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.

House of Heroes – Say No More

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House of Heroes

Artist: House of Heroes
Album: Say No More
Label: Mono Vs. Stereo
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: May 30, 2006

Overall: 7.6
Music: 7.8
Lyrics: 7.5
Production: 8.0

After releasing their self-titled album last year, House of Heroes didn’t quite get the coverage they deserved. Re-releasing that album with a couple of new songs, new artwork, and the name Say No More, the band is back and they want your full attention this time.

With a wide range of influences like The Beach Boys, Weezer, and The Beetles, the band has a sound that’s upbeat, mixes lots of rhythm, and has Weezer style lyrics. The new tracks add an extra boost to this album that was already filled with lots of style. The album is a great relaxing album with it’s melodic laid back tracks like “Suicide Baby.”

For fans of Lovedrug & Copeland

Track Listing
1. Buckets For Bullet Wounds
2. Fast Enough
3. Friday Night
4. The Invisible Hook
5. Mercedes Baby
6. Serial Sleepers
7. Make A Face Like You Mean It (Vampires)
8. Metaphor in Parenthesis
9. You Are The Judas Of The Cheerleading Squad
10. Pulling Back The Skin
11. Suicide Baby
12. Angels in Top Hats

Danko Jones – Sleep Is The Enemy

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Danko Jones

Artist: Danko Jones
Album: Sleep is the Enemy
Label: Razor & Tie
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: May 23, 2006

Overall: 6.8
Music: 6.6
Lyrics: 7.2
Production: 8.0

Danko Jones are on their third release with their new album Sleep is the Enemy. This Canadian trio mixes a bit of yesterdays rock style with a bit of today pop rock style. Their heavy riffs are set in an almost laid back rock style on this album. You’ll find Yourself rocking to tracks like “She’s Drugs” and banging your foot to tracks like “Sleep Is The Enemy.”

Track Listing
1. Sticky Situation
2. Baby Hates Me
3. Don’t Fall In Love
4. She’s Drugs
5. The Finger
6. First Date
7. Invisible
8. Natural Tan
9. When Will I See You
10. Time Heals Nothing
11. Sleep Is the Enemy
12. Choose Me

V/A – Hopelessly Devoted To You Vol. 6

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Hopeless

Artist: Various
Album: Hotel
Label: Hopeless | Sub City
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: June 6, 2006

Overall: 7.0
Music:
Lyrics:
Production:

Hopeless Records continues the release of their Hoplessly Devoted To You series with Vol. 6. This 2 disc + DVD package contains a few new tracks as well as a large mix from both Hopeless and Sub City records. The bonus DVD includes music videos from Amber Pacific, Thrice, Avenged Sevenfold, Nural, and more.

Out of all the summer complications out there right now (Smartpunk, Warped Tour, UnSound) this is the only one to include a DVD and it’s got a cheap price of $6 as well. If you pick all of these comps up you will have enough music to last you almost all summer, they won’t hurt the wallet either.

