Punch- Push, Pull LP

Review by: Stephen Tompkins

*Sorry I couldn't get the album art to work.

To order the LP visit: www.punchcrew.bigcartel.com

I only got this album last night, but I'm going to go ahead and say this right out... Punch's latest LP Push Pull is my favorite release this year; which shouldn't come as a shock to anyone who knows anything about this band. Their debut 7" Eyeless, and their first Self-titled LP were easily two of the best hardcore releases in recent years.

While most hardcore bands coming out of the San Francisco bay area (like Ceremony) had an indistinguishable sound, Punch drew inspiration from that, but always had a harder, raw sound setting them apart from everyone else.

This is proven further on the new LP, where Punch has added more punk and powerviolence influence. See "Stay Afloat," as the band shifts between d-beats and blast beats seamlessly. Even the riffing in "Give It A Name," is reminiscent of Discharge. And although I haven't gotten a chance to find the lyrics yet(which I hope I do soon), I'm certain, judging by the quirky/smart song titles like "Positively God Free," that they are as equally politically charged and smart as the prior release's.

I just hope this band plays Cleveland soon (they had to cancel last week's show because Meghan, the singer broke her ankle on tour in Europe), and keeps releasing killer albums like this one!

Stereofiend is becoming a zine!

Here is a rough overview of the layout of Stereofiend. Word counts are mandatory and if they are not met withing 25-50 words, I reserve the right to cut down or cut your piece altogether. I'm not trying to be a dick, I just want things to move smoothly. Also, pieces are to be submitted in timely fashion. If you have a deadline... meet it! I will also be editing your work, if you see changes do not be offended, everyone gets edits.

* I understand that this may make potential submitters a bit apprehensive, but I just want Stereofiend to run efficiently, and not become a zine that comes out every 5 months. Thanks :)

Word counts are as follows:

cd/show/movie/art/food reviews- 200 words + art

feature story- 500-600 words + art

comics should be 3-4 blocks, as to fit two to a page. There is an exception if your comic is really good.

*You are responsible for providing art for your piece. When doing so, you must give credit where credit is due. This means: state who took the photo/drew it. where, and when this happened.


What to expect from Stereofiend:
Stereofiend will be a 7 page DIY zine, hopefully coming out bi-weekly.

Inside
pg. 1- Stereofiend Contact info, masthead, and submission guidelines. Letters to and from the editor.
pg. 2- Vegetarian recipes: snacks, actual meals, appetizers.
pg. 3-4- Feature story: for example a band feature, restaurant feature etc.
pg. 5- Reviews
pg. 6- Comics/local art
pg. 7- Photo of the issue. And also what to expect in upcoming issues.

A Changing Year... Best Albums of 2009

Its almost February and I'm just now doing my favorite albums of 2009. Oh well. I came to the realization that most of my favorite albums this year saw the given band tweaking its original sound. Without further adieu... My favorite albums of 2009

5. The Spits- 3

I like this album so much because The Spits seem to realize what writing catchy and approachable punk music is all about. Old punks, and young ones, too, can't stop raving about this band.

PS, your mom fist pumps to this band.

4. Tegan and Sara- Sainthood

This is my new favorite Tegan and Sara album, simply because they are showing that they have the ability to take sounds created by bands like MGMT, and make you feel less bad for liking it.

3. Weekend Nachos- Unforgivable

While this is far from my favorite release from Weekend Nachos, the album is still awesome. WN has crossed from straight powerviolence into the realm of mixing powerviolence and punk. Listen closely and you'll hear the d-beat in a couple songs.

2. Hellshock- They Wait for You Still

I love the new Hellshock album simply because Hellshock is an amazing heavy band that blends the best elements of punk and metal. The new album simply captures that sound, but is even heavier.

1. Kid Cudi- Man on the Moon the End of the Day

Many people think that I only like Kid Cudi because he is from Cleveland. On the contrary, I like him because his beats are super dope, and he is an amazing lyricist (See "Soundtrack 2 My Life," where he says: I'm super paranoid/like a 6th sense/since my father died/I ain't been right since/and I tried to piece the puzzle of the universe/split an eighth of shrooms just so I could see the universe.) His collabo's with Ratatat didn't hurt his chances of topping the list either.

*The album that almost made it: Grizzly Bear- Veckatimest