Systems Officer

Yup. You know... Zach from Pinback, it's his solo stuff.
If you haven't heard this, there is something wrong with you.

Wait...


...well, whatever. Keep commenting so I know my shit work is at least being appreciated by you shit people.


Systems Officer (2004)


Underslept (2009)

Helms Alee

First and foremost, let me apologize for the looooong delay. Loads of stress and lack of time have been accountable, but that's all in the past.

Let's start new shall we? Let's start with Helms Alee.
I caught them on tour with Young Widows, and with a very drunk embarrassing request, I was granted permission to "lawfully" put their music up.

They're fucking awesome. Imagine if HUM put out Leviathon. Great stuff. You can download all their material in this folder, which includes their one-sided 12", a 7", and their full length.
I heard them play many songs that are not recorded. So keep a look out!

And as always, do what you can to financially support this band. But don't expect a shirt, unless you are a fat fuck. Pricks.



Helms Alee

I'm not dead and I have good news.

But that is for the future. Keep checking back.

-Kevin

The Reptilian

You know that scene in Back to the Future, when the guitarist, whom hand was broken, was watching Fox shred on Johny be Good, called his manager and said, "You know that new sound you've been lookin' for? Well listen to this!". That's exactly how I feel around these times.  

I'm sure all of you who read this blog have listened to Native. Well, this band is another band emerging that encompasses this sound.  

... I'll try explaining it again. Twiddly guitar, intricate bass lines, dancy melodies, aggressive shouting type vocals with lots of revurb, all wrapped up in a genre that we all can agree is hardcore. So, yes, there are also gang vocals.  

If that description was wrong or compeltely turned you off, go fuck yourself. I didn't want to do it in the first place. This whole blog thing is for you anyway. So download this four-song EP, which is completely new and has not been released yet, and support the band.  

Again, if you loved Native, this band will make you feel the same way. And you better support them! Buy their shit, make comments on their myspace, go to their shows, learn their lyrics and make a fool of yourself. Bands like this don't come around too often.

Enjoy.

The Reptilian

Boy's Life 2009

Rockets Red Glare

Here is an awesome, completely under-rated band from Canada.  

They only lasted a couple years, and have been broken up since 03'.

If you like My Disco! and Young Widows (which you better), then you should like these guys as well.  One of the better bands that have existed that create this type of music.

Rockets Red Glare 2002

Moonlight Desires 2003

Faraquet

Lots of bands copy off these dudes.  If you liked my earlier blog on Medications, then you should like this one as well.  One of the earlier indie/rock/math/whatever bands that I don't get bored with.

Enjoy.

The View from this Tower

Anthology 1997-98

Ambulette

Maura Davis. MAURA DAVIS!

You all know Denali, I'm sure. This is an EP from her other band, which was released in 06'. The last track is crazy fucking good.

The Lottery

La Dispute

Okay, seriously, I have not been so impressed/excited with a new hardcore band/album than the one I'm posting now since... well, Risk Revival or Native's debut. This album reminds me of a cross between Mewithoutyou and Hot Cross' later material. It's fucking incredible and I listened to it on repeat throughout my entire overnight shift (eight hours).

I highly recommend you listen to this with a good stereo system and/or headphones. Don't let anything distract you either. It's that good.

Check them out here. and support them. Go to their shows and buy their merch.

I made their album available to download but I will probably take it down soon. So good. So so good.


Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between Vega and Altair

Secondsmile

This is the last band I am posting for the day. Again, some files may be password protected. I am not giving you the password, but you should be able to transfer them to your i-pod. If you have a Zune or some phone you listen to music from, then you are screwed.

This band is incredible. They resemble Moving Mountains.


I am not Romeo, You are not Juliet 2004


Walk into the Light and Reach for the Sky 2006


Years 2008

Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate)

This band reminds me of American Football and Mineral. But that's me... =(

Really good stuff. I put their EP and their new 7" in one file. If you can't play the EP on i-tunes without a password, you should be able to play it on your i-pod without a problem. If there is a problem, buy their music. If you don't want to deal with passwords, purchase their material. They are on tour now.

Enjoy.


When the Sea Became a Giant & Year of the Rabbit 2007-1008

Mimas

So it has been a long ass mother fucking time since I have posted in my blog, and I apologize. I have been incredibly busy with my life.

However, I am going to make up the last couple months with some amazing progressive indie music that is layered and epic.

First off is Mimas. You should know by now that I am terrible at explaining music or even comparing bands, but I hope by now you trust my musical taste and listen and support this band from the UK.


The Worries 2009

Update

We are not dead! I will put up some more stuff soon! I have been extremely busy with work my multiple jobs and busy ass life. No worries!

If you live in Chicago, come party with us on Halloween. Native is playing is our basement. If you want directions, shoot me an e-mail. Its not going to be a huge thing. But it will be super fun I am sure.

-Kevin

Noah and the Whale

I saw this band play at the Empty Bottle the other night. I had a real good time and really enjoyed this band. The bassist/keyboardist wore a funny looking hat. My gf yelled "You're hat looks like a VAGINA!!!" Probably the best heckle ever.
Either way, if you like happy folk with ukuleles, fiddles, trumpets, clapping, and different percussion instruments, you will really enjoy this band.
Enjoy.


Noah and the Whale | Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down

Navies

This file has their split material with A Day in Black and White, their 7", and An Estate.
Enjoy.


