Super Bowl Musical Comparison

With the Super Bowl looming this Sunday, I thought it would be a neat idea to do a musical comparison between the two cities competing in this year's big game, Denver and Seattle. Both cities have a rich musical climate with a host of artists between the two cities such as John Denver, Pearl Jam, Jimi Hendrix, and countless others. Below is a list of some notable musical groups and solo artists from Denver and Seattle respectively that have name recognition and/or have had an impact on modern music in some capacity:

Musicians/Groups from Denver

Breathe Carolina
Churchill
The Fray
The Lumineers
John Denver
India.Arie

Musicians/Groups from Seattle

Alice in Chains
Band of Horses
Death Cab For Cutie
Fleet Foxes
Jimi Hendrix
Macklemore
Minus The Bear
Nirvana
Pearl Jam


So as you can see, Seattle clearly wins this battle due to the depth of musicians emanating from their general area that have had a profound impact on music in general. Denver can claim fame to 1 or 2 musicians that you can say have had some sort of influence on modern music, but Seattle wins this contest by a mile. See if the Seahawks will be able to win the football battle as well when they take on the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII this Sunday at 6:30pm on FOX.

Artist Spotlight: Parade of Lights

Closing out and heading into Super Bowl weekend with a brand new issue of Artist Spotlight! Today, we're in the West Coast and jetting out to Los Angeles where we locate the sounds of Parade of Lights. The band consists of Ryan Daly, Anthony Improgo, Michelle Ashley, and Randy Schulte. The band has a pure, liquidlike electronic sound similar in vein to Daft Punk with elements of Foster The People embedded within the fabric to give it a full featured sound that allows them to stand out prominently from other similar acts within the genre so that they don't get lost in the shuffle. I really enjoyed the band's stage presence when I caught their concert performance on TV last weekend, and it showed me that they have a strong musical kinship going both with their respective bandmates and the audience that has gathered to see them in concert and be inspired of what they have to communicate musically. I'm slowly start to delve into electronic music and this is the perfect group to listen to if you're looking to get your feet wet in this genre that is slowly starting to expand into the mainstream as of right now. A terrific upstart act with plenty of potential and room to grow in the near future. Some standout tracks for you to check out include "Talk to You" and "Wild".

To check out Parade of Lights for yourself, 'Like' them on Facebook here and find out what it is that makes them unique. Follow them on Twitter over here and find out when they'll be gracing us with their presence on the East Coast sometime. Check out their official website right here for extensive info pertaining to the group, including their music and speaking of which, you can download on iTunes at this link here for your listening pleasure.

Interview w/ Handguns

Have yet another interview ready for your attention this week. Today, we catch up with the Baltimore based pop-punk group known as Handguns. This band has been featured numerous times here on the site in the past few weeks and has quickly grown on me with their insatiable punk hooks taking me over and bringing me into their world where rules need not apply and music is as honest as they come. Vocalist Taylor Eby graciously donated some of his time in doing a quick interview as him and the boys get ready to hit the road with their hometown buddies in All Time Low, and talked about their beginnings and what they hope to accomplish musically this year. Here is the transcript from our chat:

Give us your names and your roles in the band?

I'm Taylor and I sing, Kyle plays guitar, CJ plays bass, Brandon plays guitar and sings, and Woody plays drums.

How did you guys meet and when did the band form?

We are from all over the country. Handguns officially started touring in 2010, which is when Handguns decided to take it seriously.

How would you describe the sound of Handguns to those who aren't familiar with you guys? 

We are a pop punk band with a strong work ethic. We draw a lot of our influences from Fat Wreck Chords and Drive Thru records bands. We like to put as much energy into our sets as we possibly can and make the crowd feel like they're part of something.

What do you think is the one element that sets you apart from the other bands out there in the scene? 

We're not into gimmicks and we make it a point to be on a first name basis to our fans because without their support, we wouldn't be here right now.

When playing shows, how important are the fans in the crowd and do you ever feed off the energy that they give you? 

Like I said before, we make it a point to sweat our asses off and put on the best show we possibly can for the fans, so they are definitely and extreme asset to this band. It really doesn't make a difference to us whether we are playing to 10 kids or 100 kids, we owe it to however many people there a good show. Sometimes I enjoy playing to a crowd that doesn't give two shits who we are, I like the feeling of having to win people over, it gives me a sense of accomplishment. Maybe you wont like this band, but you'll remember us.

What are some of your favorite songs you've recorded and ones you like to play live? 

I feel like we all really enjoy opening with Porch Light a lot because its such an in your face song. I feel like it gets us really hyped up and ready to play.

In your spare time away from music, what do you guys like to do for recreation?

Most of us have girlfriends, so we're always taking time to be with them and our families. We all try to work jobs when we're home just to make ends meet. It sucks, but its what you gotta do.

You guys have a tour coming up with All Time Low, how influential have they been to your music and what does it feel like to tour with them? 

Me and CJ are both from Baltimore. We have watched that band grow over the years. I remember seeing them play to 20 people one time. To see a band from our hometown that has had so much success has kind of made me proud to be from Baltimore. When we got the email for the offer, we were like "no fucking way" We were all super excited. We are just very grateful, and very honored that they chose us to be a part of their tour.

Lastly, when can we expect some new music from Handguns this year? 

We've been in the studio all month with Paul Leavitt in downtown Baltimore. We actually start tracking vocals. I think we're hoping to have the record out in the spring. We are all super proud of it and can't wait for everyone to hear it.

Thanks once again to Taylor for being so generous in donating some time for this interview before they hit the road! they truly a re a tremendous band and one that I'm surprised more people aren't catching on to yet. But after this tour with All Time Low, I'm sure plenty more people will become familiar with Handguns. For more info on Handguns, give them a 'Like' on Facebook here and follow them on Twitter over here.

Artist Spotlight: The Royal Concept

Another edition of Artist Spotlight awaits, and this time we head overseas to Stockholm, Sweden where we get acquainted with the sounds of The Royal Concept. The band consists of David Larson on lead vocals, guitar, and keyboard, Filip Bekic on guitar, Robert Magnus on bass, and Frans Povel on drums. The band has an eclectic mixture of alternative rhythms laced in with an indie-synth hybrid that is completely extraordinary and allows the group to angle their sound towards listeners from all across the musical spectrum that enables them to capture an entire cross section of the listener population who may not have of heard their music before, and are thrilled they got the opportunity to check out when they did. I loved these guys from the start when I first caught their concert performance on the tube last weekend, which was a mostly sweat filled affair that resulted in Daniel performing shirtless much to the delight of the females in attendance, but I generally appreciated them as musicians and regular people who love what they do for a living. You can clearly tell how much they generally appreciate playing for their fans and that shows in their music where they are looking to expand out of their Swedish homeland. A standout track to check out from the guys is "On Our Way".

