Huge updates coming this week! Chariot show review! Roslyn EP review, and moreeee

Back To Reality & FreeP - The Jim Ivins Band

The Jim Ivins Band, a great little acoustic pop-rock band from Richmond, Virginia hit me up to review their 2 EP's and im very glad they did. Musically sounding like college town acoustic rock in the likes of Dashboard Confessional, Rookie Of The Year, and a little bit like Norfolk natives Mae. The Jim Ivins Band's music reminds you of summer, good times, and maybe those moonlit walks on the beach with your girlfriend. The catchy chorus's will be stuck in your head, and these 2 EP's will easily be played over and over again in your car or through your headphones. With the fall here its always nice to have those bands who just have great songs to remind us of our summer, as Jim Ivins Band does on thier single The Chance. I wish there was more to say, but this is acoustic pop at its best, with memorable lyrics, great vocals, and catchy chorus's, you'll be singing along all day long, seeing this band this fall. Get well soon guys, I know your going through some massive Swine Flu there. Go pick these records up, and check out The Jim Ivins Band live,
thanks for reading,
Codie

www.myspace.com/thejimivinsband

Epitaph Tour 9/30 Charlotte, North Carolina Words & Photos by Codie Early

Every Time I Die

September 30th, the Epitaph Tour presented by Zune rolled into Charlotte, North Carolina's Amos Southend with a solid line-up consisting of U.K. Metal-core, Southern Hardcore, and Technical Metal? Every Time I Die, Bring Me The Horizon, Architects, and Oh, Sleeper filled up the bill on what would be an exciting evening for fans who were lucky enough to be in attendance at the Sold out date.


Oh Sleeper

Oh, Sleeper would be the first band to take the stage, the young band recently just released their new full-length record Son Of The Morning on Solid State records, Most of the set came off this record, The band played as intensely as they could, the crowd moved the whole time, and the band had great stage presence. With big inspirational sing-a-long chorus's and some of the heaviest breakdowns of the night, Oh, Sleeper was headline material. They closed with the crowd favorite Vices Like Vipers with some of the largest crowd participation of the night. I highly suggest you go pick up the new record, it is easily one of the best releases of the year.


Oh Sleeper


Architects

Architects(U.K.) as soon most places was next to take the stage, the Brighton based U.K. band had the best performance of the night hands down. Playing a mixture of Hardcore, Metal, and Melodic Hardcore. They had the best sound of the night, with screams identical to Oliver Sikes, and a clean singing voice that was one of the best many have heard, the band could play whatever they wanted and be successful. Blasting through a 30 minute set of breakdowns, melodic riffs, and gang vocals, Architects proved why they were the next big thing out of the U.K., Move over Bring Me The Horizon these guys are here to take your spot, your fans, and everything else you've had in America for the last 2 years. The band was never standing still once during their set and were as nice as can be if you had the pleasure of meeting them. Go pick up their new record Hollow Crown out now.


Architects

Archiects


Bring Me The Horizon

Bring Me The Horizon, a band Ive seen get progressively worse and worse every time I see them play actually got better. Playing through the normal set of all new songs and one old song, the band had lots of crowd participation, and vocalist Oliver Sikes was once again relying heavily on the crowd to sing most of his harder to reach notes. However the band sounded tight as ever and Oli didn't sound band either when he did sing.
Bring ME The Horizon
After their surprisingly short set, instead of 80% of the crowd leaving like normal, almost all of them stuck around the Epitaph Tour Headliner Every Time I Die,

Bring Me The Horizon

Bring Me The Horizon


Every Time I Die

Every Time I Die, having just released the new record New Junk Aesthetic, the crowd was ready to see if ETID could pull the songs of live, and that they could. Playing a full mix of songs from almost all of the bands albums, and surprisingly a lot of new songs. There was never a dull moment during ETID's headlining set.
Every Time I Die
From crowd favorites Floater, New Black and Werewolf to new songs like The Marvelous Slut which will become crowd favorites, the band showed why they were still one of the best live acts around. As soon as they finished the set they were all hanging out around the merch table meeting as many fans as they could. True showmanship, check out the new record if you haven't.

