They Keep Makin' Me Change My Title!: Reviews Of Recent Releases By Local Bands, Pt. 38

Obligatory Disclaimer: Record reviews are a tricky business. It's one thing to enjoy music, but to, like, pick out what you like about it? That being said, if I review your thing and I didn't like something, don't feel too bad. My opinion doesn't matter all that much. 

Bad Noids - WBNS: Bad Noids Radio With Your Host Dion Dab - self-released - ?? songs - Cassette

Here's a fun game for you: tell me how many songs you think are on this. Depending on who counts, it could be anywhere from 2 to 22, or maybe even more. So, this tape is a fake radio program that plays only Bad Noids and related music, hosted by Dion Dab, who's played marvelously by Mr. California. There's plenty of Bad Noids, as you would guess, several tunes from a band called Good Grief, who sure do sound a lot like Bad Noids but I guess must have a different drummer or something, because that's how these things work, and one-off appearances from bands like Le Paint Chips and this one real good track called "I'm A Cult Leader" by Bill E. Goat and the something something– I couldn't quite hear what Mr. Calif- or, excuse me, Dion- said here, but it was good. I kinda wanna hear more from this group if there is more. Maybe it was a one-time-only recording or something. Anyway, there's a pleasant mix of stuff here, but it's kinda more of one for the Bad Noids fans. First-time listeners should probably get their new 7" first, or their old 7", or their other old 7", or their LP. But if you're already hip to the Bad Noids thing, you'll enjoy this. 3.9/5

(the only place I know for sure has this is feelitrecordshop.com as a distro cassette, or go see the band on Christmas at Now That's Class and beg for one)

Deutschland Jerky Rave - Deutschland Jerky Rave - The Loki Label - 9 (?) songs - Cassette

This came out a while ago, but I'm just getting around to it now. Sorry. Supposedly there's 9 tracks on this, though I counted fewer (maybe it just flowed so well that I didn't notice the changing of the tracks), and then there's also allegedly a repress with a bonus track, but it's listed online as an EP. I'm not sure how much of any of this is a joke, but considering that Steve Peffer and Mr. California are both involved with this project, there's a good chance that something's screwy. Basically, this tape sounds quite a lot like Factorymen (Mr. Peffer’s previous project), as you'd probably expect. You might want to listen to Factorymen before this to have some context, but I guess it's avant-garde or experimental music, and I don't know how to describe it besides like that. Electronic (?) and/or punk (?) music with a completely bizarre sense of humor (?). Skull Music, as they say. Something about some of these tracks just sounds threatening and I don't know why. Recommended for fans of Factorymen or anyone who wants to hear Mr. California sing "Money For Nothing." I'm looking forward to hopefully hear more from this project in the future. Maybe you just gotta listen to it. Maybe you just gotta be there, man. 4/5

(thelokilabel.storenvy.com)

Exploding Lies - Ready To Die - Mercyful Tape - 10 songs - CD, download

I don't actually know what the label is for this one, but there are three logos on the back: the Exploding Lies logo, the Davenport couch (but is that really a label, or just a symbol of "look, we're a part of something?"), and Mercyful Tape, which is kinda weird, as I assume that it's intended to parody Mercyful Fate, a group that these guys bear little or no resemblance to. Anyway. I think this is the Lies' second or third album, I can't remember which. They do a mix of blues rock and garage rock that, on certain songs, if this was the 1970s, has some hit potential. My favorites on the CD were "Dead Wrong," "Cry," and "Going Home," personally. The band they actually remind me the most of is former fellow Davenport group The It*Men, just in terms of general style and genre. The blues rock stuff isn't really my cup of tea, but I liked when they were doing a more garage-type sound. 3.7/5

(explodinglies.bandcamp.com)

Goldmines - Goldmines - Quality Time Records / Wax Mage Records // Dad Stache Records - 5 songs // 8 songs - 12", download // cassette, download

