The Mars Volta - Noctourniquet

They're back! After a 3 year break, The Mars Volta have returned long at last with their brand new studio set, Noctourniquet. The follow up to 2009's Octahedron finds the El Paso bred prog-rockers aiming for a continuation of the same sound that was found on their predecessor, but instead go for a more direct and polished approach that will entice the listener upon first hearing it.

We kick off the disc with "The Whip Hand" a low key, mid-tempo rocker that features gritty, prog-ready riffs brought to you courtesy of guitarist Omar Rodriguez Lopez and the lead vocals of Cedric Bixler Zavala providing for an exciting dual combination that is one of the most interesting partnerships in the music scene today. Next we come across "Aegis", a low key, mellow tune that sees the band trying a different approach with Cedric's comforting and confident vocal presence adding a great deal of intrigue to this mysterious and depth-defying tune. My favorite song off the album is "Empty Vessels Make The Loudest Sound", a track that is reminiscent of late 70's era Pink Floyd, with Cedric's beautiful and ominous vocal abilities best suiting him here on this magnificent track.  The disc's first single, "The Malkin Jewel" is one of the more loud, gritty rockers found on the disc with Omar's blasting guitar riffs picking up intensity as the song goes along and Cedric's vocals sound a bit on the demented side here, but make for a very powerful and memorable listen. "Lapochka" is a melodic, straightforward tune that shows off the band's ability to create simple structured tunes that evoke the band's diversity and their ability to dabble in other genres of music to make them stand out from all the other bands currently out there today.

 We venture into the disc's second half with "Imago" a drab, downtempo number that sees Cedric's vocals matching perfectly with the emotional intensity of the tune and gives the song a slight advantage musically over all the others featured here. "Molochwalker" picks back up the pace with a fast moving, frenetic track that shows off why the band are so musically skilled in the first place with Omar's dynamic guitar riffs and Cedric's powerful and melodic vocals delivering the goods once again. The disc begins its descent and draw to a close on "Vedamalady", an eerie, mysterious tune that evokes the emotional sensibility of the album as a whole and it's ability to enthrall and keep the listener tuned in the entire way through. The title track features some slight electronic arrangements mixed in with Cedric's familiar vocal presence adding a great deal of intrigue and suspense to a well filled out and arranged album as a whole. The disc rounds out and finishes on "Zed and Two Naughts", a well arranged opus that sees Cedric's vocals keeping you focused on the song at hand and the cavalcade of sounds gathered for your enjoyment that wrap up the album on a high note. I first discovered The Mars Volta back in 2003 when they released their debut, "De-Loused In The Comatorium" and was amazed with their ability to craft sonically pleasing tunes and make progressive rock more accessible to their fanbase from their previous band, At The Drive-In. It wasn't until their sophomore release "Frances The Mute" that I truly fell in love with them and became a devoted fan of Cedric and Omar, not just because they were in At The Drive-In, but for their sheer ability as musicians and their ability to weave intricate storylines throughout their music that make them one of the most daring and entertaining groups out there today.

All in all, a solid and well thought out effort from The Mars Volta, who have continued to make an indelible impression on their listeners with a sonic opus that takes them in and out interweaving through the cosmic wonders of the prog-rock universe.

                                                                                                                      Album Score: 4/5

Track Listing:

1. The Whip Hand
2. Aegis
3. Dyslexicon
4. Empty Vessels Make The Loudest Sound
5. The Malkin Jewel
6. Lapochka
7. In Absentia
8. Imago
9. Molochwalker
10. Trinkets Pale of Moon
11. Vedamalady
12. Noctourniquet
13. Zed and Two Naughts

Jet Breaks Up!

Hey everyone!

You may remember the Australian group Jet, who first broke onto the scene in 2004 with the smash hit single "Are You Gonna Be My Girl?" Today, it was announced that the group have decided to call it quits after 11 years as a band. The group made the announcement yesterday via their official website and here is the full statement as it appeared:

"After many successful years of writing, recording and touring we wish to announce our discontinuation as a group. From the many pubs, theatres, stadiums and festivals all across the world it was the fans that made our amazing story possible and we wish to thank them all. Thank you, and goodnight."

