On Repeat

Recently, I have had the same handful of albums on repeat and I have been talking and tweeting about them nonstop. All of these albums are new(ish) releases that I highly recommend and that might be on my Albums of the Year list. All of the albums are available on Spotify and Apple Music.

Science Fiction by Brand New
This one is a no-brainer. If you’ve read my other posts on this blog, follow me on any social media or know me in person, then you know how much I love Brand New. Science Fiction was a surprise release for every Brand New fan out there and it was absolutely worth the wait (it’s been 8 years since Brand New released a full-length album). It’s nothing like “I Am A Nightmare” or Mene that were released in-between Daisy and Science Fiction. To me, this album is Deja Entendu, The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me, and Daisy all mashed together and I absolutely love it.

Good Nature by Turnover
Full disclosure, I’ve had a copy of this album since early/mid-August because I attended Turnover’s album listening party in Boston and acquired a copy on CD and it hasn’t left my car’s CD player since. To me, the album sounds just like summer. It’s like Peripheral Vision because it is smooth and melodic, but at the same time they’re polar opposites. Good Nature is dreamy, shoegaze-y, and smooth. The album really puts you into a trance as you listen and the entire album really sounds like one continuous song. It's much brighter and lighter sounding than Peripheral Vision.

Harry Styles by Harry Styles
This might come as a surprise but I have to admit that Harry Styles is insanely talented and deserves all the publicity and hype this album is getting. I am not a fan of One Direction at all but damn I love Harry Styles’ voice. The first single off the album, “Sign of the Times,” is reminiscent of “Heroes” by David Bowie. I rarely ever compare other artists to Bowie but Styles channels Bowie in a way that is unique. Harry Styles has a lot of throwback and retro influences but it is still a modern-sounding album in the way that nothing sounds dated or too cliché. There are definite ‘70’s rock influences and no two songs sound the same, yet each song highlights Styles’ impressive vocal range and creativity.

A Black Mile to the Surface by Manchester Orchestra
I saw how much hype this album was getting on Twitter and Instagram and I felt compelled to check it out. I was never a massive fan of Manchester Orchestra but this album definitely changed that for me. This album is incredibly haunting and beautiful and it will stick with you after just one listen. It’s not as brash-sounding as some of Manchester Orchestra’s previously releases but it is still lyrically honest like their previous releases.

Mortals by Down I Go

 Mortals by Down I Go
Scattered across the earth, and living incognito as "regular people" are masters of an art form centuries old. Contrary to popular belief, being a successful band is not being rich, famous, or even popular; success is the accomplishment of some aim or purpose. Given that, it is no stretch to say that Down I Go are one of the most successful bands in our era. Their back catalog shows their ability and admiration for grabbing an idea, then bring it to life through both sound and story. Where many bands have run with concept albums, none ever feel as whole or well thought out as those put forth by Down I Go. Not only does Mortals continue this trend of excellence, it surpasses all the things I've come to love about this band.

   It's everything Down I Go has always done well except it's something entirely new and unique in it's own way. Something people tend to forget is that vocals are an instrument in their own way. It's what makes harmonies so complex and beautiful, and something that the group seems to have perfected on Mortals. They used them more frequently and effectively in these four tracks than most bands have in their entire careers. It gives everything more balance in the process. That doesn't mean that there is a lack of throat-ripping, seemingly impossible to produce, screams present either. Those are plentiful as well.
   As is always the case, their time signatures are above and beyond. It is baffling to think of how they arrange these things. On top of that, there are so many layers stacked into 14 minutes that you can listen to it twenty times over and still hear something new each time. Multi-layered harmonies, brass, woodwinds and pianos are placed so brilliantly (some times on top of one another, sometimes individually) that it makes Mortals sound like the most grandiose of all of their works.
   With every new release they manage to give me a new favorite track. When Gods was released I was convinced that Icarus was the best song they had ever written. Until a bunch of lunatics (me included) crowd funded You're Lucky God That I Cannot Reach You and I heard Drangey Concecrated. Now, out of the blue and without warning, I've become entirely too fond of Heracles. It's the heaviest song on this EP, and also the most lovable. Writhing with complexity, unapologetic with it's brutality, and beautifully layered it very well may be my favorite track of theirs. After the pause with the piano, the harmonies come in almost poetically. The second go around, DEEP in the background, that same harmony is accompanied by the lowest, deepest growl I've ever heard from Down I Go. My favorite of all however are the low saxophone notes that accompany the horns during the bridge. It is filled to the brim with sounds that shouldn't make sense together, but do. For being so aggressive, it has the softest and most faint ending, almost lullaby-ing it's way out.
   Really, the only way to experience it is by listening to it. It is a cheap purchase that will bring you joy for the years to come and is available on their bandcamp page, as well as most of their discography. One final note I have is an observation. Despite implying that the band is unpopular in my introduction, the fact of the matter is that their continued dedication to creating has only helped them. They have grown in popularity and that is only because of their continued efforts. They do everything on their own. Writing, recording, promoting, etc. is all done by them. With that, I would like to thank them for all that they have done. I am proud of what they have been able to accomplish thus far. I hope there are things to come in the future.
   

Under The Radar

We here at Growth enjoy nothing more than to bring bands you've never heard of to the forefront. In this post I will introduce you to a few bands from different areas of the world that know what the fuck they're doing and do it well.

Portrayal Of Guilt by Portrayal of Guilt (Texas, United States)

We'll begin our tour with a new band from The United States. Portrayal of Guilt's self-titled EP is a 6 minute long ride that you will want to take over and over again. It starts with a bang. One minute of chaos unfolds into a beautifully layered chorus filled with melody and harmony. It drags you down into a pit with hypnotizing riffs until it chews you up and spits you back out. This is the case with each of the three tracks. Its unrelenting, unsettling, and unapologetic. If this is just the beginning then I can't wait to see where they go from here. They're currently on tour and that means there is a chance that they might stop by your city. You can find tour information on their bandcamp page as well as this EP.



