Cinematic Sunrise - EP

Cinematic Sunrise
A Coloring Storybook and Long-Playing Record
(Equal Vision Records)
Reviewed By: Naimah Holmes

With fans bombarded with 100 new bands a day, bands find it even harder to prove themselves day after day.You'd think things would be easier when you have a built in fanbase. For Craig Owens and Bradley Bell of Chiodos, along with Bryan Beeler (guitar), Marcus VanKirk (bass) and Dave Shapiro (drums) this comes as a welcomed challenge. Owens fronts while Bell takes to the keys in this upbeat, happy go lucky band. It's that light-hearted/good time approach that sets Cinematic Sunrise apart in a landscape of bands that are more into playing up the gloomy side of life. (read more)

MySpace

The Sort - Resentment, Despair, & Other Amusements

The Sort
Resentment, Despair, & Other Amusements
(Black Bag Records)
Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

While "Mean Nouns" is most likely the hippest song title of 2008, The Sort are probably not going to find themselves on the pages of Vice Magazine, sharing bills with Girl Talk, or partaking in any other cliché sponsored by American Apparel. Instead, the sound of the Richmond-based five-piece's debut album, Resentment, Despair, & Other Amusements, hearkens back to the mid-90s, a time when girl-fronted bands were allowed to kick ass, a time when something had to be more than ironic to be cool, and a time when teen angst was shouted, not pouted. (read more)

MySpace

Peter Murphy in Philadelphia

Peter Murphy
@ The Trocadero
Philadelphia, PA
June 29, 2008
Reviewed By: Izzy Cihak

Well, it seems as though Ziggy and the Spiders are fighting again. After nearly two years back together and their first studio album in 25 years Bauhaus have broken up for the third time. With this, Love and Rockets are now playing some of this year's biggest festivals and Peter Murphy, who's looking more and more like John Waters as Caligari's Cesare every day, is bringing his "Retrospective" tour to half-capacity clubs across America. (read more)

MySpace | Official Site

The Arma Mirage & The Current State of Music

The Arma Mirage
When The Quiet Sounds Alarm EP
Reviewed By: Kim Johnson

When I first found I loved music more than anything else this world had to offer, I used to study albums. I’d sit in my room for hours and attempt to teach myself what a work of art sounded like and what a piece of shit sounded like. I’d sit and admire the grace and vulnerability of Circa Survive’s Jurturna, or the melodic metalcore of Underoath’s They’re Only Chasing Safety. (read more)

MySpace

Phantom Planet - Raise The Dead

Phantom Planet
Raise The Dead
By: Mai Huynh

Ten years and a handful of albums later, Phantom Planet, is making a strong comeback. But did they ever leave? Not really. Their new album, Raise the Dead, is definitely resurrecting old Phantom Planet fans. Raise the Dead is far from the Phantom Planet I remember listening to as a teenager. It’s more rock and less clean cut, with heavier guitars and bass lines and more howling from lead singer Alex Greenwald. (read more)

MySpace | Official Site

Does It Offend You, Yeah? review

Does It Offend You, Yeah?
You Have No Idea...
reviewed by Kim Johnson

I've come to the conclusion that if Daft Punk, Muse, Justice and PlayRadioPlay had a baby at a rave, it would come out sounding exactly like DIOYY! Weird analogy I know, but let me explain. I swear it makes sense. (read more)

MySpace | Official Site

Select Start - The Rotary

Select Start
The Rotary [EP]
reviewed by Naimah Holmes

Nowadays every band has some kind of synth influence to them. The problem with this is that too many of said bands overuse this element of manipulation. Select Start however has found a way to structure their sound around that tool, not the other way around. (read more)


MySpace | PureVolume

Kiros - A Single Strand

Kiros
A Single Strand
(Torque Records)
reviewed by Kim Johnson

Ticket-less and pretty much stranded, a friend and I strolled around a gas station near the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, CA where day one of the second annual Bamboozle Left festival would be held. (read more)

MySpace

Dear And The Headlights

Dear And The Headlights
Small Steps, Heavy Hooves
(Equal Vision Records)
reviewed by: Naimah Holmes

There's something so fresh and alluring about Dear And The Headlights. You notice it the first time you listen to Small Steps, Heavy Hooves. The warmth of Ian Metzger's voice accompanied by the melodies from both guitars and bass, and the pulsing of the drums. Every song could be the soundtrack to your life, weaving in and out of memories as if you were flipping through an old photo album. (read more)

MySpace | Official Site

New York Dolls - Live At The Fillmore East

New York Dolls
Live At The Fillmore East
(SonyBMG)
reviewed by Izzy Cihak

Recent, and not exactly scientific, evidence has proven that punk's authenticity can be proven not with a specific number of safety pins in one's shirt, but when one has at least three times as many live releases as studio albums. (read more)

MySpace | Official Site

SXSW 2008, Part 2

SXSW 2008
reviewed & photos by Mai Huynh

SXSW 2008 came and went bringing plenty of sleepless nights, tired feet, and amazing music. I left Boston with a plan on how to tackle the thousands of bands that would be performing in Austin but by Wednesday night that plan was out the door. I basically saw all the bands I did because of chance. And sometimes, that’s the best way of experiencing SXSW.

