NYC Folk Rockers 5j Barrow Release Exquisite "Talking My Soul"

New York based folk-rock group 5j Barrow have just unveiled their latest track called "Talking My Soul". The track evokes the pure musical sensibilities of The Avett Brothers and Fleet Foxes with their pure and unadulterated sound running clearly and smoothly like a body of water as soon as you hear it with terrific and bombastic violin melodies running roughshot throughout the entire track and blowing you away bit by bit when you hear the track unravel right before you. Words cannot eloquently express how mind blowing this track was and all the musicians are of the supremest talent and I hold in the highest regard of talent and pure musicianship that is beyond awesome in any source of the imagination. A band that needs to be heard to be believed.

To hear "Talking My Soul" for yourself, give it a listen on their Soundcloud page located right over here, and for more info on 5j Barrow, 'Like' them on Facebook here and give them a follow on Twitter at this spot over here.

Philly Bred Dance Rockers Minka to Play PA's Lounge Tomorrow Night

From the land of the Phillies and cheese steaks, dance rockers Minka are set to take the stage tomorrow night at PA's Lounge in Somerville where they'll be bringing their eclectic blend of groove laden rhythms to the masses in which is sure to be an epic night for those in attendance. These guys have an amazing sound that is insanely catchy and you'll be sure to try to get their attention as they're performing, in which they have a sleek and sexy undertone to them that is clamoring for attention and yearning for you to meet up with them and join together in the power of music which will be in full force throughout the evening. Yours truly will be in attendance to be a witness of this sure to be sweat filled event.

Other bands that will be performing that night include Klokwize, Mission Transmission, and Black Cat Bone. Doors open at 8:30pm, tickets are $10 at the door, and the show is 21+ so have your ID's handy and your dancing shoes all on and rearing to go for an amazing night of music!

Artist Spotlight: Sam Roberts Band

Closing out the week and the month of May with a brand new edition of Artist Spotlight, brought to us from our neighbors to the north in Montreal, Quebec that go by the name of Sam Roberts Band. The band consists of Sam Roberts, Dave Nugent, Eric Fares, James Hall, and Josh Trager. The band has a low-key, melodic indie-rock tonality to them with ambient instrumentation and deep, piercing vocals reminiscent of The National that really connects] you with the guys upon first listen and gives you a glimpse inside their musical mindset which is brimming with creativity and musical persuasion that keeps you listening to them from the start. I found these guys on Audiotree, which is an excellent source for live performances from up and coming bands, and I really loved their approach to creating their music and loved how they kept in tune with each other while performing, something that is a essential cornerstone for any band to master the art of, and these guys definitely have some enjoyable characteristics to them that flourish and bubble up to the surface when you first listen to them. A terrific on the rise act that is definitely worthy of checking out. Some tracks for you to check out include "Golden Hour" and "Shapeshifters".

For more info on Sam Roberts Band, cruise on over to their Facebook page located here and give it a 'Like' to stay in the stream of consciousness with the guys. Follow the guys on Twitter from this central locale here and see when they'll be making their way over to the Boston area sometime soon for a concert performance. Visit their official website here for more in depth information regarding the guys, and their latest album is called "Lo-Fantasy" which you can pick it up on iTunes here and on Amazon right here.

Icelandic Composer Ivar Pall Jonsson To Release Debut Album Stateside in July

Icelandic based composer Ivar Pall Jonsson is gearing up to premiere his debut album in the States come July titled "Revolution In The Elbow of Ragnar Agnarsson Furniture Painter". The collection takes an anthemic rock approach, spearheaded by the lead track off the collection called "The Legacy of Elbowville". The song is a collection of everything that makes Iceland great, from their subtle and low-key harmonic arrangements to their extremely laid-back and carefree approach, its the expression of everything that is unique and awesome about Iceland. I had the opportunity to catch the Reykjavik Calling festival when it stopped by Boston at The Middle East Downstairs and was amazed at the depth of talent emanating from that little volcanic rock that is constantly churning out quality music, and this one is no exception.

To check out "The Legacy of Elbowville" for yourself, it's available for streaming on the Soundcloud page located right over here to listen at your leisure. This is all leading up to a stage musical of the album's title premiering in NYC's Greenwich Village in August.

Artist Spotlight: LeoLeo

Time for another edition of Artist Spotlight where we come across some local Boston flavor with the sounds of LeoLeo. The duo consists of Vanessa Wheeler on songs, vocals, guitar, and bass, and Sarah Hope on drums, synth, and electronics. The group has a sharply focused and dynamic musical approach with influences such as Tegan and Sara with elements of indie rock and subtle electronic arrangements thrown in for good measure to balance the sound out and create a flourishing musical environment where they both let it all out and do their own thing. I had the opportunity to catch them in concert last night at Great Scott where they were opening up for Tales of Olde, and they really caught on to me in terms of their stage presence where they openly threw themselves out there and expressed their sound to a rapturous audience who caught on to every note and word they were articulating through the power of music, and they really have found their place among the other bands in the local Boston scene. A track for you to check out from them is "Dancing Queen".

For more info on LeoLeo, give them a 'Like' on Facebook over here where you can stay in the know of all their musical happenings. Follow the girls on Twitter from right here and find out when they'll be playing again in the New England area sometime soon. Visit their official website situated here for more in depth information concerning them, and purchase their self-titled EP over on Bandcamp at this spot here among a host of other digital music providers where you can find the release.

Cooper Release Upbeat Summer Ready Jam "This Year"

Cooper have just released the infectious and bouncy track "This Year". Cooper is the brainchild of Kate Cooper and Sara Quin of Tegan and Sara fame who is attached as an executive producer. Cooper recently signed to Mom + Pop Records and the track has been generating some steam as of late with their vivacious rhythms creating an infectious wave of pop wave guided delight that will definitely keep you in a positive frame of mind as you get ready for summer and all of the characteristics associated with it. This track was just featured in the trailer for the upcoming season of "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" and is great exposure and a platform for them to jump off into greatness.

To take a listen to "This Year", it's now available for streaming on their Soundcloud page located right over here and you can purchase it on iTunes as well from this location here.

Nick Santino - Big Skies

Braintree, MA native Nick Santino has released his full length debut solo album titled Big Skies. The former lead singer of A Rocket To The Moon is expanding his horizons with a collection of folk based tunes that is markedly different from his prior band, and seeks to delve deeper into his influences that are aimed at an entirely different musical audience who will definitely appreciate the message and diversity emanating greatly from his current musical location.