I guess Goldmines have been kicking around for a while but haven't released anything on vinyl until now. I don't know why I said "I guess," as everything I just said is 100% accurate. Factcheck me, posers. There are two different versions of this, hence the confusing heading up there. A 12" from Quality Time and Wax Mage, and a cassette from Dad Stache with three extra tracks. Let's cover the main five tracks to start. "Bruised Lips" has got a 60s girl-pop mixed with indie rock feel to it. Melodically and song-structure-wise it reminds me a bit of Garbage while at the same time not sounding like Garbage. Track A2, "The Incomparable" has some psych-esque guitar work at the beginning, then moves into another good indie rock tune with lots of guitar and a catchy melody. The drumming in certain parts is sorta disco, which is pretty cool. There's lots of harmonies in these tunes, which I suppose makes sense as all four members of the group are credited as being vocalists. As for the flip side, while "New Mane" and "September" both have their moments, the tracks from Side A have them beat. But then we get to the last song, "Say Say," which might be the best one on the whole thing. The verses are kind of minimal and slow, and then it kicks into this great pop chorus. I can appreciate good pop and this song is good pop. To briefly sum up the cassette, there's three bonus tracks, which in my opinion decrease in quality as the tape goes on. "We Real Cool" is pretty good and if I were in the band or involved in this release, I would've put it on the 12". "Shadow" is alright and kinda reminds me of Wooly Bullies' "Waiting For You," just to throw out a comparison that maybe four people reading will get. "Lion" is decent indie rock, but much like "New Mane" and "September," doesn't grab my attention as much. Overall, pretty okay stuff. I recommend the 12" over the tape (Support local record labels!), but if you think this is your kind of thing, get both just to hear "We Real Cool." Oh, and the vinyl is, as you can probably guess, a Wax Mage product, so it's very pretty. I don't feel like splitting ratings for the tape and 12", even though they would have different ratings if I did, so let's favor the 12" and call it a day at 3.9/5

(qualitytimerecords.bandcamp.com // dadstacherecords.com)

The Roobydocks - Promo Tape For 7" - self-released - 6 songs - Cassette

I was initially planning on waiting until the titular 7" was out before reviewing this set of songs, but seeing as it says promo, I have to review it. I'll review the 7" version when it comes out as well, just for comprehensivality or something, so look forward to reading this same review in a few months' time. The Roobydocks are back with 6 more punkers. I quite like the clean guitar tone they've got going on, as well as the guitar style. It sets them apart from a lot of bands. Good stuff. I'm making this review short because the tape is short and because I'm going to write about this again. This is your teaser for the actual review, much like the very limited edition tape is the teaser for the 7". I'm not even giving it a rating yet, just to keep you all on the edge of your seats!

(go see them live on Christmas at Now That's Class and see if they still have any, or wait for the 7" version)

Who Hit Me - Who Hit Me - self-released - 12 songs - CD, download

I reviewed this band a year ago and, to be honest, cannot remember a thing about them. I do believe that I said positive things, so there you go. Anyway, this is their new album. They play an interesting mix of indie/alt rock and pop punk, with some heavier elements as well. Their vocalist has a powerful voice and the musicianship is very competent indeed. I know this is like the kiss of death to a lot of people, but something about the vocal style at the very least reminded me of Fall Out Boy. Oh, wait, it's not cool for me to admit I've ever listened to Fall Out Boy, so forget I said anything. The first seven tracks, from the grandiose opener "White Noise" to the ripping punker "Terror Of The Deep" I enjoyed, but unfortunately, the following tracks didn't grab me as much. They were all decent, but just sorta unremarkable. Actually, that's not entirely accurate, as I liked the closing track "Miniscule" as well. That's their misspelling not mine, by the way. So, in summary, good indie rock/punk/whatever for the most part. Hopefully they keep at it and Who Hit Me album three will be the one that really does it for me all the way through, as they've actually got something interesting going on here. 3.7/5

(whohitme.bandcamp.com, try tracking them down and convincing them to sell you a CD if you're so inclined)

Are you a local-ish band? Do you have a record out? Email vaguelythreatening@gmail.com or send it directly to Observer headquarters: The Lakewood Observer, c/o Buzz Kompier, 14900 Detroit Avenue, Suite 205, Lakewood, OH 44107.

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Volume 12, Issue 25, Posted 7:29 PM, 12.06.2016