eedd1c5fa8f4e4a8dee79a9">Black America - We're Like Trash Talk But Good - Tankcrimes</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-America/104626232928940">Black America facebook page</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-25169730162702184502011-06-14T15:21:00.000-07:002011-06-14T17:32:39.467-07:00A.N.S. / Ramming Speed split<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://f.bandcamp.com/z/24/92/2492581053-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://f.bandcamp.com/z/24/92/2492581053-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I believe this is the first split I've ever reviewed, so this is probably gonna be kind of confusing! Oh well. I don't really know Ramming Speed, but I know A.N.S. and they're fucking rad, so we'll start with their half.<br />
This seems a bit heavier than some of their older stuff, which is not a bad thing. But on top of that, you can definitely see some (or a lot) of Greg Ginn influence, making a very interesting combination. These songs, as always in the case of A.N.S., are fast and ripping. Some of the best metallic-punky stuff out there. I'd say as far as this one goes, it's definitely a bit of a departure from their previous releases but still A.N.S. nonetheless. There's definitely a lot of "Loose Nut" and "In My Head" influence on this, but still heavy thrashing.<br />
Now for Ramming Speed. Well... it's fast. And brutal. And angry. And... well, I guess the name suits them perfectly. This is the first I've heard from these guys and now I think I'm really eager to check out more. This is really heavy, violent hardcore. Sorta sludgy at some parts, and it kinda feels like my ears would have just gotten punched in the face (if they had a face). I guess I can sort of compare these guys to a demon offspring of Aus-Rotten and Repulsion.<br />
All around, a pretty solid split on both ends.<br />
<a href="http://downloads.tankcrimes.com/album/ans-ramming-speed">A.N.S. / Ramming Speed - Tankcrimes Records</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-11706615891155232372011-06-13T20:50:00.000-07:002011-06-13T20:51:22.236-07:00Abserdo - Sweet Baby Eagles Coop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/abserdo/abserdoeagle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/abserdo/abserdoeagle.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>I caught these guys back in December when they opened for Product Of Waste and Urban Waste at the El N Gee in New London, CT and got to talk to them and what not. They were pretty cool guys, and did a killer cover of "Kill Yourself" by S.O.D. Anyways, Dylan just sent me this EP for review, so here we go.<br />
Abserdo is a crossover thrash band from Philadelphia. These guys are extremely heavy musically, though the vocals fit into a punk style more, making up for a great band. If you've heard these guys, this follows up their style and doesn't disappoint. And if you don't know these guys, go get a skateboard (or maybe a machine gun) and turn this shit on full volume. These guys are sure to blow your mind... and maybe the minds of others if you grabbed a machine gun like I said. Fast, brutal, pissed off, and full of hate, Abserdo is a chaotic full-on thrash attack. 5 fast songs to fight people to. Go hit a cop with a skateboard.<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/abserdo">Abserdo - Official Facebook page</a><br />
<a href="http://abserdo.bandcamp.com/">Abserdo - Bandcamp page</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-81354795363089955372011-06-13T18:55:00.000-07:002011-06-13T18:55:55.150-07:00The Big Strong Men - Have You Heard About...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RR3xr2d-Kj5odANeJjWoRwl5cUhSeag8GYmVuPrGbDBiKVOhwibL-5T8LysN4dePfdXRxGLY3wS7S9npm-YQBmm8BiwypP09Qz-jexy4oEVS9Pj1E5C7sL4EK3C3Khi0TiCNWkv6i-4/s1600/bsm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RR3xr2d-Kj5odANeJjWoRwl5cUhSeag8GYmVuPrGbDBiKVOhwibL-5T8LysN4dePfdXRxGLY3wS7S9npm-YQBmm8BiwypP09Qz-jexy4oEVS9Pj1E5C7sL4EK3C3Khi0TiCNWkv6i-4/s400/bsm.png" width="400" /></a></div>Ah, Mike Rivkees! One cool guy who manages to always bust out something cool and new, music-wise (Pseudo Superheroes, Tough Luck CT, Crackin', etc.). The Big Strong Men is his (relatively) new folky punk group heavy on Irish music influence. Obviously they like the Pogues BUT they're not some pure Pogues rip-off band so don't worry about that. The music is catchy, fun, and sing-along-y. I don't know why but it's making me think of pirates, and pirates are fucking cool, so that probably means this demo is, too. You should download it now and dance in your living room and such just because you can.<br />
