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Articles by Jacqueline Sumida
Album Review: Amyl and The Sniffers- Cartoon Darkness -
On their third studio album, Australian rockers Amyl and The Sniffers put reality in check with a peppy touch. With incredible vocals and little instrumental flourishes, Cartoon Darkness provides a glint of comedy in real life. The opening song, “Jerkin’,” comes out with guns blazing, swear words attacking at every angle.
Album Review: The Offspring - "Supercharged" -
There’s no proper introduction for The Offspring, who’ve come out blazing with their eleventh studio album, Supercharged. With great energy throughout and a classic sound that doesn’t need fine-tuning, one of the most successful punk bands takes another step forward. Like some older punk bands, the group feeds into more of a nostalgia factor on this record. This is efficiently executed in just the instrumental alone. “Light It Up” is the best track for this feeling. The track is very fast-paced.
Album Review: No Guidance - Late To The Party -
On their second full-length record, Late To The Party, German punk band No Guidance creates a pretty by-the-book record that might get one’s head nodding. With solid vocals and standard guitar riffs, the album hits the target without much fanfare. The record starts with a jolt with “Oh Hell.” Instrumentally, it’s pounding drums, crushing guitars, and the occasional vocal chorus of unified voices.
Album Review: FIDLAR - Surviving The Dream -
On their fifth studio album, Surviving The Dream, the Los Angeles punk outfit FIDLAR sticks to their roots with a few curveballs. The core of youth and partying remains on their radar, but a few instrumental flairs and consistency help make the record pop. When entering with the dial-up starting sound of “FIX ME,” lead vocalist Zac Carper unexpectedly transitions into a pseudo-ballad about not being able to be fixed and learning how to live with how someone is.
Album Review: Thee Oh Sees - SORCS 80 -
On their latest studio album, Sorcs 80, the San Francisco-based act Thee Oh Sees, or OSEES, creates an ever-twisting musical universe. With many sounds, steady percussion and a voice that keeps it all together, this album will take one for a spin. With its opening track, “Look At The Sky,” there’s a noticeable punk edge in the vocals of lead singer John Dwyer, who tells everyone to look at the sky with raptures trying to understand living and dying.
Album Review: Fucked Up - Another Day -
On their eighth studio album, Another Day, the Toronto hardcore act Fucked Up creates a record full of nostalgia and emotion in just 10 songs. The album becomes a solid work with powerful vocals, a storybook approach and just the right instrumentals. From their album opener, “Face,” the band presents itself as a typical hardcore band with great drumming, solid guitarwork and emotional vocals.
Album Review: Potionseller - When They Get Old -
On their first EP with PNWK records, Potionseller makes a valiant effort to create something original. The four songs contain a few specs of gold, but they mostly follow a predictable track. Their opening track, “Faster,” doesn’t get the speed memo. It’s a slower, more melodic track with an occasional whammy bar. The chorus follows that same pattern with little twists and dissolves into pure riffs.
Album Review: Speed - Only One Mode -
On their first studio album, Only One Mode, Australian hardcore act Speed creates a record that never slows down. With a furious sound and more poetic lyrics, there’s much to divulge in only 24 minutes. Led off by hypnotizing flute from lead singer Jem Siow and diving into a deep guitar riff, the opening track “REAL LIFE LOVE” is just as raw as its title.
Album Review: Me First and the Gimme Gimmes - ¡Blow it...at Madison's Quinceañera! -
On their twelfth studio album, the punk rock cover and supergroup Me First and the Gimme Gimmes bring a hysterical and energetic edge that’s a breath of fresh air. They make almost every right move and do it with style. The group opens their live set with “Changes.” Originally a Black Sabbath song also covered by Charles Bradley and popularized as the theme song to Big Mouth.
Album Review: Rarity - Lower Feeling -
On their third studio album Lower Feeling, the Hamilton, Ontario-based outfit Rarity pairs melodic vocals and hard instrumentals that don’t overstep each other. With balanced tracks, the group can take new musical steps forward. The album’s opener “Keep it to Yourself” sounds like a recent Hawthorne Heights song, but that changes when lead vocalist Loeden “Ray” Learn enters the picture.
