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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