Erase Images by Wolves At The Door (Wroclaw, Poland)

I take you now to a place I've never been, and can't even pronounce, Wroclaw, Poland. Let me begin by saying you're welcome for putting this in. Captivating riffs carry you from one track to the next in such a fluid manner that it feels natural. It takes a familiar sound and makes it feel new. It doesn't sound tired or overdone either like many other bands in this genre (whatever genre you want to put it in). Its not quite metal, its not quite crust, its not quite any one genre which is what I find so refreshing about it. You can listen to it or purchase it on their bandcamp page. Although I'm unsure what the conversion ratio of dollars is to...whatever currency they use in Poland.

Malaya by The Seeker (Rome, Italy)

I hope you like your music fast, loud, and angry because that is The Seeker in a nutshell. The longest track on Malaya caps at 1:55. It is 13 short tracks that will put you into a rage induced trance. Their ability to say so much in so little time is impressive to say the least. In their own words, it is "music to heal, secrets to destroy." The frontman's voice sounds like a cross between Jeremy Bolm's in his work with Hesitation Wounds and Josh Scogin from Norma Jean and The Chariot. All in all, Malaya is the ass-kicking for your ears that you deserve. Find it on their bandcamp page, listen to it, and love it. There is no way you can't.

EP-isode 1

Short Circuit by Throat (Turku, Finland)

This EP was put out in 2015 and I discovered it the same way I do everything, bandcamp. In previous posts I've discussed my love for aspects of music that are creepy, strange, and offbeat, Short Circuit is all that and then some. It's dirty, gritty, and unhinged; at the same time it's catchy, heavy, and fun. It's rare that I hear a band that sounds jubilant while they're recording, but I can't see this being something they dread doing. The EP is chalk full of tantalizing bass riffs punctuated by some of the most abstract vocals I've heard in some time. I would liken them to a more tame, yet equally unique version of Daughters. The trio has put out a good size collection of music in their 8 years as a band, all of which you can sample for yourself here.

Spreading Joy by The Armed (Detroit, MI)

I don't even know where to begin writing when it comes to The Armed. I can't tell you who is in the band, because they're impossible to track. Even after flying to Detroit for "No Rest Fest" and watching them play live I'm clueless as to who they are and how they know each other. What I can tell you is that all of the chaos found in the Spreading Joy EP (as well as the rest of their discography) translates flawlessly to their live performance. It's loud, abrasive, and disorienting. There was a man in a Guile Suit crawling around the audience, latching onto victims until being tossed back on stage by the crowd. Strobing lights made the mayhem pass by one second at a time with rage fueling the crowd. The beauty of The Armed comes in a few doses. Musically, lyrically, and live they are stellar. Not only that, but they have a cult following unlike any other. And the people that make up that cult are some of the most intelligent, artistic, creative, and sincere human beings I have had the pleasure to interact with. Every person I met had a story to tell, and each of them were supporters of their community. If somebody went down, there was a hand there to help. Be sure to listen to this, and all their other works, which you can snag on their Bandcamp page.

Gods by Down I Go (London, UK)

I've written about them once before and I will continue to write about them in the future. If there is one thing I want to do with this platform it is to get you to fall in love with Down I Go. Simply put, there is nothing else like them. The Gods EP was, for what felt like decades, the "Conclusion" of this band (until they crowdfunded their final album). They break the mold of every genre they encompass. Their timing is unreal, their use of harmonies, repetition, call and response, and instrumentation are superb. And for those who are unfamiliar, all of their albums are concept albums. Gods tells the stories Demeter, Poseidon, Atlas, and Icarus. Not only are the lyrics themed around an idea, the music encapsulates that idea as well, which is how their choice of instrumentation has such a tremendous impact on the listener. You can check out this EP on the Shels Music page and you can explore the band more on their Bandcamp page. 

Repeater

It is typical for me to write about the heavier side of the music industry, mainly because that produces about 92% of my music intake. Lately however I've become addicted to a few albums from other genres that I think you will thoroughly enjoy. These are 3 albums I've had on repeat for the beginning of spring.

Archfiend by Eksi Ekso

I've always been fond of Eksi Ekso; their first full length Brown Shark, Red Lion put forth a new take on a familiar sound. As far as what that genre is I'm unsure, it walks a line between that raw, emotional element captured so well by The National as well as the catchy, up-beat feel of Minus The Bear. Their follow up entitled Archfiend improves upon that sound and adds another layer to the mix as far as content is concerned. This delightfully crafted record is my favorite work of Eksi Ekso to date. It is musically their most solid release (so far) and follows the story of H.H. Holmes, one of The United State's first convicted Serial Killers from the late 19th century. Covering every corner of Holmes' wrongdoings from his work as a con-artist, to his work as what is essentially a black market cadaver salesmen--selling the body parts and skeletons of his victims to scientists to use for research, Archfiend is as intriguing as it is informative. Put simply, it is a biography put to music. I've listened to this album for years, but something about the feel of it has had me listening to it over and over again throughout the spring. Be sure to give it a test drive if you don't already love it; you can check it out on their Bandcamp page, as well as all of their other releases.

