ANTIQUE SCREAM - WET WITH SWEAT (self released)
If this sounds like the most accurate representation of their live sound it is because Antique Scream chose to record all the instrument tracks in an empty hall while relying on only a few overdubs, mainly the lead vocals. So although a few of the songs are familar to longtime Antique Scream fans ("Apollo", "Shoot The Shot", "Running Red Lights"), Wet With Sweat truly gives the listener a fresh re-interpretation of these stoner/psych rock classics much like how one would experience the best songs from their favorite artists when they go out and see them perform live. Yet, this album spares us of any audio interference from the crowd between the songs. Out of the debuting songs, two stand out. The opening track "Marula" recalls early Queens of the Stone Age back when the public was expecting more Kyuss while "Sleep" actually reminded me of The Wipers or Tempe's Earthmen and Strangers, both likely unintentional.

THE GOLDSTARS - THE RACE (Pravda Records)
On their latest EP, The Goldstars achieve new heights without sacrificing their core sound. That doesn't mean that they are writing literary masterpieces or anything. Take "Agile, Mobile, & Hostile" which asks "Hey baby, do you wanna make love?" over and over while reminding the lucky lady that the song's title is also the prerequisite for such adventure. The new heights I speak of is how this Chicago band has mastered the art of being the ultimate retro-rock party band. The Goldstars possess the formula, balancing garage rock, surf, punk, and classic rock. Add to the formula the fact that singer Sal Favazza's voice is a dead ringer for Nick Vahlberg, The Race could easily be mistaken for a new record by The Nomads.

THE HOLLOWPOINTS - OLD HAUNTS ON THE NEW HORIZON (Sailor's Grave)
The Hollowpoints was the band that I skipped over the most on my iPod during this time period. This style of punk rock doesn't do much for me anymore, although I remember these guys rockin' the Dirtnap Showcase at SXSW '04 and I know plenty of punks who praise The Hollowpoints and their recent albums. It's also noteworthy that Old Haunts On The Horizon was recently licensed to Phoenix label May Cause Dizziness for vinyl production. RIYL: One Man Army, Most bands on TKO Records, Rancid, etc.

HYPERNOVA - THROUGH THE CHAOS (Narnack Records)
I once overheard someone describe The Editors as a poor man's Interpol. This same person would probably think Hypernova is a poor man's Editors. Not a bad effort from this Iranian band who now calls New York their home. I can surely believe that they blend well with the other Brooklynites.

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