Two reviews posted, upcoming content.

So far, as you can probably see, I've posted two album reviews. Comments on my review and on the content are welcome!

I have some cool features in the works, so keep checking back. There will be more album reviews soon, an interview and maybe album review with FOMA from Syracuse and more to do with the local scene.

For now though, seeing as there really isn't an area on Blogspot where you can just display links, here is a list of some noteworthy websites that I visit on an everyday basis. Give them your hits and your love.

If You Make It

The Collective Family

Abuh?! Records (record label/collective based out of Saranac Lake, NY)

Daytrotter

Absolute Punk


Also, go see I Love You, Man. It's hilarious.

-Justin

EDIT: NEVERMIND. I figured out the links. Still working my way around this website.

Young Livers - The New Drop Era

Artist: Young Livers

Release: The New Drop Era

Where Can I Get it?: No Idea. The record can also be streamed for free at Punknews.org






Have you ever caught yourself wondering "What if Hot Water Music were heavier?" No? Not even in the shower in the morning or perhaps whilst suspiciously lingering in a meadow at dusk?

Well that's okay. I never really wondered that either. Then I heard the Young Livers. And I hate to name-drop and make too many direct comparisons between bands, but fuck it. If you took every aggressive, heavy riff Hot Water Music wrote in their early days and threw 8 songs together, you would have the new Young Livers album. And it's fantastic.

The New Drop Era is 21 minutes of non-stop gritty punk rock. Gravel vocals, buzzing guitars and pounding drums. The album cracks you in the jaw and before you know it, you're on the ground, wondering what the hell happened and why your beer is gone.

I first heard of the Young Livers when I purchased their split 7-inch with another favorite band of mine--Bridge & Tunnel.

My curiosity was piqued. So, when I went to see The Knockdown in Potsdam, NY a couple weeks back, I picked this album out of their distro and decided to give it a listen. As a long-time Hot Water Music fan, I've been hooked since.

However, despite similarities, this band stands strong on their own two feet with a distinct sound that never lets up on energy or heart. This is one of those records that feels important. I believe we can only expect amazing stuff from these guys in the future. My only complaint is that it is so short, but I suppose I should be used to that by now.

Young Livers Myspace

Snowing - Fuck Your Emotional Bullshit

Artist: Snowing

Release: Fuck Your Emotional Bullshit

Where Can I Get it?: For free at If You Make It!




Born out of the break-up of Street Smart Cyclist and Boy Problems, comes the 4-piece Snowing.

Both Snowing and Street Smart Cyclist share a lot of similarities. Both are from Pennsylvania. Both have the same vocal stylings. Both have infectious energy. And, most of all, both are AWESOME.

I mean, let's be honest. Street Smart Cyclist and Snowing are almost the same band. Both share 3 members and their sounds are strongly similar. But, seeing as SSC was only around to record less than 10 songs, Snowing is a welcome continuation of an incredible sound.

From the beginning to the end of this EP, the listener is slammed with driving melodies; harsh, heartfelt vocals and lyrics that just cut you. Take this for instance.

"I've been wasting this fucking year on the idea of getting up and moving on, but I wait around, just emptying bottles in the basement of the slovak center on my side of town. It's a fucking downer."

Goddamn. And that's just the first line of the first song.

Ok so, maybe I drink too much sometimes and I've overstayed my welcome in my hometown far longer than my sanity can allow, but hey--we've all felt a little apathetic before. And if the lyrics don't move you, I guarantee the music will.

So check them and Street Smart Cyclist out and let me know what you think. I'll be rocking them all spring. Snowing is also touring this spring, so make sure to check their myspace for dates.

Snowing Myspace
Street Smart Cyclist Myspace (you can download their full discography here as well)

First Post Nonsense

Hello. My name is Justin and welcome to I LOVE THESE CHORDS.

My main focus for this blog is for me to post about music I like (and hopefully music you like as well). I will be mainly covering music of the DIY, Punk Rock, Indie Rock variety.

Reviews, downloads, news, photography, interviews, tour dates and random musings. Pretty much anything, whenever I have time or I settle into a more regular format.

A big part of this will also be the local music scene of Plattsburgh, NY; where I'm from.

Expect a slew of posts soon and thanks for reading!