AP Tour Review

There is no "I" in tour - meaning that it's impossible for one band to singlehandedly save an entire tour. Such is true for the AP Tour, which for yet another year in a row has managed to throw together a lackluster lineup of bands. The result? A forgettable show that's simply not worth your money.

Perhaps the biggest draw to this year's tour are D.R.U.G.S., the Craig Owens fronted supergroup that had a cult-like following before they even released their first record. But even Owens' charisma and showmanship just isn't enough to save this tour.

The lineup, in addition to D.R.U.G.S., which consists of Black Veil Brides, I See Stars, VersaEmerge and Conditions looks more like something thrown together from a random search of bands on MySpace than a well thought out tour put together by the heads of Alternative Press.

You've got your goth-infused glam-metal element, a poor man's Paramore and an electro-metal outfit that look like they belong on a college campus rather than a stage. Add to that the I See Stars' lead singer referring to last week's New Haven, Connecticut crowd as "New York" numerous times and it's clear this grouping of misfits might not be ready to conquer the road just yet.

But the real problem with the 2011 AP Tour is the lack of consistency. This tour is full of club dates, not outdoor festivals. While this eclectic lineup of bands might work on Warped Tour, it's just too choppy for indoor shows. There's too much of a stretch, musically, to go from the pop sounds of VersaEmerge to the screamo post-hardcore brutality of I See Stars over a 20-minute set change.

It seems that Alternative Press haven't been able to put together a solid grouping of bands since the first AP Tour back in the Spring of 2007. Rather than selecting bands that would stand as a concrete look into the alternative scene, the AP bigwigs just keep grabbing for whatever band names will make them a quick buck.

You can't really blame them, though. With the print magazine industry dying faster than Donald Trump's chance of becoming president, it's no wonder AP executives have decided on setting aside musical integrity in exchange for a wide assortment of bands that will sell tickets to the trend-hungry youth of America that are armed with, and ready to spend, their parents' money.

Take this as a warning. If you're planning on spending your own money for a ticket, or don't feel like bringing your mother to the show with you, then skip the AP Tour this Spring. There's no real music on this tour, just industry. And let's face it, anything that's industry just isn't punk.

D.R.U.G.S. - Debut Album Review

Craig Owens had a lot of weight on his shoulders this past year. After being booted from Chiodos, the singer was adamant on making a return to music with a new band and new record capable of turning some heads. And now, after the release of his band, Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows' (D.R.U.G.S.), first album, it's clear that Owens has shed his past and is putting his music first and foremost.

D.R.U.G.S. is composed of ex-members of Chiodos, Story Of The Year, From First To Last, Matchbook Romance and Underminded. The five-piece decided to enlist the forces of John Feldmann (The Used, Atreyu, Saosin) as the producer for their debut album. Feldmann, having worked with some of the best punk and alternative bands out there today, helped put together a record that will undoubtedly appeal to fans across the board.

The album opens with "If You Think This Song Is About You, It Probably Is", an anthemic track showing both the heavy side and catchiness this band are capable of. Owens' scathing lyrics seamlessly tear apart broken relationships with friends and lovers. "Today was the day you tried to shut me down. / Be honest, / did you ever mention my name? / Did you get sick of the shame? / Did you lie on your back like a whore?"

And the record doesn't slow down from there. Track two may sound familiar to Chiodos fans. Lyrically, "The Only Thing You Talk About" is Chiodos' "Thermacare" set to new music. (Chiodos' "Stratovolcano Mouth" consists of "Thermacare's" old music with new lyrics) It actually works better for the song in this instance, and proves to be one of the heaviest pieces on the record.

D.R.U.G.S - Thermacare (Live at The Met) from Film From The Future Productions on Vimeo.

Some of D.R.U.G.S.' best work, though, comes during the middle of the album. "Laminated E.T. Animal" is packed with hooks that express the band's deep knowledge of turning a heavy rock song into something catchy - without losing sight of what made the song heavy in the first place.

After eight post-hardcore tracks of consistent screaming, chugging guitars and a double-kick bass drum, you get "I'm Here To Take The Sky" - a pop-punk-esque tune that could pass as radio friendly. It's probably one of the strongest songs on the album, but it can feel funny amongst so many other hard and driving tunes. Nevertheless, it's one you'll be playing on repeat.

Though the entirety of this album is reminiscent of other essential albums like The Used's Lies For The Liars, it does have its weak points. "Sex Life" feels a little unrelatable lyrically. Musically, it also lacks. The verses are the song's strongest attributes leaving the chorus pitchy and discordant.

Overall though, the self-titled debut record from D.R.U.G.S. easily stands as one of the best releases of the year so far. This is the record, and the band, the scene has been missing.

You can catch D.R.U.G.S. on tour this Spring both in the United Kingdom and United States.

Most Anticipated Albums Of 2011

Well, it's 2011 and the economy still sucks, Christopher Drew is still making music and Steve Carell is leaving "The Office," but it's not all bad. The new year is bringing plenty of fresh tunes to get stoked on. Wanna know the best? Then keep reading and check out Backstage Press' Most Anticipated Albums of 2011.

Bayside - Killing Time

Release: February 22nd

Bayside spent most of 2010 recording Killing Time, their fifth studio album. Having already released two singles, including "Sick, Sick, Sick" and "Already Gone" it's clear that the Long Island outfit are showing maturity in their sound. The songs are a natural progression from 2008's Shudder, but bring back the raw aggression and punk feel from their early work. This will certainly be the "can't miss" record of 2011.

