![The Measure [SA]](https://ww2.punknews.org/images/bands/features/themeasuresa.jpg)
New Jersey's The Measure [SA] have cranked out 14 releases of insanely catchy punk rock since 2005, most recently appearing on a four way split 7" with Dead Mechanical, Pretty Boy Thorson, and Basement Black on Traffic Stop Records called How To Thrash a Million. They head out October 21st with the Gaslight Anthem, Murder By Death, and the Loved Ones for a short tour on their way down to this year's Fest in Gainesville, Florida.
For 20 years Simi Valley's Strung Out have been creating their unique brand of fast, technical, and rebellious punk rock. Their most recent release, Agents of the Underground, which came out September 29th on Fat Wreck Chords, serves as a testament to Strung Out's staying power. Sean Jain sat down with singer Jason Cruz after their show in Dallas, Texas to talk about their new album, their relationship with Fat Wreck Chords, one country they'd love to play most, and the meaning behind the title, Agents of the Underground.
After signing with Canadian independent label Underground Operations, with whom she released a successful self-titled EP, received over 15,000,000 plays on MySpace, won a Juno award and took part in several huge tours (including the entirety of the 2009 Vans Warped Tour), Lights recently released her American major label debut titled The Listening on October 6th. Prior to heading out on an American fall tour, Lights sat down with Mark Millard to speak about her childhood, the Warped Tour and her debut full length album.
For over a decade, Mike Kinsella has been ailing hearts and bruised souls with his lush melodies and songs about, to put it simply, failed social interactions. Well, he's put that all behind him now. Publishing under the name Owen, Mike has reached the end of the proverbial tunnel and successfully came out on the other side (read: there still is hope for you after all). On his latest release, New Leaves, Mike explores the beauties and trivial realities of commitment and moving on. We figure it was worthwhile to call him up. Matthew Bentel spoke with Mike to find out the origins of his transformation, the convenience of recording at home, and if he'll ever play "Never Meant" again.
When a relatively unknown Orange County band released its debut album, Identity Crisis, almost 10 years ago, there were definite glimmers of hope in their pounding pop-rock sound, but nothing that would hint at the brilliance of what was to come. With every memorable album and every live show that would leave you buzzing for days after, Thrice has continued to be the epitome of how artists should evolve – by doing everything on their own terms and by not scrambling to please the online masses of demanding, nostalgia junkies. Whether it was screamed or whispered, each one of Thrice's albums was an honest expression of who the band was at that time. Their new album, Beggars, is no exception. This amazing groove-infused record is a true display of what these four guys are capable of. While their past CDs may have been expressions of the band during a different time, Beggars is an unapologetic declaration of who Thrice is now.
Lead singer and scholar Dustin Kensrue took some time out of a hectic schedule to talk to Gen Handley from Punknews about what his reaction was to Beggars being leaked three months early, where the best place to eat in Orange County is, and why all the world is mad.
Punknews' Darren McLeod caught up with Dave Hause of the Loved Ones before the Vancouver stop of their tour with Murder By Death, Frank Turner, and The Gaslight Anthem. They chatted about Dave's upcoming solo album, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the new Pearl Jam album and the difference between Dave Hause and Dave House. Darren also tried to talk about hockey, but that failed miserably.
In their seventh-year running, Ghent, Belgium's Rise and Fall have garnered a reputation as one of hardcore's most brutal bands. After releasing 2005's Into Oblivion on Deathwish Inc., and countless tours, the band hunkered down in various locales around Belgium to write their forthcoming LP, Our Circle Is Vicious. Produced by Converge's Kurt Ballou, the LP, out October 27th on Deathwish, Inc., delivers a punishing dose of truth as only Rise And Fall can tell it. Sean Jain spoke with singer, Bjorn Dossche to get the lowdown on the new record as well as Rise And Fall's upcoming U.S. tour.
Bloomington, Indiana -- a breeding ground for DIY ethics -- is home to folk punk bands, Microcosm Publishing, and the trio Good Luck. Their debut full length Into Lake Griffy, released in May 2008, is filled with nasally vocals, upbeat hooks and urgently charged, infectious pop punk melodies reminiscent of a louder, brasher Weakerthans. On a beautiful, late summer Sunday all three members – Matt Tobey (vocals/guitar), Ginger Alford (bass) and Mike Harpring Jr. (drums) -- took some time right before band practice to check-in via Skype with Punknews about what's been going on in the world of Good Luck.
Distance and preoccupation tend to be the Achilles' heel for most bands, but folk punk act Defiance, Ohio manages to make it work. Perhaps circumstance prohibit them from the more traditional band experience. Though, given everything the members are involved in, the core requirements are there: they do play shows (sometimes), they do put out records (sporadically), and they do communicate with each other (a lot). In an effort to make up for their lack of touring this year, they are making the trek down to play Fest 8. Upright bassist Ryan recently talked to Matthew Bentel about the challenges popularity incurs, the insatiable desire to stay involved, and the increasing interest in "licensing" their music.
Oregon's own Broadway Calls have proven themselves to be more than your typical run of the mill punk band. With their extensive tour schedule planned for their new record Good Views, Bad News on SideOneDummy Records,one thing for certain is that Broadway Calls does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Noah W.K. spoke with singer Ty Vaughn about a handful of current topics, including, the new album, Green Day and the influence of being from the state of Oregon.
Guitarist Jeff Dean is a prolific musician. Currently playing in five discrete Chicago-area bands, Dean rocks with some of the Midwest's best. Right now Dean is focused on The Bomb, fronted by Naked Raygun's Jeff Pezzati, and their new Jay Robbins produced album. Interviewer Brandon Campbell met up with Dean for a couple of PBRs in Chicago's own Beat Kitchen for a friendly chat.