Author Archive

UTG PREMIERE: Helen Earth Band – “Castaway”

Helen Earth Band could have been a band’s band. You know the type – musically-proficient with off-kilter tunes, primed for validation via other musicians while casual listeners missed the point. But We Fucking Quit, their second full-length, resonates wider than that. Helen Earth Band’s Braidtastic brand packs the punch that’ll win over general audiences while […]

UTG PREMIERE: Henrietta – “Leave It Alone”

You have to love what Henrietta‘s swinging. The Orlando quartet push a great brand of emo-tinged rock with mathy elements, a friendly formula for fans of Braid, Balance & Composure, The American Scene or even Minus The Bear. The sound’s perfectly unrefined, just as it should be – bleeding with raw urgency while offering great […]

UTG ALBUM PREMIERE: Matter – ‘Teraphim’

Defining modern post-hardcore (an absurd term) is a chore – the genre’s become mishmashed between countless other ___cores and strayed from its original intentions. Most agree the genre’s heyday fell somewhere in the mid-2000s when Thrice and Underoath dominated the scene, though it’s been some time since that sound’s released a prominent record. Enter Matter, […]

UTG PREMIERE: The Hunters – “It Had To Be You”

We’re so busy defending pop-punk and reviving emo that we rarely address the great crop of ’90s-influenced bands out there. Throw Canada’s The Hunters in that last batch – their brand of rock channels a great ’96 bar band (that’s, you know, actually good) with doses of Daytrader, Foo Fighters, and Rise Against making appearances. […]

Jonny, Kurt, and Tilian – Three New Songs from Three DGD Vocalists

There’s a certain esteem held towards those who’ve helmed Dance Gavin Dance – it’s a coveted slot that’s rotated between a trio of powerful vocalists who demand your attention. Jonny Craig, Kurt Travis, and Tilian Pearson all offered unique perspective to the tenured and troubled post-hardcore act, differentiating themselves further with their individual pursuits. It’s […]

UTG PREMIERE: Tilian – “Future Friends”

You might associate Tilian Pearson with any number of bands from the last few years, but the singer’s solo project may have the most potential. With 2013’s Material Me, the vocalist leapt headfirst into electronic-infused pop, exploring all sorts of soundscapes far outside his previous material but immediately natural to his range. While Dance Gavin […]

UTG PREMIERE: Happy Body Slow Brain – “Emperor (Live)”

Happy Body Slow Brain‘s debut LP earned quite a few fans, but their live show indoctrinated a loyal following. Whether they’re playing a stage, a warehouse or a pizza place, the band’s performance energy fills rooms in an unrivaled way. Few acts show such vitality while maintaining precision and delivering a friendly set – which […]

UTG PREMIERE: Closure In Moscow – “Neoprene Byzantine”

Closure In Moscow side effects may include psychedelic hallucinations, rhythmic tremors, and musical euphoria, especially at the Pink Lemonade dose. The Australians’ first record since 2009’s frenetically fantastic First Temple brings all kinds of strange, throwing jammier grooves into their old post-hardcore pace — it’s an eclectic cocktail of awesome that tastes funky, but goes […]

UTG SONG PREMIERE: VIS – “Listen:”

Sure, technology’s made it absurdly easy for new bands to release tunes, but there’s still a scarcity of originality (and talent, depending who you ask).  That’s what makes VIS so exciting – a brand new band (seriously – they’re months old) that’s doing something brand new. We’ve got “Listen:” cued up today, the opener for […]