EP Review: Atomics by Problem With Dragons

A reader just turned “us” (me) on to stoner rock trio Problem With Dragons and I’m really enjoying their 2012 EP Atomics.  Hailing from Easthampton, Massachusetts, these guys deliver fuzz-laden anthems in manageable 3-4 minute chunks. The EP opens with “Wanting,” catching the listener with a doomy hook almost immediately.  That guitar riff builds gradually,… Continue reading EP Review: Atomics by Problem With Dragons

Slavery and Segregation… In Connecticut?

  While watching the documentary Freedom Riders with my middle school students last week, one of them stumped me with a great question: was there racial segregation in Connecticut? This led the class on a broad fact-finding mission where we learned some positive and negative things about our state’s history. Here are a few of… Continue reading Slavery and Segregation… In Connecticut?

Interview with Allison of Empty Vessels

Empty Vessels are a two-piece punk band out of New London County, comprised of Allison (guitar/vocals) and Justin (drums/vocals), who play it loud and proud. We could split hairs, and start talking sub-genres, but let’s just say if you want something noisy and full of attitude, they will definitely fill your need. In the three… Continue reading Interview with Allison of Empty Vessels

Trim The Fat: A Review of Napalm Death’s Apex Predator – Easy Meat

  What else is there to say about Napalm Death? They’re one of the longest lasting and most consistent extreme metal bands in existence. And though they’ve been plagued with a few musical hiccups and numerous lineup changes in the past, they continue to be forerunners in the grindcore genre that they helped create. And… Continue reading Trim The Fat: A Review of Napalm Death’s Apex Predator – Easy Meat

Track Premier: Grizzlor’s “It’s All Bullshit”

Connecticut noise rockers GRIZZLOR have teamed up with Norwegian Noise Punk duo BARREN WOMB for a split 7″, due out March 17th on Riotous Outburst Records. The release will be available digitally and on limited edition vinyl, which can be pre-ordered now at http://goo.gl/m2hjdn. A Barren Womb track will also be premiered on 2/16. Grizzlor/Barren Womb Split Track Listing: 1. Grizzlor –… Continue reading Track Premier: Grizzlor’s “It’s All Bullshit”

Remember That Time We Went to BEER CONN?

And her. Definitely saw her.

On December 13, 2014, Johnny Pluckman and The Hipster King were cordially invited to attend BEER CONN at The Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut. They both missed their trains, but luckily they found a Good Samaritan willing to cart this precious cargo to the event. Armed with only a tasting glass, a pen and pad,… Continue reading Remember That Time We Went to BEER CONN?

Swamp Blues from Sweden? Insubordia by The Lost Poets

When I picture Scandinavia, it’s all fjords, At the Gates, and the Northern Lights.  “Swamp” and “blues” are probably the last words that come to mind.  But it seems that my preconceived notions are getting challenged a lot these days — most recently by Stockholm duo The Lost Poets.  These Swedes in top hats have a predilection… Continue reading Swamp Blues from Sweden? Insubordia by The Lost Poets