Aix Em Klemm
Aix Em Klemm CD

Adam and Bobby have their own bands in different parts of the country. Adam part of Stars on the Lid and Bobby in Labradford. They began playing together through the mail and recorded this ambient album together in a studio. The resultings compositions shimmer and simmer, using instruments and sounds over a beatless soundscape, not knowing form or shape. They wander and develop then make way for other spaces. It's a sad, desolate sounding album. The last song has this quiet keyboard melody. It sounds so fragile and alone. Beautiful. Reference: Low, Oval. Kranky. PO Box 578743. Chicago, IL 60657.

 At The Drive-In
Relationship Of Command CD

I saw ATDI open up for Jimmy Eat World early 1999. They pretty much blew JEW so far away it was not funny. ATDI perform with such intensity that I couldn't help but get invigored and energized. They had afros for God's sake! I listened to the album they had then and I wasn't too impressed. I was ready just to come to the conclusion I would only like them live. I thought that until I heard "Enfilade" on the radio. I was "Ohmigod. This rocks so hard. I must get to record store now". So I did. Now I will say: this album is intense. You're not going to know what hit you. The guitars are all in your face and screaming vocals at every turn. The sound is super slick. Grand Royal got them hooked up. Iggy Pop even makes an appearance! Reference: Rage Against The Machine, Faith No More, Hum, The Cure. Yeah, The Cure. Grand Royal Records. At The Drive-In webpage.

 Bitesize
The Best of Bitesize CD

"i think that you're great. let's go on a date."

Bitesize are the equilvent of a rocket science experiment with explosive results. Every song is punchy, quick and obscenely jumpy. I love this! They could have not made a better record. The lyrics are sweet and humorous with a rather lock-jawed bite. They go from sweet crushes to songs about kicking butt. Just about every song, like "Cold Turkey" and "Theme Park", are memorable and get stuck in my head all day long. They boy/girl vocals are sweet. This is totally amazingly fun and it comes highly recommeded. Reference: Mr. T Experience, Nerf Herder. Packing Heat Records. PO Box 13833. Berkley, CA 94712. Bitesize webpage.

 Brandtson
Trying To Figure Each Other Out (Dying To Figure Anything Out) CDEP

I can only take so much "emo". Know what I mean? Sometimes I like it a lot, then sometimes I keep away-- far away. Although I like this EP and recommend it to any rock/emo fan, I have to say this is a Jimmy Eat World imitation. Not to say JEW is responsible for this kind of music but the comparison between what these two bands are doing is really similar. Brandtsons not a weak imitation. Their songwriting is just as strong as the other "emo" greats. The vocal interplays are sweet, especially in "Leaving Ohio". I like "Grace Thinks I'm A Failure" quite a bit. Nice vocals. My favorite song here is the hidden remix song at the end. It's called "As You Wish". I don't know why it wasn't included as part of the EP. It's awesome. Reference: Well, you just read the review! I know you're smart. Throw in some Mineral. Deep Elm Records. PO Box 36939. Charlotte, NC 28236.

 Cross My Heart
Temporary Contemporary CD

Cross My Heart have that Deep Elm sound. You know what I mean... the non-wimpy emo style. I like some of Deep Elms stuff quite a lot and the other half is hit or miss. This CD is, unfortunately, the latter. Out of nine songs I only like two - the last two "Angels & Gargoyles" and "Now Slowly We Forget". I wish the whole album could have been like these songs. I like them so much I leave them on repeat. I'd even stick them on mix tapes. I remember liking XMHs first CD a lot better. Cross My Heart have broken up since the release of this CD. Deep Elm Records. PO Box 36939. Charlotte, NC 28236

 Cursive
Cursive's Domestica CD
The Good Life
Novena On A Nocturn CD

"Whose gonna break him into a thousand pieces melting over flames of perfection"

I'm sure people listen to these two albums and think "Dude, this guy is fucked!" I am tempted to say come to the same conclusion but there's something more. The common element of these two albums is songwriter Tim Kasher. He's not at all afraid to put himself on out on a stark emotional level so completely for an audience like he does. I have to give him respect.

Cursive's Domestica came out earlier this year. I had been looking forward to new Cursive. I quite liked 1997s 'Such Blinding Stars For Starving Eyes'. It was a favorite even though the vocals at times were unbearably whinny. 'Domestica', in my opinion, is one of the best rock records to come out this year. It blows away all previos Cursive. Tims vocals are much improved. The music is more intense, tight and passionate. Then you get to the lyrics and the album takes on a different meaning: the lyrics follow a marriage shattering apart into thousands of pieces, rather violently. Namely Tims marriage. He makes use of some pretty violent imagery and language in every song. It's a hard listen. You could be emotionally drained after listening to this. The album ends on the shouted words over and over "I lost the will to fight". My god! It's not a happy record at all but you aren't going to find anything more real.

