X Weapon X - Demo 2 Review

 

If you're looking for new hardcore or straight-edge to get in to, look no farther than Louisvilles own Weapon X... because they hate you. 

That being said, "Demo 2" is where it's at and over a year old now. A newer offering that proves to be just as quick paced and to the point as previous offerings (demo), definitely proving consistency and drive. I appreciate this band a lot more than other bands in the genre, because they seem to be a bit more tuned up than other bands from this era. I'm not attempting to push nostalgia, but, they do have a certain ambiance about them from the original era. 

It's not reinvention or throwback, but perhaps, a next step for both staright-edge and hardcore. The instrumentation and vocals definitely get more harmonious and tighter with each outing. Kicks and open E string chugging get that big sound we all know and appreciate in this genre, and the bullet toms and almost blast beat style rhythm bring a melding of what hardcore is becoming to the forefront. The lyrical content is spot on for what somebody would want in a straight-edge band. Good marks in my opinion. If you like bands like Harms Way, Truth of Pain, Contention, World of Pleasure, or Magnitude you might enjoy Weapon X. 

Buy

Ruckus - S/T review:

 

If you're a fan of the original story of punk rock, this look back and reinvention of that sound is probably for you. No holds barred, and no censorship in relation to today's political morality exists in this record. It may not be a reinvention of the wheel but it definitely is a perfection of it. This is a good dose of what society needs, lyrically. Instrumentation is on point, as well. From guitar pedals and cabs, to spot on rhythm,  this is what you should want in punk rock. It's only an EP (sad face) but if all goes well, this will be a reason these folks continue to make great music. They do set the stage, and I do follow looking for what they do tomorrow. You should too. Easy to listen on music share sites but they have a physical release out, that needs to sell out. Hope you dig their music as much as I do. 

Buy here

Lambrini Girls - Who Let The Dogs Out: review

 

If you've never heard the riot grrrl music this is a good modern place to start. Fans of Le Tigre, Huggy Bear, Bikini Kill, and The Runaways are probably already familiar with this 2025 release. Carrying the torch for riot grrrl sound into the next stage of music, Lambrini Girls are definitely up to the task. A few sub-genres exist in this album, of which include post-punk. Phoebe Lunny and Selin Macieira-Boşgelmez definitely hit a home run with this LP, and the proceedings singles. Bad Apple opens the record with a very punk filled sound and message that leads all the way through the album. Big Dick Energy being another Riot sound, formulated in the original fashion of the subgenre. No Homo lends to a social connectivity lacking in most modern countries, it seems. Nothing Tastes As Good As It Feels and You're Not From Around Here both have a noise rock tint to them with very punk lyricism. One can definitely hear the social commentary in this record and thankfully the message is not lost to boring instrumentation. Not to point out things people may not want pointed out, but, it is easy to tell both current members are neurodivergent. If you sample this sound, it may be rewarding to go backwards in their catalog until the next release. 

Morning Motivational Devotional:

         Eclectic people exist but in dwindling numbers...

Draculas - Midnight City:

 

This band and album could be the best thing to come out of texas since the original Power Trip lineup (ignore the new stuff). A dance craze for all of the kids, and lyrics to hook adults, this album is definitely a contender for "album of the year". Easily more melodic than anything else out now, the band showcases a lyrical prowess unseen out in texas. A bit protopunk, a bit garage, a bit new wave come together to birth their greatest effort yet. Three deep (albums or fingers, who knows) and they have their signature sound in my opinion. Dirtnap ought to be glad they came back, because this record is a killer. By track 3 "Head In The Clouds" you won't know which end is up. "Guys Like Me, Girls Like You" to the slower closer "Wheelhouse" is just a blur of sonic synthesizer savory sex silt. This album really does go down easy, no chaser. There's some Riverboat Gamblers, some Rise Against, and some major art growing in Savage Lord Mic, Sam Francisco, and Pink Rick... All of which come together for an out of this world proper banger. Do yourself a favor and buy the digital at dirtnap or pay EU prices from Wildhoney. Maybe you can find it in the wild. Ten years in the making, don't let it pass you by...

Buy

Vinyl

Home Front Watch It Die:

 If you're a fan of hard-core punk or new wave this is a modern addition for both. Social commentary of modern international chaos and solid instrumentation for a new generation of fans, this is fairly straightforward. It's a little more relatable than their last record, but packs a very hard punch. Some of the lyrics in this outing are very interesting and important especially on an american level. "Dancing With Anxiety" is a standout point as is "Eulogy" as far as an example of thier sound. So many anthemic tracks on this, as chanting hooks and vocals are normal for this band. Terrific for fans of Singalong melody and rhythm. Lots of fun, even if the lyrics are poignant and pointed. 

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