Editors' Picks: Restorations

Posted by brian on Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 12:00 PM (EDT)

Brian: Restorations feature three-fifths of gruff, quirky post-hardcore revivalists Jena Berlin. While similarities between the two are present enough to bridge the gap for JB fans, there are plenty of atmospheric flourishes and a wonderful restraint to Restorations' procedure to sensibly warrant them being their own truly unique and self-standing project. You can hear hints of admitted influences like Lucero and the Weakerthans in there, but there's a surprising sparkle in the guitars that reaches far past any home/prarie-land punk acts. I like to think of them as what might've happened if Polar Bear Club took it in another whole direction after their demo release (that just woke mikexdude up from his Sunday nap).

I probably should have featured them a long time ago, but something recently jogged my memory and I noticed they finally had legitimate songs on their MySpace page after a long period of only providing live YouTube videos. They've been active for over a year, but no real demo or release has seemed to surface; here's to hoping they get their asses in gear while JB continues resting.

Bands in this story

Jena Berlin

News (94 comments)

Please login or register to post comments.What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?

Share your opinion by posting comments on the stories that interest you
Rate music and bands and help shape the weekly top ten
Let Punknews.org use your ratings to help you find bands and albums you might like
Customize features on the site to get the news the way you want.

Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

Blackjaw_x (June 21, 2009)

I love Jena Berlin, just about to listen to this... pumped. Brian, if you have any more of 'these' bands up your sleeve, share 'em!

LawnDay (June 21, 2009)

Judging by the bands in your profile, you might want to check out Fuel, if you haven't already. If you enjoy Forever and Counting its pretty much a sure thing.

Blackjaw_x (June 21, 2009)

Yep, Fuel is pretty great. If you like them and early HWM, you should check out Headtraffic, LLC. They have their album for free on their myspace, but it'll take some organization if you're a music library freak... I remember they had saved it all weird or something and I had to re-name and re-tag stuff... No big deal at all, just saying. Really good album.

mikexdude (June 21, 2009)

Oh man, extremely good call. Fuel took Fugazi and created some magnificant hooks with post-hardcore.

ffwoodycooks (June 21, 2009)

music is pretty good, id look forward to hearing more

that show poster on their myspace is awesome.

Punks_Not_Punk (June 21, 2009)

It is pretty good. I was hoping they would have given a few parts a little more energy. In both songs it is like there is a lot of build-up but it never really goes anywhere. But I still like it. Good suggestion!

Blackjaw_x (June 21, 2009)

Yeah that kind of bothers me, it always reminds me of that stupid "if I just lay here" song by Snow Patrol that wouldn't get off the radio a few years ago. That song drove me nuts, so when I'm reminded of it it dampens whatever song I'm listening to. Just the build up with lack of climax aspect, not the overall sound of the song itself. That's the main problem with The '59 Sound too. It's like being interrupted during sex and having to stop and put your clothes back on.

Punks_Not_Punk (June 21, 2009)

"It's like being interrupted during sex and having to stop and put your clothes back on"

hahahaha

Blackjaw_x (June 21, 2009)

Hey I realized Jena Berlin is the band I couldn't place that Red Collar kind of sounds like.

If you like Jena Berlin and this Restorations band, check out Stay Six, also from PA. They broke up, but put out a great EP and have some unreleased stuff. They sound like Jena Berlin, A Death In The Family and Bear vs. Shark mixed. Yep, name drops galore.

wonton (June 21, 2009)

My feets itch.

Blackjaw_x (June 21, 2009)

Same, it happens when I put socks on too soon after getting out of the shower.

MattRamone (June 21, 2009)

Mike's getting named dropped in news posts now. I bet he doesn't shut up about it.

mikexdude (June 21, 2009)

zomgzomg Brian like titallyt said my nameomgomgomgomgomgogo i m famous.

ffwoodycooks (June 21, 2009)

color me jealous

MattRamone (June 21, 2009)

I'm actually going to color you purple with markers after slipping you a roofie.

eran_zombis (June 21, 2009)

I wish I liked anything as much as mikexdude likes pbc.

Cheesetits (June 21, 2009)

Mikexdouche appearance!

ChokingVictim (June 21, 2009)

band fucking rules, great dudes too

Slacker (June 21, 2009)

Good stuff. Real good guitars

dev (June 21, 2009)

I like what I'm hearing.

mikexdude (June 21, 2009)

This sounds pretty damn awesome. thnx bro ; )

thatsyouth (June 21, 2009)

I don't believe in naps.

Icapped2pac (June 21, 2009)

Your loss.

thatsyouth (June 21, 2009)

Good stuff. I enjoy this.

I won't be apart of tonight's NG. Shitty.

