With a traditionally-rooted sound, varied instrumentals, and fired-up vocals amplifying the soul of this much-loved genre, the Dropkick Murphys have a sound all their own. But as inspiring and avant-garde as this variation of simple American punk is, it is safe to say that this band has played all of their cards.
After parting ways with the five former members of You, Me, and Everyone We Know, Ben Liebsch has released the three-song Great Big Hole EP solo under the same band name. The songs, though few in number, bear some of the classic staples of You, Me, and Everyone We Know: witty, sometimes biting lyrics and enough energy to propel the songs firmly into the consciousness of listeners.
Artist vs Poet’s latest effort Keep Your Secrets is a light pop album that perhaps should have been released in early May, as it is ideal summertime music.
Lost in a never-ending cacophony of American-inspired guitar squeals, hammering drum beats, and amped-up vocals, the third release from the Swedish-based Her Bright Skies is an angsty young adult power piece whose volume is fit for an arena but whose calamitous structure and predictable composition should be left in the garage.
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.