The band released their debut album, Get Born in 2003 which sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide. Besides the aforementioned "Are You Gonna Be My Girl?", it featured other awesome tracks like "Cold Hard Bitch", "Rollover DJ", and "Look What You've Done".  The band's sophomore effort Shine On came in 2005, however it wasn't as successful as its predecessor, only producing the minor hits "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is" and the title track. The band released their last album Shaka Rock in 2009 producing the minor smash "She's A Genius". The band was a soundtrack to my freshman year in high school and I will always remember them from their first album, which provided for so many fun and entertaining moments back then.

Artist Spotlight: Hooking Up

Hey everyone!

It's Tuesday and you all know what that means, time for another edition of Artist Spotlight! This week, we're going to take a trip and head down to Harrisonburg, Virginia and check out the sounds of Hooking Up. The band consists of Phil Kim, Tommy Ryan, and Vincent Castellano. The band has a gritty, distorted garage rock quality to them, similar to the likes of The Strokes but taken to a whole different level with the sounds pretty much jumping all over the place and the vocals sounding like if they were recorded in a home studio versus a more polished recording studio that requires a budget. I was very impressed with these guys and what they were able to bring the table on this effort, which is definitely recommended for fans of this particular genre and for music listeners who need a little variety to add to their listening routine. My two favorite standout tracks from this release include "Heavy" and "Something Crazy".

To check out more music from Hooking Up and to find out more information on them, head on over to their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hookingupband and don't forget to 'Like' the page if you enjoy what you heard. The band's entire catalog of music can be found on their BandCamp site and that can be accessed by going over to hookingup.bandcamp.com To check out the band's Tumblr blog, simply head on over to hookingupband.tumblr.com and check out the band's musings on music and life in general!

Lower Lands Signs With I Am Mighty Records, Releases Debut Music Video For "Reality in Routine"!

Hey everyone!

Upstart British band Lower Lands has been signed by the esteemed U.K. label I Am Mighty Records. The band has been around since late 2010, making their way around their hometown of Lincoln, England and performing with the likes of such British bands such as Iron Chic, Talons, and Deaf Havana. The band's first release on the label is their EP titled "Growing Pains", which will be released on April 14th.

To gear you up for the release of the EP, here is the band's music video for the disc's first single titled "Reality in Routine" direct from YouTube:

To place your pre-orders for the brand new EP, head on over to I Am Mighty Records website at www.iammightyrecords.co.uk To find out more info on Lower Lands, head on over to their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lowerlands

Vacationer - Gone

Emanating from the Eastern Seaboard as it says on their Facebook page, Vacationer have arrived on the scene with their debut album titled "Gone". The album is a pure, escapist delight with hints of dream pop and relaxing aural rhythms that make this album one of the best of the year so far and one to enjoy with the warm weather and the summertime both coming our way shortly.

The disc starts off in grand fashion on "Everyone Knows", featuring a neat keyboard pattern that melds in terrifically with the vocals and the other instruments brought forward on this breathtaking track. "Good As New" has an awesome retro feel to it with some dazzling piano rhythms and some light scratches reminiscent of hearing this song on vinyl, a format which would be highly recommended to listen to this entire album on. My favorite song off the disc is the jawdropping "Trip", an immense cavalcade of earthy dream-pop inspired by Beach House and the vocals adding an immense flood of aural delights that will leave you immediately satisfied and ready for a day at the beach. "No Rules" is a toned down, bare bones track that features simple orchestral arrangements and cooing vocals that are truly a sight to behold and to hear at the same time. The disc's title track is a downright heavenly track that takes the disc itself to whole new heights with warm, inviting rhythms and the pleasurable vocals greeting you upon first listen, and some light synth arrangements manage to sneak their way into the song as well adding a great deal of aura and instantly transporting you to a world of paradise that no other album can provide.

The disc's latter half features tracks such as "Summer End", a track that manages to integrate the guitars more prominently and if you hear closely, you can hear some flute sounds that make this song one of the standouts among a well fleshed out disc heard so far. The track immediately segues way into the next one "Great Love", a track that features a terrific drum pattern and the kinship of everyone involved contribute a plethora of musical ideas that come to fruition magically on this outstanding tune. All good things have to come to an end however, as the disc begins to close it out on "Farther", an amazing example of the simplicity of this record as a whole, and how organically it came together without the need for a production budget or the need to re-record tracks because they just didn't sound right. The disc ends on "Be With You" a fun, breezy track that features some light percussion arrangements that bring together all the serene and wonderful melodies that we heard so far, and present them in one cohesive song to bring together an overall synopsis of the album to the listener. It's not too often that we come across an album that transports us from our everyday lives so authentically and magically, this album manages to do just that and is a band that is a perfect example of what upstart bands need to be following musically and following what Vacationer adheres to within their own musical outlet and forget about all the so-called "rules" and "guidelines" that bands think they need to adapt to.

