SNAPCASE 2/25, METRO The local Victory label is marketing the hell out of the third album by this former hardcore band from Buffalo, with videos, ads in Spin and Alternative Press, tens of thousands of cassette samplers and stickers, and placement on “extreme sports” programs. In Billboard late last year, singer Daryl Taberski made all the usual arguments underground artists make when they decide to systematically pursue a larger audience, equating “opting for tighter, more accessible song structures” and “more personal lyrics” with “keeping an open mind.” I have no doubt that, as hidebound and insular as hardcore can be, some of these guys really think they’re being experimental by hewing closer to the generic modern-metal formula, and in fact Snapcase’s new Designs for Automotion does rock. But while the performance of this highly conventional break with convention is fine, I’m not gonna get too excited about the script. VAN GO 2/25, BEAT KITCHEN I’m partial to the slightly sloppy boyish power pop on this local band’s latest, Supe
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Art accompanying story in printed newspaper (not available in this archive): photo/The Flaming Lips.
