Jet- Get Born (2003)
Posted by KB on 6/25/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Everyone knows Jet. Are You Gonna Be My Girl. What everyone doesn't remember is that this is fantastic album even if this song didn't exist. Hard driving rock, banging riffs, sing along choruses and ballads that don't make you want to put cement in your ears. I'll admit, it's not trailblazing, but that is a-ok because once you're spinning it you won't care. Good ol' regular rock can be good ol' fun. Take my advice and listen to this in it's entirety. I'll bet that most of you will agree.
Favorite Songs: Look What You've Done, Cold Hard Bitch, Get What You Need, Are You Gonna Be My Girl, Lazy Gun
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Drakulas- Midnight City (2026)
Posted by KB on 6/2/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
New wave-ish punk that is a mix of B-52's sparseness, Devo weirdness and guitar pounding of The Briefs. "Midnight City" feels retro but modern at the same time with songs about the underbelly of society. Their sum does not sound like their parts with members from Riverboat Gamblers and Rise Against, but that is where the punk and rock, that are combined with synths, are derived. Nice to have a little freakiness in 2026.
Favorite Songs: Head in the Clouds, Is It Enough, Sex, Guys Like Me Girls Like You, F.A.F.O
Basement- Wired (2026)
Posted by KB on 6/2/2026 to
A nod to the 90s indie scene, with a splash of grunge and early 00s pop punk. No flashy gimmicks, just forthright rock about internal unease and emptiness. The strength of this album is that once you think you got them characterized they throw a variation to their sound (i.e. the drumming) which keeps your listen fresh. Twelve songs clocking in at a manageable 37 minutes is worth at least one listen.
Favorite Songs: Deadweight, Pick Up the Pieces, Satisfy, Broken By Design
Blackwater Holylight- Not Here Not Gone (2026)
Posted by KB on 6/2/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Always had a soft spot for droning shoe-gaze (My Bloody Valentine, True Widow). Not monotonous droning, but droning with a purpose. Which is very subjective. "Not Here Not Gone" has a purpose with lush layered vocals and buzz saw guitars that sound like they are going short out the amps at any time. It loses a little steam in the final third but not enough to detract from the entirety of the release. If you like dry ice fog and deep colored lasers, I suggest visiting Blackwater Holylight and "Not Here Not Gone".
Favorite Songs: Bodies, Heavy Why?, Spades, Poppyfields
Social Distortion- Born To Kill (2026)
Posted by KB on 6/2/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Formed in 1978 Social Distortion, by all accounts, probably should not still exist. Drug addiction, deaths and early unkempt living should have extinguished the band. But here we are in 2026 with a damn solid Social D release. Sure it is not as angry, as they have grown up and become adults, but it has their full throttled punk-country riffs, straight up vintage country melodies and gritty Mike Ness vocals. And they know that they are lucky and are gracious to still be around.There is no mailing it in. Here is to perseverance and staying true to yourself.
Favorite Songs: Born To Kill, No Way Out, Tonight, Walk Away (Don't Look Back)