"Bad Taste" starts things off with an easy-going, laid back folk vibe permeating the outset of the track and features Nick's easy going vocal delivery that he perfected with his other side project called Nick Santino & The Northern Wind that allowed him to get his feet wet with this particular type of music that appears to suit him particularly well. "Can't Say I Miss You" is my favorite track off the album, a highly melodic and vibrant track that really signifies a deep change of pace within Nick's life that has completely altered his vision of music and the path that he's on that is leading him to places never before imagined and the musical imagery that is conjured up here is beyond remarkable. "Jackson Browne" is a more downtempo number featuring Nick's remarkable vocal range hard at work once again delivering a quality number that speaks to mind about the depth and quality of talent that Nick is churning out right here before you, and is only destined to get better as the album goes along. "Keep It Going" features an old school folk vibe with some neat piano arrangements working in its way for a real authentic and homespun track serving up some Southern comfort for the listener that is easily enjoyable from listeners of all genres.

The second half begins with "It Is What It Is", a banjo infused number that is beyond incredible in any sense of the imagination and presents Nick's earnest and refreshing blend of folk rock that is giving him a whole new mindset and audience that is enthralled with his musical presence and everything he has to offer. "Have A Little Faith In Me" dims the lights down low with a romantic vibe that is perfect for you to curl up with your loved one and share wavelengths as you take in the aura of everything around you that sums up the mood perfectly and eloquently. "Mood Ring Eyes" gets us ready for the conclusion of the album with a bombastic number that amps up the musical velocity substantially with upbeat instrumentation and Nick's voice once again setting the stage for what is about to come. "She Don't Miss Me" ends it all here with a soft, whispering track that does a great job of wrapping everything up and best highlights and accentuates Nick's vocal abilities that are well suited for tracks with varying degrees of tempos, and Nick accomplishes that task with remarkable aplomb and more here on this one. When I first featured Nick Santino & The Northern Wind as an Artist Spotlight at the beginning of the year, it proved to be overwhelmingly popular and was viewed well over 200 times over the subsequent days after the post, and the interview I did with him 2 weeks later more than doubled those numbers overall, showcasing the overall popularity of Nick Santino not just from a local standpoint here in Boston, but is a real testament to his fans all across the country and the world over who generally appreciate his style of music and the message embedded within the lyrics.

Overall, an absolutely astounding and well polished effort from Nick Santino, who has delivered on all fronts to create a concise and cohesive studio effort that adequately articulates his musical mission of self-discovery that has taken him to all sorts of places and made him realize who he as a musician and human being. Highly recommended!

                                                                                                                    Album Score: 4.5/5

Track Listing:

1. Bad Taste
2. Can't Say I Miss You
3. Gone Like Yesterday
4. Jackson Browne
5. Keep On Going
6. Back To Where I'm From
7. It Is What It Is
8. Have A Little Faith In Me
9. Long Way Home
10. Mood Ring Eyes
11. She Don't Miss Me     

Sugar Bomb Announce Name Change To Manic Pixi, Release New Single "Blue Wine"

The Brooklyn based band formerly known as Sugar Bomb announced at their concert last night in the aforementioned borough that they will be changing their name effective immediately to Manic Pixi. Also coming along with the name change is the release of a brand new song to go along with it titled "Blue Wine". The song is a refreshing, intricate musical number with an original sound that is reminiscent of groups such as Paramore, but with their own musical identity embedded within the texture that is a fresh start for the group and allows them to keep their heads focused on what's laying ahead down the road. I've covered the group previously on the site in their former incarnation, and they have an immense musical skill set that serves them well moving forward and makes me appreciate them that much more just for being themselves, which is all they want to be.

To check out "Blue Wine" for yourself, cruise on over to their Soundcloud page over here to see what their new sound is like. For more info on Manic Pixi, give them a 'Like' on Facebook right here and follow them on Twitter at this location here.

Artist Spotlight: Trash Boat

Starting off your week with a refreshing dose of Artist Spotlight, this time coming to you from across the pond in Herts, United Kingdom where we bring to you the vibrant and eclectic sounds of Trash Boat. The band consists of Tobi on lead vocals, Oakley on drums, Dann on guitar, Ryan on guitar, and James on bass. The sound is a refreshing and dynamic concoction of standard issue pop-punk rhythms inspired by the likes of The Starting Line and New Found Glory with a straightforward and linear approach taken to the tracks that puts them in a class all their own and helps the lovely lads develop their own distinct musical personas as well. I was floored when I first heard these guys, and was really impressed with their musical abilities that took them above and beyond the scope of the imagination. It also speaks to mind about the musical maturity they've displayed in such a short span of time and the high quality of music coming from merry old England, which I've covered to a great extent here on the site and continues to floor me each and every time. A terrific upstart British band that I have high hopes for moving forward. A track for you to check out from them is called "Boneless".

For more info on the lads in Trash Boat, head on over to their Facebook page located here and give it a 'Like' to show your appreciation and support for the burgeoning pop-punk scene that is extant to this day. Follow them on Twitter as well from over here and find out if they have plans to make a landing in America sometime soon. Check out their Bandcamp site right here to listen to a free stream of "Boneless" at your own leisure.

Midnight High Releases New Track "She Knows"

Astoria, NY's own Midnight High has just unveiled their latest opus titled "She Knows". The track is a refreshing, summer kissed track with subtle harmonic interludes and tightly wound instrumentation that when all combined at the end, finds a way for you to enjoy the sights and sounds of summer and everything else associated with it. What I loved about these guys was their ability to inject some groove and harmony into their musical mixture that wasn't too overpowering, but it was just enough to elicit a response from the listener and have them divert their attention towards the band. They have some heavier influences instilled within themselves as well, but this track allows you to get a feel for a different side of the band that is just a taster before you delve into their other material.

To take a listen to "She Knows", head on over to their Soundcloud page located over here to give it a listen. For more info on Midnight High, 'Like' them on Facebook here and follow them on Twitter right over here.

