Decoder is made up of some guys that used to be in VersaEmerge, Of Machines, and Oceana. Wejumptheshark are huge fans of all three bands. This band sounds mostly like Oceana just slightly heavier. This is more experimental than hardcore but still has a very strong hardcore element. The song is kind of anti-climactic, it seemed like it was building up to this huge ending but nothing happened. This is still only one song so we'll wait to see what else these guys put out.
This is the second single off of their third full lenght album Illuminaudio. On this track we hear Brandon Bolmer doing his best Craig Owens impression. The music is still great but Bolmer's ability to write lyrics as good as the music is in question.
Patty Crash has featured on albums by Gym Class Heroes, Tyga, and The Roots over the last two years, and has yet to officially release any material. About a year ago there were some songs on her myspace, but those were taken down and are nowhere to be found. This track was extremely difficult to get it was released for download earlier this year for download on her myspace and then taken down, but we finally found it. We use the word unique alot when describing artists but it's the only word to describe Patty Crash. Born in Iceland and living in Philadelphia Patty Crash frequently collaborates with Hip-Hop artists as previously stated, but her music can't grouped into the Hip-Hop category, no matter how good her verse on Gym Class Heroes "Drnk Txt Rmeo" was. She raps, she sing just like she did on the hook to the Roots song "The Day". She also has a more punk oriented sound like on songs like "Treat Me Bad" which can be heard in snippets in the above video. From the updates on her twitter and myspace, she seems to be in a constant state of recording but never releases any thing to the fans. I think I speak for a lot of people when I say, Patty please give us some music.
myspace
We thought a namae change was so you could start over completely fresh, but I guess not. Formulas formerly Delta Delta! have released their first EP with their new singer, Jane. Wejumptheshark are all Kelc fans so we'll try to keep this review unbiased. The first thing to note about this EP is that Formulas recycled two and a half songs from Delta Delta! The opening track "Circuits" is the same song as "Vampires" by Delta Delta!, it's just much better produced. The same thing goes for the title track "Unsaid, Undone", it's a rerecording of Lilian's Safari. "Reality" takes the music and chorus from "A E I O U and Sometimes Why" and adds new verses. I can't say that the rerecordings are better than the original songs, although there is much more crisp, clear, and tighter production. As for the new songs, as much as we hate to say it they're all really good. If you're new to this band and haven't heard their old material, they would probably win you over. Now on to the main topic, the only difference between Formulas and Delta Delta! is the lead singer and we honestly can't tell you whose better. The original singer Kelc had a unique voice and vocal style and she was a great writer. The new singer Jane has a solid voice but sounds just like any other female singer in this genre. Jane does show slightly more range on this EP than Kelc did on the Delta Delta! release. I'm a fan of Kelc I think she's a great singer and writer, but as much as I hate to say it Jane's not bad. The guys in the band are great musicians, they'll only get better with experience, and they've proven that no matter who's singing they are going to make great music. Even though I don't want to like this band and I don't agree with the reasons why Kelc was kicked out of the band, this is still a good EP and band.
Emarosa's self-titled sophomore LP displays the bands greatest attribute, Jonny Craig. This is a great album, but I don't think the band will get the credit they deserve because the album is kind of boring on the first listen. This album is the kind that grows on you the more you listen. The instrumentation is tight and complex and the vocals are amazing, however this album lacks the dynamic energy that the first album had and that has turned some listeners away. You wont get any "Tailored sheets" opening lines. This is definitely a more radio friendly Emarosa, although we do get some screaming on "I Still Feel Her pt 4" which were missed on the first album "Relativity". If your a fan of Emarosa already the more you listen to this album the more you will like it. If your not a fan, take a chance you might like this more laid back post-hardcore.
Away We Go! is a female fronted pop-punk band from Las Vegas. They could be easily tossed into the cheesy female fronted pop-punk category, however they lean a little more towards the pop/radio rock genre. Away We Go! comes complete with a cute name and exclamnation point but they do manage to separate themselves from other bands that make the same music. First of all no syth or keyboards just two guitars, bass and drums. The music isn't all that original or complex but it does the job just fine. The strong point of the band is the lead singers unique melodies, no other singer in this genre could sing these songs the way she does. She's not the best or most versatile singer, I don't think there are many if any high notes or lows she stays right in the middle most of the time, the melodies she comes up with dominate the songs and still manage to be as catchy as anything else you've heard. This band has broken up so this is probably the only thing we'll ever hear from any of them, so I guess you can just enjoy it.
The Messenger is a post-hardcore band from California. They could be considered a myspace band if your into those kinds of bands. However this band makes some of the better music you'll find from myspace bands. They sound like a mixture of From First To Last with Sonny Moore and Pierce The Veil. The lead singer sounds almost identical to Sonny on Heroine at some points with the way he sort of talk/sing/yells all at the same time. The Messenger is one of the more pop oriented post-hardcore bands but there's nothing wrong with it they make it work and write catchy hooks. This band isn't unique by any means but they still make decent music and will at least have some of their songs stuck in your head.
