Down The Line Issue 14 January 2013

8.8 MB·English

by  Down the Line Magazine

Freedom Firm is "dedicated to the liberation of children enslaved in commercial sexual exploitation,
to their effective rehabilitation, and to justice against those who have profited from their misery. We
unapologetically stand dedicated to this cause and this cause alone. We are motivated by our faith in
God to conduct our work with the highest ethical standards and to allocate our resources with
uncompromising stewardship. We believe that every person has immeasurable value and therefore
the exploitation of any person is an unacceptable violation of their God-given value." See
www.freedom.firm.in for more details.

(Freedom Firm did not buy this ad nor do they endorse this magazine – just givin’ ya food for thought)
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letters To Us 5
SORRY FOR THE DELAY!
News 6
Life is always busy for us all, but for some
Steve’s 2012 Picks 7
reason the past few months have been
really busy for those of us here at DTL. So
Matt’s 2012 Picks 8
this issue is extremely delayed and for that
we apologize. We would like to get these out Live Report 10
more often, but such is life.
Josh’s 2012 Picks 10
For this issue Josh had the idea of doing
Chris Taylor 11
lists of our favorite albums of 2012. This
proved to be harder than it sounded, but we
Bill Mallonee 15
came up with some interesting lists for you.
Not to mention the return of the “Tattoo Destroy Nate Allen 19
You” feature on Sid’s Tattoo parlor. There
The Radiant Dregs 21
are a ton of reviews and news bits this
issue, so make sure to check them all out.
Sid’s Tattoo Parlor 24
http://downthelinezine.com
Reviews 27
DOWN THE LINE LETTERS TO US

The Magically Vanishing Issue 90s Christian Music Recovery Group
EDITOR Matt Crosslin

EDITOR Steve Ruff
MARKETING: Ulike-a Youtellafriend I was wondering if issue #3 could be I am loving it! I’ve been a member for
reposted. The Mediafire link is down. a short time but the interactions that
WRITERS Steve Ruff, Matt Crosslin, have happened so far have been
Joshua Lory Sean MacNair PRICELESS! I am a musician that grew
COVER IMAGE Painting by Chris Taylor
up listening to a lot of the artists, and
LAYOUT Matt Crosslin
WEB DESIGN Matt Crosslin for Monsoon River (Don’t really know what happened to more recently have been blessed to
Designs that one – but it is fixed now. Or so I work with some of them.
think.)
CONTACT: Joel Goodwin
WEBSITE downthelinezine.com
Die Happy Magdallen
EDITORIAL [email protected]
ADS/MARKETING [email protected] (If you haven’t joined this Facebook
MYSPACE myspace.com/downthelinezine I've only recently discovered your group yet, you are missing out. Some
TWITTER twitter.com/downthelinezine 'Zine, but have been enjoying it of the bands and musicians that we
immensely and have read each and cover here are even a part of it.)
SUBSCRIPTIONS U.S.A. - $0, Canada - $0
every back issue "cover to cover"
International - $0
(well, digital cover to digital cover if
Online - $0
More info: you will). Thanks for such a great
downthelinezine.com/subscribe publication.

IF YOU MOVE Don’t lose your computer – you
A piece of news that you may have
won’t be able to download the
already seen, but just thought you
newest issue without one.
might be interested to see in case you
WRITE US Letters and comments need to haven't gotten it... (and I just
contain your full name. All RANDOMLY found this while looking
submissions become property of
for some other information) Have any other questions, comments,
Down the Line E-zine and may be
theological musings, etc? We would
edited or condensed. Or even
printed out and framed if you I haven't heard of Philip Bardowell love to hear them – come be our
really kiss our… um… never doing anything in quite a while friend on FaceBook or comment on
mind…. (although I have to admit, I live on the our blog. We also do that Twitter

opposite coast from a lot of "the thing occasionally.
VISION:
scene", so it's sometimes difficult to

Down the Line covers bands that explored the keep up with the goings on). It seems
intersection between faith and art in the 1980s he's still doing the occasional show
through the early 1990s - even though they were (see this link for recent news).
probably never accepted in to what is called

"Contemporary Christian Music" because they were
Also, just by way of request... if you
too edgy or alternative or liberal or for whatever
reason. Some of these bands may still be making haven't done so yet, would you
music today, and others may have moved on. We PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PRETTY
cover these bands (active or dormant) as well as any PLEASE give me some kind of update
new projects by former members of these bands and on one of my all-time favorite bands -
any new bands that may have the same spirit as
Die Happy? What are the members of
these bands.
that group up to now?

