Panic! At The Disco New Single and Album Release Date

It's been quite a while since we've heard an album from Panic! At The Disco, mostly because of a split in the band that had one of the major creative forces, Ryan Ross, leave the band. A return to the Beatles influenced style of Pretty. Odd should not have been expected due to the takeover of that by The Young Veins, and "The Ballad Of Mona Lisa" confirms those beliefs. Fans of Fall Out Boy should be happy to hear this song, as Brendon's voice sounds eerily similar to Patrick Stump's, and the chorus could have come right out of a Fall Out Boy song. However, it still has that customary P!ATD theatric feel. Although the song has not been officially released yet, you can still find it by searching on Youtube. The new album, Vices and Virtues, will be out March 29th.

Brief Album Review: The Get Up Kids - There Are Rules

The Get Up Kids aren't kids anymore. I mean, it's only been seven years since their last full length release. However, that growth may split their fanbase, as anyone who was expecting another Something To Write Home About will be drastically disappointed. The Get Up Kids have ditched their emo-indie sound and have added plenty of reverb and electronics to make a whole new sound for the band.

Roosevelt Radio

A good, catchy synth part can lure me in almost instantly. By the time the first few seconds of "Midnight" came in, I was hooked, thinking the band would almost sound like Zolof The Rock And Roll Destroyer. This would not be the case, but the instrumental parts were always excellent from that opening synth line, to the ambient guitar and keys of "Order in The Chaos", to stuttering guitars of "Antique Heart". The vocals of both the lead male and the supporting female vocalists are both very solid, and the hooks are surprisingly contagious. Roosevelt Radio shows some strong talent throughout their self titled release, and could be a band to watch for very soon. Check out the band on their website here.

Mansions Album Announcement

I was a bit late to the party in finding out about Mansions. Thanks to Rdio, I've been taking listens to albums that I had heard good things about. Mansions' latest full length New Best Friends is absolutely exceptional, as an emotionally driven rock record similar to a more upbeat The Republic of Wolves or Brand New. How coincidental is it that I found out Mansions just announced that their new album, Dig Up The Dead, will be out April 5th. I am anxiously awaiting a new song to see if my current Mansions kick will continue throughout the year. Follow the band's process on Myspace here.

Aria Novos

Reminiscent of a young Circa Survive or a more technical Deas Vail,  Aria Novos adds another dimension to their music with a female singer. However, unlike most bands with female singers, the vocals are pretty much split between male vocalist Gerard Sison and female vocalist Audrey Sinead which Sinead playing keys as well. The six minute "Telematics" has Sinead taking the lead, while adding her keys in with the crushing riffs to create a spectacular effect. Aria Novos is definitely a band whose next release will be something worse listening to, as the band should be able to fine tune their sound and great something that could end up on an end of year list. Check the band out on Facebook here.

Iron And Wine New Album Stream

If you want to see the transformation of Iron and Wine from the debut to his newest album, Kiss Each Other Clean, just look at the album covers. From light, sepia tones on The Creek Drank The Cradle, to the forest colors of Our Endless Numbered Days, to the brightness of The Shepherd's Dog, to this psychedelic, multicolored madness. That perfectly explains the stylistic change of Iron and Wine, from the folky to the unpredictable, creative journey throughout Kiss Each Other Clean. "Me And Lazarus" sounds like it could have been written while on drugs, with the bassy beat and subject matter. There is synth aplenty throughout the album, taking different shapes in different songs. "Monkeys Uptown" is one of Iron and Wine's more upbeat songs, with a swing feel at times, while "Big Burned Hand" sounds like a jazzy soul song right out of the 50's or 60's. To those that thought Iron and Wine was boring before, such as myself, this album should throw all those beliefs out the window. As of the writing of this post, this is my favorite album this year, and the creativity throughout the album promises for it to end up on many end of year lists. You can stream the whole album here.

A Common Year

I'd like to welcome Lara to the mix in posting. She will be posting a few times a week on some of her favorite bands, which I know that most of them are great. 

"2011 is, in fact, a common year." Indianopolis-based unsigned band A Common Year released their debut LP Between Cities a year ago and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a consistent, emotional, honest album, from start to finish. The first half more energertic and upbeat, the second half more laid-back and acoustic, with keeping the theme of confusing relationships and heartbreak throughout. But don't be fooled - it's not an album of sappy love songs. The lyrics hit hard and we can all relate and make it our own. Take the chorus of "Don't Take Me Seriously" as an example: 'Don't take me seriously when I'm acting like a fool, it's a state I'm going through."

Buckeye Knoll

I hate to admit it, but most of the music I get sent is extremely generic pop-punk, that I can barely listen to more than one song before knowing exactly how all the band's songs are going to sound. Buckeye Knoll is a band that broke out of the mess of bands that have wanted for me to promote them. Buckeye Knoll is the creative outlet for the extremely talented Doug Streblow, who has a voice that at its best will blow you away and leave you in chills. The songs definitely get stronger as the album progresses, climaxing at the beautiful horn and keys led ballad "When You're Gone". The whole album is worth checking out, as every song has its own redeeming qualities. Stream it on Bandcamp here, and definitely put it on your "to buy" list.

