Clicking on some of the band’s names will bring you to a website where the band has offered the release for free or for the “name your price” option.
A Loss For Words
No Sanctuary
I’ve heard many say that vocalist Matt Arsenault has the best vocals of the genre and I’ve got to agree, they’re pretty damn good. The vocals and music kind of remind me of Spitalfield. Both bands had clear vocals with a bit of a harder edge music-wise. Overall, A Loss For Words fanbase will enjoy this and I can see them gaining some new fans along the way. (Velocity/Rise records)
Andrew Jackson Jihad
Knife Man
I’m pretty sure you’re already familiar with Andrew Jackson Jihad, the folk punk duo from Arizona, and you probably already have this album, so this review is just a reminder to put the album back on and don’t let it turn off. Knife Man is an album that requires repeated listens because it has plenty of variety, and it never gets old. (Asian Man Records)
Annabel/Empire! Empire! (I Was a Lonely Estate/Joie De Vivre/The Reptilian
4-Way Split
Everyone of these bands on this split have their own distinct sound. Annabel has the indie pop sound, Empire! Empire! has a modern emo sound that is punctuated with Keith Latinen’s vocals, while Joie De Vivre take the classical emo route with horns. Last but not least, The Reptilian close out this split with their take on the screamo sound. It’s a no brainer, pick up this release. Every band rules. (Count Your Lucky Stars)
Banner Pilot
Heart Beats Pacific
Banner Pilot has really hit their stride with Heart Beats Pacific. Even though they have a pretty standard formula for their sound, the songwriting and music are even better this time around. Each song is quite good, but songs like “Spanish Reds”, “Division Street”, and “Isolani” are really standouts. (Fat Wreck Chords)
The Bombpops
Stole the TV
The Bombpops sound straight out of Blink 182’s Dude Ranch, but with the ferocity of early Anti-Flag. Fronted by two lovely ladies and backed up by two handsome gents, The Bombpops are insanely good. The music is fast and catchy with a twinge of sweetness provided by vocalists Jen Razavi and Poli Van Dam. Get this! (Red Scare)
Candy Hearts
Everything’s Amazing and Nobody’s Happy
Following up their stellar debut, Ripped Up Jeans and Silly Dreams, Everything’s Amazing and Nobody’s Happy is 12 songs of infectious pop songs that have a upbeat outer shell with a gooey center of honest, heartfelt lyrics. Mariel Loveland and crew have crafted some damn catchy tunes that I could easily see as the sound track to a teenage rom-com. (Kind of Like Records)
City Lights
In It To Win It
I don’t think I’ve cringed so quick into an album than I did when I put on In It To Win It, the latest from Columbus, Ohio’s City Lights. The “Intro” song to this album starts out with some repeated group vocals and a chug-a-chug breakdown reserved for the hardest of crab-core bands. Thankfully it gets somewhat better as the album goes on. It’s hard to show any excitement for City Lights, because New Found Glory did this way better ten years ago. (InVogue Records)
The Copyrights
North Sentinel Island
Sounding like MxPx, but with more swear words and more pop, North Sentinel Island is one of those albums that will still be good 10 years from now. The Copyrights aren’t blazing new paths with this album, but they are providing a half hour’s worth of extreme enjoyment and entertainment. (Red Scare)
Dan Mangan
Oh Fortune
Vancouver’s Dan Mangan garnered much acclaim in his home country and abroad with his last album, Nice, Nice Very Nice and is trying to repeat that success with his latest album, Oh Fortune. Oh Fortune starts out with the lengthy titled “About As Helpful As You Can Be Without Being Any Help At All”, a slow building song with and orchestral background that has an upbeat feeling like a parade. Skipping ahead in the album, the song “Post-War Blues” has a Tokyo Police Club/Vampire Weekend feel to it. Not to base Oh Fortune to those two songs alone, the rest of the album crosses a few genres and moods, but is altogether a needed listen. (Arts & Crafts)