Here's my recap of Day 1, Wednesday, March 12th:

City and Colour (fronted by Dallas Green of Alexisonfire) - Here’s a band that I had no intention of seeing since my only knowledge of Alexisonfire is that they’re a post-hardcore band, which isn’t really my thing. However, my best friend’s boyfriend Tom, actually works for the label that Alexisonfire is on and brought us to watch City and Colour play at the Canadian BBQ Party. The moment I saw Dallas on stage I knew I was already in for a surprise because he resembled an “indie hipster” more than he did the singer of a screamo band and was equally shocked when he strummed his first chord and sang his first lyric. He opened up with a song called ‘The Girl’ from his upcoming release, Bring Me Your Love. The sound is completely opposite than his work with Alexisonfire and is more folk oriented, mellow, lyrically driven and just plain sad. The album features harmonica and banjo but they all play secondary roles to Dallas Green, his voice, and his guitar. He may have stood on stage alone with an acoustic guitar but honestly commanded the entire operation. Few musicians have ever captivated me on first impressions alone and Dallas did so within the first 10 seconds. The way he sings and plays highlights his vulnerability, his passion and that is endearing to see. One of my favorites from the entire festival.



MySpace

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Grande ‘Ole Party - Lead singer, drummer, female. Three things that may seem like separate entities but in GOP, three separate entities happen to be one thing, Kristin Gundred. I stumbled upon this band by chance and stayed because of curiosity. Gundred’s drumming is not complicated but neither is GOP’s music. It is hard to pinpoint exactly what GOP sounds like but Gundred has a really interesting voice and their sound is a mix of Rilo Kiley meets Janis Joplin meets Bessie Smith. What may seem like a strange combination actually works for this band because they already break any molds on what traditional lead singers do, play, and sing. If you like soul songstresses than GOP is the band for you, every emotion Gundred sings about can be seen in her face and heard in her voice.



MySpace

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Corto Maltese - I saw this band outside the open window of BD Riley’s while waiting to get into The Duke Spirit and couldn’t help but wander over and listen. To be honest, the band was pretty boring to watch live but the guitar riffs were really inspiring and the only way to really describe it was ‘fun.’ Listening to them is like a musical rollercoaster because immediately they remind you of many different bands, but not in a bad way. Mostly, their music reminds me of Wolf Parade; I guess because their music is also just as fun and they have similar sounding keyboard loops that just change the dynamic of entire songs. I don’t have too much to say about them because I only made it for a handful of songs but what I did see, I liked. Corto Maltese is a local Austin band with a lot of potential and I can’t wait to experience their full sound.

MySpace

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Dorian - I wish I could have understood at least one word they sang, but unfortunately there’s a language barrier with this electronic/pop band from Barcelona. On my way home across the S. Congress bridge to the Embassy I walked by a near empty Copa lounge where it was ‘World Music’ night. Dorian was the last band of the night and they made me stop in my tracks. After discovering their name I was intrigued even more since Dorian is also the name of my boss’ son. What I was able to understand was that this band was really interesting and I guess music really does allow people the opportunity to overcome whatever language barriers there may be. There were certain songs which might have been better for me if they had been in English, like ‘El Futuro No Es De Nadie,’ which roughly translates to ‘The future is not anyones.’ Musically the song was weak and not as catchy as their other ones but there seemed to be a deeper, stronger message in the lyrics that I wish I understood. However, there were plenty of songs which didn’t require words at all. Overall, this international band experience just helped me understand how beautiful music can be, words or no words music really can transcend verbal or physical boundaries and it was a great way to end the night.

MySpace

Alternative Press Tour 2008

Alternative Press Tour 08
reviewed by Kim Johnson

As eager kids piled into the Glasshouse in Pomona, California, you could steadily see the venue becoming submersed with adrenaline pumped teens ready for the taste of a powerpop/pop punk rock filled night. The room bustled with conversations and chatter only seized by the arrival of the first band up. (read more)

AP Tour MySpace

Sons & Daughters

Sons & Daughters
reviewed by Izzy Cihak

This Easter, the annual zombie bar crawl was far from the most exciting thing going on in Philadelphia. That title belonged to Sons & Daughters, the Scottish quartet who have spent the past five years proving to the music world that the hot-chicks-and-big-riffs equation can actually be hip. (read more)

Official Site | MySpace

Fat City Reprise: The Return of the Virtuoso

Fat City Reprise
reviewed by Kelly Maglia

Let’s get one thing straight: I don’t write music reviews. I’m a musician and writer, but I’ve always thought it a waste of time to comment on what anyone else was doing. But then along came this band, Fat City Reprise, who from out of nowhere (otherwise known as Philadelphia) blazed into Los Angeles and took us all by storm. And I had to sit up and shout, “Someone get me my laptop!” I have to tell the world that these guys are that good. (read more)

MySpace

SXSW 2008

Every single year I look forward to one week in March where I get to revisit my old stomping grounds of Austin, TX and enjoy one of the biggest & best music festivals/conferences in the world, South by Southwest (better known as SXSW to us veterans). And well yet another amazing year at SXSW has come and gone.