RTJ 3 by Run The Jewels

Should you scroll through some of my other posts you'll become attune to the fact that Hip-Hop isn't exactly my cup of tea; that doesn't mean I'm against it, I just have a hard time relating to it most of the time. With that said, I've been a Jewel Runner since their first single "Banana Clipper" dropped back in 2013. RTJ 1 captured two veterans of hip-hop in their youth as a duo; RTJ 2 encapsulated their maturation as artists and the growth of their dissatisfaction and frustration on social issues. RTJ 3 is something beyond comprehension. I wasn't a big fan at first. The beats felt flat compared to the previous two records, the pace of the album felt slow and tuned down, and from much of what I had read leading up to it's release Killer Mike and El-P were convinced it was their best record. I listened to it probably 15 times when it was released on Christmas and continually disliked it, but at the same time I couldn't stop listening to it. Mike and El were totally right; this is their best record. It flows seamlessly from track to track. The lyrical content is thoughtful, critical, insightful, political and on tracks like "Thursday In The Danger Room" brutally honest and sad. They've outdone themselves once again. The proof is on the album cover, the pistol and fist covered in gold, still wrapped in tape with beast like finger nails. It's a more sophisticated delivery of the same thoughts, ideas, and beliefs. Get the album for free on their website and join the rest of the Jewel Runners in one of the most diverse and welcoming group of fans there can be.

Voids by Minus The Bear

When I was 13 years old I met the likes of an indie-rock group known as Minus The Bear. They've got a unique surf-rock vibe blended with a dance-like synth that many bands have tried to capture but have yet to improve on. They're some of the most talented musicians out there and I've always enjoyed listening to them. Each of their albums has a particular sound of it's own, all of which they seemed to incorporate into Voids. It sounds as though they drew elements from their entire discography to write this album; it feels surprisingly youthful for a group that has been around for 17 years. This may be in part due to their new drummer. At any rate, Voids has become my favorite of their works, especially lyrically. Until now, Minus The Bear was mostly something you would put on if you wanted to get a lady in the sack  (something about their style makes women go crazy. It's a fact, not an opinion.) They moved out of that territory on this album though. Voids is the perfect title for the record. Their is longing, heartache, nostalgia, and love spread across 10 tracks. It's the most I've ever been able to connect to their work on personal level, and they should be proud of what they have accomplished. Pick up a copy via Suicide Squeeze and prepare to be moved. 

Albums I Slept On

This is a list of albums that I (somehow) slept on and only listened to completely for the first time recently. I know there are many more that I can add to this list, but I decided to keep it short. For this list, I confined it to albums that I didn't listen to upon their release. It doesn't include albums that I have rediscovered or loved in the past and rekindled my love for them - that's another list entirely.

Peripheral Vision – Turnover (2015)

I finally listened this album in February of this year. I had heard of Turnover and this record since it came out, I just never took the time to listen to it. Honestly, it was because I confused them with the hardcore band Turnstile (a really dumb mistake, I know). This album became my most played album of February. It has an insanely smooth flow from start to finish and each song transitions seamlessly into the next. There have been countless days where I've had this on repeat for an entire day because it's just that good.

Holy Ghost – Modern Baseball (2016)

To be completely honest, the only song I remember hearing off this album was “The Wedding Singer” and I heard it live when MOBO supported Brand New on their last tour. I should have known then that this album was something special but I completely overlooked it. Last month, I took time and listened to it front to back for the first time and loved it. This album is fantastic from start to finish which makes MOBO's hiatus even more sad. RIP (for now) Modern Baseball

I’ll Be the Tornado – Dads (2014)

I started listening to Dads in 2014, but I only listened to their earlier record American Radness (This Is Important) and I never really followed the band that closely so I didn’t know they had released a record at the end of 2014. Dads' sound is reminiscent of late '90's and early 2000's indie and math rock bands like American Football and this record is no different. Compared to American Radness, this album is definitely more polished but still authentic and real. RIP DADS

The Difference Between Hell and Home – Counterparts (2013)

I have been a casual Counterparts fan for a few years but really only got super into them over the last year so I never really truly listened to this record until last year. What a mistake that was. The Difference Between Hell and Home is a quintessential melodic hardcore record. It’s heavy yet pretty, and brutally honest. Brendan Murphy's vocals are rough and so full of emotion you can feel it in your bones which is probably why I love this album so much.

Rooms of the House – La Dispute (2014)

I used to love La Dispute when I was younger. I did fall away from them and stopped listening to them completely for a while but a song from this record showed up on my Spotify Discover Weekly playlist a month or so ago and I fell back in love with them. Jordan Dreyer's vocals are what makes La Dispute, and this album specifically, unique. There are few bands in the post-hardcore genre who have vocalists that are as recognizable as Dreyer. 

[New Music] He Is Legend Premier New Single - "Sand"

Wow, this band never disappoints.

North Carolina post hardcore/rock outfit He Is Legend have just released the first single from their upcoming LP, few. He Is Legend have been one of my favorite bands ever since I first heard them when I was 15 or 16. Their blend of dark, smokey southern riffage, viscous psychedelic melodies, and ethereal singing have always brought me back to them again and again. Their newest offering, Sand, is no exception. This song is mostly driven by chunky guitars and soaring vocals, and is a great example of the wonderful black magic this band consistently uses to create some of my favorite rock songs of all time.

The album was co-produced by Adam "Nolly" Getgood of Periphery and it absolutely shows in this track. The heavy, start-stop riffs sound crisp and clear without the robotic overproduction that many modern guitar parts end up having. The vocals are perfectly placed in the mix, giving the guitars room to breathe while just high enough to evenly fill all registers. My only complaint is the lack of bass as a prominent instrument in this track. In the past, He Is Legend have always utilized bass as a significant part of the band's melody and groove. In this track, the bass is barely audible and adds very little. Hopefully the rest of the album has the bass more front and center. Regardless, this is an excellent track and I can't wait to hear the rest of the album.

Do yourself a favor and listen here.

