So Anarbor has been on my iPod for awhile, and I would be lying if I said I just found them.
However, I still love them immensely and often wonder why I don't hear people talking about them or sight them more often.
What I had loved about Anarbor when I first heard their self-released EP Hearing Colours, Seeing Sounds was that it wasn't perfect. There were moments that were so raw that I actually felt as if the band was right there in the room with me. I also couldn't help but love their lyrics, which I thought were very mature and rather beautiful coming from such a young band at the time.
Ex-"I am god and the devil himself kisses my feet." "My bed gets sick of your body like the moon gets sick of the stars." and "I wanna feel the beat of your selfish heart as our bodies melt into one in the dark."
Since discovering them, this band has been signed to Hopeless Records and released two EPs and one full length. And MOST recently, they released The Mixtape which is them covering songs.
Basically, this band has done a lot of work, and has been near and dear to my heart, so this is more of a personal post I guess.
Go love em.
Really.
Go Download: They have three free songs and a free music video here
I have a confession to make. I.... have a soft spot.... for country.
I mention this, because it is seriously a deep dark secret, that no one would know about. So how this country duo came to decide following me on twitter was a good idea, I'll never know. Anyway, I stand by my word that anyone who gives me a chance will get a chance in return.
The Carter Twins, Josh and Zach, make up the band Kingston and from what I can tell, they have been using the name Kingston for roughly a month now.
Anyway, that was just a tidbit of fun information. This band has a decent following already, and they totally deserve this. I LOVE their sound. And I love their harmonies. And I love their covers (which they give their own Kingston flair to) and their original songs. I just.... cannot get enough of these boys.
And on top of all that, they seem like such wonderful people.
So all that combined, you can bet if I ever hear that they're going to be in Austin, I am gonna be there, and I am gonna be there QUICK.
Go Download: Sadly enough I can't find anything up for download, and I think you can only hear their music via Youtube BUT THEY ARE WORTH IT OK! Below you can hear their original song "Livin On Lovin' You" :)
A chorus of Oh's is what greeted me when I opened up the link to Harbour Season's facebook page, and let's be honest, they had me hooked. But I mean, you guys know how I feel about pop rock by now. And the fact that they're from the UK? I may be slightly biased.
But, all joking aside, it isn't what this band is that I adore about them, though it is a great start, but it's where I can totally see them going. Harbour Season has only been a band since the beginning of this year, and they are already producing these sounds. So I can only imagine where they're going to be this time next year.
I also think that it should be noted that one of their songs is called "Hey Vegeta... I Can Fly!" Now, that may mean nothing to the common man, but to someone who grew up during the era of Toonami (when Toonami was good) the DBZ reference was not lost (assuming it was in fact a DBZ reference). Which can only mean one thing.
These boys make great music, have loads of talent, and could DEFINITELY be my best friends.
Go Download: Unfortunately, I don't think they have anything for download yet, because they are literally THAT new. But I love "Every Mistake Is Like You" so check it out on their facebook.
Not exactly an "unknown" band, but one that I discovered last night and have fallen completely, and totally in love with.
I have heard the name Foxy Shazam before, but never gave much thought to them. Even when I thought they were going to be the only opener for Panic! at the Disco I didn't look into them because it really didn't matter if I liked them or not, I just really wanted to see Panic!.
The second this band walked onstage, I knew they were going to be at the very least entertaining, because let me tell you, just their appearance is enough to have made me fall in love them. From Eric Nally's awesome 'stache, to Sky White's epic beard and Daisy's ginormous two toned hair, you can't help but be prepared for an insane show. And let me tell you they did not disappoint at all.
As far as first impressions go, it was by far the best way to be introduced to Foxy Shazam. Energy oozed from their every pore as the danced, headbanged, screamed, jumped, you name it and these boys did it.
AND, even better, their performance was NOT to make up for any lack of musical talent. They just have this sound that is so.... APPEALING! It was very... old rock. It reminded me of Queen. (Before anyone gets their panties in a wad, I said it REMINDED me of. Not they sounded like Queen. Not that they are the next Queen or that they want to be Queen. Just to clear anything up for anyone who may or may not get offended as they have seemed to be getting on other sites.)
Anyway, mindblowing. It's the one word I can think to describe this band. I look forward immensely not only to their next album, due out in January, but to them coming back to Austin so I can see them again.