Album Review: Thou - Umbilical -
On their sixth studio album Umbilical, Louisiana sludge metal act Thou continues to create a heavy, headbanging record. The record has everything from distorted vocals to stadium-worthy instrumental sections for a metal audience. “Narcissist’s Player” kicks off the record in a thundering fashion. With a distorting intro feeding into a scream-filled, melodic verse, the track’s central melody never fades away, even between sections.
Album Review: Hot Water Music - VOWS -
On their 10th studio album VOWS, punk veterans Hot Water Music do not miss a beat. With a solid instrumental foundation and good lyricism, the record is another step in the right direction. “Menace” opens pretty cautiously with a distorted guitar before giving way to short drum and guitar riffs, but eventually opens up to a full track, especially in its rousing chorus.
Album Review: Starving Wolves - The Fire, The Wolf, The Fang -
Austin, Texas punk outfit Starving Wolves has seemingly created their best record yet in The Fire, The Wolf, The Fang. This album has enthralling instrumentals and vivid lyricism, the band has pulled out all the stops. “Nothing More” the album’s lead track and first single starts majestically. The guitars softly strum an almost medieval melody, and a striking trumpet enters with a regaling tune. With the drums alongside this, the track is elevated even more.
Album Review: NOFX - Half Album -
On their latest EP, Half Album, punk icons NOFX continue their album trilogy with a mix of entertaining and insightful lyrics. This record leaves no stone unturned. The opening of “Fake-A-Wish Foundation” is soft and loving, that initially seems unassuming. The lyrics start that way, too, until the lead singer and bassist Fat Mike completely expose their friend Brett. Brett posed to have brain cancer but had lied to multiple people.
Album Review: Puzzled Panther- Puzzled Panther -
On their first EP, the New York City outfit Puzzled Panther doesn’t leave any confusion about their sound. The group continues on its journey with engaging lyricism and a clean sound. With an almost Nirvana-like introduction, the band enters pretty tamely on their opener, “Legs Long.” The drums and rhythm guitar carry the track, while the lead guitar makes minor appearances around the chorus now and then. Lead vocalist Victoria Ezpinoza easily carries the track with her dynamic low-range vocals.
Album Review: Belmont- Liminal -
On their third studio album, Liminal, the Chicago rock outfit Belmont continues perfectly blending punk with almost every other genre in the book. Well, minus country at least. The album’s opening track, “SSX Trickmont,” may open softly with lead vocalist Taz Johnson’s quiet musings and some simple guitar, but it doesn’t take long to open up completely. Guitar progressions ride like a roller coaster, up and down, with some kicking drums lining up.
Album Review: Pissed Jeans - Half Divorced -
Even after 20 years in the punk scene, the Pennsylvania outfit Pissed Jeans still finds things to talk about on their new record Half Divorced. Complimented by a stable instrumental, the band continues down their path. The album’s opener “Killing All The Wrong People,” mixes traditional punk sounds with a few more modern touches. A few percussion instruments like cowbells and synths come into play between howling guitars and pounding drums.
Album Review: Mannequin Pussy- I Got Heaven -
On their fourth studio album, I Got Heaven, Philadelphia punk and indie group Mannequin Pussy creates another masterpiece. With relentlessly clever lyricism and the instrumental to back it up, the group takes another step forward with a more alternative touch. The album’s title track already sets the bar ridiculously high. A simple distorted guitar opening automatically gives way to the powerful duo of drummer, Kaleen Reading, and lead vocalist, Missy Dabice.
Album Review: T.S.O.L - A Side Graffiti -
On their first full-length record since 2017, The Trigger Complex, Long Beach punk legends T.S.O.L keep raising the bar. With a nostalgic sound and retakes on a few classic songs, A Side Graffiti doesn’t have a dull moment. From the opening of “Low-Low-Low,” a sound explosion of the band’s full strength welcomes the listener. While a simple guitar chord progression leads the song through twists and turns, underlying synths, lead guitar solos, and even a Mario Kart-style xylophone enrich the track.
Album Review: Brigata Vendetta- This Is How Democracy Dies -
On their debut album, This Is How Democracy Dies, the California-based punk outfit Brigata Vendetta roars to life. With a repetitive, simplistic style paired with lyrics to match, a typical punk album whimpers instead. With a three-chord guitar opening, the band jumps into their opener, “Get the Spirit.” Those three chords almost instantly burn themselves into the song with a few backing drums.