SXSW 2008 was definitely bigger and better than before as I discovered that SXSW has officially busted out of the confines of 6th Street and taken over all of downtown Austin. This year bands such as Lightspeed Champion, Kate Nash, REM, My Morning Jacket, Heloise & Savoir Faire, Kim Richey, The Duke Spirit, and many many more graced the venues of Austin, TX.

Now every year I try to figure out the best way to document all the happenings of SXSW and every year I seem to not satisfy myself with the results. So I tried something new this year... below is my video recap of my favorite sets from SXSW 2008. Included in this recap are Hymns, Steel Train, Hanson, Neimo and more. Enjoy!



Stay tuned for Mai's photo montage from SXSW 2008.

Ozzy Osbourne + More

Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Zombie & In This Moment
Reviewed by Izzy Cihak

In a time when rock's greatest stars have become middle-aged family men and worthwhile younger bands are confined to clubs, even the year's best arena rock tour can look more like Spinal Tap than The Song Remains the Same. This was the case when Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Zombie, and In This Moment graced the stage of the Wachovia Spectrum. But, let's face it, even when an artist is a little (or quite a bit, as the last third of the night proved) past their prime, it's hard not to get excited about a full night of rock anthems, pyrotechnics, and lighthearted blasphemy. (read more)

Kate Nash - Made Of Bricks

Kate Nash
Made of Bricks
(Geffen/Fiction)

With the changing of years comes a new brassy, underage, British songstress gracing MTV. Surprisingly, this time around the Date Show Network is actually pushing someone worth listening to. After cracking the top 40 in several European countries, Kate Nash's debut album, Made of Bricks, has finally made its way to the states. The album is a collection of delightfully told fables about things like a friendship with a skeleton and a girl who chose to glue her mouth shut. (read more)

Official Site | Myspace

You Say Party! We Say Die! - Lose All Time

You Say Party! We Say Die!
Lose All Time [EP]
(Fierce Panda)
reviewed by Jill Wierenga

Consistent with the current dance-punk leanings of their sonar peers, You Say Party! We Say Die! have come to conquer, and these Vancouver natives are not going down without a fight. (read more)

Kevin Bowers - Nine Story Building

Kevin Bowers
Nine Story Building

Kevin Bowers is a talented musician releasing his second album entitled Nine Story Building, which he wrote, arranged, and produced. The record has much diversity and range with each song able to be labeled into a different genre. Jazz, Emo, Blues, and Pop all spring to mind listening to this disc. At initial instinct, such musical range is a positive feature: cutting down on the boredom provoked by some monotonous records. But in this case, there is little to tie the songs together, due to the diversity, so it feels as if the listener is being cheated out of a plot to the story. There is no consistent theme or even genre, so Nine Story Building lives little to be desired as an album.

Some of the songs are good stand-alone pieces that are enjoyable to listen to such as, "Possibility," "Have Mercy," and "Waiting for a Table." These songs range from fun and upbeat danceable tunes to a nice instrumental jazz piece. These were interspersed with less than fun and undanceable tracks. There are moments on each tune of various instrumental solos (from horns to xylophones to organs) where Bowers' musical prowess is recognized, but overall, the album falls a little short. — Jennifer Fowler

MySpace | Official Site

Jotto - Jotto

Jotto
Jotto

Jotto has a background like no other; their music has spent the past three years living in the nightclubs, bars, galleries, and warehouses of Philadelphia and upon graduating art school, they've taken the time to record their first E.P. Okay, so maybe their story isn't exactly unique, but the music that they've produced is some of the most interesting to come from the artists currently emerging out of the Philadelphia and Brooklyn art scenes.

Over the years Jotto's sound has shifted from pretentious "rock poetry," to the kind of Dance Rock found in bands who would support Panic! At The Disco, but for their E.P., the band has left behind anything one-dimensional that they have explored and come up with something that's extremely danceable, but not juvenile and clever, without being pompous. They've toned down all clichés and come out as a band that would be equally at home in a coffee shop or a dance party.

The album is a musical homage, of sorts, to the legends of NYC. "On The Road," has the band sounding like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs in their lighter moments; the Jazzy, horn-laden "Backyard Circus" holds more than just a passing similarity to Luscious Jackson; and at time's vocalist Aaron Fisher-Cohen's lazy, untrained vocals are almost reminiscent of Johnny Thunders in ballad mode. Unfortunately, there are also moments when the band sounds more like the cheesy pop of Beck, but they generally stick to their influences of a higher quality.

