Outbreak “Outbreak”

Outbreak are the embodiment of post-hardcore. The brutal quartet from Maine bring melodic and furious hardcore with every release. Their third full-length, Outbreak is no exception. Packed with fifteen quick-paced tracks Outbreak sound like they’re having a ton of fun while pounding through every chord. While nodding to thrash, and 80’s skate punk, Outbreak add another solid, and unique release to their discography.

Outbreak also serve up lyrics that are though provoking and exciting. Songs like “Too Paranoid For Politics”, “Multiple Personality Disorder”, and “Concealed” address topics like social anxiety, and disappointment (anger) with the government in a fashion that is both easy to relate to, and easy to circle pit with. Outbreak do a fantastic job defining themselves with this album. As a band that has in the past been easily dismissed or overlooked, it appears that they may have finally released an album impossible to ignore. In many senses, their former releases, You Make Us Sick, and Failure; while hailed in the hardcore scene, can now be seen as mere stepping stones to the release that may very well be the pinnacle of their career. Outbreak highlight all of the best aspects of hardcore on their self titled release. It’s fast. It’s melodic. And it does an amazing job giving many disheartened hardcore kids something to relate to; while also solidifying Outbreak as a staple of the hardcore scene
9 of 10.

Outbreak

Dead To Me “African Elephants”

Dead To Me’s release African Elephants comes on the heels of a three-year break from their debut release, Cuban Ballerina. Switching between dub, reggae and punk, Dead to Me offer an over-thought and inorganic sophomore release. It is obvious both by the time between releases, and the genre-hopping that Dead to Me is still struggling to find their voice. While it is admirable that Dead to Me are trying to possibly deconstruct the barriers between certain genres, African Elephants still comes off as mediocre and labored. Tracks like, “X” focus on Dead To Me’s reggae influence and definitely shock the listener upon being first heard.

The sound definitely does not match the album art, or the record label. However, as Fat Wreck Chords also becomes more and more frequently called on to account for atrocious releases, it makes sense that Dead To Me can find a home there. Touring with Strike Anywhere, for most of December, Dead To Me represent the shift in punk that has been occurring from speed and aggression to over exaggerated activism and uninspired music. Dead to Me shows some potential on tracks like “Nothing Runnin Through My Brain” and “Modern Muse’ which both emphasize the group’s punk influences. Hopefully Dead To Me will be able to overcome their identity crisis, and release a strong; punk, third record….in another three to five years.
6 of ten.

African Elephants

News and Stuff

Okay, so its been a rainy few days. First, There is new fiction up. Check out my latest, “Eavesdropping Near Cliffs”. Secondly, if you haven’t alread, swing through and check out my ride log as well. Always fun stuff there. Lastly, check out sink/swim and preorder your copy of the book. Its only $10!

Sink/Swim Press

The first book on my publishing company, Sink/Swim Press is getting ready to come out en masse. Pre order now for $10.

Sink/Swim

Sink/Swim

So I started a publishing company. It can be viewed at http://www.sinkswimpress.com I’m pretty excited about it. My book is coming out, and will hopefully be followed by others in the near future. There will be a book release party. As well, I’ll be attending (and hopefully handing out stickers) and the Richmond Zine Fest next weekend. Hope to see you there!

Bike Messenger

I really hope this guy isn’t full of shit. He has a genuine love of bike riding and I want to support it. Unfortunately, he is sponsored by puma, so I’m left a bit jaded. I’ve looked into doing courier work in Richmond, but there is only one firm, and they don’t seem too friendly.

Life

Just created a profile on tricktrack.org, my buddie’s message board. You should do the same and come talk shit with me. Had a bday party at the house last night. Good times. It seems like more and more people I know are being shipped to Afghanistan and Iraq. Why is this still an issue, and more importantly, why is it not as big of an issue as it should be. I feel like our nation needs to step up on the foresight, and conflict resolution frontier.

Manuscript printed!

I have printed my manuscript! …I have a lot more work to do than I thought. Pushing still for a Halloween release. We shall see.

New Story up

Just put up a new story called “The First Annual Creytown Book Burning”. Feel free to comment and enjoy. That’s about all thats new otherwise. The ride log is still rolling along, and I continually find motivation in different areas to keep putting down those miles. It’s been a fun week with lots of work, so hopefully things will continue a pace of fast but not breakneck. Lastly, the book will be coming out Oct. 31st. Tentatively titled “Swamp Gospels.” Fill out the poll and let me know what you think of the title.

Today

Today I rode my bike. It was fun. I love riding bikes. I have to go to Alexandria all day and wear a suit. Most pointless blog entry ever. Book release party for Ryan Brosmer’s book “I Will Name Them Such As Enemies” Sept. 12. i’ll be reading, So will he. Email for directions. I’ll have new stories up soon. Get it.