Dan P. and The Bricks
Watch Where You Walk
What happens when you give Dan Potthast from MU330 a 10 piece ska band? Dan P. and The Bricks happens. Watch Where You Walk is classic ska at it’s best, before the 3rd Wave Ska movement swept the nation in the 90s. A five piece horn section plus the organ player really give this band it’s sound, and it’s a big sound too. Watch Where You Walk is a necessity for any fan of ska and rocksteady. (Asian Man Records)
Deer Leap/The World Is A Beautiful Place and I Am No Longer Afraid To Die
Deer Leap + The World is a Beautiful Place & I am No Longer Afraid to Die Are Here to Help You
Having spent more time listening to the The World Is…side of this record, I’m not saying that I didn’t like the Deer Leap side, it’s just that I was more interested in hearing what The World Is… had to offer. The few times I did listen to the Deer Leap side it impressed me with how beautiful and somewhat fragile their music sounds. I really like the new The World Is.. stuff on this release, even more than what they’ve released previously. These new songs have a slight Modest Mouse vibe to them and just a much overall bigger sound. Both band’s really standout on this release and you would be doing the bands a disservice by not checking this out. (Topshelf Records)
Devon Sproule
I Love You, Go Easy
Devon Sproule is a free-spirited songstress who grew up on a commune in Virginia, but now currently lives abroad in the UK. Sproule has a really warm and honest voice. The music is pretty light and is easily accessible. It has a folk pop feel, but with a smidgen of jazz influence. I Love You, Go Easy is a very calming album. Perfect for late night listening, with a drink in one hand and your special someone in the other. (Tin Angel Records)
Dreamers of the Ghetto
Enemy/Lover
Bloomington, Indiana’s Dreamers of the Ghetto are taking the anthemic feelings from bands like U2, Springsteen and maybe a little bit Arcade Fire and mixing it with their own personalities to make this massive sounding 80’s contemporary rock (with synths) album. There is enough going for it that it could easily find a place in your heart. (Temporary Residence Ltd.)
The Drift
Blue Hour
The Drift is an instrumental band from San Francisco that are masters at setting a mood or a feeling with their music. At times their music is delicate and atmospheric and other times heavy and calculated. Blue Hour would be perfect for any fan of Russian Circles or Explosions in the Sky. (Temporary Residence Ltd.)
Edie Sedgwick
Love Gets Lovelier Every Day
There is something I just absolutely love about Edie Sedgwick’s music. I don’t know if it’s because it’s not like anything else I listen to or if it’s just funky as shit, but their previous album and this one have a little space all their own on my musical shelf. I feel like most people would brush this off or dismiss the art-rock feel of this group, but they are truly missing out on something great. (Dischord)
Elway
Delusions
Elway, the new band from former Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway, with Tim Tebow on drums…Just kidding! While this band may be from Fort Collins, CO, I can’t find any relation to the Hall of Fame QB other than their name. Delusions is a still drunk/slightly hungover batch of punk songs with a lot of heart in the same vein as Junior Battles and The Evening Rig. (Red Scare)
Empire! Empire! (I Was a Lonely Estate)
On Time Spent Waiting, or Placing the Weight of the World on the Shoulders of Those You Love the Most
Empire! Empire! (I Was a Lonely Estate) has put out a few EPs now since their full-length, What It Takes To Move Forward and everyone of them has been wonderful. On Time Spent… is another gem and features a cameo by Pat Ford of Colossal on the song “When You Are Done Living on Borrowed Time”. I’m really liking the shorter songs that come with releasing stuff of a 7” and hope they continue to write in the same way. (Count Your Lucky Stars)
