Who: Trash Talk

What do they sound like: Black Flag’s My War, done right, combined with a little Suicidal Tendencies

Why YOU Should Listen: The Sacramento, CA-based band just sound evil. But you can never go wrong with evil-sounding, raw and incredibly powerful hardcore punk.  The band’s new self-titled record is a great combination of heaviness without resorting to cheap gimmicks and macho posturing. It’s balls-to-the-wall old-school thrash that reminds you of why you liked punk rock in the first place.  Check out their song “Dig” on our player to the right.

Tags: Band Spotlight, trash talk by Costa
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Photo by Aaron Weber

Lighten Up.

What Do They Sound Like : Think classic 80’s hardcore (Minor Threat, Dag Nasty, Gorilla Biscuits) with a healthy sense of humor.

Why YOU Should Listen : Philly’s Lighten Up want to back on the thrash in a big way. That’s not to say they’re too serious, because with songs like “Skateboarding On Thin Ice,” you can tell they’re having fun, which is what counts. Check it all out on their Myspace page, and get in touch with them if you can help out with their upcoming tour, starting August 7th.

Tags: Band Spotlight, Lighten Up., News by Costa
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Photo by Linda Wildemann

Who: The Obits.

What do they sound like: Surf Like Jehu.

Why YOU should listen: Former Drive Like Jehu/Hot Snakes member Rick Froberg has a new band! Although his credentials are always looming, The Obits should please all fans of his previous work. They take the aggression of his previous bands and kick it up with a garage rockin’, Fuzztones-esque groove. The Obits do not have any recorded material yet but there are some demo songs on the band’s Myspace. 

Tags: Band Spotlight, The Obits by Matthew
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Who: Clatter Clatter

What do they sound like: Smooth indie/Get Up Kids-influenced pop.

Why you should listen: Although they have enough soul and bite to stand out from other indie bands these days, Clatter Clatter just want to have fun. Screw the trappings of being a musician! Playing great songs is their mission. As a New Yorker, I shouldn’t be rooting for Bostonians, but whatever, they’re good. Check out “Downpour” and “Just To Say” at their Myspace page.

Tags: Band Spotlight, Clatter Clatter by Costa
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Photo by Tiff Yoon

Lancaster, PA generally brings to mind thoughts that involve horse and buggies, tourist traps, and all you can eat breakfast buffets. Face-melting technical rock really isn’t on the forefront of that list. After hearing guitar and drum duo 1994, your perception of the Amish capital of the world might need some retooling.

I went to Circle of Hope in South Philly recently to see a friends’ band play, expecting to see some amigos and enjoy a night of live music. 1994 proceeded to put on one of the best live shows I’ve seen in years. The band has achieved the perfect combination of unbelievable musicianship and stage presence, and their recently recorded demo is a fair indicator of their talent. Gravely sung/screamed vocals, uber-technical guitar and some of the most intense drumming ever all combine to make a band I can’t wait to see again and hear some new tunes from in the future. Plus, one of their songs is called “Sexual Alien vs. Sexual Predator.” If that doesn’t make you love them, I don’t know what will.

Check out some songs off of their Winter ‘08 demo here.

Tags: Band Spotlight, News by Leah
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