Dan Briggs
Ashley Ellyllon
Adam Fisher
Clayton Holyoak
Chuck Johnson

Orbs

Coming from other successful metal bands, it’s no surprise that Orbs is so AWESOME.  A side project started in 2008, they’ve just released their first album and are currently touring the country and working on new material.

After their show in Los Angeles last weekend, I talked with Adam (vocals) and Ashley (keyboards), so check it out and see what they had to say!

Adam and Ash (awwwww)

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Adam, me and Ash of Orbs

Be sure to check out my review of their album, Asleep Next to Science.

To learn more about Orbs, check out:

MySpace

Facebook

Equal Vision Records

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Tim S.- Guitar
Kevin H.- Guitar
Austin T.- Drums/Programming
Tyler C.- Vocals
Ben F.- Keys/Vocals
Michael B.- Vocals
Cory F.- Bass

Woe, Is Me

Marking the first release off Velocity Records (sub of Rise Records) is Woe, Is Me’s debut album, Number[s].

The band’s hometown of Atlanta, GA might be southern and sweet, but this band.. ehh, not so much. They bring the same musical style of bands like Confide, Attack Attack! and Sleeping with Sirens.

Number[s]

Available 8.31.2010

Track List

1. On Veiled Men
2. (&) Delinquents
3. Mannequin Religion
4. Keep Your Enemies Close
5. Hell, Or High Water
6. For The Likes Of You
7. I.
8. Our Number(s)
9. If Not, For Ourselves
10. Desolate (The Conductor)

The album starts off strong with a great first track, On Veiled Men; which is really more of an intro to the second track (it’s pretty much ONE song).  It’s got a good mix of metal growls, clean vocals, heavy guitar and synthesizers. I DIG IT, YO.

However, as per usual with new albums in this genre, I can’t say there is much originality in the music, but they’re at least Woe, Is Me did it well.  They have a little less screaming than normal metalcore bands, which might broaden their fan base a bit.  I have to admit that I had to double check the band roster to see if Jonny Craig (Emarosa frontman) was their singer [clean vocalist, obviously], because the first thing I thought when I listened through the entire album was “um… this sounds like Jonny Craig singing for Attack Attack!” so… yeah… if that sounds like something you’d be into, check it out!!

It’s one of those albums that’s up and down for me.  When it began, I was into it and digging what these guys were doing; but as the album continued, I became less impressed by it and more like content with it.  They did a good job for a debut album, but these boys aren’t exactly making breakthroughs in music.  It’s normally a relief to hear something new, but this kind of sounds like the old. If you’re into that type of music though, I definitely say check them out since they are at least good at what they’re doing.

Check out their MySpace for more info.

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I first met some of the members of The Fab Rudies at the 2010 Van’s Warped Tour pre-party (slash press conference) a month or so before this summer’s tour began.  Months later, we crossed paths once again at the Warped Tour in Pomona, CA.  Check out what they’ve been up to since then and what they have coming up in the future!

with The Fab Rudies

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The Fab Rudies @ Warped 2010, Pomona

To learn more about The Fab Rudies, check out:

Official Site

MySpace

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With over 16,000 digital songs and 3,000 albums sold independently, Conditions knows a thing or two about hard work.  Sharing the stage with bands like Paramore, Good Charlotte, New Found Glory and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, their work ethic has obviously not gone unnoticed.  With a diehard work ethic and a loyal [and widespread] fan base, these boys are definitely not going anywhere soon.

Alternative Press Magazine has named Conditions “100 Bands You Need to Know in 2010.”

The new album hits stores September 14th, and you can check them out online or at listening stations at participating Hot Topic stores! Yarrrrrrrrrr.

To learn more about Conditions, check out:

MySpace

Good Fight Music

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Of Mice & Men (Round One)

After Austin Carlile left Attack Attack!, he started OM&M with Jaxin Hall, and shortly after recording their debut album, he [Austin] left the band and was replaced by Jerry Roush (ex Sky Eats Airplane).

Jerry Roush

OM&M live @ The El Rey (March 2010)

A member change that isn’t very known is the clean vocalist/guitar player, Jon Kintz, who was quickly replaced by Shayley Bourget (ex Covette and Chapters).

Of Mice & Men (Round Two)

Now, bass player (and aspiring clothing designer), Jaxin Hall has parted ways with the band. I don’t think anyone is shedding any tears, because if you know anything about music (or have ears), you can tell they aren’t exactly losing an awesome musician, boooo hoooooooo. Bye, bye Jaxin!

Now I know you’re wondering…. WHY? Well kids, why does ANYONE leave a band? To pursue other shit… they don’t get along with another band member or members… etc… do you REALLY care? Didn’t think so.

Jaxin Hall

Of Mice & Men (Round Three)

Who will replace Jaxin?  No final word yet.  However the band does have a fill-in bassist for their upcoming European tour. It’s unfortunate that so early in the band’s existence they’ve had to go through these changes, but it’s also far too common in this scene so… oh well?

Of Mice & Men (Round Four)

Check out my interview with Jaxin and Phil of Of Mice & Men here. And check out their MySpace.