Every Time I Die


A huge thank you goes out to Oh,Sleeper for hooking me up with a photopass, and to Architects for being such cool dudes, I highly suggest you go see all of these bands live this fall on tours. Especially Architects and Oh, Sleeper.
Thanks for reading,
Codie
www.myspace.com/ohsleeper
www.myspace.com/architectsuk
www.myspace.com/bmth
www.myspace.com/everytimeidie

More updates are coming tonight guys, album reviews from Jim Ivins Band, Epitaph Tour Review, and a Drop Dead Clothing Interview, so hit up the site tommorow

The Afternoon Tour 9/25 Greene Street Club

On a pleasantly cold and rainy Friday evening in Downtown Greensboro, North Carolina. Virgina's MAE would bring their new (A)fternoon tour to Greene Street Club. The tour was in celebration of the new Afternoon EP and the Morning EP being released in stores only days before the show. Mae, Locksley, Deas Vail, and local indie rock outfit House Of Fools would round out a evening filled with amazing musicianship, and insane visual imagery.
Deas Vail

Deas Vail opened up the show and got the crowds attention immediately by going into cuts off the EP White Lights and some new songs off the new full length album which will be coming out October 27th. Singer/Keyboardist Wes Blaylock sounds dead on just like the EP if not better live. The band for being a indie rock and slower band has loads of energy on-stage as well as loads of emotion. Possibly one of the best live performances I've seen around in forever. If you haven't checked them out yet you definitely should after seeing them live you will be a fan forever. www.myspace.com/deasvail.

Locksley

Locksley who are now one of my absolute favorite bands, after checking them out on myspace and hearing a amazing infusion of classic rock and indie and pop-rock.
The Wisconsin based 4-piece sped filled a 45 minute set with 14 songs. If you look at the set-list there was a real version and humorous gag version the band's drummer makes every night with a different code. Aside from all the funny business Locksley's brand of Indie Rock won loads of fans over with super fun singalong songs and cover of Modest Mouse's huge hit Float On which sounded better than the original. The band's live show blows the CD away which is also an amazing release you all should pick up. Another unique thing about locksley itself is that Both guitarist's and bassist share vocal duty's making for a great sound and different kick to each song. Playing cuts of the new CD coming out this fall and the current full length release "Dont Make Me Wait" Locksley left the crowd energized and ready for more.


Mae

Mae came on to a full house at Greene Street Club playing a very extensive hour and half set. Before the went on fans were urged to sign up for the Mae mailing list and in return they'd get a pretty snazzy pair of Mae 3D glasses to wear during the set. The reason? Mae has video screens that play during their songs and they also have 3D effects. The band played songs of all of their albums including some new songs off (M)orning and (A)fternoon. Old hits like Summertime, brought a full slew of crowd singalongs. Dave sounds great live, as does the whole band. The video show was great and went along and timed perfectly with every song. Mae is doing something very different live, the band shying away from the old pop-rock days and now into the Indie days is doing an amazing job making amazing music. Not to mention the guys are humble as ever and are out serving many communities on this tour. I urge you to go see it live or purchase on of the charity songs on thier myspace.
Thanks for reading,
Codie
For more info on the bands and tour dates for the (A)fternoon tour visit,
www.myspace.com/mae
www.myspace.com/locksley
www.myspace.com/deasvail
For more info on Greene Street Club visit,
www.myspace.com/greenestreetclub

A huge thanks goes out to Joe Ferguson for putting on the show, and to Locksley for getting me and Tracie on the guest-list. And to Deas Vail for hooking me up with a copy of White Lights. Which you all should go buy.

Audible View - Dear Sister EP

I got an e-mail from Audible View and thought they were joking with me when they sent me 5 song files that were 34mb + each. But these guys were legit, They sent me the WAV files for their new EP entitled Dear Sister.

