Chroma Reviews

[Jason Tate]

The reviews from "reputable, real life" magazines for the new Cartel (http://www.cartelrocks.com/) album are starting to come in:

Spin (http://www.spin.com/) and Vice (http://www.viceland.com/) gave very favorable reviews (see below); Alternative Press (http://www.altpress.com/), well, let's just say they'll have a hard time explaining the review when they beg to put the band on their cover in a year.

The band is also starting to see reviews from other zines as well:

Punkrocks.net (http://www.punkrocks.net/display_review.php?id=1020) (It's not the review you're expecting, trust me).

If you have links to other reviews, post them in the replies.

This Cartel is a little too slick -- and we're not talking about oil. Like many young bands on their first full-length release, Cartel is concerned with the ever-pressing problems of relationships, being misunderstood, and trying to figure out where they belong. In Cartel's case, this tried and true formula is done in a catchy, simplistic manner. Chroma, which the band defines as "chromatic purity: freedom from dilution with white and hence vividness of hue" in the insert, is seen in varying degrees all over the album. It's most clear in the abstract color forms that make up the album's artwork, but the band can't escape some dilution when it comes to Chroma's 12 tracks. Singer Will Pugh's smooth vocals and the album's slick production and melodies make Chroma extremely easy on the ears, but most of the tracks could be easily confused with each other -- particularly when they get stuck in your head. Cartel (also including Nic Hudson and Joseph Pepper on guitar, Kevin Sanders on drums, and Ryan Roberts on bass) remains safely tucked in the pop-rock genre. The mostly up-tempo tracks are filled with resonating guitar riffs (opening track "Say Anything (Else)") and forceful drumbeats (especially catchy on "Settle Down"), and the album's two surprisingly successful ballads -- "Save Us" and "The Minstrel's Prayer" show Cartel's slower side. "When what you want is what you're getting," sings Pugh on the album's final track, "they're catching on to us." That's always the plan, isn't it?

There's a high school near my work and sometimes I'll go out for lunch right around the time they get out for the day. There are always a handful of creepy mid to late 20s dudes strolling around the fence by the exit; I like to think it's the Hispanic "I had this kid the first time I ejaculated when I was 10" phenomenon, but I'm pretty sure it's a wee bit more sinister with at least half of them. If I were of that ilk, I would just learn all of these songs and start a band and play in the bodega where they all go get Cokes after class. You' be beating off 16-year-old gash with Slim Jims.

[Drew Beringer]

AltPress sucks at reviews.

[Jason Tate]

AltPress sucks at reviews.
I like your reviews.

[Katie Schmitz]

My jaw dropped when I saw that Cartel had such a low rating in AltPress this month ... then I looked and Mest had a higher rating ....

:shake: is what I thought. I could write a better review than that garbage.

I like your reviews.

Oooh, looks like we have a winner!

[BeerNSluts]

http://www.breakingcustom.com/php/content_review.php?id=1127158610

[kg00d]

My jaw dropped when I saw that Cartel had such a low rating in AltPress this month ... then I looked and Mest had a higher rating ....
Wow thats pretty weak

[Andy]

I really get tired of only reading "scene correct" reviews. Bash the obvious, praise the rest.

[straylighthaste]

what did Alt press give cartel?????? i didnt get the mag yet this month

[Katie Schmitz]

what did Alt press give cartel?????? i didnt get the mag yet this month

A two.

Some more of AltPress' reviews which I highly disagree with:

Spill Canvas = 3
The Audition = 3
Emery = 3
Every Time I Die = 2

[steve-0]

anyone wanna type out or scan the altpress review?

[As Derrick Rust]

Is that out of 5 or 10? I have never read alternative press and I'm proud of that fact.

[BeerNSluts]

All in opinion. ALTPress gave From Autumn To Ashes like a 4 or 5. In my opinion: 1.5

[xearlynovemberx]

I like your reviews.
ditto

[no mames]

that vice review is pathetic and juvenile. i wish some people with journalism degrees would lend a hand to scene literature. it would do us some good.

also, wouldnt you be a more credible journalist yourself if you posted the AP review as well?

[musical monkey]

i find it funny how everyone is complaining about the alternative press review and not the blatantly racist Vice Magazine one. i don't care if they are trying to be "edgy" and "hip" but that is just terrible journalism.

[YellowNovember]

AltPress sucks at reviews.

i really really like your reviews if you get what im saying ;) ;) ;) ;)

[AnonomusVsCA]

http://www.hatesomethingbeautiful.com/chat/viewtopic.php?t=1423

[Drew Beringer]

I like your reviews.