-Austin

Introduction: Austin Zuber

Hey there!

My name is Austin. I live in Denver, Colorado and have a passion for music and a desire to write. I've always wanted to start a review/discussion blog, but I never thought I could crank out enough content to make it worth while. After meeting Ryan at a Run The Jewels show last week, I decided to stop procrastinating my writing start making content for this blog.

Musically I'm the most familiar with metal, punk, hiphop, and pop. I listen to a very wide array of genres, but expect posts on the heavier end of the music spectrum as this is what I am most familiar with.

I'm really excited to write again and be a part of this blog. Let me know if you have any review requests or discussion ideas!

Happy listening,

Austin

An Open Letter from Julia and Ryan

I wrote a short post on my Facebook about this when the news of this incident broke. This is an extension of that post.  

To whom it may concern,

I want to preface this by saying I’ve been going to hardcore shows and Warped Tours since age 13 or 14. I love going to them and I love all the friends I’ve made because of the scene. I’ve been accidentally punched, kicked, unwillingly pulled into pits, stage dove on, etc. at almost every hardcore show I’ve been to. I have seen some really intense and violent shows (not including Warped Tour). Expire, Knocked Loose and Terror, by far have the most violent crowds that I’ve seen. The crowds at those shows are similar to crowds at other shows with even heavier bands - they're predominantly all men.

This post is a response to the incident at a Code Orange show in Utah where a young woman was injured so severely she was in the ICU for six days with a severely broken jaw, a brain bleed and currently has her jaw wired shut. I don’t think it’s appropriate to discuss the details of her injuries in this post, but there is a GoFundMe set up to help with her medical expenses; you can read her full story there and in her Facebook post. During the show, a guy yelled “CROWD KILL” and proceeded to roundhouse kick her in the face. He was wearing steel toed boots. She was knocked unconscious immediately and the guy who did this to her disappeared into the crowd after it happened and he is choosing to not hold himself responsible for his actions. 

I fully understand that hardcore shows are not a ‘safe space,’ but that does not mean people can roundhouse kick others in the face, crowd kill, and intentionally injure others. That’s completely unacceptable. I completely understand participating in pits and throwing down but if you are actively in the pit, you know that you're, probably, going to get hit or hit someone else. If you are in the pit, you are responsible for your own safety and, more importantly, the safety of those around you. 

The scariest part of this whole thing is that could have been me or any one of my friends, male or female, who go to hardcore shows. Women are only a small part of this community and are oftentimes targets for violence. I am not saying that all women in hardcore are victims, I am going on my past experiences and what I see happen around me.
That being said, there have been more instances, in my experiences, of being helped out of pits and off the floor and defended from would-be crowd killers by others at shows. There have not been many of instances where I was genuinely scared for my safety but with the help of other show-goers, I was able to get myself into a safe place. 

I will add that as I have gotten older, I see more and more women coming out to these shows which is so fantastic. Girls shouldn't be afraid of hardcore, but instances like this, in my opinion, are what turns many girls off from going to shows. 

I wrote this not to sound whiny and criticize something I love. I wrote this to draw attention to issues that I have seen firsthand and that have become more public in recent history. I firmly believe that I am part of a welcoming and accepting community but I have seen things become more violent and less welcoming in recent months and years. There has been an elitist mentality that has become prevalent in the scene as well. That needs to stop. Seeing a band before they got big or being a fan for x-number of years or saying '(insert band name here) isn't hardcore. (insert band name here) are posers and ruining the scene' needs to stop. Everyone has the right to be in this scene. It doesn't matter if you listen to older bands or newer bands - if you like hardcore, you are welcome.
Hardcore is a community where everybody is welcome Hardcore shows should feel comfortable; they should be fun. They should be a place where you are welcome in this scene regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, creed, etc. 

I hope this is the last time I hear about something like this,

-Julia

To whom it may concern,
I was not present at the time of this incident. Few people know exactly what happened to Emily; regardless of the facts, the results are what they are. A person was injured severely and by most accounts, she was injured intentionally. The problem isn't that a woman was targeted, the root of the problem is that intent to injure others is commonplace.
   Two years ago I attended an Acacia Strain show with a friend. Not even two songs into their set, a young woman was knocked unconscious for no other reason than she was standing near the front. We helped her up and took her outside until some of the staff came out to make sure she was okay. When we walked back in to the venue, we found the same guy that knocked her out running his way down the front of the audience and rabbit-punching each of them in the back of the head. When some one asked who was doing all the damage, my friend pointed at the man behaving so inappropriately, upon which my friend was greeted by a fist straight to the face. He was knocked out cold by the guy's friend. The moral of my story is that these kinds of things can happen to anyone. Male or female. Injuring anyone is wrong, period. 
   As Julia mentioned, we are a community. If you go to a show, you are a part of your community. If you support bands you love, you are a part of your community. The fact of the matter is that we are all as much to blame for what happened to Emily as the culprit himself. We all stand idly by and allow the one or two people at a show to ruin it for everyone. By not speaking out, by not stopping their destructive behavior, we encourage it. If our community is to remain in tact, we have to act as individuals on behalf of our community. We have no government, no law, no order. All we have is each other. Let's have fun, dance how you want to dance, crowd surf if you can, do whatever it is you want to do, so long as that action harms nobody but yourself. 
   Emily, I'm sorry that this happened to you. You're not the first, and I'm sure you won't be the last. But with everything comes a silver-lining. Your story could be the beginning of a cultural shift. Your story can change the narrative that has plagued our community for some time now. I'm sorry that it had to be you, but I'm grateful that you've attracted enough attention to start a conversation. Your community cares about you, from Coast to Coast (and everywhere in between) we all wish you the best.

