Author: Dillon Crader

Review by Dillon Crader Big Vacation is one of the better ways to spend your summer; listening to something powerful. Run Forever has conquered this release, making something that sounds perfect for the summer.  Being one of the first releases Run Forever has put out through No Sleep Records, it is obvious that they have already progressed and changed their sound from their first release on the label. The first noticeable thing about Big Vacation is the new low-fi and hazy sound the band has captured ever since they have quieted down over the past two years. Usually, hazy and…

Review by Dillon Crader The well-known acoustic artist, Koji comes out swinging with his new EP Fury. This is the first time I have ever listened to Koji, and my first thought when listening to Fury was that I was blown away by the full “band” aspect. I was expecting a four song acoustic release that wouldn’t be too exciting. The first song, the title track, opens up with a stellar catchy guitar riff that instantly hooks you in. The song is pulled together so beautifully to make the lead guitar the focal point, and it is very elegant. I expected…

Review by Dillon Crader Sorority Noise’s second full-length record, Joy, Departed, is one of the greatest emo records I have listened to in a long while. Joy, Departed is the first Release from Sorority Noise through Topshelf Records, and this will add to the several of amazing releases that this label has been a part of. To be honest, I was a little hesitant to listen to this record at first because of the lineup change that the band went through earlier this year. I couldn’t help but wonder if adding Charlie Singer on drums for Sorority Noise would make…

Review by Dillon Crader Nothing Matters is Diamond Youth’s highly anticipated first full-length record. After the wait since the release of their third EP, Shake, Diamond Youth has finally been able to release an amazing album that left me satisfied in every way. For starters, Diamond Youth has one of the most unique sounds in the scene. This band has an intricate blend of surf rock and punk making for one of the most unique sounding bands that I have ever listened to.  A prime example of this clash of genres, resulting in a beautiful sound would be on the…

Review by Dillon Crader Red City Radio deliver an amazing combination of rock and roll and punk on their new self titled record that immediately pulled me in. Based out of Oklahoma City, Red City Radio has come a long way. The first time that I listened to the record, I will admit that I didn’t care for the vocals very much, though they definitely eventually grew on me. The vocal work on this album is deeper sounding, but has a great rasp to it, which gives this self-titled album a very punk feel. After listening to the record several times, I…

Review by Dillon Crader Dwayne, a band that is spread across the world, has come together to make one hell of an indie record and not to mention their first LP. The self-titled LP has so much to offer with these 12 songs. I find it crazy to think how mature sounding this album is for a band that is spread across the world with only two members who can speak English. Starting off the album, I instinctively thought of a less synthesized Reggie and The Full Effect – I found it odd how I made the connection but that…

Review by Dillon Crader The California Hardcore band Rotting Out are following up their last full length album on Pure Noise Records, with a raw and punchy EP, Reckoning. Rotting Out has always delivered, and even after a lineup change and I was very excited to see what was in store, especially after they seemed to capture their true sound in their last full length, Wrong Way. The opening track “Born” begins with a sample of two men talking. This sample seems to set the mood for the EP, then ends by driving into an astounding bass riff. The song…

Review by Dillon Crader The first time I heard of Fossil Youth was through a good friend who said they were his favorite local band from OKC. The first time I listened to their EP, Intertwined With You, it really blew me away. The first track on Intertwined With You, “From the Window”, is a good way to start off this release; with the fast grungy guitar. The vocal style in this song (and EP) reminds me a lot of Mat Kerekes’ (Citizen) vocals in the way they go from very mellow and calm to very loud and yelling with ease. This…

Review by Dillon Crader Hemingway, a new and upcoming emo/shoegaze band from Portland, Oregon, has released their debut album, Pretend To Care, on 6131 Records. I had never really heard anything about Hemingway before listening to this album, and that honestly didn’t really excite me to do this review, thinking they might just be some crappy garage band. I guess this is where I can use the cliché saying “never judge a book by its cover” because this album is phenomenal, and has honestly become one of my favorite releases this year. Pretend To Care starts off with “Constellations”. This song is a perfect…

Review by Dillon Crader Jake Mcelfresh, rather known as Front Porch Step, plans to release his EP Whole Again on Pure Noise Records on December 2nd. Jake’s lyrical genius has brought him a huge following over the past year as has touring on the acoustic basement on Warped Tour as well as the Pure Noise Records Tour. Jake’s rise to success has definitely lead to this highly anticipated EP. The first song on Whole Again, “A lovely Mess,” is your typical heart heartaching track from Front Porch Step. The lyrics are brilliant as always, but what really blew me away was how…