- KYS: 80
- User: 50
- 65
Daylight - The Difference In Good And Bad Dreams
On their third EP release in as many years, Daylight have refined the sound pioneered on ‘Sinking’ and ‘Dispirit’, purveying a style of melodic hardcore-punk cut deep with influences from the emo bands of the early 90s. Their Run For Cover Records debuts polishes down much of the rough-handed grit that characterised the production of their earlier material, resulting in an easily accessible release that drips with gripping, bitter poignancy.
- KYS: 85
- User: 40
- 62
Diamond - Don't Lose Your Cool
Diamond are on a winner, combining brilliant song writing with extremely tight performances, all wrapped up in a sound that will catch the ear of pretty much everybody who enjoys any kind of rock music. It will be a huge surprise if we do not see and hear bigger things from this band in the near future.
- KYS: 80
- User: 100
- 90
Driven Fear - Contender
These days hardcore music needs bands like Driven Fear and albums like ‘Contender’ as they offer something new, in balance, with the elements of the genre that people know and love. Hopefully the band continue to push the more off kilter aspects of their sound in the future as it will be interesting to see where that could take them.
- KYS: 74
- User: 10
- 42
Dream Theater - A Dramatic Turn of Events
The elephant in the room was always going to be the ability of Mike Mangini to make the transition into the Dream Theater sonic landscape. Sure, you can be over-specific and analyse every tom fill, every odd-time passage and every kick drum pattern in comparison to what Portnoy may have brought to the table. But, the music has not suffered significantly and that's a good thing. 'A Dramatic Turn of Events' is another solid albeit typical offering.
- KYS: 70
- User: 48
- 59
Dream On, Dreamer - Heartbound
For a band that is still quite young and new to the scene, they have mastered their craft quite well. Their sound is tight and well produced, their songs are well written and they have figured out the trick to balancing between deep screams and smooth clean vocals. Sadly, as many metalcore bands do, they have managed to fall into some of the generic traps, but their debut full length does promise great things. Dream On, Dreamer are a band that should make anyone proud to be a part of the Melbourne music scene, and proves that there is definitely still hope in local music.
- KYS: 79
- User: 73
- 76
Dananananaykroyd - There Is A Way
Dananananaykroyd are a band that could be considered too hardcore for the indie kids and too indie for the hardcore kids. However, that’s what makes the band interesting; they’re carving their own niche in the market where they play by their own rules. There Is A Way combines their renowned chaotic rock persona with a slicker indie rock edge full of melody and attitude, resulting in an album that’s both unique and bold in character.
- KYS: 78
- User: N/A
- 78
DZ Deathrays - Brutal Tapes
‘Brutal Tapes’ EP is a great release from the DZ Deathrays, with a diverse compilation of songs and unique sounds. In 7 tracks, there are potential singles, live party tracks and remixes. The band’s style has a distinct punk edge, heard in the wall of noise and wail of the vocals in all these tracks, but the use of ever-evolving guitar effects and solid rythms from the drums allows this band to begin forging their own distinct and layered sound, breaking away from any stereo-types. Who knew two guys could make so much noise?
- KYS: 81
- User: N/A
- 81
Deafheaven - Roads to Judah
'Roads to Judah' is yet another album plucked from the anonymity of 2011's musical pile. Justifiably, Bay Area debutants Deafheaven present an album that will generate deserved interest. A hypnotic journey that packs black metal, elements of hardcore and atmospheric, alternative rock into a four track musical odyssey. Hey, if Jacob Bannon was smart enough to sign these guys to his label, you should be proactive enough to have a listen.
- KYS: 60
- User: N/A
- 60
Duff McKagan's Loaded - The Taking
The Taking does fall a little short of the rock glory it could embody, but there’s still enough sleaze and swagger to keep old school rock’n’roll fans interested. The Taking doesn’t seem to take itself to seriously, and if you don’t either, this is a solid set of thirteen infectious, smooth rock tracks from one of rock’n’roll’s veterans. The album is cross-generational, cohesive and has enough of a dirty edge to satisfy your rock desires.
- KYS: 85
- User: 80
- 82
Defeater - Empty Days & Sleepless Nights
Defeater have created a rock solid hardcore album with this release, and made big steps from their already impressive earlier releases. This is a band to watch, on their second album they have created an enduring piece of work, with amazing melodies, personal, affecting lyrics and a strong sense of passion and desperation running throughout. The acoustic side creates a point of difference and mixes surprisingly well with the heavier songs. If you like thinking man's melodic hardcore with a cohesive sound and concept, check out Defeater's latest work, you won't be disappointed.