Algernon Cadwallader 

The band is out of Pennsylvania, though they sound like they fell out of a wormhole originating in mid-1990’s Illinois. The first thing you’ll notice is how much they sound like Cap N’ Jazz or early Joan Of Arc. Writing them off like that wouldn’t be fair though, because you can hear strains of Braid, Minus The Bear and even another Cap n’ Jazz send up, The Promise Ring. Their record makes me nostalgic for $5 basement shows and vegan potlucks.  Check them out in Gainesville @ The Fest 7 for sure.
myspace.com/algernoncadwallader

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United Nations
s/t 
Eyeball / Deathwish Inc.

United Nations are a band that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. It’s needless and boring to list the groups that the members of this band are or were in because what they create with this record is something “for the kids, by the kids.” They wear their influences on their respective sleeves and flesh out music from their hearts. While it may not be wholly original, it is completely non apologetic and enjoyable and that’s precisely why I love this record so much. You’ll find that this self-titled debut is a sloppy typewritten love letter on manila paper to the mid 90’s hardcore scene, recalling of Portraits Of The Past, Saetia and One-Eyed God Prophecy. It reminds me of better times before internet leaks, OMG and MySpace. United Nations ultimately remind me why I love hardcore punk.
www.unitedfuckingnations.com 

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These Arms Are Snakes
Tail Swallower And Dove
Suicide Squeeze

The fine young men of TAAS are back with their third LP in Tail Swallower And Dove, and have honed their rhythmic wizardry into a finely tuned machine.  From front to back, this album ebbs and flows perfectly. It takes you up jagged peaks & into harsh valleys of cacophonous melodies. The stuttering synth lines of “Lucifer” bubble up like Girls Against Boys shredding a Trans Am song with the way it builds up and breaks you down, all the while being under the three-minute mark. “Seven Curtains” will remind you why you liked this band in the first place with gargantuan riffs melting your face and enough timeouts as they slow down to lull you back to your safe place. There are moments that will remind some of the Blood Brothers, but what separates them is their penchant for both constructive noise and reserve. TAAS are noise architects. And we all get to marvel at what they’ve built with Tail Swallower. It’s their finest houFr all of those who may have lost the plot after the release of their sophomore record Easter, I’d like to welcome you back to the fold.
www.thesearmsaresnakes.com 

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I’ve been impatiently waiting for a new release since the splendid Let’s Build A Fire was released late 2006, and this does more then just satiate my math rock appetite – it leaves me stuffed with no room for dessert. The hairpin turns and staccato stutters in melody are just what I’ve been craving lately. This record is perfect for anyone who misses the earnest lyricism of Jawbox, not to mention their freight train styles of riffing.  With so many new bands and new records coming out, it’s refreshing to hear something that plays perfectly throughout. Stark enough for you older emos, but still cool for the all you nü indies too.
www.plusmin.us 

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Crooked Fingers
Forfeit/Fortune
self-released

It’s hard to believe but Eric Bachmann’s Crooked Fingers has been together longer than his entire tenure with the highly influential Archers Of Loaf.  If you’ve been along for the ride than surely you’ve picked up on his tendency to sound like a punk rock Bruce Springsteen from North Carolina, but now I believe him to be more aligned with the likes of Nick Cave. Over the band’s last few releases we’ve seen Eric ante up with progressively more and more mariachi flare, but this time around there’s dirty swamp rock with vamping organs and broken pianos.  What’s notable as well is the choice to self-release their record in hopes of providing more artwork and options to you, the fans.
www.crookedfingers.com

The Japanese Motors
s/t
VICE recordings

Have you’ve been waiting for a new Strokes record? If so then this will help tide you over. There’s angular guitars mapping out the hooks, plodding bass lines and those smooth vocals that bleed into raspy yelps. The truth is that although they do have their Strokes tendencies, The Japanese Motors owe more to bands like Television and The Velvet Underground whom are the aforementioned groups influences. With so many bands trying to grasp onto that garage rock sound, it’s refreshing to hear someone do it a little bit of justice. They’re not making the wheel any rounder, but they’ll more than likely come up on shuffle and have you checking your iPod.
www.thejapanesemotors.com

Tags: algernon cadwallader, crooked fingers, eric bachmann, plus minus, taas, the japanese motors, these arms are snakes, united nations, vice