REVIEWS:
We post reviews as we come across them. If you have done one or have see one we don't have listed, please let us know.
Updated Feb 12, 2007!

  • UNPOPULAR from Kerrang 2007
  • UNPOPULAR from Rock Sound (uk) 2007
  • UNPOPULAR from Subba-cultcha.com 2007
  • UNPOPULAR from Sweet Jane Music.com 2007 (translated from German)
  • UNPOPULAR from Black Forces.de 2007 (translated from German)
  • UNPOPULAR from Get Addicted.org 2007 (translated from German)
  • UNPOPULAR from Musix.de 2007 (translated from German)
  • UNPOPULAR from One Take.de 2007 (translated from German)
  • UNPOPULAR from No Front Teeth.co.uk 2007
  • UNPOPULAR show preview from Cleveland Plain Dealer 2006
  • UNPOPULAR from Cleveland Free Times 2006
  • UNPOPULAR from Cool Cleveland 2006

  • RADIO LIED TO ME from Punk News.Org 2003
  • RADIO LIED TO ME from Concrete Web 2003
  • RADIO LIED TO ME from Telia.com 2003
  • RADIO LIED TO ME from Cleveland Scene 2003
  • RADIO LIED TO ME from Fracture #24 June, 2003
  • RADIO LIED TO ME from Deep Fry Bonanza July, 2003
  • RADIO LIED TO ME from IMPACT Press Aug-Sept, 2003
  • RADIO LIED TO ME from Pop Matters Feb, 2004

  • POP ART from Satan Stole My Teddybear 2000
  • POP ART from Cleveland Free Times December 6, 2000
  • POP ART from Al Slavasky's Reviews 2000
  • POP ART from Dayton Impact Weekly 2001
  • POP ART from FRICTION 2000

  • WHO ARE WE from Maximum Rock N Roll #188 January, 1999

  • ROCKET POP from Charred Remains 1997
  • ROCKET POP from Rational Inquirer 1997
  • ROCKET POP from Maximum Rock N Roll 1996
  • ROCKET POP from Hoofsip 1996
  • ROCKET POP from Summer Fanzine 1996
  • ROCKET POP from Interbang Fanzine 1996

  • ON OUR OWN from Basura 1994
  • ON OUR OWN from Aardwolf 1994
  • ON OUR OWN from Columbus MOO Magazine 1994
  • ON OUR OWN from Optional Art Magazine 1994
  • ON OUR OWN from Summer Fanzine, Cleveland. 1994

  • SEEMS SO REAL from Maximum Rock N Roll #126 November, 1993
  • SEEMS SO REAL from The Paper, Fordham University 1993

  • CHANGE from Cleveland Scene 1993
  • CHANGE from Maximum Rock N Roll March, 1993
  • THE UNKNOWN-RADIO LIED TO ME
    "Shut me up and you shut me down, cut me up and you cut me down, tie me up and you tie me down" Goddamnit! What a fucking earworm! Aaaarrrggghhhh! I can't get this out of my head anymore! Please Tom, release this disk on vinyl! And then I want my name on the thanks list just because of it. Faster and slower pop punk earcrackers (breaking your eardrums, in the most positive way possible) are being ushered into your ears with full force and this in such a way that you immediately feel like opening a bottle of beer, putting on your worn out jeans, tie up your Chucks and hiding in the rehearsal room with the three of you to try your utter best to come remotely close to sounding like The Unknown.

    They started out, what? 12 years ago? Why doesn't this band ring a bell? They're from Cleveland, OH and unfortunately for me, they already toured over here this year. Sniff. But they’ll be back very soon, I hope. They sound a bit like Green Day in their Look-Out period, but with a lot more balls! This definitely is THE summer record for me.

    And in all sanity (totally subjective, I'm proud of it) I give them the maximum score (10/10)

    Ox magazine (Germany) review

  • THE UNKNOWN-RADIO LIED TO ME
    This is the 4th(sic) album by The Unknown. And when you read their bio, you have to say reluctantly that this is "just the 4th album by these pop-punkers from Cleveland, Ohio". And for real, this unknown band started playing together in 1989 and yes, that is indeed 14 years ago. Where everyone else was, 14 years ago, is very hard to respond to, right? These days, they play really good pop-punk, from the time when Operation Ivy was just a simple band and not the legend they are today. After a few line-up changes, the band returns in 2003 with a new delicious sweet. From the very first second, you know that there won't be very much changes to the sound (coming from them that would have been surprising but you never know these days) and that it still would sound like the good old ALL / Descendents and even Big Drill Car. Good sounding guitars, choruses that get you hooked, short and easy to retain songs stay in your head all day long. The songs are mainly about girls but they are catchy as hell and won't leave you alone and I'm not complaining at all. Completely in the pop-punk tradition, they succeeded in giving a little kick in the ass towards the younger generation, but without selling out or disguising their own style at all. The Unknown really is an authentic band and you might think this is very cynical of me to say but their 80s sounding pop-punk is really refreshing in 2003!!

    Walked In Line (France) Review

  • The Unknown - Pop Art
    Boss Tunage, P.O. Box 19550, London SW11 1FG UK
    Boss Tuneage, 75 Tenjincho, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, 162-0808, Japan
    Micracosm Publishing, 7741 Ohio St., Mentor, OH 44560-4850
    The Unknown, P.O. Box 110361, Cleveland, OH 44111

    Recieved this disc directly from Ken Blaze, the vocalist of Cleveland's The Unknown which has been around in one form or another since 1989. The band's current line-up is Ken Blaze on vocals and background vocals, Wayne Roscoe on drums, Chris Roscoe on guitars, and Brain P. McCafferty on bass and background vocals. On the band's newest Pop Art CD on the small independent London UK label Boss Tuneage, The Unknown play some great pop-punk similar to the poppy sounds of Green Day, The Queers, or The Replacements. How can a band playing this great pop punk be kept a secret this long? The Unknown have created one of the all time pop-punk gems that was ever made. -- Al Slavicsky's Reviews

    Read this review online at Al Slavicsky's Reviews

  • BOSS SAMPLERAGE! Vol. 2 [Boss Tuneage]

    As you can probably tell, this is the second Boss Tuneage comp and showcases a whopping 29 bands from their roster. Presented in a simple black and white cardboard sleeve itÕs safe to say they really do scour the world for their bands, licensing acts from JapanÕs Snuffy Smile and CanadaÕs Mag Wheel, amongst others. ItÕs a patchy comp but there is some good catchy punk rock gubbins to be found. The only problem is the impression I consistently get from Boss which is unless you happen to stumble across one of their bands early on at a gig or a punk all-dayer their record is the only place youÕll hear them. Which is a shame because class bands like High Lo Fi, The Unknown and Woolworthy sound like theyÕd be an absolute blast in a live setting! Apart from them, though, thereÕs nothing here to really set your heart on fire. [2/5] Boss Tuneage, PO Box 19550, London SW11 1FG.

