Driven Far Off

The latest on the indie, alternative, and rock music scene including news, music, contest, interviews, and more. Best described as your favorite place to find new bands.

Desoto Jones – Aurora

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Aurora

Artist: Desoto Jones
Album: Aurora
Label: Deep Elm
Purchase: Inter Punk
Release Date: November 27th, ’07

Overall: 8.0
Music: 8.5
Lyrics: 7.5
Production: 8.0

If there is such a thing as an independent “modern rock” record, then this is it! Desoto Jones brings forth solid musicianship, heartfelt lyrics, and a true passion for music that shines through on their sophomore effort, Aurora. Without hesitation the record kicks into high gear, its flow is seamless and the guitar-work is something to be celebrated. Aurora simply does not let up, from its blazing opener to the subtle acoustic-laced ballad “Nonfiction” on through the fitting closer, “Waiting.” I can see this album spanning a vast array of fans, as there really is something for everyone. I couldn’t let this release fly below the radar, and neither should you. Deep Elm Records has begun limiting their releases to 1,000 copies, so be sure to pick up Aurora!

Standout Track
Don’t Fail Me

Track Listing
1. Speed Bump
2. Don’t Fail Me
3. Giant Magnets
4. Cap Gun
5. Nonfiction
6. Out of the Blue
7. Sweet Sun
8. Working Class Daydream
9. Courtesy Call
10. Waiting

Attica! Attica! – Dead Skin / Dried Blood

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Dead Skin Dried Blood

Artist: Attica! Attica!
Album: Dead Skin / Dried Blood
Label: Red Leader
Purchase: Interpunk
Release Date: September 11, ’07

Overall: 8.0
Music: 8.5
Lyrics: 8.0
Production: 7.0

Attica! Attica! is the true blue, lo-fi, no frills indie rock masterwork of one Aaron Scott. On this, his debut solo effort, Scott showcases his sharp tongue and even sharper musicianship. Dead Skin / Dried Blood is simply a dozen well crafted gems; they are subtle yet at the same time intense. This multi-instrumentalist draws from a vast array of influences most predominantly, folk rock. With fingers on the strings and the pen to paper, it’s clear that Scott intended this record to be a journey for the listener. Reflective of his own travels, the album contains views on today’s society as well as political overtones. However, as his rye lyrics seep in, his messages don’t come off as overtly “preachy.”

It is truly rare breed of artist who can thoroughly captivate with only an acoustic guitar; Aaron Scott is an honest musician in every sense of the term.

Standout Track
Frostbite

Track Listing
1. Motion Sickness
2. The Play’s the Thing
3. Frostbite
4. Tires and Mint
5. Way Down in Gitmo
6. Intermission
7. A Dirge for the Underground
8. The Kid’s War
9. The Party Party
10. Blackout
11. We’ll Always Be Home
12. Flamethrower

The High Court – Puppet Strings

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Puppet Strings

Artist: The High Court
Album: Puppet Strings
Label: I Surrender
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: July 24th, 2007

Overall: 8.5
Music: 8.5
Lyrics: 8.0
Production: 8.0

The High Court truly delivers their own brand of crunchy, risqué rock ‘n’ roll. On this their debut effort is nothing short of a roller-coaster ride, filled with torrid tales, spine tingling melodies, and plenty of shredding guitars. From the self-titled opener to “Down in Flames” its heavy finally, this record doesn’t quit. “2 Much Love for 1 Woman” is as catchy as it is topically edgy. Where “In Bambi’s Eyes” could make any old school Fall Out Boy fan begin to swoon. Puppet Strings is definitely a unique album, genre-jumping from hard to classic rock fused with pop punk overtones. Plain and simple this is a pure “rock out” record, one that I highly recommend!

Standout Track
Alien

Track Listing
1. Puppet Strings
2. 2 Much Love for 1 Woman
3. Refresher Course
4. Whisper to the Clouds
5. In Bambi’s Eyes
6. Heaven on the Horizon
7. Alien
8. Payback
9. She’ll Never Know
10. After the Climax
11. Like a Ghost
12. Down in Flames

Angels & Airwaves – I-Empire

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Angels & Airwaves

Artist: Angels & Airwaves
Album: I-Empire
Label: Geffen Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: November 6, 2007

Overall: 7.5
Music: 8.5
Lyrics: 6
Production: 8

In 2005, when Blink-182 went on an indefinite hiatus and Angels & Airwaves was introduced, Tom DeLonge began advocating his new band by surrounding it with unprecedented hype. Everyone sat around and waited for what he alleged to be the “greatest rock band ever”. Needless to say, the debut was substandard and it did not live up to its claims. Similar to this 2006 effort We Don’t Need To Whisper, the sophomore release I-Empire uses prodigious and enchanting sounds, layered with an inclusive conceptual message. While the debut Whisper focused more on leaving one’s realm to find another, I-Empire concentrates on finding one’s self in its own royal domain. Although I-Empire does not completely miss the mark, its swagger consists of top heavy glimmering synth and an overabundance of DeLonge’s melancholy vocals.

