In late 1997, Minneapolis gave birth, and rock quartet Cadillac Blindside was born. This four piece has been described as "blistering rock that stays marginally on this side of pop with catchy hooks and harmonies rather than that far side of hardcore" (Pulse Magazine). They've shared the stage with the likes of Dillinger Four, Alkaline Trio, At The Drive-In, Strung Out, Digger, Funeral Oration, 88 Fingers Louie, The Thumbs, Appleseed Cast and The Stereo. "Read the Book, Seen the Movie" is the band's first full length LP, and with two seven inches behind them, the freshman studio presence does not show. Engineered by Jeremy Tappero (The Stereo), this record clearly shows the bands progression as songwriters and musicians. Cadillac Blindside has successfully combined a subtle indiemo energy, with a clear punk rock line that follows throughout the record. Their style resides somewhere between a cherry coca-cola fantasy and rock music; a rougher development of music and song structure with rock as the catalyst for its development. Exploding into pieces while keeping the rock intertwined and tight knit, Cadillac Blindside put on an amazing live show. Many comparisons have been made, including being duped as "very At The Drive-Inish". Although the comparisons are direct, you have to see it to believe it. Collapse and rise, sing and shout, drop to the ground and let it all hang out. On the ride home you'll be that person who blasts the new single out of the parking lot.

PRESS:

Remember back a few years when The Get Up Kids played music that could actually be called underground and had a rough edged feel? You know, before "emo" became an MTV buzzword? Well, Cadillac Blindside are the best act to come along in quite some time that capture the sound and feel of that oh-so-recent-yet-oh-so-missed era of good emo rock. - Invisible Youth

Reminds me of a high energy Get Up Kids, perhaps, but there's definitely more to it than that. There's a little of that post punk thing going on, but with more of a melodic edge. Sometimes the guitars go for that relentless almost over fuzzed sound that brings to mind bands like Christie Front Drive, but that's just in the distance. Up front are the harmonies that make you fill up with a new life, ready to take on the world. Armed with the river rapid drums that flow so steady across the horizon wide rip caused by the high clean guitar drive. The bass drops in at just the right places to keep the songs running along the freeways, keeping them from getting too close to the sun. This is summer, I can feel the heat, cadillac driving in my veins. - The Big Takeover

Cadillac Blindside's "Read the Book Seen the Movie" is a good sign of how huge emo is going to be. When I started hearing suggestions from my mainstream friends that I should check out The Get-Up Kids and Jimmy Eat World, I knew something was up. Sure, they're going to college now, and technically said bands would fall under the guise of "college rock," but I really have to wonder when friends who otherwise go to concerts of the bands with the latest, greatest hit would pick some Jimmy Eat World as their new favorite. Cadillac Blindside eschews the current trend of hiding tepid pop under the guise of emo, as the comparisons to The Get-Up Kids and Jimmy Eat World seem unfounded. "Read the Book Seen the Movie" is much closer to a true melding of the heartbreak of emo and the urgency of punk, so it's a bit of a throw back, but they don't forget the punk hooks and double vocals. The occasional atmospheric bits like the rain introduction to "Just Pull the Trigger" help change the pace and add character. Ultimately, Cadillac Blindside are good at what they do, which is emo closer to Hot Rod Circuit than The Promise Ring, but not to the point where I'd be able to pick them out of a crowd. There is a chance that they'll be huge, especially with a singer possessing an alliterative name like Zach Zrust and a female drummer, as it's all about demographics when you hit the big time, but for the emo-punk kids ruing the day when that comes, this will appease them as well. - Signal Drench

11 October 2K

(Crispus Attucks) Communique: The Abridged Origins of The Crispus Attucks

We, the current members collectively known as Crispus Attucks, attest to the following:

Crispus Attucks: Most widely known as the only gen de coleur shot and killed at the infamous Boston Massacre on March 5th, 1770. Historical documentation reveals that Attucks (his true name is presently debatable however it is generally accepted that "Crispus Attucks" itself is an Anglecized, if not bastardized, version of the man's true identity) a runaway slave-turned free black, was actually a mestizo-mulatto; that is, part white, part African, and native aboriginal, probably of Algonquin-speaking descent. Working as a dock laborer, Attucks became involved with the subversive, anti-Loyalist group the Sons of Liberty, who vehemently opposed the English Crown and it's colonial policies. Records show that he was a prominent and outspokemn speaker within this group and led several meetings in local public drinking houses, encouraging citizens to oppose and resist Crown authority. On the night of March 5th, a group of protesters converged in front of a jail in which three British soldiers were being detained for disorderly misconduct upon Bostonians. The crowd became angry and began demanding justice and the expulsion of those British soldiers and others from the colonies. The Redcoats guarding the jailhouse apparently grew nervous in the face of the perturbed protesters and began firing upon the unarmed crowd. When the smoke had cleared and the scene broken up, five colonists lay dead and bleeding, including the man known as Crispus Attucks.