    Read this review online at Drowned in Sound

  • THE UNKNOWN - THE REAL THING
    5 songs, 2 previoulsy released. 1 by SCARPER!. This is of the quality and sound that Boss Tuneage has a reputation for. Quality pop punk, played by old dudes instead of pimple-faced teenagers. This comes in some low-cost packaging, and Aston is probably knocking them out for a mere tuppence, so snap this up. Then snap up the album "Pop Art" because they are both great. (MM) -- Fracture, UK.
  • UNKNOWN (THE)- THE REAL THING 5 pop punk anthems with a Scarper cover to boot. Well produced and played. Chirpy material, but as usual not my thing. If you like pop punk I think you'll like this a lot. They certainly look like wacky, madcap kind of guys... (COC) Read this review at its origin at Reason to Believe reviews Reason To Believe
  • "The Real Thing" EP by The Unknown
       Pop punk is rapidly reappearing on the radio (how's that for alliteration?). Not that The Unknown are new to this scene, but their newest release, The Real Thing is an example for all other pop punk bands to follow. With Blink 182 and GreenDay on tour, radio stations again playing music from real instruments, and pop music starting to appeal to people other than 13 year old girls, I would say that we should be hearing more from this highly talented group.
       The five-song release was beautifully recorded, the vocals and the rocket-paced rhythm make the album. The lyrics are clever, and I get the feeling that the four members are as quick as their beats. Their style is similar to many other bands out there, but the lack of the snooty nasal sound is appealing, and the smoothness of their transitions and collaboration between the bass and guitar makes them standouts. They also aren't afraid to mix it up a little.
        Towards the end of the second song on the album, Disappear, Chris Roscoe has an 80's hairband guitar rift, later rejoined by the frenetic drums and bass. Their style embraces the definition of pop punk, but their lyrics and hooks mark a band that is more mature than the average current practitioner of the genre.
       I recently read of a slang phenomenon in London that consisted of rhyming words instead of the actual words. For example, instead of "I stole the car," I would say, "I stole the whorehouse bar." I think that Seven, the fourth song on the album, uses this method for its name. I think that they used it because it rhymes with heaven, which is the subject of the song--including a sly Star Trek reference.
       Regardless of their song-naming methodology, the band is fantastic, and I will not miss their next live show. Their energy, talent and creativity transcends the pop-punk scene, and I would not be surprised to see them grabbing a Grammy someday.
       Alicia Heaphy, WDUB.

       Now that Alicia has kicked pnuemonia's nasty ass, we're glad to have her back. You can contact her at WDUB Radio.
       PS: On Saturday May 4th, I took in The Unknown's show at the HiFi Club in Lakewood. I tried not to let Mr. Labatts, have his way with me, (as he somehow happens to do whenever I go to a show), but I was, how shall I put it.....? Unsuccessful.
       Though I thought I took accurate and somewhat incisive notes for a review, it turned out the next morning that I actually wrote a pained but passionate love letter to Burt Bacharach. (don't ask.) But I do remember that their set was incredible. This is the kind of show and music I could see every weekend. And I'm sure that the original review running threw my Canadian lagered brain at the time would have said that in a highly literate and clever fashion. Go see these guys, you will not be dissapointed.
    Warren -- WDUB Radio

  • THE UNKNOWN - The Real Thing EP (Boss Tuneage)
    As many of you know we've featured these guys on Poppunk.Com and have talked about them plenty. If you've followed our lead and checked them out, you know why. These boys from Cleveland, Ohio have been dishing out extremely melodic and catchy pop/punk tunes for well over 10 years now, and The Real Thing is their best so far. It contains the addicting "Disappear", from their "Pop Art" CD, as well as the track from our very own Pop-Punk Fever Compilation "Cyclone". Toss in 2 brand new tracks and a cover of their label mates Scarper! called "Group Think", and you've got one hell of an EP. I can honestly say that all 5 tracks on this one stand out. I still can not understand why these guys never took off. If you love Big Drill Car, All, The Tank, and the alike, your collection is empty with out this release. Listen to an mp3 clip and buy this EP at The Punk Shop
  • THE UNKNOWN - Pop Art (Boss Tuneage)
       What ever happened to that classic mid 80's-early 90's Cruz Records pop/punk style made famous by bands like Big Drill Car, All, Descendents, and The Doughboys? It never died. The Unknown are a 4 piece from Cleveland, Ohio that surely haven't forgotten what true pop/punk is suppose to sound like. These guys have been together for over 10 years, released 4 full length albums, a bunch of 7" records, and yet to most of the scene, they are still ... Unknown. Like myself, most of you out there have been left in the dark on an extremely talented band. Don't let it happen any longer.
       This latest release "Pop Art" contains 13 songs that will bring the old-schoolers back to a time when it was dorky to rock the fuck out, and trash your room listening to your favorite band. Some stand out tracks are "Disappear" and "Feelings." 100% catchy tunes, which can stand on the same plateau with such classic pop/punk songs as All's "She's My Ex." There's even an extremely well done cover of "You Might Think" by The Cars on here. In a 10 point rating system, this release gets a 20. --- StevePapp, POPPUNK.COM
    POP ART REVIEWS ONLINE:

    Review from Satan Stole My Teddybear... (this site is awesome by the way)... Pop Art Review
    Review from 20 Inches Zine Pop Art Review
    Review from the E-Zine Collective Pop Art from Collective

  • The Unknown - Pop Art (CD)
    Microcosm Records, 741 Ohio St. Mentor, OH 44060-4850, USA.
       Very radio friendly pop punk that should appeal to many fans who like their punk on the softer side and happy-go-lucky. The Unknown sound a little like the Dickies but with more Ooomph, strong guitars, tight musicians and solid vocals. What more is needed?
       Reviewed by Conrad: January 30, 2001, World Wide Punk.