Wow is all I can say about this EP. It is one of my all time favorite records easily now, Lyrically I've found some inspirations for my tatoo im getting this Fall and thats really saying something. The band claims to be Virginia's new most up & coming rock act. Well they are definitely right. The album from start to finish is the perfect combination of catchy chorus's, heartfelt lyrics, and just raw emotion. Its not a rock CD, its not a pop CD, its almost a indie rock hybrid with a touch of heavy. The guitar work is intriguing, their drummer keeps on beat perfectly. Vocally the album has some of the vest vocal work I've heard all year. The 4 piece opts out of having a front-man which is a huge win over for me as I greatly dislike fronted bands. This is the type of band you'll hear once and be in love with forever. There just that great. Especially since they have a original sound which is so hard to come by these days. I give the album a 5/5 and it is a must have for anyone, Go buy it off i-tunes or from their big-cartel site and see them at the shows they have coming up soon,
Thanks for reading,
Codie.
http://audibleview.bigcartel.com/

Big Updates Coming

Hey guys had a busy few days, big updates are coming Monday tho including a live show review of Mae's Afternoon Tour and cd reviews from Jim Ivans Band, Audible View, and more. Also doing a interview with Drop Dead Clothing's Brendan. So get stoked. Did I mention we'll also have live show features next week of the Epitaph Tour and the Rockstar Energy Drink Vs. Tour. Big things so be on the lookout. And go pre-order Lights Out Dancing's new record www.myspace.com/lightsoutdancing,
Codie

My Lady Four - Everyone Pays The Gatekeeper EP

My Lady Four, definitely one of the best bands and most unique bands i've got to review since I started this site. My Lady Four brings a nice little unique blend of pop-punk, but its not cookie-cutter. Its uniquely different as there's a insane little storyline behind the album. The lyrics aren't your normal pop-punk band lyrics either. Like I said the whole album is a lovely concept album, about a gatekeeper. Honestly the storyline and songs resemble a more pop-punk version of The Dear Hunter. The album is great song wise as it has your catchy chorus's, amazing memorable lyrics. And excellent musicianship. There's a couple of really good guest vocal spots and some really nice piano driven songs on the album. Originality is huge part of why I like this album as this band does a lot differently. Even vocally the album has a great vocalist who doesn't sound like anyone out there in the industry today. Id like to give this album a high point but it as a whole is a high point. 4/5 is my rating and you should go check these guys out on myspace or pick up a disc.
Thanks for reading,
Codie.
www.myspace.com/myladyfour
http://www.myladyfour.bigcartel.com/

Take Cover - The Last Word EP

This was a release I had been looking forward to since I stumbled across the bands myspace page and listened to the old EP. I ran into 2 member of Take Cover on warped playing with the very talented You, Me, And Everyone We Know. They gave me a copy of The Last Word and told me to have fun. Haha well a month later I actually got to listen to the damn thing. Here is how it stacks up.
The album musically is pop-punk and rock. Personally I think these guys remind me of early Brand New, Your Favorite Weapon days. Lyrically the album is absolutely perfect. Catchy chorus's but this isn't the happy go go cookie cutter pop-punk. The lyrics are actually filled with rough times, I went through a nasty break-up recently and this album is just what I need musically. Lyrically its one of the catchiest, and easiest to listen to releases i've heard in years. Not to mention the songs don't get old, they have meaning, passion, and will stay with you for a long time to come. Only 4 tracks long it is a short burst showcasing what the band will have to offer with a full length. There is not a bad song on the CD giving this album a 5/5 and a must buy if your a music lover, of if you just want a new favorite CD to sing it along to. I can promise you, that you wont be disappointed. Need more reason to get this album? Take a look at the teaser below,
Thanks for reading,
Codie.
www.myspace.com/takecoverofficial
Pick up your copy of The Last Word @ smartpunk.com or the bands online store.
http://takecover.bigcartel.com/

The Casque - The Lost Art of Thought

Well the first official band from North Carolina to be reviewed by NC Music Scene is The Casque. And man what a great way to start out for NC Bands. The Casque just recently released their new EP "The Lost Art of Thought" and I had the pleasure of giving it a listen and reviewing this lovely little release.