Then here comes The Good Life. It's basically a solo project of Tim of songs he's written over the past decade not in a band setting. He enlists help of his friends to help record them down. like Cursive is rock, The Good Life is stripped down sometimes using drum machines and keyboards. The lyrics are what this album seems to be about. You'd think if he called it The Good Life it would be somewhat more upbeat than Cursive material. Right? Wrong. It's still an intimate journey into his damaged emotions written more from a sadness perspective, focusing on his past mistakes, former loves and laments to his mother for being a "failure". Like Cursive, they come across powerful, fragile and broken-down. Both albums are not something you can just put on and chill out to, that's for certain. References: Fugazi, Bright Eyes, Afghan Whigs. Saddle Creek Records. Better Looking Records. 11041 Santa Monica Blvd PMB 302. Los Angeles, CA 90025.

 The Cusacks
7"

What an enjoyable single! The Cusacks are a power pop trio from Ohio. The first song "Pick Me Up At The Station" is fast and jumpy - the kind of song that makes you wanna sing along. Influenced by Sloan, no doubt. The two songs on the flip side follow the same rockin' formula. On each song a different member sings lead. Insect Siren. 99 W. Oakland Ave Rear. Columbus, OH 43201. http://www.thecusacks.com

 Death Cab For Cutie
Forbidden Love EP

Coming off a great sophmore album, Seattles Death Cab For Cutie have pieced together a rather endearing, sentimental EP. The first two songs "Photobooth" and "Technicolor Girls" couldn't be more bittersweet. In "Photobooth" he sings about a summer fling with a girl that didn't really care. He sings "as the summers ending the cold air will push your hard heart away/you were so condescending". It's such a brilliant song. Also included is an acoustic song and an alternate version of "Company Calls Epilogue". This EP is a must have. Reference: Wheat, any indie rock "lite" band.... DCFC are at the top. Barzak Records. PO Box 22546. Seattle, WA 98122.

 Denison Marrs
7"

Florida space rockers Denison Marrs return with a two song follow-up 7" to their debut album from last year. They are improving an already stable formula of heavy & melodic riffage and spacious dynamics. Their cover of "Send Me An Angel" is quite stunning. Velvet Blue Recordings. 9121 Atlanta Avenue #237. Huntington Beach, CA 92646.

 Dressy Bessy/The Four Corners
split 7"

This is also part of the Kindercore Records singles club and they are pitting two indie pop bands at each other. The Four Corners speed quickly through two songs, one original and a Spinal Tap cover! What craziness! Dressy Bessy deliver tamborine shaking pop goodness. I am beginning to believe Dressy Bessy can do no wrong. Get ahold of this if you can. This one is a winner. Kindercore Records.

 86
True Life Songs and Pictures CD

I don't like this. It's like, i dunno, not my thing. Like bluegrass music gone bad. Err. I shouldn't say it's bad - I just wouldn't listen to this. Even my cat threw up on this CD. I kid you not. I was late to work one morning cleaning up the mess. It's got one of those white cardboard covers and it's got kitties vomit stains on it. Ewww. Fresh Corn Records. http://www.86theband.com.

 Engine Down
To Bury Within A Sound CD

So why is it that every town I go see shows at plays this CD before bands play? I bet it's because they impressed the heck out of everywhere they played in Florida. I saw them. To put it mildly, they were incredible. I gotta side with everyone else - this is a pretty good rock record. Slow, subdued and desperate. What an amazing drummer they have. The drumming alone makes the album something special. The overall desperation brings chills straight to my bones. Reference: Karate. Lovitt Records. PO Box 248. Arlington, VA 22210.

Etienne Charry/Babalu
split 7"

The one bad thing about the Kindercore singles club is they include no information about the artists on the records. I wish there was inserts or something. I never heard of either Etienne Cherry or Babalu. Etienne Charry is like a simplified Belle and Sebastian. Sweet bah-bah vocals over multiple organs. Multiple what? Organs I said. I like this. I turn over the record and Babalu get down with the funky beats and smooth upright bass plucking in a groovy little instrumental. It takes some rather nice transitions. This would fit nicely on a Deep Concentration compilation.  Kindercore Records.

