From the crashing chords, Greg Attonito’s emphatic vocal style, and taut melodies of the title track you know exactly what The Bouncing Souls’ new record Ten Stories High (Pure Noise Records) is all about; raucous, to the point, Pop Punk. This is their twelfth album and it definitely does not outstay its welcome – these ten songs are all wrapped up in under twenty-six minutes.
New Jersey is a rock, emo, and pop-punk music mecca, so it comes as no surprise that rock/pop-punk champs Can’t Swim would hail from the same. They’ve dabbled in a couple of genres on past albums like hardcore and indie before settling into more of the pop-punk vein which fits like a glove for the group. The quartet is gearing up for the release of their fourth album, Thanks But No Thanks (Pure Noise) as it drops the same day as their US-wide tour kick-off supporting Free Throw.
Ghost Cult’s Jessie Frary caught up with Can’t Swim singer Christopher LoPorto to discuss their new album “Thanks But No Thanks” – out soon from Pure Noise Records! Christopher gave a track-by-track breakdown of the new album, gave some anecdotes about the band, and the plusses of unconventional creative partners!
The crux of imposter syndrome is that the afflicted is tormented – haunted – by real or imagined negative feelings towards their legitimacy and ability. Be it a position of power at work or a highly regarded social standing, the notion can creep in and riddle any perceived accomplishment with doubt, uncertainty and unworthiness.
If a band or artist releases a record under the Pure Noise banner, one of two things are true: it’s a towering masterclass in metallic hardcore rife with searing vocals, or it’s a provocative, introspective piece of songwriting excellence. Obvious examples include recent Fit For A King and Senses Fail.
If you ask a fan of ska to name three pioneering acts, you’ll likely find a lot of people answering with Reel Big Fish, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones (RIP) and Less Than Jake. And for good reason. The staying power of the three legendary bands speaks for themselves; Reel Big Fish formed in 1991, the Bosstones were around as early as the mid-1980s, and Less Than Jake first surfaced thirty years ago.
When the title of an album tells a story all on its own (and it’s by a band known for upfront lyricism), you know you’re in for an emotionally moving ride. Melodic hardcore leaders Counterparts protect their respected name with their seventh record, A Eulogy For Those Still Here (Pure Noise Records). As the album title states, each song mourns the loss of someone or something that has yet to pass away or leave. Throughout the record, vocalist Brendan Murphy screams and sings of grief he knows he must prepare himself for.
Music is routinely used as an avenue to either express one’s feelings or to make sense of them. Oftentimes used as a crutch in our darkest of hours, it’s safe to say music has helped countless people crawl out of their lowest of lows, both through listening and writingContinue reading
For most styles of music, the word ‘generic’ gets used as a negative critique to discredit the artist’s creative ability and expression. However, in the last decade or so, the term ‘generic pop punk’ has become a shameless staple in a scene that values catchy hooks, relatable lyrics and sing-along choruses over all else. Now on their fourth album, Kings Of The New Age (Pure Noise), pop punk hotshots State Champs continue to freely put out the same kind of music they have always loved. Continue reading
Bizarrely named Long Island quartet Moon Tooth’s new record Phototroph (Pure Noise Records) is a wonderfully eclectic one that mixes many disparate influences into one cohesive, and thoroughly absorbing, whole. From prog, rock, NWOBHM, and grunge to name but a few, Phototroph is a sprawling, unique and engaging offeringContinue reading