from the original press release . . .
This is what it’s all about. A podunk label from a podunk town putting out music that stands up against any over-marketed band being shoved down America’s throat by Alternative, Inc. All done at a cost less than some west coast promo dweeb’s trip to the New Music Seminar. As always, here’s my cheat sheet for all you lazy bastards who don’t have the time to actually listen to the music.
– Dominick
Mike Pauley – I Can’t Breathe / Would You Lie?
Urge Overkill without the macho sex god in flares and gold chains thing (which I guess is nothing like Urge Overkill). More like a happier Foo Fighters. Exciting like a mouthful of pop rocks and Coke.
Lughead – Pure Again / Dotted Line
More accessible than their present day heroes, Guided By Voices, Lughead swirls like an impending hurricane while still holding on to their Replacements roots. Caution: beware of “I Smoke And I Vote” bumper stickers on their guitars.
Subduing Mara – Good Enough For You / Everything
Enough conviction to make The Pope allow women in the priesthood, Subduing Mara function strongly as a single unit. It’s amazing that the singer still has veins left in his neck.
Norman – Tourniquet / Over My Grave
Too straight for Los Angeles alternametal, too diverse for New York leathercore, too melodic for Seattle gr… (sorry, I can’t say it), too young for late ’80s power pop, too good not to be noticed.
Gilligan – Indian Summer Girl / The Moment
Hüsker Dü pops into mind but even Mr. Mould isn’t gone enough to use a lyric that sounds like “I want a girl who fucks Jews only.”
Queer For Astro Boy – Disaffected / Irishman Blues
Backed with excitement, this guy has more personality than Shane MacGowan, Joe Strummer, Joey Ramone and Billy Joe combined. Well, maybe I’m exaggerating just a bit.
Nickel Social – Janet From Planet For Granted / Division
From young social problems to young social solutions, these guys could put a smile back on “Mr. Deep” from that Oyster Jelly band.
The Healers – Heaven Wears No Disguise / Sweet
It’s MTV unplugged without the lights, camera, crowd or MTV. Very real, very potent, very good for the soul.
Billy Riley – Take It Downtown / Casualties
Billy Bragg’s evil twin from mid-America. You gotta love a song about a loser so pathetic that Satan won’t even buy his soul.
Topper – Day To Day / Take Me Away
Love songs. Nothing but love songs.