Wow, thank you so much.

[MTC]

that vice review is pathetic and juvenile. i wish some people with journalism degrees would lend a hand to scene literature. it would do us some good.

also, wouldnt you be a more credible journalist yourself if you posted the AP review as well?

I thought the beating 16yr old gash off with slim jims was hilarious, and intelligent journalism

[IcedOpethBlind]

My jaw dropped when I saw that Cartel had such a low rating in AltPress this month ... then I looked and Mest had a higher rating ....

:shake: is what I thought. I could write a better review than that garbage.


i was telling my friend the exact same thing! gosh. giving mest a higher mark. wtf. they needed to revamp their review staff. jesus christ.

[FrancesdaMute]

the punkrocks.net review for panic! is pretty funny.

[robdobi]

i giggled when i saw the review in altpress last month that called terminal "screamo"

[Drew Beringer]

A two.

Some more of AltPress' reviews which I highly disagree with:

Spill Canvas = 3
The Audition = 3
Emery = 3
Every Time I Die = 2

Wtf? Emery a 3, give it at least a 4. ETID released the best metalcore album of 2005, better than that FATA shit. I'm not gonna vent about it too much, cause no one here respects an AltPress review. Seriously, they gave TBS, FOB, 5's, and Simple Plan a 4 so there goes any cred AltPress might have had.

[snowtires]

you typed up clips from the positive reviews and just a link to the negative one's website, that's not good journalism. i realize you like this band, but shouldn't you post the negative reviews as well as positive reviews? or is this website run by fox

[Drew Beringer]

you posted clips from the positive reviews and just a link to the negative one, that's not good journalism. i realize you like this band, but shouldn't you post the negative reviews as well as positive reviews? or is this website run by fox

Too bad the link to punkrocks.net isn't a negative review.

I remember when AltPress gave Matchbook Romance a terrible review and then they were on the cover a few months after.

[KidLightning]

the thing with people at magazine's who do the reviews is that they don't necessarily represent the magazine or the editor's as a whole. sometimes they are divided up in that certain reviewers do certain genres and sometimes they are just divided up amongst the reviewers. all it is is and opinion and they should have a disclaimer like you see on tv shows or the opinion page of the newspaper, that the views expressed therein do not necessarily represent the views of the whole.

in other news, i don't see how the one from Vice is even a review. it doesn't make any sense at all. i'm pretty sure the writer is advocating sexual predators forming catchy pop-rock bands. but what does that have to do with cartel? i'm so confused...

[boekebong]

i find it funny how everyone is complaining about the alternative press review and not the blatantly racist Vice Magazine one. i don't care if they are trying to be "edgy" and "hip" but that is just terrible journalism.

Agreed. Welcome to the wild world of Vice Magazine.

[Jason Tate]

that vice review is pathetic and juvenile. i wish some people with journalism degrees would lend a hand to scene literature. it would do us some good.

also, wouldnt you be a more credible journalist yourself if you posted the AP review as well?
If I had it, I would.

[DroppedUrPocket]

Is that out of 5 or 10? I have never read alternative press and I'm proud of that fact.

AltPress is a scale of 5.

[boekebong]

i giggled when i saw the review in altpress last month that called terminal "screamo"

I guess you are one of those old fashioned music fans who thinks that reviewers should listen to the album first. Face it Dobi, your kind is all washed up.

[Jason Tate]

Too bad the link to punkrocks.net isn't a negative review.

I remember when AltPress gave Matchbook Romance a terrible review and then they were on the cover a few months after.
They do that alot.

[SLADE775]

i giggled when i saw the review in altpress last month that called terminal "screamo"
I peed myself a little when I read it.

But I was on the toilet so It was okay.

Last one of my subscription to that worthless waste of paper. YEAH!

They do that alot.

The recent fall out boy cover was the most embarrasing thing i've ever seen.

I cringe and feel sorry for them when I think about it.

[DroppedUrPocket]

I peed myself a little when I read it.

But I was on the toilet so It was okay.

Last one of my subscription to that worthless waste of paper. YEAH!



The recent fall out boy cover was the most embarrasing thing i've ever seen.

I cringe and feel sorry for them when I think about it.

I envy you. You get to read internets on the toilet.

Hey, how about that, Barry Scanton wrote a mature review. I bet that took some concentration.

[Tomte]

The punkrocks.net reviews are outrageous! Most of the time they are not even reviewing it.
They shouldn´t get those records...
Even though the Spill Canvas review made me smile... :redface:

[SLADE775]

Tate, do you still feel the same about One fell swoop?