I-Empire commences with an illuminating ditty called “Call To Arms”. Its industrial sounds and chiming chorus effectively sets the tone of the the album. “Everything’s Magic,” the first single, is undoubtedly the paramount song off the record. It contains ingrediants that suggest something special although, like each song on the album, it never fully peaks. However, slower numbers like “Breathe” and “Secret Crowds” deliver more characterization to DeLonge’s ‘person finding self’ concept, rather than most of his upbeat catalog. Other standout tracks include: “True Love” and “Heaven”.

I-Empire’s composition is sharp and its tone is invocative, but it never completely flourishes into its own. Although Angels & Airwaves don’t fail to impress, they fall short of further progressing. If you found anything on Whisper to be alluring, I would say that it’s worth a listen, but I am definitely selling this one.

Tracklisting
1. Call To Arms
2. Everything’s Magic
3. Breathe
4. Love Like Rockets
5. Sirens
6. Secret Crowds
7. Star of Bethlehem
8. True Love
9. Lifeline
10. Jumping Rooftops
11. Rite of Spring
12. Heaven

Reel Big Fish – Monkeys for Nothin’ and the Chimps for Free

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Reel Big Fish

Artist: Reel Big Fish
Album: Monkeys for Nothin’ and the Chimps for Free
Label: Rock Ridge Music
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: July 10, 2007

Overall: 7.5
Music: 8.0
Lyrics: 7.0
Production: 7.5

Reel Big Fish delivered their first studio full-length since leaving Mojo/Jive Records in July. They’ve still got their spunky pop-rock ska style, but the boys, having shed the chains of a major label, have opted for some angrier and edgier lyrics, such as in their “Another F.U. Song.” The anger is perhaps most directed at their old label: “So try to hold me if you want, try to control me if you want, but you won’t keep down, I’m not your clown, I’ve got to find my own way now” sings Aaron in “Live Your Dream” which is coupled with less-rock-infused a ska riff in the instrumental sections of the song. This more traditional ska style, also found in songs like “Slow Down” and “Will the Revolution Come,” is rumored to have been discouraged by Jive in order to increase the likelihood of mainstream radio play of RBF’s earlier albums.

Obviously if you’re a big Reel Big Fish fan, you’ll already have this album in your collection. If you’re not familiar with the band, I’d still recommend Cheer Up! over this album because popping it into your CD player is like popping open a bottle of fun. Monkeys for Nothin’ and the Chimps for Free, on the other hand, is a more eclectic mix of styles given their new freedom to explore different sounds. So if variety is your gig, have a listen and enjoy punkier songs like “Why Do All Girls Think They’re Fat?” to poppier songs like “Til I Hit the Ground” along with the more traditional ska beats mentioned above. In the end, though, the best thing about RBF (and generally ska in general) is how playful it can be: “Everybody’s Drunk” and “Please Don’t Tell Her I Have a Girlfriend” display this trait beautifully with their to-the-point, hilarious lyrics.

Track Listing (a lot for your money/monkey!):
1. Party Down
2. Another F.U. Song
3. Live Your Dream
4. My Imaginary Friend
5. Slow Down
6. The New Version Of You
7. Will The Revolution Come
8. Another Day In Paradise
9. Everybody’s Drunk
10. Please Don”t Tell Her I Have A Girlfriend
11. Way Back
12. Hate You
13. Call You
14. Why Do All Girls Think They’re Fat
15. I’m Her Man
16. Til I Hit The Ground
17. Cannibal

All Time Low – So Wrong, It’s Right

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All Time Low

Artist: All Time Low
Album: So Wrong, It’s Right
Label: Hopeless Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: September 25, 2007

Overall: 7.5
Music: 7.0
Lyrics: 7.5
Production: 8.5

Over the past few years, a handful of justifiable pop/rock bands have emerged from the scene with smoothed out melodies and rehashed musical crescendos. Although the Maryland quartet All Time Low may fall under this class, they simply do it better. So Wrong, It’s Right, the group’s highly-anticipated follow up to their Put Up Or Shup Up EP, is a collection of twelve infectious, foot-tapping anthems. Regardless of the fact that no one will confuse this album as something innovative, All Time Low does cash in on a scene that has continued to modernize pop music.