State Champs Album Stream

In a year where we are expecting excellent releases from The Wonder Years, Set Your Goals, Saves The Day, New Found Glory, and more, State Champs gets the honor of being the first great pop-punk release of the year. Similar to Four Year Strong, Fireworks, and New Found Glory, State Champs has the powerful gang vocals and mighty riffs expected from all of those bands. Their newest album is streaming in AbsolutePunk here, and is the start of quite a year of pop-punk.

New Yellowcard Song Streaming

I am officially pumped. "For You, And Your Denial" sounds like a song right out of Ocean Avenue, an album I've gone back to quite often lately. The violin is front and center as it should be for a Yellowcard track, and the chorus is classic Yellowcard. There really isn't much else to say except go listen, and I want this album in my hands now. Stream it here.

Interview With Jenna From Tonight Alive

From the land down under, Tonight Alive is a band that is going to be huge this time next year. Although people may say that they are trying to rip off Paramore, Tonight Alive is still an extremely young band trying to find their sound. Their latest EP Consider This showed growth from the first EP, and since then they were signed to Sony Records and have been recording with producer Mark Trombino. Lots of information about the differences between the American and Australian scenes, the recording process, reflections on past work, and plans for 2011, including touring the US, after the jump.

Interview With Christian From Anberlin

Anberlin's guitarist, Christian McAlhaney, agreed to answer a couple of questions about their recently started tour with Circa Survive and Foxy Shazam, their newest record Dark Is The Way, Light Is The Place, future plans for Anberlin, and several other topics. Check it out after the jump.

Album Review: Decoder - Decoder

Decoder is a band of afterthoughts. Four of the five members were in three bands, two of which have soared in popularity since the initial break while the third has broken up. I'm not too sure that vocalist Spencer Pearson formerly of VersaEmerge, vocalist Keith Jones and guitarist Jack Burns formerly of Oceana, and drummer Brent Guistwite formerly of Of Machines regret their decisions now. After teaming up with bassist Bryce Sipes and signing with Rise Records, ex-home of both Oceana and Of Machines, Decoder brings together influences from all three of their former bands together, creating a more artistic and technical album then any of those bands (minus maybe Oceana's Clean Head) have ever released. However, the band could have tried experimenting a bit more, instead holding the record back from being a breakout.

Unsigned Bands Of January

Don't forget, you can always send your music to us at staff@muzikdizcovery.com, and if we think you deserve it, you will be placed here the next edition of the Unsigned Bands of the Month. If you blow us away, you may even get your own feature article.

Boxer And Clover Free Download

I've already covered Boxer and Clover's new EP Fate Has Favorites, and I'm hoping many of you have already bought this exceptional pop-rock EP. The band has just put it up for free download today, so now you have no excuse for not having it. Download it right here.

Magnificent Defeat

"It's like Explosions in the Sky and Manchester Orchestra fronted by Leighton Antelman" said the self-promotion post. Sounds too good to be true, right? In fact, the band definitely lives up to those similarities. The vocals seem like they could have come straight from a Lydia track, while the intertwining of ambiance and rock create a beautiful and relaxing sound. "Washes" even seems to have some Circa Survive influences, showing off more of the different styles that Magnificent Defeat has combined. The band has just released their second EP, on Bandcamp, and you can stream it right here.

We Are the Emergency - Whispers and Fragments

We Are the Emergency are a band worth giving a second chance. While it's not fair to blame those who disliked Seizures, as it was a mediocre, typical scene-type album, many of them will find a welcome surprise in We Are the Emergency's follow-up, the 2010 release Whispers and Fragments. The album has a more progressive vibe overall, utilizing some elements such as intricate guitar lines and unique song structures bands like Tides of Man, PMtoday, and Circa Survive are known for. The screaming is limited throughout the album and, when it's included, it fits the music a majority of the time. One of the best tracks is "Ink Well Paper Stains" due to its catchy chorus, background ambience, beautiful, melodic guitar lines, and guitar-and-piano-dominated, jazzy conclusion. "Don't Bite the Hand That Feeds" is another standout from the album, utilizing bells in the verses and interesting guitar effects throughout. In addition, "When Everything Is Done" could have easily been the token throwaway ballad so many scene bands include on albums nowadays. However, it's actually quite a beautiful song, with male-female vocal harmonies, pretty bell tones, and strings. In fact, female background vocals are a feature throughout and are one of the factors that elevates this album above other releases from its genre this past year. Whispers and Fragments is a step in the right direction for We Are the Emergency and hopefully the band continue to progress towards a more creative sound. It will be exciting to see what direction they head in on their next release.

Myspace

Shad & Dallas - Two Songs

Canadian rapper, Shad, an upcoming star of the hip-hop genre, released a fabulous album last year -- TSOL. He's back to work this year, collaborating with fellow Canadian Dallas Green (Alexisonfire, City & Colour), on a release entitled Two Songs, released January 11. Made up of "Live Together" and a remix of an older Shad track, "Listen". Dallas' smooth vocals and Shad's smooth rapping make for a couple great tracks.

Check it out below.

