Move Out West is a band that has never been easy to label. A constant presence in the Connecticut music scene, the band has formulated an entirely unique sound which combines old-school rock ‘n roll with more contemporary pop rock.
Slingshot Dakota pack an impressive punch considering the band consists of just two members: Carly Comando covering vocals and keyboards and Tom Patterson on percussion. The duo’s most recent release, Dark Hearts, transitions between plaintive songs that hang in the air residually like life’s difficult questions and fiercer, more gritty anthems enveloping Comando’s clear voice.
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.
For fans of the Pompano-based emo act Further Seems Forever, the wait is finally over! The 11-track Penny Black is a mature conglomerate of upbeat, heartwarming, and sometimes dark songs.
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.
Full of anger and personal regrets, Handguns use their debut full-length to get everything off their chests. With creative punk thrills and pop punk driven chord progressions, Angst is sure to make pop punk fans everywhere happy.
State Champs may be relative newcomers to the industry, but they’re already living up to their name as the soon-to-be champions of pop punk.
After the release of the subpar first single “Go To Hell,†the expectations for Go Radio’s newest release Close The Distance suddenly plummeted to average. But don’t let the initial cynicism stop you – Close The Distance turns out to be a solid album that pop rock fans should get their hands on as soon as possible.