 The Evergreen Trio
For All Intents and Purposes CD

I didn't think I would have liked this after a couple of listens. It's like, oh another sorta-emo band saying they are like Joan of Arc or somebody. Thank goodness they aren't like Joan of Arc. This grew on me. I could best describe their music as intricate emo lullabys. That may not mean much. The band plays well together, the bass player is excellent as is the drummer. The vocals are a wobbly point. The lead singer can sing really good (the first song is great) but some of the backup vocals are really atroshish. Did I mention I really like the first song? It's got a long title: "These Gas Station Roses Should Tell You Something". Well, so should
the song title. Reference: Mineral, the last song on The Bonaduces CD. My Hero Records. PO Box 771. Sioux Falls, SD 57101.

 Florida
Drum Solos On The Bumpers CD

I wonder how Florida came across my zine. Were they searching for reviews of themselves (looking up "zine + review + Florida") and came up with me.... a zine in Florida that does reviews? I heard of Florida before from the indiepop list. I remember Michael Wilkerson mentioning them. He had good taste so they can't be that bad can they? The answer: they aren't bad at all. It's an easy listen- that much can be said. Nice harmonies, catchy lyrics. There's a couple of fun songs ("Little Sunshine", "Oh Flyer") that have choruses easy to sing along with. The song "Fun" is a favorite. I've been listening it at work for a couple of weeks now an not one person has complained to me. Believe me, that says a lot. Another thing, Florida isn't even from Florida. They are from Minnesota. How bizarre! Reference: Beatles, Verbena, Fly Seville (the more "pop" elements of those bands). Kactus Cognac. 1004 Lowry Avenue NE. Minneapolis, MN 55418. Email: floridaband@hotmail.com

 Glossary
This Is All We've Learned About Living CD

I'm going to start out with a list of band references because this Glossary band is sporting heavy on influences: The Flaming Lips, The Replacements, Dinosaur Jr., Superchunk, Wolfie. That's what I hear after listening to their new album for, oh, about fourty-five listens. This is a good thing, of course. A VERY good thing. I mean, my gosh, this album is fantastic. "West Liberty" has a guilty sing-alongable "come on--- come on come on come on" that I can't shake out of my head. I *have* to sing along every time. What is happening to me???? It's southern fried indie rock at it's finest. The guitars, lazy boy vocals, sweet girl harmonies and catchy lyrics are making me smile. Champ Records. PO Box 10674. Murfreesboro, TN 37129-0014.

 Godspeed You Black Emperor!
Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven CD.

My gosh. Is this what Godspeed You Black Emperor is all about? I've been curious about them for the longest time. I almost bought a 12" by them for all the good reviews people seemed to have of them. Instrumental.... mellow.... likened to/toured with Low (I love Low). They sounded like something I would like. But this album...... it kinda scares me. It's a double CD for starters. Each disc has two songs at about twenty minutes a piece. Each songs rides along a dynamic course, juxpositioning between quiet drones and quick paced jamborees. There's a lot going on in general, Godspeed has nine members! The first song "Sleep" on the second disc is scary. Mainly because of this annoying screeching guitar/theremin sound throught the first few movements. I liked when it turns to xylophones and the drums are kickin'. I don't know if almost ninety minutes of Godspeed is a good thing. I am really perplexed by this. When would I listen to this? It's not mellow enough for late night listens cos the loud parts get really loud. The last song "Antennas To Heaven" would all I would listen to. It's the best one. Reference: Dirty Three, Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 & the second coming of Christ. Kranky. PO Box 578743. Chicago, IL 60657.

 Hot Water Music
Live At The Hardback CD

I've had this CD for a long while. I bought it only because I was at that show, sweating a raincloud. It was supposed to be their breakup show so it was an insane night with people from all over the country trying to pack into the Hardback. I never really listened to the whole thing all the way through until this year. I can't believe they played this well even though they had nowhere to move with several hundred people crashing into them. My only complaint is you can bearly hear the inbetween songs talking. The "move backs" were just as fun. I can't even tell George broke his snare drum during the last song. Can you? No Idea Records. PO Box 14636. Gainesville, FL 32604.

 Imbroco
Are You My Lionkiller? CD

You'd think a lineup of Scott McCarver (Mineral-guitar), Rory Philips (The Impossibles/The Stereo-vocals), Gabe Wiley (Mineral/Pop Unknown-drums) and Matt Breedlove (Pop Unknown-bass) would be something to get excited over. I hate to say this but this recording session from 1998 (?) isn't up to par. It's bland the whole way through. I am so disappointed. Deep Elm Records. PO Box 36939. Charlotte, NC 28236.

