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The Loved Ones - Pretty Good Year
Philadelphia, PA
File Size: 3.9 mb, Length: 2:14
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Certain labels tend to acquire a descriptive form for the bands that reside on that label. Def-Jux? Intelligent rap. Sub-Pop? Used to be noise, now it means sugary indie-rock. Fat Wreck? Punk rock. No surprise there, as Fat Wreck is owned by Fat Mike, frontman of NOFX. The Loved Ones just released its sophomore album “Build And Burn” and are showcasing some of the better pop-punk you have ever heard. In a genre that got over-saturated and died off years ago, The Loved Ones, comprised of Dave Haus (ex-Paint It Black), Michael Cotterman (ex-Kid Dynamite), and Mike Sneeringer (ex-Trial By Fire) are reminding me why pop-punk was such a guilty pleasure back in high school. “Build and Burn” flexes the punk-rock chops, but it is the latter half of the album where the bluegrass and folk influences come in that the music really gets good.

Artist Website: The Loved Ones
Label Website: Fat Wreck Chords

Paint It Black - Past Tense, Future Perfect
Philadelphia, PA
File Size: 4.5 mb, Length: 2:20
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Dr. Dan Yemin has a lot of street cred. And he has been a busy guy as of late as well. Earlier last year he reformed his beloved pop-punk band from the early 90’s Lifetime, released a new album, and toured in support. Not one to take too much time off, he stepped back into his lead vocalist role for the Paint It Black’s newest album “New Lexicon”. The result is perhaps the bands finest hour…or as close as it can cut it to. Clocking in at around a half hour, the blistering pace of every song is only matched by the rage in Dr. Dan’s scream. People who think that hardcore died with Black Flag need to take note, from the influential pop-punk stylings of Lifetime, to the influential hardcore punk stylings of Kid Dynamite, to what no doubt will be the influential hardcore pummelings of Paint It Black, Dr. Dan is keeping the genre alive.

Artist Website: Paint It Black
Label Website: Jade Tree Records