C'mon, don't avoid it. ;)

[Drew Beringer]

They do that alot.

Definitely.

[tambo41187]

AltPress gave simple plan a 4, i stopped reading their reviews after that.

As for the Punkrocks.net review
"As most of you know, the Militia Group have been making a name for themselves over the years signing extremely sappy pop acts, that definitely appeal to a younger generation of music listeners."

....cant agree with that statement. but other than that good review.

[SLADE775]

AltPress gave simple plan a 4, i stopped reading their reviews after that.

As for the Punkrocks.net review
"As most of you know, the Militia Group have been making a name for themselves over the years signing extremely sappy pop acts, that definitely appeal to a younger generation of music listeners."

....cant agree with that statement. but other than that good review.

Copeland is better than 95% of all existing music. Ever.

When Altpress called Cartel a new found glory copy I developed a loathing for them.

[atouchoverrated]

Did Vice magazine just refer to a vagina as "gash"?

thats incredible.

[tambo41187]

Copeland is better than 95% of all existing music. Ever.

.

Could not agree with you more.

[SLADE775]

Fuck against me.



They suck so bad, I can't even handle it.

[Killforgrace]

lovedrug anyone?

edit: as in the reply to the militia group statement in the punkrocks review... lovedrug is like an alot better alot alot better coldplay (even tho i enjoy some coldplay)

edit again.... disregard my lack of decent spelling

[danieltaylor]

While I can't really be a proper judge of its merit, being that I wrote it all, but the issue of Synthesis on stands right now (Coheed on the cover) has a review of the Cartel CD that one could definitely call positive:

Cartel
Chroma
Militia Group
Rating: 8 out of 10

With basically every band in the generalized Warped Tour world of music either hopping on the “something-core” bandwagon or breaking out synthesizers and samplers, it looks as if the old fashioned, new school pop-punk band is something of an endangered species. Like three-chord punk before it, one could argue that this brand of ultra pop-y punk was a victim of its own success; the sheer number of bands in the late ‘90s and early 2000s employing the conventions of the genre were enough to burn out even the biggest fans of nasal vocals, chunky palm-muted guitars and epic, half-time melodic breakdowns. But these days, most bands—even those who rode the genre to success—have traded in their bleached tips for dyed-black bangs, and finding a straightforward new school band worth a shit is a tough task indeed.
However, those still clinging tightly to their well-worn copies of New Found Glory and Enema of the State will find a taste of that much needed dose of crunchy pop-punk goodness on Atlanta rockers Cartel’s debut full-length, Chroma. Recorded in their hometown of Atlanta at Tree Sound Studios (Outkast, Jimmy Eat World) Chroma plays out like a who’s who of late ‘90s pop-punk influences; a little Ataris here, some NFG there, and most importantly, ultra-melodic hooks for days. Though frontman Will Pugh definitely has a voice to die for—just nasally enough to satisfy teen girls, but forceful enough to keep their boyfriends stoked—and Cartel is technically tighter than a hardcore band’s jeans, what’s most notable about Chroma is what’s not there: there’s little to no programming and sampling, there’s no hollering and screaming (save for some fairly tame background gang vocals) and there’s no metal blast beats or harmonized guitar solos to speak of. Instead, there is song after song of unabashedly pop-y, downright pleasant pop-punk. Though a few misguided guitar solos and the occasional cheesy-even-by-pop-punk-standards moment do hold Chroma back from being the greatest pop-punk record ever written, chances are good that a whole generation of youths will soon be stealing kisses and writing wistful Livejournal entries with Cartel as their soundtrack. Call it emo, call it mall-punk, call it whatever you want. But if it makes you happy, it can’t be that bad.

And if you're interested, there's an interview with Will in the next issue. Whatever you think of those guy's music, they genuinely are nice fellows.

[tambo41187]

lovedrug anyone?

edit: as in the reply to the militia group statement in the punkrocks review... lovedrug is like an alot better alot alot better coldplay (even tho i enjoy some coldplay)

edit again.... disregard my lack of decent spelling

agreed, The Militia Group is one of the strongest labels out there right now.
Although i'll take coldplay over lovedrug, but i like both bands.

[SLADE775]

The Ransom ep > Chroma



A child with autism writing things blind-folded with a dull pencil > Barry Scantons review of the new Coheed album.

[last light]

ya the ransom is better than chroma...gonna agree with sladeamania there

[SLADE775]

ya the ransom is better than chroma...gonna agree with sladeamania there
YEAH! *rips shirt*

[last light]

slade is a real american, fights for the rights of everyman...

brother.