The Evens
Warble Factor b/w Timothy Wright 7”
In their first release since 2006’s Get Evens, Ian MacKaye and Amy Farina are back with a small dose of what’s to come. On the A side of this release, we have “Warble Factor”, a Farina led jam with plenty of stops and starts. The B side has my favorite of the two tracks, “Timothy Wright”. Led mostly by MacKaye with some help from Farina on vocals, “Timothy Wright” is a fun song with a catchy melody and a nice build up towards the end of the song. (Dischord)
Faith
Subject to Change plus First Demo
This reissue of Faith’s Subject to Change is a remastered version of the 1983 original plus the band’s first recorded demo from 1981. This is a great example of 80’s hardcore and should serve as a starting point for fans of bands like Strike Anywhere and Gatorface. (Dischord)
Family Lumber
Look To The Sidelines
Look to the Sidelines, from Michael Tietjen of Long Island’s Family Lumber, is four songs that are not lacking any substance or style. These songs are quick, easy to digest and will stick to your brain like a Post-It Note stapled to your head. “No Worries” is definitely the standout track on this EP and it shows great promise for this young musician. (Self-Released)
Flashlights
I’m Not Alone
From that first strum of “Choking”, Flashlights has you hooked. It’s impossible to get loose, but why would you, this album rules. It sounds like loud garagey party rock with lots of yelled vocals. It’s like Weezer, but with some balls! I’m Not Alone is one of those albums that kind of defines a place or generation, don’t miss out on this. (Protagonist Music)
Glocca Morra
Ghoul Intentions
I’ve been hearing things about Glocca Morra for a while now and never checked them out until I heard the opening track off of their latest EP, Ghoul Intentions. “Professional Confessional” explodes through the speakers with such force that it almost knocks you back. The rest of the EP keeps up the momentum displayed on the first song. I’m kicking myself for not checking these guys out earlier, so do yourself a favor and check it out. (Self-Released)
The Hotel Year
It Never Goes Out
Right out the gates with “Our Lives Would Make A Sad, Boring Movie”, The Hotel Year grab you with their in your face style, catchy hooks and multiple vocals. This Dudley, MA group really knows what they are doing and it’s no wonder why Mightier Than Sword picked them up to reissue this album. (Mightier Than Sword)
Into It. Over It.
Proper
All the work that Evan Weiss has put into Into It. Over It. in the last few years really shows with his first proper full-length Proper. Each song can easily stand on it’s own as a classic and as a whole makes for one damn good album. Proper is an outstanding album that sets a benchmark for the Indie scene. (No Sleep Records)
It’s Just Vanity/The Ground Is Lava
Split
While not being familiar with either band on this split, I was pretty impressed with both bands offerings. Chicago’s It’s Just Vanity starts things off with the song “Second Elevation” which begins with some emo guitar noodling and has explosive choruses. The Ground Is Lava has a neat twinkly sound similar to Wavelets and Dads. Great work by both bands on this release. (Keep It Together Records)
Jennifer O’Connor
I Want What You Want
Former Matador Records artist Jennifer O’Connor parted ways with said label in 2009 and ventured out on her own, writing what would become I Want What You Want. The songs are heartfelt, relatable, and quite memorable. I Want What You Want is a remarkable album that could easily put her back into the hands of a major indie like Matador, but I have a feeling she is happy with the way things are. (Kiam Records)
Josh David and The Dream Jeans
Can You Believe We Landed On The Moon?
