Killing The Dream
Fractures
In Stores: June 10, 2008

This is probably one of the best melodic hardcore releases of the last couple of years. I have noticed that a lot of bands have started really experimenting with their sound, whether that be getting more melodic, and significantly less aggressive, or by writing really heavy songs, and abandoning their punk roots. Killing The Dream has very evidently grown musically, without straying too far from their roots. This album is fast, aggressive, and melodic. They have maintained the pure positivity, and emotion in their lyrics. This album is a must have for anyone who likes melodic hardcore. Pick it up on June 10th, or through Deathwish Inc, online.

Aaron D’Amico

Forever The Sickest Kids
Underdog Alma Matter
In Stores: April 29, 2008

For a band that immediately jumped onto a major label, as well as having a great deal of hype surrounding both their music, and their upcoming release, I expected at least a little bit of effort. Instead, I encountered a pathetic mix of remixed, and remastered old songs. Granted it’s the first time any of these songs had major label distribution, regardless, those are the songs with which the band has gained a great deal of their popularity. Everyone has heard them. This album is the epitome of laziness. The few new songs on Underdog Alma Matter, are classic Forever The Sickest Kids. It’s a shame there aren’t more of them. These are the reason that this band has become so successful, so quickly. This release would have been better suited as a second EP, with only the new songs. As far as I’m concerned, I’ll be waiting for a sophmore album before I’m willing to fork out the money to support this band.

Aaron D’Amico

Death Cab For Cutie
Narrow Stairs
In stores: May 13, 2008

It is very apparent that the major label success of “Plans” in 2005 has led to a level of artistic freedom that Death Cab has really run with. Ben Gibbard typically writes a great deal of the band’s songs on the computer, and the piano. This album, admittedly, was written mostly on guitar. Death Cab’s Jason McGerr sums it up best “if Transatlanticism was an inhale, Plans is the exhale.” It was nice to see Death Cab come out with this album, which breaks the mold really, as their first release in almost three years. From start to finish, it is a fantastic listen. They have changed enough to keep their fans on their toes, while keeping the classic Death Cab for Cutie tone, and heart-melting Ben Gibbard vocals. I urge everyone to pick this record up on May 13, 2008 when it hits stores.

Aaron D’Amico