Sincerly,

Ryan

Roots

Apparently there is a trend happening on Facebook in which people are posting about 10 albums from their High School days. Since I'm one of those weird, semi-crazy (but still mostly sane) people that doesn't have a Facebook I thought this would be the appropriate place to post mine, except I'm only doing 5 instead of 10. Before Spotify, before Pandora, before iHeartRadio, before last.fm, before all of the digital streaming apps ever existed there were these things called iPods. When I got my first iPod, I had no computer, and no way to put music on it. Some guy that worked at my Dad's electrical company said he had a lot of music and that he could put some stuff on there for me. Little did I know that this person would introduce me to some things I had never heard before. Nor did I anticipate that it would lead to him becoming one of my best friends. Roughly a decade later, that small gesture has lead to all of this. There aren't enough words to describe how grateful I am or how much gratitude I have for that one kind act. With that, here are some of the albums that had such a profound impact on my life. 

Colors by Between The Buried And Me 

Colors was the first "heavy" album I had ever listened to, and it was kind of on accident. "Viridian" was the first thing that came on shuffle with that iPod and it intrigued me. It was kind of spacey, it was melodic, but more than that it sounded like it was building to something, then the track just ended. I decided to listen to the whole album right then and there. It is hard to describe my reaction to Colors, especially considering I was 14 years old when I heard it. Add to that the fact that I didn't know people could scream or yell in music and it sounds like a recipe for disaster. However, the album had (and still does have) the most angelic opening I've ever heard. It was Tommy Giles lullaby-ing me into a world I had yet to experience, or even know existed. I've talked a lot about how much I enjoy the fluidity of an album; a lot of that love stems from Colors. This isn't an album as much as it is one long song. 8 tracks that span over an hour in length, nothing flows better than Colors; I have a hard time believing that anything ever will. It acquainted me with a new style of music. If my musical roots are to be examined then this is the seed that was planted. My love for all things music stems from Colors. 

Messy, Isn't It? by Dangers

Different people express themselves in different ways. My angst and self-loathing met the likes of this album 10 years ago. A child that was sad, angry, irritated and didn't want to be a part of the world, even though he had no reason to feel that way. To be honest, I wouldn't have been able to process the lyrical content of this album if Al himself sat down with the 14 year old me and spelled it out. Yes some lyrics grabbed me, but I had no comprehension of what Dangers were after. All I cared about was how the music made me feel. Its raw, its angry, and even though it is more social commentary than it is anything else, it is honest. It is discontent. It is dissatisfaction. It made me feel normal during a time when I felt anything but. Its okay to be angry. People don't need to understand you, as long as you understand yourself. Nothing is more helpful than knowing that you're not alone on this shitty, floating rock. 

Mariachi El Bronx I by Mariachi El Bronx

I was really into L.A punk band The Bronx as a High Schooler and when I discovered they had made a Mariachi album I was pretty dumbfounded, as were many of my friends when they would hear me listening to Mariachi music. But like all Black Sheep, I didn't care because fuck you that's why. Really though, it is some of the best music I've ever heard. They were able to capture the sound and spirit of Mariachi so prominently and effortlessly that it almost just seems natural. I can't sing, so the fact that it's impossible not to sing along to every track is unfortunate for anybody around when this is playing. Nothing I can say will do justice to any of their three albums. All I can say is that each album they grow a little bit more, so go check them out for yourself and thank me later. 

Somewhere In The Between by Streetlight Manifesto

It's kind of funny that I put this album in the list because last Tuesday my friend gave me a Streetlight Manifesto sticker before we went to a show and on our walk back I slapped that sticker right on a parking meter. So when I go back to The Ogden I'm going to check and see if it's still there. ANYWAYS, this was one of the few albums that helped me make new friends when I was just a weird kid wearing Nirvana T-shirts every day. Ska isn't everyone's cup of tea but there is something special about this band that makes them impossible not to love. They are able to encompass emotions from every spectrum in a fun and energetic way. They can make you laugh, they can make you cry, and you'll sing along with every word while you do it. It's nothing short of magic really. This was the album that got me started with Streetlight and I've only grow to love them more. Every album they've made is able to make you think and feel, but each album is unique in how it accomplishes that goal. They're one of the few bands that was never "just a phase" for me. 

Everyone's Watched, Everyone's Watching by Heavy Heavy Low Low

Well, I drifted away from the heavy side of music with those last two albums so it only seems natural for me to finish with the most odd, uncomfortable album I listened to in High School. This is not for the faint of heart (faint of ears?). Everything Heavy Heavy Low Low has ever done is seemingly sporadic and unorganized, at least to somebody that's never listened to them or is listening for the first time. It took a while for me to catch on to what was happening because it's all just noise. Once you can hear past all of the disorder, you come to realize that it is actually really well written and well timed. Even today there is nothing else like it. Found between the moments of chaos and confusion are catchy and upbeat tunes that quickly get dismantled and rearranged into a cacophony of sound. Also a suggestion to some of the boys listening to things like this in their study hall, if the girl you like asks what you're listening to, do what I did and make her listen to it. She'll rip her head backward with confusion and question why she ever talked to you. Trust me, it's for the best. 

There you have it; those are five albums that I loved in high school. I hate trends, let this be the last time I follow one. Black Sheep out. 

Albums That Influenced Me in High School

I’ve seen this floating around Facebook for a few weeks and thought I would jump on the bandwagon and do my own version of it. Instead of 10 albums, I chose my top 6. This list was tough to make because my music taste changed dramatically throughout my high school years so I chose the albums that I listened to the most. Full disclosure, I was a music snob, and borderline music hater, in high school, meaning that I hated everything that was poplar without giving it a fair shot and I actively vocalized that opinion. At the time, I thought it to be some sort of rebellion against the status quo and I thought it made me cool…but it didn’t. I am happy to say that I am no longer that rebellious, music snob and my music taste has diversified and I listen to, and enjoy, just about every genre of music there is. 