Scarysmurf (June 21, 2009)

The sad thing is sometimes I decline going out and doing something tonight so I can attend NG.

avodrocyelir (June 21, 2009)

me either, because ill be seeing chuck ragan, suckers.

mikexdude (June 21, 2009)

BTW. If you haven't checked out Jena Berlin. One of the most busy guitar players live too.

120dB (June 21, 2009)

I love Jena Berlin. This shit sounds good too.

Archangel (June 21, 2009)

For god's sake will Jena Berlin PLEASE TOUR THE WEST FUCKING COAST.

Blackjaw_x (June 21, 2009)

Everything from their top friends to their record label to the bands that sound like them to their spot on Warped Tour says I shouldn't like: http://www.myspace.com/dearandtheheadlights

But I do.

Blackjaw_x (June 21, 2009)

Like seriously, this stuff is fantastic. It's got noodly guitars, acoustic-driven parts, soaring and talented vocals with a tiny hint of gravel underneath that keeps them sounding sincere... it's just... epic. This band is epic. I hate that word, but they are. This band, Frightened Rabbit and Pilot Speed are the only good bands that could get grouped in with Coldplay, Radiohead, The Fray and all them.

nocigar (June 21, 2009)

The Midnight Organ Fight is one of my favorite albums, ever.

24HourPriapism (June 21, 2009)

"polar bear club" > mikexdude as "treat" > most dogs

unfortunately i have no sound on the computer at my parents. derp.

mikexdude (June 21, 2009)

i dun get it

24HourPriapism (June 21, 2009)

what happens when you mention "treat" or "cookie" within earshot of a dog?

onegirlarmy (June 21, 2009)

You're not late Brian, Restorations just put music up only last Wednesday. So, you're right on time.

Band is so fucking good. "Of Trees" is my new jam. Restorations was great the one time I saw them too. Love this and Jena Berlin!

mikexdude (June 21, 2009)

fuck u

el_matt (June 21, 2009)

Hey everyone, recommend me some new music. In return, you will receive three wishes.

Icapped2pac (June 21, 2009)

I'm digging the new Castevet and Constants (2 separate bands) full lengths.

mikexdude (June 21, 2009)

I haven't heard the new Castevet but I loved the demo. What's it like.

Blackjaw_x (June 21, 2009)

It's the 3 songs from the demo with another one I've had since I got the demo and 4 new ones that all sound like the demo... it's just fucking awesome, the release of the year for me by far.

Icapped2pac (June 21, 2009)

Sick, dude. It keeps getting better with each listen as the songs become more familiar. I told my brother yesterday (another PBC fanboy, with a couple HWM and SBB tattoos) they sound like Minus The Polar Bear Club vs. Shark, combined with what would happen if Chuck Ragan sang for Mineral. And I think the quality in the songwriting is on that level too. The songs from the demo are all on it, but they sound even better amongst the rest of the stuff. It's not horribly hard to find on the intarnet if you're resourceful, but I instantly found it worthy of $10 + S/H from Count Your Lucky Stars.

mikexdude (June 21, 2009)

Minus The Polar Bear Club vs. Shark, combined with what would happen if Chuck Ragan sang for Mineral.

I think I just got a heart attack.

Icapped2pac (June 21, 2009)

Almost the same response my brother had. His was more like...dramatic pause to let the words sink in and do the math and then, "well... that sounds pretty fuckin awesome".

Blackjaw_x (June 21, 2009)

I hope you didn't download Castevet, they deserve more. Icapped, let's go over the new bands we've found without telling each other already that sound like bands we both love. I'll start.

Dear and the Headlights - like the melodic parts of Bear Vs. Shark mixed with Dallas Green, This Town Needs Guns, Rocky Votolato, Frightened Rabbit, Pilot Speed, noodly guitar parts, acoustic-driven parts, intricate drumming

Clair de Lune - sort of like At The Drive-In but not really, on Deep Elm

Hitechjet - very, very HWM or PBC-like

The Cable Car Theory - post-hardcore

Canterbury Effect - hard to describe, sounds like they could fit in with the IYMI roster

Kids Near Water - emo/post-hardcore

Running From Dharma - kind of like HWM at times, but with more of a general rock sound

Shots Fired - a simpler

show rest of comment
and catchier At the Drive-in

Spraynard - noodly and loud stuff with awesome drumming, definitely sounds like an IYMI band

got the Tenement Kids demo - you should know them by now... I found their demo!