  • THE UNKNOWN - Pop Art (Boss Tuneage) "Great tough and rockin' set of catchy punk tunes from this Ohio fourpiece, cranked up with searingly singalong melodies and plenty of gusto in the sound. It's clear they absolutely know what they're doing, like their instruments have mutated into part of their bodies, under control but straining at the leash, while the songs are at once interesting and memorable, hitting the spot with ease, sort of like the DOUGHBOYS and the DESCENDENTS in a powerpop blender. Really bitchin stuff, tunes take off and drag you with them onto higher plains, there's an irresistably cheery version ofthe CARS' fine 'You Might Think' and it all comes wrapped in a lurid and fun Warhol-esque sleeve. Most recommended for your listening pleasure"
    "Real Overdose" #24, Wolfie Retard

  • THE UNKNOWN - Pop Art (PO Box 110361, Cleveland OH 44111) I can't believe it's been almost ten years since I met these Cleveland-based pop-punksters at some dingy, long-defunct club on the Lower East Side on one of their early tours. Here they are all these years later still churning out wonderfully realized pop-punk gems. The catchiness never subsides, the lyrics remain clever and insightful, and the rhythm section will have you dancing around your bedroom from the opening chords of "Listen To Me" right through the nifty, new-wavey cover of the Cars' "You Might Think." A lot of pop punk bands give you a couple of catchy tunes and a lot of derivative filler. I don't know how Ken Blaze and Co. do it, but this little gem has a dozen killer tracks and every one of them is worth repeated spins. The only mystery is why the Unknown remain that way with so much quality songwriting to their credit.
    - Jim Testa, Jersey Beat & The Jersey Beat WebPage, www.jerseybeat.com

  • The Unknown - Pop Art - (review by Ian Cavell)

    13 tracks of full on rocking pop-punk all the way from the US via the record releasing dynamo that is Boss Tuneage. Now if you saw these guys live a few months back (shit, is it months? this review is so overdue) you'll know what a good live show these four guys are capable of putting on. Thankfully the latest album compares more than favourably; a quality recording plays it part but the ability to write stupidly infectious pop songs just can't be sniffed at. So catchy infact, its like my right leg has been set to spasm.

    The only critiscm I have is that as good as the songs are, they do all sound rather similar. But good is good and for anyone with even a slight penchant for US pop-punk in the style of bands such as ALL, then this CD is a more than worthwhile purchase.

    Rating: 7/10
    Boss Tuneage

    http://www.collective-zine.co.uk/reviews/october2000b.html

  • The Unknown ¥ Pop Art ¥ Boss Tuneage Records ¥ I'll be honest...the only reason I picked up this CD was to hear their punked out cover of The Cars' "You Might Think." I'm glad I did though, because I really liked The Unknown's brand of pop-punk. Every song has catchy harmonies and fast paced guitar riffs. Think Big Drill Car meets Blink 182 meets Kid With Man Head.
    http://www.impactpress.com

  • THE UNKNOWN - POP ART Another solid power pop punk release from this Cleveland combo. Very similar to the heavy pop sound of Descendents and ALL, especially guitar wise. There are a lot of bands in this genre but these guys are really good at it based on strong hooks. I think I remember them being a little more straight pop at times, but hey punky is good too. (RL)
    Maximum Rock N Roll #210 NOV'00

  • THE UNKNOWN - POP ART Well anyone who was lucky enough to see these guys live on their recent UK tour will know just how good they are! I reckon they made a load of freinds on that tour simply because they seem to find it impossible to play without giving it everything and rocking out every time they play! So this new Cd of course cracking too, jammed with a shade over half an hours worth of quality rocky pop-punk, definitely in the ALL territory but with the sort of infectious unpredictability that ALL used to have before they became formulaic. Big choppy riffs, solidly hammered basslines, drums like a madmans rampage, and vocal melodies and harmonies that stick in the head like an icepick. For this type of music to work for me, it has to be delivered with a truckload of energy and power, and THE UNKNOWN cram it into every note on this album like their lives depended on it. hell if you ever doubted me it includes a fine dig at BLINK 182 fans, a CARS cover and a cat in the booklet - all elements of amighty fine record! And that it is!
    FRACTURE

  • THE UNKNOWN - POP ART Just when did THE UNKNOWN get this fucking hot??? Their take on pop punk was always OK, but this??? From the opener "listen to ME" to the closing "??" this had me dancing around and shaking my booty like the baby from Ally Mc Beal!! Each track is just sooo catchy with sublime hooks and a toughness that was previously missing from UNKNOWN records. Still kiinda "hang Time"era SOUL ASYLUM but now played with the vitality of HAGFISh and a bit of rocking guitaring! Great production too. Wow, what a stormer! easily the best and most energetic pop-punk heard for a long time!
    SCANNER

  • THE UNKNOWN - PUZZLES 7" Here' s another 7" obsessive oddball (Aston) with a ltd (220!) edition disc on coloured vinyl, this time a single sided (ok smart arse, single playing side I mean) blue affair which features the title track plus a couple of live blasts. "Puzzles" is a smart and poppy affair with a fair bit of bite and melody while the two live cuts hardly sound top notch but the band's class does shine through. I dig THE UNKNOWN and I dig this.
    VISION ON #17

  • THE UNKNOWN - PUZZLES 7" Another limited edition, coloured vinyl, one sided 7" from Boss Tuneage.THE UNKNOWN are a gloriously poppy band from the US. If you like SKIMMER then you are going to love this 7". "Puzzles" is great, buzzing along at a nice pace and totally catchy. Two live tracks follow, the first carries on in the same style with the second being a little more punky. The postpaid price is £2.50 and I'd say that's pretty good value.
    SUSPECT DEVICE #33