The album begins with a fast paced track entitled “This Is How We Do” which easily sets the pace for their Hopeless Records debut. “Let It Roll”, a potential future single, follows with contagious melodies and amounts to a luster of teen attitude, which also plays favorite to the group’s single “Six Feet Under The Stars”. “Six Feet” can be acclaimed as one of the strongest put-together songs on the album; the lyrics are well written and the chorus is strongly versed by frontman Alex Gaskarth. Other standout tracks on the album include: “Holly (Would You Turn Me On?)”, “Dear Maria, Count Me In”, and “Stay Awake (Dreams Only Last For A Night)”.

All in all, So Wrong, It’s Right is a vigorous batch of pop/rock songs produced by the household name Matt Squire (also accredited, Paul Leavitt). I’m sure that this album will denote some criticism for its generic sound, and it does lose some value because of this, but this is the album All Time Low was content in making. I think it’s safe to say, however, that these lovable goofballs have a bright future ahead of themselves, and I’m buying in.

Track Listing:
1. This Is How We Do
2. Let It Roll
3. Six Feet Under The Stars
4. Holly (Would You Turn Me On?)
5. The Beach
6. Dear Maria, Count Me In
7. Shameless
8. Remembering Sunday
9. Vegas
10. Stay Awake (Dreams Only Last For A Night)
11. Come One, Come All
12. Poppin’ Champagne

John Ralston – Sorry Vampire

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Sorry Vampire

Artist: John Ralston
Album: Sorry Vampire
Label: Vagrant
Purchase: Interpunk
Release Date: October 2nd, 2007

Overall: 8.0
Music: 8.0
Lyrics: 9.0
Production: 8.0

Upon first hearing Ralston’s debut entitled, Needle Bed, I found the record to be impactuful yet rather sparse and almost hollow at times. His follow up, Sorry Vampire sits on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. This intensely layered and meticulously crafted record is truly something to behold. The somber, swaying, gloomy melodies lend the perfect audio-backdrop for the commonly gray fall weather. Each track is its own intricate and developed work of art. I find it hard to imagine how Ralston will follow this up or how these songs will be preformed live. I look forward to finding out those answers in the not too distant future. This is truly a record that requires a good pair of headphones and an open mind.

Recommend if you like: Wilco, Dashboard Confessional, Kevin Devine, The New Amsterdams

Track Listing
1. Fragile
2. The Only Evidence
3. When I Was a Bandage
4. I Guess I Wasted My Summer Now 5
5. Lessons I & II
6. A Small Clearing
7. Ghetto Tested
8. Beautiful Disarmed
9. No One Loves You Like I Do
10. Second Hand Lovers
11. Haven’t Missed You All My Life
12. Where You Used to Sleep

Jimmy Eat World – Chase This Light

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Jimmy Eat World

Artist: Jimmy Eat World
Album: Chase This Light
Label: Interscope
Purchase: Interpunk
Release Date: October 16, 2007

Overall: 9.0
Music: 9.0
Lyrics: 9.5
Production: 9.0

Anyone who knows the history of Jimmy Eat World knows that the band has had their up and down moments with record labels, writers block, and many other things. The bands popularity can be traced all the way back to their first album, but the band is mostly known for their fan favorite Clarity and chart topper Bleed America. With each new album over the years, Jimmy Eat World has fine tuned and perfected their sound creating a new feeling with each one of their releases. Bleed America was filled with emotional and catchy radio ready tunes, while Futures came after a run in with writers block and a fallout with their long time producer Mark Trombino. This lead to a darker time for Jimmy Eat World as they weren’t promoted by their label and failed to sell the numbers like they did with Bleed America. After Futures came a short EP titled Stay On My Side Tonight where the band continued their darker and emotionally deep side. With the band well refreshed after taking some time off and recording their sixth album in their own studio, they are back with a solid new album, Chase This Light.

