From the moment the first member strutted onto stage, it was clear that this band wasn’t there just to play music. Semi Precious Weapons, who were full of energy from start to finish, performed not only through lyrics and rhythm but more importantly, movement and attitude. After the band’s dramatic entrance, lead singer, Justin Tranter, set the mood by opening with, “We are Semi Precious Weapons from New York Mother-Fucking City, and we hope you all get laid!” Each song, despite the bizarre but passionate lyrics, radiated an outrageously fun vibe. In the beginning, the crowd shared looks, most with wide-opened eyes; however, by the second song everyone couldn’t help but fall right into the craziness of their rock n’ roll. Soon, the entire venue rung with insanity and chaos. As Tranter, ripped back and forth across the stage, he proudly displayed his white studded leather jacket accompanied by ripped white tights stuffed into crystal-gemmed high heel boots. Although a filthy-glamorous outfit, it wasn’t long before he stripped center stage into a new, yet just as showy, ensemble. To his left, guitarist Stevy Pyne head banged his brains out, almost stealing the show, while bassist Cole Whittle and drummer Dan Crean jammed to every beat. In the middle of their set, Tranter noticed the wide range of ages displayed before him and fearlessly shouted, “Don’t hate us for being offensive. You should thank us for exposing your twelve year olds to real rock n’ roll!” If that doesn’t illustrate the band’s persona, I don’t know what will! Although the four have been playing shows with the infamous Lady Gaga since 2006, it is only with her recent call to fame that they’ve received significant publicity. Bursting into popularity, the boys started off performing to an audience of twelve but now, they gaily face a crowd of thousands of fans.

-Semi Precious Weapons at American Airlines Center Dallas, TX on July 22, 2010

Sleeping With Sirens’ performance on the Pyknic Partery Tour was everything it was expected to be and more. It’s very rare to watch a live perfomance and the band sound just as amazing as they sound on the album. Lead singer, Kellin Quinn’s, voice was absolutely mind blowing and every song definitely hit home. The band’s crowd interaction was awesome and it made the show even more intense. The band also wowed us with an after-show acoustic set behind the venue. In which, everyone watching sat in a circle around Kellin and two of the guitartists and were encouraged to sing-a-long to some of the band’s most popular songs and one freestyle song. Which showed how talented the band is when it comes to lyrics. They joked around with each other and with the crowd, cracking jokes at each others’ expense. Being around them could’ve made any person feel that they had been friends with those guys for years. I actually had the pleasure of meeting Kellin and guitarist Brandon McMaster. Both were extremely down to earth guys, willing to talk to and meet their fans. Overall, this was one of the best live performances I have seen. I highly recommend that everyone catch one of their shows and pick up their album “With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear.”

- Alex Reyna

Until a few days ago, DJ Irwan was a name I had never heard of.  After a little research, I’ve come to discover that he is one of “Europe’s best eclectic deejays.”  DJ Irwan is quite the globetrotter, known for deejaying royal private parties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and other premier parties in Europe.  I’ve been listening to That Money all day and all I can say is “WOW.”  I would recommend That Money to any fans of David Guetta, Basshunter and of course Lil’ Wayne.  That Money is available for purchase on 

www.djirwan.nl

www.dj-irwan.hyves.nl

www.myspace.com/djirwan

www.twitter.com/djIrwan

www.facebook.com/dj.irwan

-Kramer

The Expendables’ new album “Prove It” is definitely one of the best albums I’ve heard in a long time.  ”Prove It” contains a mixture of styles of music such as rock, alternative and reggae.  Two of my favorite songs are “Trying To Focus” and “Brother.”  After listening to “Trying To Focus,” it’s obvious that this album was produced by Paul Leary and NOFX’s “EL Hefe.”  The outro guitar solo over the lyrics has a very powerful sound that I don’t believe I’ve ever heard.  ”Brother” has a very rhythmic sound that is virtually impossible to get out of your head.  Prove It also features many guest performers such as the members of Slightly Stoopid and G. Love.  I would strongly recommend anyone who is a fan of Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution or NOFX to go out and buy this album NOW!

For more information, please visit The Expendables‘ website.

-Kramer

Prove It is availible on Stoopid Records

Kottonmouth Kings have been one of my favorite bands since my freshman year in high school.  I loved their sheer lack of authority and rebellion, not to mention their amazing music.  The last time KMK played a show in Dallas was in 2008 and unfortuneately, I was unable to attend.  That’s not the case for their return last night on the Happy Daze tour with The Insane Clown Posse, Coolio, Kittie and Necro.

After interviewing the Kings, I have a whole new respect towards them and their music.