ALL IMAGE AND STORIES ARE THE COPY RIGHT Keep up the good work and soldier
OF THEIR RESPECTIVE CREATOR. YOU MUST on!
HAVE PERMISSION TO RE-USE, RE-PUBLISH, OR

RE-PRINT ANYTHING IN THIS MAGAZINE. SO
THERE. Grace and Peace,
Andy Anderson

(Thanks for the update! We hear

rumors that the original members of

Die Happy are working together on

some live shows and maybe some new
material. No official websites yet, but
we’ll keep on the lookout.)
NEWS | DOWN THE LINE 6

New Thumper Punk Records Bands Pre-Order Aradhna’s Live Album
Infirmities (High Velocity Thrash fused ARADHNA’s NEW Album, recorded in
NEWS
with 80’s Rock Solos and Hardcore Street Nashville, TN with Songs of Water, will
Punk), Fear God (Orange County punk), be available for pre-release
180 Out (50′s rockabilly, 60′s surf/punk, download starting Christmas Eve!
70′s funk, and 80′s rock infused with All proceeds from this album will go UPDATES
today’s punk sound), and A Broken Line directly to benefit Freedom Firm. There
(eclectic mix of street punk, ska, pop are multiple donation levels with a
punk, metal, and good ol’ rock n roll) all variety of gifts from ARADHNA &
have recently joined Thumper Punk Freedom Firm to choose from. RELEASES
Records. Some great music to check out.
3 Car Pile Up Returns With New EP
Classic Frontline Re-Issues 3 Car Pile Up released one album way
Now available fresh from the Vault: Ten back in the 90s on Narrowpath Records COLUMNS
Songs by Adam Again (re-mastered 25th and then disappeared. They have
Anniversary) (bit.ly/aa10songs), Daniel recently appeared again on Facebook
Amos - Motorcycle (bit.ly/da-cycle), and and released a 6 song ep (available
The Lost Dogs - Scenic Routes on Noisetrade and iTunes). Produced by ETC
(bit.ly/scenicroutes). Available at iTunes, Troy Deaton (Atticus Fault/Curious Fools)
AmazonMP3, and frontlinerecords.us. and Todd Evans (The Golden Sounds,
Atticus Fault), “this ep has a 90′s rock
The Radiant Dregs Present The Savior ep sound mixed with today’s hard rockin’
In July 2011 the Radiant Dregs ended a drums/bass, catchy hooks and guitar
several year break from the home studio solos!” I checked it out today and fans of
and recorded a song called Savior. The the bands we cover here will love it –
song quickly became a favorite among look for a review soon.
friends of the Dregs and is without a
doubt their most popular song to date. The Violet Burning Releases Divine 2.0
The Dregs noticed that the song Savior The Violet Burning has released Divine
seemed lonely sitting there by itself 2.0 – their classic Christmas collection,
between Silver Chord and Boo. There re-mastered with two new songs. Or, as
was only one solution, record four new the band puts it: “Clearer, Louder,
tracks to go along with it and release it Warmer, Wider = Divine 2.0.” The album
as an ep. You can download the full can be bought as a high download or as a
project for free HERE. limited edition hand-painted and
numbered CD. In addition, “to make it
Scapegoat Releases New CD extra special for violets fans, we are
Fans of underground samplers from the donating proceeds towards the Local
90s might remember some heavy, Shelter in Salem, MA. They do a great
groovy, funky, humorous songs by a work caring for the poor, the needy, and
band called Scapegoat. Many people those who need another chance to get
thought they would be the next big to a more stable place in this challenging
thing… but sadly the music business life. So, enjoy some great music and help
missed out. A few years ago they our neighbors in need.”
announced that they would be releasing Visit thevioletburning.com to purchase.
their material from back in the day, but
several technical problems got in the Frontline Records Rewind
way. Finally, this week they announced New Frontline Records Rewind Episodes
that they have finally released 89 to 94 – are now available! Features songs from
a collection of demo and compilation “Frontline Gratitude” compilation and
songs from that same time frame. Many interviews with Jerry Davison, Rick Elias
of the songs from the samplers appears and Mike Knott. Go to this page to hear
along with several tracks from their it now!
demos – so go check it out.
7 DOWN THE LINE | NEWS + STEVE’S CORNER

