Friday, December 10, 2010

Shutting Down

I've decided that I'm going to shut down Underground Punk. It was simply a child project that lasted a few months. It's helped me learn a lot, and help me figure out what I really want to do. I'm going to make something much bigger and much better than Underground Punk. I want to create a full blown website, not just a blogspot. Something that is more than just interviews. Something with show reviews, interviews, album reviews, and content uploaded almost everyday. A true music empire, full of knowledge about the punk, pop, hardcore scene, and any sub genre in between. I really appreciate the few thousand of you unique visitors I've gotten in these short months. I'm also deciding to leave this page up, that way the bands can still get the promotion they deserve.  I want to learn more, and really improve my writing skills and my knowledge before I start something like this again. When I do though, I promise you it will be worth the wait. I'm sorry to everyone, and I thank you for your support.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

November's Unsigned Band of the Month: By Summer's End


A sense of refreshing taste. A sense of interesting exposition. A Sense Of Change. That's new EP title by indie/alternative band, By Summer's End. Let me tell you one thing, these guys deserve the spot of November's Unsigned Band of the Month. Why? Because their something unique. When Nathan Riddle, their lead guitarist contacted me, I had never heard of By Summer's End. Now that I have, I'm glad to say I'm a fan of the band.


Hailing from Concord, North Carolina, the band began originally began in 2007 to play the members 8th grade dance. (Side note: Good lord 8th grade feels like an eternity ago). By Summer's End decided to keep it going. Through a few member changes a long the way, were left with some of the best of the unsigned alternative industry. The current lineup is pretty recent. Some of the members just joined as of August 2010, but don't let that steer you away from taking a listen. The band put together one hell of an EP that would make you think they've been playing together for quite some time. Members Nathan Riddle (Lead Guitar/Vocals), Alyssa Nelson (Rhythm Guitar/Vocals), Matthew Ensley (Bass/Vocals), and TJ Hurley (Drums & Percussion) talked with me about their band so that you guys could find out more about them. Without further a due, here is the November Unsigned Band of the Month, By Summer's End! 


Me: What gives you inspiration?


BSE: A huge part of our writing incorporates change. Lyrically, our songs are generally about change, whether it be wanting change, looking back on change, and so on. We see it as something that is in all aspects of life, so we embrace it. We're also inspired by challenges. Our music definitely reflects that. We challenge ourselves to make what we are doing better each time, and we like to go against the grain. We want our inspirations to shine so bright that it inspires the listener.


Me: How do you get pumped up for a show?


BSE: We always get together and hang out during the day of the show. We run through the set, work out the kinks, but make sure we have fun with it. We also watch a lot of Family Guy. Things like that ease our nerves and helps us focus on what needs to get done, rather than what can go wrong. 


Me: Where did you get the name By Summer's End?


BSE: We were going through a sort of segue during the time and we needed a new name. Nathan had posted a blog about being something completely new and fresh, with new material shows, and the whole shebang by summer's end. TJ read the blog and liked the way that phrase sounded as a name, and it kind of represented what we were trying to do. Unfortunately, being the perfectionists (or procrastinators) we are, we're just now finishing up our transformation. We wanted to make sure what we had was something special, and we didn't want to put a due date on it.


Me: How would you describe the way you are feeling during a live performance?


BSE: It's hard to put in words that feeling. It's just so unparalleled. That rush of nerves, anxiety, excitement, joy, adrenalin... it's just so overwhelming. We LOVE it. It's so incredible playing in front of people who came out to listen to what you have to offer, and be open to it. We take advantage of this and we make a show what it's truly meant to be, a performance. That feeling is simply nothing short of amazing.


Me: If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would that food be?


BSE: Nathan- Pasta!
Alyssa-Sushi
Mathew- Cajun Fillet Biscuit from Bojangles
TJ- McGangBang (for those of you who don't know what this is, you're probably quite confused so click here.)

Me: What is the best concert you have been to in the past year?

BSE: Nathan-Blink-182
Alyssa-Emarosa 
Matthew-Blink-182
TJ- Avenged Sevenfold



Me: Any shout-outs?

BSE: All of our families, significant others, friends, and fans! Thanks so much!

There you have it! My pick for Unsigned Band of the Month! If you want to take a listen to By Summer's End check out some of their links I have posted below! The entire EP A Sense Of Change is amazingly well put together. What's so great about it is that it takes influences from so many genres of music. Blues, Indie, pop/punk and more all form together to make one huge, badass alternative mash of music. Make sure to check these guys out, and keep an eye on them. I have a feeling this won't be the last time you hear the name By Summer's End!


Thursday, December 2, 2010

No Mistakes About It

Underoath
O (Disambiguation)
November 9, 2010




Disambiguation is the term used to differentiate the separate meanings from a word that is used more than once with the same pronunciation or spelling. But there is no mistaking the badass sound which is produced from post hardcore gods, Underoath in their new album O (Disambiguation). If you have enjoyed the past albums released by Underoath, then this is certainly another you will want to add to your collection. 


When I first checked out the album, I noticed that the same sound I loved was on this album again. My favorite song from the whole album is probably "In Division", which happens to be the first song on the album. It's just so well put together. It really shows how well the whole band can synch together too. The drum beats flow perfectly between every guitar part, the vocals sound great, and the chorus is so damn catchy. My other favorites include "Driftwood", and "Who Will Guard The Guardian". "Driftwood" has an awesome intro, hands down. It combines so many peculiar sounds to combine a tranquil type feeling. It's a bit different from a lot of the things on the album, which makes it unique. It's more of a filler than an actual song though, none-the-less it's still pretty neat.  


All in all, if you are a previous fan of Underoath, you need to check out the album. I'm sure a lot of you already have. If you haven't heard of Underoath, then you are either new to the hardcore scene, or you have been living under a rock for most of your life. If either of those hold true then make sure to check out the album on their PureVolume here . Oh, and get a shower too. Comments always welcome!