This is Versaemerge's debut full length album, three Ep's, a few member changes, and a couple of genres Versa has finally given its growing fanbase a full length that they have wanted for so long. Versaemerge has had to live with the perception of being the band that Fueld by Ramen signed to try and cash in on the Paramore craze. So what would they do to stand out from the rest of the pop-punk bands on they're label? They went completely left and they dont sound like any other band on their label. I think Versaemerge's sound is original and creative in their genre, but the question is does anyone like it? I was a fan of this band when they were making post-hardcore music, but that was then and this is now. The sound this band has come into has either a love it or hate it perception. Musically each song is interesting and well put together, you can tell the band put everything they had into the record. The album as a whole blends together and can be boring at times, this isn't the most high energy record that we've seen from this band. This is a good record but how much you enjoy it will depend on if you like the style the band has adopted.
What Hands Are For is an unsigned four peice post-hardcore band from California. These guys separate themselves from the legions of generic bands in this scene with a more rhythmic sound than any other bands in this genre. With only one guitar the bass really gets a chance to be heard, and it it gives this band a unique sound that borders more along the lines of hardcore punk than post-hardcore. The screamer sounds a little like Jon Mess (ex-Dance Gavin Dance), he uses clear throaty sceams. The clean vocalist brings a funky element that mixes well with the rhythmic nature of the music. This band has a lot of potential, they are one of the few unique bands in a watered down genre with very little diversity.
Heathers are twins sisters from Ireland that make catchy indie pop. This album is mostly acoustic guitars, dual harmonies, and melodies that will be stuck in your head all day long. I came across them from a clip on youtbe of them covering "Nineteen" by Tegan and Sara, which was pretty good. This is a really solid album, there arent really any weak tracks but there are a few that stand out from the rest of the album, "What's Your Damage" and "Fire Ants" really stand out and show the potential that this duo has. Heathers duet more than Tegan and Sara and though they are not quite as polished musically Heathers are much better singers. Their harmonies are definitely their best attribute. If your a fan of Tegan and Sara or Eisley you'll love this group. This duo uses the same dynamic as a band like Tegan and Sara but with a different balance.
This band is probaby the best unsigned band in the country. Rachel Taylor and Trevor Kelly of Tacoma, WA form the duo of He is We. The duo combines simplistic guitars and pianos along with the phenominal (and dare I say slightly soulful)voice of Rachel Taylor to create a sound that is unique and relatable. This band writes catchy hooks and melodies that will be stuck in your head for days.(i.e. Blame it on the Rain) They were voted purevolumes number 1 unsigned band of 2009, which means that these two 19 year olds wont be unsigned for too much longer. There are only so many different ways to say how amazing this band is and I cant really find anything bad to say about them considering they have only recorded demos(albeit very good demos). I have a feeling that indie bands that make this kind of music i.e. Now, Now Every Children and He is We will be the bands and genre that blows up this decade; the same way Fall Out Boy, Panic At The Disco, and Paramore did in this past decade. Anyway He is We is giving away their entire demo collection on their website for free so I'm Just going to link you to their site. This is something you should have in your collection because this band will be huge one day.
Whoo another female fronted pop-punk band. Don't let the cliche fool you these kids have put together an amazing four track EP. Considering none of these kids were even old enough to drive when this EP came out I'd say it was an excellent effort. I always say I dont like to compare, but I do I actually love it so here it goes, this band sounds like Hey Monday if they were'nt so damn cheesy. The lead singer Kelc doesnt have the strongest voice or the best range but she has an endearing quality that is sincere and accompanies her vocal style well; listening to the lyrics you cant help but to like her and considering she was about 15 when this was recorded she will undoubtedly get alot better. Musically the band uses a less produced style, you wont hear any keyboards or syth on this album. I would desribe most of these tracks as poppy with an edge, there are a few mild breakdowns tossed here and there which make for an exciting listen especially if your a fan of the genre. Simply put these kids put together an amazing EP that isnt lacking in any of the four tracks. This is just really good pop-punk. Sadly I have to inform you all that the band and lead singer Kelc parted ways late last year.(they have a new singer and are currently working on another EP) Apparently the band didnt like the fact that she was gay and decided they didn't want her anymore. I dont support this in any way and I had a tough time deciding if I was going to post this EP because it would give these kids attention which I dont think they deserve. However this is still an amazing piece of independant music and I felt the need to share it so I decided to post it even though I dont consider myself a fan of the "band".
This female fronted pop-punk band is probably one of the two or three best unsigned bands I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. I don't like making comparisons like this but I think of this band as a middle ground somewhere between Flyleaf and Paramore in a land where everything is inexplicably wonderful. All jokes aside this band is really talented and is anchored by the powerful and controlled voice of thier lead singer Yvonne. Her range is phenominal alot better than most singers male or female. Not to be left out the rest of the band manages to create music that finds a balance between simple, poppy and catchy. Considering this is an unsigned band the production quality is great. Now after gushing over these guys I have to sadly say it appears as if the band has broken up. Their Myspace and every other social networking site have been abandoned. I've been following this band for almost two years now and the last time they gave any indication of new shows or music was in the summer of '09. Their myspace page was updated once early this year but it wasnt anything that indicated any new music or that they were even still a band. I wish all the members of this band nothing but the best and hope that we eventually see them continue to make great music weather its together or individually.