Official Daniel Amos Bootlegs For Sale
Can’t get enough DA/Eddies/Terry Taylor
music to listen to? Well, they have been
digging through decades of live
recordings to bring you some of the best.
You can find them all for download here:

danielamosboots.bandcamp.com

Deacon Blue Returns With New Music
Fans of Deacon Blue and Ricky Ross will
Steve’s favorite albums of 2012 in no particular order,
be glad to know that a new Deacon Blue
and surely grossly incomplete… album is out now! The Hipsters is the
first Deacon Blue album in 11 years. You
I decided to give a best of 2012 list a shot…I don’t usually do these because I can listen to the second single “The
can’t rate most higher than others and I listen to so much music from days Outsiders” or watch the video to the first
gone by that I find many times what I’m really into at the time came out 20 single “The Hipsters” on their new
years ago. Here are some of my many, many favorites that actually came out website deaconblue.com. If you don’t
in 2012. I know I have left out many important bands and releases; this was know who Deacon Blue is, well, they
just my “off the top of my head” list. were a big multi-platinum selling act in
England in the late 1980s and early
• The Bloody Strummers – Return of the Halcyon Days 1990s. Band leader Ricky Ross recorded
• Royal Thunder – CVI an album for the Christian label Sticky
• Killing Joke – MMXII Music before forming Deacon Blue. You
• Bill Mallonee – Amber Waves can read more about their history in the
• Bob Dylan - Tempest Cross Rhythms article: ”Ricky Ross: The
• NOFX – Self Entitled Deacon Blue man talks about his music
• Dinosaur Jr. – I Bet on Sky and faith.”

• Swans – The Seer
The Ocean Blue Announces New Album
• Leonard Cohen – Old Ideas
David Schelzel of The Ocean Blue has
• Joy Electric – Dwarf Mountain Alphabet
helped to launch a new label
• The Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends
called Korda Records. The label was
• Kissing Cousins – Unfortunate End
really started by several different bands
• The Violet Burning – Pentimento Volumes 1 & 2
that were looking to record new albums
• The Choir – The Loudest Sound Ever Heard
but needed a label to work with. The
• Hammock – Departure Songs new album by The Ocean Blue will be
• The 77’s – Echos O’ Faith & Played Naked released in January 2013 through this
• Seventh Circle – The Line (single) new label. Stay tuned for details.
• The Sword – Apocryphon
• Graveyard – Lights Out SLIDE Re-Emerge as Dime Store Zombies
• Mammoth Thunderpower – I am Thunder EP Things have been a bit quiet in the SLIDE
camp for a while… But now we know the
I don’t know when this was released, but I got the 25th anniversary re- truth… “Zombies Ate SLIDE… And the
mastered edition of Adam Again’s 10 songs. This also reminds me to tell you result is Dime Store Zombies. Consider it
to head over to www.frontlinerecords.us and get any Frontline Records a necessary (dare we say?) Reboot. Same
release you can want for $5.99. This means that all you guys who have band. Different name. The recording for
shared CD’s that were long out of print, now you can support the bands! self-titled Dime Store Zombies Album
begins in early 2013. Planned album
I am also semi patiently waiting to hear the new albums coming from Bad release date: October 2013. Live Dates
Religion, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and The Lifesavers. Maybe we will get for 2013 to be revealed shortly. And how
some new Hidden from Blackout and Western Grace, maybe some new DAS about a new Music Video?” See
and Ric Alba solo…maybe a new Bloody Strummers??? The new Dropkick the band’s new Facebook page for the
Murphy’s is pretty awesome, but it did come out this year and not 2012. reason for the change and for details as
they are announced.
NEWS + MATT’S MUSINGS | DOWN THE LINE 8

New Jesse Sprinkle Projects
In the spring of 2013, Jesse and Kurt
Johnson are heading to Kampala, Uganda
to collaborate, record the album
Paradise, Uganda, and rejoice in the

power of music with The Kampala Street
Singers. All proceeds from record sales
Picking a Top 20 was hard. I came up with a list of over 40, whittled it down to 20,
and live performances in USA and
and then couldn’t decide on the order. So here they are alphabetically. Most of
Uganda will go directly back to the music
these came out in 2012, but I threw in a few here that I just discovered this year
and art community in Kampala.
that are too good to leave out.