The album opens with the bands first single “Big Casino,” you can hear the good spirit in this radio friendly rock track. The bands sound hasn’t changed much since Futures but you can hear happiness pour out of the guitars strum after strum. For the most part the band keeps things faster on this album with great tracks like “Let It Happen” and “Always Be” which could both follow as singles after “Big Casino.” “Carry You” sounds like a classic Jimmy song with emotional lyrics and a nice acoustic guitar mix. I found myself enjoying all of the tracks even after their first listen, something I could say I felt when first hearing Futures. “Electable (Give It Up)” is a fast fun track that can be compared to some of the bands older material like “Sweetness.” Coming in half way through the album is “Gotta Be Somebody’s Blues,” a slower track featuring strings and a soft drum beat. Its nothing stellar like “Here You Me” but that song was an instant classic for me. “Feeling Lucky” brings things back up to speed with its fast yet simple sound and lyrics about cutting a relationship short for its lack of any direction. “Here It Goes” has become one of my favorites on the album. The songs classic Jimmy guitar licks and catchy lyrics make it hit the ears with that passion that can only come from a longtime favorite like Jimmy Eat World. Wrapping up the album is “Dizzy” which emotionally and lyrically is one of the bands best writings yet to date.

My question about Jimmy Eat World over the years has remained at “How can one band pack so much emotion and feelings into each song and album after album?” This also leads me to the feeling that each album the band has released feels short, when something as good as a Jimmy Eat World album is released one can not help but want more. Chase This Light is a great addition to the bands catalog, adding more great tracks to rock out to and even more great tracks to sing and pour your emotions into.

Standout Tracks: “Big Casino”, “Let It Happen”, “Here It Goes”, “Dizzy”

Track Listing
1. Big Casino
2. Let It Happen
3. Always Be
4. Carry You
5. Electable (Give It Up)
6. Gotta Be Somebody’s Blues
7. Feeling Lucky
8. Here It Goes
9. Chase This Light
10. Firelight
11. Dizzy

Just Surrender – We’re in Like Sin

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We're in Like Sin

Artist: Just Surrender
Album: We’re in Like Sin
Label: Broken English
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: August 21st, 2007

Overall: 6.0
Music: 6.5
Lyrics: 6.0
Production: 7.5

Ultimately sophomore releases have been known for falling short and not living up to the expectations created by the debut effort. As much as I hate to say it, this album is no different. We’re in Like Sin showcases a band trying to find themselves and come into their own sound. Stylistically the record encompasses a variety of genres, from gritty rock to polished pop. Despite the diversity, the album fails to standout from the pack or make much of a sonic splash. I’m not sure if the New York quartet spread themselves too thin or possibly rushed the writing process, I just can’t help but feel that they somehow missed the mark. However there are some highlights such as the single “Your Life and Mine” and the closer, “I’ll Be Here” shows much promise. Just Surrender is still one of the brighter spots in the current scene, and will no doubt continue to thrive.

Recommend if you like: Boys Night Out, The Classic Crime, pop-punk with an edge.

Track Listing
1. Body Language and Bad Habits
2. So Close/So Alive
3. If I Wanted to Cuddle I’d Buy a Teddy Bear
4. I Said It Before
5. Your Life and Mine
6. New Declaration
7. Payback
8. You’d Be In Great Shape If You Ran Like Your Mouth
9. We’re in Like Sin
10. Something That I’m Not
11. I’ll Be Here

The Fold – Secrets Keep You Sick

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Secrets Keep You Sick

Artist: The Fold
Album: Secrets Keep You Sick
Label: Tooth & Nail
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: May 22, 2007

Overall: 6.5
Music: 7.0
Lyrics: 8.0
Production: 7.5

“Let’s get to the point, let’s get to this condition…” is the chant that sharply echoes over power chords as the record begins and from this point on there is no looking back. Secrets Keep You Sick essentially serves as a sonic journal for frontman, Daniel Castady to chronicle the last few years of his life. The melodies and power behind each song simply grab a hold of you, and can only be described as compelling. The record as a whole is very emotionally charged, however not in a miserable-heartrending way.

The first half of the album is upbeat and more immediate, where the second half seems to gradually drag and become less memorable. Nevertheless, Secrets encompasses a certain brand of stirring alt-rock; that deserves to be pushed to the forefront. The Fold is vastly underrated, and it’s a shame that they remain relatively unknown. Thus, it’s no secret that this band deserves some much needed recognition; everyone should give this band and album a chance.

Recommend if you like: Heartfelt and uplifting rock music.

Track Listing
1. Medicine
2. Younger Than Our Years
3. Your Secrets Keep You Sick
4. New Skeptic
5. Faster Still
6. Closer
7. Down in Doubt and Living Without
8. Hey Rebekah
9. Catastrophe!
10. Beside You Now
11. Revisited