Hey, old man! What's in the bag? - Trixine

Swingin’ Utters “The Streets of San Francisco”
This is a reissue of their first official full length, originally
released by New Red Archives in 1995. The cover art is still
the same, and there are the same amount of tracks. They’ve
been called everything from street punk to cow punk, I think
they’ve even got a touch of ska. Either way, they’ve been one
of the predominant punk bands over the past five or so years,
so if you’re down with that and haven’t heard them yet, you
better go get this one real quick. (Fat Wreck)
The Convocation Of... “Pyramid Technology”
Though I’ve been meaning to for a while, this is the first time
I’ve heard these Baltimore drone-rock freaks, and now I can
see why they’ve already got a couple of albums out on GSL.
They fit in perfect with that messy, gangly, lazy yet soulful
GogogoAirheart sound, maybe even a little ‘heavier’. It’s got
just enough bad rock to keep it energized, mixed with equal
parts innovation to keep my interest. I wouldn’t say it’s typical,
because that may draw away from the fact that I liked it, but
it’s definitely what I expected. (Tigerstyle)
Her Space Holiday “Manic Expressive”
I don’t get it. Marc Bianchi is already on the cover of all these
UK music magazines, but people around here seem to be paying
less attention his lush, dreamy electronic pop. This followup
to Home Is Where You Hang Yourself remains at about the
same inspiration level in terms of lyrics, which borders on
both touching and simple. The music focuses on lots of violin
and guitar loops, as well as other ‘real instrument’ loops, as
opposed to the last album, which seemed to be more computer
noise generated. In terms of Philly stuff, HSH have a split 7”
with Flowchart, and have remixed an Aspera song. (Tigerstyle)
The American Analog Set “New Equation” (7”)
b/w All I Want For Christmas. Two songs from the “Know By
Heart” sessions, not included on the full length, but just as
good. The A-side is downbeat with a smokey groove and heavy
keys, the B-side is more wistful and like a lullaby, like a slow
march. If you’ve listened to The Set, you know their songs will
linger in your head for weeks, so these two songs definitely left
me calling for more. A Personal Pick. (Tigerstyle)
Pedro The Lion
“The Only Real Reason I Feel Secure” (EP)
Pedro The Lion “It’s Hard To Find A Friend”
These are both re-releases of Dan Bazan’s first full length and
EP, both originally out on the now defunct Made in Mexico.
Both remastered with new packaging, the EP also includes
Pedro’s first 3 song single. Bazan’s shaky voice is immediately
recognizable, and neither of these albums veer off from that
heartachy, beat up guitar sound that was so great on Winners
Never Quit. It’s nice to know that these releases are more
accessible than before, and rightfully so. (Jade Tree)