Yellowcard - When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes

Release: March 22nd

It's been almost four years since we heard last heard from the Florida pop-rockers. But Yellowcard are back, and armed with a new record for your listening pleasure. When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes is creating quite a buzz online so far. And with the release of the album's first single, "For You, And Your Denial", Yellowcard are starting their climb to the top again. Look for this record to sell well this year.

D.R.U.G.S. - Abigail (Will Be Born With Four Friendly Eyes) **

Release : February 22nd

Craig Owens' newest supergroup are poised to be the reigning post-hardcore champs of 2011 with the release of their debut album. In the past few months, D.R.U.G.S. have released three songs off the record - "Sex Life", "If You Think This Song Is About You, It Probably Is" and "Mr. Owl Ate My Metal Worm". Each is seemingly as catchy as the next, and has led to an outpouring of support from fans nationwide. Plus, being a band comprised of members from other notable scene acts, it will be great to see whether or not this record holds up to the previous releases of each member.

Handguns - Don't Bite Your Tongue

Release: February 22nd

The Mid-Atlantic pop-punk quartet will be putting out their new EP, Don't Bite Your Tongue, on Pure Noise Records this year. The seven-song recording is their answer to 2010's Anywhere But Home - an album packed with as much honesty as you'd expect from The Wonder Years, and as memorable as the early work of The Starting Line. Handguns have released their first single off Don't Bite, "Scream Goodbye", which continues in ABH's footsteps of upbeat lyrics and catchy guitar riffs. If you miss when pop-punk was pop-punk, you're going to want to grab this record.

Rise Against - Endgame

Release: March 15th

Since we last heard from them on their 2010 DVD, Another Station, Another Mile, Chicago punks, Rise Against, have been hard at work on their sixth full-length album, Endgame. Recorded at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado, the band invested in the help of Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore for producing efforts. Having released the song, "Help Is On The Way", it's clear that the band have not left their roots. The song, as it's anticipated the rest of the album will be, is politically charged and driven by issues of humanity. This record will not disappoint loyal fans, and is sure to turn a few new heads.

Taking Back Sunday - TBA

Release: TBA

Having just finished recording in December, Taking Back Sunday are putting the finishing touches on what will be their first release since 2009's New Again. They've gone back to the Tell All Your Friends-era band lineup, leading many to speculate that 2011's record will harken back to classic TBS both lyrically and musically. Late last year, TBS released a completed song with the working title, "Best Places To Be A Mom". Listen to it here, and check back for more info on the 2011 TBS release.

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A number of other bands will be releasing records or getting back into the studio this year. Check 'em below.

blink-182 - Currently in the studio

The Wonder Years - Currently in the studio; record release slated for summer 2011

The Get Up Kids - New album out 1/25

This Time Next Year - Currently in the studio with Chad Gilbert of NFG

Emery - New album out 3/22

Set Your Goals - Currently in the studio

Vanna - Currently in the studio

Dance Gavin Dance - New album out 3/8

** - No formal name has been given for this record. Various sites list it as Abigail, while others leave it untitled.

A Hit Of D.R.U.G.S.

It's been just over a year since Craig Owens was booted from Chiodos. But, as promised, Craigery is back full-force with a new band who are ready to take the scene by storm.

D.R.U.G.S., the moniker meaning Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows, consists of Owens on lead vocals, guitarists Matt Good (From First To Last) and Nick Martin (Isles & Glaciers, Underminded), bassist Adam Russell (Story Of The Year) and drummer Aaron Stern (Matchbook Romance).

The band, whose lineup was released one by one, spent the majority of the summer recording with producer John Feldmann. According to a Tweet by Owens, recording was finished by mid-October and the band were moving on to the mixing stage. No word has been given on a release date of the record, though it will be released through Decaydance Records.

But that doesn't mean fans can't get a chance to hear the supergroup before a full CD is released. D.R.U.G.S. will be setting out on the Rise From The Ashes tour at the end of this month alongside Eyes Set To Kill and New Medicine.

They recently posted a teaser video (see below), alongside a number of studio updates, that outline the band as a whole, the recording process and offer a first chance to hear some unreleased tracks.

D.R.U.G.S. will be on tour through mid-December. Check below for tour dates and cities near you.

Rise From The Ashes Tour

Nov. 28 - Pontiac, MI - The Pike Room

Nov. 29 - Pontiac, MI - The Pike Room

Dec. 3 - West Hollywood, CA - The Key Club

Dec. 4 - Bakersfield, CA - Jerry's Pizza

Dec. 5 - San Luis Obispo, CA - Downtown Brew

Dec. 8 - Lawrence, KS - Bottleneck

Dec. 9 - Des Moines, IA - Vaudeview Mews

Dec. 10 - Indianapolis, IN - Emerson Theater

Dec. 11 - West Dundee, Il - Clearwater Theatre

Dec. 12 - Lansing, MI - Mac's Bar

Dec. 14 - New York, NY - Studio at Webster Hall

Dec. 15 - Providence, RI - The Met Cafe

Dec. 16 - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground

Dec. 17 - Albany, NY - Valentine's

Dec. 18 - Lancaster, PA - The Chameleon Club

Dec. 19 - Altoona, PA - Archway Center