  • THE UNKNOWN - PUZZLES 7" ...nice limited, one sided pale blue waxing here, from an Ohio band that actually sound quite British at times, there's definitely a hint of late 70's powerpop in them thar grooves, stuff that could be SKIMMER or something. But like the press bumf sez there is also bits of GREEN DAY, DESCENDENTS etc, the two live versions of tracks from their debut LP that also appear here do have that spikier edge, nice busy guitars, one song has melodies and harmonies, one is rawer in a CIRCLE JERKS kind of way.. yeah, its good stuff, keep an eye out for their new "Stll Unknown" LP
    REAL OVERDOSE #21

  • The Unknown- Puzzles, 7" One sided, sky blue waxed, three song seven inch from American pop punk band THE UNKNOWN. And I like it! Title track definately has a DESCENDENTS feel to it, like back in'85, "I Dont Wanna Grow up" period anyway - very catchy, bassy and cute. The second two tracks are live but are great quality nevertheless and are pretty much along the same lines as "Puzzles", well, "My Friends" is probably more DESCENDENTS in '82! Whatever, check it out, this is cool as fuck.(MD)
    Fracture 9

  • the Unknown - Puzzles 7" - (review by Ian Cavell) Ok, so Martin only reviewed this the other day - but Aston was kind of enough to send us a copy (a lovely sky blue coloured, single-sided 7" at that) so here's another review : Somewhere along the line I'd heard one or two ALL/Descendents comparisons thrown in the direction of the Unknown. That alone is enough to get me excited but the first track, 'Puzzles', is more like the ramones-ey three chord type stuff that I don't get on with all that well. Its also got those annoying "wah ha ha hah" vocals too which sucks. The two live tracks are a lot better though. 'Never be the Same' has got the melodic ALL kind of sound while 'My Friends' is more in line with the Descendents brand of frantic pop-punk (shit I'm getting lazy with these reviews). I've got to say that neither song is amazing but they're good enough that I'm tempted to check out one of the many album's that are floating around at the moment. I will say this though, there are a number of people who are absolutely besotted with this band so maybe there's something here that I'm missing.
    Collective Zine

  • *The Unknown- Puzzles, 7" Great little single from the best band in Cleveland. If you havent heard them yet, this is a great starting point. One of the best songs from the new album plus two live songs from the old one. If you have heard the Unknown, you need this, cause "puzzles" sounds great on vinyl..and the live songs are pure nostalgia... Boss Tuneage PO Box 19550 London SW11 1FG, UK. Order from The Unknown or Jiffi Pop, though..and be quick about it...supplies are limited.
    DTP Webzine

  • THE UNKNOWN - PUZZLES 7" Pretty good pop punk on offer here and the three tracks (two of which are live) to showcase a band that lives up to their name (outside of Ohio anyways) - Maybe I'm just missing something here but it just didn't fill in any gaps, too weak, too note wobbly in the guitar department and despite a few nice little touches I really can't go ga-ga over this stuff. Somewhere between THE PARASITES and THE PORCELAIN BOYS... what do you mean "And who are they then?"...Philistines the lot of you! David Stuart,
    SUSPECT DEVICE #33

  • THE UNKNOWN - PUZZLES 7" Mmm.. not sure about this. there's a splash of GREEN DAY in these tunes; it's just lacking in conviction a bit - that's until the closing "My Friends" which sees this Ohio 4 piece put their foot down and rock out in a big way, much like ALL could possibly do. Fans of poppier stuff'll probably blow chunks over this but I'd have preffered a bit more of an edge. Still, its on scandalous blue vinyl, it's a 7", it's one sided, it's limited and it's yours for £2.50
    SCANNER #5

  • THE UNKNOWN - Still Unknown (Jiffi Pop, PO Box 110361, Cleveland OH 44111)

    I swear I already reviewed this. But, its worth a 2nd if I did. Pretty clean punk rock. Great sounding punk rock riffs. With some metalish licks here and there. The singer is a poppy nut, with back up vocals, oooh's and ahhh's. Im getting a feeling the vocals arent matching the music as much as they could, maybe the music is too intricate?!! Or, the vocals are just too prevailing.... For the most part this is a really good album, poppy...just the way i like em, those great "feel good tunes!" Would really dig theses guys live, I can tell they're probably a swell live band. Lets wait and see!
    Uprising #5

  • The Unknown "Still Unknown" is Beatnik Termites and Descendents type pop punk that cleared the punk rock bar this time around and made the regular reviews section. Second mention, at least, on popsicko territory though. Good quirky stuff.
    Ray Lujan POP SICKO column, Maximum Rock N Roll #194

  • THE UNKNOWN - Still Unknown (Jiffi Pop, PO Box 110361, Cleveland OH 44111)

    Pop-punk fans, take note! I ran into this pop/punk quartet back in '93 or so, at a long-gone NYC club. And here they are, still around, still bouncy, still sounding like a pack of fresh-faced kids singing about bright summer days, unobtainable girls, and all the flavors of teen angst. Still, they're at their best singing about themselves in the hilariously self-deprecating title song. Inspirational verse: "8 years in and five fans more, our records not for sale in stores, can't afford to go on tour, don't know what we'd bother for." Yeah, they're still Unknown, but still worth checking out. - Jim Testa
    Jersey Beat #65

  • The Unknown - "Still Unknown"

    This four boy band plays a happy upbeat brand of pop-punk reminding me very much of Doc Hopper. Infectious songs about relationships and playing in bands and other fun stuff. The music is pretty solid and the singers do an OK job. Its no huge departure from the formula lots of these bands follow Ð but these guys do it well. (sm)
    Punk Planet #32

  • Unknown, The - "Still Unknown" CD/35:02

    Quite how these guys are 'still unknown' is a total mystery to me, because so far as I'm concerned they are simply one of the best pop-punk bands around these days. They've got everything and more that a great pop punk band should have and that so many these days are lacking in - frighteningly addictive choruses and harmonies to die for, guitar riffs that are the epitome of catchy, bass-lines that both rumble and bounce in equal parts and underpinned by drums like a steam-train with a fire blazing. There are so many bands selling upwards of tens of thousands of records (do I really need to name and shame them?) that are churning out the same tired old crap, but THE UNKNOWN can still get me tapping, humming and swinging round on my swivel chair in sheer excitement that music like this can be executed so well. Take my advice, ignore what the music press tell you, ignore what the adverts say about the stadium punk bands and take a look a little deeper and you'll find bands like the UNKNOWN beating the best of them, and what's more doing it with style and for the pure love of it. This is total and genuine pop-punk fix in huge amounts. (RR)
    Fracture #7

