In each issue of the print version of Plastic and Wax I include listings of new releases from independent bands. I’ve compiled them here for easy-browsing (and included a few extras). I’ve also included Bandcamp links because it’s the mostRead more…
Marvelous 3 – IV
IV is the fourth full-length from Marvelous 3. But to call it a fourth album would be extremely misleading. A quick history lesson: Butch Walker, Jayce Fincher and Mitch “Slug” McLee alongside vocalist Jesse Harte spent the late 80’s/early 90’sRead more…
Eve 6 – Grim Value
Let’s talk about Eve 6. Earnestly. Unironically. With love in our hearts. Before we get to their newest album Hyper Relevisation (we’ll get to that later on. I promise) I wanna dig in on Grim Value. And just the EveRead more…
Smashing Pumpkins – Zeitgeist
I always like to say that the reason Nirvana has managed to retain their lofty status as alternative rock untouchables while their contemporaries have seen their collective stars dim is that Kurt Cobain killed himself before they could release aRead more…
54-40 – Smilin’ Buddha Cabaret
54-40 is a weird band. Not weird in the sense that their music is particularly strange or that they’re overly quirky (though don’t get me wrong, they’re definitely quirky) What makes 54-40 weird is that they spent the first twoRead more…
Brian Vander Ark – Angel, Put Your Face On
The Verve Pipe disappeared after their 2001 release “Underneath” tanked. It had the misfortune of being released on September 11 and the band took it as a bad omen. Despite being a bit of an unheralded pop masterpiece, it didn’tRead more…
New Invisible Joy – Pale Blue Day
My first encounter with New Invisible Joy was at a NXNE show at C’est What back in 2000. The Pittsburgh-based four-piece was the first space-rock band I ever saw live. Their music was drenched in reverb and my friend besideRead more…
The Resistance – Scars
A week or two ago, Jon reviewed the new In Flames album, and favourably too. He called the album “suitable for rock radio”, and was relatively happy with it. With all due respect to Jon, I must disagree. The newRead more…
Plastikman – EX
Still bleeping, still blooping What a long strange trip it’s been. Different names, different labels, overexposure and seeming death in the late 90s, all the way to a weird triumphal return in which the lion’s share of mainstream music hasRead more…
Harvey Danger – Where Have All The Merrymakers Gone?
To many people, Harvey Danger is nothing more than their one big hit “Flagpole Sitta”. It’s a shame, really. There have been plenty of one hit wonders. Especially in the 90’s when it became commonplace for labels to push bandsRead more…