Therefore I Am - they're on Warped Tour and people who like shitty nu-metal like them, but I think they sound like a hardcore Living With Lions... all depends on how you look at em

To The North - Australian emo stuff with loud, gruff but melodic vocals

Stay Six - found 'em a long time ago, been listening to them constantly lately... sound like A Death In The Family and Bear vs. Shark mixed

Sights And Sounds - members of Comeback Kid playing progressive post-hardcore stuff that does sound nu-metal-y at times, but they're especially good when they get loud

Blackjaw_x (June 21, 2009)

So I expect you to list some bands you'd expect me to like. I don't want to miss anything. :)

Icapped2pac (June 21, 2009)

I expected to just get on here for a second to check for anything new real quick-like before going to run some errands. Now it's like 45 minutes later and you and mikexdude have me fully engaged. If I start making a list now, I'll never leave.

Blackjaw_x (June 21, 2009)

PLEASE PLEASE PLEEEEEEASE!

...That should do it.

Blackjaw_x (June 21, 2009)

Also forgot Dig It Up (kind of like The Bronx but I like them better actually) and Explode And Rebuild (gruff yet melodic post-hardcore... basically it's really good).

Blackjaw_x (June 21, 2009)

Oh, and there's a new band with the singer of Lock and Key called Wooden Teeth.

Blackjaw_x (June 21, 2009)

Woah this Constants stuff sounds a lot like Sights & Sounds.

RAMBUNCTOID (June 21, 2009)

Kind of Like Spitting is my favorite band ever. Try the album "Bridges Worth Burning" first. These guys are so passionate and skilled that they make Hot Water Music feel boring. Seriously.

acris (June 21, 2009)

I Hate Myself
Frogball
Tigers Jaw
Mountain Asleep
Get Bent

Icapped2pac (June 21, 2009)

I skipped over JB's recent bulletin about this like "meh", probably because I was never able to like Quo Vadimus much, even if it that's not necessarily a fair connotation given the disparate sounds. Thanks though, Brian, for giving me the extra nudge. I would put in on a likability scale right alongside the slower moments (my favorite parts) on JB's first CD. Good shit.

mikexdude (June 21, 2009)

Really? I think Quo Vadimus was their best. More energy or something.

Icapped2pac (June 21, 2009)

Definitely more energy, which normally I would probably like. I can't call it. I just know I didn't want to listen to it past like the third time. They were great live though. I saw in Cleveland/Parma with about -2 people, which is the same night I saw Polar Bear Club for the first time. (So I saw them when Greg was still in the band. Did you? If not, -3 pts for you and +6 for me.) And what a fucking revelation that was. Actually, how great PBC was kind of made me forget JB was also good until now...

mikexdude (June 21, 2009)

I played a show with Jen Berlin; the line up was: I am Awake, Me, Jena Berlin, The Menzingers, Brick, Title Fight

Greg wasn't in the band when I saw them... september.

Icapped2pac (June 21, 2009)

You didn't tell me specifically, but I inferred it from other posts. You're a dick. If they were coming within a few hours of me anytime soon, I'd get to hear it, too, but those fuckheads are going back to Europe again before they come near MI. I'm beyond jealous.

mikexdude (June 21, 2009)

It basically made my whole life. I honestly couldn't think of a better moment in my life.

borischrous (June 21, 2009)

"of trees" is such a jam and its even better live. and these dudes are fucking awesome.

name (June 21, 2009)

am i the only one who thinks end of a year's sincerely...is one of the best records they've ever heard? either they're as underrated as i suspect or im just crazy

Blackjaw_x (June 21, 2009)

I think it's kind of 'same-y'... I get bored listening to the whole thing. Pretty good though.

thatsyouth (June 21, 2009)

So I just found out that my cousin has a video of me playing guitar on youtube and I'm super tempted to post it on here just to piss eazy the fuck off. But I'm kinda ashamed of it.

Archangel (June 21, 2009)

Hey everyone.

LOOK AT ME LOOK AT ME LOOK AT ME LOOK AT ME.

Thanks.

thatsyouth (June 21, 2009)

Thats exactly why I didn't post it. But the thought of pissing eazy off was tempting.

skankbook (June 21, 2009)

Saw the Menzingers, the Copyrights, and Dear Landlord last night. Incredible show. Proof:

http://www.youtube.com/user/skankbook

abracadaver (June 21, 2009)

Is Dear Landlord worth checking out?

TommyPickles (June 21, 2009)

Yes

Cheesetits (June 21, 2009)

I was watching the UFC fights last night and one of main event fighters came out to "Stupid Kid" by Alkaline Trio, which immediately made him my favorite fighter ever. He then lost.

IanIsSuperRad (June 21, 2009)

"Remember when I said I love you, well forget it, I take it back" doesn't exactly scream "tough guy".

abracadaver (June 21, 2009)

Of all the songs to choose for that occasion...

scientistrock (June 21, 2009)

Why haven't I heard anything about Almighty Defenders until just now?

