In a world bursting at the seams with cookie-cutter music acts, twenty | one | pilots have managed to craft a truly unique record, brazenly blending a plethora of genres and pushing the envelope on what constitutes pop music.
From Indian Lakes’ newest release Able Bodies gathers up all its sharp edges, gentle hooks, and vulnerable subject matters and ties them together in a beautiful package. The variation keeps each track interesting and memorable while still staying in line with the rest of the songs.
From the very beginning strains of the first song on The Broderick’s self-titled LP, the album’s compelling nature is apparent. The skillful lyricism combined with its simmering emotions make for a cohesive twelve-track set that never lacks enough differentiation to keep the entire album feeling fresh.
For their No Sleep Records debut, Major League were able to pull out all of the stops. While they may still be a relatively new band, Hard Feelings easily has the potential to become a classic and will find the band moving up to the big leagues of pop punk.
At a time when many bands would rather stick to trends than take a risk, Peace’d Out shine as something fresh that hopefully won’t be another one-and-done side project. The members take elements from each of their respective bands and put a collective spin on things, creating a sound all their own.
Hailing from Newport News, VA, Holly Would… are a breakout pop rock band with a southern rock flair that’s way too easy to fall for. Just a few months after signing with One Day Savior Recordings, the band have debuted a full-length album that establishes them as a versatile group of musicians that can write a song for just about anybody.
Texas In July have taken the best parts of One Reality and stepped their game up. With a song for every shade of hardcore, Texas In July show that they can adapt their music from one album to the next and still crush it.
Cinematics, the debut full-length from Tampa-based theatrical pop rockers Set It Off, may be one of the most diverse albums of the year. Having wanted to go for a more orchestral feel, listeners can expect a dramatic sound filled with perfected musical craftsmanship in each track.
Bad Books’ appropriately-named II is a collection of songs with great variety yet a common, wistful edge which ultimately creates a cohesive and earnest album. The ten tracks share a lulling musicality which allows the listener to lose themselves in the layers of tender vocals and smooth instrumentation.
Filled with expletives and breakdowns, The Acacia Strain bring a full course meal to the table that the masses will gobble up. It’s the most complete album from them to date, filled with both power and finesse.