Also, I would like to point out that any band that includes instruments like trumpet in their music is a-ok with me.
Check out a live video of them below, mainly because I just have to share their amazing stage presence with you.
Go Download: "Oh Lord" off their self-titled album on iTunes. But you should also check out "The Only Way to My Heart" because the trumpet is just so damn sexy in that song. You know what, just grab the whole album.
So I have this friend, who has awesome taste in music (but I may be slightly biased since he likes all the same music I like) and I asked him for some lesser known bands. And he sent me in The Orange's direction.
Now, if we're being completely honest, had he not told me to listen to them, I probably wouldn't have. I mean, they've listed their genre as "Paisley Underground". 1) What? 2) I don't even like paisley. So yeah. I was a little iffy on the whole thing.
But I bucked up and gave them a shot, and I'm a fan! (Of course, or I wouldn't be writing about them)
Based out of Dallas, this band has a rather retro feel to them, so definitely out of my main scene, and kind of left field from my folk scene. They're "born out of a feverish pop psychedelic dream" as they like to put it, and it's a dream I'm ok with having. There is something oddly familiar about the singers voice and the music. Basically, I just have them on repeat. They're different, but not so much so that I'm turned off by it.
Words fail to describe the way I feel about this band, but you should definitely give them a chance.
They have a planned release date for a new EP in early 2012, and I for one, cannot wait to hear what's on it.
Go Download: My personal favorite is "Snow Globe" but I'm also a huge fan of "Nip-Tuck" so grab them both off of iTunes
It seems I have stumbled across a movement. A movement of older sounding rock, and I am just fine with that. This five piece band currently based out of Austin, TX is heavily influenced by the British invasion of the '60s and their sound is raw. Raw in the very best way possible. Though, I feel like now should be the time to reiterate that the '60s inspired music isn't my usual. In fact, it is slightly far out from my usual.
HOWEVER some of my favorite music is the music that you can listen to and think "Damn, this band would be wonderful live." And The Abstract is that sort of band. I feel like you would hear them while walking down 6th street and get pulled into the bar that they're playing at because there is just something enchanting about the way they sound.
Of course, I could write about how great I think they are all day long, but I don't think I will ever be able to do this band justice just by talking about them. They're one you'll actually have to sit down and listen to yourself.
However, let me assure you that they are WELL worth your time.
(Also, I think it'd be fun for everyone to note that they too like The Orange. See how that happens, huh? I like to make connections when I can :D)
Go Download: "Black Beauty from their EP on iTunes
Eye Alaska was never a band I listened to. I had heard the name, but never actually gone and listened to their music. Unfortunately, this band broke up this August, which means even if I got into them now, it would be too late. (Note: I have looked into them now, and will forever rue the day that I missed out on seeing them live)
What does this have to do with this "Roy English" character do you ask?
WELL, Eye Alaska's Brandon Wronski announced a mere two weeks ago his new project, Roy English. Now, I just caught wind of this project last night, and had it not been midnight already, I would have taken to blogspot and written about my new found love. Be that as it may, I spent all day trying to decide how to put into words what Roy English is like.
What did I come up with?
Smoke.
Now, that's weird, but hear me out. Brandon Wronski's vocals are smooth and at first I was thinking smooth, like velvet. But really, it's even much more than that. It has such a caress it's like running your fingers through the smoke of a cigarette exhale. It's rich, luxurious and incredibly sensual.
His song "Western Woods Freestyle" starts subtetly with tinkling chimes and piano and background vocals that sound like sirens trying to lure sailors from ships. Layering in strings, it comes to a crescendo and then drops off again. Honestly, if it isn't the first song on his album, my mind will be blown, because it sets up the emotions just right.
The other two tracks he has up have a more R&B feel, with magnificent beats and his smokey voice. I kind of feel like I should have the lights dimmed and be surrounded by candles, if that is any indication of the mood in which they set.
I very much look forward to his album, and will be keeping my eyes open so I can let everyone know when it drops.
Go Download: Everything he has put up and been a part of it up for free download here
Remember that one time when I promoted Jack's Mannequin's new album and it was weird and totally not in the format of this blog?
Well, I'm gonna do something like that again right now.