For more information on The Royal Concept, give them a 'Like' on Facebook here so that you can stay in tune with everything that they have going on musically. They can also be followed on Twitter from right here and keep your eyes peeled for any concert dates that may be coming to the Boston area sometime soon. Their official website over here has the latest up to date information on the guys, and check out their latest EP appropriately titled "Royal" now available for download on iTunes at this link here.

Save Ends - Warm Hearts, Cold Hands

Boston's own Save Ends are ready for the big leagues with their debut on Tiny Engines Records, "Warm Hearts, Cold Hands". The disc jumps all over the place in terms of its musical offerings, running the gamut from pop-punk to emo to indie, but settles on its laurels and presents a band in the midst of allocating their sound and transmitting to a willing and able listening audience.

"Punkorama 30" kicks off the action with a terrific, mid tempo blast that is indicative of the band in the midst of a transition musically, and allows the band to explore outside the cavernous musical formations that permeate the overall sound of this record. "We Are The Only Ones" is a fast paced, no frills rocker that features intense and pounding instrumentation beating down the door with such veracity and the transition between male and female vocals gives a double edged advantage to it that you just can't find anywhere else. "A Life They Wrote" is my favorite track off the album that totally defines the group's musical resolve: well written and plotted out instrumentation that highlights the band's strengths in one flawless track that made me a firm believer in their musical mission and everything that they do to sustain it. "Same Old Dice" hearkens back to New Found Glory's early years with a non stop cavalcade of sharp and driven guitars, and the transitional male/female vocal bringing a level of balance and depth to an already outstanding effort heard here so far.

The second half gets into gear with "Kurzweil", an intricately designed rocker that pulls everything out of its playbook into one of the more impressive tracks put together by the group in terms of its impressive knowledge of music technicality that allows them to really dig deep and put out everything that they can muster. The disc starts to draw to a close on "Song of Susannah", a terrific melodic blast that punches their ticket home with outstanding instrumentation from all parties involved that ensures we get to the finish line on time and on point as well. "Don't Panic" concludes the effort by bringing it down a couple of notches on a downtempo affair, but still has the same unfiltered quality as the prior tracks in its ability to present everything in a honest and true fashion through outstanding lyricism and lasting instrumentation that I simply can't get enough of. A truly amazing and outstanding effort all around from a band that you will definitely be hearing more from in the days and months ahead, I guarantee it!

In closing, an outstanding and near perfect effort from Save Ends, a Boston band that isn't like the other groups locally in the sense that they present music in a beautiful and honest fashion upfront that it makes you even prouder to reside in one of the best music cities in the country.

                                                                                                                               Album Score: 4.5/5

Track Listing:

1. Punkorama 30
2. We Are The Only Ones
3. A Life They Wrote
4. Same Old Dice
5. Always Knew
6. Kurzweil
7. Skeptical Sons/Curious Daughters
8. Chasing Embers
9. Song of Susannah
10. Don't Panic

                                           

Boston Manor Release Music Video For "Wolf"

Blackpool, U.K.'s finest Boston Manor have just made available to the public their latest music video for the song "Wolf". The song is from their recently released split EP that they did with Throwing Stuff that was enthusiastically reviewed right here on the site, and the video features footage that the band compiled while out on tour with the aforementioned lovely lads of Throwing Stuff and shows the raw veracity of their live shows that hearken back to the early '00's era of music that I grew up on where bands were playing basement shows, VFW halls, community centers, wherever they could find a location to express all of their emotions and let it out with an intensity that can only be displayed through the power of music.

If you haven't fallen for Boston Manor yet, 'Like' them on Facebook here and check out their music available on their Bandcamp page right here.

Artist Spotlight: The Ceremonies

Opening up the week with an all new edition of Artist Spotlight! Today, we venture out to somewhere much warmer than Boston right now, Los Angeles, CA to be exact where we encounter the vivacious rhythms of The Ceremonies. The trio consists of the Cook brothers: Matthew, Mark, and Michael. The band have only been making music since 2012, but in that short span of time have captured the attention of many with their highly melodic style of indie-rock punctuated by an intense percussion arrangement that had me enthralled right from the get-go. I came across these guys while flipping through the TV this past weekend, and caught their performance from out in LA where they performed "Land of Gathering" and my jaw totally hit the floor. They left me spellbound with their stage presence and they seemed in charge right from the start and I never saw a point during their performance where they didn't dominate with their insatiable hooks and endless charm that had me believers in them and all that they can do musically. A terrific undiscovered act that is demanding of your attention immediately.

For more information on The Ceremonies, give them a 'Like' on Facebook right here and find out everything that you need to know about the guys. You may follow them on Twitter as well from this location here and find out when the guys will be making their way to the East Coast sometime with a concert appearance. Visit their official website over here for more in depth information concerning the gentlemen, and check out their recently released self-titled EP now available for purchase on iTunes at this link here.

Boston Calling Lineup Announced!

The lineup for the Boston Calling festival was announced earlier tonight in a very elaborate way: a scavenger hunt! Vinyl records were hidden at various spots throughout the city, and whoever found one of them and posted a picture on social media with the appropriate hashtag would win tickets to the festival in May. And this year's looks like a doozy for sure.

Headlining the festival this year are Jack Johnson, Death Cab For Cutie, and Modest Mouse along with Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Brand New, The Head & The Heart, Tegan & Sara, Bastille, Jenny Lewis, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, The Neighbourhood, Phosphorescent, Built To Spill, Kurt Vile, Walk Off The Earth, Warpaint, Cass McCombs, The District, Tigerman Woah!, and Magic Man.

Early bird ticlets have unfortunately already been sold, but stay tuned here on the site for details as to how you can purchase regular priced tickets, which more information should be forthcoming within the next few days.