 The Ivory Coast & Jodi Buonanno
7"

I love The Ivory Coast. They make good songs. To team up with Jodi from The Secret Stars is a match made in heaven. Side A is The Ivory Coast doing what they do, sweetie boy indie rock. On side B, Jodi does all the singing. Wonderful and adorable. Sassy Boy Records. PO Box 441988. W Somersville, MA 02144. Email: sassyboyrecords@canada.com

 The Loch Ness Mouse
Flair For Darjeeling CD

All right, who the heck names their band The Loch Ness Mouse? C'mon that is CRAZINESS right off the bat. And what is darjeeling and how can someone flair for it? I'll leave it to a group of four crazy Norlanders (is that what you call people from Norway?) to fabricate answers. I gather from reading about them two brothers do most of the songwriting. You can tell they listen to a lot of late 60's pop/vocal tamborine-shaking bands like The Byrds or The Monkees. The Loch Ness Mouse opt for a direct simulation rather than updating the sound. This is a good thing in my opinion. It sounds authenticly vintage! Worth tracking down! References: The Lucksmiths, The Monkees and the theme to It's The Garry Shandling Show. Perfect Pop/Voice of Wonder Records.

 The Loch Ness Mouse
Ceylon Sailor 7"

Norways Loch Ness Mouse are still kicking out the pop jams. Seriously, I can't tell if this is 2000 or 1968! There's a great feel-goodness all around this band and I'd suspect if people heard these lads they'd be loved by all. This will make your bad day good and your good day better. Guaranteed. Perfect Pop Records. Waldemar Thranesgt 63 N-0173. Oslo, Norway. Email: tostiko@online.no

 Masters of the Hemisphere
7"

The Masters of the Hemisphere are just about the best indie pop band making music today. I think this single reflects the bands songwriting talent. All the songs are mellow non-rockers. "All You Had To Write" may be one of their best songs. p.s. I know what you're thinking, Masters fans, so I'll kill your curiosity. No, neither song mentions that damn dog, polluted rivers or secret caves. All right? All right. Happy Birthday To Me Records.

 Mile Marker
Frigid Forms Sell CD

Mile Marker has made one of the more intense records I've heard this year. Techno hardcore is all the rage. What I didn't like about the other album I have from them (Non Plus Ultra) was the messy lo-finess of the whole affair. If you've heard it you know what I'm talking about. It's not really listenable. The production for 'Frigid Forms Sell' is awesome. This is the Mile Marker album I needed to hear. In this incarnation of the band a girl was added on vocals and keyboard. Also they added a new drummer. This guy is awesome. When I saw Mile Marker toured on this album I was blown away. I think it was the screaming in my ears. This is not to be missed. Reference: Braid, The Faint, Battlestar Galactica fight scenes. Lovitt Records. PO Box 248. Arlington, VA 22210.

 The New Roman Times
s/t CD

I quite fancy The New Roman Times. I'd seen the name around town for a while and when I finally saw them play I was quite impressed. They play laid back old school boy/girl indie rock, a genre that has been hard to come across these days. The lazy boy vocals with the sugary sweet girl vocals is a sound to behold. Reference: Modest Mouse, Unwound, Versus. NRT. PO Box 215. Cassadaga, FL 32706. Email: newromantimesmusic@hotmail.com

 The Olive Group
Blue CDEP

Carey was over and she was looking at my CDs and she pulls out one out of the 'to be maybe reviewed if I ever want to write anything' box excitedly. "Ohhhhhh". I glance over and ask what it is. "The Olive Group," she says. "Oh, I haven't even listened to that one. Is it any good?" "I heard this one on the radio", she says pointing to the first song ("Blue") on the back cover. "Can we listen to it???" "Sure". "I heard it's like The Promise Ring and The Sea and Cake". "Hmmmm. really? This may be interesting" We listen to it. It sounds nothing like TPR or TSAC. It sounds like something off the Teen Beat Records roster. Damn if they don't play quick tempo strummy guitar indie pop like True Love Always. Lounge pop I call it. Every song is pretty bouncy, some a little slower paced. The last song is kinda annoying. It goes on forever with a tape of sounds and voices playing in the background. "Wow. This is pretty good". "I like it. And it sounds good in your house, too. Everything sounds better at your house, Jeffrey". "Haha". Reference: True Love Always, The Ivory Coast. Post Parlo Records. PO Box 49121. Austin, TX 78765.