[when 4ever ends]

I like your reviews.
same, hire him tate

[solargrrl]

If Alt Press gave bands first release a high score, what would they have to do for their second album? Save the 4 and 5s for older bands, give them something to work toward. Its a standard belief in the "real" reviewing world.

[mylastnerv]

Ah . . . . forget reviews. If YOU bought the album and YOU like it . . . . done deal.

Different music to different ears.

[SLADE775]

slade is a real american, fights for the rights of everyman...

brother.

:smash: :auto003: that song gets me pumped up!!!!



now I wanna squeeze goldbergs head!!!!!

Ah . . . . forget reviews. If YOU bought the album and YOU like it . . . . done deal.

Different music to different ears.
Well this thread is ABOUT reviews. So go to another thread and talk about something else.

(it's like going into a halloween store if you're a johova's witness)

[Drew Beringer]

If Alt Press gave bands first release a high score, what would they have to do for their second album? Save the 4 and 5s for older bands, give them something to work toward. Its a standard belief in the "real" reviewing world.

What about TBS? We shouldn't give TAYF a high score so we can save it for a mediocre release like WYWTB? If the album is good, you give it a good score, who cares if it's the debut.

[tambo41187]

What about TBS? We shouldn't give TAYF a high score so we can save it for a mediocre release like WYWTB. If the album is good, you give it a good score, who cares if it's the debut.

word, if an album is good you dont knock it cuz its a debut...thats just foolish.

[Skatetopunk]

same, hire him tate
what he said.. do it..

[SLADE775]

If Alt Press gave bands first release a high score, what would they have to do for their second album? Save the 4 and 5s for older bands, give them something to work toward. Its a standard belief in the "real" reviewing world.

You're so fucking ignorant for posting that! Okay, so lets just review albums based on everything BUT the music.

Fuck you.

[bombthesuburbs]

Solargrrl - Your reply is completely stupid. If a record is well done, its well done, whether its the first LP or the 6th. Reviews should be based on the albums contents, bottom line. Alternative Press is a complete rag, it cannot compare to Rolling Stone, Skyscraper, or even Spin. The writing is bland and elementary at best. Vice Magazine has always put a humorus twist on their music review, the Cartel review is no different. Get a life.

[Drew Beringer]

Solargrrl - Your reply is completely stupid. If a record is well done, its well done, whether its the first LP or the 6th. Reviews should be based on the albums contents, bottom line. Alternative Press is a complete rag, it cannot compare to Rolling Stone, Skyscraper, or even Spin. The writing is bland and elementary at best. Vice Magazine has always put a humorus twist on their music review, the Cartel review is no different. Get a life.

Rolling Stone sucks at reviews too. The only reviews that I can take seriously are from this site.

[SLADE775]

Rolling Stone sucks at reviews too. The only reviews that I can take seriously are from this site.
I like your Chiodos review.

That album is sexy.

[Drew Beringer]

I like your Chiodos review.

That album is sexy.

Gracias.

[SLADE775]

If Alt Press gave bands first release a high score, what would they have to do for their second album? Save the 4 and 5s for older bands, give them something to work toward. Its a standard belief in the "real" reviewing world.

Everyone,

Please destroy this persons scene points.

This is seriously one of the most disturbing things ever posted.

[Rohan Kohli]

Everyone,

Please destroy this persons scene points.

This is seriously one of the most disturbing things ever posted.

Yeah, this is the same person that said Cartel is arrogant and made that interview a while back seem like they were assholes.

[Tyler Revolution]

I just heard the original "Save Us" for the first time today and I love it. I love the old one as well, probably more, but they're both awesome. Chroma=album of the year.

[Rohan Kohli]

I just heard the original "Save Us" for the first time today and I love it. I love the old one as well, probably more, but they're both awesome. Chroma=album of the year.

I love you.

[I.O]

Wow thats pretty weak
it cant get any worse than that.

whats the di di the dillioooo

[Tyler Revolution]

If Alt Press gave bands first release a high score, what would they have to do for their second album? Save the 4 and 5s for older bands, give them something to work toward. Its a standard belief in the "real" reviewing world.
You're an idiot. Grade the album on the true quality. If their second album sucks, give it an honest review and grade.

I love you.
The feeling is mutual, babe.

[SLADE775]

Yeah, this is the same person that said Cartel is arrogant and made that interview a while back seem like they were assholes.Makes sense.

I love the new Cartel album. I need to listen to it some more. ( there's so many albums I'm spinning right now )

The ransom ep is the greatest ep ever released. No doubt about it.