"Live Together"

"Listen"

The Saddest Landscape Free Download

Not all screaming is bad. It may be something that is initially uncomfortable to listen to at first, but the bands that do it well are exceptional. The Saddest Landscape is one of these bands, squeezing emotion out of their words. Plus, the lyrics are even decipherable at times. The band's album You Will Not Survive is getting pressed this week, and in celebration, the band posted their full album for free on Bandcamp. At least take a stream, because The Saddest Landscape is excellent and should at least be given a chance. However, there's no harm downloading it, especially because it will be up for free only for this week. Go get it now on Bandcamp here.

Smith Westerns Album Stream

Smith Westerns have gotten quite a bit of hype for a band with members not able to drink yet. Pitchfork gave the band's debut a 7.7, and I expect this release to get at least that. Opening track "Weekend" already got ranked as the #51 song of 2010 by the same publication, and it probably deserved to be even higher with a killer hook and the perfect corny love message that "weekends are never fun unless you're around here". Although the album is released next week, Dye It Blonde would have been a perfect summertime release, as beachy rhythms and flirty lyrics are a constant throughout the album. The guitar tones are unique and are definitely a highlight of the band. The whole album is streaming until its release on NPR now, and is definitely worth checking out.

The Books

The Books have created a song so odd, it's addicting. "A Cold Freezin' Night" on their latest album The Way Out contains samples of little kids threatening to kill each other, those same kids calling each other "assholes" and even gender envy. The samples may seem odd, but that's what makes them so appealing. The drums throughout the entire song are exceptional, and definitely keep the song from getting stale. A harmonica solo and quite a few other strange samples are just the icing on the cake. The whole album is just an extremely creative combination of samples, beats, and a few live instruments, and once the weirdness of the band is understood, the album can be quite a substantial listen. Check the video for "A Cold Freezin' Night" in the jump.

Warpaint MTV Live in NYC Set

Warpaint recently did a live set for MTV in which they showcased six of the nine songs from their excellent debut album, The Fool. These girls obviously know how to play, as it is captivating just to watch them jam out with their psychedelic riffs and tribal beats, not to mention that they pretty much all do backing vocals. Check out the set here.

Young The Giant iTunes Single Of The Week

iTunes has finally hit on a gem for their free single of the week with Young The Giant. "My Body" is a song that is easy to get obsessed with, with the jumpy beat and one of the biggest choruses of 2010. The band's extremely catchy indie rock songs can definitely appeal to most people out there, and this song will easily be a alternative rock station hit. The band recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel, so they are easily on the way to stardom. The whole album is great, and worth buying. iTunes has also included a song by Tennis as their discovery download of the week, and that is worth downloading as well. Download both of these songs on iTunes. Check out Young The Giant on Myspace here.

Zlam Dunk

You like to dance! You like to mosh! Why don't you do both at once? Zlam Dunk combines synthy dance music with punk riffs to create their own unique, but still fun sound. After releasing their debut EP We Are All Dead for free, Zlam Dunk has just recently released the mini album Noble Ancestry, where the band does what they are best at, playing extremely upbeat tunes. "Midnight Runner" has some great synth lines along with some surprisingly solid harmonized shouts. "Ghostwoman" has some of the best riffs on the album, changing throughout the entire song. And who said that you can't party in a mosh pit? Listen to Zlam Dunk on Bandcamp here.

Kurt Travis Joins A Lot Like Birds

Kurt Travis (formerly of Dance Gavin Dance, O! the Joy, Five Minute Ride, and No Not Constant) has joined A Lot Like Birds. A Lot Like Birds play an impressive brand of progressive post-hardcore, incorporating numerous influences from other genres (most notably skramz and jazz). Their debut album, Plan B, was fantastic and it will be interesting to see how they progress with Travis.

Bandcamp with free download of Plan B

Holiday Parade Recording

It almost seemed like Holiday Parade disappeared off the face of the earth. It was very disappointing to not see a single update on Myspace, Facebook, or Twitter as well as no touring. However, Holiday Parade recently announced that they began recording a new EP to be released sometime this year. The band's latest album Tickets and Passports did not show the band at their best, but still was not as bad as critics said it was. The title track in particular is an extremely strong piano rock song, but most of the album was pretty forgettable. This Is My Year had plenty of lasting value, and I still play the EP from time to time. I am just happy to hear new Holiday Parade material, and I'm sure that it will grace my playlists for a while. Stay updated on the band's process of recording on Facebook here.

Time Tells All

Isn't it great when you revisit an album you haven't listened to in years, and it's still as great as you remember it being? Time Tells All's Spread The Word still contains five of the catchiest pop-rock songs I have ever heard. I sung along with every word of the song, even though it had been years since my last listen. The vocals of Brent Stinnett sound extremely similar to Will Pugh from Cartel, and the lyrics are Facebook worthy, with lines such as "I found a new religion based on you" that should be dominating t-shirts and teen girls' statuses everywhere. Sadly, this was the band's only release, as only a couple other songs were placed on Myspace before the band ceased to exist. Time Tells All should be as huge as All Time Low. Sadly, the best bands don't always make it big. Listen to samples of the EP and buy it on Amazon right here.

Mariage Blanc

I always love when bands diversify instrumentally, moving outside of the normal rock instrumentation (guitar, bass, drums). In the first verse and chorus of the opening song of Mariage Blanc's self titled album, "Whatever You Say I Am", you can hear no fewer than seven or eight different instruments, including several different keys settings, jingle bells, and a string section. Mariage Blanc combines this wide instrumentation with the catchy indie pop of Steel Train and the folk of the late Elliot Smith. The self titled album is their latest release, in the public since November of 2010, and has definitely been underrated. If I had heard it back in 2010, it may have made my end of year list.  You can stream the full album on the band's website here. The band also has their debut EP Broken Record up for free download right here.