Crispus Attucks, the band: In 1995, the then-members of Crispus Attucks conspired to represent themselves within the auspices of the hardcore/punk community. Taking their name from the felled protester and inspired by a multitude of artists within the hardcore/punk domain, the past and current members of the group now known as Crispus Attucks, have let themsleves, their words, and their music be known to the masses.

Objectives: The aims of this unit are many, but one issue is to remain clear: that this collective stay productive and true to itself and to the ethics of the community and ideologies it seeks to be a part of representing. C.A. wish to encourage socio-political awareness, appreciation of the many genres within the hardcore/punk community and beyond, community activism, and knowledge and understanding of the past to be actively participant in the present and future. C.A. believe that the individual must constantly revise his or her perceptions on truth and trust in an increasingly questionable world that we inhabit; nothing is to be taken for granted.

The members of C.A. welcome questions, criticism, and conversation. To contact for any of the aforementioned or for booking, we can be reached via email or by telephone.

J. D. asesinofuego@juno.com 301-864-6244
Matt(ucks) tyroneyo@juno.com 301-779-3159

PRESS:

HEARTATTACK #26 - ("Destroy The Teacher" CD/LP) FUCK YEA! Rockin' old school hardcore with political lyrics. Forget all those pop punk bands, this is skate punk! Get this, you will love yourself for doing so!

MRR #205 - ("Destroy The Teacher" CD/LP) It's a great listen - the songs are energetic, aggressive and maintain enough personality that it's not a 16 song blur. Solid Stuff - Well Done! - TOP 10 IN MRR #205

IMPACT PRESS #26 - ("Destroy The Teacher" CD/LP) Pounding forward with each track, vocals screaming along while the music in the background bobs-and-weaves, tempos changing, guitars soring and screeching - This D.C. five-piece is intense!

From Japan, but formed in the U.S. while they were here as students, Electric Summer captured the hearts of everyone in this country that had the pleasure of seeing them perform. We had the pleasure of working with them for 3 years and released 2 records before they returned to Tokyo. No one can deny that Electric Summer invented their own brand of Punk Rock. With a sound reminiscent of the early 80's punk bands, Electric Summer is the real deal! Honest and true, Electric Summer pour their hearts into what they do and they always blow peoples minds with their live show! In fact, I can remember one show in particular where Yuda (Vocals) managed to stuff himself inside of Kazu's bass drum during a song and still sing the song without missing a beat. At every show the band would fly around the stage as if they had bees in their pants and the songs were always rock solid. An Electric Summer show was always an event and anyone who had to opportunity to see them will attest to the fact that Electric Summer was and is one of the greats!!! Plain and simple, Electric Summer plays punk rock the way I always felt it should be done, with heart, integrity and power!

Electric Summer currently resides in their homeland of Tokyo, Japan. They are still a very active band and continue to play many shows in Japan. We hope they will come back to the U.S. soon, because they rock like no other and we really miss them!!!

Press:

Rats In the Hallway #12 - (Shock CDEP) Wow! Produced by Bill Stevenson of Decendents/ALL fame is this platter of punk rock n' roll with a taste of Far Eastern energy! I can't remember the last time I had so much fun listening to something. These guys are amazing live - one more reason to boycott music made by machines and support live musicians making stuff from their hearts.

Jersey Beat #62 - ("Love Me Destroyer" CD) These guys rock. There is something that just makes you like them, although it's hard to describe. I've listened to this CD four times already, and still can't figure it out. Whatever the case, there is no denying that these guys just rock.

1988 - the year that Pinhead Circus played their first show. The original line up included Scooter on vocals and lead guitar, Trevor on bass and back ups, and Forrest Bartoge on drums. Since that time the band has come a long way. After Forrest left the band, Otis the spicy italian, took over on drums and the band recorded "Detailed Instructions for the Self Involved" for BYO records. A while after "Detailed" was recorded and released, a mutual agreement was made and Otis left the band. Pinhead Circus then paired up with Brandon who played on "Everything Else is Just a Far Gone Conclusion" which was also released on BYO records. Brandon did some touring with the band, but unfortunately only a short time after "Far Gone Conclusion" was released, Brandon left the band. It was then that Pinhead Circus recruited their newest drummer Dave Fantastik, and not long after, their new guitar player and back-up vocalist Jordan Hauser. The new four piece plays an energetic live show and is writing some of their best stuff yet. There are tons of punk bands out there, but very few can entertain the crowds like the guys in PHC! I've never been to a Pinhead Circus show without seeing lots of smiles and kids having fun! Despite numerous member changes over the years, PHC have managed to maintain their trademark sound and attitude. Do yourself a favor, buy their records and go see them play!

Press:

Review of Detailed Instructions:

Pinhead Circus are the type of band that as teenagers would hang out by the halfpipe in the backyard, cruise the neighborhood on their BMX bikes for adolescent chicks, and score a forty-ouncer from an older buddy. In addition, they are the type of band that would lose their van in a puff of smoke in Waco, Texas, as they did on their first tour in 1993. Now, they have matured into a band that can produce catchy pop-punk without coming off as pussies. This is raw, raspy, riff-ridden melodic punk similar to equally decent bands like Lagwagon, No Use For A Name, Ten Foot Pole, and Pulley. No offense to those other bands, but damn it, these guys might just be better than any of those dudes.