[Tyler Revolution]

Makes sense.

I love the new Cartel album. I need to listen to it some more. ( there's so many albums I'm spinning right now )

The ransom ep is the greatest ep ever releases. No doubt about it.
I'd have to disagree. I didn't really like The Ransom that much, they've grown alot since then.

[SLADE775]

I'd have to disagree. I didn't really like The Ransom that much, they've grown alot since then.
fair enough.

[last light]

the ransom is better than the full length, the full length i find to be boring a lot of the time, sure their are songs that are great, but also some that just put me to sleep.

i would still give this cd a positive review, but its not even the best pop-rock album this year in my opinion

[when 4ever ends]

I just heard the original "Save Us" for the first time today and I love it. I love the old one as well, probably more, but they're both awesome. Chroma=album of the year.
agreed.

[timmysavedlatin]

did scott heisel do the AP review?

[seans seatbelt]

I thought you said you were never going to read another Alternative Press, Jason?

[SLADE775]

the ransom is better than the full length, the full length i find to be boring a lot of the time, sure their are songs that are great, but also some that just put me to sleep.

i would still give this cd a positive review, but its not even the best pop-rock album this year in my opinion

Oh man. That is EXACTLY how I feel about it. ( weeeeeird )

i think tokyo rose's new one is much better. Same with Jacks Mannequin.

[last light]

Oh man. That is EXACTLY how I feel about it. ( weeeeeird )

i think tokyo rose's new one is much better. Same with Jacks Mannequin.
ya i enjoy jacks mannequin more, also academy is more, this one i loved at first, then it got booooooring. id rate it a 7.5 probably though.

[no mames]

did scott heisel do the AP review?
I was wondering the same thing. Did anyone else read his review of A Change of Pace? That was some funny stuff. I love scott.

[Jason Tate]

If Alt Press gave bands first release a high score, what would they have to do for their second album? Save the 4 and 5s for older bands, give them something to work toward. Its a standard belief in the "real" reviewing world.
They did give their first release (the EP) a high score.

did scott heisel do the AP review?
No, would have been ironic if he did, cause he was the one praising the shit out of them last year (in the magazine, and everywhere I looked). Plus, he's thanked in their CD jacket.

[Drew Beringer]

Here is Leakmob's review ( I didn't write it)

Chroma
Cartel

Reviewed by: Keith Czwojdak
Wed, September 28, 2005 @ 11:12:31 PM

The Militia Group has been one of the more popular independent record labels since the release of Rufio’s “Perhaps, I Suppose” had really put them on the map. Since then, they have signed bands that play all different style’s of music and who have also gotten the label some major popularity. But with the release of the Cartel’s “Chroma”, they have found their heir to Rufio. Cartel, with one ep under their belt, have released their debut full length and are looking for the same type of popularity that Rufio, New Found Glory, and Fall Out Boy have received in past years.

The album is made up of some of the catchiest pop-rock songs to date, fueled by tracks like “Honestly” and “If I Fail.” The band also shows their softer side with songs like “The Minstrel’s Prayer” and “Save Us.” For the fans of their previous recording, the band had re-recorded the song “Luckie St.” for the album. The band shows some very impressive guitar work on this album on songs like “Settle Down” and “Burn This City.” Cartel also finishes the record off with a very dramatic finisher in “A” which is over nine minutes long and a very solid track. This album is filled with summer anthems and great pop songs, an enjoyment for the indie kids out there that are looking for something to bounce their head to. This record is a very enjoyable listen for those who aren‘t looking for too much more than solid pop songs.

This album will definitely sell a bunch of copies and may even exceed that of Rufio’s debut on The Militia Group. The fact of the matter is, this band plays great pop songs but they really don’t do anything that is too original or anything that will really effect someone for a long period of time. This album may not appeal to fans looking for something innovative and creative, but this record will definitely appeal to anyone that wants a solid, fun record to listen to at any time. This is the year for Cartel, just sit back and watch them explode because it is almost in the bag.

3/5

(I would have gave it a 4, but whatever)

[Tyler Revolution]

The end of that review is retarded. It's exactly what Rohandogg said yesterday, no one ever said they were unique, and they're not doing anything new, but they play pop punk at it's best, and that's something for us all to appreciate, and that is why we love them.

[djUbilla]

i find it funny how everyone is complaining about the alternative press review and not the blatantly racist Vice Magazine one. i don't care if they are trying to be "edgy" and "hip" but that is just terrible journalism.Yeah, that thing is just ridiculous. How can that even get printed? How is that really even a positive review? How is it a review?

