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.

Farewell Fighter

I've already hyped up You, Me, And Everyone We Know a ton this year. I mean, they only released one of my top two records of the year. In their newest track "Love, Lust, Or Losing It?" posted on Facebook, Farewell Fighter sounds very similar to an early You, Me, And Everyone We Know. The production is definitely not as slick and the overall band is not as polished, but the vocal, instrumental, and lyrical structures all seem to scream You, Me, And Everyone We Know. This is definitely a band that if they get signed can release an album the caliber of Some Things Don't Wash Out. Farewell Fighter is definitely a band to watch in the upcoming year, and their new seven song EP will be out January 18th. Listen to the new song on Facebook here.

Albums Of The Year 2010 #10: The Wonder Years - The Upsides

2010 was a "pop-punk" revival of some sort. No Sleep and Run For Cover Records rose up with excellent signings and many great pop-punk bands became quite popular such as Fireworks, Man Overboard, Transit, and This Time Next Year. However, The Wonder Years may easily be the biggest breakout of this group of bands. Way back in January, the band released The Upsides which immediately became an anthem for many AP.net college students. The lyrics involved the hardships between friends, failed relationships with girls, and how to look past them. The opening track, "My Last Semester", immediately croons the listener with the absolute message of the album, as vocalist Soupy Campbell states that he's "not sad anymore, I'm just tired of this place". "New Years With Carl Weathers" represents the band's ultimate style, with the driving melodies and instruments along with humor and brutal honesty of the lyrics. "All My Friends Are In Bar Bands" is a perfect closer, as Soupy wonders about what has happened to his old friends and brings all his new friends (vocalists Matty Arensault of A Loss For Words, Dave Mackinder of Fireworks, Shane Henderson of Valencia, Jamie Rhoden of Title Fight, Nik Bruzzese of Man Overboard) to assist him in chanting the album's opening line again and again. The band has busted out huge this year, and has recently signed with Hopeless Records. The band recently re-released The Upsides on Hopeless with four new tracks, all of which are excellent. The positivity of the album brings a fresh breath into music that seems to be rather negative these days. Check out The Wonder Years on myspace here.

Albums Of The Year 2010: Honorable Mentions

Here are all the albums that may not have made my top 10 list, but deserve plenty of credit. I linked every report I have done for any of the albums as well as bolding the top fifteen that did not make the list. 

Starting tomorrow, the top ten list will begin to be posted. Check it out tomorrow and the rest of the year. 

List after the jump.