Also, celebrating one year of concerts at
Bluebrick Recordings. Featuring Jesse, 1. Bill Mallonee – Amber Waves. Bill is still the best. Poetic words, great music.
Amanda, Mira, Gretta, Ravenna, 2. The Bloody Strummers – Return of the Halcyon Days. Coolest indie
Winston, and Amos. Part 1 – Recorded in combination I have heard: The Doors + SF59. Genius.
September for all of our friends and
3. Branden Mann And The Reprimand – The Chemicals Won’t Balance. This is
loved ones Part 2 – Archives collected
2011 that I just discovered. Groovy folk that is fun to cruise to.
from over the last 7 years. This is a true
4. The Choir – The Loudest Sound Ever Heard. The Choir. What else needs to
piece of history from the Sprinkles. Every
be said? They keep getting better with time.
song has a story. Every Child has a voice.
5. Destroy Nate Allen – With Our Powers Combined. Crazy fun folk punk that
jessesprinkle.net
Josh Lory turned me on to.
Deni Gauthier Working On New Album 6. Insomniac Folklore – A Place Where Runaways are not Alone. I think Steve
Deni Gauthier – singer, songwriter, got me hooked on this dark gothic folk.
recording artist, and Michael Knott fan – 7. Jagged Doctrine – To Whom It May Concern. Industrial metal still rules, and
has a chance to be a part of a unique
Jagged Doctrine is still bringing it.
opportunity. After 10 years of recording
8. Jeff Elbel + Ping – Gallery. Elbel has been all over the place, but his own band
several successful albums – a big break.
is a great listen.
“Andre Wahl, producer, engineer, mixer,
9. Kissing Cousins – Unfortunate End. Just an EP, but still some great, dark
and in demand industry great heard
alternative. The cousins never disappoint.
Deni’s music and recognized the talent
and the need to nurture this voice and 10. L.S. Underground – PTSD (Legacy Edition). Okay, the original was out years
these wonderful songs, and release them ago, but this re-master makes it perfect. Probably my top album of the year.
into the world. Properly. Andre has 11. Megadeth – TH1RT3EN. Another 2011 release that I got this year. Mustaine
worked with Shania Twain, Flaming Lips, is killing it on his last few albums. This is awesome stuff. Metal rules!
Mudvayne, Great Big Sea, Pink Floyd,
12. Saint – The Revelation. Not terribly original, but top of the line power metal.
Rush, Hawksley Workman… and
13. SLIDE – Auto Tune Massacre. I love the sound they hit on here. Collector’s
countless other professional musicians.”
Edition now that they changed their name to Dime Store Zombies.
You can read more about Deni
14. Soul-Junk – 1961. Brilliant return to indie rock.
at denigauthier.com.
15. Starflyer 59 – IAMACEO. Wasn’t sure how this would be after the last album,

Mike Indest is Now on Bandcamp but it is an excellent independent debut.
Mike Indest of Motonaut and The 16. Steve Scott – Emotional Tourist: A Steve Scott Retrospective. Career
Basement Tapes fame has his music up spanning album that should have been a box set.
for free on Bandcamp. You can 17. Ultra Monark – Exorcising Spirits. Elder/4LC front man returns with the next
grab Shine Down, Let’s Have Church,Live
level of twisted alterna-goth awesomeness.
@Tipintina’s, or Motonaut’s The Now
18. Unteachers – Fear of Silence. This is technically only one song on a split, but
And Not Yet for free. And while you are
it is one awesome song and the 7-inch has one of the coolest covers ever.
at it, be sure to catch the latest episode
19. W.A.S.P. – Babylon. Okay, this one is actually 2009, but I finally got a copy
of The Basement Tapes where Mike
and it is really good. Blackie makes more sense that he has embraced God.
interviews author Brian Godawa about
his Chronicles of the Nephilim series. 20. Wovenhand – The Laughing Stalk. Awesomeness. Epic awesomeness.
Interesting stuff!
9 DOWN THE LINE | NEWS