Album Review: Haywire - Conditioned For Demolition -
On their first studio album, Conditioned For Demolition, the Boston hardcore punk outfit Haywire doesn’t skip corners. With their scream-infused vocal style to underlying percussion that steals the show, this first record is the sign of many things to come for the group. From the get-go, the opening track “B.H.C.A.D.E.D” or “Boston hardcore, all day every day,” is almost completely instrumental besides a single repetition of the song’s title.
Album Review: Stress Positions- Harsh Reality -
On their latest record, Harsh Reality, the Chicago-based hardcore punk group Stress Positions continues to push the volume of their sound. With some furious drumming, some small guitar solos and a breakneck album style, this may be the group at their best. The record’s title track seems like it’s tuning itself in through its first 40 seconds before the guitars and drums truly break loose.
Album Review: Scream - DC Special -
On their sixth studio album and first since 1993, the famed Washington D.C.-based punk group Scream continues to write their legacy. DC Special contains the classic punk sound the group created alongside their usual forays into reggae and indie rock. The album’s title track opens up at first sounding like Paramore’s “Where The Lines Overlap” before taking a more minor turn.
Album Review: The Dwarves - Concept Album -
On their fifteenth studio album, the Chicago punk outfit The Dwarves rumbles through multiple subgenres on Concept Album. As the name implies, the record doesn’t simply settle for a single style but expertly explores all of them. “Blast On” may be the perfect introduction to an album. It’s got an out-of-order NASA countdown with stereotypical space sounds, which is absolutely hilarious. The yell of the song’s title at the end signals the start of a rock explosion.
Album Review: The Dwarves – Concept Album | Flipboard
Guitar 4 hours ago 10 moments of genius from MTV Unplugged loudersound.com - Niall Doherty • 4h It is weird to think now just how novel it was to witness rock bands deliver stripped-down renditions of their songs when MTV Unplugged launched at … Boating 3 hours ago Forget Day Boats. These Sleek Inflatable Tenders Want to Become Your New High-Seas Cruiser.
Album Review: Scarlatamusic - Rough & Tumble EP -
With his first EP and second release of 2023, Scarlatamusic brings the energy with Rough & Tumble. For an all-instrumental album, it easily holds its weight with other skatepunk releases from the year and even carves out a new place for itself in which to chill. From the absolute get-go, there is an unconscious amount of energy. “Determination” leads the album with a simple cymbal intro and an almost overwhelming wave of guitar suddenly crashing in.
Album Review: Boys Like Girls - Sunday At Foxwoods -
On their fourth studio album, almost 11 years after their last record, Massachusetts outfit Boys Like Girls have finally returned with Sunday At Foxwoods. With nostalgic instrumentals, brilliant vocals and under-the-radar lyricism, Boys Like Girls has created their best record yet. The album’s title track and opener feels like a time machine. Only instrumental, the group enters with radio static and melodic strings that simulate the launch of a spaceship, the dawn of a new era.
Album Review: Teenage Halloween - Till You Return -
The New Jersey-based band with the perfect spooky season name, Teenage Halloween, just released their second full-length record Till You Return. The album builds upon their growing fan base from their first record, keeping it going with electric vocals and mysterious guitar work in the perfect package.
Album Review: MxPx - Find A Way Home -
On their 14th studio album Find A Way Home, Washington state-based outfit MxPx continues to sharpen their sound after 20 years of being together through their reflective lyrics and upbeat instrumentation. From the initial start of the opening track “Not Today,” the band comes out of the gates running with hard-pressed guitar riffing courtesy of lead guitarist Tom Wisniewski.
Album Review: Jeff Rosenstock - HELLMODE -
On his fifth studio album HELLMODE, New York multi-instrumentalist Jeff Rosenstock uses a full range of emotions to his advantage. From hilarious one-liner lyrics to meaningful sentiments, Rosenstock has a pot of gold in his hands and he’ll let you know. With a bumping bassline and distorted vocals, Rosenstock goes from being inquisitive about someone else’s feelings to letting them take over in “WILL U STILL U.” As the drums come in, something is waiting in the wings as Rosenstock croons.