<a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?htkfymvv6qygz5t">Have You Heard About The Big Strong Men - Mediafire</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-87896739094059437752011-06-13T16:15:00.000-07:002011-06-14T17:36:56.767-07:00Ardmore Assault - 2010 Cassette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache0.bigcartel.com/product_images/31523489/DSC_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://cache0.bigcartel.com/product_images/31523489/DSC_0552.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Ardmore Assault describes themselves as "boring hardcore for uncreative people". This, however, is extremely untrue. AxAx's cassette is a raunchy, brutal release by one of Philly's top-notch hardcore bands. With frontman Jake's blaring, scratchy voice screaming out over buzzy guitar, grinding bass, and thrashing drums, this release brings about insanity and hatred not seen in the hardcore scene since VOID was around.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
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<a href="http://ardmoreassault.bigcartel.com/product/2010-cassette">Ardmore Assault - 2010 Cassette</a><br />
<a href="http://ardmoreassault.bigcartel.com/product/2010-cassette"></a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/ardmoreassault">Ardmore Assault official Facebook page</a><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/jsWnhJ2H3VY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-9921267054036077222011-06-12T17:15:00.000-07:002011-06-12T17:15:47.971-07:00Brain Slug - demo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://justavisual.net/dn/brainslug_demo2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://justavisual.net/dn/brainslug_demo2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Brain Slug is a new hardcore band from New York. This demo cassette is a noisy, violent ear-slaughter filled with angst. I bought this for $2 from the band and just got it in the mail the other day. The songs are face-paced and energetic with heavier leanings, sort of like SS Decontrol meets Dr. Know. I'd say my favorite track on here is 'Worthless'. Pick this up if you have the chance. They have a free mediafire link, too, so check it out!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">hardcorebrainslug@gmail.com</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://www.theb9.com/link/1302464253NpykQaN6j1Kp7SSweKXtz6ck" style="color: #666666; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Brain Slug - Demo 2011 - Mediafire</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-46112482728770792112011-06-06T10:55:00.000-07:002011-06-06T10:56:47.382-07:00Vacant State - Internal Conflict<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47ERK2m7yPway4gk3R8B44VQ6zKTXazvK77QpBcfrumvPDDa0j44terMIrswc0oiShRy00P3vd-DwPgCZKVgw21f_Qx3oqWFwVRjmoevdedvNDoCGyIStZY_SSrtvV73JDXK5cPNtnLZu/s1600/Vacant+State-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47ERK2m7yPway4gk3R8B44VQ6zKTXazvK77QpBcfrumvPDDa0j44terMIrswc0oiShRy00P3vd-DwPgCZKVgw21f_Qx3oqWFwVRjmoevdedvNDoCGyIStZY_SSrtvV73JDXK5cPNtnLZu/s400/Vacant+State-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Vacant State's "Internal Conflict" EP is a quick-ripping blast of aggressive attitude and 80s hardcore worship from a bunch of angry Canadians. Side A of this EP consists of 4 tracks clocking in at under 2 minutes each while side B is a 5 minute crusher. As far as I've heard, these guys have a tough-as-fuck reputation, which can easily be understood if you hear this 7". The snotty, growling vocals backed with raw, semi-distorted guitar riffs, gritty, pounding bass lines, and drums that feel like a punch in the face all thrown into a blend of hardcore aggression make up for one killer record, in the vain of bands like Negative Fx, SS Decontrol, etc.<br />
<a href="http://www.derangedrecords.com/index.php/view-release/internal_conflict/">Vacant State - Internal Conflict 7" - Deranged Records</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-74681622142596287552011-05-26T14:31:00.000-07:002011-05-26T14:31:01.676-07:00Black N' Blue Bowl 2011 - This Saturday!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://isthistobe.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/black-n-blue-bowl-2011-425x550.jpg?w=425" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://isthistobe.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/black-n-blue-bowl-2011-425x550.jpg?w=425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't even begin to explain how excited I am for this. Gorilla Biscuits were my favorite band all throughout 8th grade and freshman year, and Agnostic Front were at a close tie for second with 7 Seconds. Useless personal information, I know, but regardless. This show is going to be crazy. There's no barricades, so there's gonna be stagedives like crazy. If you're missing out, I feel so bad for you, man. <br />
This is actually like a 20 year anniversary of the 4th annual Superbowl of Hardcore that happened in '91 with GB, A-F, and SOIA so this is going to be ridiculously awesome.<br />
