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.
[imgfull] [/imgfull] The world didn’t end and that means we’ve gotta celebrate with a new episode of First Person. Josh talks 2013 resolutions and plays tracks from Japandroids, Cat Power, and Tanlines.
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.
[imgfull] [/imgfull] Fresh off the plane from Miami, Josh is ready to get the last episode of 2012 rolling. He’ll be playing all the best tracks from the past year which means we’ll be rocking this list well into the new year.
[imgfull] [/imgfull] Have a holly jolly Chris—jk, classic holiday tunes are old news. Josh offers some festive alternatives on the new episode of First Person from acts like Fitz and the Tantrums and The Futureheads.
Candy Hearts are a female-fronted pop rock band hailing from the northeastern US with an upbeat style that’s certainly an attention-grabber. Despite its slow start, The Best Ways To Disappear makes for a solid third release by a band that’s sure to make a lasting impression on listeners.
For most artists, it may be challenging to recreate their favorite songs, but Young Statues have released a solid cover record that reflects their own originality and maintains the integrity of the artists that inspire them the most.