I can't understand how anybody could take pride in writing that, or how anybody could think it makes Cartel look good to any degree.

[IAPAI]

that vice review is pathetic and juvenile. i wish some people with journalism degrees would lend a hand to scene literature. it would do us some good.

also, wouldnt you be a more credible journalist yourself if you posted the AP review as well?

Read an issue of Vice, and you'll realize they get their points across in unsuspecting ways. Juvenile? Maybe. Pathetic? No. Any magazine that has David Cross as a writer is fucking awesome in my books.

[the_narrator]

Wtf? Emery a 3, give it at least a 4. ETID released the best metalcore album of 2005, better than that FATA shit. I'm not gonna vent about it too much, cause no one here respects an AltPress review. Seriously, they gave TBS, FOB, 5's, and Simple Plan a 4 so there goes any cred AltPress might have had.
Well, not everybody can write good reviews, like you. ;) I liked your IATA review. Good stuff, good stuff.

I'm biased about the Cartel, so who knows? It's at the very least, a 4.

[coandca33]

http://www.acclaimedpunk.com/reviews/cartel3.php

[timmysavedlatin]

if scott reviewed it, although I really like Chroma, I respect his opinion. he always seems to have decent reasons for liking (or not) liking stuff. besides... that's all it is. opinion. he was a huge a supporter of the ep. if a bunch of kids buy their albums based on a review then that's a bummer. that's what myspace and purevolume are for. listen, form your own opinion, and buy what you like. reviews just seem to be reinforcement. people read them and think "see, what I like is good!" or "fuck that guy, he's wrong". they only matter if they agree, apparently. (simple plan getting a 4 is still a bad call though. hahah)

[Lewdew27]

Fuck, I hate getting all scene, I hate writing this. All you people get mad only when they review is opposite of what you feel. If you can't handle a reviewer disagreeing, then maybe you shouldn't read reviews. How fun is it to have a reviewer agree with your exact thoughts; I'd consider it boring. Also, AltPress probably has more at stake when giving reviews. They have to give more low scores and tough talk than this website because who wants to read a magazine full of fives? That's ridiculous. Altpress has to make a continuum of good music and, sorry folks, some of your favorites bands are going to be towards the bottom of that continuum. On the other hand, Tate can give all of these albums high scores because he's buds with all of them and they support his leaks and whatever else stuff they collaborate on. Essentially, Tate can be nice, which you guys love, and AltPress can't be so nice, which is makes you guys angry, but shit guys give it a rest. If you hate Altpress so bad, don't read it, and it will fold, and then you guys will have to find something else to bitch about. That being said, I didn't really care for the Cartel CD or The Spill Canvas CD, what the fuck AbsoPunk? You hit Brand New and Say Anything on the head and then give me this shit. These better not be on the end of year lists. Well, I'm out and you kids can eat a bag of dicks

[payforglory]

They do that alot.

like how they tore An Angle a new asshole in the review but then a month or so later put them in the "100 bands to watch"

[King Caesar]

A two.

Some more of AltPress' reviews which I highly disagree with:

Spill Canvas = 3
The Audition = 3
Emery = 3
Every Time I Die = 2
i think emery is a terrible band.... i am going to see gatsby's at a small venue downtown minneapolis next friday and i plan on leaving before emery takes the stage since they are headlining a tour on which they very well might be the worst band

[DroppedUrPocket]

i think emery is a terrible band.... i am going to see gatsby's at a small venue downtown minneapolis next friday and i plan on leaving before emery takes the stage since they are headlining a tour on which they very well might be the worst band

Wow. I didn't think anyone thought they were terrible. I can understand if it's not someone's cup or something, but saying they're are flat-out terrible...hmm. Oh well, to each their own.

[Spicoli hey bud]

i think emery is a terrible band.... i am going to see gatsby's at a small venue downtown minneapolis next friday and i plan on leaving before emery takes the stage since they are headlining a tour on which they very well might be the worst bandWell that is your opinion
and in my opinion, you are a moron
there's nothing like live music, I'd fucking stay to see the backstreet boys if I was already there

and to say Emery sucks? have you ever seen them live? Unlikely, based on your comments
I suggest you stay, and learn a thing or 2 about music

[when 4ever ends]

hey JT it seems like everyone enjoys the white ponys reviews. hire him plz.

[Mscales67]

what were some of AltPress' points on why its a bad album... i love it more than taffy and im a man who loves his taffy

and by the way did someone say there was another there was another version of "Save Us"

[Greg Dona]

the sites kind of f'ed right now, but here it is...

http://www.dallasmusicguide.com/old/albums/cartel-chroma.htm

please leave comments. i really want to improve my writing since im not in any real writing classes and i never have been.