Fast, dirty, and loud is a good way to describe Lansing, MI’s Josh David and The Dream Jeans. Can You Believe We Landed On The Moon? is a throwback to sloppy 80s hardcore and I can’t tell if they are being serious or just having fun. Either way, I’m sure there is someone out there who will love the shit out of this.(Bermuda Mohawk)
La Dispute
Wildlife
It’s unbelievable how good La Disputer are. Their last album, Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between Vega and Altair, was outstanding and I thought would be hard to top. On Wildlife though, they top Somewhere at the Bottom’s…lyics and music tenfold. Many of the songs stand out on this album for the storytelling “King Park”, “Edward Benz, 27 Times” and “I See Everything”, but two songs that I keep going back to are “Safer in the Forest/Love Song for Poor Michigan” and “The Most Beautiful Bitter Fruit”. Both songs are somewhat subdued, but have such beautiful instrumentals, which are complimented by singer Jordan Dreyer’s vocals. Plus the brief hand claps make it worth while. Wildlife is just flat out an amazing album. (No Sleep Records)
Like Moths To Flames
When We Don’t Exist
Not having heard any Like Moths To Flames songs before, my first impression was that When We Don’t Exist sounds like Slipknot’s 1999 self-titled album. At the time, the 18 year old me liked that album, or at least a couple songs off it, (“Wait and Bleed” is still solid), and I’d suspect that there are some misguided 18 year olds out there who will like this album, for what reason I don’t know. But hopefully they will see the folly of their ways and start exploring other bands on Rise like Man Overboard, Cheap Girls, Make Do And Mend, or Transit, which will then restore their faith in music. (Rise Records)
The Loom
Teeth
Teeth is the latest album from The Loom, a quintet from Brooklyn that play male/female sung folksy indie music. While that statement may sound like many other bands, The Loom’s songs are accompanied by French horns and trumpets that really add a lovely touch to the songs. Without those horns, this music would not be as interesting because they give the music a jazzy, classical dimension. (Crossbill Records)
Luther
Siblings and Sevens
For a while now, everyone has been talking up Luther and I finally checked them out. The album starts out with the hauntingly quiet “Siblings” and really gets things going on “This is Like Fight Club”. Luther has a working man’s punk rock sound that I’d expect from Philadelphia, similar to what the The Loved Ones did. Siblings and Sevens definitely lives up to all the hype. (Black Numbers)
Man Overboard
Man Overboard
Man Overboard are back defending pop-punk with their follow-up to last year’s excellent Real Talk. This self-titled album is much of the same style as their last album and even though this album is quite good, it seems like a rehashing of an old form. I was a huge fan of the heaviness of Real Talk’s title track and wish the band would head more into that direction, which they kind of do on “Picture Perfect”. If this band would just crank up the punk, and tone down the pop a bit, they would go from good to great. (Rise Records)
Mannequin Men
Self-Titled
It’s been a bit since I’ve heard from the Mannequin Men, not since their previous album, Lose Your Illusion, Too was released in 2009. Their latest, self-titled album is their best yet. The sound is a bit laid back and more grown up. It’s no longer the sound of getting blacked out at a party, but rather drinking socially with good friends. (Addenda Records)
The Mighty Fine
In Revival
If nothing else, The Mighty Fine sound pretty close to what Against Me! sounds like, just not as polished. In Revival is a pretty good album, but after just listening to it, I can’t tell you what song stands out above the others. Maybe it’s a little forgettable, but there is plenty of merit here to give it a listen or two. (Solidarity Recordings)
Mixtapes
Hope Is For People
Hope Is For People, the latest from Ohio’s Mixtapes, is a great little EP to hold people over until their soon to be released full-length. With most everything Mixtapes releases, this EP is quite good. The only problem I can see developing is that many of their songs have a predictable sound. You kind of know what your going to get when you listen to Mixtapes. I’m sure their new full-length will be good, but I hope they can be more diverse with the new tunes. (Animal Style Records)
Moholy-Nagy
Like Mirage
Featuring former and current members of Tarentel, The Alps, The Drift and Lazarus, Moholy-Nagy is a San Francisco based experimental ambient rock outfit. Like Mirage is an ambitious album. Each song is fairly slow moving and each one creates its own feelings and soundscapes. Like Mirage is quite relaxing and doesn’t force the listener to be 100% engaged to the music. This is perfect music for office work or just as background music. (Temporary Residence Ltd.)