Dann Gunn is Now on BandCamp Mini Mendez Returns The Violet Burning Releases Rare Demos
Fans of Dann Gunn and Velocipede will Former frontman of The Holidays (who The Violet Burning recently announced
be glad to know that he is moving over was also featured in the May 2011 issue) that the original recording sessions from
to BandCamp. He has set-up his recent Mini Mendez has recently released new the demo eps Lillian Gish and You
ep Easy for a free or pay what you like material. His band The Glimmer Stars has Wouldn’t Understand Anyways are now
pricing structure. You can read the DTL released a digital three song ep available in one collection. Originally
review of Easy here to see what you are called Lay The Real Thing On Me. It can released on cassettes and sold only at
getting into, or just go to the BandCamp be found at most digital outlets (iTunes, the now historic violets shows at the
page and listen yourself. We hear there eMusic, Amazon, etc). Mini has also now defunct clubs, The Coconut Teaser
may be more music coming from Mr. released more solo material on and The Electric Ballroom in Southern
Gunn soon…. so stay tuned! his BandCamp page – including the single California. These would be the
“Kay Lenz” and the five song ep Shine recordings that led to the Self-Titled
90s Christian Music Recovery Group Baby Shine. all three releases are catchy album released in 1996. These are also
Fans of any music from the 90′s Christian and cheap – so be sure to grab a copy. the controversial recordings born out of
music scene would love the rousing the devastation surrounding the violet
(and sometimes crazy) discussions Dissident Prophet Returns burning during 1990-93 which saw love
happening in the 90s Christian Music Remember Dissident Prophet from the lost, cult-like church/record label
Recovery Group on Facebook. With over 90s? They put out several singles and a behavior, and the deaths of a few of the
5000 members now, I am going to guess full length We Are Not band’s closest friends and
that everyone reading this is already a Grasshoppers before changing their collaborators. This is the first time these
member. But if not, you should join. name to The Maccabees. The Maccabees recordings have been made available
Because I think we are going to declare it put out two albums and together completely uncensored.
the official discussion board of Down the then disappeared. Well, it seems they See thevioletburning.com for ordering
Line magazine. There is so much news decided to go back to Dissident Prophet details.
coming through that group I don’t know and release a new album for
if we can keep up. But the interesting free. Weapons of Mass Deception picks The Choir Releases Brand New Song
thing is that there are a ton of band up where the Prophets left off and keeps “On July 22nd, Tim Chandler, Dan
members, label people, former the guitar-fueled alternative fires Michaels, Steve Hindalong and Derri
magazine people, managers, you name it flowing. You can pick it up for free on Daugherty went into the studio to
all over the place dropping all kinds of their BandCamp page, along with most record, produce, mix and finish an entire
tales and answering all kinds of of their older releases under both song in one day. They were joined by a
questions. You have been warned – names. group of remarkable friends from all
don’t miss out! over the US and Canada to share in the
Recent Skypark Album experience. With the help of Lisa
L.S. Underground – PTSD (Re-Master) Remember Skypark? They release two Michaels and Nancy Hindalong, The
L.S. Underground’s PTSD (Legacy Edition) albums in the late 1990′s (Am I Choir hosted a Nashville weekend hang
is out now on Retroactive Records and Pretty? and Over Blue City) and then out that included a barbeque, swimming,
available at Amazon! Re-Mastered by disappeared. Well, it turns out that they private concert and a lot of swell
J.Powell Steinhaus Mastering with new didn’t totally go away and even released conversations. A song came out of that
packaging. L.S.Underground includes an album in 2006. No Ambition is a great weekend called “Shadow of the Cross”. It
Joshua Lory (Lifesavers), Brian Doidge, effort that may be their best offering yet. is available on iTunes today. It will be up
Jim Chaffin (the Crucified, the Blamed), Head over to their BandCamp page to on Amazon, Spotify, Rhapsody and other
and Casey Prestwood (Hot Rod Circuit). It check it and out and even name your online sites soon. We are grateful to the
has been in Knott’s heart to create an own price for it. fine folks who traveled to be with us –
album that would bring awareness to the very humbled. Thanks also to Shane
overwhelming difficulties that U.S. and New Music From Daniel Amos in 2013 Wilson who engineered and mixed for us
allied troops encounter upon returning The rumblings and rumors have finally that day with Evan Redwine. Please
from combat, especially Post-Traumatic come true – Daniel Amos has officially share: http://tinyurl.com/8lhhuxk“
Stress Disorder. 10% percentage of the kicked off a Kickstarter campaign for
sales of this crucial release will go PTSD their next album. And they have already New From Justin McRoberts
awareness. Packaged in a four panel reached their goal – but there are still 29 Justin McRoberts (he had some albums
digipak, this 2012 Retroactive Records days left to claim some cool stuff for the out on 5 minute Walk as well as
release has been digitally mastered by J different levels of support. This will be independent that you should check out)
Powell of Steinhaus for maximum sound the first new Daniel Amos album since is working on an interesting project
capacity. For fans of the heavy, dark, 2001′s Mr. Buechner’s Dream. Also of called CMYK. It is a book and album that
aggressive rock bands like Tool, Pearl note – you can still pre-order the comic completes a recent series of EPs. He is
Jam, Nirvana, Jane’s Addiction, Iggy Pop, book/CD combo Return to the looking to Kickstarter to fund this project
David Bowie, and Public Image Ltd. Neverhood! now, featuring new music by and still needs a bit of help. You can read
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0 Terry Taylor and illustrations more of the details on his Kickstarter
08VNFV8E by TenNapel. Fans of Taylor’s video page and donate a dollar or more if you
game soundtracks will want to grab this like.
one.