The April Year

April will be a huge month for me. The day I finally turn eighteen will be in that pleasant month. So of course, a band called The April Year has to be solid. And solid they are. The April Year knows how to make mid tempo keys laden pop music. What does The First Time In Forever sound like?  Imagine what A Rocket To The Moon would be if Justin helped them write Brightenesque songs or the stronger tracks by The Maine. "Through Hell And High Hopes" is extremely reminiscent of the best songs from The Maine's Can't Stop Won't Stop, and is a perfect song to put on while in the car with the girl you are interested in. This is the kind of music you blast when you're alone and don't care what anyone thinks of you. We all need that fun little pop band that can bring a smile to our faces. Stream the whole EP on Purevolume here.

Twin Atlantic New Song Stream

I usually can't dig singers with accents. However, Scotland's Twin Atlantic has allowed me to look past the heavy Scottish accent and really enjoy the music. The band's first release, Vivarium, was a great start for the band, but most of the songs didn't stick with me for too long. The band's newest song, "Edit Me", shows a large growth in maturity for the band, creating a much darker and heavier sound than the EP. Parts of the song sound a lot like Envy On The Coast, and if this is the direction the band is going in, I will be extremely excited for their debut album this year. Listen to the song on Facebook here.

Save Parker - Making Waves

Save Parker are an unsigned post-hardcore band based in Hammond, Indiana. Combining progressive rock influences with a more modern, "scene" take on post-hardcore, Save Parker make creative music in a genre that is filled with sound-a-likes. Although the production of the EP is a little bit rough, the talent of the musicians still shines. The best tracks include "Attack! of the Clones" and "Amber Lamps" -- "Attack! of the Clones" for its technical guitar riffs and catchy vocal melodies and "Amber Lamps" for its unpredictable song structure and uniqueness. In fact, "Amber Lamps" is arguably the best and most creative track on the release, showcasing the progressive aspects of Save Parker's sound. It's a dynamic track, taking the listener on a musical journey of highs and lows, louds and softs. With another release, be it a full-length or another EP, Save Parker could easily explode in the scene, challenging the firm grip bands like Dance Gavin Dance and Chiodos hold on the genre. If Save Parker can reach more ears, fans of "scene" music would realize that Save Parker are just as inventive and talented, if not more so, than the aforementioned bands. This band could be headed for big things to come.

Myspace

Bandcamp with a "name-your-price" download of Making Waves

Album Review: Farewell Fighter - The Way We Learn

Listening to Farewell Fighter should make anyone feel like they are back in high school. The band's newest EP, The Way We Learn, is full of youthful energy that can make even someone's grandpa jump up and begin moshing. Their upbeat, extremely catchy songs along with the relatable lyrics are reminiscent of a young You, Me, And Everyone We Know, with the future potential to create a record as great as Some Things Don't Wash Out. The Way We Learn is a journey as a child grows up and figures out what they want in life, all while enjoying it.

Again, For The Win - Bonus Deluxe Version

Deep Elm: If you want the next She Bears or Les Sages, you need to sign this band now. Again, For The Win may seem like an immature name, but the music is anything but that. In fact, out of all the small bands I've been told to listen to over the past few months, these guys may be the best. Taking ideas from The Get Up Kids and Moving Mountains, the band has created an extremely strong modern emo album. Lead singer Carter Francis has a delivery reminiscent of Cap'n Jazz, especially in the extremely powerful and personal closer "I Saw Jesus". The band is extremely talented at pretty much every instrument, with the drumming and keys at the forefront of the assault in "The Coolest Dude At The Lake". The band throws a curveball with "The Chill Pill", an ambient chillwave track that is simply a peaceful interlude before the band returns to their usual, impressive indie-rock tracks. "Here Or It Didn't Happen" has Francis singing at his most serene, supported by a female vocalist and the impressiveness of rhythm section, strong enough to make even a grown man cry. Again, For The Win brings the honesty and sincerity back to emo music not seen since the late 90's, and creating a debut that shows only greatness ahead.
Download this incredible album on Bandcamp for FREE here.

Tennis - Cape Dory

I seem to be attracted to things having to do with tennis. It is both my favorite sport to play and a band I've been somewhat attracted to early this year. Tennis (the band) definitely takes the beachy pop sound that Best Coast hit on last summer and polished it up slightly, creating almost a female led Beach Boys sound. Tennis seems to enjoy the theme of the ocean and runs with it, water seeming to flow into many of the song titles including "Cape Dory", "Bimini Bay", "Seafarer", and "Waterbirds". Single "Take Me Somewhere" strays from the conventional verse-chorus-verse format, throwing in a time change for fun, all while lead singer Alaina Moore shows off her bubbly vocals. "Long Boat Pass" could almost substitute a ukulele for the guitar and be a hit on the Hawaiian Islands. "Baltimore" is one of the more upbeat tracks, able to be almost mistaken for a Best Coast track. The album gets monotonous at times, and I'm not sure how long it will stay on my playlists. But for now, in the cold of winter, we could all use a trip to the beach. You can listen to the band on Myspace here.