My Fictions
I Want Nothing
My Fictions, from Lowell, Mass, are a hardcore band that kind of reminds me of Pianos Become The Teeth. I Want Nothing is an intense five song EP that rivals other albums released by bands from the Northeast this year. My Fictions is one of those bands to keep an eye on in the future. (Flannel Gurl Records)
Nightlights
So It Goes
Nightlights are a breath of fresh air in an already polluted melodic punk scene. This Daytona Beach group take cues from the Northeastern punk scene (Philly, Boston, NJ) and combine it with some solid songwriting. So It Goes will fit in your collection perfectly between Latterman and Polar Bear Club. (Eulogy Recordings)
Nothington
Borrowed Time
On, Borrowed Time, Nothington’s third full-length, they come out strong with the opener “Captive Audience”. There are many stand out tracks on Borrowed Time, like for instance, “The Escapist” and “St. Andrews Hall”. Both songs feature each vocalist and gives a great summery of the album. While Borrowed Time has the same aspects and qualities of other albums in this genre, it is definitely worth checking out. (Red Scare)
Nurses
Dracula
Oregon’s Nurses seem to get stranger with each release. Their 2007 release Hangin’ Nothin’ But Our Hands Down was accessible and memorable. 2009’s Apple Acres was an extension of Hangin’ Nothin,… but showed the band trying new things with their sound. Their latest, Dracula, is more dense, less melodic and may have fans of their earlier releases scratching their heads. While their earlier albums relied on more traditional instruments, Dracula relies more on electronic elements instead and it loses some of its warmth in the process. (Dead Oceans)
Office of Future Plans
Self-Titled
Office of Future Plans aka the triumphant return of former, Jawbox, Burning Airlines, and Channels lead man J. Robbins. I was a bit hesitant about this considering his influential work in the aforementioned bands, but all doubt subsided once the album was a few songs in. This album is really quite good and the cello work by Gordon Withers is really interesting at times. I think fans of Robbins early work will absolutely love this album. (Dischord)
Owen
Ghost Town
I think Mike Kinsella surprised a lot of people by getting a new album out pretty quickly, for him, after 2009’s New Leaves. With help from some ladies wielding violins, violas, and cellos, Ghost Town’s instrumentation is probably the best it’s ever been and Kinsella’s lyrics are incredibly personal and honest. (Polyvinyl Records)
Penpal
Postscript EP
Penpal’s previous album had a sound like it was influenced by bands like American Football, with a more modern feel. Their latest, Postscript, feels like a direct descendent of Minus the Bear on the first two songs, while the third song sounds a little like Empire! Empire! (I Was a Lonely Estate). This EP is pretty good and gives a glimpse of what the band’s future recordings might sound like. (Self-Released)
Pianos Become The Teeth
The Lack Long After
The Lack Long After is an insanely personal journey of Pianos lead singer Kyle Durfey’s experiences with the death of his father. It almost seems wrong to have such intimate access to the feelings of loss and regret that Durfey experienced during this time. The Lack Long After is an outstanding, heart wrenching piece of work and as cathartic as this album is, I’m sure this will connect with people who experienced a similar loss and help them through it. (Topshelf Records)
Polar Bear Club
Clash Battle Guilt Pride
While I’ve been a fan of Polar Bear Club for quite a while, their two previous full-lengths and most recent, Clash Battle Guilt Pride, have been mostly hit or miss with me. Songs like “Hollow Place” and “Burned Out In A Jar”, from 2008’s Sometimes Things Just Disappear, “Living Saints” and “Light Of Local Eyes”, from 2009’s Chasing Hamburg, and “Screams In Caves” and “Religion On The Radio”, from their most recent, struck a chord with me, not much else on their full-lengths have. Sure, many of their songs on Clash Battle Guilt Pride are good, but some of their songs just don’t hit the mark. (Bridge Nine Records)
Prevenge / Dig It Up
Prevenge / Dig It Up Split
Prevenge and Dig It Up are a couple of Canadian bands, from Montreal to be exact, that are similar in to bands like Campaign, Junior Battles and The Sainte Catherines. Prevenge starts things off with a couple diverse songs that sound like the aforementioned bands. Dig It Up are more on the screamy side with a high energy attitude and have an older punk rock sound to them. (Pavones Records/Juicebox Recording Co.)