If you were wondering, I started high school in 2011 and graduated in 2015. These are in no particular order, by the way.

brand new eyes - Paramore

I’ve said in previous posts that Paramore is my favorite band and this album is why. brand new eyes came out in 2009 shortly after my 12th birthday and I fell in love with it. I listened to it almost daily throughout my junior high and, most importantly, high school years. This record is angry and angsty, yet hopeful and happy. Everyone as a high school kid has some sort of angst or anger inside which makes it easy to identify, in some way, with brand new eyes. brand new eyes was my favorite record at age 12 and, almost eight years later, is still one of my favorites.

Paramore - Paramore

Paramore’s self-titled album came out when I was a sophomore and it became the soundtrack to both my junior and senior years of high school. Junior year was the year I finally discovered what I loved, academically speaking, and wanted to study in college and, hopefully, make a career out of.* This album’s themes of growing up and moving on were something I related to immensely. During that year, I also did a lot of soul searching and finally discovered what I genuinely cared about on a personal level. My senior year, I only took classes in subjects I loved; politics and government, sociology, English, and, obviously, music. Paramore’s self-titled record helped me to build up the confidence to finally take big steps to creating the best possible future for myself.

Diamond - Stick To Your Guns

I could write an essay on how much Diamond influenced and impacted me but I’ll try to keep this short. I discovered Stick To Your Guns in 2012 when they opened for Motionless In White. I instantly fell in love with STYG because their music really struck a chord with me. (I also cried at least four times during their set.) Before this show, I had never heard of STYG and I think that if a band can make a person feel so deeply like I did, they are definitely something special. after the show, I immediately listened to (and bought) Diamond. The messages of hope and individuality that are present on that album resonated with me as a sophomore in high school still resonates with me as a sophomore in college. This record helped me to keep my head up when things got hard in school and in my personal life. Like brand new eyes, Diamond is one of my favorite records of all time.

The Hope Division - Stick To Your Guns

Another STYG album, another potential essay.  The Hope Division is one of my favorite records of all time. The first song I remember hearing from this record was “Amber” back in 2012 when STYG toured with Motionless In White, my favorite band at the time. “Amber” really spoke to me because I had turned 15 a month and half before the show and was going through a rough patch. The Hope Division and Diamond helped me get through that tough time and helped to keep me positive and hopeful. The themes of staying positive and hopeful are what helped me out during that time and still resonate with me today. I owe a lot to Stick To Your Guns.

The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me - Brand New

(I’m actually listening to this album as I write this and I can guarantee that it's in the CD player in my car right now.)

One of my best friends sent me a link to the song "Jesus Christ" during our freshman year of high school without context and just told me to listen to it. I immediately knew Brand New was something special when I heard that song. After listening to “Jesus Christ” once, I immediately went on YouTube and listened to the album in its entirety and was absolutely blown away by what I was listening to. This album plays with volume and intensity that’s unlike anything I have ever heard and I found something to relate to in every single song. Brand New was my go to band for when I was ever sad or down when I was younger. Today, Brand New is one of the few bands I listen to on a daily basis regardless of my mood. TDAGARIM is one of my all-time favorite albums and I had the honor of seeing Brand New (for the first time!) play it in its entirely in October 2016. It was one of the most indescribable experiences I have ever had.

Creatures - Motionless In White

Motionless In White, at one point in time, was my favorite band on the entire planet and Creatures was my favorite album of all time. Although I don't listen to Creatures or Motionless In White at all anymore, it still holds a special place in my heart because it helped me embrace my uniqueness as a person. I was one of the few people in my classes who listened to heavy music, liked horror, and things that were just out of the ordinary. Before MIW, I had never really been exposed to artists who expressed themselves with makeup, wrote music about horror and embraced things that were considered ‘weird.’ Because of Motionless In White, I discovered The Misfits, Marilyn Manson, Slipknot, and Ghost. This album, like some of the others on this list, helped me embrace my uniqueness and finally express myself in the way I wanted to.

*If you're curious, I fell in love with government and the law, specifically American government, after taking a mandatory Civics class. I'm currently a political science major working towards going to law school, eventually. 

Album Review - Tell All by Homestead

Tell All by Homestead

FFO: Counterparts, Capsize, Being As An Ocean

Favorites: “Doubting Thomas,” “The Vine,” and “Tell All”

This is my first album write-up on this blog and I can promise it won’t be my last. This post is dedicated to an album called Tell All by a band called Homestead. For those who are unfamiliar, Homestead is a five-piece melodic hardcore band from Connecticut. Although they have not been around long, they have already become a staple in their local scene.

Tell All is a collection of ten songs that tell a story of finding light in times of darkness and hope in times of despair. Each song is brutally honest in the most beautiful and poetic way. I would highly recommend listening to it from beginning to end at least once; it’s a really cool and emotional experience. The record flows beautifully and is more cohesive than other records I’ve listened to.

This record is heavy, but not too heavy. Songs like “If Only You Knew,” which features Louie Vigorito, vocalist of New Jersey band Idle Minds, “Dangerous Characters,” and “Relapse” will make you want to start a pit wherever you are. Each of these songs are written from the heart and have real meaning behind them.

My two personal favorite heavier songs are “Doubting Thomas” and “The Vine.” Both of these songs have a great balance of clean vocals and yells. “Doubting Thomas” has the perfect mix of yelled verses and a super catchy, clean chorus. The gang vocals on “The Vine” give me the chills whenever I listen to it and it’s incredible live.

