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Wednesday, May 19, 2010

A Wilhelm Scream - Self Titled EP

aws2010After releasing three full length albums on Nitro Records, A Wilhelm Scream changed record label and joined Paper And Plastick Records (which is fast becoming one of the most interesting punk rock labels out there). The band’s latest effort is a five song EP that shows how these five New Bedford, MA men are developing their own sound.

From the easy listening, catchy and melodic hardcore pop punk tunes of their first albums (when they still were named Smackin’ Isaiah) to a more intricate work of guitar riffs, complicated rhythms and not always so catchy melodies, that need to be eaten and digested even by the most observant listener. Me, in this case.

The EP starts with one amazing tune entitled “Australias“, where you can hear Trevor Reilly’s intricate guitar works fused with Nuno Pereira’s amazing vocals. The song is a little bit long and complicated in the end, so you almost lose the sense of urgency and crazyness that was given at the very beginning during the song’s intro. “Every Great Story Has a Shower Scene” is quite possibly the best track on the record: it’s fast, packed and it does not leave space to let the listeners breathe. Like what the band used to play on such albums as “Ruiner” or “Career Suicide“. The third song “Fun Time” is maybe the slowest song A Wilhelm Scream ever wrote: it deals with singing the song when singing/drinking with your own friends, and it’s a kind of cheer you up tune, even tough the theme is more about not being able to relax or to calm down. “Bulletproof Tiger” brings me back to the older time when “Mute Print” came out: it’s fast, with more metal riffs than ever and it’s a totally inspired song, about a family member fighting his demons and drug addiction. The lyrics and Nuno Pereira’s vocals are intense, but the 3:49 minutes are really long and sometimes you get the feeling on losing the meaning of it. “Skid Rock“, the best track by A Wilhelm Scream I heard since “We Built This City! (On Debts And Booze)” is the last on and it starts with the great bass riff of Brian Robinson: it’s not a case it’s used to open their shows a lot this year. The metal riff that comes in right after reminds me of an Iron Maiden generic song, but when the choruses start you cannot not want to move. It’s a great opener for live show and an even better closer for this EP.

Coffee Project leaks new track from debut album and announce more dates

cp-11Gainesville’s Coffee Project has leaked a stream of their song “I Will Run,” from their upcoming Paper + Plastick album Moved On. You can head over to IndieRockReviews.com to hear the song.
Coffee Project is the brainchild of good friends Buddy Shaub (Less Than Jake) and Jake Crown (Rehasher). Moved On was self-produced in Shaub’s home studio with guest appearances from Kim Helm (Whiskey & Co.), Jon Gaunt (Chuck Ragan’s fiddle man), and Michael Claytor (Umoja Orchestra).
The band previously leaked a couple other tracks from the album. You can find a stream of “This Is Me Getting Over You In Two Chords Or Less” over at ReaxMusic.com and “Easy Does It” on the band’s MySpace page.
In May, Coffee Project will embark on a tour to support the release of Moved On with labelmates Blacklist Royals and Greenland Is Melting.
Moved On is the follow-up to their previously released 10″ EP Easy Does It and their digital-only EP Pickle, both released by Paper + Plastick.
You can check out footage of Coffee Project performing “A.M. P.M.” at THE FEST 8 via Alternative Press.
Coffee Project Tour Dates
5/12 – Gainesville, FL @ 1982
5/13- Florence, SC- Vaga House
5/14 – Wilmington, NC @ RAD FEST @ Charlie Brownz
5/15- Durham, NC- James Joyce Pub
5/16 – Virginia Beach, VA @ The Bridge
5/17 – Richmond, VA @ The Camel
5/18 – Harrisonburg, VA @ The Blue Nile
5/19 – Philadelphia, PA @ The AVA House
5/20 – Ridgewood, NY @ The Silent Barn
5/21 – Johnstown, PA @ 709 Railroad Street
5/22 – Newport, KY @ Southgate House
5/23 – Louisville, KY @ Skull Alley
5/24 – Nashville, TN @ The Rabbit Hole
5/25 – Atlanta, GA @ WonderRoot
5/27- Tallahasee, Fl @ Coolifornia
5/28- Gainesville, Fl @ Common Grounds

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

How to Write a Punk Rock Song


Write a Punk Rock Song
Write a Punk Rock Song
Photo by mzacha

While punk rock music originated in the 1970s, its influence is still felt in today's music. Artists such as Green Day and The Dresden Dolls create their own styles within the punk genre. Although writing a punk rock song that sparks serious head-banging from the crowd is possible, constructing the right blend of lyrics, emotion and music takes practice. Learning to write a punk rock song can help you express yourself and demonstrate your inner rock star.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Get lyrical inspiration from punk rock legends. Groups such as Bad Religion and The Clash helped define the genre by cranking out angry, anti-establishment masterpieces. Listening to their music can put you in the frame of mind to create your own masterpiece. Turn up the volume on classic tracks such as "Faith Alone" and "Police and Thieves" before writing sessions. Study the way the lyrics and music are constructed to get inspired.

  2. Step 2

    Define your mood. Punk rock songs usually fall into the broad categories of lyrical, political, angry and humorous. Starting with one of these moods in mind can spark a cool song idea. Don't be afraid to have multiple moods expressed in your song. For example, an angry song can still be lyrical and a political song can still be humorous. Think of personal events that make you feel strong emotion when trying to write a song that other people can "feel."

  3. Step 3

    Keep the verses short. Punk rock song verses are short and candid. This is your time to say what you can't say at work or in other, more formal settings. Let the words flow on paper as you think them to avoid losing your purest thoughts and emotion.

  4. Step 4

    Write a catchy chorus. The chorus, or "chant," in a punk rock song should release the unbridled energy of the song's theme. Create a memorable chorus by using repetitive, short phrasing. Altering the tempo and delivery method of the chorus can result in serious head-banging. Some of best punk rock songs are identified by the words in their choruses.

  5. Step 5

    Walk the line between expressing emotion and maintaining your rage. There is a distinction between expressing emotion and whining. Find a way to describe your lonely or angry feelings without coming across as needing sympathy. Ask a friend to review your song for signs of overly emotional lyrics.