Redgrave
2 song 7”
Redgrave features Angie Mead, a behind the scenes veteran of Chicago’s music scene and Stephen Howard, formally of Pinebender and Quieting Syrup. Redgrave is a kind of slow bluesy hard rock fronted by Mead’s scorching vocals. This 7” may be short, (aren’t they all?), but it unloads like a series of rapid fire punches with a finishing uppercut in those 8 minutes. (Lovitt Records)
Regents
Regents
Regents is made up of members from some influential hardcore bands like Maximillian Colby, Sleepytime Trio, Frodus, and Combat Wounded Veteran. The four songs on this self-titled EP are blazing fast and unrelenting. I’m sure I’m not the only one hoping for an immediate full-length to complement this band’s already classic discography. (Lovitt Records)
Rob Crow
He Thinks He’s People
You may know Rob Crow from the heavy metal band Goblin Cock and you may also be familiar with his other band Pinback. Rob is back with his follow up to 2007’s Living Well and is pretty much what you’d expect from him. I’m not trying to say he’s predictable, it’s just that even though he may not try to sound like Pinback on his solo stuff, it still sounds like Pinback at times. I thought that the songs on Living Well kind of ended abruptly, but the songs on He Thinks He’s People feel a lot more thought out and finished. Definitely something to check out if you’re a fan of his other musical projects. (Temporary Residence Ltd.)
Robin Bacior
Rest Our Wings
With a voice similar to Laura Stevenson, Robin Bacior’s Rest Our Wings is an excellent body of work. The songs on the album are brilliantly sung by Bacior and are backed by classical sounding pianos, cellos and concertinas. Rest Our Wings is warm, inviting, and sure to win some fans. (Consonants & Vowels)
Roll The Tanks
Goodnight Jimmy Lee - Single
This single from Roll The Tanks is a tribute to Jay Reatard, who passed away in 2010. “Goodnight Jimmy Lee” is a fitting tribute and was written and recorded almost immediately upon hearing the news of Reatard’s passing. The flip side features the song “Pistolero”, a twangy, Replacements-esque ditty. (Sabot)
The Rutabega
Blessed
Blessed, the second part of It’s You, which was originally released in 2005, is much more upbeat, and fuller sounding than it’s predecessor, Cursed, which was released a few months ago. These two mini albums have really rekindled a likeness for The Rutabega’s work and will hopefully help shine a light on this talented artist. (Self-Released)
Seahaven
Winter Forever
At first listen of Winter Forever, I couldn’t stand it at all. Something about the vocals really threw me off. Determined, I gave it another listen, then another, then a few more and the album really started to grow on me. Even though the vocals are somewhat indecipherable at times, the emotion that comes through in undeniable. Winter Forever is definitely a good album and lives up to what everyone has been saying about it. (Run For Cover)
Signals Midwest
Latitudes And Longitudes
Latitudes and Longitudes, the latest from the Cleveland four piece that is Signals Midwest, is a tour de force of indie punk. They waste no time fucking around and get right into it on the opener “In Tensions”. Signals Midwest have a youthful punk feel mixed with the experienced rock of label mates Restorations. Their sound is very versatile and doesn’t stick to one genre. It instead encompasses the many genres related to punk. (Tiny Engines)
Soccer Team
3 Song 7”
Soccer Team is a Washington DC duo consisting of Ryan Nelson formally of The Routineers and Beauty Pill, and Melissa Quinley. This three song release is just a glimpse into the world of Soccer Team. The songs on this release are good and somewhat simple sounding. Not mind blowing in anyway, but good as in, if it came up in “Shuffle” mode you wouldn’t skip past it. If this interests you, they also have one full-length release, ‘Volunteered’ Civility and Professionalism that came out on Dischord in 2006. (Lovitt Records)
The Story Changes
This Is Your Moment EP
The Story Changes are a duo from Dayton, Ohio that play pop rock. It’s surprising what a two-piece band can do these days. With 2 full-lengths already under their belts, This Is Your Moment is their latest and first to be pressed on vinyl. It’s hard to make an assertion of the band only based on the four songs contained on this EP, but from what I’m hearing, you can tell that The Story Changes are on to something big. (I Am Shark)