I'll just sum it all up with this one meme I found on 4chan:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lj7jb6TB4e1qhzwkho1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lj7jb6TB4e1qhzwkho1_400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-19730970527785745642011-05-26T14:22:00.000-07:002011-06-06T11:01:43.112-07:00Career Suicide - Cherry Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GblLDvZafqSaC0_cxwPgex1TuJC_RDw0yGP9pSSiblv_PckRPIg-MheCtZqdL1jjxEuQ4W6EFNpzo6NnkonxhTgpz-fhqhsLN98J0ZIPdkSWOYLfYy4Sy9EPXN5dogyloI11FT0LXv5C/s1600/cherrybeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GblLDvZafqSaC0_cxwPgex1TuJC_RDw0yGP9pSSiblv_PckRPIg-MheCtZqdL1jjxEuQ4W6EFNpzo6NnkonxhTgpz-fhqhsLN98J0ZIPdkSWOYLfYy4Sy9EPXN5dogyloI11FT0LXv5C/s400/cherrybeach.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>What can I even say about this band without understating it? Career Suicide is one of the greatest punk bands our generation has, and this release just reinstates that. But even that doesn't do it justice...<br />
Regardless... with a re-recorded version of the title track and 3 other attacks of abrupt yet catchy rockn'roll-induced hardcore, Career Suicide's most recent release manages to keep them up at the top of the ranks. As kick-ass as you should know their previous releases were, this one does not disappoint. All of the songs are what you'd expect from CS - the fury, speed, and fun that hardcore should have all packed into one little 7" record.<br />
<a href="http://www.careersuicide.net/window.html">Career Suicide official website</a><br />
<a href="http://www.greennoiserecords.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=20927">Career Suicide - Cherry Beach 7" - Dirtnap Records</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-27327149272443624662011-05-16T00:10:00.000-07:002011-05-16T00:10:15.027-07:00The Shirks - Cry Cry Cry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGbpS4k6BJTlkO_-HVF9v5-bLDyId8AP4UcyD7ETODu-bbYCOONfaW_y9aBU7IKBn5SzUMqFXD67MJ-G2NpFo4mC4WuF1hrJbxIrinrC0elIlkV0owxmhVNJN3nMOAUmzPwvY6nuSVD-A/s1600/shirks_crycrycry2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGbpS4k6BJTlkO_-HVF9v5-bLDyId8AP4UcyD7ETODu-bbYCOONfaW_y9aBU7IKBn5SzUMqFXD67MJ-G2NpFo4mC4WuF1hrJbxIrinrC0elIlkV0owxmhVNJN3nMOAUmzPwvY6nuSVD-A/s400/shirks_crycrycry2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This is the first time I've actually heard the Shirks and I have to say, I really enjoy it. These guys have a cool old garage-punk sound with hardcore leanings, a definite KBD sound to it. These dudes totally know how to play their instruments and write songs. At a fun and catchy mid-tempo, the Shirks "Cry Cry Cry" single is a really cool release for any fan of punk music, or just alternative music in general. Hell, you could probably get away with showing this to a 'rocker' or whatever they like to be called and they could enjoy it. These guys are really fucking cool.<br />
Anyways, these 3 songs work really well with eachother, kind of like they're different chapters in a book or something - different in many ways but it all ties together. The first track, "Cry Cry Cry" is a fun little break up song about how "Nobody's gonna love you like me". A really strong opening for a great single. The chorus is really catchy and has a pretty sweet guitar part to it. Then there's this little bridge and... oh man, you just have to hear it, okay? Shit! It's so great.<br />
The following 2 tracks are equally as delicious (and healthy, too!) but I figure it'd be better for you to listen to it than just read some description about it online from some fucking nerdy teenager sitting in his living room on a laptop that he stole.<br />
Oh right, that review I was doing.... ANYWAYS. Just check out this record (and band, at that) because it is fucking awesome. I promise. Lots of fun to be had. I wanna go see these guys now...<br />
<a href="http://www.gravemistakerecords.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3817">The Shirks - Cry Cry Cry - Grave Mistake Records</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-35534543829281630782011-05-13T21:33:00.000-07:002011-05-13T21:33:36.052-07:00Deep Sleep - Turn Me Off<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://korruptyrself.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/deep-sleep-turn-me-of.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://korruptyrself.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/deep-sleep-turn-me-of.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Deep Sleep is a hardcore band from Baltimore, MD that play a style similar to that of Black Flag and the Descendents. In fact, if you combined the 2 and had Tony Reflex on vocals, you'd pretty much get something that sounds like Deep Sleep. Which, by my standards, is a good thing.<br />
"Turn Me Off" is one of the best recent hardcore records. I had actually planned on buying and reviewing this but Alex from Grave Mistake sent me the promo - score! Haha.<br />