Like I said before, Tell All is not an album with ten high-energy, heavy songs; “Mourn” and “Sulfur” are somber and much calmer than the songs previously talked about. Both of these songs are very melodic and beautiful. You can truly feel emotion behind the lyrics and the vocals; especially “Sulfur.”

The record has the perfect balance of heavy and soft songs but the most surprising song is the title track “Tell All.” “Tell All” is the closing song on the album. It comes after “Relapse” which is much heavier. On “Tell All,” the mix of clean vocals and spoken word over an acoustic guitar is more powerful than the heaviest riff or breakdown. The lyrics to that song are dripping with emotion and a love that comes from the deepest parts of someone’s heart. It’s truly amazing. The first time I listened to it, I was driving and had to pull into a random parking lot because I was so overwhelmed by what I was listening to. I had to sit for a little while and cry because it was so amazing. I’ve said this time and time again – music is powerful and one of the most beautiful things on this planet.

If you want to check out Tell All, it is available for download on Bandcamp and streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and tons of other international streaming platforms.

Follow Homestead on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Bandcamp.

Author’s Note: I had the pleasure of seeing Homestead at their record release show in Mystic, CT in January and I will say that it was one of the most powerful shows I’ve ever been to. If the Homestead dudes come and play a show near you, go. You’ll regret it if you miss them. 

On The Rise

When I started this blog I never anticipated it to grow or expand beyond myself (funny considering the name of it). I didn't expect this to be anything more than writing about albums that I love to people that would never read it. My perspective has shifted slightly with the addition of other writers as well as the fact that over the weekend a couple of bands sent me downloads to their music. Some even want my opinion on what they're doing. Before we dive into anything musical, I would like to say thanks to any and all of the people who have, for whatever reason, read anything on Growth. Additionally, everyone should keep in mind that I'm just a person. I'm not a musician. I'm not a producer. I'm not even a journalist. Take what I say with a grain of salt, and know that my opinion is just that, MINE. Part of writing these reviews is to get you to listen for yourself and formulate your own perspective. Now, on to why we're here...

Everything Never Intended by Life Is Short

Both the name of this band Life Is Short and the name of their debut EP Everything Never Intended has struck a chord with me. Just take a look at their album cover. There is a lot happening in that image. A person, animals, nature, music, cannons, the moon, a gun, its hard to process. On top of that, it looks like a giant puzzle the way everything is broken up. It is symbolic of how I feel about this as a whole. I'm not going to sugarcoat things, the EP started rough for me. The opening track entitled "Gum Band" was not my favorite thing I've ever heard. It was fun, which was fine, but it didn't feel genuine. It had aspects I liked, most notably little things like the subtle harmonies in the chorus, but overall they sounded like just another Pop-punk band, except for the fact they're not. The next five tracks show exactly why. I believe every word that they sing for the rest of the EP; not only do I believe them, but I feel those lyrics as well. They have this very positive upbeat sound, a fun and energetic style, and a very honest impression. Find what you love. Be with the ones you love. Live the way you're meant to live. Have fun. You'll be gone some day, so make it count. These are some of the things I puzzle-pieced together from Everything Never Intended, whether that was their message or not. If you're in the Pittsburgh area do yourself a favor and catch one of their shows. But before you do, get this EP for free on their Bandcamp page. Watch their music video below. Listen to them. Follow them on Twitter. Talk with them. Befriend them. Life is too short not to.

Drown The Earth by Pains

If it seems weird to go from a fun-loving upbeat pop-punk band from Pennsylvania to one of the most brutally heavy releases I've heard in the last month or so, that's because it is weird. But I don't care, its my blog and these guys deserve the love. Hailing from Rockford, Illinois Pains draw on a lot of seemingly different styles in the hardcore scene to create their own unique heavy sound. It opens with "Man of Misery" a disorienting two minutes and forty-four seconds of pure, enraged assault. I challenge you to play that first track and not become a stark raving lunatic. At the very least, you'll want to demolish something. And that is just the opening track, the EP itself gives you a much more expansive taste of what their future holds. They've got some shows coming up as well so if you're in one or near one of these cities shown below I would advise you to attend. Drown The Earth is also available on their Bandcamp page so be sure to listen before you go get the fuck down.

Muscle Beach by Muscle Beach

These motherfuckers right here! Everyone I have shown Muscle Beach to has the exact same initial reaction to them as I did, "What. In. The. Fuck." I saw the Denver trio open for Retox in April of 2014 and have had the pleasure of watching them grow and grow and grow into the unstoppable music machine they're becoming. Their style is hard to put a pin in. Hardcore-punk-surf-rock? Regardless of what anyone would call their genre, this album slays. Its full of energy, its catchy, its aggressive, its something I think is very special and distinct. They are also one of the best live bands I've ever seen. If you catch one of their shows be ready to dance, be ready to sing, and don't hold back. They are playing a show at the Hi-Dive on Friday January 20th for the Colorado Coalition for The Homeless, as well as kicking off their California Crooze Tour which is listed below. If that isn't cool enough, they're also playing South By Southwest in March. They are three of the nicest people you'll ever meet so be sure to say whats up to them. Also snag yourself a copy of this LP at their Bandcamp page. If you think it sounds great digitally, the vinyl will blow you away.

Julia's Most Anticipated Releases of 2017

2016 was a really great year for music, but 2017 is going to be even better seeing as some of my favorite artists are releasing new albums this year. Each of the time frames for the actual release of the albums are approximate, with the exception of one, and some have no release time at all. I know there are many artists I neglected to put on this list, but if I put every artist I liked on this list, it would be incredibly long. Here are my Top 5 Most Anticipated Releases of 2017.