Only even weirder cuz this album I'm about to promote came out in 2008. So it's not even new. The band that created it isn't even a band anymore. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy this masterpiece.
Forgive Durden, or rather, Thomas Dutton is the genius behind Razia's Shadow: A Musical. It's like a rock opera, but better.
The album is a story, with a whole cast of singers (13 in all) including Max Bemis (Say Anything), Brendon Urie (Panic! at the Disco) and Greta Salpeter (The Hush Sound).
It starts off with the creation of the world by O the Scientist (Casey Crescenzo) with the help of his angels, his best being Ahrima (Dutton) and Nidria (Lizzie Huffman) but Ahrima gets angry because he isn't given the credit he deserves, so he is talked into destroying the light by Barayas (Bemis). Upon destroying the light, he is cast out to the darkness, causing a rift between the two worlds which won't be closed until one of his blood from the darkness reunites their worlds.
A hundred years later, Adakias (Also voiced by Dutton) questions being a prince of the darkness and leaves, even after his brother, Pallis, (Urie) threatens to find him and make him pay. But he goes into disguise and leaves anyway.
From there, Adakias finds his true love, Princess Anhura (Salpeter), unfortunately being around him makes her sick, because he's from the darkness and she's from the light.
He takes her to Doctor Dumaya (Shawn Harris) who will save her, as long as Anhura stays with him forever. But after he heals her, Pallis shows up and outs his brother as well as tries to kill her.
Adakias protects her, and gets stabbed instead. And he dies.
Now, I know that was a really quick run down of what happens, and you can't POSSIBLY understand this album without actually listening to it yourself. But it, personally, one of the most perfect albums I own. The story is gorgeous and I can't even begin to tell you just how much I love the moral of it.
The production is stellar. Many of the parts were recorded by the artists and sent back to Dutton to put on the album and the majority of the orchestral parts are from a software due to budgeting. So yeah. Knowing this, the sound is mindblowing.
Dutton did a WONDERFUL job and I can't speak more highly of this album. I love it so much that I tweeted him about how I wished to personally thank him for creating it.
Seriously though. Go check it out. It will change your life.
"The unrelenting constancy of love and hope wil rescue and restore from any scope."
Go Download: The whole album because you can't just get one song.
I actually was a fan of Cody Carson before I was a fan of Set If Off, his Orchestral Pop band from Tampa, FL. He shares my love for All Time Low, but is actually talented enough to cover on youtube. Anyway, he started promoting his band, so of course I had to give them a shot, and I love them. It has been exciting for me to hear the growth this band has under gone over the past couple of years, going from a pop rock sound to a more full, darker sound. My personal favorite by them is "I Promise" with it's sweeping orchestra, vocals and tone. I think it's a beautiful song unlike any I've heard from a band also categorized as a pop rock band. Their song @Reply is another great one that gives you a feel for their darker side as well a cleaner, more put together sound.
The Mid-Summer Classic started following me on twitter. And I generally like to check out the people who follow me on twitter. It's my main source for these things in case you ever wondered. This band, fits in quite nicely with the general scheme of bands I love. The more pop-rock it is, the more I'll probably like it, and this, is pop-rock at it's finest. There are lyrics about young love, guitars, keyboard, and excellent hair. (LOL) But in all seriousness, I am a major fan of Robert Dobbs' voice and I feel like after a bit of fine tuning, this band actually has a shot at hitting it big. They have all the factors to be GREAT. Now all they need, is your love. SO GIVE IT TO THEM.
Go Download: Their album doesn't come out till November 8th, so while you wait, check out "Never Let You Go" below.
How did I find Obadiah Parker? Tumblr. I was going through my tracked tag for The Vampire Diaries and someone had posted a playlist for the show or something along those lines, and what caught my eye was a cover of Oukast's "Hey Ya". There aren't many people who have covered "Hey Ya" so I was intrigued. A quick youtube search brought me to a wonderful artist. It was amazing to hear that song in a folky tone and just a guy and his acoustic guitar. I highly suggest fans of City and Colour or Ray LaMontagne to look into Obadiah Parker. Also, as a random sidenote, the man has a KILLER ginger beard.
