Sleeper Set Sail

I remember back in 2004, someone from the Alexionfire message board brought up a discussion about a small but exceedingly popular Canadian band called Sleeper Set Sail. After two successful EP's, SSS were set to release their first full length in 2006 called Eyes Just Like Forest Fires. The record met with rave reviews, but strangely, the band decided to call it quits just a few short months after the release of the record - which is unfortunate, as this record showed immense potential from a young but talented group of musicians. Beautiful ambient passages, powerful hooks, and guitar driven melodies make up this unforgettable record, from a band that broke up long before their prime.



1. Lifejacket
2. Celeste
3. Antique Bathrubs With Feet On Them
4. Interlude #1
5. Watch What You Whisper
6. Killing Birds With Stones
7. (Preferably Two With One)
8. Interlude #2
9. The Woods On Fire
10. All My Reasons

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Various Artists - Inanition

I came across this compilation randomly about a year ago, and I've concluded (quite reasonably) that it's one of the better screamo compilations put together over the years. The compilation comes from a small Hungarian label called Itai Itai Records, who's roster inclues generally indie and punk bands from across Europe. Standout bands include Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, Dancing on Debris, Sofy Major, Duna, and Kias Fansuri



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Sore Eyelids

I haven't updated this in months. To my followers, I apologize. I wish there were a legitimate reason for my absence, but it's basically been due to school, and straight up laziness. Here's a quick update for one of the bands I've been listening to lately.

Sore Eyelids is an emotive rock band featuring Henning of (one of my personal favorite bands), Suis La Lune. Their sound can most easily be classified as emotive punk, reminiscent of early/mid 90's alternative. Henning replaces his typical harsh screaming with melodic, sung vocals, and it works wonderfully. Drawing influence from bands such as Jawbreaker, Sunny Day Real Esate, Knapsack, and Mineral, Sore Eyelids self titled EP is a pleasant surprise coming from an unlikely source.



1. Last Time
2. Can't Breath
3. Still, I'm Here
4. Whenever We Meet
5. Carpi 2007

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Secondsmile

Yet another English post-hardcore band that was often overlooked, and one of my personal favorites. Secondsmile's two EPs with their original lineup showed enormous potential; Intricate guitar work and excellent production made their sound one of the most innovative in the genre. However, after losing their lead vocalist, they opted for a more melodic alternative rock sound (which was outstanding as well). The band broke up in 2008 due to members getting tired of constant touring and gaining little recognition for their grueling schedule.

I Am Not Romeo, You Are Not Juliet
2004



1. My Tribute To Those Eyes That Can Sink Ships
2. This Is Your Hometown And It's Cutting You
3. Easy Going Girls Are Always One Fuck Away
4. Poets Unite In Hate (Their Gift For Love)

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Secondsmile
2003



1. Angel With A Stitched Shut Mouth
2. Everyone Here Has Died A Thousand Times Before

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Her Words Kill

Let's start this off right. Her Words Kill were an English band that existed from 2002 to 2007. They independently released two EPs (2004's "I Will Not Die Her Hero" and 2005's "Load My Revolver, Baby') before their breakup in 2007, which was caused by various lineup changes and creative differences. The music is often categorized as "melodic metalcore", although I resent those two labels, especially when both are used together. The band perfected the singer/screamer formula, and in their brief history, Her Words Kill wrote some of the most memorable songs of the genre, perfectly mixing fast and crushing rhythms, with subtle inclusions of soft guitar driven parts and hauntingly beautiful melodies. Additionally, Her Words Kill had one of the genre's most talented and soulful singers within Luke Pickett (think Jonny Craig, but less bombastic). The following are links to both band's EPs, both out of print. Pickett still releases music under his own moniker and plans to release a full length in early 2010.



I Will Not Die Her Hero
2004


1. Join the Fight
2. Holland
3. Art Is Red


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Load My Revolver, Baby
2005

1. Girls, Guns & Dynamite
2. Nobody here is leaving Priscilla Brooke alive
3. Jennifer, hit the lights, We're taking over this joint
4. Make me beautiful
5. Sir, this is a cut throat fashion
6. Watch out Vegas, I'm a show stopper
7. Love on the Catwalk

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