EP Launch Show
Feb 23rd at
Spectrum, Sydney

RUN! HIDE! - RUN! HIDE! [INDEPENDENT]
Now here is something the industry needs more of. A rock band who actually have balls, know how to construct a song that isn't a rip-off from the good ol' days and don't sound like an over polished turd. Run! Hide! are Sydney lads who play an energetic punk inspired rock 'n roll sound. This is their debut EP and it's 5 tracks of well pieced together tunes. Players who know how to play, rather than spend more time worrying about image, a singer with a natural sound, not trying to be someone he's not all result in some damn addictive tunes. Production ain't half bad either from the popular Sydney engineer Dave Hammer. The EP runs for 22 minute so they can write a song of length and keep your interest, that's always a good thing. Hopefully the start of many more releases to come, keep an eye out for the name, as you'll probably be seeing it a bit this year.

~ FIRST LOOK! ~

Instores
January 26th

PRE ORDER AT
PLAY4ME FOR
FREE POSTAGE
[HERE]

PROTEST THE HERO - FORTRESS [VAGRANT]
We've been kept waiting for this one for months after we all got our hopes up late last year, only for it to be pushed back. Now it's here, album number 2 for these Canadians. Split into three parts if you run with the theme, they describe the concept as being "about the re-emerging of goddess worship and the erosion of faith in scientific process." But that will probably go over most people's heads as they are drawn to their technical metal sounds. Not just a one trick pony these guys know how to get creative, and no two tracks sound at all alike and it's not at all strange to hear them jump from full on brutal, into a melodic explosion in a matter of seconds. If you are into things like old Avenged Sevenfold, Coheed & Cambria and Dragonforce, then these guys could be up your alley. They showed promise with their 2005 album 'Kezia', but up the quality tenfold on this album. It is like no album you have heard before and should appeal to a wide range of ears, might take some time to digest it properly, but I reckon this album is going to do wonders for the band, word of mouth will be a big thing as punters are always looking out for that new band they can go crazy over, this one is a fine candidate for that, it's got cast iron balls, loads of guitar solos, every kind of vocal under the sun, a production to die for, and knows how to give your speakers a workout when cranked. You could say it's a good thing Avenged Sevenfold took a turn down commercial lane, because it's left a wide open highway for these guys to stand up and be noticed. Give them a listen.

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Available on import from the US

TEENAGE BOTTLEROCKET - WARNING DEVICE [RED SCARE]
Fun, fun and more fun is the easy way to describe Teenage Bottlerocket, an up and coming US band who plays their punk rock in the vein of The Ramones, The Queers etc. It's simple 3 chord stuff for the most part, but damn effective and will have you in the mood to raise your glass and sing along right from the word go. Loaded with tracks that barely surpass 2 and a half minutes you'll get through the album in no time and want to go back to the beginning and re-live. Everything is to the point, no messing around, no getting all arty, no wankery, just upbeat punk rock done the way it should be. If these guys were around ten years ago, Fat Wreck would've been all over them, and they would be massive. Let's hope word of mouth guides this band to success, because their tunes deserve to be heard. You'll need to import a copy from the US as there is no Australian release, but it's well worth it!

~ FIRST LOOK! ~

Instores
January 26th

PRE ORDER AT
PLAY4ME FOR
FREE POSTAGE
[HERE]

DUB TRIO - ANOTHER SOUND IS DYING [IPECAC]
An interesting offering from Brooklyn's Dub Trio, primarily an instrumental affair that unlike most of it's sort, doesn't offer too many moments where you want to turn away. Very riff heavy, the guitar sound is massive, you can feel every bass note, and the drums sit perfect in the mix. Don't be expecting something that's all your stereotypical dub sound here, sure there are moments, but for the most part this album is riff central, some cool rock riffs, the occasional tread into punk / metal territory and a whole lot of great ideas, song structures and delivery. You can just tell by listening that these guys are each masters of their craft and that you would be in awe at them on a stage. Jack of all trades, Mike Patton offers a little vocal performance on the track 'No Flag' as well, but for the most part, this album is just music, and to be honest, because the sounds are so well done, you hardly even notice the lack of a vocal. I reckon you could probably slot these guys into the "a musicians band" pile, that meaning that musicians would be doing more raving about them than the average punter. Hopefully i'm proven wrong though and you go take the time to listen, because this album deserves to be heard.