If you're not busy guzzling PBR and shaking your ass to the New Wave grooves of tracks like "Future," you'll find that the heart of the band seems to lie in Fisher-Cohen's lyrical storytelling. For this release, he's crafted six witty, yet poignant tales of NYC, being on the road, and jaded chicks from the perspective of any other young art-schooler who might not have his ability to reflect quite so eloquently. There are, however several beyond trite references to "diner lights," "punk haircuts," and a "C.B.G.B. girl," which come off sounding like pathetic attempts at scene credibility that tend to smudge his narration.

The biggest problem with this debut is that before going into the studio for the first time, the group made the decision to write all new material, instead of finally recording the songs that they had been crafting and rearranging over the years in front of Philadelphia audiences. Consequentially, the music found on the E.P. is not necessarily the band's best. While none of the songs included are especially poorly constructed, they're not indicative of what the group have proven to be capable of. Besides, it would've been nice to give fans a chance to own all of their favorite songs that previously could only be heard on MySpace or in concert.

Even though their debut sounds somewhat lackluster and rushed, the release of Jotto's E.P. legitimizes their place in the scene and ensures that it's only a matter of time before they have people in striped scarves dancing on crushed cans of PBR and first-year photography students waxing poetic about the beauty of growing up in New Jersey. — Izzy Cihak

MySpace | Official Site

The Warlocks - Heavy Deavy Skull Lover

The Warlocks
Heavy Deavy Skull Lover
(Tee Pee Records)

Apparently dull really is hip. It’s hard to question the hipness of a band born out of Brian Jonestown Massacre, but The Warlocks’ latest release, Heavy Deavy Skull Lover is about as exciting as cutting-room-floor excerpts of Saw 17. Of course, any knowledgeable consumer of music could foresee this before purchasing a full-length release with only 8 tracks.

What made The Warlocks arguably the most interesting of the incestuous PDX/San Francisco scene queens (Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Dandy Warhols, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club) was their melding of such extreme sounds, from Goth to Psychedelic to Shoegaze to Brit Pop and Punk. Well, all comparisons to The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Velvet Underground, and Sisters of Mercy can be forgotten, as the band has focused exclusively on the Spaceman-3-and-Dead-Meadow-inspired aspects of their sound. While the sprawling album comes to an end at just over 50 minutes, without the help of certain psychedelic chemicals, the experience of listening will have you feeling like you’re stranded in the desert with a half-asleep Thurston Moore. The album’s most painful track is certainly “Moving Mountains” which drones on seemingly without purpose for almost eleven minutes. While “So Paranoid” is reminiscent of some of the band’s more impressive ballads and “Zombie Like Lovers” wouldn’t be out of place in the group’s back catalogue or any indie dance party, these two tracks are far from enough to keep Heavy Deavy Skull Lover listenable for anyone aside from people who wear hemp jewelry and those who are willing to brave any circumstances, climate, or pretentious, nearly-instrumental bore released on Tee Pee Records to keep from smudging their scene credibility. — Izzy Cihak

MySpace | Official Site | Tee Pee Records

Live: Smashing Pumpkins

Smashing Pumpkins
Tower Theater (Upper Darby, PA)
October 19, 2007

If there’s any question as to whether Billy Corgan still has balls, it was answered when his band opened an evening at the Tower Theater with “Superchrist,” an unreleased epic whose lyrics can’t be found in even the deepest depths of Google. Ever since Billy and Jimmy Chamberlin reformed the Smashing Pumpkins, there has been the worry that they’ve plunged into the world of Dinosaur Rock Bands who haven’t done anything relevant in 20 years. Well, their latest album, Zeitgeist, has proved to be one of the best Rock albums of the year and after their October 19th performance in Upper Darby, PA, it’s safe to say that it will be a few more years before you hear the Pumpkins in your dentist's office.

Although the current filling out of the Pumpkins’ lineup isn’t official, the touring band surprisingly managed to hold their own. Competently, but not comparably, filling in for James Iha on guitar is Jeff Schroeder, a veteran of the Shoegaze scene. Former Halo Friendlie and Laguna Beach composer Ginger Reyes proved to be the Pumpkins not only hottest, but most impressive bassist yet. Rounding out the lineup is Jazz pianist Lisa Harriton on keys who provides nearly all of the synthetic musicality that keeps the band from sounding akin to any of the other veterans of 90’s Alt. Rock.

The biggest problems of the evening were not musical, but visual. Billy was decked out in a white button-down shirt and white shorts over top of what seemed to be a striped body suit. It’s hard to decide whether the outfit was more reminiscent of a scrubs Halloween costume or mental-patient-themed pajamas. The band also could’ve used some help on their stage set. Consisting of a dozen large triangles made of beams of light that sat on the floor and were suspended from the ceiling, it looked like a cross between Trent Reznor visually commenting on the mind-controlling effects of electronic media and Laser Floyd. Putting these stylistic problems aside, the Pumpkins still managed to put on a more-than-impressive show, considering that they hit their prime 14 years ago.