Go Download: His cover of Radiohead's "Idioteque" on iTunes
One of my friends (The male half of Moonlight Social) suggested I give this Austin based band a listen. He actually went as far as to say that he thinks they'll be rather popular within a year. And I mean, at first I was like, that's kind of a tall order dontcha think? Lemme give them a listen first. So I hopped on over to their Facebook, and to say that I was a little shocked at the voice that came out of Troupe Gammage would be a gross understatement. I don't know what I was expecting per say, but that strong voice was not it. One blog described them as indie electro-pop and if we absolutely have to classify them, that is what I'd dub them as. Their beats are infectious in the same way that popular hits on the radio are today, but it sounds nothing like what we have been force fed by MTV. Margaret Moser of The Austin Chronicle mentioned that there is a new sound evolving here in Austin, and I believe that SPEAK is at the forefront of that movement. So do I think these boys will be famous within the year? I don't wanna jinx them or anything, but let's just say if I hear them in the near future on the radio, I wouldn't be shocked at all.
Go Download: My personal favorite is "Wars" . After you fall in love with that, buy their album on iTunes
I know this is another post that is out of the ordinary, I promise this will be the last random post for awhile. But I am so in love with Jack's Mannequin's new album, People and Things that I just had to inform the blogosphere to go get it.
I think it just might be Andrew McMahon's best album. Ever. Out of all the Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin albums, this one is my personal favorite.
For those of you who don't know about Andrew McMahon, he was the lead singer of a band called Something Corporate when he was in high school. They got really big, and had become somewhat of what we call "Teen Idols". But then that band fell through, as one can imagine, many teenagers would become burnt out after touring throughout high school and right out of it. Then he started Jack's Mannequin, a project named after a childhood friend who had leukemia (Spookily foreshadowing). A few months before the release of their debut album, Everything in Transit, Andrew was diagnosed with Leukemia, which was the main influence for his second album, The Glass Passenger. It also caused him to start a foundation to raise money for cancer research called Dear Jack.
Now, I don't know if you can tell, but this man is like my hero. He's a huge inspiration, and though he says in the album trailer that he doesn't see himself as a a fighter, hero or inspiration, I can't think of any other way to describe him. If there is any post that you actually pay attention to on this blog, it should be this one.
Jack's Mannequin is a band that will change your life, and People and Things should go down in history.
"I love this album. For what it says and what it took to get there. It may not be life or death, but it's life."
So, today's post is going to be a little different.
These three guys aren't exactly a band. They're actually three seperate youtubers that cover music and occasionally get together and sing songs. Tonight they posted a cover of Adele's "Someone Like You" and I really, really like it. These boys sound great together, and if I had it my way, I'd make them be a band. Alex Goot's piano playing is a wonderful companion to Chad Sugg and Luke Conard's guitar playing. And don't even get me started on their voices. They all have a different sound, but when they sing together, it's magnificent. These three boys have also covered "Lighters" by Bad Meets Evil ft. Bruno Mars and Alex and Chad have covered "Save Tonight" by Eagle Eye Cherry. I do like them all seperately, but I enjoy them best when they're together, and I can only hope they keep doing covers (and maybe some original stuff?) so my ear appetite can be fed.
Go Download: Their cover of "Someone Like You" off iTunes.
Currently based in Detroit, this six man band is just a good time. With whole band chanting and upbeat guitars and happy lyrics, this music is like bubblegum for my ears. They remind me of American Hi Fi for some reason, and make me want to dance around my room without a care. They have a pop rock sound that isn't unfamiliar to my blog, and if you are into acts such as All Time Low, American Hi Fi and Every Avenue, than this band is right up your alley. Something about this band though that makes them stand out? They seem like genuine people. And, their music video makes me smile.
Go Download: Their single “Clueless” from their EP on iTunes
London based pop-punk band The Famous Class is hard to describe. I feel like the band said it best, "Like All Time Low and Paramore and Blink 182 in a hot tub together on a warm summer's day...Naked!" There is something about this bands that makes me flashback to middle school. This is the type of music I rocked out to after school with my black nail polish and my middle finger up in the air. Not to say that that is a bad thing. TFC is damn catchy and actually had my attention within 15 seconds of listening to their song "Have You Ever..." I keep trying to pinpoint who they remind me of, but I just keep coming back to what they said. They make for a fun listen, and I'll definitely be keeping my eye on them.
Go Download: Their cover of "Never Gonna Give You Up" for free here
