Variac

"I'm going to figure it out - I've got to figure it out just to stay sane."

You're going to know Atlanta like the back of your hand once I'm finished with you. I've said it a million times before and I won't hesitate to say it again - this scene blows my mind. I've been crushing on Variac big time as of late. Straight up rock 'n' roll, man. Focused, flawless, and downright swanky. Seriously, these boys play with a swagger that I can't help but be keen on. It looks like they've found somewhat of a local hit in their song "Fitted Phrase", maybe some of you down in the area have heard it. Besides some previous promo releases, the band has yet to really unleash what they've got in the arsenal. According to the band, a new EP is set to be released in August. The guys have sent me a track (though an unmastered version - keep that in mind) from that upcoming release - "Blacklung". It's absolutely killer. Check it out and fall in love with them.

Variac - Blacklung (unmastered)
Variac - Fitted Phrase

Check out the band's video for their track "Wasted Ones"
*this was too rad not to post*

more info...
Official Site
Myspace

The Gates of Berlin

"We'll dig a grave and then we'll plant the seed."

In honor of their new EP, Whispers From The Balcony, which is set to be released next week, we bring to you the music of the Gates of Berlin. Though garishly crafted rock 'n' roll seems to be their forte, the band undoubtedly draws upon that classic southern rock sound on their new EP. The 5 track EP starts with the ever so exuberant "Hangin' Tree", and continues on in much of the same fashion with tracks like "Change" and "Faceless". The band takes a break from their high-spirited shenanigans, and I mean this in the best sense of the word, to close the disc with the understated elegance of their piano ballad "Slow Me Down." What can I say? Atlanta should be proud, because they've done it again. The first track is from the featured EP, and the following from one of the band's previous releases.

The Gates of Berlin - Hangin' Tree
The Gates of Berlin - Dim The Lights

more info...
Official Site
Myspace

Tyler James

"Of course I'm going to fall for you, what did you expect me to do?"

Nashville has found some genuine, knock-you-off-your-feet talent in Tyler James. Sitting at a mere 23 years old, James has crafted a collection of songs well beyond his years in An EP. Even Paste Magazine, where Tyler was recently an artist of the week, has jumped on board. Though the piano is his weapon of choice, he also diligently employs some really elegant string arrangments and his sweet southern voice to pull on the heart strings. Maybe I'm just a sucker, but this music is absolutely gorgeous. Labels in Nashvegas (and everywhere), jump on him - now.

Tyler James - Stay Humble
Tyler James - Don't Leave

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase available through official site.

Sleeping At Last II

"The landscapes of being are endlessly competing..."

Keep No Score may be a new album, but I'm no stranger to Chicago's Sleeping At Last. In fact, its been a few years now. When I first started the site, they were one of my first features (I kid you not, friends). For a young band, they're incredibly impressive - so much so that Interscope Records jumped on board to release their first album, Ghosts. In my first post, I said, "As far as the music goes, just think of them as a user friendly Radiohead. Really. They mix just the right amount of experimentation with fairly standard rock/pop instrumentation to create a really mature, yet accessible, sound." Perhaps the Radiohead comparison is a bit over the top, but some commonalities are pretty plain to see. The new album holds pretty true to that commentary, and I couldn't be more happy with it. It's beautiful, ethereal, textured...it's wonderful, and right up my alley. The first two tracks are from the newest release, and the last track, "Say" was the respective single on the band's debut major label disc.

Sleeping At Last - Envelopes
Sleeping At Last - Careful Hands
Sleeping At Last - Say

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

(NOTE: the 2nd track is hosted by emotionalpunk.com. I'm a staff writer, and it's a great site. Don't let the name fool you, we're a lot cool than it might put out. Anyways, check it out, I've written quite a few reviews over there. Head over and dig some up!)

In-Flight Safety

"Oh, it's such a shame - this game of hearts and placing blame."

