Nora - Save Yourself

“Save Yourself” is a solid record and one which will solidify Nora’s reputation as a no bullshit hardcore/metal band, but it’s far from being the classic album that Trustkill is hyping it up to be.

Tiger Army - Music From Regions Beyond

Music From Regions Beyond is a great collection of songs, one which has encouraged me to delve further into Tiger Army’s back catalogue and see what else they have to offer but as I said earlier, I feel the amount of guests on the record is a bit much. Tiger Army has written an excellent record and don’t need to rely on their famous friends to shift units. 

Strung Out - Blackhawks Over Los Angeles

Although the album loses some of its punch in the mid section, “Downtown” is one of the strongest songs that the band has produced in years.  

While “Blackhawks Over Los Angeles” isn’t as instantly classic as “Twisted By Design” or “Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues”, it is most definitely a return to form for Strung Out. I’m looking forward to hearing these tracks live!

Circa Survive - On Letting Go

If I was to write about every track individually we’d be here all day, but I want to make mention of the title track “On Letting Go”. The chorus hook and the atmospheric guitar work is one of the highlights of an amazingly consistent record.

I don’t care who releases a record this year, because it’s going to be next to impossible top Circa Survive’s latest effort. Put this album on through headphones and enjoy the ride!

Enter Shikari - Take To The Skies

People are either going to love or hate this band, but at the very least they’re original. Hell, some of the more melodic moments on “Take To The Skies” have an almost power metal feel to them. Some people will argue that they’re simply ripping off Horse The Band, but HTB never displayed such straight up rock and pop influences. 
At least give these guys a listen before writing them off. I’m sure we should be expecting a tour announcement some time this year.

Blueline Medic - 42:19

My hat goes off to Hadyn and Richard Buxton as the production on 42:19 is exactly what these songs needed to breathe. Warm guitar tones and a mix which gives every instrument the attention it deserves, they couldn’t have done a better job! 
One of the best Australian releases of 2007

City And Colour - Live (CD/DVD)

Some people might scoff at the comparisons to the late Jeff Buckley, but the emotive nature of Dallas’ voice and his lyrical composition are deserving of this kind of praise. 
One of the best releases of the year – of any genre!

Stealing O’Neal - Spin For Me (EP)

Although “Spin For Me” won’t set the world ablaze, it’s a solid debut nonetheless and I’m interested to see what Stealing O’Neal can produce next time round.

Trial And Error (Compilation) - Trial And Error – Volume 7

It doesn’t matter if you’re buying this record so you’ve got a mix for a road trip or if you’re new to the world of hardcore and you just want to see what’s out there. Either way, its well worth your time and money.

The Paper & The Plane - An Introduction

At present, TPATP are label-less so your best to get your hands on this CD is to hit them up at http://www.myspace.com/thepaperandtheplane or check out your local indie record store. It’ll be the best eight dollars you spend. 

The Paper And The Plane will be playing their first shows outside of Queensland in support of Brand New (USA) so make sure you check them out!