The band’s set was mostly divided between their super hits, which no one in attendance had heard less than 600 times, yet still screamed the loudest for, and material from their latest album. Although these newer songs came out sounding better, they barely fazed the audience. “Pomp and Circumstances,” a perfectly crafted ballad, failed to tug on any heart strings and some of the hardest songs the band has put out to date, like “Doomsday Clock” and “Bring the Light” made no heads bang. The album’s singles seemed to be the only new songs that didn’t inspire beer runs and bathroom breaks.

The middle of the performance included a tried-and-true Arena Rock tradition that generally comes off as deep and powerful as Nickleback’s latest power ballad: the acoustic mini-set. Fortunately, this wasn’t the case and the set turned out to be one of the high points of the evening. “It could’ve been Phillies-Cubs. Right now Ryan Howard is somewhere listening to his iPod and thinking about what could’ve been,” Billy proclaimed, appealing to the fellow baseball fans in attendance, before delving into a solo version of the bittersweet “1979.” Jimmy Chamberlin then joined his “life partner,” (as they so affectionately refer to themselves) onstage to bang a tambourine during “Perfect.” Okay, maybe the tambourine was a little cheesy.

A few of the set’s highlights came in the form of Pumpkins classics, rearranged and revamped so the set wouldn’t sound like a Hits of Alternative Radio compilation. For “Bullet with Butterfly Wings,” the band turned up the keys, turned down the guitar, and mellowed the chorus to keep it from sounding so MTV-friendly. The new “Heavy Metal Machine” sounds like a dance club remix by Marilyn Manson and far superior to the album version. Of course, all of these rearrangements didn’t turn out so well. “Glass and the Ghost Children” was transformed into a 10+-minute-snoozefest that bounced back and forth between a hippie jam and coffee house Spoken Word.

The new Pumpkins ended the night in as wonderfully pretentious fashion as it had begun, with a track only to be found on an LP limited to a pressing of 25 copies. Although the beautiful ballad, “Let Me Give the World to You,” may have not produced the most exciting moment of the evening, it was worth it just to see a sea of faces dumbfoundingly trying to think of what this song could possibly be, so they wouldn’t lose their cred. as a fan. Even if the fans never found their cred., such a stylishly pompous decision on the band’s behalf ensured that they still had theirs. — Izzy Cihak

New Atlantic - The Streets, The Sound, The Love

New Atlantic
The Streets, The Sound, The Love
(Eyeball Records)

Over the past few years the east coast has been buzzing about New Atlantic. Among the devoted fans were a few naysayers who doubted New Atlantic's powerful pop-rock would go anywhere at all. With a few national tours under their belts and now their highly anticipated debut, The Streets, The Sound, and The Love, New Atlantic puts all the negative energy behind them and focus on what's to come. They cover it all from missing the ones you love while on the road ("Cold Hearted Town"), to reassuring those you've left that you'll be back and think of then often ("Layer Up"), and knowing when it's time to let go ("The Ever After".) It's safe to say that New Atlantic are worthy of all the praise they've gotten, from word of mouth to interviews everyone can find something to rave about. Their sound is smooth and uplifting, and the lyrics are truthful and comforting at best. If they continue to push themselves to be greater than they already are, that's all I could hope for. The Streets, The Sound, and The Love is a great addition to any music lover's library, you'll be spreading the word in no time. — Naimah Holmes

MySpace | Official Site | Eyeball Records

Sayyes. - For Tents and Starry Skies

Sayyes.
For Tents and Starry Skies

Sayyes. are a band from Alaska. I know very little about the state but I do know that rock is alive and well there. Singer/guitarist Eric Gettinger's vocals go from soft and soothing to forceful and emotive in little over a second flat. Accompanied by Alex Bourne on keys, guitarist Jerimiah Patterson, bassist Jered Williams, and drummer Daniel Randle, Sayyes. have a sound of their own.

"Perfect One" finds that love is everything but perfect, and that realizing the love you have for yourself is greater than any external source. "Quadballs" is a pop-punk song that's sure to get you moving with thoughtful lines such as "Everything that you want / That you dream about is just two steps away / So don't be afraid." "Hold It Against the World" makes you realize that whatever it is you're going through is smaller than you think. Bearing witness to someone acting as if they've already been defeated is a hard task to take on. Helping them realize that they're stronger than they think is even harder. "My Summer Part 1" is a beautiful take on loss with lines such as "What am I suppose to do when you say I'm done now / I can't forget but I'll forgive." Heartbreak is something you learn from regardless if you're ready to let go. Looking for comfort within his faith Gettinger sings "God help me / Don't leave me out in the cold / I feel so alone / I know that I cannot do this alone / So I'm trusting you." "The Ballad (Speechless)" showcases the bands talent as musicians in a technical light. One by one each instrument is folded into one another. All the while being woven through warm vocals, then all is blended into a delicate guitar solo with a lush string arrangement. Lyrically the band is ahead of their time, and the music is close behind. At times rushed, and maybe a little over eager, Sayyes. know what they're going for as a whole. Who could say "no" to that? — Naimah Holmes