  • The Unknown "Still Unknown"

    - damn. thats the best word to describe this CD. anyone who has heard their last CD "Rocket Pop" or seen them recently knows this band is awesome, but this newest release by 4 of the nicest people from cleveland is, well, its awesome. it leaves me speechless frankly. i listen to it, and i get all worked up and excited, as it is a very poppy dancy disc, but i also get this deep "everything is going to be ok" feeling, listening to songs about love, still being unknown, and evil cats. buy this. The Unknown Jiffi Pop Records PO Box 110361 Cleveland, OH, 44111
    Disjointed Thoughts, Paranoia E Zine

  • THE UNKNOWN -- Who Are We? (7 inch)

    So, who are they? Unknown is this Cleveland quad that's been around quite a bit... since 1989 when Op Ivy was still yet to be a suburban legend! The band has changed members a couple of times and their sound has been altered a little bit through the years. Listening to this fast-paced 7 inch can put anyone in a revved-up mode. These songs, though short, are like those little powerbars. Little bars with lotsa lotsa power and energy packed in! Singer Ken Blaze's vocals are very cute and raspy, at times, (a la Muffs) and Chris Roscoe's got a pretty good handle on the guitar. However, the lyrics do need a little work. Sure, "Puzzles" has that quasi-ambitious air to it with phrases such as "Maybe someday soon I'll see you on the moon / Maybe someday soon I'll find you up on Mars", but then with pieces like "Biff the Cat" and the lo-fi "Incredible" ---it's obvious that this band was meant to be heard for pogoeing and bouncing around, no lyrical contests! Yeah, so go discover the Unknown to find a familiar sound, but nonetheless lively and fun! - d e e p a =- ,
    DAYTON BUZZ

  • 11/8/98 ARMCHAIR MARTIAN, THE UNKNOWN, WRETCH LIKE ME Speak in Tongues, Cleveland, Ohio
    It was my first time at Speak In Tongues. Certain people had told me how it sucks - it's small and there's a young crowd and crappy bands and so forth. The same people who want to go to cheesy dance bars to listen to hip hop dance music that is. Anyway Speak In Tongues is a really cool place. Apparently about seven people live in the place, there's a shower in the men's room next to the urinals with a towel hanging on it. The place was at one time a bar, and now the bar is used for the bands to lay out their goods to sell. It's a BYOB club and you can just bring whatever food, drinks, beer and whatever in there with you. It's a true punk club and plenty fun.
    When we got there about 10:30 after grabbing a speeding ticket going 40 mph on Lorain Road, there were about 30 people in attendance, which wasn't a huge surprise, since two of the bands are from Colorado or something but completely unknown here.
    The Unknown opened up with their high energy poppy punk set, to the delight of their small but loyal following of die hard fans. Actually, probably 99% of the people in attendance came to see The Unknown, and those who stayed for the other bands did it partially as a favor.
    The Euclid Tavern, on their website, define a regional band as one who in which Cleveland music listeners have no access via radio or record stores (and of course refuse to give them shows). This is definitely the category in which to place Armchair Martian and Wretch Like Me. Unless, that is, I'm just out of the scene too far to know all the bands, but I think the attendance backs me up on this.
    Armchair Martian is a punk/powerpop trio, again singing with high energy, even to small crowds, in the true punk rock spirit. Often if I see a band live that I'm not familiar with I have trouble getting into it just because I don't know the songs or the words or anything. But for Armchair Martian I felt myself getting all dancy and happy. Of course I was on my fourth beer by then and this is what I'll say about Speak In Tongues, from my very limited experience there: it's a happy place to be drunk in. As for Armchair Martian, they were a really cool band to watch. So all you turds who refused to go, you missed out.
    Unfortunately I had to leave before Wretch Like Me played and since I have no idea how they are I can't comment. Anyway, one final comment. All the bands that night were the true punk rock bands - touring all across the country, hoping they make enough money each night to get them to the next town, or at least to buy 8 hotdogs and 6 buns and (on good nights) some condiments, sleeping on roach infested floors, living in close quarters with a bunch of guys you learn to hate after a month or so, and having craploads of fun all the way. It's a scene 3000 kids at the Warped Festival will maybe never glimpse. NOFX and All and Bad Religion have been there, but now they are corporate entities (not to slag on the decent music some corporate entities are still able to market). It's just a little sad that the true scene goes so unnoticed sometimes.
    BOSS HOG E ZINE

  • The Unknown / Rocket Pop /
    Omigosh...how could I have overlooked such a great band? When I got this I was like "Ok....another CD....lets listen to it.." It took about two seconds for me to fall in love with this! All meets the Mcrackins. If you don't think that sounds cool, then you're stupid. Songs about falling in love with manga cartoon characters, girls, and all the other pop punk staples. The only small nonredeeming factor about this is some of the songs sound alike. Who cares. It's good. If were to tell you not to get this Cd, I would be stupid, so go ahead and get it.
    Sticky Fingers

  • THE UNKNOWN "Who Are We?" 7"
    I was into these guys CD, and this is pretty cool, too. I thought their CD had much power pop overtines, but this sounds more Beatnik Termites and Descendents like. No political motives here, just fun punk rocky stuff. (RL)
    MRR Jan 1999 #188

  • THE UNKNOWN "S/T" Demo
    Holy fuck, this is amazing! There's not a lot of pop-punk left these days that can get my booty shaking and slap my face into a wild grin but on this new demo the Unknown have done just that! Their last CD was an excellent record, but this is just streets ahead of that. There's a new bassist in their ranks, and he's added just so much more urgency and power, as well as providing backing vocals. These new tracks are just crunchier and more fervent than previous releases which is probably helped by Jerry Jones (of the Fiendz) spot-on production job. There's a lot of ALL-ness about these six tracks, and the Unknown are definately on a par with those guys ("gasp!" go the kids) but have a certain sweetness, a feel-good factor, a summer-day-cold-drink fix, a downright fuckin get up and leap around the room laughing like a lunatic type of sound about them. If pop-punk be your thang, check out the new-improved Unknown at all costs or forever rue your loss. Somebody release this on CD before my tape wears out please...?(RR)
    Fracture October 1998