Kansas Bible Company - Hotel Chicamauga

Goshen, Indiana's Kansas Bible Company are making their presence known with their latest effort titled Hotel Chicamauga. The 12 piece indie collective has been gaining quite the reputation with their live sets attracting attention due to their unique stage presence that they exhibit on stage, while displaying the musical wisdom and talent of seasoned vets who look like they've been doing it for years.

The effort starts out with "Sunglasses", an eerie, inventive effort that features morphing guitar riffs and a dark, edged tone that doesn't set the theme for the whole album per say, but it does showcase the band's randomness and their ability to adapt quickly to the ever changing musical tempo that is coming just up around the bend. My favorite song off the effort is "Jesus, The Horse Thief", a high energy, pulsating track complete with the band's hallmark: a horn section that is the emotional barometer and sets the stage for the rest of the album to follow and provides for so much joy and enthusiasm that you can't help but nod your head in approval. "Good and Better Decisions" takes a decidedly more subtle approach with some light keyboard arrangements to start us out and showcases the band's ambition and resolve taking shape, while also hinting at their diversity and their ability to think outside the box. "The Desert, She Screams" gets us back into the high energy frame of mind with the horn section totally breaking out and hitting their stride and feeding off the energy of their fellow bandmates that exemplifies their musical craft hard at work on another one right here.

We get ready to close things out with the disc's title track, an amazing 7 minute slice of musical perfection with a strong emphasis being put on melody and simplicity that takes in musical elements across all the tracks featured here to give you an encapsulated overview of what you may have missed and gives an idea of what the band is like as a whole. "Wizards and Witches" closes out our stay here with a peppy, upbeat track that does a great job of showing off the spontaneity of the group that is omnipresent at every turn throughout this album and on stage as well. From their syncopated dance moves to their tendencies to dress exactly alike with a certain theme attached to it, or some of their tendencies to go half naked as two members of the horn section were shirtless while recording "The Desert, She Screams" as evidenced on this YouTube clip here gives all the reasons as to why I love and appreciate this group so much and what they bring to the musical table.

In retrospect, a highly stylized and cohesive effort from Kansas Bible Company, a group that has a certain unique musical bond and chemistry that is a breath of fresh air and shows the tight knit group that musicians have formed as a whole.

                                                                                                                      Album Score: 3.5/5

Track Listing:

1. Sunglasses
2. Jesus, The Horse Thief
3. Rooster Crow
4. Good and Better Decisions
5. The Desert, She Screams
6. Black Eyed Susan
7. Hymn of St. Vertigo
8. Hotel Chicamauga
9. Wizards and Witches

RX Bandits Launch PledgeMusic Drive For New Album

Seal Beach, CA's RX Bandits are returning after a 4 year hiatus as they announced they will be recording a brand new studio album and releasing it exclusively via PledgeMusic. The band have been on hiatus since 2011, but the band returned last year when they hit the road in commemoration of the 10th anniversary release of "The Resignation" and the band looked back fondly after that tour concluded and realized what they enjoyed the most about performing live, the fans.

I've been a huge RX Bandits fan ever since their Drive Thru Records years, and they have been the one band that I always appreciated for evolving from their early ska phase and into a band that genuinely cares about the music they put out, but most importantly they love and appreciate each and one of their fans and are incredibly social with their fans after a concert, whether it be interacting with them in person, signing autographs, or taking pictures, they are the real deal. I had the pleasure of meeting Matt Embree in concert over a year ago playing acoustic solo at TT the Bear's, and he was as humble as can be and was very accommodating when I asked to get my picture taken with him. He is truly a gifted musician, but most importantly a terrific human being and so are the other guys in the band. For more information on their PledgeMusic drive and to place a donation, click on this link right here.

Interview w/ Today Junior

Proud to bring to you today an interview with some of Allston Rock City's finest, Today Junior! I've been totally obsessed with these guys as of recently, and have become my go-to band in the local scene with their infectious hooks and tight knit melodies reeling me in and are at the top of the list as it relates to must see acts in Boston right now. Bros Mike and Harry plus their bassist Craig carved some time out of their hectic schedules as they get ready to play TT the Bears on February 6th, and we touched up on how the band got started and what was it like recording their latest album. Here is the transcript from my chat with the trio:

Give us your names and what you do in the band?

Harry O'Toole on guitar and lead vocals, Craig Barter on bass and vocals, and Mike O'Toole on drums and vocals.

What is the earliest memory you can recall of listening to music at a young age?

Harry: Whenever I was upset or crying my mom would play me "The Obvious Child" by Paul Simon and I'd dance around and laugh instead.

Mike: When I was really little my sister and I would run around our house with fake horses to the "Lonesome Dove" theme. 

Craig: I remember listening to The Beatles red album on repeat in my living room by myself, dancing around, singing, and having the time of my life.

Did you guys all dream of being in a band one day when you were older or did that just come along randomly?

Harry: It's definitely been something I've always thought about since I had started playing guitar, but I started taking it more seriously in high school with my friends.

Mike: After playing and jamming on a some cover songs with a few of my buddies in middle school it was so obvious that music was what I wanted to do.     

Craig: Ever since I sat in on a jam session my dad and uncle were having. I may have only been eight years old but I played the hell out of that bass drum!

How did you guys all meet up together initially to form the band?

Harry: Mike and I had been practicing different covers and jamming with one of our friends, Zack, who introduced us to Craig. The four of us ended up playing epic cover shows in Allston at house parties/basement shows throughout the year of 2010.  One thing led to another and Mike, Craig and I formed a pretty awesome bond and just haven't stopped playing since.  We really get along as friends more than anything else, and I think thats what makes it great.

Take us through the recording process for your latest album "What's The Skinny" and how fun and productive the whole process was?

Harry: "What's The Skinny" was made entirely in the basements at our dingy Allston house.  We had songs we wanted to record, but they weren't fully flushed out yet, so we were hesitant about doing something in a studio environment. Lucklily, our roommate at that time, Skye Perry, was very eager to record our stuff. He had a bunch of recording gear from past projects he was in and spent his free time mixing and engineering our stuff. . We basically just transformed our basement into a mini recording studio. The recording process lasted from December 2012 to about May 2013. We ended up doing some of the mixing through April and into June. It was definitely an unforgettable experience and loads of fun. We all were able to wake up and fall asleep in the studio, which was sweet! There were lots of late nights and early mornings and lots of coffee to help get through it. We had hiccups along the way but it was a learning experience like everything else. In the end, we were proud of the sounds we achieved. 

