I’ve always heard of Scream Hello, but never really sat down to listen to them. Man, I was missing out. A great mix of melodic pop punk with smart lyrics, I’ve been spinning this little teaser for their upcoming full-length, Everything Is Always Still Happening constantly. If you don’t find yourself tapping your feet or even dancing to “Vinegar & Baking Soda,” you’re a goddamn Communist sympathizer who deserves life in jail.

First off, Astpai are European. How fucking hardcore is that? Ok, maybe not terribly so. I mean, I lived there for a while and I’m not that hardcore. Still, the Austria-based band represent the genre perfectly. A great mix of politically-minded thrash, hardcore, with a touch of pop-punk melodies can be found on their Corruption Concealed (Under Deceptive Slogans), out now on Rise Or Rust Records. The record takes some time to pick up and find itself, but by the end of the second song you will be totally into it. Somewhat surprisingly, you do find songs like “Hard To Manage Broken Windows” delving into a more melodic acoustic sound, something that you’d think someone like New Found Glory would be using. Soon enough though, the Look Back And Laugh-esque parts kick in with the blistering guitars and vocals growling, enough to sound like they’re bleeding. All of this without the misplaced machismo you’d usually associate with vocals like that. I’ve been on a hardcore fix for a while now and Astpai definitely are helping to sooth that craving, so check out Corruption Concealed… if you come across it.

This tasty little bit for today’s 7-Inch Corner is from the magnificently-named Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate). Yes, that’s their full name. I know, it’s a mouthful. The Michigan-based  band’s Year Of The Rabbit 7-inch for some reason, reminds me a bit of a lullaby. A lullaby that’s both sweet but incredibly haunting as well, without trying too hard.

The title track is my personal favorite, and I can see this band developing a growing following. They take the best parts of indie, pop, and a touch of folk music to make their own unique sound, even as this sorta sound is getting popular these days. I’m pretty sure Empire! Empire! (no way in hell I’m remembering the whole name) are a name you’ll be seein’ later.

Great, another record that puts me to sleep. It’s ambitious. I can definitely give History‘s Ghosts In The City that much. Unfortunately, that’s about it, because after a while the whole thing just seemed like one, really long song. I don’t know if it’s just because it’s not really my thing or some sort of inherent deal with this record, but the ambient post- -rock/electro leanings of Ghosts left me with an unfavorable impression.

First off, it really isn’t that crucial to have this. Don’t be fooled. Second, I’m sorry, but remixes are for hip hop artists and Refused. No one else, I don’t care how funny an idea it sounded like when it came to mind.

If I sound unduly harsh, forgive me, but in general, The Crucial Collection by Look Mexico, out now on Lujo Records, just doesn’t do it for me. On a basis of what they sound like, LM are a solid, soft pop band that I might be able to get behind if I saw them live. Most of the songs on this album this just put me to sleep. Good thing I wasn’t driving when I was listening to this. And as I noted before, the included “remixed” tracks, like “You Ever Get Punched In The Face For Talking Too Much?” just fail to really stand out to me at all. If anything, they sound like the backing score to some kind of “The Hills”-esque show. Way to go rippin’ on another sub-par band (Phantom Planet) guys.