Best Songs of the Drive-Thru Era

With Memorial Day weekend upon us, we take a look back at the songs of yesteryear with songs from one of the most influential labels of my youth, Drive-Thru Records. The Sherman Oaks, CA based label was instrumental in bringing so many pop-punk bands to my attention, including Something Corporate, New Found Glory, and perhaps my favorite of all of them, The Starting Line. Founded by brother and sister Richard and Stefanie Raines, this label worked so well because they both passionately loved music and wanted to bring to the forefront the bands that were generating the most attention from their respective fanbases and ones that were on the cusp of achieving something special. I've generated a specially curated playlist below documenting the songs that were most memorable during the label's tenure and ones that defined the pop-punk essence of who I am today and countless others here and around the world. Here it is:

Allister - Somewhere on Fullerton
Fenix TX - All My Fault
The Early November - Ever So Sweet
Senses Fail - One Eight Seven
Something Corporate - I Woke Up In A Car
The Starting Line - The Best of Me
Finch - Letters To You
Halifax - Sydney
Home Grown - Cross My Heart
New Found Glory - My Friends Over You
Hellogoodbye - Here (In Your Arms)
Midtown - Like A Movie
RX Bandits - Decrescendo
Something Corporate - Konstantine
The Starting Line - Leaving
Hidden In Plain View - Bleed For You
The Early November - Something That Produces Results
RX Bandits - Analog Boy
The Early November - I Want To Hear You Sad
Finch - What It Is To Burn
The Movielife - Hand Grenade
Hidden In Plain View - Twenty Below
Something Corporate - If You C Jordan
Houston Calls - Exit Emergency
Self Against City - Speechless
The Movielife - Jamestown
New Found Glory - Hit or Miss
The Starting Line - Up & Go

Any other Drive-Thru Records songs that were favorites of yours that gave you timeless memories? Let me know and I'll make sure they get on the list!

Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki Uses Ace of Base's "The Sign" In Response to Sign Stealing Accusations

Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is having a ridiculous year, currently posting a .380 batting average with 13 homers and 35 RBI's accumulated to date. But there are accusations that he's using sign stealing as an advantage. San Francisco Giants TV announcer Mike Krukow suggested that during a recent game broadcast in Coors Field in Denver, where Tulo is posting an insane .521 batting average there, possibly due to the high altitude in the area. Krukow suggested that there were other factors in play and that sign stealing was the culprit behind it and that was the only reason for Troy's high numbers.

Tulo's response to the accusations was beyond brilliant. At Wednesday's game, he used Ace of Base's 1992 smash hit "The Sign" as his personal walk-up song. Words cannot explain how unbelievably amazing this move was, as sign stealing has become a common occurrence throughout MLB for quite some time but Troy is an insanely crafty individual for coming up with a perfect response to this using his entrance music, and I have to give him major props for doing this and I've highly respected Tulo ever since he entered the league for being a team leader, and being the model and elite player that others can look up to.

Artist Spotlight: Naive Thieves

Heading into the long Memorial Day weekend and unofficial start of Summer with a brand new edition of Artist Spotlight, brought to you by the fine folks of Riverside, CA's own Naive Thieves! The band consists of Cameron Thorne on lead vocals and guitar, Levi Audette on lead guitar, Kyle Garcia on bass and backing vocals, and Ian Maloney on drums and backing vocals. The band has a refreshing, laid-back musical vibe to them that is reflective of their SoCal upbringing with high energy guitar riffs and crisp, upfront vocals that immediately put you in a form of musical stasis and unbridled pleasure abound at your feet with these melodies playing in the background. I found a great deal to love from these gentlemen and their ability to keep their audience on their toes and in the moment with upbeat positivity sure to be the star of the show. These musicians definitely have an extreme likability to them that is almost impossible to ignore and is reflected in their music that you simply won't get enough of. A track to keep on the lookout for is "Anxiete".

For more info on Naive Thieves, give them a 'Like' on Facebook over here and find out everything there is to love from these outstanding gentlemen. Give them a follow on Twitter from right here and find out when they'll making their way to the East Coast sometime for a concert appearance. Visit their official website here for more wide ranging info pertaining to the band and where you can also find a free download of "Anxiete" to blast at your Memorial Day BBQ's this weekend! Their latest album is called "Vamonos" and is now available to purchase in physical format here and digitally over on iTunes here.

U.K. Bred Homebound To Release Debut EP "Coming of Age" on July 21

Farnham, England based Homebound are gearing up to unveil their debut EP to the world titled "Coming of Age". The band exudes confidence and charisma in their music with their heavy British accents populating the exploding pop-punk rhythms abound at every single turn that really makes you appreciate the quality and depth of talent that much more from across the pond. I've been a huge champion of the U.K. pop-punk movement for quite some time and I've been as vocal as anyone in getting these bands exposure here in the United States, and I can tell you that these lads have as good as chance of anyone in achieving prime real estate in the U.S. with what is sure to be a welcome reception just has it has been for countless British bands in the past.

Keep an eye out for "Coming of Age" which will be released on July 21. For more info on Homebound, 'Like' them on Facebook here and give them a follow on Twitter over here.

Handguns Offer Up Preview of New Album With "Sleep Deprived"

Baltimore based Handguns are offering up to fans a taste of their upcoming album Life Lessons with the song "Sleep Deprived". The band released a lyric video for it just a few days ago that gives devoted listeners an idea of what to expect on the new album and songs to sing along to as well when their show rolls through town. I'm a recent newcomer to the Handguns fold, and I must tell you that it's some of the most honest and refreshing blend of pop-punk that I've heard in recent memory that speaks to mind about the volume of intensity that the guys project on stage day in and day out, and the talent of everyone in the band is unquestionable at this point especially with the talents of guitarist/vocalist Kyle Vaught who deserves a honorable mention for all his contributions to the band and should never go unnoticed with his drive and enthusiasm fueling his group to success each and every day.

To check out "Sleep Deprived" for yourself, click on the official pre-order page for the new album over here to see the vid and for different pre-order packages to choose from as well. Keep an eye out for Life Lessons which will be in stores on July 8, and for more info on Handguns, 'Like' them on Facebook here and follow them on Twitter right here.

