Prema - Pebble

 This oft overlooked gem is of the krishnacore era, hailing from Philadelphia, PA.  I really like the vocal styling on this record but I could do without some of the chanting and lord Krishna praise towards the end.  It's not that I don't like the mantras that some of the other bands like Shelter and 108 included on their albums, its just on this record they are kinda annoying.  Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong era because I dig these cheesey records.  Anyway, Prema has a pop and rock influenced sound of hardcore.  Definitely reminiscent of their Shelter and 108 brethren (less metal than 108.) Fun fact: Prema is a term for love in Hinduism.  If you like this and the afore mentioned bands, check out Refuse to Fall and Run Devil Run.

 PREMA - PEBBLE

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Shelter - Mantra

My favorite record from my favorite band.  I don't apologize if you don't agree. 

Ray Cappo  formed Shelter after Youth of Today started to dissolve in 1990. Influenced by vegetarianism, positivity, and the Bhagavad Gita, Shelter started a whole new movement in hardcore called "Krishna-core."   Around the same time Shelter formed, Ray Cappo also created Equal Vision Records.

Some other records to check out by Shelter are When 20 Summers Pass, Quest for Certainty and In Defense of Reality.

SHELTER - MANTRA

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Reigning Sound - Home For Orphans

Someone sent me this on a message board so I thought I'd share. This band was formed in 2001 but they sound like they could be found on a dusty 45 from some long forgotten rock band from Tennessee. They blend pop, classic rock n' roll, country and blues to create an excellent moody sound. Think country-folk songs about love that I am hesitant to compare to Ryan Adams, but it kinda fits. This album came out in 2005 and is a compilation of some alternative versions of songs found on their 2004 "Too Much Guitar."



REIGNING SOUND - HOME FOR ORPHANS

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Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Pains of Being Pure at Heart

This album is undeniably good.  I don't know what to say honestly.  It's like if you put My Bloody Valentine and an indie pop band like The Shins or Belle & Sebastian together.  So far, I like Track 5, Tenure Itch the best but the whole album is just really catchy, fuzzy, and fresh.  This will be one of the best albums to come out in 2009 and people are going to start talking about this band very soon.  They already have tons of great reviews so don't just take it from me.  They are touring with Depreciation Guild along the east coast including a Washington, D.C. stop and a Baltimore gig.  If you don't like this album and you like the Smiths or other 80s pop, you are listening to it wrong.  

PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART - S/T

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