Amanda Woodward-

Amanda Woodward -apart fron the character in you-know-the-series-from-the-nineties- is a french band from Caen.
Abstract lyrics -more like fragments of conversation- sung in french. It's not a so-called "unique band" but they are in France well respected and gave the lead to some followers. They mixed (speaking in past tense...) punkrock with emo/screamo elements. This being said, I think that's a bit harsh of a definition. I have hard times lablling bands, i'd like not to give an etiquette to amanda woodward. Intricate but urgent guitars, galloping rythms when needed, but with enough maturity and great composure in songwriting to slow down the tempo on some songs, even with some dub rythms on bass or drums.
And if Amanda woodward -the character- landed in France, Amanda woodward -the band- took off on Level plane records.
Resuming statement.
"their songs are not long, epic passages; they’re short, passionate bursts of energy that convey the band's political message in radical form. Post-rock instrumental passages, chaotic screaming, thundering guitars, and it’s tied together with a social and political message all their own."

Bottom line: get into it.

Ultramort 5 songs ep

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Pleine de grace 3 songs 7"

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Meurt la soif 2 songs 7"

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La décadence de la décadence Lp

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Discography (the 8 songs picture disc +2 other songs + the ultra mort ep)

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Cycle to/Kids against crosses- Split

La feutrine & Truffle shuffle rcds released this split record available only on cd. Truffle shuffle is run by Brian, who played guitar in Chasing paperboy (see entry below...)
Two french bands, three tracks each.
Kids against crosses -from cagnes sur mer/nice- features 6stringer/vocalist of chasing paperboy, Jean, the french accent with english lyrics is recognizable among many others- that makes the little something you love or hate. Some horns goes along Jean's fast-folk guitar chords played by the other member of KAC, Ben.

I do prefer the cycle to side. Young band from Paris, I really dig 'em because as in the states there's a post-latterman wealth scene, in France it seems like cycle to is the only band claiming Latterman's influences. They do it real good, doing somewhat better than some american bands.

Up The Damned! from Jan Cycles To on Vimeo.

Yo buy it!

Yo get into it!

Wayfarer- our fathers

Mid tempo punk rock, from Ontario-Canada. Something like the riot before meets mockingbird w.m.l/midwestern bands/no idea catalog/poppunk elements with blazing sing alongs, raspy vocals & sharp hooks. This is a very good album, or as my friend Vince says "record of the summer".
I tend to agree with my manchild bro'.
This record is damn good and well you gotta get it. The band propose a free download on their website but as always: if you like it, just buy it! yo-yo!

Yo buy it!

Yo get into it!

Karate-

For those of you who never heard about Karate, here's the deal/

Quick history setup: Geoff Farina, Eamon Vitt and Gavin Mccarthy formed Karate in 1993 in Boston and broke up in 2005 mainly due to Farina's hear problems...Jeff Godard joined the band in 1995 and Vitt left to pursue a medical career in 1997.

They played a weird mixture of indie rock, jazz, post rock, labelled punk for their diy ethic and were very prolific considering the sense of details they have in their songs. (7 ep or 7" and 7 lp's) It's beautiful to hear such well played music. From the groovy bass lines to the jazz guitar jams and a perfect drumming.

Without further ado here's a lot of their releases (Southern records)

1996- S.T



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1997- In place of real insight



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1998- The bed is in the ocean



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2000 oct (cd)/2001 mar (2xLP)- Unsolved



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2002- Some boots



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2002- Cancel.Sing 2songs cd


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2004- Pockets



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2005- In the fishtank 12"




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