On top of that, I would much rather give my hard-earned cash to Pinhead Circus for an album or a show than to the more popular pop-punk bands that have already become too popular for their own good. And hey, PHC can cover a Rick Springfield song and not feel bad about it in the morning. A winner as far as I'm concerned.

The Thumbs are easily the most popular band on the Soda Jerk roster and if you owned any of their records you'd know why. The Thumbs, from Baltimore, MD, formed in 1995 and play an incredible brand of emo influenced punk rock. While many have compared them to Dillinger Four or Hot Water Music, The Thumbs definately stand alone! After 7 U.S. tours, 1 Japanese tour and a bunch of records, The Thumbs are finally starting to garner the respect they deserve.

The Thumbs have recorded 2 full-lengths, 4 EP's and have appeared on numerous compilations. We had the pleasure of releasing two of The Thumbs best releases (The Sweet Merciful Crap 7" and the Make America Strong full-length). The Thumbs recently released an EP on Adeline Records, and have another full-length in the works.

If you'd like more detailed info on The Thumbs check out their website.

Press:

Hitlist #1- "Make America Strong" CD
Fuck, Yeah Maryland! First off I have to say that I have a personal prejudice against any band that makes lyrical references to the internet, but I was able to overcome my bigotry because this release is pretty darn good. The CD delivers 12 cuts that remind me of Dag Nasty, later Husker Du, and Samiam. Interestingly diverse lyrics delivered with layered vocals and inventive melodies by dual singers.(JP)

Subversion #6- "Make America Strong" CD
Fuck, this shit rules! They bust out of the gates playing incredible punk that had me hooked right away. Their sound is a culmination of fast and furious punk with a slight emo edge to the vocals, and quite a knack for catchy lead guitar work. The reason I dug this band so much is that their emoish dual vocals are in no way whiny and their guitars are hard but mix in great pop hooks. They also incorporate powerful sing along choruses into their already incredibly catchy songs. I was pretty amazed by this record. Their sound is such a great combination of all the best things in pop punk, emo, and fast melodic punk that I can't see anyone not digging this album. I think this is one of the stronger records out this year and have nothing but praise for this exceptional band.

MRR #182- "Make America Strong" CD
A great full length from this punk/pop band with emo overtones. I dug their 12" and 7", so this is no surprise. Fans of FRACTURE and maybe even PROPAHANDHI will like this hyper release. Not a weak release yet from these guys. Recommended. Top 10 in this issue as well!

MRR #172-"Sweet Merciful Crap.." 7"
I was into these guys' recent 12" and this smokes too. Rough pop punk with emo tendencies. Along the ways of early JAWBREAKER and DAG NASTY. Is this a post-FRACTURE group? Anyways, five tunes well worth your money. Melodic stuff with power and emotion. Cool.(RL)

IMPACT PRESS-Oct/Nov 97-"Sweet Merciful Crap.." 7"
This is great, energetic poppy punk. It's up-tempo to mid-tempo with excellent vocals and some cool changes. I am really impressed by the creativity and playing ability of this band. This is well worth checking out. Oh, they're from Maryland, in case you care.

BRUSHBACK #6-"Sweet Merciful Crap.." 7"
This is one of those cool punk rock singles that you play two or three times in a row the first time you put it on, because it's so good--all the songs on here are catchy as hell, like a mix of H2O and Everready, with some speedy almost-thrash songs and slower sing-along ones,too. If you've ever loved punk rock at all in your life, then there is not much you could find wrong with this one.

Laymen Terms are part of a new breed of inventive pop punk/emo inspired bands like Thursday or Jimmy Eat World. Since their debut EP "An Introduction", the band has quickly figured out that not only do people like songs with hooks, they also like innovation. "Since Last December" is the bands debut full-length and they are quickly proving to everyone that they are not afraid to be different. At times "Since Last December", reminds one of the early 90's alt-rock sound of Hum, Bush or The Foo Fighters and at other times current pop-punk heavyweights like the ones mentioned above. This combination makes for some very interesting songs. As mentioned, "Since Last December" is Laymen Terms debut full-length. Coming off their well-received EP "An Introduction", Laymen Terms have definitely found their sound and their groove. This CD is loaded with "Groove"! Each and every song is incredibly dynamic, drawing from the finest elements of pop, punk, emo, and hardcore. Laymen Terms effectively melds all of these elements together, puts them on a big hook, catches the listener, and reels 'em in. With thick-layered guitar work, a rock-solid rhythm section and smoky but smooth vocals by Andy Tanner, "Since Last December" is a breath of fresh air for a genre choking on its own lack of inspiration and originality. Laymen Terms will be (and is) a band to watch for. Truly inspired and remarkably original.