Track Listing
1. Amber Pacific (Gone So Young)
2. All Time Low (Breakout! Breakout!)
3. Nural (Tension)
4. Royden (Broken Star Satellite)
5. Kaddisfly ( For The Ejection of Rest, They’ll Dance)
6. Ever We Fall (Schoolyard Crush)
7. Thrice (Lullaby) *Previously Unreleased
8. the Human Abstract (Crossing the Rubicon) *Previously Unreleased
9. Against All Authority (Radio Waves)
10. Mustard Plug (Over The Edge) *Previously Unreleased
11. Royden (Hollywood Reckless at the Knights of Columbus) *Previously Unreleased
12. Ever We Fall (Bring Em’ In Billy) (techno remix) *Previously Unreleased
13. Nural (Just Don’t) (acoustic) *Previously Unreleased
14. Amber Pacific (Poetically Pathetic) (acoustic) *Previously Unreleased
15. Guttermouth (Hopeless)
16. 88 Fingers Louie (Blink)
17. Mustard Plug (You)
18. Against All Authority (All Fall Down)
19. Dillinger Four (Doublewhiskeycokenoice)
20. 88 Fingers Louie (100 Proof)
21. The Queers (Tamara is a Punk)
22. Fifteen (Stolen Life)
23. The Weakerthans (Diagnosis)
24. Against All Authority (Pestilent Existence)
25. Dillinger Four (Maximum Piss & Vinegar)
26. The Weakerthans (Aside)
27. Samiam (Mud Hill)
28. Thrice (T & C)
29. Atom and His Package (Undercover, Funny)
30. Scared of Chaka (Why Are You Weird?)
31. Thrice (Deadbolt)
32. Avenged Sevenfold (Darkness Surrounding)
33. Common Rider (Small Pebble)
34. Avenged Sevenfold ( Unholy Confessions)
35. Melee ( The War) new verison
36. Amber Pacific (Always You)
37. Mike Park (Blue Marble)
38. Amber Pacific (Potically Pathetic)
39. Amber Pacific (30 Second Spot)
40. Amber Pacific (Gone So Young)
41. Nural (Tension)
42. Nural (30 Second Spot)
43. Nural (The Cure)
44. Kaddisfly (New Moon Over Swift Water)
45. Who Said All Punk Sounds The Same? (30 Second Spot)
46. Melee (The War)
47. Mustard Plug (You)
48. Mustard Plug (Over The Edge) * Previously Unreleased
49. Mike Park (Asian Prodigy) *Previously Unreleased
50. Thrice (Deadbolt)
51. Thrice (30 Second Spot)
52. Thrice (Betrayal is A Symptom)
53. Avenged Sevenfold (Unholy Confessions)
54. Avenged Sevenfold (30 Second Spot)
55. Avenged Sevenfold (We Come Out At Night) (live)* Previously Unreleased
56. Atom and His Package (Undercover, Funny)
57. Against All Authority (Dinkas When I Close My Eyes)
58. Hopelessly Devoted To You Vol.3 (30 Second Spot)
59. The Weakerthans (Watermark)
60. The Weakerthans (Diagnosis)
61. Scared of Chaka (All My Friends and Ghosts)
62. Digger (Space Cadet)
63. The Queers (Tamara Is A Punk)
64. Nobodys (A Girl Like You)
65. 88 Fingers Louie (I’ve Won)
66. “DVD”

V/A – Sound of Superman

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Sound of Superman

Artist: Various
Album: Sound of Superman
Label: Rhino Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: June 13, 2006

Overall: 5.0
Music:
Lyrics:
Production:

A tribute album that’s not aimed at a band that just broke the mainstream radio? Plus one point.
A novelty album paying homage to one of comics’ greatest icons? Plus one point.
An album full of subpar songs by usually above average bands? Minus two points.
That leaves us with nothing, really.

The concept of this album was simple: A nice little marketing tie-in for the summer’s biggest blockbuster(because it will be) that capitalizes on some of the best talent in the “scene” today. Throw in a couple of unknowns and what could go wrong, right? Unfortunately, plenty could go wrong.

We’re victim to some bland tracks such as an REM cover from theAcademyIs… that leads us to believe William Beckett is bored in the booth. He tries to put the emotion usually found in his vocals into the song, but I’m not buying it. An original from American Hi-Fi(remember them?) tries to act like it wasn’t written to receive radio play. Nightmare of You’s cover of The Flaming Lips’ “Waitin’ For a Superman,” despite the Lips’ greatness, seems like a step behind for the band.

A couple of middle men step in to help the album gain some redeeming qualities. Paramore’s cover of The Foo Fighters’ “My Hero” is a decent track. Paramore in acoustic mode usually tugs at a few heartstrings, but Hayley’s voice is capable of so much more than what’s delivered. Jack Mannequin’s “Meet Me At My Window” suffers from some production flaws, such as the unnecessary vocorder on some of the chorus vocals.

Then we have the better songs of the album. “The Worst Part,” a new original by Motion City Soundtrack, is probably my favorite, as I can see this song being on a new album rather than a Superman tribute. The band’s signature sound is found to be maturing, and Justin’s vocals are gorgeous as usual. Some decent rockers from Plain White T’s and Maxeen try to help save this album as well. The Receiving End of Sirens round off our list with a cover of Stereophonics’ “Superman.” It’s what you’ve come to expect from this band, with the build up to a heavy, destructive climax while retaining a spacey feel throughout.