This album is really great, though. I had already been a big Deep Sleep fan and this one just solidifies that. After all, the best way to follow up to killer records is with even <i>more </i>killer records, right? They definitely did just that. This LP is a full on hardcore attack full of intelligent lyrics, catchy melodies, and intricate music. If you dig old styled hardcore punk, you need to hear this.<br />
With cryptic overtones and catchy harmonies, Deep Sleep managed to write one of the most perfect albums in recent times. Just when you think you know what's gonna happen, something comes out of fucking nowhere to smack you right in the face... err... ears (perfect example being "Nothing Inside"). <br />
I'll be ashamed if this one doesn't get remembered. It's got everything a punk album needs, and more. Seriously, I was expecting so much from this album, and I got even more than I could possibly hope for. This is one of those records that you need to get right now.<br />
<a href="http://www.gravemistakerecords.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3602&osCsid=a46789450dc21d10b20168d318d49eb6">Deep Sleep - Turn Me Off - Grave Mistake Records</a><br />
<a href="http://www.myspace.com/deepsleepmusic">Deep Sleep MySpace page</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-87677738607509176942011-05-13T18:39:00.000-07:002011-05-13T18:43:28.373-07:00Night Birds - Fresh Kills Vol. 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://punkwarez.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Night-Birds-Fresh-Kills-Vol.-1-2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://punkwarez.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Night-Birds-Fresh-Kills-Vol.-1-2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ah, Night Birds! These guys are one of my favorite bands out there today. If you haven't already heard Night Birds, pick this one up. It compiles the first four Night Birds releases (2009 demo, "Killer Waves" EP, self titled EP, and "Midnight Movies" EP).</div>To put it simply, if you don't like these guys, there's gotta be something wrong with you. They are one of the catchiest, most fun hardcore bands we have in this generation. Night Birds play a style reminiscent of old O.C. hardcore (ie. Adolescents, China White, D.I., etc) and throw in a huge surf influence, creating a style of their own, and a great one at that.<br />
Fresh Kills is the perfect introduction to them. Consisting of full on blasts of fun punk and a few catchy-ass surf instrumentals, this album is unbeatable. Hell, they have Joe Keller from the Ergs! on bass, how can it get any better? I don't think it can, because it's too fucking awesome. Oh, wait, it can. Most of their songs are about killing people, apocalypse, or horror movies and what have you. So yeah, it's pretty damn awesome.<br />
They're gonna be out touring the Midwest this June after Chaos in Tejas and a few New York shows, so be sure to check that out if you're anywhere nearby. Their live performances don't disappoint!<br />
<a href="http://www.gravemistakerecords.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3814">Night Birds - Fresh Kills Vol. 1 - Grave Mistake Records</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Night-Birds/109288459133089">Night Birds official Facebook page</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-25435586179107719432011-05-13T18:30:00.000-07:002011-05-13T18:40:37.439-07:00Coke Bust - Degradation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.foolios.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/coke_bust_degradation2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.foolios.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/coke_bust_degradation2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Coke Bust is a straight edge thrashcore band, and as if that doesn't already sound hardcore as fuck, they're from D.C., central of hardcore history. I had always heard great things about these guys but I never got around to checking them out. This 7" was pretty mind-blowing for me considering I took a really long break from the whole thrashcore/powerviolence thing (I used to drum in a powerviolence band and it got boring), but this sort of restored my faith in it. <br />
This is seriously one intense record. Coke Bust knocks out 6 tracks in just over 5 minutes. As obvious, the songs are fast, short and to the point. They are, however, pretty complicated songs. There's a lot of different time changes and heavier, slower parts. The vocals on this are actually some of the best in this style that I've heard in quite some time. These guys sort of remind me of INFEST. The final track on the EP, "Deathbed", stands out to me the most. It's slower and longer than the rest of the tracks, but it's still extremely intense and worthy of knocking some guy's head off or something fun like that.<br />
Y'know, the only way I can really describe this band is intense. Check it out.<br />