Album Review: Stomper 98 - S/T -
On their 7th studio album S/T, German punk act Stomper 98 continues to build up their signature sound with plenty of saxophones, rolling drums and vigorous vocals. From the opening track “Der Stachel Im Arsch,” the band’s fast pace is already evident as the drums, masterfully wielded by Stefan H, contrast against the wailing guitars from Tommi Tox and Lars Frederiksen. Lead vocalist Sebi Stomper leans more towards the ferocity of the drums as his vocals ring true over the entire track.
Album Review: Hawthorne Heights- Lost Lights -
On their most recent EP Lost Lights, Ohio emo and punk mainstays Hawthorne Heights continue to hone their craft in a new set of songs that tinges on nostalgia mixed with a more modern sound. From lead singer JT Woodruff’s vocal prowess to a more subdued instrumental, this EP sounds like the start of something new.
Album Review: Be Your Own Pet - Mommy -
A powerfully triumphant return For their first album in 15 years, Nashville punk outfit Be Your Own Pet seem to have returned with more edge than ever. With powerful instrumentation and vocalist Jemina Pearl Abegg’s laser-sharp wit, Mommy is the group’s best output yet. From the opening notes and beats of “Worship The Whip,” the group storms in with a fury.
Album Review: The Armed- Perfect Saviors -
On their fifth studio album Perfect Saviors, the Detriot-based music collective The Armed comes in with force but slowly becomes repetitive and indecipherable. With an endless battle between vocals and instrumentals, the record doesn’t quite perform well. The album starts on a high note at the beginning of “Sport Of Measure,” with a perfect combination of higher and lower vocals, a small xylophone rhythm and a few brass instruments.
Album Review: Yellowcard - Childhood Eyes -
With their first release of new music since their self-titled 2016 record, legendary punk outfit Yellowcard returned with Childhood Eyes, a five-song EP that ruminates with nostalgia instrumentally and lyrically paints a picture of growth. With a fury of drums to open the album, “Three Minutes More,” features one of the biggest emo bands in the world Pierce The Veil.
Album Review: Bush Tetras- They Live in My Head -
August 5th, 2023 - 9:00 AM On their third studio album, They Live in My Head, Bush Tetras take the voices in their head and turn them into a nostalgia trip fueled by distorted guitars and syncopated drums. In its opening track, “Bird on a Wire,” there’s an immediate guitar explosion that takes hold of the track, supported closely by new bassist Cait O’Riordan’s syncopated bass lines and the simple rhythmic patterns from drummer Steve Shelley, formerly of Sonic Youth.
Album Review: Snõõper- Super Snõõper -
July 25th, 2023 - 9:00 AM A fast, rambunctious, thrilling musical journey Nashville-based duo Snõõper’s first studio album, Super Snõõper takes on the guise of a fast and rambunctious greatest hits so far compilation. The record starts off with “Stretching,” a track that acts as a sampler for the band’s overall sound.
Album Review: Cor de Lux - Media -
July 8th, 2023 - 11:15 AM A dreamscape that falls short On their new studio album, Media, North Carolina post-punk outfit Cor de Lux continues to create a dreamscape world but falls short of truly growing. With almost no risks taken throughout the record, Media falls into a repetitive state that is inescapable. Starting with a flanger guitar riff, “Idol Season” is a gentle opener that starts to grow as soon as the drums enter.
Album Review: Rancid - Tomorrow Never Comes -
July 4th, 2023 - 9:00 AM Even though they’ve been around for an astounding 32 years, California punk staples Rancid haven’t lost their touch on their tenth studio album Tomorrow Never Comes. With their signature fast-paced style in tow, furiously picturesque lyrics help add polish to the band’s already acclaimed discography. With a diving guitar riff and ripping drums, the album’s title track holds no prisoners even before the vocals come in.
Album Review: King Krule - Space Heavy -
June 28th, 2023 - 9:00 AM Glittering, hypnotic and delightfully out-of-this-world On his fourth studio album, Space Heavy, King Krule continues to blend jazz and punk in a simultaneously low-hi and high-octane environment. From the not-so-subtle jazz movements throughout the record to Krule’s buttery vocals, the album feels like a glittering journey through space that is still punctured by the feelings of modern life.
