http://www.absolutepunk.net/blogs.php?u=17880 Mike Kraft's latest blog entries. en AbsolutePunk.net Blogs http://images.absolutepunk.net/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.absolutepunk.net/blogs.php?u=17880 http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=250451 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:57:07 GMT These are 3 albums that I've received this past week and have really enjoyed, having had some time to allow them to sit and ferment. Any indie fan that hasn't heard of these bands, really should look into them. I don't think you will be disappointed. [URL="http://www.myspace.com/pastlivesmusic"][B]Past Lives[/B][/URL] - [I]Tapestry of Webs[/I] (Suicide Squeeze Records) [IMG]http://cdn.pitchfork.com/media/tapestryofwebs452.jpg[/IMG] Created with 3 former members of The Blood Brothers, Past Lives, created "an album that crawls from the primordial ooze of anti-parent culture sound to stand on newly formed legs, moving forward with carefully considered steps. Here, sibling harmonies are offered to The Wickerman death-dub, tom-toms locked in hypnotic BPM. Guitars alternate between glistening pop tones, ethereal bliss-out and raw rhythmic ruin. Throughout, each song delves deep into the blank gaze, the experience of everyday living as viewed through the tired eyes of uncertainty and doubt. It's all kinda 'vibey'." [fs=Links][URL="http://www.myspace.com/pastlivesmusic"]Myspace[/URL] | [URL="http://www.suicidesqueeze.net/index.php?section=store&ID=86"]Pre-Order[/URL][/fs] [URL="http://www.myspace.com/peasant"][B]Peasant[/B][/URL] - [I]Shady Retreat[/I] (Paper Garden Records) [IMG]http://papergardenrecords.com/images/shop/image/52/Shady-Cover-Done.jpg[/IMG] "Shady Retreat, Peasant’s new record, takes off where the previous record, On The Ground, left us. While the last album gave many people their first taste of Peasant, in the eyes of the moniker’s human form, Damien DeRose, this was a mere appetizer to what would soon come to fruition. DeRose molded his own retrospective thoughts and realization about the music and content of On The Ground to use as a platform for Shady Retreat. The result is an album that is an extension of the most creative and substantial elements of On The Ground combined with DeRose’s maturing music tastes and everyday influences. Shady Retreat stands out as its own introspective artistic masterpiece." [fs=Links][URL="http://www.myspace.com/peasant"]Myspace[/URL] | [URL="http://papergardenrecords.com/shop/item/52"]Pre-Order[/URL][/fs] [URL="http://www.myspace.com/emanuelandthefear"]Emanuel and the Fear[/URL] - [I]Listen[/I] (Paper Garden Records) [IMG]http://papergardenrecords.com/images/shop/image/53/EATF_AlbumCover_Square1.jpg[/IMG] "Often times, a band can get too big too quickly and not be able to adapt in ample time to their own success. In Emanuel and the Fear’s case, they started big - an entire 11 members big. With less than a year under their belt since the initial self-titled EP release, Emanuel and the Fear has been building its profile and reputation rapidlly, proving to the industry and fans alike that it is one band that is worth the hype." [fs=Links][URL="http://www.myspace.com/emanuelandthefear"]Myspace[/URL] | [URL="http://papergardenrecords.com/shop/item/53"]Pre-Order[/URL][/fs]
Past Lives - Tapestry of Webs (Suicide Squeeze Records)


Created with 3 former members of The Blood Brothers, Past Lives, created "an album that crawls from the primordial ooze of anti-parent culture sound to stand on newly formed legs, moving forward with carefully considered steps. Here, sibling harmonies are offered to The Wickerman death-dub, tom-toms locked in hypnotic BPM. Guitars alternate between glistening pop tones, ethereal bliss-out and raw rhythmic ruin. Throughout, each song delves deep into the blank gaze, the experience of everyday living as viewed through the tired eyes of uncertainty and doubt. It's all kinda 'vibey'."