To sum it all up, the debut album from Vacationer is one that you need to purchase right away and is a band that I'm sure we'll be hearing from in one way, shape, or form again sometime soon down the road. Highly recommended!

                                                                                                                             Album Score: 4.5/5

Track Listing:

1. Everyone Knows
2. Good As New
3. Trip
4. Dreamlike
5. No Rules
6. Gone
7. Having It All
8. Summer End
9. Great Love
10. Farther
11. Be With You

                                                                                                                           

Artist Spotlight: Helicopria

Hey everyone!

Kicking off the first official day of Spring with an all-new edition of Artist Spotlight! This week, we're keeping it local with an emerging prog-rock band from Beantown called Helicopria. The band consists of Sirma Munyar on lead vocals, Sulene V on guitar and backing vocals, Drew Moore on bass, and JP Bouvet on drums. The band has a deep, intricate prog-rock influence inspired by the likes of The Mars Volta and RX Bandits with Sirma's vocals adding a profound sense of melody and power that is omnipresent throughout all of their songs. Each band member evokes a certain sense of style and conforms to a stage presence all their own that when combined together, is absolutely breathtaking and is something to behold seeing in person and can't just be heard on record. I had the opportunity to catch these guys in concert last month at Cafe 939 in Boston right near the Berklee College of Music (where all the band members currently attend), and the show had the raw and intense energy of a band who seemed to have been around for several years and had it all down to a science, from the communication of the band to the audience in between songs to Drew jumping off the speaker during the band's last song was a sight to behold and presented a band that has the immense potential to truly go places. Some standout tracks for you to check out from the band include "The Intermission", "Turbulence", "Prove Me Wrong", and "Not My Intention", the latter two of which you can view the live videos from the Cafe 939 performance on their YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/user/Helicopria

For all things related to Helicopria, head on over to the band's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/helicopria where you can get all the info on the band's latest whereabouts. You can follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/helicopria where you can peruse all the band's musings and whatnot. The band's music is available for 100% free of charge at their BandCamp site located at helicopria.bandcamp.com where you can enjoy all of their songs to your hearts content.

Daniel Rinaldi - Daniel Rinaldi EP

Fresh from New York City, Daniel Rinaldi has made his presence known with his self titled, debut EP. The disc is a harmonious mixture of pop/rock rhythms and a dynamic vocal style that allows him to stand out among all of his contemporaries in the music scene today.

The disc starts out with "Keep On Dancing", a melodic, mid-tempo opus that shows off Daniel's vocal chops that have a very broad range and are capable of handling different pitches that give him extreme versatility as an artist. "Hurts Like Hell" is a fun, bombastic number that sees Daniel's aforementioned vocals reaching new heights with elements of piano thrown in for good measure and continues his musical exploration that started on the preceding track. "One On One" is a more toned down number that sees Daniel making the piano stand out a bit more on this track, and blending that in with his smooth vocal delivery that gives the song a slight edge over all the others featured on the disc. We begin to close out the disc on "Over The Top", a track that features more noticeable guitar riffs and a stronger emphasis put on Daniel's voice that gives him the ability to meld in with the guitars without much difficulty whatsoever. The disc closes out in a fun way on "Shut Up", my favorite song from the EP that has a slight country feel to it, but still maintains its pop sensibility and is a great song to listen to on a nice, warm and sunny Spring afternoon just lounging around in your backyard and is a great way to close out the disc in a simple but fun way. There are a whole plethora of singer-songwriters currently out there today who experiment with a host of different genres that cater to a certain demographic of music listeners, but Daniel has created a disc that is not aimed towards a certain age group. It's an effort that is geared towards music listeners of all ages and finds a way to break down the boundaries of demographics and focus on the one and only thing that matters: the music!

In conclusion, a great first effort here from Daniel Rinaldi, who has made an indelible first impression with a solid mixture of pop/rock rhythms presented in a jovial and entertaining fashion that caters to the music delights of people from all ages.