Free Alternativ News Sampler

Three days into the new year, and I think we have the best free legal sampler of the year. French site Alternativ News has put together one of the best collections of real pop-punk, screamo, emo, and indie that I have ever seen together in one playlist. I enjoy at least ten of these bands already, and I will definitely go through the sampler and pick up the albums for the bands which  I have not heard too much of. Most of these bands I have heard extremely good things about from AP.net and many other sites. From the ones I know, I suggest Transit and Man Overboard for the pop-punk lovers, Tigers Jaw and The Republic of Wolves for the fans of Brand New and other similar bands, CSTVT, Snowing, and Stay Ahead Of The Weather for those missing 90's emo, and Pianos Become The Teeth, Make Do And Mend, and Caravels for those that need something a little heavier. Download the whole legal 38(!!) song sampler on Bandcamp here.

Burn Down The Charade

I always enjoy music that requires your full conciousness in order to entirely absorb the different sounds radiating at one time. Burn Down The Charade is a rock band that features many layers of keys, riffs of all styles, and solid drums put together into a cohesive song. Crazily, this band is made up of only two members who put together all of the instrumentation, making the band's work even more intricate. The vocals do need some work, the songs become monotonous, and the hooks are weak. The band would have almost seemed stronger if there were no vocals. However, the vocals are the way to relay the messages the band has to give. Sometime one needs to look past accessibility and just enjoy the sophistication of sound. Burn Down The Charade definitely shows that artistic potential. Improvements could be made, but this is a band to look out for in the future. Listen to the band on Myspace here.

Unsigned Bands Of December

New feature here. Every month, maybe twice every month, I will give a list of unsigned bands that have contacted me that although may not have their own feature article, they still deserve a mention. If you have any better descriptions for any of the bands, please tell me, since I am still honing my craft at the comparison of bands. If you want to send us your band, please email staff@muzikdizcovery.com, and if we think your band is worthy, you will get thrown into this section next month or if you guys are good enough, get your own special feature. Check out the bands after the jump.

City of Trees - Introspection

City of Trees are an alternative rock band based in New York. With their debut EP, Introspection, they have succeeded in creating an entertaining, catchy freshman release. The band closely resembles one of their listed influences -- As Cities Burn. Though not a carbon copy by any means, it's apparent that the band members were inspired by Come Now Sleep. Yet the downfall of the EP is that the melodies progressively weaken with each consecutive track -- "Fear" and "Negative Me" lack the lasting power that "House" and "Heavy Thoughts" possess for the simple reason that they aren't as catchy. It should be said, however, that frontman Dan Cerney utilizes his voice well and that the instrumental work throughout the EP is solid. In future releases, if City of Trees concentrate on staying melodically oriented, this band could be one to watch out for, filling the void that As Cities Burn left in the wake of their breakup.

Myspace

Bandcamp containing a free download of Introspection

The Chemist vs. the Computer

The Chemist vs. the Computer are an unsigned post-hardcore band hailing from Crown Point, Indiana, with two EP's under their belt: 2007's Loki and 2010's Hydrosufoolooween. Comprised of vocalist Dan Easton, guitarists Ryan Muha and Chris Katsaros, bassist Pete Katsaros, and drummer Chris Rasado, they combine skramz, math rock, and a more modern brand of post-hardcore to produce a very inventive sound. Easton is a phenomenal vocalist with incredible range -- able to emit both high shrieks and low growls and to sing in the contralto range. For instance, in "Llama Horse-Walkingstick", Easton hits the A below the infamous soprano C, without resorting to head voice. Yet he also has a strong lower range, showcased near the end of "Experience Wonderful, Beautiful". The instrumentalists also hold their own, able to transition between different tempos, time signatures, and styles, often multiple times during the course of just one song. The Chemist vs. the Computer are one of the few scene bands willing to experiment with their style to compose rich, creative tracks. Their ingenuity is refreshing and I look forward to watching them progress in the coming years.

Myspace

Last.fm with two free tracks

Sleeping At Last - Yearbook: January

What better way to start the year than to a new Sleeping At Last album? The band had started a project back in October to release a three song EP every month for a year, and this is the fourth installment of the series. Each of the songs definitely go along with the winter season, as the mellow sounds of the keys, string arrangements, and varied percussion along with the falsetto of singer Ryan O'Neal allow the listener to feel the winter wonderland through their ears. January features the wonderful talents of Jeremy Larson to create the string arrangements heard in all the songs; however, all the song writing was by the two members of the band. Sleeping At Last is one of those mellow bands that just startle you with their talent, and allow you to just lay back, relax, and enjoy the music. Buy January here.

Lady Gaga Album Announcement

Lady Gaga is the best thing that has happened to the mainstream in quite some time. She is a creative genius, both with her performances and her music. Until you've seen her music stripped down or her performing live in concert, you will not know exactly how extraordinarily talented Gaga is. Her soon to be released album, Born This Way, was deemed by her to be "the greatest album of the decade." While that may be going a little far, I can imagine it being one of the most creative mainstream pop albums of the year. Gaga recently tweeted the release dates for the first single and the album, which are February 13th and May 23rd respectively. I honestly can not wait to get my hands on this record, and anyone who thinks that Gaga is a gimmick can not judge true talent. Stay updated on the album on her website here.