Links

Myspace | Pre-Order

Peasant - Shady Retreat (Paper Garden Records)


"Shady Retreat, Peasant’s new record, takes off where the previous record, On The Ground, left us. While the last album gave many people their first taste of Peasant, in the eyes of the moniker’s human form, Damien DeRose, this was a mere appetizer to what would soon come to fruition. DeRose molded his own retrospective thoughts and realization about the music and content of On The Ground to use as a platform for Shady Retreat. The result is an album that is an extension of the most creative and substantial elements of On The Ground combined with DeRose’s maturing music tastes and everyday influences. Shady Retreat stands out as its own introspective artistic masterpiece."

Links

Myspace | Pre-Order

Emanuel and the Fear - Listen (Paper Garden Records)


"Often times, a band can get too big too quickly and not be able to adapt in ample time to their own success. In Emanuel and the Fear’s case, they started big - an entire 11 members big. With less than a year under their belt since the initial self-titled EP release, Emanuel and the Fear has been building its profile and reputation rapidlly, proving to the industry and fans alike that it is one band that is worth the hype."

Links

Myspace | Pre-Order

]]> Mike Kraft http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=250451 http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=249831 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:49:46 GMT I need to update this a lot more often. I've been slacking and it's time to step up. So to get things started, I decided to post what a list of albums that I've been rocking to the past few weeks/months. [URL="http://www.absolutepunk.net/artists/showlink.php?l=12982"][B]P.O.S.[/B][/URL] - [I]Never Better[/I] [IMG]http://www.npr.org/assets/music/lists/2009/12/pos_sq.jpg[/IMG] Initially, this album didn't do much for me. It's been a grower. He's pulled me in with his unique style and flow and sick chunky beats. It helps that he references Mitch Hedberg, The Big Lebowski, Fugazi, and Isis. [URL="http://www.myspace.com/doloreantheband"][B]Dolorean[/B][/URL] - [I]Violence in Snowy Fields[/I] [IMG]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/613ME6BE94L._SL500_AA240_.jpg[/IMG] This is an album that I always resort to. Since having this album in my possession, I listen to it, on average, once a week. There's just something so melodic, precious, and sustaining about this album. This is a must have for those hardcore Elliott Smith and Nick Drake fans. [URL="http://www.myspace.com/empireempireiwasalonelyestate"][B]Empire! Empire! (I Was a Lonely Estate)[/B][/URL] - [I]What It Takes To Move Forward[/I] [IMG]http://pixhost.ws/avaxhome/b4/5c/00105cb4_medium.jpeg[/IMG] Just an absolutely beautiful album. It's so delicate, consistent, and poetic from start to finish.
P.O.S. - Never Better


Initially, this album didn't do much for me. It's been a grower. He's pulled me in with his unique style and flow and sick chunky beats. It helps that he references Mitch Hedberg, The Big Lebowski, Fugazi, and Isis.

Dolorean - Violence in Snowy Fields


This is an album that I always resort to. Since having this album in my possession, I listen to it, on average, once a week. There's just something so melodic, precious, and sustaining about this album. This is a must have for those hardcore Elliott Smith and Nick Drake fans.