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Ryan Shaw - Vocals/Guitar
Brit Joyce - Vocals/Bass
Eric Brimer - Guitar
John Wheeler - Drums

The Early Strike

Within the sea of bands playing at this summer’s Van’s Warped Tour, I was introduced to The Early Strike, a pop-punk four piece from sunny Los Angeles, CA. Now that Warped Tour is done, they’re playing a few local shows and then heading off the Brazil! Be sure to check out their MySpace to keep up with news and upcoming tour dates!

I spoke to the band about upcoming shows, their album and more, so check it out!

with The Early Strike @ Warped Tour, Pomona

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The Early Strike @ Warped Tour, Pomona

The Early Strike live

To learn more about The Early Strike, check out:

MySpace

Official Site

Facebook

Twitter

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Scott Vogel - Vocals
Martin Stewart - Guitar
Nick Jett - Drums
David Wood - Bass Guitar
Jordan Posner - Guitar

Terror - Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA

You can’t think of hardcore without Terror coming to mind.  A staple in the hardcore scene, Terror has been terrorizing (yar har harrr) venues with their insane crowd response and on stage antics.  Vocalist (and hardcore legend) Scott Vogel is known for spitting out some of the craziest shit on stage, there’s even a website dedicated to his rants called Vogelisms.com.

While they were on tour with Bleeding Through, I got to talk to Terror vocalist, Scott Vogel, about the new album, his opinion on screamo bands, and more. Check it out, yo.

Scott Vogel - Terror vocalist

with Scott Vogel of Terror

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Terror - Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA

Terror - Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA

Terror - Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA

Terror - Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA

Terror - Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA

Terror - Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA

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Bleeding Through headlined the show

Bleeding Through - Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA

Bleeding Through - Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA

Bleeding Through - Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA

Bleeding Through - Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA

To learn more about Terror, check out:

MySpace

Facebook

Official Site

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Spencer - vocals
Justin - guitar
JD - guitar/vocals
Shane - bass
Conner - drums

I can’t describe how refreshing Ice Nine Kills has been to me.  Hearing a band do melodic, progressive, post-hardcore so well is LITERALLY music to my ears… so many bands are doing the same things so it’s hard to stand out, and Ice Nine Kills (whose name derives from the Vonnegut novel Cat’s Cradle), does a fucking A+ job.  It’s unfortunate I hadn’t heard of these guys before their newest release, Safe is Just a Shadow (out now on Red Blue Records), being this is their third album. But hey, dude… better late than never!

Available NOW!

Track List:

Proximity Mines in The Complex
Buildings Burn, People Die
Chris Brown’s Latest Hit
Newton’s Third Law of Knives to the Back
So This is My Future
Acceptance   In The Waves
Red Sky Warning
The People Under the Stairs
The Greatest Story Ever Told
Evidence on Fire

One of the first things that caught my attention about this album was not only the music, but the lyrics.  The first track, Proximity Mines in The Complex is such a great choice to put at number one, which starts off with the lryics, “You’re not God,” and continues on into lines like, “You burned your last bridge tonight.  This isn’t goodnight, this is goodbye.” GODDAMN THAT’S GOOD SHIT. yup.

I know there are a million bands out there, but just take a minute and check these dudes out!!

To learn more about Ice Nine Kills, check out:

Official Website

MySpace

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Ricky Boyer
Mike Garrett
Wylie Johnson

Assorted Jellybeans - Warped Tour 2010 - Pomona

Riverside, CA may not have brought the music much, but they freakin popped out the Assorted Jellybeans, who FUCKING RULE so what else do we need? Pfft. Exactly.

These boys were the first release off the infamous Kung Fu Records, and they recently have rejoined to start playing once again! Yay! They even played the Pomona date of this summer’s Van’s Warped Tour, and it was the first time I had the chance to see them live. <3

Assorted Jellybeans - Warped Tour 2010 - Pomona

I also got to sit and talk with the boys about reuniting, getting laid and much more.  CHECK. IT. OUT.

With the Assorted Jellybeans @ Warped Tour (Pomona)

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Assorted Jellybeans - Warped Tour 2010 - Pomona

Assorted Jellybeans - Warped Tour 2010 - Pomona

Assorted Jellybeans - Warped Tour 2010 - Pomona

Assorted Jellybeans - Warped Tour 2010 - Pomona

MySpace

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Pennywise with new frontman, Zoli Teglas

Alesana [clean] vocalist, Shawn Milke, gave this statement:

“Just to clear the air of any rumors, last night upon returning to our bus after a night out with friends, both our band and our tour manager were attacked blindly by by two very drunk members of Pennywise. Alesana is a non-violent band and always has been.  We do not encourage or willingly participate in any violent activities.  The two guys entered our bus and, without any instigating on our part, began punching us and trashing ourbus.  We are eternally sorry that this event took place and had it not been for the Denver police showing up and restraining our assailants, the night could have been tragic.  Luckily, no one in our camp was injured.”

Alesana (Shawn Milke pictured third from the left)

I can’t imagine the dudes from Pennywise doing this for no reason, but no one in Alesana is fessing up to doing or saying anything to cause it, so I guess we’ll never know!  I have never met Pennywise, but I have met the guys from Alesana before, and they really seem harmless, I can’t imagine one of them provoking these guys to kick their ass and trashing their bus.  tisk tisk.  Silly boys!!

Pennywise is now done with their Warped Tour dates this summer. Poo.  So your favorite screamo-girl-jeans-wearing-put-down-my-straightener bands will have to be beaten up by other dudes. SOWWY!

You can check out my interview with Alesana HERE.

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