Also included are some groups I’ve never heard of before, and probably won’t check out again. The Sun, The Films, and Royal really did nothing for me at all. The Sun fails horribly at sounding like a blend of Bloc Party and Death From Above 1979. There are too many bands trying to sound retro right now, and The Films don’t do anything to help make that group any better. I’ve never heard the original “Brainiac’s Daughter” by The Dukes of the Stratosphear, and Royal’s cover doesn’t give me the desire to. There is a track from Sarah Routh, the sister of the new Superman, Brandon Routh. This track is actually good, but the fact her style is that of a contemporary adult female artist will probably turn off the kids that this disc is obviously being aimed at.

More misses than hits, this album isn’t worth it as a whole package, but you can check out previews all over the internet if you hunt hard enough. See what you like, and if you can find those individual tracks on iTunes, pick them up there.

Tracklisting
1. The Academy Isâ┚¬Ã‚¦ â┚¬Ã…”Supermanâ┚¬? (The Clique/R.E.M. cover)
2. Plain White Tâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s â┚¬Ã…”Itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s So Easyâ┚¬? (original)
3. The Sun â┚¬Ã…”(Wish I Could Fly Like) Supermanâ┚¬? (The Kinks cover)
4. Motion City Soundtrack â┚¬Ã…”The Worst Partâ┚¬Ã‚¦Ãƒ¢Ã¢”š¬? (original)
5. The Films â┚¬Ã…”Sunshine Supermanâ┚¬? (Donovan cover)
6. Maxeen â┚¬Ã…”Save Meâ┚¬? (original)
7. Paramore â┚¬Ã…”My Heroâ┚¬? (Foo Fighters cover)
8. American Hi-Fi â┚¬Ã…”The Rescueâ┚¬? (original)
9. The Spill Canvas â┚¬Ã…”Savedâ┚¬? (original)
10. Jackâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s Mannequin â┚¬Ã…”Meet Me At My Windowâ┚¬? (original)
11. Nightmare Of You â┚¬Ã…”Waitinâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ For A Supermanâ┚¬? (The Flaming Lips cover)
12. The Receiving End Of Sirens â┚¬Ã…”Supermanâ┚¬? (Stereophonics cover)
13. Royal â┚¬Ã…”Brainiacâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s Daughterâ┚¬? (Dukes of Stratosphear cover)
14. Sara Routh â┚¬Ã…”Youâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re Never Goneâ┚¬? (original)

Controlling The Famous – Automatic City

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Controlling The Famous

Artist: Controlling The Famous
Album: Automatic City
Label: The Militia Group
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: May 16, 2006

Overall: 8.0
Music: 8.0
Lyrics: 7.9
Production: 8.2

Controlling The Famous are one of The Militia Group’s latest signings. The band comes straight out of California with and EP and now a full-lenght album under their belt. Their sound is very indie and generally laid back but with the snappy bass and higher guitar parts you tend to feel different.

Lyrically the band mixes some interesting lines like “I need a minuet to sleep through my heart attack, when I wake, when I wake, it’ll be right back” on “Heart Attack” the opening track. On tracks like “Highway Parking Lot” I love the overall sound of the song, it’s simple yet all the little elements make it feel like the song has many layers and they are each playing their part to make this catchy unique sound. “Easy Life” and “Two Sides” are my favorite songs on the album. They both deliver a nice beat and lyrics like “I want the easy life, I want to fuck in the sun, there’s a need to be discreet until I know that I’ve won” and “A smile on my face, the car in drive, someone in shotgun by my side.”

I have to say the overall sound of the album doesn’t change much from beginning to end, however its a sound that’s fresh and still very indie at the same time. I suggest you check this one out for some great guitar and bass work mostly but also for its great indie sound.