<a href="http://www.gravemistakerecords.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3605">Coke Bust - Degradation - Grave Mistake Records</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-32117282675227766162011-05-13T18:23:00.000-07:002011-05-13T18:23:00.231-07:00Mail Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/images/reviews/103/1208059630_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/images/reviews/103/1208059630_2.jpg" /></a></div>Just got some promos in the mail from Alex at the lovely Grave Mistake Records, one of my favorite labels today! It's time to review some records...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-9913562907960185622011-05-08T23:39:00.000-07:002011-05-08T23:45:17.225-07:00School Jerks - Control<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7bFvD9UYrOnMC1QrS1tzyFdz-mJMGUxEaPD39yrIsRGtYjBEUdtzCr5mcb1_VzNJlyT06_fcRdjLRQUNKhaFvs52MHneJaGTu4bRYUkmRBdxsCnkRttVLoO7f5ctXAhpAPGkcJGpjjw/s1600/SCHOOL+JERKS+CONTROL+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7bFvD9UYrOnMC1QrS1tzyFdz-mJMGUxEaPD39yrIsRGtYjBEUdtzCr5mcb1_VzNJlyT06_fcRdjLRQUNKhaFvs52MHneJaGTu4bRYUkmRBdxsCnkRttVLoO7f5ctXAhpAPGkcJGpjjw/s400/SCHOOL+JERKS+CONTROL+COVER.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you don't already know School Jerks, then you need to check this out! These guys are a snotty, raw hardcore punk band from Toronto. If I didn't know any better, I'd think they were an unheard of punk band from California in 1981. They're fast and energetic, definite Black Flag influence in there (but who isn't influenced by the Flag in one way or another?).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyways, this album is probably my 2nd favorite by them (favorite being 'Decline' EP). Only one song on this album is over a minute long. I actually really love this guy's voice. It's so fucking raw and aggressive, yet so very catchy. It kind of sounds like he just got punched in the throat and is now coughing up blood.</div>This EP is a very strong release by them. It's mastered a lot better and has a little more to it than some of the others. The longest song on here, '4-F' is a really tight track and clocks in at 1 minute and 38 seconds. The rest of the 5 songs are not even a minute long which is always a fun time. I'm not exactly sure how to describe the School Jerks, other than the fact they're an instant classic if you're into fun hardcore punk. 'Control' is a very solid release. Definitely one of my favorites this year. If you haven't heard it yet, get into it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.cowabungarecords.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=1650">School Jerks - Control - Cowabunga Records</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/schooljerks">School Jerks MySpace</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730058748020202123.post-5182639111982968832011-05-08T21:42:00.000-07:002011-05-08T21:43:44.267-07:00Lost Tribe - The Dawn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjBBlGZzQKCIJyoZi1Zf4TK5OgNXhx9fVQ9uTbz5NT6YjS_6UtoJqC-_B9SJjKXwXDytixHSboEU5JAWsWO3nWmcozqGwd61sVV9vZBkZHP078fDvjhNhH5I02UCorsotv72gYns7Koo/s640/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjBBlGZzQKCIJyoZi1Zf4TK5OgNXhx9fVQ9uTbz5NT6YjS_6UtoJqC-_B9SJjKXwXDytixHSboEU5JAWsWO3nWmcozqGwd61sVV9vZBkZHP078fDvjhNhH5I02UCorsotv72gYns7Koo/s320/cover.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>I caught these guys at the same show as Slobs and it was pretty damn sweet. They came on and had the lights turned down, then a bunch of smoke and some crazy lights. Not like that "rock n' roll motha fucka" bullshit but to the point that it was cryptic and strange. They started playing and I was instantly sucked into it. At that show, the only thing I could think of was Flipper meets Joy Division, but now to me it sounds more like the Drunk Injuns on the demo if you need a comparison note. However, it's not like they just ripped all of this off. They have a really cool sound. For what they're doing, it's pretty original and cool.<br />
My favorite song on their demo is "The Laughter". It's a really fucking cool track. As with most of the things I review, though, the rest doesn't disappoint either. These guys have a really cool sound going for them and I really dig it, a lot. In recent times, this is one of the sweetest bands I've discovered. I also enjoyed their vocalist's dancing onstage. Very reminiscent of Ian Curtis. I talked to him in a little market on the corner after the show. He was buying a sandwich and could hardly talk because he lost his voice... cool guy though.<br />
Anyways, this is a great band to check out. They're really dark and creepy sounding, but not to the point that it's depressing or anything. Just good ol' spooky fun. Go run through a graveyard blasting this. It seems like a smart idea to me, anyways.<br />
<a href="http://losttribe.bandcamp.com/">Lost Tribe bandcamp</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com