What does it feel like to be a part of the Boston music scene that is so vibrant and ever growing at this very moment?

It feels…

What are some of your favorite shows that you've played as a band, any in particular that stick out?

  

 Mike: All the shows are so fun and different in their own ways.  Our CD-Release Show for "What's The Skinny" at ZuZu Bar in Cambridge with Sleep Crimes and The Sones was such a killer night! 

 Harry: One that sticks out for me might be when we played Great Scott with Iamdynamite and Virgin Marys. It was just awesome to be alongside two kick-ass bands.

 Craig: Playing the Hard Rock Cafe in Boston especially sticks out since we played betwixt Madonna's cone bra and Kurt Cobain's smashed guitar…rock and roll.

What do you guys like to do in your spare time when not involved in music?

We watch episodes of Columbo and our favorite action movies when we are looking for hope. But we mostly do the music thing.  

What's on tap this year for you guys, any upcoming shows you'd like to promote?

We only have so many shows planned right now, but there will definitely be more coming up. Hopefully, if everything goes as planned, you may see Today Junior in Brooklyn, Chicago and some other cities before June.

  

Plans for a Today Junior music video are in the works for the winter/spring. We have been working on new material and just taking our time with it a little more this time around. I can definitely say that our sound is starting to expand a little more every time we come up with something new.  We are going to start recording this winter into the summer and see where that takes us. 

Lastly, why do you think fans should check out your music and/or see you in concert?

Because we think its awesome music that everyone could get down with! 

Thanks once again to Mike, Harry, and Craig for being so awesome in taking some time out in doing this interview! These guys have been featured numerous times here on the site, and they have been nothing short of friendly and outstanding gentlemen when I interact with them in person after a show, they are definitely a band on the scene that you should be checking out in concert and supporting moving forward. For more information on the guys, 'Like' them on Facebook right here and give them a follow on Twitter over here. Their official website is located over here and check out their Bandcamp site at this location here to stream all of their music, including their latest album, "What's The Skinny?"

311 Release Track Listing For "Stereolithic"

Omaha's own 311 have finally unveiled the track listing for their 13th studio album titled Stereolithic. The album will be released appropriately enough on March 11th (3/11) and the band are releasing it independently via PledgeMusic. For a minimum of $10, you will receive a digital download of the album upon it's release plus you can choose to get a CD or vinyl if you wish on a price tier scale. If you do choose an add-on, your $10 will be automatically waived and you will receive the items you requested upon the release date. I think this is a terrific maneuver by the band releasing their new album on a price tiered format as it gives the consumer the ability to pick and choose which format they want to buy, and what add-ons they would be interested in receiving as well, such as signed lithographs and vinyls.

For more info on this exclusive release, head on over to the band's PledgeMusic site located here. Below is the tracklisting for "Stereolithic":

1. Ebb and Flow
2. Five of Everything
3. Showdown
4. Revolution of the Year
5. Sand Dollars
6. Boom Shanka
7. Make it Rough
8. The Great Divide
9. Friday Afternoon
10. Simple True
11. First Dimension
12. Made In The Shade
13. Existential Hero
14. The Call
15. Tranquility

2014 Grammy Award Predictions

It's that time of year again for one of the biggest nights in music, The Grammy's. This year's Grammys are held a couple of weeks earlier from their usual date in early February due to the Super Bowl, but it gives us ample opportunity to let us figure out who we think will take home the trophies at this year's ceremony. This year's field is very diverse, and honors some newcomers and fresh faces to the music scene that have been transforming the very nature and dynamic of the music world that we live in. Here are my predictions for the winners in some pre-selected categories:

Record of the Year

Daft Punk f/Pharrell Williams- Get Lucky
Imagine Dragons - Radioactive
Lorde- Royals (PREDICTED WINNER)
Bruno Mars - Locked Out of Heaven
Robin Thicke f/T.I. & Pharrell - Blurred Lines

This field is very diverse, and honors a huge crop of newcomers to the scene whose songs have greatly impacted radio and streaming music sites aplenty over the course of the past year. My pick for this category goes with Lorde's "Royals" as the song has that unspoken beauty and sheer creativity not seen before in quite some time. Daft Punk and Robin Thicke both have commercial appeal, and may end up as one of the 2 wildcards in this category, and Imagine Dragons has too much of an alternative sound that may turn off some voters, but Bruno Mars could pull off an upset in this category here.

Album of the Year

Sara Barielles - The Blessed Unrest
Daft Punk - Random Access Memories (PREDICTED WINNER)
Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist
Taylor Swift - Red

This one's a tough one for me, but I'm willing to venture a guess to state that Daft Punk will take home the hardware in this one. Kendrick Lamar and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis both have that hip-hop street cred going for them, and that may alienate some voters who steer clear of rap in general. Sara Barielles is the total surprise here in this category and may be a distant wildcard heading in, but Taylor Swift could pull off an upset here as she won this same exact category 4 years ago for "Fearless".

Song of the Year

Pink f/Nate Ruess - Just Give Me A Reason
Bruno Mars - Locked Out of Heaven (PREDICTED WINNER)
Katy Perry - Roar
Lorde - Royals
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis f/Mary Lambert - Same Love

This category reserved for songwriters has an extensive list of new and regular faces here, and this one is a total crapshoot heading in. My personal pick goes to Bruno Mars as this song was extremely popular in commercial radio last year, and had that crossover appeal that attracted listeners from different genres and age groups as well. Katy Perry's track was released just before the submission deadline and may be too new for some voters, same goes for Lorde as well. Pink and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis each split the wildcard vote and either one has a chance of pulling off an upset here.

Best New Artist

James Blake
Kendrick Lamar
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (PREDICTED WINNER)
Kasey Musgraves
Ed Sheeran

This category usually has a diverse group of performers here, and it's tough to accurately predict as to who will win the category this year. I'm willing to venture a guess to say that Macklemore & Ryan Lewis takes home this award solely based on name recognition alone and one that is familiar to some voters. Kendrick Lamar has too much hardcore rap cred to it, and Kasey Musgraves is too much of an unknown in the country genre, so that leaves James Blake and Ed Sheeran each splitting the rock vote. I'll guess that Ed Sheeran is the wildcard to pull off the upset here as he was nominated for Song of the Year last year for "The A Team".