That's it, I'm moving to Canada. They can do no wrong. I've been following In-Flight Safety, from Halifax, probably for over two years now. I'm only suprised that they've remained relatively unnoticed here in the states - I'm not quite informed as to what their situation up in Canada is. Regardless, I've got plenty of great things to say about them. They mix, very well, experimental/ambient undertakings with timeless, no fail, melodic pop music that calls to mind the world's biggest band (and the object of my affection...ha), U2. The first two tracks come from the band's first full length The Coast Is Clear, and the last is taken from the debut EP Vacation Land. Dig it.

In-Flight Safety - Coast Is Clear
In-Flight Safety - A Lot To Learn
In-Flight Safety - Somebody's Watching You

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

Tokyo Police Club

"Get the story right, get the story down."

These kids caught my attention when they were first mentioned in a post on My Old Kentucky Blog and then later on Rock Insider (a personal favorite of mine, check it). Toronto's Tokyo Police Club are audacious, noisy and incredibly unpolished. Sounds like a turn off, right? Not in the slightest. In fact, it's what makes the band so incredibly charming. Although I can't quite put my finger on why I dig this band so much, I can be sure to say that the heavy bassline followed by shouts of "Go!" in the intro of "Nature Of The Experiment" are what got me hooked in the first place. Paper Bag Records was kind enough to send me the tracks from the band's currently sold out disc, A Lesson In Crime, to share with you all.

Tokyo Police Club - Be Good
Tokyo Police Club - Nature Of The Experiment

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Paper Bag Records

Data.Select.Party

"The curtain calls, and you get no applause at all."

I'm head over heels in love with London's Data.Select.Party! Call me crazy, but I'm a sucker for thick accents and super slick guitar licks. Lighthearted British pop songs are my weakness, and these guys play on that perfectly. According to the band, they came together through "introspective assimilation of the inner aspiration to reach the pinnacle of musical nirvana." Got to love that sense of humor. Love them, because I sure do. Big thanks to the boys for making these two tracks available to me.

Data.Select.Party - All The Real Girls (this intro is rad)
Data.Select.Party - Can They Tell We're Having Fun?

more info...
Myspace

This record will take over my life.

Head on over to the Damnwell's Myspace page to hear two new cuts from "Air Stereo", which is due out in August on Rounder. Can you all please get excited about this band?

Mike Dunn & the Kings of New England

"How much longer do we have to wait?"

Mike - you were made for the radio. Mike Dunn & the Kings of New England write smart, country tinged, pop-radio anthems. Though the music speaks for itself, the band looks great on paper as well. Let me explain... after simply reading that Dunn and his crew cite influences such as Rhett Miller, Springsteen and hometown heroes (and personal favorites) the Replacements - I knew we were going to do well together. Naturally, I'm usually pretty skeptical about self-written band bios. For example, they describe their sound as "...music that is distinctly American and distinctly part of an emerging crew of honest rock n' roll bands from their area..." However, this time, I can't help but agree. Although I have yet to hear to the band's new disc in its entirety, The Edge of America, I've got big eyes (or ears, right?) for this Orlando-based band.

Mike Dunn & the Kings of New England - The Queen
Mike Dunn & the Kings of New England - Paper Candy

more info...
Myspace
Purchase available through myspace

Sanders Bohlke

"I seem worried, but I'm not that kind."

We're mixing things up a little bit here today. I'm stepping off of my beaten path to share something that you won't usually find in my bag of tricks. Imagine a hazy, lazy afternoon in Oxford, MS - because Sanders Bohlke created the perfect aural accoutrement for it. It sounds a bit ridiculous, but you'll know exactly what I mean after you listen. This kid has got a killer voice that perfectly complements the tranquility that he presents on his debut, self-titled disc. Dig Amos Lee? Yeah, I kind of do too. I'll be blunt, Sanders sounds a good deal like him...and it's not a bad thing. I'll be the first to say that this music is for a very particular mood, so don't wear out your welcome - pace yourself.

Sanders Bohlke - Rockets
Sanders Bohlke - Lovesick Misery
Sanders Bohlke - 'Til My Days Are Through

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

Lórien

"I'm going to lie, I'm going to steal, I'm going to hear - but never listen."