Track Listing
1. Detox
2. Heart Attack
3. Highway Parking Lot
4. Easy Life
5. If You Die
6. Two Sides
7. Long Day
8. Maybe Weâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re Dead
9. Pyromaniac
10. Devil’s Suitcase

Standout Tracks
“Easy Life”, “Two Sides”, “Highway Parking Lot”

Ligeia – Your Ghost Is A Gift

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Ligeia

Artist: Ligeia
Album: Your Ghost Is A Gift
Label: Ferret Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: March 21, 2006

Overall: 9.4
Music: 9.3
Lyrics: 9.2
Production: 9.8

The pounding sound of drums are introduced to destructive screams and later reunited with synchronized guitars. The music is fast paced, the screams are brutal, the breakdowns are murderous. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Ferret Recordsâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ debut album from Ligeia, â┚¬Ã…”Your Ghost is a Giftâ┚¬?. Emerging from Massachusetts, Ligeia enters the music scene with one of the most honest records of the year. The lyrics are straightforward and brutally harsh, yet appropriate in the society we find ourselves living in. The music is fast paced and heavy at times, and catchy and melodic at others. While listening to this anticipated debut, you are introduced to the singing aspect of this band. The perfect harmony between singing and screaming is enough to satisfy the needs of all music lovers.

Each song on this record has its own message, its own catchy chorus, and its own impressively written heavy breakdowns. The heavy aspect of this record makes you turn to it when you arenâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t up to par with your emotions and you feel a sense of anger building up inside. The catchy, singing part of this record makes you turn to it whenever you want to listen to an impressive debut record from a band that is taking the industry by storm.

One of the greatest aspects of this record is the fact that Ligeia possesses qualities of every genre but still has a distinctive sound to call their own. Listening to this record gives me the desire to jump in my car, drive to the nearest place Ligeia is playing and exposes myself to this intensely driven, emotionally honest band. I suggest you jump in your car (or your bicycle, whatever suits you) and pick up a copy of this record. This record is the equivalent to an energy drink. It will start off slow and when you least expect it, it will kick you in the face and boost your energy to an all time high.

Track Listings:
1. Beyond A Doubt
2. I’m Sorry You’re Ugly
3. Heart Attack
4. Judas Complex
5. The Blackout
6. Household Stereotypes
7. Makin’ Love To A Murderer
8. Swollen Eye View
9. Always, Forever
10. Dead Man’s Bride
11. Wishing Wells

Standout Tracks:
– The entire CD

The Format – Dog Problems

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The Format

Artist: The Format
Album: Dog Problems
Label: Independent / Nettwerk Music
Purchase: Amazon
Release Date: July 11, 2006

Overall: 9.5
Music: 9.5
Lyrics: 9.7
Production: 9.4

It’s hard to believe that this is the same band that two years ago released ‘Interventions and Lullabies.’ The Format, Nate and Sam, their story is like a prime-time soap opera that I won’t dive into, you can read it in their online community The Living Room.

Dog Problems is the product of countless personal problems and problems between The Format and the recording industry. As I wrote in my review of their Pomona, CA show, this album is not due to be released until July. However, due to the record leaking digitally, the band and their management company Nettwerk made the decision to put it online. For $.79 a song or all 12 for $7.99, you can download DRM-free high quality mp3 versions of the album.

My first impression when I downloaded it was that I cannot wait to see the artwork, because this is not just another recording of songs, this is art. The vocals, remeniscent of Queen, fill any place that you may have once not found sound. The music explores lands reached by bands like The Flaming Lips and The Appleseed Cast, while continuing to include their signature pop hooks and melodies.

Vocally, Nate has reached a new level with his performance on this album. Layer upon layer of background vocals are produced eloquently to complement the sometimes poignant lyrics. Choruses that hang on the mind indefinitely are no longer just ‘clap your hands’ rally cries. The Format have sent a message to the industry with this record, while also capturing the energy of the band’s dynamic live show. Every single song contributes a different aspect to this epic album; There is no doubt in my mind that Atlantic Records will seriously regret the loss of this group of ridiculously talented musicians.

Tracklisting
1. Matches
2. I’m Actual
3. Time Bomb
4. She Doesn’t Get It
5. Pick Me Up
6. Dog Problems
7. Oceans
8. Dead End
9. Snails
10. The Compromise
11. Inches And Failing
12. If Work Permits

Matt Wertz – Today & Tomorrow

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Matt Wertz

Artist: Matt Wertz
Album: Today & Tomorrow EP
Label: None
Purchase: Aware Store
Release Date: 2005

Overall: 9.6
Music: 9.5
Lyrics: 9.7
Production: 9.6

Matt Wertz is very much a native of the solo-songwriter scene. Touring the nation countless times with friend and producer Dave Barnes, recording two previous full-lengths, and about working on his third record, Matt took five songs written over the last five years and recorded them, in one day. The recording process was lightly explained in the liner notes of the record. Very relaxed and sometimes multiple musicians ‘crowded around one mic’, a very back-to-the-basics approach was taken. I read these notes before listening to the record, and expected a something less in quality than his last two CDs. Fortunately, I was completely off with my predisposition.