The Story So Far
Under Soil and Dirt
It seems like ever time I turn around a new pop punk inspired band turns up. The Story So Far is the latest band that has come across my desk and I find myself enjoying this more than some others that I have encountered in the past. I feel like this is how the new albums from Transit and Man Overboard should’ve sounded. What I like about Under Soil and Dirt is that it has an edge to it and the vocals display a sense of urgency; two traits which are lacking in the genre today. (Pure Noise Records)
Survival Guide
Wildcat
Former The Action Design members turned Survival Guide duo are back with their second two song 7” EP since their formation. The first song, “Shrouded in Steel” has a sultry voiced Emily Whitehurst showing off her vocal range. I have to be honest, during this whole song, I kind of hoped she’d start singing Tsunami Bomb’s “Lemonade”. The second song, “Prohibition”, has Whitehurst singing with some vocal effects and it works well over the music. These two songs on Wildcat definitely show this duo growing with their sound. It’s quite a bit different than what they did on Hot Lather Machine. (Side With Us)
These Branches
The Payoff
The more I hear from These Branches the more I like them. The Payoff definitely shows some growth compared to their past releases. This EP feels a lot dirtier than their previous album, This One’s On You, but that’s a good thing. Music like this shouldn’t sound overproduced. They nailed it on The Payoff. (Kat Kat Records)
Tim Kasher
Bigamy: More Songs From The Monogamy Sessions
As the title suggests, the songs on this release are from the same session that produced the excellent The Game Of Monogamy album Tim Kasher released in 2010. Some may think that these scraps are leftovers, but these songs are actually just as good or better than the ones on the …Monogamy album. Whether it’s with Cursive, The Good Life, or his solo stuff, Tim always delivers the goods. (Saddle Creek)
Tin Armor
Life of Abundance
Life of Abundance by Tin Armor is one of those albums that you could put on and no one would gripe about it. It’s laid back and twangy at times but also has a rockin’ quality to it. Life of Abundance is an all-around good time that shouldn’t be missed.(Self-Released)
Transit
Listen and Forgive
Fans may be surprised by the way Listen and Forgive sounds. Fans will probably expect the fast paced pop punk that was this Boston band’s signature sound. Transit drops some of the punk and slows things down on Listen and Forgive and after a few listens, you will start to enjoy this album. The songs are more mature sounding and better arranged than on previous albums. Fans of Transit may scoff at this upon first listen, but will then be posting lyrics on their tumblr pages a week later. (Rise Records)
Victor Villarreal
Invisible Cinema
Invisible Cinema is the first proper full-length from Cap’n Jazz/Ghosts and Vodka/Joan of Arc guitarist Victor Villarreal. People are probably more familiar with his insane guitar work, but as witnessed on Invisible Cinema, Victor has quite a singing voice as well. I think Invisible Cinema is more ambitious than I originally thought it would be and you can tell a lot of work went in to this album. While fans of Joan of Arc will be sure to enjoy this, there is more than enough here for people outside of the JOA realm to enjoy this as well. (Joyful Noise Recordings)
Warren Franklin
Your Heart Belongs to the Midwest
Warren Franklin is a singer/songwriter of the folksy variety. It’s actually quite hard to pin a genre on the music, because of its simplicity and minimalism. Your Heart Belongs to the Midwest is ten songs of mostly Franklin and his guitar. The songs are personal and intimate and will resonate with fans of the genre and outside the genre. (Count Your Lucky Stars)
Wavelets
Athaletics
I like to think of Wavelets as a slower version of Snowing. Both bands have a similar sound, but Wavelets take a subdued approach to it, which gives the listener more time to digest and appreciate. Athaletics is an exceptional album that fits right in with the emo/twinkly scene and at times rises above it. (Tiny Engines)
Weak Teeth
What A Plague You Are