Empire! Empire! (I Was a Lonely Estate) - What It Takes To Move Forward


Just an absolutely beautiful album. It's so delicate, consistent, and poetic from start to finish. ]]> Mike Kraft http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=249831 http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=216822 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:36:00 GMT [youtube]zzSpPaCIG0g[/youtube] ]]> Mike Kraft http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=216822 http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=208762 Sat, 01 Aug 2009 01:35:13 GMT [IMG]http://soundaslanguage.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/mourningdistrict.jpg[/IMG] [B]Mourning District[/B] [I]demos[/I] Unsigned/No Label Allow me to take the place of Jason and say, "these guys are the next big thing" and "these guys will be huge". Just on my take from listening to these demos, these guys know what's going on. For all intents and purposes, they should; John Collura was the guitarist for [URL="http://absolutepunk.net/TheAtaris"][B]The Ataris[/B][/URL]. And like them, Mourning District have a huge appeal that should, make that will, shine under those big and bright lights. This is a must-listen for all indie fans. After all, they are what you get when [URL="http://absolutepunk.net/jimmyeatworld"][B]Jimmy Eat World[/B][/URL], [URL="http://absolutepunk.net/nadasurf"][B]Nada Surf[/B][/URL], and [URL="http://absolutepunk.net/gratitude"][B]Gratitude[/B][/URL] meet up for a [URL="http://absolutepunk.net/deathcabforcutie"][B]Death Cab for Cutie[/B][/URL] show. Check out the four songs they have streaming on Myspace if you don't believe me. [URL="http://absolutepunk.net/mourningdistrict"]AbsolutePunk profile[/URL] | [URL="http://myspace.com/mourningdistrict"]Myspace[/URL] | [URL="http://www.last.fm/music/Mourning+District"]last.fm[/URL]
Mourning District
demos
Unsigned/No Label

Allow me to take the place of Jason and say, "these guys are the next big thing" and "these guys will be huge". Just on my take from listening to these demos, these guys know what's going on. For all intents and purposes, they should; John Collura was the guitarist for The Ataris. And like them, Mourning District have a huge appeal that should, make that will, shine under those big and bright lights. This is a must-listen for all indie fans. After all, they are what you get when Jimmy Eat World, Nada Surf, and Gratitude meet up for a Death Cab for Cutie show. Check out the four songs they have streaming on Myspace if you don't believe me.

AbsolutePunk profile | Myspace | last.fm ]]> Mike Kraft http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=208762 http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=206522 Sun, 26 Jul 2009 19:46:57 GMT [IMG]http://www.sweetpotion.info/images_2009/Cage%20-%20Depart%20From%20Me.jpg[/IMG] [B]Cage[/B] [I]Depart From Me[/I] Definitive Jux Records [I]Depart From Me[/I] is [B]Cage[/B]’s (Chris Palko) third full-length solo album. However, this is my first album I've listened to from him. It's deep, personal, and dark. Coming from a hard life with an abusive, drug addicted father, in and out of the drug/street life, you can hear this is him departing from his demons. The album is full of the rock/rap beats and synths, that would have a keen listening ear to fans of [B]P.O.S.[/B] Additionally, fans of [B]Atmosphere[/B] will enjoy the lyrical storytelling. With the turn that commercialized hip hop has taken, this is a fresh change with actual talent. [URL="http://www.myspace.com/cagekennylz"]Myspace[/URL] | [URL="http://www.last.fm/music/Cage"]last.fm[/URL] | [URL="http://www.departfromme.com/"]Website[/URL] Cage - "I Never Knew You" [youtube]F4Sxm6zx4e8[/youtube]
Cage
Depart From Me
Definitive Jux Records

Depart From Me is Cage’s (Chris Palko) third full-length solo album. However, this is my first album I've listened to from him. It's deep, personal, and dark. Coming from a hard life with an abusive, drug addicted father, in and out of the drug/street life, you can hear this is him departing from his demons. The album is full of the rock/rap beats and synths, that would have a keen listening ear to fans of P.O.S. Additionally, fans of Atmosphere will enjoy the lyrical storytelling. With the turn that commercialized hip hop has taken, this is a fresh change with actual talent.

Myspace | last.fm | Website

Cage - "I Never Knew You"

]]> Mike Kraft http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=206522 http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=202472 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:57:50 GMT [youtube]gt4UNYUSPD4[/youtube] ]]> Mike Kraft http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=202472 http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=202212 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:23:42 GMT Went to see a screening of [I][URL="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1022603/"]500 Days of Summer[/URL][/I] last night. Very good film, I know it will rate well within this scene; especially, with everyone's love for Zooey Deschanel. This film is going to be this year's [I][URL="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0467406/"]Juno[/URL][/I]. The soundtrack is pretty sick, imo. 500 Days of Summer last night. Very good film, I know it will rate well within this scene; especially, with everyone's love for Zooey Deschanel. This film is going to be this year's Juno. The soundtrack is pretty sick, imo. ]]> Mike Kraft http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=202212 http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=201032 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:38:03 GMT Could this be the final album art? [IMG]http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh210/mammothmike/attachment.png[/IMG] [URL="http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=47844572#post47844572"]Source[/URL]


Source ]]> Mike Kraft http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=201032 http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=200962 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 22:51:33 GMT :appl: Your guest appearance on the "The Few That Remain" has opened the gateway for me to give your band a try. Never really was a fan, but I'm willing to look past all that. I'm enjoying reading your AP chat interview. Well done. Forgivies?