The Republic Of Wolves - New EP Stream/Purchase

The Republic Of Wolves got some infamy when someone uploaded their songs as Brand New demos, but the band has shown in the past two months that they are no gimmick. From their excellent full length Varuna to their newest EP, The Cartographer, The Republic of Wolves has been a consistent source of excellent music. All this for a band that is still unsigned. This should change. The Cartographer shows the band testing out several different styles of music, from rock and post-hardcore songs to mellow, Copeland like tracks. The Cartographer is on sale now for pay as you want (over 50 cents), which is a deal that you can not pass up. Stream and buy the EP on Bandcamp here.

Octaves - Greener Pastures

Who?

Octaves are a hardcore band from Baltimore, Maryland. Combining mathy instrumentals and shouted, screamed, and spoken vocals, Octaves are a passionate, emotional group of guys. Greener Pastures is their first release, distributed by Hotfoot Records, an indie hardcore label. Look out for their upcoming west coast tour with Caravels in early 2011.

New Emery Album

According to their Twitter account, Emery will be releasing a new album on March 22nd entitled We Do What We Want.

Not sure about everyone else but I am quite stoked. Will post an update when pre-orders pop up.

Letlive Acoustic Session

One of my favorite records this year was Letlive's Fake History. Over at MindEqualsBlown the band did an acoustic rendition of Homeless Jazz which I must say is quite excellent. Check out the video here or after the jump.

Albums Of The Year 2010 #1: Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Call me cliche. Call me a bandwagon jumper. Call me a p4k lover. But Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is easily the most influential album (to me) of the year, simply because in twenty years, I will look back and remember that this is the album that got me into hip-hop. "All Of The Lights" features some of the most creative orchestration heard this year, with horns and the customary electro beats working together in unison. The list of guest lists is endless, with Bon Iver, Rihanna, and Alicia Keys as some of the more notable ones. "Blame Game" is one of the most serious and intense songs on the album, until Chris Rock's two minute spoken word "bit" that both seems out of place with the song and perfect for Kanye's image of the album. "Lost In The World" is probably the first Kanye song ever to be featured on the extremely indie Sirius XM U station, sampling and turning into an upbeat, hip-hop version of Bon Iver's "Woods", before going into an intense spoken word outro about the downfalls of America. "Monster" is the darkest song on the album, with a crazy beat and nasty verses by Rick Ross, Jay-Z, and the surprisingly amazing Nicki Minaj. "Runaway" is Kanye growing and perfecting the emotional, singing based style of 808's and Heartbreaks. Which brings us to the centerpiece of the album, the most epic and in my opinion, the best song of the year, the incredible, King Crimson sampling "Power", whose beat could easily be mistaken for a cult ballad and where Kanye shows us what he really thinks of himself. But seriously, how could one man have all this power? Because Kanye thinks he should rule the world. We all better watch out, because based on this album, he can do anything he damn wants to do. Just buy this album, because there is parts of this album that can appeal to music lovers in general, and everyone should give it a chance. Amazon link is here.

Albums Of The Year 2010 #2: You, Me, And Everyone We Know - Some Things Don't Wash Out

There really isn't too much to say that I didn't already say in my review. So here's the review for you again, as the biggest surprise of my list is that this isn't number one.

Unconventional seems to be You, Me, and Everyone We Know’s middle name. First came their unconventional journey to their first album, including troubles with Drive-Thru Records founder Richard Reines, who after offering to manage the band barely supported them and did nothing but cause trouble for the rising band. Then the band put exposure before profit by releasing their first two releases for free, a rarely seen business model for a touring band. From there, the band signed to Doghouse Records and put out one of the best pop-punk albums of the year, commonly using a surprising brass section to make their record unique from the oversaturated pop-punk music scene.

Albums Of The Year 2010 #3: The Morning Of - The Way I Fell In

In one word, The Way I Fell In is simply "beautiful". Beautiful harmonies, beautiful songs, and of course, the beautiful vocals of the pair that is Jessica Leplon and Justin Wiley create the pop masterpiece of the year. Every song has it's own style, and not one song seems like filler. The jazzy "What You Can't Control" shows The Morning Of's excellent song writing skills, straying away from the normal songwriting patterns allowing Jessica to use her vocal strengths in ways most singers couldn't. "The Ones That Fall Apart" is a harmony filled pop-rock gem, with no dull moment in the entire song and all the instruments arrayed in a beautiful web of sound. "Cobwebs and Cables" shows some technicality for a pop band with a verse structure that is anything but conventional, with choruses that display Justin at his best. "I Know You Know" is a Jessica only track, with only a backing acoustic guitar and a saxophone at the end. However, the song seems a lot less simple once you know that it was recorded in only one take, making the outstanding vocal performance even more special, as Jessica shows she should be declared one of the best female voices around. "Heaven And Hell" welcomes a third beautiful vocalist to the mix, with Copeland's (R.I.P. Copeland) voice Aaron Marsh joining in  to complete one of the best vocal trifectas of the year. It is upsetting to see The Morning Of on the verge of not being a band anymore, as this record is a vast improvement over their first (Note: Justin has clarified and said the band is going strong, and there should be a new record in 2012). It is almost impossible to imagine anymore growth for the band, though with the vocal talents of the band, anything is possible for their future. Listen to the band and show them your love on Myspace here.