Album Review: Protomartyr - Formal Growth In The Desert -
June 20th, 2023 - 8:00 AM Haunting, quirky and dynamic Detroit post-punk band Protomartyr dives into the latter half of their name on their sixth studio album Formal Growth In The Desert. From distorted chords punctuated by percussion and progressive, haunting riffs to lyrical content spanning apocalyptic, fantasy-tinged stories and baseball references, the band easily takes to the dark side.
Album Review: Kate Fagan - I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool -
June 14th, 2023 - 8:00 AM On the extended version of her 2016 EP I Don’t Wanna Be Too Cool, Kate Fagan releases an ’80s explosion with no synth left to spare combined with blunt punk lyricism. On the song’s title track, shaking and muted percussion gives way to a funky bassline that underlines the entire song. Small ska-influenced guitar musings line the track, pairing perfectly with the percussion.
Album Review: The Fucking Champs - III -
June 13th, 2023 - 8:00 AM Playful, rapturous and hauntingly beautiful While 25 tracks may be a lot to handle, The Fucking Champs, on the 25th-anniversary reissue of their self-proclaimed magnum opus, III is a run-through of inspiration that bleeds into the musicality of more modern acts. Opening with “Andres Segovia Interests Me,” the first of two songs whose title references the revered Spanish guitarist, a whining, distorted electric guitar harbored by Tim Green, takes the reigns.
Album Review: Cosmic Kitten - Laugh of a Lifetime -
May 27th, 2023 - 9:00 AM Psychedelic, rugged fury Cosmic Kitten has upped the ante on their latest release Laugh of a Lifetime. The pounding drums, contrasting introductions and vocal barrage easily solidifies their punk sound and allows for the rest of the band to open up and showcase their skills.
Album Review: Drain - Living Proof -
May 21st, 2023 - 4:00 PM Dynamic, epic and high-octane On Santa Cruz outfit Drain’s second studio album Living Proof, the band plays it safe with a more solidified sound for most of the record. However, the group still has a few surprises that highlight a bigger musical range. The opening track, “Run Your Luck,” is a Drain song through and through.
Frisco Highline Trail from Springfield to Bolivar is the second longest in Missouri
The Frisco Highline Trail is a 35-mile trail running from Springfield to Bolivar, cutting through Willard, Walnut Grove and other communities throughout southwest Missouri. Formerly a railroad line, the second longest trail in the state serves as both a recreational path and a historical monument. The railroad section was built in 1884 by the Springfield and Northern Railroad, but it’s most famous moment involved U.S. President Harry S. Truman in 1948.
1984 Arcade in Springfield can be a field day for video game players
Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, 1984 is an all-you-can-play arcade with retro games and pinball. “We consider ourselves kind of an ‘80s museum,” said owner Jason Durham. The arcade has between 70 and 80 games, including classics like BurgerTime, DigDug, 1942 and Q-Bert. Although the arcade focuses on ‘80s games, a few ‘70s and ‘90s games like Smash TV and Asteroids are available.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Springfield is 'a movie theater for movie lovers'
The Alamo Drafthouse is a full-service movie experience that takes the best parts of going to the movies and ramps them up. According to its director of communications, Jennifer Johnmeyer, this is “a movie theater for movie lovers.” Alamo Drafthouse has a second Missouri location in the City Foundry development in downtown St. Louis, as well as at least 40 locations in Chicago, Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Austin and other cities.
The Hive in Willard: A hometown cafe and a place to work for disabled adults
Located in downtown Willard, The Hive is a hometown cafe that helps people with disabilities learn work skills while serving the community with tons of food and drinks. Director Melissa Skaggs is a former Willard school counselor who decided to follow her dreams of owning a business and started the nonprofit in 2020. The pandemic delayed opening plans until 2022, and The Hive recently celebrated its first birthday.
Springfield Discovery Center: An interactive science museum worth exploring
The Discovery Center in downtown Springfield is a interactive science museum catering to children and adults through exhibits, special events and summer programs. In business since 1998, the Discovery Center is open for visitors six days a week. The center itself has three levels of exhibits. The first floor holds a room of Minecraft blocks, a water table, a human-sized hamster wheel that produces energy, an airplane launcher and a dinosaur bone discovery pit.
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