Your guest appearance on the "The Few That Remain" has opened the gateway for me to give your band a try. Never really was a fan, but I'm willing to look past all that. I'm enjoying reading your AP chat interview. Well done.

Forgivies? ]]> Mike Kraft http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=200962 http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=200842 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 14:09:51 GMT [IMG]http://www.waytooloud.com/wp-content/themes/waytooloud/images/people/SetYourGoals_deathofme.jpg[/IMG] [B]Set Your Goals[/B] [I]This Will Be The Death Of Us[/I] Epitaph Records I gave this album a real true listen yesterday and was instantly hooked. I just [URL="http://www.last.fm/user/Mikrafty/charts?subtype=artists"]couldn't stop[/URL] spinning it. To quote from [URL="http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1162322"]Drew's review[/URL]; "the twelve track album is like Power Rangers – the tracks are awesome individually, but become unstoppable when listened to together." From beginning to end, this album is explosive, balls to the wall, pop-punk. This is definately a great follow-up to [I]Mutiny![/I]. The guest vocals of Vinne Caruana ([URL="http://absolutepunk.net/iamtheavalanche"][B]I am the Avalanche[/B][/URL]/[URL="http://absolutepunk.net/themovielife"][B]The Movielife[/B][/URL]), Hayley Williams ([URL="http://absolutepunk.net/Paramore"][B]Paramore[/B][/URL]) and Chad Gilbert ([URL="http://absolutepunk.net/NewFoundGlory"][B]New Found Glory[/B][/URL]) are stellar and make for a great blend like that of a bourbon and coke; sweet with a bite. I suggest [URL="http://www.epitaph.com/news/news/3211/PREORDER_THE_NEW_ALBUM_FROM_SET_YOUR_GOALS"]pre-ordering[/URL] it. [URL="http://absolutepunk.net/setyourgoals"] AbsolutePunk profile[/URL] | [URL="http://www.myspace.com/setyourgoals"]Myspace[/URL] | [URL="http://www.last.fm/music/Set+Your+Goals"]last.fm[/URL]
Set Your Goals
This Will Be The Death Of Us
Epitaph Records

I gave this album a real true listen yesterday and was instantly hooked. I just couldn't stop spinning it. To quote from Drew's review; "the twelve track album is like Power Rangers – the tracks are awesome individually, but become unstoppable when listened to together." From beginning to end, this album is explosive, balls to the wall, pop-punk. This is definately a great follow-up to Mutiny!. The guest vocals of Vinne Caruana (I am the Avalanche/The Movielife), Hayley Williams (Paramore) and Chad Gilbert (New Found Glory) are stellar and make for a great blend like that of a bourbon and coke; sweet with a bite. I suggest pre-ordering it.

AbsolutePunk profile | Myspace | last.fm ]]> Mike Kraft http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=200842 http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=200742 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:55:59 GMT from me. Just a quick glance list to remind me of albums I need to spin a little more or give a try. All Time Low Farewell All The Day Holiday Closure In Moscow Dave Matthews Band The Dear Hunter The Decemberists Florence and the Machine Little Boots Nightmare of You [strike]Shook Ones[/strike] Taking Back Sunday Northbrook Where should I begin? Suggestions?
All Time Low
Farewell
All The Day Holiday
Closure In Moscow
Dave Matthews Band
The Dear Hunter
The Decemberists
Florence and the Machine
Little Boots
Nightmare of You
Shook Ones
Taking Back Sunday
Northbrook