Best Alternative Music Album

Neko Case - The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You
The National - Trouble Will Find Me
Nine Inch Nails - Hesitation Marks
Tame Impala - Lonerism
Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City (PREDICTED WINNER)

This category is a slam dunk here for Vampire Weekend here as this album was far and away the most visible and commercially successful ones that appealed to the voters and has garnered them the most attention as they have been nominated for this award in the past. Neko Case and Tame Impala are newcomers to the scene and are distant upsets at the moment, while The National are familiar to some voters, but not enough to hand them the award. The frontrunner for the wildcard belongs to Nine Inch Nails as they have been nominated and won this category in the past, and has that big name cache that appeals to the voters.

And there you have my predictions for this year's Grammy Awards! Don't forget to check out the ceremony this Sunday January 26th at 8PM on CBS, and 'Like' MusicBoxPete on Facebook here and follow on Twitter here for live wire to wire updates of the ceremony as it begins along with some commentary with regards to the performances and any antics that may unfold on stage!

Artist Spotlight: Signals.

Jumping into the weekend with another edition of Artist Spotlight! Today, we head over to the Isle of Wight, England and into the upbeat sounds of Signals. The group consists of Ellie Price on lead vocals and piano, Mikey Webber on guitar and vocals, Ryan Beachy on drums, and Alex Vanblaere on bass and vocals. The band's sound has an upbeat, energetic math-rock sound that is highlighted by Ellie's enchanting and beautiful vocals that entrance you right from the get go and the supporting cast allows each other to get equal billing time and ample opportunity for them to let their talents shine and be known among the listening audience. I was impressed with these guys on first listen, especially with Ellie and her sheer beauty that makes their music that much more potent and energetic, and one that has unbridled enthusiasm unlike no other. A standout song for you to check out is "Constructions".

For additional information on Signals., give them a 'Like' on their Facebook page right over here and uncover for yourself the sounds that have been kept a secret all this time. They can be followed on Twitter from this complex here and keep in touch with them directly on a one-by-one basis. Check out their Tumblr site over here for in depth info pertaining to them, and check out their latest EP titled "Facial Furniture" over on their Bandcamp site right here.

Sonos To Stream Mayer Hawthorne DJ Set Tonight

Sonos Studio in Los Angeles recently announced that for the first time ever, they will live stream events leading up to this year's Grammy Awards that will give those watching at home the chance to experience dynamic programming straight from the studio. The first of those artists will be none other than Mayer Hawthorne.

In commemoration of his nomination for Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package, Sonos will host an exclusive Q&A tonight that will be moderated by Ben Westhoff. Mayer will be on hand personally to field any questions regarding his album artwork and his creative approach to releasing material on vinyl. Afterwards, Mayer will be manning the DJ booth and will be cultivating a special DJ set for those live in attendance that will also be made available for live stream via TuneIn Radio. The live stream begins at 10PM EST/7PM PST and the link for the stream can be found right here, so unwind with a glass of wine and get ready to enjoy the spacious sounds that will be coming your way!

Artist Spotlight: Waking Aida

Continuing to trudge ahead with another installment of Artist Spotlight! Today, we venture overseas to Southampton, England and across the diverse and eclectic sounds of Waking Aida. The band consists of Alex, James, James, and Josh. The band has a subtle, low-key sound similar to that of Mutemath with light electro-influences managing to seep their way into the musical framework and providing for a enjoyable and intriguing listening experience throughout. I learned about these guys from their In The Tub interview that they did with Critical Wave UK that has been mentioned endlessly before here on the site, and I decided to give these guys a whirl. What makes these lads unique is their ability to take unconventional sounds and translate it into a format that is easily comprehensible by the listening audience who will gravitate towards their sound each and every time it comes on. A terrific undiscovered band that deserves to get some notice here in the States. Recommended tracks for you to take a stab at include "Hyperdiamond" and "Allergic".

For more information on Waking Aida, head on over to their Facebook page located right here to see for yourself what these guys have got going on from the other side of the pond. The band can be followed on Twitter from over here and find out if they plan on coming over to the U.S. anytime soon. Their official website is located here and features more wide ranging info pertaining to the gentlemen, and check out all their music now available for listening and purchase via their Bandcamp site conveniently located at this spot here.

Bad Things - Bad Things

Los Angeles, CA's Bad Things have landed on the scene with their self-titled debut album. The band features none other than Olympic gold medal winning snowboarder Shaun White, who is stepping out into his own as a musician, and proves that he is more than just a talented athlete with incredible red hair.

We kick things off with the disc's first single "Anybody" a dazzling, frenetic experience with the amazing lead vocals of Davis LeDuke providing for the backdrop that gives everybody a chance to stand out and individually showcase their talents to a curious and excitable audience. "Fool" keeps things in the midtempo structure with a straightforward number that features terrific drum arrangements from Lena Zawaideh who fits in perfectly with the musical dynamic of the band and doesn't feel the need to do anything overpowering and smartly plays it simple to have a lasting impression on the crowd. "Caught Inside" takes things on a downtempo approach showcasing the musical diversity that lies at the base of the group with Shaun doing a great job on guitar and bassist Jared Palomar formerly of Augustana delivering a outstanding one-two punch that gives the band its character and essence that is present all throughout this record and on stage as well. My favorite song off the album is "Saturday Night", an upbeat slice of synth rock heaven with a balance split right down the middle with some indie influences seeping their way into the opening of the song, and instantly spreading throughout the track's surface that provides for an instant wave of excitement and euphoria that showcases the great fervor and anticipation that surrounded the release of this album, mostly due to the face of Shaun being in the band.

The second half gets underway with "Vices" a melodic, drum riddled opus that features Davis's vocals operating in different wavelengths this time around to provide for some diversity and depth as a individual musician, which bodes well for his stage presence which is beyond captivating and is something to behold if you ever see them in concert. "Lonely Eyes" is a neat, fun-filled little number with steady guitar riffs working at a steady pace, but not too overwhelming for the listener just passing by, and Lena gets an opportunity to show off her pipes that add an air of style and grace to a band that have already have my full attention upfront. We get ready to close out the effort with "Say It Again" a warm, inviting number that cruises along at a steady speed and doesn't let up right until the very end. "End of the Road" concludes our stay here with a synth laden opus that is indicative of the type of music they play and the emotional response that they want to illicit from their small but ever growing fanbase that hangs on to their every word. I was impressed from the get go from this band, and was amazed at Shaun's capabilities as a musician which I didn't even know he possessed, and he more than proves his worth and fits in perfectly with his bandmates who all do a great job of looking out for each other as well.