Artist Spotlight: New City Ghost

It's time for another edition of Artist Spotlight as we take a look at the Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard based band known as New City Ghost. The band consists of Dallas on lead vocals and guitar, Joe on vocals and guitar, Mike on bass, and Kyle on drums. The band has an experimental, indie leaning edge to them with high energy guitar riffs and a free form experimentation at hand to let each member bring their individual ideas to the table and present it in a format that allows the audience member to extract certain elements from it that they can take with them to heart and become devoted followers of the group in the process. These guys played at TT the Bear's last Saturday and unfortunately I missed their set due to heavy traffic getting to the venue, but I managed to interact with one of the guys afterwards who handed me a CD and really appreciated his earnest effort of him going around and promoting his band to everyone in the audience, which is not an easy thing to do and shows the dedication that they exude to their craft. A terrific upstart band deserving of some exposure here on the site. Some tracks for you to check out include "Stolen" and "Pile of Bones".

For more info on New City Ghost, give them a 'Like' on Facebook here so that you can stay in the stream of musical updates direct from the group. Give them a follow on Twitter from over here and find out when the guys will be playing in the Boston area again sometime soon. Visit their Bandcamp site over here to catch a listen of their latest album called "Ossa Cava", available on a name your own price basis.

Grand Cousin Preview Forthcoming EP With "Better"

Wesleyan University's pride and joy Grand Cousin have revealed another juicy nugget off their forthcoming EP called "Better". The song is an indie leaning, highly melodic piece of musical wonder abound with frontman Henry Hall's voice reaching new heights with his cooing vocals enticing scores of listeners with their hip and unique sound being a big hit among college age music listeners, while also exposing their sound to others just outside their age range as well. I've covered these guys a few times on the site before, and they probably have the most creative musical mindset of any upstart band I've covered in recent memory. The guys definitely have a bright future ahead of them if they play their cards right, which sees them currently dealing a winning hand.

To check out "Better" for yourself, it's now available for streaming on their SoundCloud site located over here and for more info on the handsome gents in Grand Cousin, 'Like' them on Facebook here and give them a follow on Twitter right here.

Vacationer Announces Intimate Release Show at Middle East Upstairs on 6/26

Philadelphia bred Vacationer announced yesterday a string of release shows in advance of their sophomore studio set titled "Relief", which will be out on June 23. The shows will be concentrated in the Northeast region of the U.S., with shows planned in Brooklyn, Washington D.C., their hometown show in Philly, and ultimately wrapping up here in Boston over at the Middle East Upstairs on June 26. This is going to be an extremely intimate show that allows you to get up and close personal with Kenny and the boys as they take you into their world of relaxation and wonder with a set that will leave you spellbound by the end of the night. I've had the opportunity and privilege of seeing these guys multiple times in concert during their recent trips to the Beantown area and they have provided me with timeless concert memories that I'll take with me forever.

Tickets for the Middle East show go on sale later today @ 12 noon via TicketWeb right here. For more info on Vacationer, head on over to their official website here and give them a 'Like' on Facebook and follow on Twitter respectively here and here.

Phillip Phillips - Behind The Light

Leesburg, Georgia based Phillip Phillips is ready with his sophomore studio set titled Behind The Light. The follow up to his successful 2012 debut The World From The Side of The Moon, Phillip continues to build upon the buzz and aura surrounding his debut and captures his audience's attention with his powerful and emotional voice resonating strongly throughout the folk based tunes that are omnipresent through this terrific effort.

We start things out with "Searchlight", a simple and beautiful arrangement with Phillip's southern charm working its way through immediately upon impact and builds upon the intro with a harmonic mixture of acoustic guitar rhythms and layered upon with dense instrumentation that sounds terrific when it's all combined together. "Raging Fire" is the album's first single and is a harmonic slice of musical bliss with a steady pace that allows the prospective listener to take notice of all the terrific musical notes abound at every turn and Phillip's vocal work making the experience that much more enjoyable. "Lead On" is my favorite track off the album that is the purest example of Phillip's musical craft hard at work here with refreshing folk infused rhythms and Phillip's voice telling the story and expressing his Georgia upbringing that is hard working and indicative of the environment he grew up in as well. "Alive Again" does a neat job of having Phillip's guitar tell the story with a harmonic and building percussion element setting its way in nicely for the second half of the effort to follow.

The second half begins with "Fool For You", a complete studio effort with everything that you could possibly imagine from Phillip: deep and passionate vocals, excellent instrumentation, and his dynamic vision coming to fruition on this one. "Fly" is a simply constructed musical element with soft, whispering guitars and Phillip's strong musical presence elevating the song into a full featured track towards the end that towers over the others in terms of its appearance and features in its musical arsenal. "Unpack Your Heart" is a beautiful, heartfelt number that does a great job of tugging at those old heartstrings with emotion drenched guitars being the trigger that sets the whole song apart from all the others on the disc. "Midnight Sun" ends it all here with an encapsulated number that brings in elements we've heard earlier on the album, and gives us a recap of what we heard previously and how we got to this point musically as well. I've always been a deep admirer of Phillip ever since I saw him on American Idol, and I know he had that instant charisma and Georgia bred charm that could win over the hearts of anyone in his presence, and the fact that he has that raw and weathered voice makes his music all the more authentic and puts it on a higher pedestal than other similar artists out there today.

Overall, a terrific effort heard here from Phillip Phillips. While not as good as his first effort, he does a great job of continuing to adhere to everything that he knows musically, and inspire countless others in his wake including myself.

                                                                                                                               Album Score: 3.5/5

Track Listing:

1. Searchlight
2. Raging Fire
3. Trigger
4. Lead On
5. Alive Again
6. Open Your Eyes
7. Fool For You
8. Thicket
9. Fly
10. Unpack Your Heart
11. Face
12. Midnight Sun  

The Limit Club Premiere New Video For "When You Burn (You're Gonna Scream)"

Arizona's own The Limit Club has just unveiled their brand new music video for the song "When You Burn (You're Gonna Scream)". The video is a vibrant stimuli that satisfies on all levels with snapshots of the band performing through shadowy circles and eventually culminates in a group setting where the band members perform collectively that ties everything up nicely and is a clever way to wrap everything on cue. I was intrigued at how this clip was put together, and liked the individual headshots of each band member performing by themselves, and tie it in together towards the end that is one of the more cleverly put together pieces of video goodness that I've seen in quite some time.

For more info on The Limit Club, 'Like' them on Facebook here and give them a follow on Twitter over here.