Where should I begin? Suggestions? ]]> Mike Kraft http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=200742 http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=200672 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:18:26 GMT [IMG]http://c.ilike.com/w/0366/199/0366199817_l.jpg[/IMG] [B]Pony Pony Run Run[/B] [I]Pony Pony Run Run[/I] 3eme Bureau/WAGRAM For the fans of [URL="http://www.myspace.com/wearephoenix"][B]Phoenix[/B][/URL] and/or [URL="http://absolutepunk.net/weezer"][B]Weezer[/B][/URL], [URL="http://www.myspace.com/ponyponyrunrun"][B]Pony Pony Run Run[/B][/URL] are a great power pop, electro rock band from France. They are becoming the next big thing in France, as they are being play-listed by all the major indie/rock radio stations. Check out the video and enjoy. [youtube]ykSZMaZl2fY[/youtube] [URL="http://www.myspace.com/ponyponyrunrun"]Myspace[/URL] | [URL="http://www.last.fm/music/Pony+Pony+Run+Run"]last.fm[/URL] | [URL="http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=317210831&s=143441"]iTunes[/URL]
Pony Pony Run Run
Pony Pony Run Run
3eme Bureau/WAGRAM

For the fans of Phoenix and/or Weezer, Pony Pony Run Run are a great power pop, electro rock band from France. They are becoming the next big thing in France, as they are being play-listed by all the major indie/rock radio stations. Check out the video and enjoy.

Myspace | last.fm | iTunes ]]> Mike Kraft http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=200672 http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=200622 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:51:28 GMT What a great, fantastic show it shall be. http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=47997692#post47997692
http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthre...post47997 692 ]]> Mike Kraft http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=200622 http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=190562 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:13:52 GMT [IMG]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mz7oyHKhL._SL500_AA280_.jpg[/IMG] [B]Jukebox The Ghost[/B] [I]Let Live & Let Ghosts[/I] Rebel Group Records [fs=Excerpt from OhMyRockness.com]DC's Jukebox the Ghost are an extremely entertaining piano-pop trio that writes cleverly optimistic songs. Their music gives off an aura that vaguely resembles happiness. Imagine! Upon first listen to these guys you will probably think two things (depending on how in touch with the '90s you are); "Ben" and "Folds." It's true that singer/piano player Ben Thornewill shares strong vocal similarities to that other Ben's tenor. And, of course, it doesn't quell comparisons when they're both piano men. But Jukebox the Ghost probably lean a little more towards the dramatic flair (a la Queen) than Folds did (or does?). People go crazy for these guys at their shows. Maybe you will, too?[/fs] [URL="http://www.myspace.com/jukeboxtheghost"]Myspace[/URL] | [URL="http://www.facebook.com/jukeboxtheghost"]Facebook[/URL] | [URL="http://www.last.fm/music/Jukebox+the+Ghost"]last.fm[/URL] | [URL="http://twitter.com/Jukeboxtheghost"]Twitter[/URL]
Jukebox The Ghost
Let Live & Let Ghosts
Rebel Group Records

Excerpt from OhMyRockness.com

DC's Jukebox the Ghost are an extremely entertaining piano-pop trio that writes cleverly optimistic songs. Their music gives off an aura that vaguely resembles happiness. Imagine! Upon first listen to these guys you will probably think two things (depending on how in touch with the '90s you are); "Ben" and "Folds." It's true that singer/piano player Ben Thornewill shares strong vocal similarities to that other Ben's tenor. And, of course, it doesn't quell comparisons when they're both piano men. But Jukebox the Ghost probably lean a little more towards the dramatic flair (a la Queen) than Folds did (or does?). People go crazy for these guys at their shows. Maybe you will, too?

Myspace | Facebook | last.fm | Twitter ]]> Mike Kraft http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=190562 http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=189262 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:17:30 GMT Pretty funny how true it is. [youtube]4T1RMuoQnKo[/youtube]

]]> Mike Kraft http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=189262