In closing, a well produced and recorded debut effort from Bad Things, who are slowly emerging as a prime candidate for buzz band of the year with this release that shows what happens when 3 San Diego natives coming from different backgrounds share a common bond for the love of music and all the frills that go along with it as well.

                                                                                                                               Album Score: 4/5

Track Listing:

1. Anybody
2. Fool
3. Haunting
4. Caught Inside
5. Saturday Night
6. Lost Feeling
7. Vices
8. Lonely Eyes
9. Bury
10. Say It Again
11. End of the Road   

Austria's Juleah Releases New Album "Entangled and Entwined"

Austrian based psych-rock artist Juleah has just put out her third studio release titled "Entangled and Entwined". The effort is a dreamy, insatiable wave of dreamy psych rock influences placed upon within an indie rock aesthetic that allows her to stand out prominently among the other crop of similar artists within her genre. She has a sound similar to that of Beach House and Vacationer that makes her feel right at home with those groups, and gives her a leg up to expose her sound to American listeners as well. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing her musical talents, and she definitely has a promising career moving forward.

For more info on Juleah, 'Like' her Facebook page right here so that you stay in touch with her directly on everything that is happening in her camp, and speaking of camp check out her Bandcamp site conveniently located here to listen to her album on a pay-what-you-want scale. Check out her amazing video for "The Verge" embedded directly below for your viewing pleasure:

Artist Spotlight: SayWeCanFly

Starting off the abbreviated week with an all new edition of Artist Spotlight! Today, we head up north to a small Canadian town called Lindsay located in Ontario and come across the amazing sounds of SayWeCanFly. This is mainly a solo project featuring Braden Barrie on vocals and instruments, and I must say in the 5 year history of writing for this site, he has one of the most pure, majestic voices I've heard in my lifetime. The way he exudes confidence and emotion when he sings totally exemplifies the type of person he is inside and out, and the lyrics are deeply personal ranging on a whole series of issues from depression and suicide, issues which are extremely prevalent among today's youth and one's that are exacerbated by societal issues, most namely bullying. The way he communicates with his audience and touches them with the gift of his music shows the kind of effect he has had on people, and you can tell he genuinely loves and appreciates his fans for all the support that they've given him and influenced Braden both personally and professionally. I was deeply blown away by how talented and sincere he was, and I could tell eminently that he was fully committed to playing and recording music as a profession, not just a hobby and totally hit it home for me that raw and unbridled talent is still out there. An immensely talented artist that is the real deal and deserves to be checked out at the end of this sentence that I'm currently speaking right now. Recommended tracks for you to peruse over include "Heaven is Hell" and "Scars".

For more information on SayWeCanFly, head on over to his Facebook page right here and connect with him personally to see his music and how it has impacted so many listeners. You can follow him on Twitter as well from over here and find out when he'll be venturing down in the U.S. sometime with a concert appearance or two. Visit his official website located here for more information pertaining to him, and check out his latest EP titled "Heaven Is Hell" now available for purchase on iTunes at this link here and discover the talent that is putting so many people on notice.

Interview w/ Nick Santino & The Northern Wind

We're catching up with an exclusive chat with Nick Santino from his solo project called Nick Santino & The Northern Wind. You may remember him from the Artist Spotlight feature I did with him a couple of weeks ago, and he was kind enough to do a quick interview with the site so that we could get the opportunity to know him better. His music has the tendency to transcend conventional boundaries, and delves into more deeper and concentrated songwriting that has completely altered the musical path that he was on previously. Here is the transcript of my chat with him as he was returning from a tour in the Philippines:

Give us your name and what instruments you regularly play?

Nick Santino. Guitar mostly but a little of everything. 

At what age did you first become interested in music?

All my life. I started actually playing at age 11. 

What are some of your musical influences that still have an effect on you to this day?

Everything. The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Ryan Adams. 

Most people may remember you from your old band, A Rocket To The Moon. Why did you guys decide to part ways?

Just felt like the right time for some change. 

How does your music with The Northern Wind differ from your prior musical endeavor?

This one is all me calling the shots. Writing the songs. Playing the instruments. It's more personal. 

Take us behind your songwriting process, what themes and/or elements typically are comprised within your songs?

I write about real life situations. I like to let the listener really feel the song and feel like they can relate to it. 

If you weren't involved in making music, what do you think you would be doing for a living?

Something in the graphic design or fashion worlds. 

Being from the Boston area right in Braintree, what is your favorite thing about your home city?

I think what I like most about it is that it's home. There's not much to the Braintree but it's a place to call home and it's comforting to know I have that. 

What's coming up next on your radar, planning to play any shows in the near future?

Hopefully some touring this year. I’m planning to do a full length record. 

Lastly, how much has music played a role in the person you are now?

It's everything I do, see, create, feel. It's the world.

Thanks once again to Nick Santino for taking some time out of his schedule to do this interview. It's refreshing to hear a musician make a conscious decision to change the type of music he used to play, and cater to a different audience who are very rooted in the genre of music he is playing now, but the devoted fanbase he acquired previously is more than willing to take a listen and follow him on his musical journey anyways. For more information on Nick Santino & The Northern Wind, 'Like' him on Facebook here and follow him on Twitter here.

Handguns To Tour w/ All Time Low This Spring

Baltimore's own Handguns will be heading out on the road this Spring with their homeboys All Time Low on their A Love Like Tour. Also joining them on this tour will be Man Overboard and the dates will kick off starting on March 28th in Richmond, VA. There are no Boston dates on the tour unfortunately, but the closest New England state that the tour will be stopping by is in Portland, ME on April 28th. The band were a recent Artist Spotlight here on the site a few weeks ago and this tour is prime exposure and expands their musical real estate among their ever growing legion of fans quite a bit.