Boroko Releases Live Video Clip of "The Expressionists"

NYC based rock act Boroko has just unveiled their live music video for the song "The Expressionists". The clip is a carefully constructed clip that gives you a in the moment feel as you see all the pieces coming together with shots of the band getting ready to deliver a live performance for the video screens and when all stitched together, provides for a truly intimate and unique viewing experience that puts it all in perspective right away. and shows the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the band all interspersed into one video clip. The video was helmed by Lewis Smithingham and his expertise and craft really steered this video into greatness and is definitely worthy of your viewing time.

For more info on Boroko, 'Like' them on Facebook here and give them a follow on Twitter right over here.

Paris Carney Releases Holborn Circuit Remix of "Astronaut"

LA based pop artist Paris Carney has released a stunning remix of her track "Astronaut", helmed by famed Chicago electro producer Holborn Circuit. The track is a stunning musical odyssey that transforms the track into something unbelievably brilliant and with remarkable musical depth that speaks to mind about the level of talent that is emanating from both sides. It also shows what happens when two extremely talented and creative minds come together to mold a previously released song into its own self-sufficient track that almost feels like an entirely different composition altogether. I was impressed with what I heard from her, and I'm definitely intrigued at the way this track was remixed as it took subtle electronic arrangements and dispersed it at various points throughout the song, but not too overwhelming for the listener just passing by.

To hear the remix of "Astronaut" for yourself, it's now available on her Soundcloud page right here as we speak, and for more info on Paris Carney 'Like' her on Facebook over here and give her a follow on Twitter here.

Artist Spotlight: PigPen Theatre Co.

Starting off your week with a brand new edition of Artist Spotlight that takes us down to Steeler Nation otherwise known as Pittsburgh where we come across the vibrant sounds of PigPen Theatre Co. The band consists of Alex Falberg, Arya Shahi, Ben Ferguson, Curtis Gillen, Daniel Weschler, Matthew Nuernberger, and Ryan Melia. The band's sound is a subtle, low-key musical joy with thoughtful vocal precision and beautiful, harmonic folk based melodies working its way through the breeze and eliciting a strong emotional response from the listener who will gravitate almost immediately towards the sound. I fell in love with these guys almost immediately, and really appreciated the message that was embedded deep within the foundation of the music that really spoke volumes about the depth of creativity that is flowing majestically through the entire group. A tremendous undiscovered act that deserves to be heard right now. Some tracks for you to check out include "Sailor" and "Song From The Stone".

For more info on PigPen Theatre Co., give them a 'Like' on Facebook over here and hear firsthand what beautiful compositions are laying just outside your doorstep. You can follow them on Twitter as well from right here and communicate directly with the guys personally. Visit their official website here for all the latest concert dates coming to a venue near you, and check out their latest effort titled "The Way I'm Running" now available for streaming and download on their Bandcamp site conveniently located right here.

Interview w/ Less Is More

Presenting to you today an interview with Brian Spencer and Jane Finkel, who both comprise the Michigan folk duo known as Less Is More. I mentioned them here on the site a couple of weeks ago, and they have really proven their talent with exquisite folk based rhythms and harmonic instrumentation that has shown the deep musical bond they have forged together over the time that they've been together. Brian and Jane were nice enough to carve some time out of their schedules to sit down and do an interview as we talk about the early beginnings of the duo and how their romantic relationship has influenced the sound within the duo. Here is the transcript from our chat:

Give us your names and what instruments you regularly play?

Our names are Jane Finkel and Brian Spencer.  Jane is a vocalist and plays the ukulele, piano, and percussion. Brian is a vocalist and plays the guitar, harmonica, ukulele, and percussion. 

How did you both come together to form Less Is More?

We went to Albion College together and met in an a cappella group early in both of our college careers.  We quickly found that we loved the way our voices melded together.  When we started writing music together it easily flowed out, and eventually we had enough music to start a band!

What styles of music and/or artists make up your sound and is it based upon your individual influences?

We collectively love many different music styles, and try to add as many musical influences to our songs as possible.  Bands like Lord Huron, Lowland Hum, Civil Wars, and the Staves are just a few groups we look up to, but we really try to create our own sound.  

How has your romantic relationship grown since you first started and how has it manifested itself within your music?

Well, this is a question.  It started as a friendship, and we didn't date until two years after we met.  I think our sound changed because we were able to more vulnerable.  Writing music with someone else can be a scary endeavor!  We hope to have a very free and intimate feel in our music, because that is how we feel with one another. 

Describe the music scene in michigan where you both originated, what styles and/or genres are most popular?

Brian: Growing up in East Lansing, the music scene was very diverse.  From a young age I was taking from pop, hip hop, country, and indie music.  However, many more genres were very present in my day to day as well.  Also, my mother listened to groups like Doobie Brothers, The Mamas and the Papas, and Earth Wind and Fire.  So it's tough to be able to pin point one specific genre.  I guess I'm a music mutt.  

Jane: I grew up on Mackinac Island in Michigan, where the country music and classical rock runs on an endless loop.  My parents have a pretty funky taste in music, and I think that rubbed off on me as well.  It has also been fun to watch the Michigan music scene grow and evolve.  Michigan is really producing some cool new music, and its fun to try and be a part of that.  

What are some of your favorite songs that you've recorded that best encapsulate your sound?

That's a really tough question, because all of them are important to us in different ways.  Each song was written for a specific reason, and our hope is that they all work together as one piece, as well as individually.  Not to cop out on the answer, because we already did that part, but all of them.  We really try not to be one specific sound, and we hope others will think so as well! 

If you could trade places with any musician, who would it be?

Probably Hillary Duff.

What sorts of things do you like to do in your spare time for leisure when not making music?

We love hanging out outside, and eating.  Lots of eating and cooking.  We are also athletic types, so anything active.  

What can we look forward to from you two musically this year, any upcoming shows or material you'd like to promote?

Less is More will be releasing our first album, Amid the Flowers, our Kickstarter account will be up and running soon, and we will be going on tour with two of our best friends!  Our website, beautifully and graciously created by Alex Essex, has all of our updates, both musical and other. You can find that, and sign up for the newsletter with updates at Lessismoreband.com. 

Lastly, how has music changed each of you individually to this point?

Brian: Incredibly. I grew up playing sports and in fact was going to choose a career where I would be on track to be an athletic director.  After I finished my fourth year of football at Albion College my focus completely changed.  Due to the fact that music is so physically and emotionally powerful, I couldn't stay out of it.  That's when I decided to pursue it full throttle and haven't stopped since.  