[InaGreendase]

i giggled when i saw the review in altpress last month that called terminal "screamo"

Man, they get really weird / outright shitty with their genre labels sometimes. Bad enough they're labeling it in the vein of Victory and Solid State bands when there's really only two songs on the damn thing that contain any screaming.

ETID released the best metalcore album of 2005, better than that FATA shit.

I personally thought Achilles (http://www.myspace.com/achilles) put out the best in that genre this year (unless you count the Bled, but I think it's a bit of a departure to still classify them that way ), but I'd bet barely over 100 people even heard the damn thing.

"As most of you know, the Militia Group have been making a name for themselves over the years signing extremely sappy pop acts, that definitely appeal to a younger generation of music listeners."

....cant agree with that statement. but other than that good review.

Sounds pretty accurate to me.

like how they tore An Angle a new asshole in the review but then a month or so later put them in the "100 bands to watch"

Stupid statement. Someone's personal enjoyment of a band has nothing to do with whether or not they think the band will blow up.

[Drew Beringer]

hey JT it seems like everyone enjoys the white ponys reviews. hire him plz.

Thanks.

[OurHeartAttack]

Someone still has trouble swallowing the "people think different than me" pill, eh?

[serendipity]

Why So Much Fucking Hate, People???!!! Music Is About Loooooooooooooooooooooove.

[Sureshot182]

i haven't gotten my alt. press yet. that magazine has gone way downhill in the past year in my opinion; being a subscriber for nearly 3 years i would expect a somewhat on time delivery, the reviews are ridiculously bad and band coverage is down. i'm sorry if this pisses anyone at ap (the magazine) off, but i am just let down by what i have been receiving. however, hate something beautiful and punkrocks, along with ap.net have solid reviews of chroma, check that out yo. CARTEL :wow:
and yes, hire white pony if anyone is going to get hired.

[airguitar1982]

i think punknews.org, decoymusic, and punkrocks.net have the worst reviews.

[lameXcore]

I'm so happy they gave it a two.

[daBNmaradona]

screw altpress they'll be sorry when cartel gets huge. i wanted to cancel my subscription with them when i saw the low cartel rating.

[xThursdayxPTWx]

Not that I already doubted most of AP's reviewers..they should start cleaning house and getting some people with writing degress if you ask me, but I popped in Every Time Die just to reassure myself it is most definitely not a 2. Its no Last Night In Town or Hot Damn, but its better than most hard rock out there.

I loved how they started off the Cartel review by talking about "true" pop-punk bands. I knew right where it was going after that, so I stopped reading because mentioning Screaching Weasel in a Cartel album review mde it automatically invalid.

I also looooooove how they will completely tear albums apart in review, I don't care about those stupid "it was the reviewer!" excuses, and then completely kiss their ass once people start liking them. Oh well Alt press is like a bad car wreck....you feel like you shouldn't look but you know you want to. The subscription lives on.

[unwritten]

A two.

Some more of AltPress' reviews which I highly disagree with:

Spill Canvas = 3
The Audition = 3
Emery = 3
Every Time I Die = 2

Franz Ferdinand =5, come on, that is way too high lol

[grimis16]

Wow. I didn't think anyone thought they were terrible. I can understand if it's not someone's cup or something, but saying they're are flat-out terrible...hmm. Oh well, to each their own.

yeah man, i like emery, not one of my favs, but i do like them. But my cusin absolutely hates them too, theres people out there

[kevin111]

Ok, I have never read punkrocks.net before, but I have to say it, these guys suck. It is so fucking biased and tired. The writers are fucking jokes and anyone who would take their reveiws over the ones posted here are complete lemmings who do not have a single original thought in their brain. Either that or they are the kind of people who are only happy when they're unhappy. Even though their reveiw of "Chroma" was "nice", they are still taking jabs at the band and the best label in indie music today. I haven't been this furious about music critiques in a long time. Punkrocks.net, go fuck yourselves.

By the way, despite it being a tad repetitive, "Chroma" rocked

[Pooavenger]

alternative press would never have to beg cartel to be on their cover lmao, that's hilarious. It's nice to see publications don't go apeshit over every predictable band that hits the airwaves.

[The Revisionist]

Remember guys... not all of Alternative Press sat down and listened to the album, just one dude. It's one dude's opinion, and it's not like you should be listening to anybody else's opinion when you are looking to purchase an album in the first place.