-Kramer

Last night I had the chance to witness the greatest concert experience I have ever seen in my life.  I had heard stories of how MUSE is a life-changing experience, but you have to be there to actually believe it.  Upon entering the arena, I was greeted by 3 pillar-like structures on the stage.  After much anticipation, the lights went out and the pillar-like structures opened in the middle showcasing MUSE.  On the right, lead vocalist/guitarist, Matthew Bellamy, in the middle, drummer/percussionist, Dominic Howard and on the right, bassist/backing vocals, Christopher Wolstenholme.  They opened with “Uprising” and saved the best for last.  They played “Knights of Cydonia” for their encore, and an encore it was.  The audience’s vibe was absolutely mind-blowing.  I can’t say enough good things about MUSE and their live performance.  All I can say is that any concert I go to from now on has a tough shadow to follow.

-Kramer

p.s. I’ll be the first to admit that my pictures aren’t my best.  They made us stay in the very back of the arena behind the soundboard.  It was the best I could do with what I had.  Sorry.

As I walked into the House of Blues, I was greeted by the usual staff.  After talking to one guy in particular and asking him what time Citizen Cope would be on stage, he rolled his eyes and told me how Citizen Cope is “notorious” for coming on stage late.  After I learned this piece of information, I was somewhat dissapointed as there was no opening band to ease my boredom.  When I got to the front of the pit, I was shocked to see that they had replaced the barricade with small, linkable metal fences.  To make matters worse, my normal 5 1/2 feet of working space was now condensed to 2 1/2 feet.    As I squeezed behind the “barricade” waiting for the show to start, the lights suddenly dimmed and the crowd went crazy.  The last song I shot was my favorite, “Let the Drummer Kick.”

-Kramer

The First thing that comes to my mind when I’m listening to  Blind Witness’s “Nightmare on providence street” is Balance.
The perfect balance between great musicianship and catchy metal, between heavy breakdowns and epic solos. Between fast and slow.

Words cannot describe how much the band has grown since the 2007 release of “silences are words”. With several member changes, a new label and countless international tours under their belts, these guys have gone from small town metalcore act to full time touring international metal party machines.

With songs like the ever so catchy “Baby, One More Notch” the guys show the world that metal doesn’t have to be chaotic and instead decided to write the party anthem for all the misfits who don’t feel like rocking LMFOA’s “SHOTS” when getting ready for a night on the town. Songs like “For life” featuring Johnny from grammy nominated Spineshank and All Alone show that the band  have grown depper and darker in the last two years and that they should no longer be called a metalcore band and puts them right up there with other acts such as Suicide Silence and label mates As Blood Runs Black.

The most memorable track on the album for me would be the very lenghty (6:04min) “This New Year” which really showcases every side of this band and ending with a very powerful, almost choir like chant.

This may be Blind Witness’ Sophomore album but it is only the beginning of their careers. They will be out promoting the effort all over Canada and the United States for the next couple of months with bands such as Dead&Divine, The Bled and For The Fallen Dreams. for more information check their myspace at http://www.myspace.com/blindwitness

Most people who are familiar with Butch Walker mainly know him for his work as a producer and co-writer for bands such as Weezer, All Time Low and NeverShoutNever.

A lot of people seem to forget that Butch Walker is a singer songwriter before anything else and that is exactly what he likes to remind us with his new album “I liked you better when you had no heart”.

With eleven titles ranging from slow folky songs to 50’s influenced swingy rock songs, most people will definitely have their money’s worth and I can say that most people will spend a lot of time bobbing their heads at his music and smiling at some of his lyrics.

Butch doesn’t go overboard on this album; he keeps it good and simple from beginning to end. With a great and original production, he once again shows us that he is a very versatile and skilled musician, using several different instruments from piano and guitar to mandolins and violins.

Songs like “Pretty Melody” and “She likes hair bands” reminds us why Butch is one of the most renowned producer and song writer of our generation while “Be good until then” brings us to a whole different side of him.

Butch Walker and The Widow’s I liked you better when you had no heart is a versatile and efficient record that will cover most of your moods and state of minds. I highly recommend it to all music lovers, either or not you are familiar with his other work, this album is a perfect introduction.

“Of Men and Angels” is the definition of maturing. It seems these days that every time an artist is getting ready to release an album, all we can hear about is how their sound has matured since the last time around. I never quite understood that statement because I like my music fun and catchy but if some of you are like me, a little confused about the meaning of “maturing” your sound, this album is for you.

Bryce Avery comes back for his 5^th studio album and the first in about three years. This is a completely different installment from what we are used to with The Rocket Summer, he has traded in his childish piano riffs for crushing guitar tones and songs about his high school buddies with more meaningful lyrics about his struggles in the world. There is still a couple of really catchy happy-clap-your-hands-and-smile type of songs, my two favorites would be “Hey!” and “Roses” but most songs take a deeper and more serious turn (Bryce himself claimed that he stills get very emotional while singing songs like LIGHTS) while staying extremely enjoyable and without ruining the mood of the album.

“Of men and angels” was the smart and mature move to make at this point in the group’s career and if they ever have mainstream success, this is the album that will bring it to them. They have overcome a lot of issues in the last two years, with the first version of the record being shelved by the label for several months when their A&R got fired.

The Rocket Summer are now back and stronger than ever and with enough recorded material to keep us dancing for the next several years to come.