Jane: I have been playing music for my entire life, but I have only been doing it publicly for the last four years. Ever since I first took the performances from my room to an audience, I haven't wanted to do anything else.  I think we all have ways in which we best express and understand ourselves, and I feel incredibly lucky to have found mine.  Music changes me in a different way after each experience, and I just find more ways to love the adventure.  

Thanks once again to Brian and Jane of Less Is More for being so awesome in doing this interview. It's a beautiful thing to see two people who are deeply in love create such honest and thought provoking music together that really signifies the emotional bond that develops from either playing or listening to music with someone else. For more info on Less Is More, 'Like' them on Facebook here and give them a follow on Twitter over here.

Artist Spotlight: American Verse

Worcester, MA's own American Verse help us close out the week with Artist Spotlight! These hard rockers consist of Dylan Massucco, Kevin Garcia, and Ryan Pinto and have been making a name for themselves with their hard nosed blend of melodic pop-punk similar in vein to Saves The Day with a clear and concise vision of the type of music they want to play and the ranges of emotions they want to convey to the listener. I had an enjoyable time listening to these guys, and really appreciated what these guys were aiming for when they were conjuring up these tunes while in the studio. These three guys plain love being together while criss-crossing the country and exposing their sound to a receptive audience who will definitely appreciate the message that comes across during the course of their listening. A terrific upstart act definitely worthy of mentioning here. Some tracks to keep on the lookout for include "Decay" and "Heaven's In Your Head".

For more info on American Verse, 'Like' them on their Facebook page located right over here and see what they're all about. Follow them on Twitter from this locale here and find out when the guys will be venturing through the New England area again sometime soon. Their most recent effort, "Heaven's In Your Head" is now available for streaming and purchase on their Bandcamp site located here among a string of other digital music platforms.

Oakland A's Josh Reddick Uses Wham's "Careless Whisper" As His Walk-Up Song

For those hardcore baseball fanatics out there, you're going to love this one. Oakland A's outfielder Josh Reddick has had a slow start to say the least so far this season, and he's trying to change things up with his new walk up song which appears to be working and is a big hit with the fans at the O.co Coliseum. He has chosen Wham's "Careless Whisper" as his walk up song and it worked with his on field production, scoring a couple of big hits in their game against the Chicago White Sox. I'm always a big proponent of using music to allow players to feel loose and limber up at the plate, as you probably recall my MLB Player Music Special I did before the start of the season. This will probably be his walk up song from here on out if he continues to get massive production at the plate, and he has left me envious of his Civil War era beard that is beyond handsome in any stretch of the imagination, and this track has sort of acted as love making music of sorts as he comes up to the plate.

Tales of Olde To Throw Album Release Party on May 28th at Great Scott

Boston based folk sensations Tales of Olde are gearing up to throw an album release party in support of their upcoming debut EP, scheduled for release sometime this summer. The EP is preceded by the first single "Why", an intense, lyrically driven tune built upon an intense level of communication between the two husband and wive duos in the band, plus the phenomenal rhythm section of bassist Jeff Kinsey and Al Cleveland who both take their exceptional musical skills to test here and provide a rich and dynamic sound that is completely unique and original, and speaks to mind about the depth of creativity flowing through the band and the strong musical bond and kinship that has formed as a result of it.

The show will be taking place on May 28 at Great Scott in Allston, MA. The show gets underway at 9pm and for more info and to purchase tickets, head on over to this link here and you can also download "Why" over on iTunes at this link right here.

Artist Spotlight: Pull Strings

Take the day off and relax with another edition of Artist Spotlight from New Bedford's own Pull Strings. The band consists of Dylan Fleming on bass, Adam DaSilva on guitar and vocals, John Collins on drums, and Tyler Allain on guitar. The band's sound is a fast moving, frenetic experience with hard nosed punk rhythms finding its way through the mainframe and coupled with the explosive and dynamic vocals abound, it provides for a raw and fleeting listening experience that if you're a hardcore punk fan, will grow to love and appreciate the second you first hear it. What I loved about these guys was their sheer musical ability and focus, plus their raw and unadulterated sound that didn't feel the need to succumb to any musical gimmicks or shortfalls that showed they had an understanding of the music they were creating and the audience that they wanted to focus on. A terrific up and coming band that is slowly making its way on the upswing soon. Some recommended tracks for you to check out include "Transparent" and "Sleeping In".

For more info on the guys in Pull Strings, head on over to their Facebook page located here and give it a 'Like' if you enjoy what you hear. Follow the guys on Twitter from this locale here and find out the latest on upcoming tour appearances in the Boston area. Their Bandcamp site right over here contains all of their music they have released thus far, including their latest "The Upside of Going Blind" available on a name your own price basis.

Fierce Bad Rabbit Premiere New Track "Crystal Ball" From Upcoming "Living Sleep" EP

Based out of Fort Collins, CO but with some roots here in Boston, Fierce Bad Rabbit has just unveiled their brand new track "Crystal Ball" from their forthcoming "Living Sleep" EP. The track blends together the worlds of folk and dance into something that is immensely enjoyable and can be easily adaptable to any musical setting, especially sitting on your back porch partaking in the weather and an ice cold beverage in your company as this song plays majestically in the background. I found this track to be very comforting and subtle in nature, as it doesn't feel the need to be too overly loud or extravagant and instead finds a way to play it safe, which from these guys is quite alright by them.

To take a listen to "Crystal Ball", head on over to their Soundcloud page located right over here and for more info on Fierce Bad Rabbit, 'Like' them on Facebook here and follow them on Twitter at this locale here. Be on the lookout for their "Living Sleep" EP which will be out by sometime this Fall.

The Black Keys - Turn Blue

From the blue collar town of Akron, OH The Black Keys have returned with their eighth studio set titled Turn Blue. The follow up to 2011's El Camino finds the blues rock duo continuing to strictly adhere to their raw and grimy blend of blues and indie rhythms that have made them a hot commodity as of late, and ensures that they remain at the top of the music heap where they squarely belong.