MySpace

Oreskaband - Oreskaband

Oreskaband
Oreskaband

Need to get rid of some pent up energy? Oreskaband has the perfect sound for you. I'm at a loss for words. I don't speak Japanese, wish I could, but that didn't stop me from playing Oreskaband over and over again. "Pantime" had me shaking my hips so much it hurt. "Yeah! Ska Dance" was worthy of skanking (yes I had a ska phase) around my living room and "Knife & Fork" didn't allow me a second to catch my breathe. Luckily "MonkeyMan (Monkey Monkey Man)" with its groovy sing along breaks allowed me to do so. When "The Boy-S" rolled around all bets were off and I was right back to where I started. By the end of it all my house looked like it'd been torn apart by the Tasmanian Devil himself. Now if only I had a Japanese to English dictionary so I'd know what I'm clumsily singing along to! — Naimah Holmes

MySpace | Official Site

Daphne Loves Derby - Goodnight, Witness Light

Daphne Loves Derby
Goodnight, Witness Light
(Outlook Music)

With just a few clicks of a mouse you can find out all you need to know these days about your favorite band. And you will without a doubt come across the Seattle area's Daphne Loves Derby. A four piece of twentysomethings who've learned to stretch their legs on their second album Goodnight, Witness Light (on Outlook Records). Vocalist Kenny Choi's voice has improved from sometimes straining to effortlessly emotive and full. Every aspect of the band has been elevated to a higher level. The transition from one track to the next was well thought out. DLD have found their stride and no longer second guess their steps.

"Cue the Sun" shows vulnerability and strength (And if I don't come home tonight/Just know I tried my best to fight/Please don't think I plan to lose to the night) in knowing that trying to get past your fears no matter how small takes courage. "To Struggle with Light Colors" finds DLD looking back on mistakes in love and life (She always said I was too silent/And I never found the words to entertain her/Maybe I tried just too hard to always be clever/While she always starved for simple words to keep her safe). Choi has become more confident, despite the mention of "the beast" that stays close behind, as mentioned in the bands debut "On the Strength of All Convinced." There are tales of strained relationships ("The Best Part About It Honey", missing home ("Hello Color Red"), and learning not only about yourself but just how big the world is("No One Is Convinced").

They've come a long way, and deserve all the good that comes their way.
Goodnight, and good luck. — Naimah Holmes

UPCOMING DATES
Oct 5 @ Gothic Theater --- Englewood, CO
Oct 6 @ Club NVO --- Logan, UT
Oct 7 @ Neonopolis at Jillians --- Las Vegas, NV
Oct 8 @ The Brickhouse --- Phoenix, AZ
Oct 9 @ Soma --- San Diego, CA
Oct 11 @ Glass House --- Pomona, CA
Oct 12 @ The Avalon --- Hollywood, CA
Oct 13 @ The Underground --- Roseville, CA
Oct 14 @ Slim's --- San Francisco, CA
Oct 16 @ Hawthorne Theater --- Portland, OR
Oct 17 @ Chop Suey --- Seattle, WA
Oct 20 @ Beat Kitchen --- Chicago, IL
Oct 21 @ Varsity Theater --- Minneapolis, MN
Oct 23 @ Mac's Bar --- Lansing, MI
Oct 24 @ Agora Ballroom --- Cleveland, OH
Oct 25 @ Xtreme Wheels --- Buffalo, NY
Oct 26 @ School Of Rock --- South Hackensack, NJ
Oct 27 @ The Harmony Grange --- Wilmington, DE
Oct 28 @ Trocadero (EARLY SHOW) --- Philadelphia, PA
Oct 29 @ Living Room --- Providence, RI
Oct 30 @ Webster Theatre --- Hartford, CT
Nov 1 @ The Knitting Factory --- New York, NY
Nov 2 @ Club Relevant --- Virginia Beach, VA
Nov 3 @ The Brewery --- Raleigh, NC
Nov 5 @ The Masquerade --- Atlanta, GA
Nov 6 @ The Orpheum --- Tampa, FL
Nov 7 @ AKA Lounge --- Orlando, FL
Nov 9 @ Javajazz --- Houston, TX
Nov 10 @ Rock Bottom Bar --- San Antonio, TX
Nov 11 @ The Door --- Dallas, TX

MySpace | Official Site | Outlook Music

Quiet Company - Shine Honesty

Quiet Company
Shine Honesty
(Northern Records)

Quiet Company's style is mellow, and singer Taylor Muse's voice has an almost airy quality that is by no means overlooked when accompanied by his delicate piano playing in Shine Honesty's 13 tracks. The transition from one song to the next is seamless, and almost unrecognizable.