                                                                                                                              EP Score: 4/5

Track Listing:

1. Keep On Dancing
2. Hurts Like Hell
3. One on One
4. Outta Control
5. Shut Up

STORi Releases Music Video For "Jealousy"!

Hey everyone!

Newark, New Jersey based rapper STORi has released her brand new music video for the track "Jealousy". The video features a series of distorted, black and white, and color images of her rapping the lyrics throughout the video in an extremely creative series of vignettes interspersed throughout in an immensely creative fashion. STORi recently got signed to Motown Records, so you can expect to hear some brand new music from her relatively soon!

To check out more music from STORi, head on over to her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/storimusic She can also be followed on Twitter by going to www.twitter.com/storimusic Check out the aforementioned video for "Jealousy" directly below:

Interview w/ Adam McElreath of Big Big Buildings

Hey everyone!

It's Thursday and time for this week's featured interview! This week, we check back in with Adam McElreath, the mastermind behind Big Big Buildings and one of my closest friends. The last time we interviewed him, we got a sense of how he first got interested in music and what some of his musical influences were. This time around, we take a broader scope and go alot more in depth to get the full 360 degree angle of Adam McElreath and present an artist who is in the midst of discovering his true sound with his full length debut release, "Be Not Aglow". Here is the transcript from that interview that I conducted just last week:

First of all, how have you been? It's been 2 years since I last interviewed you, what has happened to you since then?

  

It's a busy life, Pete. I'm doing everything at full speed and don't get much sleep. I have a love in my life and it's inspiring me to live up to my potential, corny as that may read, it's a thing I accept graciously. As you know, I also work for the man, so time to create art and music is precious, but I still manage to hit the mark I want. I'll always be making stuff.

What has changed about the complexion of Big Big Buildings in the last couple of years?

  

It gets more difficult to explain every day, man. Big Big Buildings, from the start, has always just me with my hands in a lot of pots. I've been playing mostly solo over the past few years and it's allowed me to take so many more considerations in writing songs. I've found that playing for a room-full of people without a microphone is what I prefer. I've always wanted my music to be heard on a more intimate level, as raw and conversation-like as possible. Playing bars can be stressful, but sometimes I like the microphone I guess. At home, though, I'm learning how to record and produce my own stuff fluently and it can be intimidating. There are endless ways for a sound to sound. I hit some bumps, but it come's pretty naturally and I really enjoy fucking with noises. So i guess it's complex? The music, the art, the engineering, the experimentation. It's like a one-man circus or a car crash or something.

Recently, you just released your first full length album, "Be Not Aglow". Describe the process that went into making the album and what was it like?

  

Be Not Aglow was recorded entirely in my room, which at first, was a little walk-in closet with no windows and a ceiling fan. My roommates and I moved from Somerville to Brighton in the middle of the recording process, so "my room" was a different place, resulting in much of the album's duality. Be Not Aglow is about being in emotional turbulence so long, that you're almost convinced that it's all there is. Lyrically, anyway. Essentially, it's a big chunk of all my intention towards those I've met and those I haven't. It was the album I've been hoping to make since I was a kid, so although there's much heartache behind it, it's hopeful as hell.

Is there one song from this release that speaks out to you among the others? If so, what is it?

  

Probably "Tasteful Abandon". That's the kind of song I don't even remember writing. It just met my focus and left my hands and mouth naturally, and It's a good document of me being honest with myself about a difficult issue. I have trouble communicating in every day life, and beat myself up when I can't say what I mean. I'm a mixture of considerate and uneducated, so it takes me a long time to find the right words. That song is the right words finding me at an unknowing moment.

In terms of sheer importance, where does music rank in terms of overall importance in your everyday life?

  

So important. I saturate my life with art and music. Also, I do a lot of walking, so my headphones are always on. I listen to music all day at work, and every day I realize how lucky I am for that. Music is like a mystery that will never be solved and I'm always celebrating it's existence. 

Do you view music as a commercially viable form of self-expression or is it just a way to pass the time?

  

That's a difficult question. Acclaim and sensation can make one comfortable, affecting your ability to relate. I do, however, think that there are many bands that put in what they take out and really work hard for their acclaim. Everything has merit, and some popular music is popular for a reason. Some.

Continuing on with that question, do you forsee yourself achieving any kind of commercial success with this project and is that attainable?

  

Maybe in my 50's or something. I'm still learning what I'm doing every day and I don't promote myself very well. I feel like a man with a clipboard sometimes, trying to get people to pay attention, but my aim is only to have people hear my music and see my art. I don't really see myself being a commercial commodity.

