Tune In: Tokyo Rose

There must have been something in the water fountains of Bloomfield High School, because some pretty cool people in our little "scene" have emerged to make a name for themselves beyond the hallways.

1. Joey Southside: Hardcore's favorite frontman from The Banner (Ferret Records).


2. Obi Fernandez: Ska-elites all know and love Westbound Train (Hellcat-Epitaph).



3. Matt Reilly: Once a member of Tokyo Rose and former singer for The Finals (Immortal Records).

4. Ryan Dominguez: Singer for Tokyo Rose (Side Cho).
Which brings me to....


The new Tokyo Rose album, The Promise in Compromise, is good I can barely concentrate on writing this review because I'm singing along with it.

Leaps and bounds ahead of the band's past effort, New American Saint, (which was also great), these 11 new tracks show a riskier Tokyo Rose. Track 3, "We Can Be Best Friend's Tonight, But Tomorrow I'll Be..." introduces some dance floor tunes from the band. It's one of my favorites and should be on the playlist at MisShapes if it's not already. I can just picture the hipsters doing the steps along with the song. Classic.

The songwriting comes across as carefully penned and is quite impressive. The choruses are big and the verses are more than just filler. "Love is just a lyric we all sing along to" from track 9 is one of my favorite new lines. The Promise in Compromise should give Tokyo Rose a good push towards the forefront of the scene and by the next album, mainstream recognition shouldn't be too far behind.

On July 31, make sure you get your hands on this disk and if you have the chance to see the band- with a new line-up- I recommed it for a good time.

*By Joelle, who graduated with Obi and Ryan, but writes about them only because she likes the music.

The Replacements

Today, Hit The Lights frontman, Colin, announced his departure. Turns out the touring life is just not for him. It's sad but understandable. I'd never want to live life on the road and never have a homebase, time for love, or puppy kisses greeting me at my front door every night, either.




A similar announcement came about a month ago from NYC-based band, Fixer, when their usually shirtless guitarist, Wilson Lihn left for the same reason. That was a huge shock to me, because I worked with the band for years and Wilson was one of the members who besides frontman, Evan Saffer, handled a lot of the business aspects of the band. I guess everything eventually took it's toll. And as time goes on, sometimes reality sets in and it's time to settle down and appreciate the less hectic side of life. Like a wife and family, perhaps.





It always takes a bit getting used to a new band member. Most of the time, I don't like the replacements. But then, look at The Finals. Their new singer really improves the band. I was never too much of a fan of their original singer Matt's voice and can't wait to hear the new recordings. The live show already rocks.




The only thing that hurts in the process is having the old songs up promoting the band when a singer leaves. The Finals are dealing with this and now Hit The Lights will, too.

When Tucker (bass) and Sprout (guitar) left The Pennyroyals, I pretty much decided that band is over and their name should be changed. After all, once the founding member and most recognizable faces from the band are gone, it's a totally different band. Mike (vocals) was pretty new to band at the time and I think it would have done them well to change their name. I'm sure they wanted to hold onto the acclaim and fan base, but none of it holds true because everyone who worked hard for it is pretty much finito.

Fixer's new guitar player doesn't have Wilson's looks or shirtless appeal that all the ladies loved. But maybe he adds a new dimension to the band and should be checked out.

I can't say I'll still love Hit the Lights. Sure, Omar and his 'fro are awesome. But, if Colin wrote most of the songs, then the remaining members have a lot to work on to keep things going. However, I'm looking forward to see who steps up to the mic.


*Joelle