Month: February 2009

By: Sheena Lyonnais
February 15, 2009

The Von Bondies are back with two new female members, a new sound and a new album that boasts old school influences.  Since their last release five years ago, the Michigan band has ditched their bluesy feel in lieu of garage rock and grunge beats consistent with “C’mon C’mon,” the song that put them on the map back in 2004.

By: Sheena Lyonnais
Photos: Pete Nema
February 11, 2009

In the midst of finishing up recording vocals on Die Mannequin’s sophomore release, Care Failure sat down to talk touring, love, life and loss.  Having arrived back from LA earlier that day, she speaks with a tired tone that indicates she’s lived a lot for a girl in her early 20s, but adds just enough mystery to leave you in suspense. 

Failure has managed to turn her experiences with bouts of rehab and misfortune into heavy and addictively poignant pop rock songs with messages.  The upcoming sophomore release takes a small departure from previous work to include a batch of songs about recent headline news stories. 

By: Sheena Lyonnais

Photos: Pete Nema 

February 11, 2009

The Flatliners have a lot to celebrate.  The young ska/punk/reggae band have toured with icons NOFX, Rancid and Less Than Jake, won FU Awards for best new artist (2008) and hardest working band (2009) and landed a deal with Fat Wreck Chords.  About a month ago they were celebrating so hard,  drummer Paul Ramirez broke his foot in a drunken stupor.

By: Sheena Lyonnais
February 11, 2009

Hidden beneath the loud screaming vocals, blaring guitars, Satan references and heavy drum beats is a softer, more intimate side of the Cancer Bats, a sweetness that, when combined with their talent, highlights why they were recently nominated for a Juno Award for New Group of the Year. 

“On one side, I’m like that’s fuckin awesome.  To me being nominated is like winning, we’re thought of in this circle of really talented people and bands that are at a certain level,” singer Liam Cormier said at the FU Awards, where Cancer Bats were nominated for Hardest Working Band and won Song of the Year for “Hail Destroyer.”