Albums Of The Year 2010 #4: Motion City Soundtrack - My Dinosaur Life

Motion City Soundtrack is proof that anyone with talent can make it, and the presumed "band image" isn't needed.  Sadly, their looks have probably made getting to this point of their careers where they have been signed by a major label much more difficult than it should have been.  Their brand of nerdy pop-punk deserves to sell more records than any of those manufactured pretty boy bands out there. My Dinosaur Life includes some of the best songs of Motion City Soundtrack's now four album discography, moving some of the synth back into the mix, but still not losing the band's traditional sound. "Worker Bee" introduces the album perfectly, as it could almost be symbolizing the band's label move, as singer Justin Pierre explains "I'm through with the old school, so let's commence the winning". "Disappear" is one of the fastest paced, yet darkest Motion City songs, blaring riffs and rumbling bass creating the feeling of anger expressed throughout the lyrics. "Pulp Fiction" brings back the classic MCS synth lines, with the band's customary witty lyrics and strong hook forming one of the strongest tracks on My Dinosaur Life. "The Weakends" is the band as their musical best, as the whole band reaches into their pool of talent to create a closer that is sure to blow you away. Motion City Soundtrack gives a figment of hope that the industry is not moving towards image, and that musical integrity will still remain in the future. Motion City Soundtrack can be streamed on Myspace here.

I the Mighty - "Cutting Room Floor"

I'd like to welcome Jeff to the mix of posting. Jeff has quite a solid taste that he will be sharing with you guys. We are planning on expanding soon, with quite a few great things to come. Keep checking in often.

I the Mighty, a four-piece rock band from Fremont, CA just released their new single yesterday (12/28/10) entitled "Cutting Room Floor" on their Facebook page. I the Mighty garnered notice after releasing their Hearts and Spades EP (at left) earlier this year, a five-song release akin to what a mixture of Say Anything, Envy on the Coast, and The Receiving End of Sirens might sound like. With "Cutting Room Floor," the band develops their sound into something more technical, strongly playing up The Receiving End of Sirens aspect of their music and diminishing the Say Anything part. The verses bring to mind Circa Survive's Blue Sky Noise, as playful guitar lines complement frontman Brent Walsh's smooth, rich vocals. Yet once the chorus kicks in, Walsh hits his upper register singing, "Why don't you leave/just leave," emphasizing the "just" with an emotive wail, in stark contrast to his smooth lower register in the first verse. However, the highlight of this song is the latter-half of the second verse, which utilizes overlapping vocal melodies, and the bridge, featuring beautiful falsetto harmonies leading into a time signature change with a jumpy clean guitar riff. The lyrics are one of the other strong points of the song. Those who listened to Hearts and Spades know that I the Mighty are a poetic group. "Cutting Room Floor" details political corruption, asking "If hell broke out in the White House/How long would it take for word to carry here?" With another EP expected in spring 2011, I the Mighty are a band to keep an eye on. Don't be surprised if they blow up in 2011. Listen to the song on Facebook here.

Albums Of The Year 2010 #5: Circa Survive - Blue Sky Noise

Circa Survive is the band of the year. Two exceptional releases on a major label, several magazine covers, and having one of the most beloved vocalists of the year can do that for a band. Blue Sky Noise is the apex of Circa's career so far, with some of the best songs the band has ever done while still being their most accessible. Had the first half of the album been released as an EP, it would have been possibly the best EP of all time, as Circa continuously blows a listener away. "Get Out" is the most aggressive song the band has released, as vocalist Anthony Green screams and cries at almost an impossible register as you can feel him screaming at his own mind, begging for mercy. "Glass Arrows" shows Circa at their most technical and atmospheric, with excellent instrumentals and an odd time signature that almost seems normal for the band. "I Felt Free" shows that Circa can make an absolutely stunning pop song and "Imaginary Enemy" could have dominated the alternative rock stations. The second half of the album is solid, but seems a lot worse when compared to the beautiful first half. However, songs like "Fever Dreams" and "Spirit Of The Stairwell" are still great in their own way. This album has been one of the best of the year from the first listen, and Circa has broken into many people's (including my own) list of favorite bands. This year however, Circa has no competition. Listen to Circa Survive on Myspace here.

Review for their latest release, the Appendage EP here.

Albums Of The Year 2010 #6: Sleigh Bells - Treats

You may want to be careful when you blast this album for the first time. Cause this album will destroy your speakers if you aren't careful. Now, once you know your speaker's limits with this album, put it up that high, because this album is meant to be LOUD. Combining the sweet sounds of vocalist Alexis Krause with the heavy, over the top production and guitars of ex Poison The Well guitarist Derek Miller, you will not hear another album like Sleigh Bells' Treats. "Kids" is exactly the kind of song the band makes, with the obvious hardcore influences in the guitars with the production that could instantly turn off a new listener. However, pushing your eardrums to the limit is exactly why this album is so great. "Infinity Guitars" is perhaps the most well known Sleigh Bells song, as it should be with an addictive beat and a killer hook. "A/B Machines" is Sleigh Bells at its simplest, as the lyrics are ultra repetitive (I mean, when is repeating the same two lines over and over not repetitive) but ultra catchy and the guitars pound against your ears. But really, this album is meant to be loud and obnoxious, which is pretty much the kind of music I dislike. However, Sleigh Bells makes even the most uneven production and makes it glossy. This album is the album on this list that I was least likely to enjoy, and I love it. So check out Sleigh Bells on Myspace here.