Navies | Discography

Anathallo

There is a lot that I am missing here. Hopefully you guys can fill in the blanks. I am keeping my eyes out for the new album entitled, Canopy Glow.


Sparrows


Hymns


Entropy


Floating World

Murder In The Red Barn | Unreleased

Some nice lad sent this to me over gmail. I compressed the songs into a zip folder and made it available for you Achilous readers. If you don't know who Murder In The Red Barn is, I made a post on them earlier this year. Scroll down, read up and download away. =)

Murder In The Red Barn | Unreleased

El Ten Eleven

Simply put, this band is one of the catchiest instrumental rock groups out today. A two piece that combines programming and live instrumentation to create a rich and original musical experience. The duo uses elements of dance, prog rock and math rock to create songs which make the listener feel awake, uplifted and enthused. Download the jams then go buy all their stuff and see their shows, you won't be disappointed.

El Ten Eleven (2005)

link

Every Direction is North (2007)

link

These Promises are Being Videotaped (2008)

link

For Fans of: Ratatat, Minus the Bear, etc

31Knots | Worried Well

Here it was! The new album from 31Knots. It's grand. ENJOY
buy it. you heard the man!

Raein

Here we have one of the most entertaining bands of the emotional hardcore, screamo, emo, skramz, whatever genre (you can define it). Since they decided to get back together recently I thought it would be a good idea to showcase most of their work before the new record comes out. Comprised of members of La Quiete and Neil On Impression they offer pure melodic hardcore brilliance. Listen to everything here immediately I think you'll be impressed. Be on the lookout for the new record (which I've posted the unmastered version here) sometime this year...BUY IT!


Raein (2002)
link


Il n'y a pas de Orchestre (2003)
link


Doden Marscherar at Vast 7" (2004)
link


Split 7" w/Funeral Diner (2004)
link


Split 10" w/Daitro (2004)
link

The Harsh Words as the Sun - 3 way split w/Lhasa & Daitro (2004)

link

Nati Da Altri Padri (2008!)
link

Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson

"Unnoticeable in a Tiny Town, Invisible in the City" is the debut release from this Norwegian outfit. They bring a blend of post-rock, lofi, emo and electronica to their well crafted songs. Definitely a record that should be listened to from start to finish, preferably on headphones. The songs are long but not overdone and tend to move around from ambient to full on rock. Be on the lookout for their follow up release some time this year!



link

For fans of: Sigur Ros, Gregor Samsa, Cats and Cats and Cats, etc.

The Jazz June

Here is the discography from post hardcore geniuses The Jazz June down to the collection of 7"s and comp tracks and the compilation from their slew of reunion shows a couple years ago. This band is many things, part emo part indie with post hardcore roots. Some of the best stuff I've heard from the genre, honestly listen to all of this stuff if you even have an interest in late 90's indie jams, you WILL NOT be disappointed. DON'T LET MY EXCUSE FOR A DESCRIPTION SCARE YOU AWAY...DOWNLOAD AND ENJOY!!!

For Fans of: The Get Up Kids, Moneen, Spy Versus Spy, Braid, The Kidcrash



They Love Those Who Make the Music (1997)
link


The Boom the Motion and the Music (1998)
link


Breakdance Suburbia (1998)
link


The Medicine (2000)
link


Better Off Without Air (2002)
link


The Scars to Prove It (2007)
link

Fight Amp

Young Widows canceled their show at Dudefest this year. It totally bummed me out. This band, however, totally replaced them. Well, for me at least, because I never heard of them before. Mix Sweet Cobra with Young Widows and you will have Fight Amp. They rocked the 21+ venue. Fuck, this album is heavy. They have a babe guitarist too!


Hungry For Nothing

Native

So... last Thursday night, I went to a house show. Which is something I rarely do, especially in the summer. I met some cool dudes, and spent most of the time on the porch smokin' and talkin' and drinkin' and eatin'. Yeah yeah, well... I heard some tight jams from the porch and went to the basement. This band was fuckin' SWEET. Bass driven harcore/emo/punk with incredible guitar work and drums. Again... fuck descriptions. They reminded me of a combination of Off Minor and Hugs. Bassist did vocals as well.

I bought a shirt and a CD and scooted. I encourage you to do the same. This band was fantastic. The Recording is fantastic as well.

Native's myspace


We Delete; Erase

A Day In Black And White

I heard about this band after reading that their first full length was reminiscent to City Of Caterpillar's s/t album. This is when I purchased albums, so I did. My Heroes Have Always Killed Cowboys is still one of my favorite progressive indi/punk albums. Their previous material is a bit more to the point with heavier abrasive elements, and post-Cowboys material has more of an melodic softer sound with jagged chords intertwined to create a solid structure of whatever post genres you want to label. Punk, indi, hardcore... whatever. Some part of my body is always moving when I listen to this band.

The only files I am missing here are their split 7"s with Golden Birds and Silent Reminder. Leave comments and enjoy.

Oh yeah, this thread is dedicated to my room-mates of Park ave. Good times with dart-guns, mongoloids, Mario Kart, fire works, the list goes on and on....

members:
Daniel Morse | Guitars and vocals
Ian Thompson | Drums
Mike Petillo | Bass
Aaron Leitko | Guitar

based out of:
Washington, DC

label:
Level Plane


Black Castle & Navies [Splits]


My Heroes Have Always Killed Cowboys


Notes