Ahhh, Nashvegas. I've never been there. Someday though, I've heard it's great. Though Lórien calls the country music capital home, their music is nothing of the sort. The band's guitar centric indie rock stylings are very reminiscent of The Bends-era Radiohead while the music's often operatic undertones bear semblance to Muse's Absolution. I try to avoid direct comparisons, but this band is undoubtedly in good company. Having only been a band a for under a year, its evidenced in the music the clear direction and amount of determination that they possess. They are set to play this year's Cornerstone Festival in early July, so be sure to keep them in mind if you're heading out there.

Lórien - Shallow End

Lórien - Turn Us On
Lórien - Empty Words

more info...
Myspace
Purevolume

We really like Agent Records

We really like Agent Records. Why? Because they work with artists like the Wildlife, Birdmonster, and Brilliant Red Lights. What's not to like? Check out what this Norcal label has to offer...

The Wildlife - Electric Slide
The Wildlife - Close the Door
Brilliant Red Lights - Post Synthetic Love Army
Birdmonster - Balcony
Birdmonster - Spaceman

Visit Agent Records for band links and more information...

Brothers and Sisters

"It's your destruction that makes you so attractive."

Friday means less writing, but not for a lack of great things that can be said about these guys. I want to be in this band - they look like one big, happy crew. Life seems good down in Austin, especially for Brothers and Sisters. They make nice, unassuming, down-to-earth folk/country music that is easy to attach oneself to. I was actually made aware of this band from someone in one of my current favorites, the Annuals. If you remember that feature - and liked it, be sure to check this bunch out - there's absolutely nothing to not like about them.

Brothers and Sisters - One Night
Brothers and Sisters - Breathing Lessons
Brothers and Sisters - Old Love Letters

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

Street To Nowhere

"They never felt the sting - no, they're not like us."

I like Street To Nowhere - a lot. My minor obsession isn't unfounded, though. What makes Dave Smallen and his crew so special? They're eccentric. However, they channel their eccentricities in such a way to avoid sounding over the top or juvenile. Despite it's seemingly playful exterior, the music is well-written and intelligent. These boys know what they're doing, and they do it well. Dave, I love the disc. Thanks goes out to him as well for his his willingness to let me post two tracks for you all.

Street To Nowhere - They're Not Like Us
Street To Nowhere - Boxcars Boxcars Boxcars

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

The Exit

"There's a road to get us on outta here, and there's a whole wide world for you to fear."

Overlooked and under-appreciated. That's the perfect way to describe this band - and especially their first album. After the release of Home For An Island, people were starting to get hip to NYC's The Exit - which is great. However, I'm completely in love with their first disc entitled New Beat. It definitely didn't get the attention or press that it should have. I saw the band play when I was probably 15 or 16 years old - and when you're only 19, 4 years seems like ages ago. Point is...I still love the disc after all that time. It's raw, it's melodic, and I love the imperfections in his (Jeff DaRosa) voice - they fit perfectly with the band's brand of melodic street punk (it works - just listen). New Beat, in my opinion, is pretty different compared to the new disc - I like it quite a bit more.

The Exit - Trapped
The Exit - Lonely Man's Wallet
The Exit - Sit And Wait

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

Kapowski

"Don't act that way with me - you used to be friendly."

What is nearly one of the most disappointing things in the world? When you've come across a great new band (and I mean completely great), you fall in love with the few songs they've released, and you patiently wait - with an over the top enthusiasm - for the band to take off...only to find later that they've decided to call it quits. Kapowski, why did you have to do it? I can't even begin to describe how promising I thought this band was (is); I'm completely enamored by them. The guys in the band are from Northampton over in England. They had a pretty sweet little run...I think. They released a single under Label Fandango and got a bit (but really...just a bit) of radio play in their area. They are indeed over now, but vocalist Nik Gray can be found singing and playing guitar in his band New Cassettes.

Kapowski - Jean Michel Jarre
Kapowski - One > 100
Kapowski - If You Could Run A Mile (acoustic)
Kapowski - Lanes (acoustic)

more info...
Myspace
keep up with Nik's new band
- Myspace
- Official Site