Here is the full itinerary announced earlier this afternoon:

Mar. 28 - Richmond, VA - The National
Mar. 29 - Asheville, NC - The Orange Peel
Mar. 30 - Charleston, SC - Music Farm
Apr. 01 - Jacksonville, FL - Freebird Live
Apr. 02 - Birmingham, AL - Zydeco
Apr. 04 - Memphis, TN - New Daisy Theatre
Apr. 05 - Springfield, MO - Gillioz Theatre
Apr. 06 - Columbia, MO - The Blue Note
Apr. 08 - Lawrence, KS - Granada Theater
Apr. 10 - Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theatre
Apr. 11 - Flagstaff, AZ - Orpheum Theater
Apr. 12 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues
Apr. 14 - Fresno, CA - Rainbow Ballroom
Apr. 15 - Sacramento, CA - Ace of Spades
Apr. 17 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre
Apr. 18 - Lincoln, NE - Bourbon Theatre
Apr. 19 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave
Apr. 21 - Sioux Falls, SD - The District
Apr. 22 - Grand Rapids, MI - The Intersection
Apr. 23 - Louisville, KY - Expo Five
Apr. 25 - Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
Apr. 26 - Syracuse, NY - The Westcott Theater
Apr. 28 - Portland, ME - State Theater
Apr. 29 - Clifton Park, NY - Upstate Concert Hall
Apr. 30 - New Haven, CT - Toad's Place
May 01 - Poughkeepsie, NY - The Chance
May 02 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom
May 03 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live

Potty Mouth Perform "Sleep Talk" At Converse Rubber Tracks in Brooklyn

Northampton, MA based Potty Mouth stopped by Converse Rubber Tracks in Brooklyn last month to perform a few tracks from their breakthrough effort titled Hell Bent. The band has been featured here on the site before, and I have sung Converse RIbber Tracks good graces as well in the past year as they have done a bang up job of delivering the best and brightest in upstart music from around the Northeast, and they have something special in place that should be embraced to the fullest.

For more information on Potty Mouth, 'Like' them on Facebook right here, and check out an interview the singer and guitarist Abby Weems did courtesy of the fine folks over at The Fader over here.

Artist Spotlight: Sell Your Sky

Closing out the week and heading into the weekend with a brand new edition of Artist Spotlight! Today, we find ourselves immersed over in Bath, England and in search of the enthusiastic pop-punk sounds of Sell Your Sky. The band consists of Tom Burton on guitar, Callum Coupland on drums, John Glenister on bass, Rob Mcleod on vocals, Ryan Strudwick on guitar, and Aaron Tiley on vocals. The band's influences range from New Found Glory to Brand New with a strong emphasis put on their vocals that have the occasional hardcore scream that will attract some hardcore fans as well who may not be too fond of pop-punk, but they will grow to appreciate them over time as they have a certain exuberance to them that is infectious and you can't help but to fall into right away. Pop-punk music is my primary musical mainframe and comprises the essence of my musical existence, so we basically grew up hand in hand while in high school and I can clearly identify with the mindset that is currently embedded within them that allows them to diversify their sound a little bit so that they don't blend into the crowd and go unnoticed. A terrific U.K. act that deserves to get some attention and press here in the US of A. Some recommended tracks for you to check out include "Ready When You Are, Raoul" and "Go Home Show".

For more info on the chaps of Sell Your Sky, cruise on over to their Facebook page and 'Like' them here so that you can stay connected with everything that is happening on their end. The band can also be followed on Twitter from right here and see when they might be making an appearance in the U.S. sometime soon. Visit their Bandcamp site over here to discover all their music and keep an eye out for a new album from the band expected sometime later on this year.

Artist Spotlight: American Authors

Continuing to bring out the best and brightest with another edition of Artist Spotlight! Today, we head over to my favorite borough in New York, Brooklyn and come across the ever vibrant sounds of American Authors. The band consists of Zac Barnett, James Adam Shelley, Matt Sanchez, and Dave Rublin. While the band's primary base is in Brooklyn, the band can proudly trace their roots back to the Boston area where the members met while attending Berklee College of Music and originally performed under the name The Blue Pages before relocating to NYC in 2010. The band's music is a virtual smorgasbord of organic and eclectic folk mixed in with an indie rock aesthetic that shows off the band's real image that they worked so hard to cultivate all these years, and are beginning to move up the ranks as of right now. I first came across the guys this past summer while hearing their song "Best Day of My Life" used in a commercial for the MLB Fan Cave and I was amazed with the upbeat and positive nature of the song, something that we could all use a heaping dose of these days and can be implemented in all other musical quadrants elsewhere as well. These guys have a pure and nurtured talent that is yearning to be shared with everyone, and you can easily comprehend the positive message that is embedded within their music if you listen to the lyrics very closely. An immensely talented group that I'm so proud has its roots traced back to Beantown.

For more information on American Authors, head on over to their Facebook page located here and give it a 'Like' so that you stay in the know with everything that is going on in their land. Follow the guys on Twitter from this location over here and stay in touch with the band directly on a one by one basis through their individual accounts which can be accessed over there as well. Visit their official website here for an extensive amount of in depth info concerning the band, and check out their self titled EP available for download on iTunes right here.

July To Perform on Canada's "Breakfast Television" Tomorrow Morning, Readying Winter Tour

Brampton, Ontario, Canada based pop-punkers July are gearing up right now as we speak to perform on Canada's morning television program "Breakfast Television" tomorrow morning. The band will be performing an acoustic rendering of the title track from their debut release called "What We Signed Up For". Their sound totally hits home for me as it's the type of music I grew up with in high school, and I can totally dig the youth filled vibe that emanates ever so strongly from our neighbors to the North. The band is also gearing up for a brief tour with SayWeCanFly around their area that will be kicking off on Valentine's Day, February 14th. Here's the full itinerary:

2/14/14 Toronto, ON @ Cage Club
2/15/14 Ottawa, ON @ Cafe Dekcuf
2/16/14 Belleville, ON @ Parkdale Centre
2/18/14 Oakville, ON @ TB High School
2/19/14 London, ON @ Norma Jeans
2/20/14 Burlington, ON @ YMCA
2/21/14 Waterloo, ON @ Maxwells
2/22/14 Newmarket, ON @ Jam Spot

For more information on July, 'Like' them on Facebook here, follow them on Twitter here, and visit their official homepage right here. Their album "What We Signed Up For" is now available for download on iTunes conveniently located here.

Interview w/ Lucas of Tales Of Olde

Got another interview ready to roll, and today it comes to us from the Boston based folk group Tales Of Olde. This band has been gaining some steam lately with their Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for their debut EP, and their live performances have been getting increasing notice from fans and music journalists alike with their down home and laid back folk style attracting all sorts of followers from both ends of the musical spectrum. I recently sat down with frontman Lucas Cortazio as we look back on the group's beginnings and how his own personal influences played a role in the genesis and creation of the band's trademark style. Here is the transcript of my chat with him:


Give us your name and what you do in the band?

