- KYS: 85
- User: 100
- 92
The Jealous Sound - A Gentle Reminder
Whether the group decide to stick around for a little longer this time to become a fully functioning touring act or not, 'A Gentle Reminder' feels and sounds like it came out naturally. This may explain the band's weird timeline, not forcing the music and just letting it happen, but regardless, waiting ten years for records as solid as this one seems worthwhile.
- KYS: 80
- User: 10
- 45
Troubled Coast - I've Been Thinking About Leaving You EP
A lot of reviews talk about how there is no unheard style of genre left these days for bands to be truly original, so the good bands can merely make something new out of things that already exist. If that is true then Troubled Coast do that extremely well, the underlying question that creates is, at what point does that statement become an excuse for blatant style and sound stealing? Without answering the question, the sounds in these four tracks have been heard before, but not together in this way, so if that is how you be “a good band” these days, Troubled Coast are a good band, and this is a strong, enjoyable EP.
- KYS: 90
- User: 50
- 70
Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross - The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo: Original Soundtrack
Reznor is a natural when it comes to creating soundtracks. You need look no further than records like Nine Inch Nails' brilliant 'The Fragile' to see that the ability to create powerful landscapes and extreme dynamics have been present in his music for a long time. Couple that with the equally talented and minded Ross, and the people at the Oscars can start engraving the trophy name plates the minute that these guys fire up the computers in their studio. 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo' may or may not be a front runner for film of the year already, but as far as movie scores go, we already have the winner.
- KYS: 70
- User: N/A
- 70
The Scene Aesthetic - The Days Ahead EP
The Days Ahead is a well rounded but short-lived EP. It thrives on its ability to be simple and stripped back while still sounding full and complete. Dual vocalists Bowley and de Torres prove that their vocals have the ability to stand at the forefront of their music, utilizing the simplest of instruments to carry them along. While there are moments of versatility, by the end of the EP the tracks seem to feel all too familiar. This is definitely an EP that will keep fans of the duo happy while also providing a small look into what The Scene Aesthetic can do, perfect for getting this duo the recognition they deserve and paving a path for another record.
- KYS: 78
- User: 55
- 66
The Maine - Pioneer
Pioneer proves that sometimes you need to step out on your own. It is evident that these are thirteen tracks The Maine needed to make, to get away from all the producers and label influences and make a record that is truly them, exactly as they are at this time of their lives. Whether this is the start of a new direction for the five piece, who were made popular by their cheeky, tongue in cheek, pop-rock tracks or if this is simply just a break to stretch their legs and try something new, only time will tell. Either way, The Maine has proved that they can pull it off. Pioneer is a simple yet successful redefinition for the band, and if they keep heading in this direction who knows what they might create.
- KYS: 80
- User: 80
- 80
This Time Next Year - Drop Out Of Life
While This Time Next Year aren’t bringing anything new to the table with Drop Out Of Life, it is an album chock full of tried and true pop punk. Instead of concentrating on trying to reshape the genre, This Time Next Year have created an album full of fun, energetic tracks made up of catchy hooks and bouncy melodies that will slot in perfectly with the big players in the genre and make the perfect soundtrack for many summer road trips this year.
- KYS: 91
- User: 88
- 90
Transit - Listen & Forgive
I’m not sure whether it’s a case of third time lucky or whether Transit needed to impress the Rise Records executives, but “Listen & Forgive” is an A record. Far from over-hyped new band as they’re too often unfairly written off, Transit have delivered an exciting and relevant pop punk release with album number three. Having worked hard to make a name for themselves over five-odd years, it’s great to see their efforts paying off.
- KYS: 100
- User: 72
- 86
The Getaway Plan - Requiem
There may have been some shaky years in between, but Requiem sees The Getaway Plan primed to reclaim their place at the forefront of Australian rock.
- KYS: 74
- User: 67
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The Bride - President Rd
If the attention The Bride is getting from their first full length is anything to go by, these boys are going to be around for quite some time. Combining down tuned mosh sections with frenzied lead guitars, explosive drums and blasting bass lines, President Rd is definitely a well overdue addition to the somewhat repetitive and predictable hardcore and metalcore scene.
- KYS: 78
- User: 70
- 74
Trash Talk - Awake (EP)
'Awake' may be over before the listener feels it even started but as far as five track, eight minute releases go this will leave a lasting impact. This isn't involved or detailed but it is nevertheless dynamic. Just take this one of face value.