 The Parcels
Have A Go With The Parcels CD

In a word: cuuuuuuute. Yes, use seven "u's" so when you say it out loud it'll be really drawn out. The Parcels are all about cutesy indiepop singing about dinosaurs, snappy new haircuts, playgrounds and riot grrrls. It's fun. It's smiley. The girls voice is so cute. The guy from lightrotation.com is the drummer! Reference: Bunnygrunt. Brentwood Estates. PO Box 2062. Providence, RI 02905.

 Pistis
Bread & Circuses CD

I first came across Orlando's Pistis from their "acoustic" shows performed by Rence (bass, keyboard) and Josh (guitar, vocals) sometimes with occasional help from friends on bells or drums. I got accustomed to that set up so when I heard their CD I was surprised what I heard. It wasn't indie/folk at all. It's rock. It's subdued. It's heavy. I guess that makes Pistis heavy subdued rock then! I'm impressed overall with all the songs. The first song "Apoptosis" is such a good way to start off a record. It punches. The heavy bass lines are awesome. Included is that countryish song with the funny delay noises. Reference: C-Clamp. nowOrange Records. 68 Cheney Place. Suite 2. Orlando, FL 32801. Pistis Webpage.

Radiohead
Kid A CD

Ditto. I really like the first three songs and song eight. I'm predictable. Recent conversation: "Jeffrey, is this your music?" she asked. "Yeah". "Well, it sounds like funeral music". Capitol Records. 

 Sunday's Best
Poised To Break CD

"I broke its wings but tried to teach it to sing"

Sundays Best are after my heart. On the cover of the booklet are pictures of a crowded Boston subway car. The Green Line no less. Those cold Bostonians are all coated up, earmuffs and all. I like them already. And the songs..... wow. Can Sunday's Best not make an instantly catchy and memorable song? This album is so feel-good. I feel good, dangit! I love every song, even the hidden song at the end. The music is super fun and dreamy. The lyrics (and vocals) are awesome, honest and emotional. What more can I ask for? I listen to this three times a day! I sing along. This album is awesome and perfect and every other good thing I could ever say about a record. It's all here. "Indian Summer" makes me smile. So does "Pearl Harbor Day". I just wait for that chorus that "White, Picket Fences" builds up to. Can you hear me singing? Because I am. Reference: Death Cab For Cutie, Silver Scooter, Camden. Polyvinyl Records. PO Box 1885. Danville, IL 61834.

 Superheroes
Igloo CD/LP

I'm not going to be able to say enough *good* things about the Superheroes. I love everything about this album. It's pop that will make you want to get up and dance. They have a heavy late 80's UK/European sound; keyboards, drum machines and all that. They are from Denmark, after all. The co-ed vocals are cute and sweet. The songs are strong all the way through. If you are in search of a head-bobbing-sing-along album, this is it . Fun fun. Reference: The Cardigans (so ya know it's good). Crunchy Frog Records.

 Tourister
7"

Judging from the cover art I thought this would be a sugary indiepop band. The first song is upbeat, quick and punchy. The overall delivery, especially in Bens vocal delivery on the second song, takes a more depressing tone rather than a sad one. It makes it more akin to Joy Division. It's different but okay. The second side is more Brit-style indiepop. Sandi sings on "Denmark", definitely the catchiest song. I liked this song the best. Reference: Bunnygrunt, Joy Division. Home-Aid Recordings. 2706 Pioneer Avenue. Pittsburg, PA. 15226-2034.

 Tristeza
Dream Signals In Full Circles CD

Within the first few seconds if listening to the new Tristeza I knew this was going to be a dreamy record. "Pretty" would best describe this album. Nine blissful songs, all instrumental, flow together effortlessly like water through transparent pipes. Tigerstyle Records. 149 Wooster St. 4th Floor. NY, NY 10012.

 Yume Bitsu
s/t CD

This isn't too new. It came out sometime in 1999. Not sure when exactly. This came to me in the mail with only a post-it note on the cover saying "You might like this". They were right. At first listen I was scrambling for my Bright CDs, checking out band member names. If this didn't sound like a post-Bright band I didn't know what one is. It's on the same label as Bright, adding to my curiosity. It turns out there are no shared Bright members in Yume Bitsu. The similarities are striking. Multiple guitar effects (especially heavy delay), dreamy slow space rock, long songs (the shortest being 7:51 and the longest clocking in at a whopping 18:29), few lyrics (often repeated as mantras). It's good chill out music. Reference: Bright (well, duh), Windy and Carl. Ba Da Bing Records. PO Box 204. Leonia, NJ 07605. Yume Bitsu webpage.