[unwritten]

Remember guys... not all of Alternative Press sat down and listened to the album, just one dude. It's one dude's opinion, and it's not like you should be listening to anybody else's opinion when you are looking to purchase an album in the first place.

As far as the reviewer is concerned, it is some newbie who is trying to stir some controversy and she obviously does not know shit about the band anyway. A "review" just lashing out at a band isn't a review, its a waste of time.

[bnrocks]

Wow. I didn't think anyone thought they were terrible. I can understand if it's not someone's cup or something, but saying they're are flat-out terrible...hmm. Oh well, to each their own.

this was quote was discussing emery. and i have to say i think they are terrible. ive played a few shows with them even. most bands i dont like i can actually say 'well this just isn't my thing, but i can see how they are popular'. not with these guys.

on the other hand, cartel is a band i can say i dont like but i can understand why a lot of people do. just not my thing.

screw altpress they'll be sorry when cartel gets huge. i wanted to cancel my subscription with them when i saw the low cartel rating.

the guy didn't like it! i hate that magazine but he didn't like it and gave it a low review. big fucking deal. ive never read a low review of album i love and got pissed. who cares?

and actually youll be the one who's sorry when (if) they get huge, cause they won't be your underground band anymore.

[Pooavenger]

As far as the reviewer is concerned, it is some newbie who is trying to stir some controversy and she obviously does not know shit about the band anyway. A "review" just lashing out at a band isn't a review, its a waste of time.


nah it's probably more like someone with a little thing called a "brain". not everyone should dig their shit bro. it's called opinion...

[solargrrl]

You're so fucking ignorant for posting that! Okay, so lets just review albums based on everything BUT the music.

Fuck you.


Wow, that's a lot of hate for me just stating what the standard concept is in the world of reviewing for newstand magazines. It wasn't even an opinion, I don't give a shit about reviews. Mainly because I like shitty music. ;)

[sundaysetsashes]

pwn3d

[solargrrl]

They did give their first release (the EP) a high score.


Touche. I didn't know they had reviewed the EP. Hell, in my book I still give the EP a higher score in my head, mainly because I'm used to it and haven't grown to love Chroma as much as I devour the EP. *shrug* but I'm an idiot ;)

Yeah, this is the same person that said Cartel is arrogant and made that interview a while back seem like they were assholes.

HEY. STOP HATING ON ME FOR NO GOD DAMN REASON. Seriously. I already explained myself about that interview, and you all weren't there, and I forgot this site was "you can't have opinions if you aren't in the in crowd".

Jesus.

[sundaysetsashes]

"in crowd" what the fuck are u talking about

[FstFtsVsFences]

A two.

Some more of AltPress' reviews which I highly disagree with:

Spill Canvas = 3
The Audition = 3
Emery = 3
Every Time I Die = 2
Don't forget them giving Silverstein a 4 and Houston Calls a 2. Seriously, they've got a nice magazine and all, but they desperately need some reviewers that know what they're talking about.

Ps. Tatester, hire Drew!


And then hire me after I get some more reviews under my belt. ;)

[unwritten]

nah it's probably more like someone with a little thing called a "brain". not everyone should dig their shit bro. it's called opinion...

Nah, If you read her review then you would realize that she knows nothing about the band. You can't write a review when you know nothing about their intentions and stance in music. As for as pop punk goes, Cartel has got it down pat. They never said they were anything but that. So her "opinion" was a waste of my time. I dunno, maybe I'm just stubborn but I'm never going to understand why people bash bands in reviews. Keep your opinions for bands you actually like. Like it or not, music is a business, bands need to make money. I'm sure many people will be influenced by this and stray away from checking Cartel out and that just pisses me off.

[InaGreendase]

but I popped in Every Time Die just to reassure myself it is most definitely not a 2. Its no Last Night In Town or Hot Damn, but its better than most hard rock out there.

But how much is that really saying?

Nah, If you read her review then you would realize that she knows nothing about the band. You can't write a review when you know nothing about their intentions and stance in music.

So bands should only receive writeups from people with inherent biases towards them already?

[unwritten]

But how much is that really saying?



So bands should only receive writeups from people with inherent biases towards them already?

Oh forget it lol. It's just something that bothers me. Thats all.

[UrOwNdISaStR180]

Alt Press only gave ETID a 2? WTF That album is sick

[duffe]

I like your reviews.
Hire Drew !

[bombthesuburbs]

Everytime I Die is a terrible excuse for music. Solargrrl is a starfucker who gets backstage to talk to dudes in bands, shes an idiot.