The discs first track, "How Many Times Do You Want To Be In Love", is a question you may have never found the courage to answer. The music swells and the mood lightens just as you find yourself comfortable enough to do so. "Fashionable" shows the regrets of a failed relationship as Muse searches for something familiar to comfort him when all seems lost. He then learns, "Life is what you make it/Because love is what you've made of it/And I made a friend." At times you can be your biggest enemy and it's then that you have to light a fire under yourself. "Tie Your Monster Down" says perfectly "You've got to raise your voice sometimes to get things done/I'm not the monster here/You've got to break some legs sometimes to get things done." "So Graceful" is what every girl wants to have written for her, a sweet and simple reminder of the love you've always known to be there for you. "Circumstances" seems to have the band catching their breathe, a power pop tune, and the most forceful of the album (it's what I've known while listening that they are capable of all along). It almost seems too easy for them to come out of their shells.

Every song stands on it's own and tells of love, reassurance, and the excitement that comes with being on your own for the first time. While Shine Honesty is filled with melodic hope, it lacks the ability to pick up the tempo just as the song starts to build itself up, it seems to cave in on itself. Their strength is in the uninhibited lyrics, and their knack for lush, beautifully sculpted arrangements. It almost seems as if Muse is afraid he might break what it is he's built so meticulously.

The sense of a love so young is felt throughout the disc, and it becomes apparent that the songs are meant for the one who has his heart. All in all Shine Honesty is a love letter, a declaration of who and what got them to where they are today. You can almost tell that Muse just wants to get everything right, like an artist trying to capture a moment perfectly through painting - however this time, musically. — Naimah Holmes

UPCOMING DATES
Oct 5 @ Pianos --- New York, NY
Oct 6 @ Cafe Napoli's --- Watertown, CT
Oct 8 @ The Middle East Club --- Cambridge, MA
Oct 10 @ Arlene's Grocery --- New York, NY
Oct 12 @ Appalachian Brewing Co. --- Harrisburg, PA
Oct 13 @ Gooski's --- Pittsburgh, PA
Oct 14@ The Nite Owl --- Dayton, OH
Oct 15 @ The Poison Room --- Cinncinatti, OH
Oct 18 @ The Boro --- Murfreesboro, TN
Oct 19 @ the Nook --- Huntsville, AL
Oct 21 @ The Capture Studio Cafe --- Tuscaloosa, AL
Oct 22 @ Swell-o-Venue --- Jackson, MS
Oct 23 @ Cactus Jack's --- Ruston, LA
Oct 24 @ The Jackrabbit Lounge --- Shreveport, LA
Nov 8 @ The Darkside Lounge --- Dallas, TX
Nov 9 @ The Spot --- Tyler, TX
Nov 11 @ Stubb's BBQ --- Austin, TX

MySpace | Official Site | Northern Records

Matt & Kim - Matt and Kim

Matt and Kim
Matt&Kim
(Iheartcomix)

I've often wondered what would happen if the tall guy I often see in the local thrift store and the girl from the art center in town got together and made music; I can only hope that it would be half as great as these spunky Brooklynites. Matt & Kim power through 10 brutally poppy tracks and never miss a beat. You might just have to hit pause in an attempt to catch your breath. From the toe tapping "It's a Fact (Printed Stained)," to the spazy "YeaYeah," this band is a guaranteed party starter. You won't be able to keep still, and by the time you get to "Lightspeed" you'll be begging for mercy. This is without fail my new musical crush. They're fun, spontaneous, energetic, and playful. They've got it all and I want some more! — Naimah Holmes

UPCOMING DATES
Oct 2 @ Logan square auditorium --- Chicago, IL
Oct 5 @ Oberlin College --- Oberlin, OH
Oct 17 @ Bandersnatch Music Series --- Syracuse, NY
Oct 25 @ Paradise Rock Club --- Boston, MA
Oct 26 @ Starlight Ballroom --- Philadelphia, PA
Oct 28 @ The Fest --- Gainesville, FL

MySpace | Official Site | iheartcomix

Young Love - Too Young To Fight It

Young Love
Too Young To Fight It
(Island Records)

If your nightlife is in need of a pick me up, you need Too Young To Fight It. There aren't many who can blend perfectly crafted 80's synth, strong falsetto, and powerful guitar solos into one album but Dan Keyes, Young Love's frontman, seems to know what he's doing. "Discotech" sets the mood with its infectious drumbeat and catchy chorus that tells of late night hookups ("I can't help it / The way I'm feeling / It's gonna happen"). "Give Up" and "Closer To You" are both songs of longing with gentle guitars and soaring harmonies that make yearning for the unattainable seem poetic. The album's title track brings a reggaetón, trip-hop vibe to the sweaty nightlife Keyes preaches about. Grit, sweat, love, loss, and a little recklessness are thrown in to round it all out. New York City never sleeps and Young Love's got what it takes to keep it moving.