  

If there's one song or album that defines your whole life up to this point, what would it be?

My whole life? Shit, man. "Roll With It" By Steve Winwood.

What's in store for you next? Any more shows in the future to promote your new album?

I recently was bumped from a show at TT's and was disappointed for a while until I birthed a simple solution . I am instead having people at my apartment for a house show, and sending an open invitation to bring art to hang. My friend and bandmate Steve MacDonald will play a few songs and I will play a set, answer questions, and take some requests on Saturday March 24th. Email me at: adammcelreath@gmail.com if you're interested in going.

Lastly, how do you want to be remembered? What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?

  

No matter what you're doing, you're on the right track.

Thanks once again to my best friend Adam for taking time out of his busy schedule to do this interview. For more info on Big Big Buildings, head on over to his Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Big-Buildings/128031613904989 and to check out "Be Not Aglow" in its entirety, head on over to his BandCamp page at: bigbigbuildings.bandcamp.com

Call Me Anything - Celebrity EP

Boston based pop-rock act Call Me Anything has arrived on the scene with their debut EP titled "Celebrity". The band debuted last year with their single "Let's Talk", and the band take an unexpected detour from that musical route and delve into an electronic infused effort that is a bold and creative move for the act.

The disc opens with the title track, which also happens to be my favorite song off the album, a synth laden, electronic infused jam that sees frontman Will Tenney slipping his vocals in between the bumped up rock sound that also features a guest appearance from rapper Dylan Owen, an insanely catchy anthem that gets the disc off on a right note. "Holiday" brings it down several notches on an acoustic based anthem that features some light synth arrangements and Will's passionate and heartfelt lyrics keeping you coming back for more each and every time. "Over It" returns us to the disc's roots and picks back up the tempo found on the introductory track. Will's vocals continue to make sure the song has an melodic punch that will keep the listener hooked from the get-go. Bassist Matt McNulty adds his bass expertise into the song as well, making sure his talents don't go unnoticed. The EP comes to a conclusion on "Unforgiveable", a summer ready jam that tones down the electronic arrangements a notch and the guitars are featured much more prominent on this track than the others, showing that the band haven't forgotten their roots and allow the disc to close out in a simple fashion. When I first featured these gentlemen last June as one of my Artist Spotlight features, I was immediately assured that these guys would be well on the way to the path of success and here I am just one year later writing a review of their debut EP! I met Will and Matt shortly after their concert at The Middle East Upstairs, and I was immediately impressed with their genuine and heartfelt sincerity for loving their music and for having me as a fan. But after meeting them, I felt more than just a fan, but as a friend of the band and felt an instant connection with the band that they almost seemed like an extended member of my family to me. A great Boston area band with an immense amount of promise waiting in the wings for them.

All in all, a great debut effort from Call Me Anything, who are just starting to discover themselves as musicians and aren't just that band who wrote that song "Just Talk". They're much more than that and while this EP will certainly have its detractors, appreciate the time and effort that the band took into making this record and know that evolution is just one step in the creation of great bands.

                                                                                                                            EP Score: 3.5/5

Track Listing:

1. Celebrity (f/Dylan Owen)
2. Holiday
3. Over It
4. Unforgiveable

Artist Spotlight: Kailo

Hey everyone!

Kicking off yet another edition of Artist Spotlight for you guys this week! This week, we head overseas to Turku, Finland and check out the sounds of the group known as Kailo. The group consists of Milja Mäkelä on lead vocals, Valtteri Harsu on guitar, Antti Siniranta on drums, and Tapani Levanto on bass. The group has a very simple, atmospheric alt rock approach to their music, similar to that of Evanescence and has a very earthy and melodic sound that is wholly organic and is unlike any of the other music currently out there on the airwaves. I must admit that I'm not too familiar with this type of music and I don't normally listen to it on a regular basis, but I like their musical approach that they adhere to on each and every creation they make and that is something for other up and coming musical acts to take notice of and see if that they can apply the same musical dynamic that Kailo adheres to, and apply it to their own music that will definitely set them apart from the others. A great up and coming group that I would love to see grow and evolve in the years to come. One of my favorites from their just released EP is "Anti-Organic".

For more information on Kailo, head on over to the group's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kailomusic The band's EP is available for free, and you can stream it over on SoundCloud at www.soundcloud.com/kailo and see if the group strikes your fancy!