  • THE UNKNOWN "On Our Own" 7"
    If you read the last issue, you'll remember that I reviewed a show that The Unknown played. If you didnt read it, Why the hell not? Anyway, I enjoyed them live, so idecided to pick up their 7" And by golly, I just wanted to share it with you guys. Bith songs on the record have a really happy beat to them, despite "Never Be The Same" being about a pretty sad subject (I'm not telling you what it is. Get the record and find out.) Both songs also have really cool guitar solos, and I really like the sound of singer's voice on "Find It." And I really really like both songs a lot, but "Never Be The Same" is my favorite. The words were stuck in my head for like 3 days, and I just wanted to listen to it over and over again. OK so you NEED to find this record and buy it. If you can't find it, check ou t my little band address section and write to the band and ask for it.....
    The Rag #7, New Jersey.

  • THE UNKNOWN Live 6/21/97 Connections, NJ
    OK lets start off with the Unknown, a band from Cleveland, Ohio who, according to the singer, got burned to a crisp here at our lovely Jersey shore before the show (someone should have told them that we have no ozone here). But despite their sunburn, these four guys put on an awesome show. Now I'd never heard of them before this, so I don't know the names of any of their songs or anything, but I can tell you that they're probably one of the best things to come out of Ohio. I don't know if they were nervous playing out here, (We're friendly, most of us don't bite) but if they were, it really didn't show. Their set was like one good song after another, and hey...I do remember that they said one of the songs was about a cat named Biff. But my favorite part came at the very end, when they ripped into a really cool version of the "Three's Company" theme song to end their close to an hour long set. They certainly know how to leave an impression. Let's hope we'll be seeing more of the Unknown out here in New Jersey (only next time guys, bring some sunblock).
    The Rag #6.

  • THE UNKNOWN Live 3/7/97
    The Unknown were the first band to go on. After seeing them a dozen times I wasn't expecting much new but I was pleasantly surprised. Their relatively new bass player, Brian(ex-Beatnik Termites) really adds a lot to their stage presence and their combined lack of cliche style makes them one of the kewlest bands in Cleveland. Not to mentiontheir songwriting makes them interesting and original. Brian's added vocals make them sound much better as well and I also have to point out that therewas never a moment when the drummer was not smiling. :) The new songs sounded really good I am uch looking forward to their new album later this year.....
    Eyecandy Fanzine #3.

  • THE UNKNOWN "Rocket Pop"
    The 11 songs bottled up inside Rocket Pop are like 11 little caffeine pills, with their quick, edgy guitar attacks. Unfortunately, all of the pills taste the same, and give the same buzz. No Flintstone Chewables here, with assorted flavors and characters.
    Fun, that's what the album is dedicated to on the inside sleeve. It is fun, with tight and bouncy ditties that make your head shake along. The lyrics are of the simplest form, too. Basic relationship tunes about remembering you, remembering me and you, remembering how you dumpled me and how I still need you.
    When combining the repetitive guitar riffs and monotonous lyrics though, the fun loses some of its glimmering shine. So much so, in fact, that outside of a couple of selections like "Never Be The Same" and "Mascara," which really combine the big hook melody with the guitar charge, the others are all too similar to separate.
    Ken Blaze's high-pithced vocals coincide well with the guitar blasts of Mike Vaughn and Chris Roscoe that dominate the album. Disappointingly, with the vocals/guitar being spotlighted, the ryhtym section gets the short end of the stick. Thom Janini's bass playing sounds like the best thing going on the songs - that is, when you can actaully hear the bass. While the drumming of Wayne Roscoe is clean as a whistle and a driving force behind all their up-tempo power-punk plays, it sounds like he's playing in the kitchen while everyone else is in the family room.
    If i was running up to the corner to pick up some beer on a warm summer night, the Unknown's Rocket Pop would not be such a bad choice to get things started right. The thing is, the trip only takes a few minutes there and back, and the material would already be starting to wear thin.
    Brian Manke Scene Magazine March 28, 1996.

  • THE UNKNOWN "Rocket Pop" Jiffi Pop
    Happy upbeat power-pop with a punk-edge from Ohio. Nice to find a band that isn't afraid to smile. Great snappy drums and chirpy vocals. Fans of anything from the Undertones to bratty pop punk bands like Sinkhole should dig it.
    Jersey Beat.

  • THE UNKNOWN "Rocket Pop" CD
    Lots of people say lots of bad things about this record. Then again, lots of people have little or no musical appreciation. Does not sound like, but is clearly derivative of (to me at least) TonyALL and Big Drill Car. This is what pop-punk sounds like when pop-punkers feel confined by that medium. Should be on the radio, should be on the charts, should be a lotta things. I guess us in the know will just have to content ourselves with rockin out to "Annie Mae" or "Forever Then" and imagine in our heads that Kurt Loder is interviewing them about their recent world tour. I wonder how many other bands out there who deserve to kick goddamn STP off the radio and butter our ears with things like "rockin" "melodic" "cool" and "insightful." but are instead playin garages. Dammit they even dedicated the disc to "Fun" Thats so cool.
    Summer Fanzine 1996.

  • THE UNKNOWN "Rocket Pop"
    Reading the credits on Rocket Pop, its easy to see why the Unknown give a grateful nod to local hipsters the Beatnik Termites, since both bands appear to have taken the same stylistic courses at the school of snap-happy pop. On their first disc effort, the Unknown run a labyrinth of infectious tunes and alluring hooks, starting with "Annie Mae" and "Never Be TheSame," along with the mosh main course, "What Solomon Said." Whereas "Now You're Gone" has a harder-edged heart, hyper is the word of the day on Rocket Pop, as shown during "My Friends" and "At 705" Though the majority of tunes are new, "Seems So Real" goes bakc to the band's previous lineup featuring ex-bassist Peter Ahn leading the harmonic ride on a punch drunk pogo stick. For those who ran across the Unknown during their earlier funky period, Rocket Pop will be quite a shock. On the other hand, if enough new fans pick up on this release, the band may be forced into changing their moniker to something more accurate, for instance, The Well-known.
    US Rocker 1996.