Interview With Casey Crescenzo (The Dear Hunter, TREOS)

Casey Crescenzo from The Dear Hunter has agreed to take a few questions with me about topics such as the TREOS re-release, the future of TREOS, the background of The Dear Hunter's albums' stories, the color spectrum, and upcoming touring. Read it after the jump.

Albums Of The Year 2010 #7: The Graduate - Only Every Time

For some bands, there are replaceable members. For The Graduate, every member is extremely important, and Only Every Time would not nearly be as good as it is without every single member living up to their potential. Between the excellent rhythm section, the extremely technical guitars creating the atmospheric feel throughout the album, and the lead vocals supported by excellent harmonies, the band's pieces go together perfectly. Tracks like the upbeat "Siren" can combine atmospheric guitars with the lower pitched and heavier guitars to create a siren sounding effect. Ballad "Pull Me In" has perhaps the best harmonies and probably the catchiest chorus throughout the entire superb album. "Choke" has vocalist Corey Warning showing off his extraordinary range, proving that he is a naturally gifted vocalist. But the individual songs aren't important, as there really is not any single standout song, instead there is an extremely strong cohesive product. Just like the members of the band, when put together, the album becomes something special. Check out The Graduate on Myspace here.

Albums Of The Year 2010 #8: Jimmy Eat World - Invented

Veterans Jimmy Eat World seem to have two different styles of albums they put out. There is the darker, more emotional Clarity and Futures and there is the lighter and poppier Bleed American and Chase This Light. Invented falls mostly into the first category.  First single "My Best Theory" is one of the "heaviest" songs that Jimmy Eat World has ever done, bringing almost ambient guitar playing to the verses before exploding out with riffs and harmonies in the chorus. "Movielike" could be a for-sure top 40 hit with its extremely smooth production and the simple, catchy hook. However, the ballads at the end of the album are definitely the strength of Invented. "Cut" is the first, singing from the female's point of view of a relationship with acoustic verses and huge choruses. The title track is a seven minute epic containing the best lyrics on the record and vocalist Jim Atkins singing fairly stripped done from Jimmy Eat World's usual vocal style. Female harmonies add to the emotional impact of the song, and the climax where the song simply blows up both vocally and instrumentally is possibly the best moment of the album. "Mixtape" simply adds to Jimmy Eat World's long time reliance on the excellent closer of an album, a song worthy of being in the same sentence as "Goodbye Sky Harbor", "Dizzy", "23", and "My Sundown". Jimmy Eat World consistently makes strong albums, and although Invented is nothing new or groundbreaking, it's more proof that Jimmy Eat World is one of the best artists out there. The band's been making albums for over ten years now, and there seems to be no end in sight. Listen to Jimmy Eat World on Myspace here.

La Dispute Free Downloads

Post-hardcore/skramz band La Dispute gives us one of the best Christmas presents of the day: Their whole discography for free download. Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between Vega and Altair is one of the most powerful albums in the past three years, and is a must download.  You may as well download the band's incredible full discography, and do it quick, cause it only lasts for today. Stream and download all the albums here.

Albums Of The Year 2010 #9: Valencia - Dancing With A Ghost

Who knew that a small progression could lead to a seemingly huge change in sound? Valencia moved down the street from their smooth pop-punk sound in order to create something totally different, an extremely well put together and musically superb pop-rock Dancing With A Ghost. The title track is definitely one of the top ten songs this year, with in my opinion the catchiest chorus of the year along with extreme musical progression from We All Need A Reason To Believe. Rather than the driving guitar and drums known in usual Valencia tracks, "Dancing With A Ghost" showcases Valencia's new sound with bells and much more technical guitar riffs. "Still Need You Around (Lost Without You)" seems to be early in the album for a ballad, but it works with the flow of the album extremely well, containing even more surprises with gang vocals surrounded some of Shane's best vocal work. "Friday Night" is the apex of Valencia's transformation, sounding like an entirely different band. The song has a dark feeling that could almost be compared to The Used, though Valencia pulls it off better than The Used could ever do. Valencia has even more tricks up their sleeves with the strings and keys in "Somewhere I Belong" and snaps in "Days Go Bye". Although a record that may need to grow on you, Dancing With A Ghost changes Valencia from a standout pop-punk band to a band with their own, unique sound that hopefully they will continue to develop in the future. Listen to Valencia on Myspace here.

K Será

I've been waiting for this band to put out a proper release for such a long time now. And what can be better than a Thomas Dutton produced record by a band that could easily be described as similar to Forgive Durden. K Será makes a cinematic pop-punk EP that shows massive talent in all areas, and could prove to be a huge breakout in 2011. Opening track "Me Before Women And Children" features Dutton himself and sounds like a song that Gatsby's would do with some more keys. "Advice: Save Yourself" could pretty much be played at a circus. The whole EP is worth checking out, can be streamed on Bandcamp here.