Vote For Helicopria To Get On The Warped Tour!!

Hey everyone!

Boston based band Helicopria needs your help in getting on this summer's annual Warped Tour! The band is currently in a contest sponsored by Ernie Ball guitar strings where a slew of musical acts are competing for a 2-week slot on the Warped Tour this summer along with some other fantastic prizes such as a $15,000 Guitar Center shopping spree, an all-expense paid trip to Hollywood for a private Warped party, and so much more. To cast your vote for the band, head on over to http://warped.battleofthebands.com/u/Helicopria and make your voice heard!

Interview w/ Speak In Verse

Hey everyone!

Back at it again with another entry in our ongoing series of interviews with artists that were former Artist Spotlight features here on the blog. Today, we check back in with the guys of Speak In Verse from New Haven, CT. They were an Artist Spotlight feature back in December of 2010, and quickly became one of my favorite New England area bands in recent memory. Recently, I caught up with frontman Donavon Cavanaugh to see what the band has been up to since then and what's in store for them in the year to come.

Give your names and what you do in the band?

I'm Donavon Cavanaugh and I sing Lead Vocals and play Guitar. Then there's Travis Schwartz on Lead Guitar/Vocals, John Bock on Bass/Vocals and the newest asset to Speak In Verse is Bobby Garfield who plays Drums.

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

Travis, John and I all met in 2008 while attending college at the University of New Haven. Right after meeting, Trav and I both realized each others love for music and we started jamming some acoustic stuff. John saw us jamming a lot and basically said, "hey I've got a bass, mind if I jam with you?" (Laughter) and Speak In Verse was formed. After four years we went through a few different drummers for different reasons, but we are super excited that we met Bobby through a friend of ours. He showed up to our first practice with a few songs learned and his versatility just fit in real nicely with our style.

How did the name "Speak In Verse" originate?

The weird thing about our name is we're not sure exactly how it came about (Laughter). You'll get different stories from each member of the band, but I'm pretty sure one day at practice I just said something like, "people would listen more if I could speak in verse." And so the name just stuck, that being because we feel it really portrays our goal and meaning as a band. Music is feelings that speak in musical verse.

What bands do most of your fans compare yourselves to?

Man, we've had so many fans compare us to a number of different bands, which is cool for us cause we don't want to be stuck to one sound. The most common bands we get compared to are: Brand New, Taking Back Sunday, Incubus and Thrice.

What themes and/or subject matter does your music typically cover?

Most of the themes and subject matters of our songs come from our own personal experiences. Such as, growing up, adolescences, confusion, relationships, partying, our love for music, good friends, memories, questions about the future, etc. I'll usually write most of the lyrics, but either way every member of the band will look them over and give their opinions. We like to keep it real and related to the band as a whole.

How important has social networking been in getting your music out to the general public?

Social networking has played a huge role in promoting our band. We lately have had pretty good success with "Speak In Verse Saturday's". So, every Saturday we release a new video of acoustic songs, practice jams, cover songs, goofy videos, etc; some kind of video to do with the band so we can keep the fans more connected. Social networking helps us connect with the fans on a more personal level and keep more daily contacts.

What are some of your favorite songs that you've ever written?

I'm pretty sure each of our favorite songs change very often (Laughter). Right now one of my favorites is our newest song "Where Do You Go," which we will be releasing on CD in the near future.

What do you guys like to do in your spare time when you're not making music or playing shows?

We all live together, except for Bobby at this time, so we honestly spend most of our time practicing, recording, writing music, etc. We've actually joined a side project with our good friend Brendan called Brendan Black and the Heart Attacks. Also, we are working on getting a record label company, Park and Dock Records, off the ground with a number of friends and colleagues. So other than that, you'll find us partying on the weekends with a bunch of friends.

What three bands would you like to go out on tour, regardless if they're still together or broken up?

What are 3 bands we would like to go on tour with? That's a tough one to narrow down. I'd say Brand New, Underoath and the Beatles...this could differ for each member of the band.

Lastly, what is the one thing you hope fans take away from your music?

The main thing we hope fans take away from our music is that music is an art, a healing and an escape in our world, not a competition of who's dressed the best or most hip. Music has brought us together as friends and we hope to gather more friends along the way.