DrewXFishy (June 21, 2009)

summer radio show
7-9 PM central ....thats in one hour
www.myspace.com/bottom40radio for link to jam

possibly only one of summer, get at it!

Blackjaw_x (June 21, 2009)

Mikexdude, does Chasing Hamburg do a better job of working the transitions between clean and gruff vocals? On the last record it was too obvious they recorded each separately and put them together, I want it to sound more natural like it's live. To clarify, he'd go from singing melodically to shouting hoarsely as if it were two different people, it wasn't at all gradual and would be impossible to pull off the same way in real life. I also want to know if there's less melodic stuff in general because those vocals always sounded overproduced... they would be fine otherwise.

mikexdude (June 21, 2009)

I am not giving away any details about the album.

Blackjaw_x (June 21, 2009)

That's so lame. Like in the grand scheme of things, why does it matter, you know? I knew you'd say that or my question would get edited or something, but really in the end... why? It's just another one of those things that goes on in the world for no real reason, this secrecy of details shit.

mikexdude (June 21, 2009)

Sorry.

Hey dude, can you E-mail me. There's something I want to show you that I found. Look in my profile for my address.

Blackjaw_x (June 21, 2009)

If it had been me that heard it and they said a term of agreement was to not tell anyone too much about it, I would first ask them why and mention that just because that's how things like that usually work doesn't mean that's how they should work, but then if I couldn't listen to it unless I kept my lips sealed, I wouldn't tell anyone. So it's alright, brolar bear.

mikexdude (June 21, 2009)

I spoke to quickly even saying I heard it. Just wait.

givemeamuseumandillfillit (June 21, 2009)

I'll say it.

It's not as two-dimensional, there's definently more shades to it on Hamburg. The vocals also generally fit the mix better, but I liked most of the general tones better on the last record. There's definently not less melodic stuff in either the musical or vocal department, quite the contary.

For what it's worth, it's slightly more loose and it definently sounds as if it wasn't fully multi-tracked and that definently fits what they're going for.

It's not as instantly catchy and I think quite a big percentage of people will be put off by the fact that the vocal lines aren't as instantly memorable or hard-hitting (even if it's very melodic), but it's definently a grower. Because of that, some parts might feel a bit "phoned in" upon the first few listens, but it's never the less a pretty solid record.

That being said, I think they're going to lose some fans because of this record. I think there's alot of people who won't keep listening to it until it sticks (because I'm sure some people will recognize it to be very melodic but still quite "flat" at first, almost cancelling out like white noise), but those who keep at it will grow into it and put it on their top 5.

Scarysmurf (June 21, 2009)

Sounds like lots of work to like an album if you ask me.

mikexdude (June 21, 2009)

That's how it was with hot water music for me and now they're my 4th favorite band of all time.

Blackjaw_x (June 21, 2009)

How'd you hear it, if you don't mind me asking?

givemeamuseumandillfillit (June 22, 2009)

By legal means.

mikexdude (June 21, 2009)

So did you like it?

I LOVE IT.

givemeamuseumandillfillit (June 22, 2009)

Yeah, I like it. I did hope for some more demo-esque noodly parts though, that could've made it a bit more dynamic, but it's a good record. Going out on loads of roadtrips in August and it'll most likely be the go-to record for that.

dropkicksoul (June 21, 2009)

cool band name

Blackjaw_x (June 21, 2009)

I have an English exam tomorrow and one part of it is to create an original creative writing piece that relates to a/the theme/themes of Hamlet, The Color Purple and/or Death of a Salesman. Can you guys give me any basic ideas for plot, characters and/or themes? I want to have at least something in mind before I go into the exam considering I didn't spend a second studying.

givemeamuseumandillfillit (June 21, 2009)

Just wikipedia that shit. There's always awesome summaries of themes and such. Then just google some keywords and steal someone elses idea.

I'd pick The Color Purple because it's hard to go wrong with that theme, you're guranteed to pass even if you totally phone it in. Or even, read up on characters from let's say Hamlet, mix it with the theme from Color Purple and put it in the timeframe of Death Of A Salesman, or something of that affect. That's what I always did when phoning it in because you sound like you've read and studied all the books, but you're just making a random mish-mash based on a few summaries.

mean_and_average (June 21, 2009)

Thanks everybody! More stuff coming soon.

mikexdude (June 21, 2009)

I love your band and I played with y'all in dc.

Hate4Hope (June 21, 2009)

One of the best "heads up" I have gotten in quite a while. I hope these guys are prolific....

Good call man!

Bearchuck (June 21, 2009)

Jeff has a sweet label.

mean_and_average (June 22, 2009)

GREAT label