We kick things off with "Weight of Love", a nearly 7 minute long opus that finds frontman Dan Auerbach and drummer Pat Carney clearly focused and ready to drudge ahead with a strong classic rock influence permeating the outset of the song and features delicately placed melodies throughout that coincide well with Dan's organically laced vocals. The title track provides some delectable melodies conjured up by producer extraordinaire Danger Mouse who helmed the last 4 Black Keys efforts including this one and is also a successful musician in his own right with Broken Bells featuring James Mercer of The Shins. The first single "Fever" is my favorite track off the album, a frenetic listening experience coupled with the band's signature blues element maimed all throughout and hearing Dan's familiar vocal refrain working its way through the tunnels of the song brings about a remarkable feeling of comfort and warmth, knowing you're going to get a quality and thorough listening experience as a the result of it. "Bullet In The Brain" is a more downtempo number than the other musical creations, but still packs a powerful punch nonetheless and gets us ready for the second half of the effort with great fervor and anticipation.

The second half charges out of the gate with "It's Up To You Now", featuring some outstanding drum work from Pat that will leave you totally floored and speechless, and seeing how it sounds stacked upon layer after layer of instrumentation leads to one of the most impressively constructed tunes laid out on the disc. "Waiting On Words" is another exemplary effort that really signifies the deep musical bond between Dan and Pat that is manifesting itself and blossoming even deeper right before our very eyes into something purely magical and transcendent. We finish up the final two tracks on the disc with "In Our Prime", a piano laced effort that really nails it and hits it right out of the park with thoughtful musical precision setting the stage for the final track, "Gotta Get Away" a supremely and impeccably produced effort has an extremely consistent melody all the way throughout and is flawless in terms of its effect on the listener and the ability it possesses to wrap the whole album up neatly and succinctly. The Black Keys have never ceased to amaze me with each album they put out and their flawless and electric musical presence have left me constantly gasping for air as I can't seem to contain myself and ask the question, "How can music be this good?"

All in all, a supreme and delectable musical effort from the Black Keys, a band who are clearly in their prime and have no reason to improve upon from their last effort because it's just as good and are one of the premiere acts in music today.

                                                                                                                                Album Score: 4.5/5

Track Listing:

1. Weight of Love
2. In Time
3. Turn Blue
4. Fever
5. Year In Review
6. Bullet In The Brain
7. It's Up To You Now
8. Waiting on Words
9. 10 Lovers
10. In Our Prime
11. Gotta Get Away    

Cali Based Some Ember Stream Brand New Track "The Thrashing Whip"

California's own synth wave duo known as Some Ember have just released their brand new and dreamy synth laden tune called "The Thrashing Whip". The song has a mysterious and ethereal quality to it that sets it apart immensely from all the other acts currently out there, and establishes a link between the listener and artist that is wholly unique and creates a universal feeling of wonder and astonishment with the duo entertaining the audience with their musical strengths that will be extremely well received on the other side. I didn't really know what to expect from these two, but I definitely felt the synth heavy vibe that was coming my way with lush musical arrangements and thoughtful musical precision that worked its way into the crevice almost immediately upon impact.

To take a listen to "The Thrashing Whip" for yourself, head on over to Dream Recording's Soundcloud page right over here and for more info on Some Ember, 'Like' them on Facebook here and give them a follow on Twitter right here. Check out more of their musical concoctions over on their Bandcamp site at this spot here.

Artist Spotlight: Citizen

Starting off your Tuesday and another week of Artist Spotlight with a band splitting its time between Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio that goes by the name of Citizen. The band consists of Mat Kerekes on lead vocals, Nick Hamm on guitar, Jake Duhaime on drums, Ryland Oehlers on guitar, and Eric Hamm on bass. The band sound is an intense, youthful pop-punk dynamic with a heavy emphasis being put on melody to get a stranglehold on the listener right away and take them in right away to introduce their sound to a fanbase that has a veracious appetite for all things music. I thoroughly enjoyed my listening experience with these gentlemen, and really appreciated how they kept things on a level playing field with their intense guitar riffs and extremely well written lyrics being the highlights of a band that is well on their way to achieving a great deal of success around here and across the pond as well. A terrific upstart act that is definitely worthy of some plays in your iTunes library. Some songs to check out for yourself include "Young States" and "I Still Shut My Eyes".

For more info on Citizen, head on over to their Facebook page located right here and give it a 'Like' while you're over there. Follow the guys adventures on Twitter from over here and find out when the guys might be venturing through the Boston area sometime soon. Visit their official website here for more in depth information concerning the gentlemen, including links to purchase their music on iTunes and in CD and vinyl formats as well.

Guided By Voices To Release New LP "Cool Planet"

Dayton, OH based indie rock pioneers Guided By Voices are set to release their brand new album tomorrow titled "Cool Planet". The album is preceded by the song, "Table at Fool's Tooth" a gritty, dynamic track that gives the band an opportunity to recapture the magic and spirit of yesteryear with an inventive and raw musical wavelength that shows Robert Pollard and the band's days aren't numbered just yet and still know how to bring in the masses with a clear and concise collection of tunes that brings back fond memories of the band's heyday in the early 80's. The band will also be hitting the road in support of the new effort with Doug Gillard and Atomic Forces opening on select dates. Here is their tour itinerary:

5.22.14 Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero Theater

5.23.14 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom

5.24.14 Washington, DC - Black Cat

6.02.14 Des Moines, IA - Wooly's

6.03.14 Omaha, NE - The Waiting Room

6.04.14 Englewood, CO - The Gothic Theatre

6.06.14 Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory

6.07.14 Portland, OR - Wonder Ballroom

6.08.14 Seattle, WA - The Showbox at the Market

6.10.14 Santa Cruz, CA - Rio Theatre

6.11.14 San Francisco, CA - The Regency Ballroom

6.13.14 Los Angeles, CA - The Fonda Theatre

6.14.14 Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up Tavern

6.15.14 Phoenix, AZ - Crescent Ballroom

6.18.14 Lawrence, KS - The Granada

6.20.14 Madison, WI - Barrymore Theatre

To check out "Table at Fool's Tooth" for yourself, it's now available for streaming on Fire Records Soundcloud page right over here.