Thanks once again to Donavon for being so awesome in taking time out of his busy schedule to do this interview. Donavon is one of the nicest and most legit musicians that I've met in a long time and his band is definitely on the cusp of making it big! If you haven't checked out Speak In Verse yet, please do so at www.facebook.com/speakinverse and www.reverbnation.com/speakinverse

Band of Skulls - Sweet Sour

Southampton, England's own Band of Skulls have released their brand new studio album titled Sweet Sour. The follow up to 2009's Baby Darling Doll Face Honey finds the British alt-rockers taking a more melodic and polished approach that aims to capture the attention of listeners from across the pond and introduce their sound to a more wider audience and also trying to broaden their musical appeal just a little bit.

The disc opens up with the ferocious title track that has been getting extensive airplay on alternative radio lately here in the States. The disc has an intense and ominous drum pattern that runs rampant throughout the song and builds up quietly, but doesn't get too intense so as not to scare away any new listeners. "Bruises" starts off with a perfect mid-tempo guitar riff and the dual, harmonic vocals of guitarist Russell Marsden and bassist Emma Richardson that shows the two of them putting their creative talents together to create a perfect balanced, syncopated track that you'll enjoy quite easily. My favorite song off the disc is "The Devil Takes Care Of His Own", a fuzzy, edged out rocker that sees the band trying out some intricate methods to get the listeners attention without being too overbearing and loud, something that other upstart bands have done many times in order to try to get noticed. An expansive and straightforward rocker that gets its point across rather simply. "Lay My Head Down" is a quiet, mellow tune that presents the band in a different light and shows off the band's diversity as a group and their capability of handling everything thrown at them with a great deal of accomplishment and fervor.

The disc's second half gets underway with "Success", another downtempo, laid-back rocker that sees Emma focusing on her vocal output and getting her message out loud and clear to the listening audience. "Hometowns" is another fantastic piece that features aural guitar riffs that aim to capture the listener and entrance them with their uncanny musical abilities that work together seamlessly and without much difficulty at all. The disc starts to draw to a close on "Lies", a more uptempo number that picks up the veracity of the guitars to give the song more swagger and make it appeal more to the listening audience. "Close to Nowhere" is the disc's finale that closes on a quiet scale and gives us a brief overview of everything we've heard so far in one mellow and terrific track. Over the last year or so, we've been seeing a talented and diverse group of bands from across the pond in England that have slowly started to wash up on our American musical shores, from acts like Mumford & Sons, The Kooks, and Florence + The Machine. Band of Skulls can definitely be added to the list of British bands who are doing something creatively different that hasn't been accomplished before in quite some time.

Overall, a well executed effort from Band of Skulls, who have finally made their presence known to American listeners and are definitely a band to look out for in the next few years!


                                                                                                                      Album Score: 3.5/5


Track Listing:

1. Sweet Sour
2. Bruises
3. Wanderluster
4. The Devil Takes Care Of His Own
5. Lay My Head Down
6. You're Not Pretty But You Got It Goin' On
7. Navigate
8. Hometowns
9. Lies
10. Close to Nowhere
    

Artist Spotlight: Vieem

Hey everyone!

Starting off the first Tuesday of March with an all new edition of Artist Spotlight. This week, we head over to Brooklyn, New York and check out the sounds of an emerging singer by the name of Vieem. She has a soulful, powerful voice similar to the likes of Alicia Keys and Leona Lewis, with a sole emphasis on the power of her voice that enables her to take the songs in a more focused R&B direction. Her music also contains some intricate piano sounds that givs her music an added boost and a more balanced intake of melody and soul that sets her voice apart from all the other emerging singers coming up in the business today. A lot of prominent R&B singers came up in the NYC area, including the aforementioned Alicia Keys who grew up in Manhattan, and you can definitely pick up on that influence in her music, but also manages to sneak in some small doses of rock that mostly go unnoticed by the human ear, but can be picked up again on repeated listens. A promising and dedicated talent that I would love to hear more from in the near future.

To check out Vieem's song "If Only You'd Know", head on over to her SoundCloud page where you can stream it at http://soundcloud.com/vieem She is on Facebook and you can 'Like' her page by going to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vieem/267448393288835 She is on Twitter as well and can be followed at www.twitter.com/vieem Check out her music video for "If Only You'd Know" directly below for your viewing pleasure!

Go Behind The Scenes of The Ocean's Eyes Debut Music Video!

Hey everyone!