I love how this album starts out with a touching quote from an episode of Mr. Sprinkles and then bursts into an assault of screamed vocals. The majority of the songs on What A Plague You Are are under two minutes, yet the closer is a 9 minute opus. Not having heard them before, Weak Teeth surprised and impressed me. (Flannel Gurl Records)
We Are The City
High School
We Are The City are a Canadian band trying to break into the U.S.’s field of view. Having already won major accolades in Canada, including the $150,000 PEAK Performance Project, Kelowna’s We Are The City are on a mission. High School is the band trying out new musical avenues by disguising themselves and revisiting their teenage years for inspiration. High School is adventurous and a very entertaining listen. (Adventure Boys Club)
We Barbarians
Headspace
We Barbarians are a Brooklyn via Long Beach, CA rock three piece that convey a sound bigger than what appears. The opener “Chambray” has a Velvet Teen-esqe vibe to it, but with a bigger production value. At just under twenty minutes, Headspace’s five songs reveals enough promise for this band that they should have no trouble finding an audience. (Beranimal Records)
The Wild
A Collection
A Collection is a collection of fourteen songs from previous released singles, EPs, and splits, plus a couple live songs. If you’re familiar with The Wild then you know what to expect. For those unfamiliar, The Wild area male/female sung folk punk band that uses banjos and harmonicas in their tunes. Normally I’m not much of a fan of the harmonica, but The Wild use it so well that it compliments every song it’s on. (Asian Man Records/Quote Unquote)
The Wild/Run, Forever
The Wild / Run, Forever Split 7”
This split 7” comes from Atlanta’s The Wild and Pittsburgh’s Run, Forever. The Wild start off this release with a couple of harmonica laden tunes that catch your ear right away. Run, Forever’s songs are similar to what was heard on their recent full-length, so you know what you’re getting there. Both bands do a great job on this release and has prompted me to dig a little deeper into each band’s catalog. (Solidarity Recordings)
Young Statues
Young Statues
Young Statues are an indie rock group from Philadelphia and on their self-titled debut, they really shine. The opener “Spacism”, has a slight Maritime, although younger, feel to it and the rest of the songs kind of come out of nowhere and really engross you in the music. I can really see this band making a name for themselves on a bigger stage. (Run For Cover)
The Karaoke Singer’s Guide to Self-Defense
Tim Kinsella
I’ve been a fan of Tim’s music since Cap’n Jazz, through Joan of Arc and everything in-between, and really enjoyed his spoken word story, “Depths of Field” from his last solo album, Field Recordings of Dreams. There is no doubt that Tim is a great writer, but I think I went into this book with Tim’s music in mind. Like his music, sometimes this novel was tough to get through. There is a lot of detail and subtext to the story, so much so that I had to re-read some parts to fully understand who was doing what and what was happening in that scene. Part of me wishes that this novel was written from someone I wasn’t familiar with, so I would’ve had no preconceived notions as to what I was thinking I was getting into. Overall, The Karaoke Singer’s Guide to Self-Defense was quite interesting and I look forward to reading whatever Kinsella writes next. (Featherproof)
Ambient Florida Position
Josh Spilker
Ambient Florida Position is the latest novella by Deckfight.com writer Josh Spilker. The story takes place in the middle of the 2008 Presidential campaign, somewhere in the state of Florida, with Wallace, his brother Nathan, their uncle and mother, plus some lady friends, Mattie and Laurie. There are a few different stories going on at the same time; Wallace loses his job, Uncle Ander is considering buying a motel, Laurie starts working for the Obama campaign. The feel of the story is easily relatable to any 20 to 30 year old and has more than enough references to 80’s tv and movies, i.e. The Wizard, Overboard, Alf. Plus, the feeling of uncertainty when losing your job and having relatives that don’t understand modern apparel is universal. Ambient Florida Position was short, well-written and enjoyable. (Kuboa Press)