  • THE UNKNOWN "Rocket Pop" CD
    These guys are way over the top punk-pop to excess. ALL to the Nth power. Beach pop gone mad. Somebody stop them. If you're in OHIO check this out, buy local.
    Flipside.

  • THE UNKNOWN "Rocket Pop" CD
    Chock full of the sweetest bubblegum rocked-out pop-punk I've heard in years."
    Charred Remains.

  • THE UNKNOWN "Rocket Pop"
    McRackins-type pop-punk that buzzes like a sugar fix. "Annie Mae" - call me fucked- at times reminds me vaguely of Kim Wilde. Thats a one off instance, though. "Breeze" and "Never Be The Same" for example showcase the Unknown's unrelentless penchant for a proud display of candy-spun punk chords that they wear like the colors of the flag.
    Spank!

  • THE UNKNOWN "Rocket Pop" CD
    The first few songs are definately the best. The Unknown play snotty power pop punk with tons of breaks and tempo changes to jump around to. Snotty vocals and excellent recording plus a fascination for Japanese cartoons put these guys among the 10 or 15 CDS I'll keep. Good, clean, happy music. Candidates for the Mutant Pop Series.
    Rational Inquirer #8 1996.

  • THE UNKNOWN "On Our Own" Jiffi Pop
    These Cleveland rockers are sure to become the darlings and/or pinup boys for a future Federal Trade Commision initiative on truth in advertising. The Jiffi Pop mailer included in the single proclaims "Crunchy Bouncy Pop-Punk." Well, that's what this single is all about: straight guitar rock. We'll spin off a few touchstones, arranged for successful interpretation by members of all generations: Rattler, Eddie and The Hotrods and for everyone who has been genetically present for the last 25 years, the Ramones.
    Moo March 1995.

  • THE UNKNOWN "On Our Own" 2 song 7" Jiffi Pop Records
    The Unknown, at least from these two songs, seem to be pretty caught up in that later period Descendents sound, ie, really happy sounding sad songs. The songs seem catchy, but after listening to them, I always end up singing actual Descendent songs in my head. I'd like to hope that they could write some really mean stuff (like on Milo Goes to College) but I can't picture it. It's crunchy bouncy more pop than punk music that if you don't like the record, you can always fantasize about the cartoon girl in their record label logo. By the way, I think they're looking for a bass player - anyone?
    Fucktooth 1995.

  • THE UNKNOWN "On Our Own"
    The newest seven-inch from this god-like Cleveland pop-punk band seals the envelope. THE UNKNOWN are AWESOME! "Never Be The Same" and "Find It" make up this plattter, and they both are in the same vain as most of their other stuff.
    Summer Fanzine #5 Summer 1995.

  • THE UNKNOWN "On Our Own" 2 song 7" Jiffi Pop Records
    Pop Punk thats catchy, melodic and puts a smile on your face. Dwelling into more serious topics in their lyrics helps them differ from the rest in this genre.
    Outback 1995.

  • THE UNKNOWN "On Our Own" 2 song 7" Jiffi Pop Records
    This again shows the strength of the Cleveland music scene. These guys fucking rock! Not for a local band - they rock when compared to nationally known punk bands. The Unknown deserve an awful lot of attention. This is real poppy, not too unlike early Green Day. The A-side, with "Never Be The Same" is incredibly strong. The songwriting deserves an A+ as does the presentation. Great job guys! Looking forward to the full length next year.
    Interbang #3 1995.

  • THE UNKNOWN "On Our Own" 7"
    Okay imagine Green Day with Slash on guitar and a surfer dude on vocals and Wala. Catchy pep-metal-pop-punk. Descendents-esque, Ramones-ish. With lyrics that go "Anything you put your mind to, anything that you wanna do, just find it in yourself." ... You get the idea.
    Punk Planet.

  • THE UNKNOWN "On Our Own" ep
    Another one from this melodic Ohio punk band. With only two original members of the band doing this (and a friend), they sound like the old "unknown" -- They got disbanded, and now they're back again with new members. It has two songs about life and love. Pretty cool if your into melodic ounk. Nice cover too!
    Basura 1994.

  • THE UNKNOWN "Never Be The Same/Find It"
    Thanks to the recent success of Green Day, a whole new generation of kids are getting off on melodic punk pop, so hopefully the latest single by The Unknown will make some serious inroads. This enthused threesome dishes out compact three-chord rock in a most sincere manner, bringing to mind the early days of bands like the Ramones and The Undertones. The spirit of '77 is still very much alive in the nineties and I do mean that in apositive way.
    Optional Art Newsletter Nov/Dec. 1994.

  • (THE UNKNOWN'S Seems so Real Plays:)
    Duff: This guys got a great voice, its hard to say what these giuys sound like.
    Ted: Happy punk, I could see people dancing to this. This makes me smile.
    CM:Ahhh aint that nice.
    (THE UNKNOWN'S Here Comes The Summer Plays:)
    CM:Geez I wish summer would come, it looks so shitty outside today. This songs a cover, I have no idea who did it first.
    Duff: So what's the deal on this?
    Ted: I like it. Good summertime punk.
    CM: Maybe a bit hotter production next time, but a fine record indeed! It'll be interesting to see what they do in the future..
    Angst Illustrated #5 1993

  • THE UNKNOWN/THE DIRT MERCHANTS - SPLIT EP
    These Dirt Merchant guys sound awfully country to my ears. Terrible record cover. Hmmm, this second song is better. Skippy powery pop. Its too polished what with the overproduced background vocals. Guit-wanker alert. THE UNKNOWN....yes. the vintage Pete Rypins bass tone, the "Bop-ba-ba-ba-ba" part. Smart little guitar bits crunch you bouncy. The hey "c'mon and quit your job, we'll fix bikes and drink lemonade all day" thing. I just don't wanna say "pop-punk", can you tell?
    Maximum Rock n' Roll #126 November 1993.

