With his debut LP It’s Not An Excuse, It’s A Reason, Marcio Novelli proves that great music isn’t written with intentions to impress the masses, but as a personal anecdote by the musician. Recorded in just two weeks and produced by Jim Wirt (Incubus, Jack’s Mannequin), Novelli’s debut is a revival of simple pop rock with meaning, the kind that has been fading out since 2005.
The first challenge of properly absorbing Benjamin Gibbard’s first solo album Former Lives: separating the Death Cab For Cutie and Postal Service versions of Gibbard from the solo one. The new album is more gritty and acoustic than his former beloved gentle indie catalogue, true, but Former Lives needs to be experienced in its own right without any shackles of the past.
The American Scene’s seamless blend of honest, heartfelt lyrics and expressive vocals with slick, refined musicianship makes Safe For Now one of the most solid releases of the summer.
With a pop punk style and a vintage sound, Forever Came Calling take one step further towards the limelight with this album.
Passion Pit’s Gossamer examines dark, haunting subject matters through infectious synthesizer-infused pop, resulting in an enigmatic yet enjoyable album. The deeply personal lyrics of singer-songwriter/producer Michael Angelakos intrigue the psyche and delve into the abyss of depression, heartbreak, and loneliness while electronic melodies soar playfully overtop.
With the release of their second full-length, Make Do And Mend have avoided the sophomore slump and come out with an impressive and massive-sounding album. Everything You Ever Loved sees the band expanding their sound while still keeping the heavy emotion always found in their music.
Synthetica, the latest release from Canadian indie rock darlings Metric, offers a rejuvenating sound with an atmospheric element. The album delivers powerful anthems weaved into tremendous choruses that take the listener for a wild and exotic ride.
A significant improvement on their debut release, Broadway’s latest effort Gentlemen’s Brawl is packed with contagious energy and an addictive sound that is bound to distinguish them in today’s music scene.
Filled with Bryce Avary’s signature piano hooks and the positive, upbeat lyrics he’s always delivered, The Rocket Summer’s latest release Life Will Write the Words is everything his fans could ask for.
It has been over three years since The All-American Rejects’ less-than-stellar release of When The World Comes Down, and they’ve finally offered fans a sign of redemption. An outstanding blend of traditional Rejects alternative style with a touch of experimental flair, Kids in the Street is bound to be a hit among new and old fans alike.