The album has a nice run together so you gotta play it in order to get the full effect. The first track "Time Flies When Your In a Coma" is easily my favorite track off the album but sets the tone for whats to come. Heavy screams, great guitar work, and some killer chorus's make this EP an outstanding release. They even throw you a curve ball or two by an amazing instrumental interlude. Jeremy also has a very unique scream, opting out of highs and carrying a low scream the whole record it makes every song feel heavier. However all of that is not what makes this CD one of my favorite records released this year. Its the fact that The Casque are doing something different, there songs aren't the typical metal-core song, why they do have their breakdowns and 2-steps. They do them in a insanely different way.I I give this release a 4/5 and highly suggest you go pick it up. They also will be touring this winter, and have lots of shows coming up within the next 2 weeks including shows with Solid State heavy hitters Inhale Exhale and T&N newbies Sent By Ravens.
Thanks for reading,
Codie

www.myspace.com/thecasque

Big things coming

So there will be a lot of big things coming for NC MUSIC SCENE. Im adding a second photographer to my site, His name is Alex, he will be running the myspace page and a lot of the designs, and photo effects you'll see will be through him.

Another big thing is ill be doing album reviews twice daily as well as accepting submissions from bands for anything reviewed. Whether it be live shows, Cd's or whatever. If you want something reviewed please e-mail me and we'll talk more ncmusicscene@yahoo.com

Ill be putting up a live show calendar soon of all the NON Touring shows ill be attending.

We'll also have some pretty great features coming up later in month with a few pretty big touring bands.

Also as soon as I can find a venue were gonna do the NC Music SceneFest. It'll basically be a $5 concert featuring some touring acts that im helping out as well as a diverse group of locals.

Its gonna be a lot of fun, so if you have any feedback, bands we should do features on. Or any just mail you'd like to send, you may contact me on myspace or e-mail me here ncmusicscene@yahoo.com
Codie

Karrigan - Summer Ep Review

Karrigan, a newer band out of Orlando, Florida caught my attention last year when singer Chase stopped me at the front lines at Warped Tour and asked me to give his band a listen. A quick mix of Anberlin, and piano driven melodies won be over and I picked up the bands first record, My Conscience Got The Best Of Me. Well a full year later I received the second EP put out by this fabulous band from Orlando while hanging out with them on Warped Tour. I was very excited to see that they had re-done two of the old EP's tracks, Coastline and Summer Shadez as they were my favorites off the old cd.
The new EP however, is very different, instead of being the same beachy fun pop-punk band I first caught listen to. They are now going for a more mainstream pop sound. However they make it work, very well I might add. Songs like Sleeping With Your Lights On, and Party @draculacastle are more techno feel with a hint of metro station and those solo electronic artist we all love, thanks to Chase's hushed vocals. However the album turns genre's completely when they bust back into the piano driven Summer Shadez and the album's close Coastline. But the biggest standout track on the album is Crazy. Its a all around catchy single with a great summer pop-punk vibe. All in all I give the album a 3/5. Its a great summer pick-up at $5 and will easily become one of your most overplayed albums. That being the problem. Its to short, and will easily get old, But don't let that stop you from picking this up, because in my opinion its one of the best release's this summer.
Thanks for reading,
Codie

www.myspace.com/karriganrock

I have no found physical copies of this for sale yet. Or an online store, so guys when you find it let me know and ill throw it up for you.