You may remember a few weeks ago that British band The Ocean Eyes released their debut music video for "Room of Red" that was featured right here on the blog. Well now, take a look behind the scenes of the making of that video that gives a glimpse of everything that went into shooting the video and how much work goes into making it. Here it is for your viewing pleasure:

The band will be heading out on tour throughout the month of March with Room 94 that will take them to several venues all throughout England. If you would like to purchase tickets, head on over to their Big Cartel site at http://toetickets.bigcartel.com Here is their full tour itinerary for all my overseas readers:

3/15/2012 OXFORD O2 Academy2
3/16/2012 SOUTHAMPTON Unit
3/17/2012 BRIGHTON Hydrant
3/18/2012 NORWICH B2
3/19/2012 BRISTOL Thekla
3/20/2012 CARDIFF Clwb Ifor Bach
3/22/2012 NOTTINGHAM Rescue Rooms
3/23/2012 BIRMINGHAM HMV Institute
3/24/2012 MANCHESTER Roadhouse
3/25/2012 SHEFFIELD Corporation
3/26/2012 NEWCASTLE O2 Academy2
3/27/2012 GLASGOW Cathouse
3/28/2012 LIVERPOOL Elevator Bar
3/29/2012 LEEDS Cockpit
3/31/2012 LONDON King's College (KCLSU)

EXCLUSIVE!! Interview w/ Kenny & Brian From Person L

Hey everyone!

Today for you I have a special and exclusive interview with one of my favorite up and coming bands in the last couple of years, Person L! Person L was actually the very first artist whose album I reviewed here on the blog upon its launch in November of 2009 with their full length debut release, "The Positives". Kenny Vasoli (of The Starting Line fame) and drummer Brian Medlin recently took some time to talk a little bit about Person L's origins and the genesis behind the overall sound that their latest album undertook. And without further ado, I'm proud to present my interview with them:

Can you give your names and what you do in the band?

Ken Vasoli: Guitar, vocals
Brian Medlin: Drums, percussion

How did the band come together?

Brian: From my understanding, Ken wanted to do something different and experiment with some different sounds. He came out to one of my old band's shows, The Minor Times, as he did a lot, and asked me to play drums. He wanted to play with a lot of different drummers, but Ryan, the other Person L drummer, and I were the ones that stuck. Neither of us were sure how it would go. But Ken and I just clicked at the very first practice. I think we wrote "Help Yourself" and "Wooden Soldiers" during that first jam. Maybe "Born in the Rainy Days of May" too.

With your last album "The Positives", do you feel like this time around it's more of a full band effort than your last effort, "Initial"?

Brian: Definitely. "Initial" was recorded before we were a live band. It was just a recording project at the time. In fact, I recorded the drums for that the day before I recorded the drums for The Minor Times "Summer of Wolves". We wrote "The Positives" together as a full band, after touring on "Initial". And we recorded it together at Aaron Marsh from Copeland's house in Florida in February 2009. That was a great time. A nice sunny getaway. All of our friends and family in Philly were stuck in the snow, and we were hanging out on decks in T-shirts.

How did you come up with the name Human Interest Recordings for releasing "The Positives"?

Ken: Human Interest is a great Drive Like Jehu song. They were a huge influence on me for Person L.

Can you describe the inspirations behind the song "Untitled" and what made you decide for it to not have a title?

Ken: From what I recall that song was written very quickly in one sitting, I was probably listening to lots of Bob Dylan and Dear and the Headlights along side with various 90's post-punk records at the time. There's not too much to the lyrics, it's really just about embracing changes in life. Because there are so few lyrics we decided to let them stand alone and keep it untitled.

Lastly, can you describe the element that makes your live performances so unique?

Brian: I'd like to think it's the energy and the spontaneity. We would always come up with a set list immediately before we went on stage. We never played to a click track or anything like that. It was always just raw and full of emotion. I think we have such great fans because they recognized that, and shared that energy with us.

Thanks once again to Kenny and Brian for being so gracious for carving time out of their busy schedules to do this interview! We'll keep you posted on Kenny's musical endeavors, but do check out Brian Medlin's solo material that you can check out at: www.brianmedlinmusic.com and on Facebook as well. He also has another alt-rock side project called Ghost Away that is worth checking out at: www.ghostaway.org and yet another band, this one is a punk-leaning outfit called Wives that is on BandCamp at: thepinktriangle.bandcamp.com