Volume 1
DIY music is interesting in that it produces a situation where you both seemingly wait forever for your favorite band to release their next new thing, while a countless number of great musicians release new stuff at a breakneck pace that it seems almost impossible to keep up. This, of course, creates an interesting juxtaposition between hurry up and wait. It is with that in mind, that I will share a selection of great music that I wanted to cover when it was released but for whatever reason was unable to.
Harper kill– A Taste of Harper kill– May 6 2024
This 6 song EP by Michigan band Harper Kill is the prefect example of early to mid 2000s pop-punk being alive and well in 2024. Its upbeat and somewhat grim at times but still manages to be inspirational while shining a light on the realities of our times. The stand out song for me on this album is “Death and Taxes”. It’s an upbeat look at a world where you finally are free to do the things you like and no longer have uninspired and pointless responsibilities thrust upon you. The only catch is, in order to get to this world of freedom, you kind of have to die first. I think it is a scathing examination of our current society that operates without a concern for the hopes and desires of most individuals and how that’s not likely to change without something drastic happening.
How I Became Invisible– Sadness is Rebellion– June 5 2024
This particular 7 song album from Philly artist How I Became Invisible, didn’t get a full article because it is a collection of covers. I am very much a sucker for covers so I have to show a little restraint to ensure this blog doesn’t become a pure cover song publication. That being said, I will allow myself an indulgence every now and then especially for an album such as this. Each song stands on its own and is extremely well done. I particularly enjoyed, “I’ll follow the Sun” and the rendition of “1979” caps the album off in a way that makes a complete listen through more than worth it.
The Galaxy Has Eyes– Sneaky Link– July 2 2024
The Galaxy Has Eyes, is a high octane female fronted punk band from central Pennsylvania. If you don’t know about them, their newest single, “Sneaky Link” is a great intro. It’s packed full of more energy than any one song has the right to. Angry lyrics, fast guitar, and a baritone sax accompaniment gives you the feeling that you could punch a mountain.
Apes of the State– What Am I doing with My Life– August 21 2024
Folk has a very strong tradition of taking old melodies and setting it to new and relevant lyrics for the current day. “What am I doing with my life” by Folk Punk legends Apes of the State does just that by re-imagining a classic to ask the question I think everyone has asked more than once throughout the course of their life. April Hartman has an amazing self deprecation humor that comes out in the lyrics. It’s a great song. I honestly love everything about it especially the mandolin.
The Sensations//Hans Gruber and the Die Hards– Tokyo Two Step – September 3 2024
This wonderful EP is a split with Texas Skacore band Hans Gruber and the Die Hards and the Tokyo based ska band The Sensations. Hans Gruber’s track, “Trepanation” has bombastic horns and creepy lyrics that speak of spirits and possession. Next, they offer up a very good rendition of “I Put a Spell on You”. Both are fantastic especially considering this was released in the lead up to spooky season. This split was my introduction to The Sensations and I will tell you that I am very glad for it. The two songs they contributed to the EP are both simply amazing. They are upbeat, catchy, and packed to the brim with fast guitar. For me, they are a solid reminder of why I love Japanese Ska, something that I am ashamed to admit I may have forgotten about. The stand out song is “Magic Call”. It has everything I mentioned above plus a great guitar solo followed by a little horn piece that left me wanting more. This album really personifies why I like splits so much. You get a band you like to get you in the door and then you get a bonus band to fall in love with. In short, I came for the Hans Gruber, but I stayed for The Sensations.
Brianna Carmel– I never said (a platonic love song), October 4 2024
This new single from Brianna Carmel takes their page from a diary writing style to new heights. The ukulele driven indie sound that Brianna is known for is finely tuned here with a sense of bitter sweet honestly that is intensely refreshing. The message of the song is of mutual support, camaraderie and friendship and ends on a empowering note, stating “from the Valley to New Mexico, you got people behind you.” Interlaced with the final lyrics is a series of bell notes that accentuate the ending in an incredibly enduring way that rounds out the bitter sweetness of the song into something more hopeful. If you are not familiar with Brianna Carmel, this song is a great entry point to their work. I highly suggest everyone check it out.
This playlist review was originally posted on November 12, 2024 on the former LFDH substack.