This EP came out in 2008 and I'm sad to say I just heard about this band late last year. I came across a short clip of Jonny Craig singing the song Melanie on youtube and I fell in love with the little bit of the song I heard. This band does not disappoint on this EP. I've heard a lot of people classify this band as Post-Hardcore, however I just dont see it. They do have a heavier sound than other bands that make the same kind of music, but it's far from what I would consider Post-Hardcore. Anyway, their music is pretty calm. The music is very ambient, lots of guitar tinkering and smooth drums and bass. The lead singer is amazing, he falls somewhere between Jonny Craig and Craig Owens. He can hit crazy highs and bring it back down to a lower more soulful sound in an instant. Last thought... this band will be pretty big in this scene in a few years.
The first and probably only EP to ever be released from the SUPERGROUP Isles & Glaciers. The members Jonny Craig, Craig Owens, Vic Fuentes, Mike Fuentes, Nick Martin, Matt Goddard, and Brian Southall bring you the most melodic and and poppy Post-Hardcore record you will ever hear. It has taken about a year and a half, and probably a few human sacrifices, for this album to be released. With that being said it is a really good EP, not as great as you would hope but its still very solid. If your going into this fresh then your mind will be blown. Tracks like Clush, Hills Like White Elephants, and Empty Sighs and Wine are phenominal and are just as good as anything any of these artists have put out individually. However if your like us and have been listening to those same three tracks that leaked over a year ago you'll be a little disappointed. The two new tracks and two instrumentals are extremely anticlimatic. Viola Lion and Cemetary Weather are two slower tracks that you just werent expecting to hear from this band. Considering the popish style of the the three leaked tracks I was expecting the rest of the EP to be a little heavier, considering Nick Martin the lead singer/screamer of one of the best straight hardcore bands out there is involved. However Nicks vocal contribution was minimal. I am not going to even touch on the instrumentals except that it just slightly confuses me as to why a band with three (four) vocalists would put two instrumentals on a seven track EP. All things considered the fanboys will gush and the haters will hate, but I still really like the EP it will probably be one of the better ones released this year.
Tonight Alive is an Australian female fronted Pop-Punk band; and yes they are everything you would expect from a female fronted Pop-Punk band. Very similar to the style that Paramore has perfected. The lead singer actually has a really solid voice, the lyrics are better than expected, and the music is tight. Not surprisingly the stand out talent in the band is the lead singer. Aside from the cliche she seems genuinely talented (she seems to have a solo project in which she really shines, which is what made this band stand out to me). Two demos and a cover aren't enough to judge the band on, however I wouldn't be surprised to see them on warped tour in a year or two and then seeing them part ways. For now the music is aolid and they do have alot of potential.
This is hands down the best Post-Hardcore album of 2009. Considering this is the bands first release I think its safe to say they will be around for a while. Of Machines runs in the vein of Dance Gavin Dance in the Downtown Battle Mountain era, their sing/scream combo is very similar to the Jon Mess/Jonny Craig sound on DBM. This band also toured with Dance Gavin Dance and Emarosa in late 2009 on the Squash the Beef Tour. Although I can't say ther is one thing this band does thats great its probably because they do eveything really well. The lead singer can hit crazy highs, the screamer is solid, and the music is crisp, technical and heavy. Each track transitions smoothly into the next (I recommend playing this without any pauses between tracks). I haven't heard anything confirming this but the album definitely has the feeling of a concept album, sort of The Recieving End of Sirens-ish. If your a fan of the Post-Hardcore genre there's no reason you won't love this album.
This album is pure indie rock bliss. This album came out in late 2008 and I played it all the way through 2009. I'm not going to beat around the bush I love this album and this band. The band takes a LoFi recording approach to this album mixing understated vocals with a keyboard and simple drum patterns Now, Now Every Children create something thats too cute to ignore just like their band name. Lead singer Cacie Dalger also handles one of the guitars in the band along with Bradley Hale on the Drums, the duo creates all of the music (as far as I know) along with three other touring members Christine Sako(Bass), Britty Hale(keyboard), and Jess Abbott(Guitar). The thing about this band is that they dont make the mistake of using too much synth in any songs. However they are at their best when they head into a fast paced frenzy like the end of their first Single Friends With My Sister. Some songs don't hit as hard as others like Have You Tried but still manage to hold their own on an album thats filled with songs that could be singles. Final thought if your a fan of Eisley or Tegan & Sara you'll love the direction that Now, Now Every Children is taking the indie rock genre, and even if you dont they'll probably win you over. Final Final thought I expect nothing less than this band to become indie rock legends.