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Instores Now.

TOO PURE TO DIE - CONFIDENCE & CONSEQUENCE [TRUSTKILL]
The latest hardcore band to find home on the Trustkill label are these guys from Iowa, like me, you've probably never heard of them either but if you like your growling hardcore more than your screaming hardcore, then you might want to look into these guys. It's tough, it's huge in sound and shows promise. Originally released a year back, the band found themselves with revolving members, so once they settled on a lineup, got a new singer, they decided to re-record this one and Trustkill have put it out there. Very guitar heavy, the production is very in your face, the vocals can get a little much after a while, but it's a hell of a lot better than most of the trendy stuff out there at the moment. One for the tough guys.

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Instores Now.

MEMPHIS MAY FIRE - MEMPHIS MAY FIRE [TRUSTKILL]
Judging by the bio, someone really has tickets on this band, whether that's themselves or an enthusiastic intern at Trustkill i dunno, names like Van Halen and ZZ Top are being thrown around, not that the band sounds like either of them mind you. To put it bluntly, the band has some fantastic ideas and sounds, and they have an appealing singer, but as soon as the cookie monster makes an appearance, any appeal is instantly wiped away. When there is actual singing, the songs are pretty damn sweet, the music is energetic as fuck and there is some sweet guitar work going on. Bound to appeal to the screamo crowd, these guys could really broaden their audience if the gut wrenching squeals of a dying cat were cut out of the picture, it really does no favors to the direction of the songs.

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Instores Now.

THE LEAP YEAR - WITH A LITTLE PUSH... [HOBBLEDEHOY]
It's no surprise to discover these indie-rockers hail from Western Australia, quite the breeding ground over the last few years. This 7 tracker is one hell of an introduction, the songs are instantly mesmerizing and flow like a dream. Sounds you can just sit back and chill to and forget about everything around you. 3 sets of lungs up front on guitar and bass, a drummer and one hell of a captivating sound. This kind of music is really touch and go with my ears, so to be instantly impressed, it's safe to say these guys have something special going on. Not afraid to draw out their songs past the 5 minute barrier either, which usually means boring, not with this act, you don't even realize time going by. Highlight is 'Let It Go, Let It Go' with the other six not far behind. If you like something a bit more mellow and atmospheric, check these guys out now.

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Instores Now.

MINDLESS SELF INDULGENCE - YOU'LL REBEL TO ANYTHING [UCR]
If there was an annual march for folks with A.D.D then Mindless Self Indulgence would be the soundtrack to the day, you've got no chance of predicting what will come next from these folks. If you like your music with a twist, well about 1000 twists per song then these folks are for you. This is a re-packaged / re-mastered release of the album which includes a bunch of bonus stuff, just in time to get you into them before they tour on Soundwave Festival next year. You are gonna like em, or you are gonna loathe em. Not really my thing, but a few points for a solid work ethic and their attempts to create something unique!

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THE BEER SCALE

UPCOMING RELEASES

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QUICKIES

CRAPULOUS GEE GAW - Filthy Little Beast
Western Sydney punk rock warriors return with another selection of their blend of in your face, offensive punk that they've been belting out for many a year now. Full of sure-fire hits like 'Fuck You Old Lady', 'Scurvy Foreskin Fondue' and 'Never Trust A Cunt' this one is a bunch of dudes, having a good time rockin' out to what they love. No scene riding here.
[WEBSITE] - Independent -
Buy Online Now from the band [$15.00]

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LIAM FINN - Gather To The Chapel
A Simple CD/DVD single from Liam Finn, 2 songs from his debut album on CD and 2 video clips on a DVD. One for the indie fans, 'Gather To The Chapel' is a catchy pop tune that slowly and surely sticks, 'Lullaby' is a little different, but still shows signs of a talented songwriter.
[WEBSITE] - Liberation Music - Out Now
Buy Online Now from Play4Me [$8.37]

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BLACKPOOL LIGHTS - This Town's Disaster
New group for Jim from The Get Up Kids, so you know you are in for some catchy pop goodness, and that's what you do get. An album full of easy listening, infectious power-pop tracks. While there isn't any amazing standouts, the quality is consistent through the whole album, so there are no dud tracks. Good for a chilled out afternoon by the pool. Check it out
[WEBSITE] - Boomtown Records - Out Now
Buy Online Now from Play4Me [$24.10]

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