The Echo Friendly Release "Fuck It And Whatever" Vid Clip

Greenpoint, Brooklyn's own The Echo Friendly just released their intriguing new music video for the song "Fuck It And Whatever". The effort features a split screen set of the duo in separate bedroom settings while moving along to a subtle, low-key indie sound that highlights the growing tension between the two that is apparent if you watch the action in the video really closely. I was very impressed with the creative angle taken in this video to illustrate the bond between two people disintegrating and using the melody of the music to tell the story that does an excellent job of rapturing people into the story that will leave them fascinated and spellbound by the end and unable to turn away as a result of it.

For more info on The Echo Friendly, 'Like' them on Facebook here and give them a follow on Twitter over here.

Toronto Based Bordeen Releases "Broken Bones" Video

From the land of the Blue Jays, Toronto's own Bordeen have just released their clever and inventive video clip for the song "Broken Bones". The vid features different shots of the band spliced together in a unique fashion that goes along well with the upbeat blend of indie rock that they present on a daily basis both on record and on stage. It all flows together cohesively as it should, and it does a great job of presenting the band's strengths in a unique fashion that gives a prospective listener who may have not heard of them an idea of what their music is all about and what it hopes to accomplish once all is said and done.

For more info on Bordeen, 'Like' them on Facebook here and give them a follow on Twitter over here.

Artist Spotlight: Donovan Wolfington

For Friday's edition of Artist Spotlight heading into the weekend, we head down to the land of Mardi Gras known as New Orleans, LA where we come across the vibrant and diverse sounds of Donovan Wolfington. The band consists of Neil Berthier on guitar and lead vocals, Matthew Seferian on guitar and vocals, Savannah Saxton on keys and vocals, Chris Lanthier on bass, and Michael Saladis on drums. The band sound is a mixture of about half a dozen different genres where the sound can't possibly be pinned down to one specific location, but runs the gamut from grunge to punk to everything in between with a sharply driven musical focus run amok that is destined to illicit a positive reaction from the audience who will genuinely appreciate the band's creativity and style much like I did. These guys are absolutely brilliant to say the least, and I love how the group has a unique style and image where they just throw everything out there, much like they do in the photo above where all the members strip down to their underwear showing some skin and look mighty fine at doing it. A terrific band with an extremely bad ass name that is well worth your listening time.

For more info on Donovan Wolfington, head on over to their Facebook page located right here and give it a 'Like' so that you can stay in the know of everything happening in the band's world. You can follow the group's adventures on Twitter from this locale here and find out when the band might be coming to the Beantown area sometime soon for a concert appearance. Their latest album is titled "Scary Stories You Tell In The Dark", and is now available for streaming and purchase via their Bandcamp site conveniently parked right here.

Artist Spotlight: Neck Deep

Artist Spotlight is ready to go for today, and we jump across the pond to Wrexham, United Kingdom where we stmble upon the finely tuned pop-punk sounds of Neck Deep. The band consists of Ben Barlow on lead vocals, Lloyd Roberts on guitar, Matt West on guitar, Fil Thorpe-Evans on bass, and Dani Washington on drums. The band's sound is chock full of effervescent pop-punk rhythms and is mostly reminiscent of all the bands I grew up listening to in high school such as The Starting Line and New Found Glory, and those influences bubble up to the surface prominently and the overall sound is first rate and really touches upon you emotionally the moment you first hear it. There is almost nothing not to like about this band, and they've been a huge commodity over in England and they deserve a boatload of success here in the States where their sound will resonate strongly with its listeners just as it has over in their native land. Some songs for you to check out from them include "Crushing Grief (No Remedy)" and "Up In Smoke".

For more information on Neck Deep, head on over to their Facebook page located here and give it a quick 'Like' while you're at it. The band is also on Twitter from this spot here and find out when the lovely lads will be making their way to the U.S. sometime soon for a concert appearance. Visit their official website over here for more in depth information regarding the band, including links to buy merch and tickets.

The Foresters - Living Hold

Bethany, CT based The Foresters have just released their latest album titled "Living Hold". The follow up to their 2012 self-titled release finds the youngsters coming into their own as musicians who are venturing into their mid-teens with the wisdom and musical fortitude of someone much older than they are, but the kids know how to keep everything in check and take it all in stride right here.

Things start out with "Fade To Black", a raw and dirty rock track featuring frontman Evan Nork's exquisite vocal work that has gradually evolved from their prior releases, and shows a group that are more than capable of handling everything thrown their way, which they accomplish with remarkable accuracy and pinpoint precision. "Addiction" features some more dynamic punk influences inspired by Green Day and shows the musical talent of Evan's brothers Hayden and Liam who do exceptional jobs on the bass and drums respectively that really is a collaborative effort and a wonder to see unfold right before you musically. "Big Mountain Fudgecake" is my favorite track off the effort that shows some White Stripes influences seeping through the walls with the boys' musical depth growing right before our very eyes with garage rock influenced vocals and tightly wound instrumentation that shows a remarkable leap forward in terms of musicality and raw talent.

The second half of the effort features "Way Up High", a track that echoes the sentiments of youth today with its references to "teenage girls that will break your heart" which youngsters can relate to and ones that will connect even further with their peers in the same age range that will definitely take this track to heart more than the other ones featured on here. "Good Clean Fun" gets us ready for the conclusion of the album with a series of "whoa-whoa-whoas" featured within the lyrical framework that melds in together wonderfully with the hard nosed rhythms in place that shows that the boys know exactly what they're doing and where they're headed musically. "Take Your Makeup Off The Wall" concludes our musical stay here with a mostly acoustic number that shows the diversity of the group with the boys working together to deliver a quality, standout track that listeners will remember and look back fondly on as the signature song of the album that ties everything up and presents us with a scrapbook of sorts as to what we've heard musically just now. It's been a pleasure seeing these boys evolve from when I first covered them on the site just 2 years ago, and they've made a huge progression forward in terms of maturity and giftedness that I can't possibly believe and I can safely say that they're not kids anymore, but they're teenagers coming into their own as musicians who genuinely love what they do in their spare time away from their schoolwork.

Looking back, a terrific and well produced effort from The Foresters, a band who are taking the next step up the musical ladder and into a different phase of their lives with an effort that adequately expresses their musical desires and dreams that are slowly coming into fruition right before them.

                                                                                                                      Album Score: 4/5

Track Listing:

1. Fade To Black
2. Addiction
3. Big Mountain Fudgecake
4. Julie Sue
5. Way Up High
6. Good Clean Fun
7. Take Your Makeup Off The Wall