— Naimah Holmes

Official Site | MySpace | Island Records

Mêlée - Devils & Angels

Mêlée
Devils & Angels
(Warner Bros)

It seems these days three out of every four bands hail from California, and that two of the four are worth talking about. Enter Mêlée, a young, vibrant quartet led by singer/pianist Chris Cron's emotive voice and energetic piano playing. Devils & Angels, the band's debut album on major label Warner Brothers, ranges from hopeful tales of love ("Built To Last"), mid-tempo memories ("For A Lifetime"), to showing support for the ones you love ("Can't Hold On To This"). No matter the subject being tackled, Cron along with guitarist/vocalist Rick Sans (who shares writing duties with Cron), bassist/vocalist Ryan Malloy, and drummer Mike Nader know exactly how to allow their lyrics and musicianship stand alone while complimenting each other perfectly. "Love Carries On" and "You Got" have a rich 70's vibe, the latter with heavy guitar effects throughout. "She's Gonna Find Me Here" shows vulnerability at its best while being comfortable with the notion of falling in love and not having to pretend to be someone you're not. Devils & Angels is a very strong showing for a debut from such a young band.

— Naimah Holmes

Warner Bros | Official Site | MySpace

Rooney @ The Roxy (Los Angeles)

Rooney
The Roxy Residency
(Los Angeles)

April 2007 — I love the music industry because everything comes back around at some point. Bands you thought you'd never hear from again [after their break-up] reunite 33 years later (The Stooges); bands that tragically lost members re-form with younger musicians that idolized the band growing up (New York Dolls); and even if a band is silent for a few years, new material is always around the corner.

What am I rambling about? Well, it's time to regain composure and celebrate as Rooney returns to the spotlight with their sophomore record, Calling The World, hitting stores on July 17th.

In conjunction with the release, Rooney performed a three-week residency at The Roxy in Los Angeles. Each week brought special surprises from Andy Dick's hosting to Alex Greenwald (of Phantom Planet) coming out onstage in a Pac-Man hat to join Rooney for a cover of Billy Joel's "Movin Out." The final week even contained a raffle in which customized Rooney shoes, a KISS DVD, and a framed autographed Rooney poster were given away.

Rooney got better every week. Robert Schwartzman's stage presence alone had the audience captivated while Taylor Locke's guitar riffs and solos won over any skeptics still lingering in the room. The only problem was deciding which moment was better; either the new tune "Are You Afraid" which could easily be mistaken as a Toto b-side (kudos to Louie Stevens on keys) or the cover of Queen & David Bowie's "Under Pressure" in which Rooney was joined onstage by The Feeling's frontman Dan Gillespie-Sells.

In the time between albums Rooney has matured their blend of Beach Boys-esque pop rock. And if the songs previewed during the residency are any sign of things to come – we're all in for a tasty treat come July 17th.

— Chelsea Schwartz.

Official Site | MySpace

OneTwoThreeFour - Goodbye, Sunshine

OneTwoThreeFour
Goodbye, Sunshine [EP]

It's not often that an EP can astound you within the first few seconds of pressing play. But OneTwoThreeFour, a young five-piece band from New Jersey have seemed to be able to do just that on this — their debut on Regular Music. Singer/songwriter Robin Gazzara, whose solo work previously consisted of acoustic guitar and piano (now accompanied by guitarists Daniel Moran, and Ryan Gardiner later replaced by Zac Ciancaglini, bassist Justin Daniel, and drummer Jason Macri ), shows her range from the punchy "Pantene," to the haunting "Leave Me Sleep." Goodbye, Sunshine's first and strongest track, "Are You Alive," is both evocative and beautiful. It dares you to pick yourself up out of the rut you're in and to live your life to its fullest potential. "Fly Away" is a soulful, light daydream of what ifs and why nots. This EP is a rich, meticulously arranged debut from a band we can only hope will continue to amaze us. — Naimah Holmes

Official Site | MySpace

Coconut Records - Nighttiming

Coconut Records
Nighttiming
(Young Baby Records)

After Jason Schwartzman left Phantom Planet to pursue acting I was sure he was gone from the music world forever; luckily I was wrong.

Four years after leaving Phantom Planet and a few slick indie films later, Jason’s back as an one-man band. When I first heard that everything on this his album Nighttiming was written, played and sung by him I thought it would be an ambitious project, but once again I am eating my own words. The first two songs are a bit bland but right away you are able to get a sense of where Schwartzman is trying to go with this album. It is very Beach Boys meets The Shins meets Modest Mouse (listen to "The World At Large"). While most albums go on the straight and narrow with either all indie-pop, all punk rock, or all surf pop, on this album there is a bit of EVERYTHING, including some good ‘ol fashioned disco, which is one of the reasons why I love it.

"Its Not You Its Me" is a great standout track that just captures your attention. It makes you think of summer from the very beginning and I had a sudden urge to join in the "hey na na na na na na na's." The guitar riff at 1:34 is a great touch to remind us that Schwartzman really is an outstanding musician. It doesn't have the most complex set of lyrics but for those just searching for a catchy summer pop song this will quench that thirst. Schwartzman shows off some diversity with a raw, country-acoustic song called "Mama" which kind of sounds like it could be a nasal-ly Ben Kweller tune at first. However after listening to the track a few times, I found that it