Lucas: There are six of us. Ellen Story plays the fiddle. Drew Story is our lead guitarist. Jeff Kinsey plays the bass. Al Cleveland is our drummer. Evelyn Cortazio is our background vocalist and does some lead vocals as well and I’m Lucas Cortazio the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for Tales of Olde. 

How did you guys all meet and when did the band form?

Lucas: Well, we all met in Boston about three years ago. Drew, Ellen, Jeff and Al all attended Berklee College of Music and I worked in the area. We began to play together for a few projects and early last year, Tales of Olde was born.

What is your earliest recollection of listening to music at a young age?

Lucas: I remember listening to my Walkman at age 10. At that time I was probably listening to some Brazilian artist and I remember already losing myself in the music, specially on car rides.

How much has music affected or enhanced your lives up until this point?

Lucas: Music has had a huge effect on my life (in a very good way). It serves as a reminder of hope and beauty. It brings me peace or it can get me pumped up… You know, it really helps me to tell stories and listen to other people’s stories and we all have stories.

Take us through the writing process for your songs, where do you draw inspiration from?

Lucas: Well… up to this point I bring skeletons of songs to the band (lyrics, melody and a chord progression) and then each band member adds his or her own flavor to it. You know, Drew will add catchy guitar licks and Jeff adds a sick bass line. Ellen will add beautiful harmony lines on fiddle, and so will Evelyn with her voice. And then Al will add his mesmerizing rhythms which really take our sound to the next level!
Our songs are mostly inspired by the stories that Evelyn and I have lived through as a couple, as parents, as son and daughter and as friends. I write about things that we have gone through ourselves or we have seen friends and family go through. We draw inspiration from joys but also the struggles and pain we all experience.

What are some of your favorite songs that you've recorded together as a group and how that speaks to you personally?

Lucas: The two songs we have released as singles (Little Bird and This Place) are favorites because they have a lot of personal meaning. I wrote Little Bird thinking of Evelyn and I’s little baby girl (her name is Lana and she is turning 2 here in January). We call her Lana Bird and I already suffer from separation anxiety when it comes to her.. haha… You know, someday a handsome fella will come around and steal her from me and that will be tough to swallow. This Place is all about HOME! And Home means everything for me. Home is Evelyn and our 3 kids. Home is our friends and family. Home is good food and good beer and wine. Home is tough times but tough times we go through together. In the end home is all about people and that is what life is about.

What are some other acts that you guys frequently get compared to?

Lucas: Oh man, we have heard a lot of comparisons. From Mumford & Sons to Of Monsters and Men, The Head And The Heart to Andrew Bird. Mostly bands that live in that indie rock/folk sphere.

Besides making music, what do you like to do in your spare time to relax and unwind?

Lucas: I don’t know that it’s relaxing but I love watching and playing sports! I’m a huge Boston fan! Football is my favorite so watching the Pats and playing football with my boys (Lucca 7 and Levi 5) is one of my favorite things to do outside of music.

What can we expect next from you guys musically this year?

Lucas: Well, this is a huge year for us. Last year we were discovering our identity and purpose and this year is when we start to share that with the world. Our debut EP will come out in late March or early April and then the real fun begins! We hope to be playing shows all over the map and making friends wherever it is we find ourselves!

Lastly, what is your favorite thing about being in this group?

Lucas: This band has become a second family for Evelyn, the kids and I. My boys look up to Jeff, Drew and Al and I’m sure little Lana will look up to Ellen. It is not easy finding people to play music and it’s even harder to find people who share the same passions and hope that you do. We have hit the jackpot! This is a band that should stay together for a very, very long time if we can stay true to ourselves and if that happens I truly believe we can have a very positive impact in this crazy world we live in!

Thanks once again to Lucas for taking some time out of his ever busy schedule to do this interview. Being a musician and a parent at the same time isn't easy, but Lucas manages to balance the two and puts it all in perspective. For more information on Tales Of Olde, 'Like' them on Facebook here, follow them on Twitter here, and visit their official website here. Be on the lookout for their debut EP slated for release sometime in March/April, so keep your eyes and ears peeled for that!

Thomas John Cadrin - Play The Room EP

Montgomery, Vermont's own Thomas John Cadrin has arrived on the scene with his release, Play The Room. The five song collection is a welcoming mixture of folk rock songs constructed upon a simple lyrical outset that is refreshing and presents a singer-songwriter in the midst of finding his own musical identity.

We kick things off with "Victory March" a earthy, laid back acoustic number with Thomas's vocals working their way through the chestnut plated guitar sheeting with ease as the melodic undertones kick in and work their way through ever so slowly before his vocals kick in and bring the energy up a bit through the course of the song. "Separation Situation" has a neat little twist to it that shows off Thomas's musical framework and how the songs distinct layers show off different facets of his own personality and give it some identity and shape while maintaining the overall simplicity displayed in the preceding track. My favorite song off the album is "My Eyes Are A Frame", a track that shows the best range of melody and tone throughout the album, and shows where the album can go with its acoustic wavelengths working its way through steadily and gradually picks up pace towards the end as we near the conclusion of the album. "Losing A Better Place" starts off with light plucks of the acoustic guitar and Thomas's insightful vocals providing all the guidance and wisdom as the full energy and focus are all being directed heading forward. The disc wraps up with "Thoughtless Saints" a low key, downtempo tone that takes in everything we've heard in succession after one another, and presents it to us in a condensed format that shows what we've listened on our way to the end and what it has made us feel along the way. I had the opportunity to see him in concert last month with Tales of Olde at The Middle East Upstairs, and I was impressed with his laid back stage presence that blended in well with the genre of music being played that night, and he felt right at home with his musical stylings giving him the ability to communicate effectively with the crowd and also allow him to have the opportunity to introduce himself to those who may not be too familiar with him.

All in all, a decent and well constructed effort from Thomas John Cadrin, an artist who has made a clearcut vision of what his music sounds like and has not deviated whatsoever from his musical path, a quality that is common with most emerging singer-songwriters today.

                                                                                                                                EP Score: 3/5

Track Listing:

1. Victory March
2. Separation Situation
3. My Eyes Are A Frame
4. Losing A Better Place
5. Thoughtless Saints