http://www.reportermag.com/ Author Evan McNamara from Reporter Online. en-us http://www.reportermag.com/article/203 Russian Circles Station With the release of their previous EP, Enter, Russian Circles generated about a metric ton of buzz. The short offering showcased their blend of post hardcore song structure, intricate guitar, driving bass, and their signature epic flair, and left many, including myself, wanting more. Sadly, Station, the band's debut full length, just falls short. Sure, the musicianship is stellar, and yes, the songs seem more developed. However, the intensity that made their... Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.reportermag.com/article/203 http://www.reportermag.com/article/168 The Ghost you Left Behind When people think about the musical output of Sweden, two things usually come to mind death metal, and ABBA. You can clearly imagine my surprise when I learned that Hearts of Black Science were from Sweden. The band plays a wellexecuted style of electronic indie-pop. A heavy current of downtempo electronica can be heard throughout The Ghost You Left Behind, and a lot of the glitchy drum patterns sound similar to Telefon Tel Aviv. The only two acoustic... Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.reportermag.com/article/168 http://www.reportermag.com/article/169 Noyes Noyes is the brainchild of guitarist Victor Villarreal, former axe-man of a number of legendary Chicago indie bands like Cap'n Jazz, Ghosts and Vodka, and OWLS. Villarreal has pioneered his own unique approach to guitar. His finger-picked riffs are beautifully melodic, and at times, almost hypnotizing. This album is a joy to listen to. The guitar work is complex in execution, but when layered and repeated, as Villarreal does on this disc, it can't be described any other way... Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.reportermag.com/article/169 http://www.reportermag.com/article/147 Mysterious Mysteries' self-titled EP is perhaps one of the most cohesively written pieces of music I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. Even though lyrics are scarce and there are no repeated musical or lyrical themes, there seems to be a strong plot that strings each song together without morphing them into one composition. This EP plays like a novel that, while short, is extremely interesting from start to finish. The opening track, "Chapter One," serves as an introduction to... Fri, 25 Apr 2008 02:30:00 -0400 http://www.reportermag.com/article/147 http://www.reportermag.com/article/125 Hulk Rules I have a unique fascination. I find it absurdly entertaining when things are done horribly. Whether it's zombie movies, crazy commercials, or oddities on the home shopping network, it seems that how much of a failure something may be just adds to its humor. There is something greatly satisfying about watching "Attack of the Giant Leeches" and noticing that the jaws of each creature were fashioned with plungers, and the "disgusting" larva sacks were nothing more than... Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.reportermag.com/article/125 http://www.reportermag.com/article/105 Red of Tooth and Claw I hate country music. That having been said, I was not very excited to review the latest album from Murder by Death, a group with a trademark country swagger. You can imagine my surprise when their newest album, Red of Tooth and Claw made its way into regular rotation in my CD player (yes, people still use them!). What makes Murder by Death a remarkable musical force is their ability to cram country, blues, folk, and just the right amount of punk into a... Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.reportermag.com/article/105 http://www.reportermag.com/article/104 The Redder the Better There is no substitute for heart. This is true in most things, and especially in music. The most technically astounding composition is nothing if it isn't played with feeling. On their debut EP, Rochester's own Polar Bear Club wears their hearts on their sleeves, and you can hear it. The band's sound is best defined by two standout elements powerful guitar-work, and a flawless vocal delivery. This is not typical punk rock guitar playing on display. PBC sprinkles... Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.reportermag.com/article/104 http://www.reportermag.com/article/89 Porcelain Sparta was spawned after the demise of now legendary rock outfit, At The Drive In.' It's that other spin-off band that's not The Mars Volta. There's a good chance you've heard of them, but whether or not you've actually listened to the group is a toss-up. Porcelain opens up with "Guns Of Memorial Park" which pretty much sets the tempo for the rest of the record. It's a mid-paced tune with wailing guitars, solid vocals, and a unique drumming style. All of the songs on this... Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.reportermag.com/article/89 http://www.reportermag.com/article/46 Bob Mould District Line The latest solo album from Bob Mould, formerly of 70s punk stalwarts Husker Du, is possibly his best yet. Bob Mould's solo work could best be described as an updated 90s rock sound, with a few electronics thrown in as accents. Honest lyrics are delivered in Mould's classic powerful tone, on top of driving and creative rock backdrops. As opposed to some of his earlier solo work, District Line doesn't feel dated or repetitive. Opener "Stupid Now" channels... Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.reportermag.com/article/46