  • THE UNKNOWN/DIRT MERCHANTS Split 7" Jiffy Pop Records
    My homeys from Cleveland, with their second self-generated release. This split single, with a Dolls-ish band from the Motor City, is an all-fun showcase for one of the world's greatest unsigned and unfairly unheralded pop-punk ensembles. The lead-off tune "Seems So Real," os, uh, just perfect, and song #2, a cover of the Undertones' "Here Comes The Summer," will remind you of why life is still cool sometimes. The Unknown continue to improve and re-invent the world of speedy blitz-pop. If you missed their "Change" tour this summer, don't let this pass you by.
    The Paper. Fordham University. September 1993.

  • Split singles are a wonderful idea and the latest to blow my mind is a four song masterpiece starring The Unknown and The Dirt Merchants. The Unknown keep their tunes mean and lean, flooded with speedy guitar riffs and gobs of piping hot hooks. "Seems So Real" bounces with boundless brightness, as does "Here Comes The Summer," a marvelous Undertones rendition. Dedicated to preserving the spirit of true blue punk pop.
    Pop Sunday Newsletter March 1994.

  • THE UNKNOWN "Change" Tape.
    Descendents meets East Bay melodic pop punk. Excellent recording quality. They butcher "Barbed Wire Love" by Stiff Little Fingers. Too much singing and not enough yelling. This costs too much.
    Maximum Rock n' Roll. March 1993.

  • THE UNKNOWN "Change" (Jiffy Pop)
    If the Unknown were a bunch of mop-haired blokes from the East end of London rather than four guys from the west side of Cleveland, they probably would have been the toast of the indie scene by now. They would have nabbed the cover of New Music Express. They would have been hailed for helping bring the 70s punk into the 90s. Their debut album would have been a high pick in Spin's weird "Top Albums No One Has Ever Heard Of." list. Oh well - so much for the land of opportunity.
    Instead, singer Ken Blaze, bassist Peter Ahn, guitarist Mike Vaughn and drummer Wayne Roscoe toil in the Cleveland alternative scene relatively unnoticed, unable to play a lot of clubs because they are too young to drink legally. That's too bad because CHANGE is one of the best local debuts around.
    On CHANGE, the Unknown slam through 10 slabs of post-punk power with a flair that a lot of local bands lack these days. Original songs like "Nothin To Do" and "My Kind" capture the bored teen angst that the Ramones and Suicidal Tendencies perfected more than 15 years ago. Their sole cover, a cool version of "Barbed Wire Love" can stand against almost any band in the genre, especially with the faux crooner harmonies and power guitar.
    If you're looking for some well-crafted, straight-forward punk, CHANGE is an album to seek out. With any luck, the Unknown won't live up to their name very long.
    Glenn Gamboa. Scene Magazine. January 21, 1993

  • The Unknown, local popcore heros have a new tape out. They are great fast pop-punk every bit as good as Green Day or Big Drill Car... Maximum Rock n Roll Scene Report #125 October 1993

  • THE UNKNOWN, Change, Jiffy Pop
    Here, right here, is what is wrong with the music world. Bands can only get signed if they're from major markets and are easily identifiable with what is selling at the moment. At this moment, if you aint from a big city and dont dress down and play late-70s pre-metal, you aint shit. This is a major shame. This band here, The Unknown (not "unheard of," mind you, but "mysterious," like as if a Time-Life series), is from a big city, Cleveland, but doesn't give a damn about their image, so they loose in the game to the likes of any old spew-the-bile band who wears flannel and doesn't wash their hair. If it was even ten years ago, this band would be on the cover of SPIN, being heralded as the saviors of cool, honest music everywhere, or as the keepers-of-the-Brit-punk-flame or something. Well, in '92, at least they missed the boat. Here's hoping '93 is more into being awake.
    These four young dudes (average age a little over 18) from Cleveburg slam through ten short bursts of energy - picture any Southern Cal-based pop-punk band, filter through the early '80s new wave "angst" of the Go-Go's, and add a healthy pre-movement dose of the Undertones or Stiff Little Fingers (whose "Barbed Wire Love" gets a kick-in-the-pants update here), and you might have an idea. Then, listen to this album, with its clever photo cover. You should be amazed. From the opener, the peppy little tale "Stay," to the closer, the careening and nameless funk-tribal-metal instrumental, this album is, cut for cut, right up there with all your favorites...or should be. If you really need to be convinced, listen to the song "Nothing To Do" again. These guys should be arrested for coming up with the riff to this one, man. Best of all, this album contains approximately 0% filler. It's positive, it's critical, it's profound, it's pissed off - it's everything it should be and more. Ken Blaze's vocals, though occassionally a wee bit flat, will lift your spirits, the rythym section will keep your spine straight, and Mike Vaughn's psychotic leads and breaks will keep you scratching your head and smiling wildly. If you don't like this, people you are turning your back on all that is or should be well and good in this post-punk universe. Besides, they are going to be huge someday if God is stllalive - so no excuses, just do it. Send your eight bucks to the band at ....... -and remind yourself what four young guys can do with the basics. You can thank me later. Let yourself become a believer - you will not regret it.
    The Paper, Fordham University. January 1993.

  • THE UNKNOWN "Change"
    This album-length cassette announces the arrival of a great new power pop combo from that great rock n roll city, Cleveland. These guys write wonderfully catchy tunes delivered without a trace of camp or condescension - they just like to rock. A few funky tunes updat the sound for that crowd, but its their talent for inspired bubblegum that gets the nod from me. Cool cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Barbed Wire Love." too.
    Jersey Beat #50 Winter 1993.

  • THE UNKNOWN LIVE at the Underworld, New York City August 5th
    This is why I hate New York. This band from Cleveland called The Unknown sent me their demo. I loved it. Total power-op with that really cool Real Kids/Undertones energy that you can't fake. So then I get a postcard; they're playing the Underworld tonight. Okay I'm there. For those of you unfamiliar with the Underworld, its this basement dump on Bleecker and Broadway where they book eight bands a night. nd of course the genius who books the joint has the Unknown go on last, after all the locals bands wth some sort of draw have left and gone home. So I wind up standing along side the band's four friends at 1:30 am watching the coolest band I've seen in six months play to an empty room and a bored soundman. At least the band had a good attitude, they played a killer set and only stopped when told they had to (the soundman wanted to go to bed) If these guys ever come through your town PLEASE go see them. And check out the demo reviews in this issue and write for a copy of their tape.
    Jersey Beat #50 Winter 1993.


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