Paramore 
Expect it: “When the time is right.” – Hayley Williams, vocals

When Paramore started hinting at a fifth album, I literally lost my mind. Paramore is my favorite band on this planet and have been for close to a decade. It’s been hinted via Paramore’s social media accounts that this album will be something very different from their past releases. Being that the band is only vocalist Hayley Williams and guitarist Taylor York, it is only fitting that this record be a departure from the old records. 

Brand New
Expect it: ?????

I think Brand New’s new album is the one I am most excited for. This album was supposed to be released last year, but the band thought that it was incomplete and pushed the release back. Their last LP, Daisy, was released in 2009 and it was like Brand New on steroids. In 2016, they released one completely new track and some older demos. The new track titled “I Am A Nightmare” is, hopefully, a taste of that new album. There is no release date or even a vague time when we can expect the album. Fingers crossed that it’s 2017 seeing that they’re disbanding in 2018. 

Stick To Your Guns 
Expect it: Fall

Stick To Your Guns is one of the best bands to come out of the hardcore scene in recent years. I am interested to see where STYG goes with this new record. It has been rumored that it will sound more like 2010’s The Hope Division and less like the Better As Than Dust EP that was released last year. Whichever way Stick To Your Guns chooses to go, the album is going to be good.

Being As An Ocean
Expect it: June 9
Title: Waiting For Morning to Come 

Being As An Ocean has never put out a record or song that I haven’t loved. Guitarist Tyler Ross has posted some samples of instrumentals that are, presumably, from Waiting For Morning to Come. Those clips sound more ambient and melodic than what BAAO has released in the past. From what I’ve seen and heard, it looks like that is the direction BAAO is moving towards which is a refreshing change in that scene. 

Lorde 
Expect it: Spring

I’m just going to start with this – I love Lorde. If I’m being completely honest, I was late to the party on Lorde because I found “Royals” to be incredibly annoying and constantly playing on every radio station that broadcasted close to me. But I did give her last album, 2013’s Pure Heroine, a listen and fell in love with it. Lorde has been tweeting and posting vague things about her album on social media but she did briefly discuss her new album and called it more mature than Pure Heroine. She talked about how her new record is more mature lyrically and musically than Pure Heroine. I am very excited to see where Lorde is going with her music.

Cold Front

Right now it is 9 degrees outside and snowing; perfect whether to take the pup over to the dog park, pop in my headphones, and jam a couple of albums that fit today's weather. I usually have a preset playlist, but today I mixed things up with these bands listed below.

When Your Teeth Crowd by Sleep Spindles

As I have explained numerous times in my short time doing this blog, bandcamp is amazing for finding new artists. Sleep Spindles are just further proof of why. I stumbled across their opening track "Sunspots" one day and was pretty jarred initially. It is a very ambiguous introduction to a sound and style I have still yet to categorize. "What is going to happen? Is it heavy? Is somebody going to start screaming? Where are they going with this?" I've never had so many different interpretations of an opening track; as the song played out I grew ever more intrigued. So after downloading the EP I listened to it front to back. Every day. For probably two weeks. I don't think I will ever stop listening to it to be honest. Their debut EP has a remarkably unique blend of new-wave and indie-rock, infused with an unbelievable amount of energy for sounding so tame. They've been working on a follow up EP and tour since September but I haven't seen many updates since. Regardless, you should immediately go to their bandcamp page to get this beauty for free. Especially if it is pounding snow and you want something that will suit your needs.

10-23 by Open Letters

Are you a sad-boy like me? It's nothing to be ashamed of, everybody is sad. Especially when your face is frozen and you're trudging through a foot of snow in an open field just so your dog can lose some weight (seriously, my dog is fat as shit). Once again, bandcamp. Once again, you need to start using it. I found Open Letters around the same time I did Sleep Spindles. While I love them equally, they are very different from one another. The opening track to 10-23 starts off slow with some shittiest hardcore vocals I have ever heard in my life. I know that sounds like an insult, but coming from me it means that I love it to death. Its like if the cookie monster were allowed to express himself to a group of adults. Anyways, the tone changes halfway through the song when the vocals switch to a more clear and whiny (again, sounds negative but I love it) singing voice. This album is 95% pop-punk and 10% hardcore, adding up to 105% honesty. Every lyric punches my heart in the butt. This album fucks me up big time. Its riddled with off-kilter harmonies and really weighs down on you as the album progresses. I love things that make me feel, and I'll be damned if this doesn't make me want to cry and sing along and dance all at the same time. If you're looking to get it all out, this is a good place to start. They have released a single since, but not much has followed. You can also get this for free on their bandcamp page.

Pedals by Rival Schools

You thought I was sad listening to Open Letters? Then you better gear up because Pedals is one of my all time heart-breakers (kind of). It's a very bittersweet album in my eyes (ears?). Its brimming with an upbeat, positive vibe while simultaneously being dark and depressing. It has a dissonance about it that is hard to put my finger on, but that I feel all the same. "Shot after shot" is a perfect example. It is catchy and poppy, but certain lines tare your heart out of your chest, show it to you, then promptly put it back in before you realized what happened. "Love doesn't know anything, only believes when it believes. Love doesn't know anything, never did. Never does." What am I supposed to do when I hear that? I'll know I'm in love when I feel it? But I'll never truly understand it? WHAT? Every song off of Pedals does that to me. It slaps me in the face with its honesty. It makes me happy, it makes me sad, and I think that is what I find so lovable about it. It can be an homage to my inner sad-boy or it can be a celebration of life and how much it should be appreciated. Maybe none of what I said has anything to do with Rivals Schools or their intentions writing this album. Maybe I'm "doing art wrong." At any rate, this record will always hold a special place in my heart and I'm thankful for it every day.