Conditions - You Are Forgotten EP

Conditions has always been a band I've enjoyed. Ever since I stumbled upon them at a show at ICC Church in Burlington they've had insanely catchy music as well as an amazing live show. I recently gave the new EP You Are Forgotten a listen and man have I been missing out on this bands new material.
Firstly Brandon Roundtree's vocals have always stuck out, He hits his high notes amazing live and has great melodies. Its no surprise that on their latest effort that his vocals are once again flawless. The band also does their part to make sure this release is flawless providing great musician ship and some of the catchiest melodies you'll ever hear.
Lyrically this album has to be my favorite of Conditions release's. Lead single Man To Mannequin has one of the most memorable chorus's of all time as well as my personal favorite Citizen having lyrics that will be stuck in your head forever.
To be honest, there is no filler track or bad song on the album at all, While it is only a digital release and very short at 6 songs. It is still one of the best albums released this year.
The only real downfall about this great release is that its to short, and seeing as how it is Digital only I wont be able to get the crystal clear CD sound in my car. These guys are amazingly still unsigned. Tommy Tragic where are you this band is the next big thing. So if you have an extra $5.94 lying around go buy this off itunes or amazon mp3, or give the guys a listen on myspace, you'll be glad you did. Speaking of 5's what does this great release get as a rating, a well deserved 5/5. So check out the single below and add these guys.
I got to here these songs live while I was on Warped Tour and I highly urge you to go see them on their current tour with Go Crash Audio, you wont be disappointed.
Thanks for reading,
Codie.
www.myspace.com/conditionsband

Also check out their music video for Man To Mannequin, it is one of the best Live Shot videos around.

Sent By Ravens, Embracing Goodbye, Big outdoor show Saturday

Okay guys so heres the deal, really good friends of mine in a band called Sent By Ravens will be playing a show outside this Saturday at the Keeder farm in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina. Embracing Goodbye and Abiline will be playing as well. Johnathon has told me that there will be Food and Drinks as well as huge bonfire to finish out the evening. The flyers on my page and for more info go to his link,
Codie
www.myspace.com/sentbyravens
www.myspace.com/embracinggoodbye
www.myspace.com/abilenenc

Every You - A Change Of Scene EP

Value priced at only $6 and for fans of Go Radio and The Dangerous Summer I couldn't resist giving this a listen. Every You hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida which isn't to far from home for me have probably one of the standout EP's I've listened to this summer. The opening track catches you quickly and pulls you in for something different in this cookie cutter filled genre. Vocalist Matt doesn't have the same generic high pitched whiny voice. Vocally the album reminds me of either Jason Lancaster or a more raw kinda folk punk approach. Picture Against Me. Which I definitely enjoy as with his catchy lyrics and the bands mix of mainstream rock/poppunk make it all flow together for something totally different. Standout tracks on this album include A Change Of Scene, Piece Of Mind, and my personal favorite On The Other Side. Lyrically this album is genius in my opinion. For such a young band they show great maturity in their song writing. Might I emphasize more on the fact this isn't cookie cutter poppunk like everything else that's coming out. Fans of the cookie cutter stuff may dig this EP but if your looking for something different, I highly suggest you check out Every You's - A Change Of Scene EP it'll give you something to look forward to in this washed up genre. I give this ep a 4/5. There score major points for Originality. Watch out Go Radio, Every You can be and will be the next big thing out of Florida.
You can pick up the bands EP only on BigCartel at this link
http://www.everyyou.bigcartel.com/
Thanks for reading,
Codie.

Here We Go Again

Dear readers,

       Once upon a time ago I wrote a blog doing pointless stuff. I let it go and now its nowhere to be seen. Well now im back and writing again whatever excites me or that I find interesting. So what can you expect from me?

1. Lots of music reviews, both albums and shows.
2. Dining Reviews and other places of interest.
3. Touring reviews from when I do have the pleasure of touring.
4. Reading reviews, media reviews, hell whatever comes to my mind.

So seeing as how I havent posted anything I feel I should let you know that a interview/show review with Sent By Ravens will be done this week as well as a album review for Asking Alexandria's new album Stand Up & Scream. And as for our unsigned showcase Karigan's new self titled Ep will be getting a review. Ill also be interviewing local show promoter guro Joe Ferguson with Greene Street Club, and reviewing The Takedown Agency's shows @ The Brewery including tomm's Arsonist Get All The Girls show which is on my blog. Hit me up and lets work some magic.

Codie.
www.myspace.com/codieman