The Today & Tomorrow EP quickly became a staple in my car stereo. The five songs were not b-sides, or recorded like they were. The first track Like The Last Time is available on Matt’s myspace page, and begins with Matt’s spoken introduction, ‘we’re rolling this…(beatbox)’. Matt explores the acoustic rap-singing world that Jason Mraz has brought to mainstream. While I don’t like to compare artists so directly, Jason and Matt would make a very well-paired tour. Both artists have the voice to battle the pop icons and the guitar skills equal to their voices. This EP highlights Matt Wertz’s vocal talents. His balance between the powerful side and soft side is perfect.

Most bands that put out an EP in between records to ‘tie fans over’ do it hastily or without much effort. While Matt did this in a short amount of time, the songs have been in the works for years and the musical collaborations were delightfully arranged. Available for $4.99 on iTunes, and also on his site, don’t overlook this release. This CD is for anyone who likes singer-songwriters and acoustic guitars.

Track Listing
1. Like The Last Time
2. Wanderin Eyes
3. Red Meets Blue
4. Honest Man
5. I’m Sorry Mary

Quietdrive – When All That’s Left Is You

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Quietdrive

Artist: Quietdrive
Album: When All That’s Left Is You
Label: Epic Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: May 30, 2006

Overall: 9.2
Music: 9.5
Lyrics: 8.5
Production: 9.5

Every now and then a CD will come along that turns in to the soundtrack to a significant part of your life. To the summer of 2006, you have found your soundtrack. Quietdrive is a band I was first turned on to by catching my friends Daphne Loves Derby in concert. As the opening band, their catchy pop-driven melodic rock caught my attention with the first song, and held it now a month after the last song. My mailbox greeted me on the first day of my summer with the debut full length, When All Thatâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s Left Is You.

I purchased their iTunes EP From The Ceiling after the concert and it contains the lead track from the new full length, Rise From The Ashes. This song is a perfect entrance to one of the best-produced records of the year. Straightforward chord progressions are layered with the guitars of Brandon Lanier & Matt Kirby. and the violin of lead singer Kevin Truckenmiller. I know what youâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re thinking, violin? Is this a wanna-be Yellowcard? Not even close, while Yellowcard uses the violin as the defining part of the sound, Quietdrive uses it hone their sound even further ahead of the tasteful pop symphony found on When All Thatâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s Left Is You.

This album is drowning in potential singles, Get Up, Let Me Go In, Take A Drink With Me, where the list stops the album ends. Some of the vocal melodies I have heard before, but not delivered with the clarity and emotion of this band. These songs are perfect to roll the windows down and blast on a summer drive. In a time period where modern radio is being infected with Fall Out Boy replicas, Quitedrive has a refreshing pop sound that will please fans from groups the Backstreet Boys to Cartel to Anberlin. While that mix of bands is quite variable, there is no doubt in my mind that any pop-rock fan will find a new guilty pleasure in this band.

Track Listing
1. Rise From the Ashes
2. Get Up
3. Take A Drink
4. Let Me Go In
5. Rush Together
6. Maybe Misery
7. I Lie Awake
8. The Season
9. Time After Time
10. Both Ways

Stars – Set Yourself On Fire

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Stars

Artist: Stars
Album: Set Yourself On Fire
Label: Arts & Crafts (CA)
Purchase: Amazon
Release Date: March 8, 2005

Overall: 9.7
Music: 9.8
Lyrics: 9.4
Production: 9.8

Starsâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ breakout 2005 album, Set Yourself on Fire, starts and ends brilliantly â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ and itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s pretty damn good the whole way through, too. These Canadians have almost conquered the land of perfect instrumentation. This album is where synth drums, keys, brass, strings, and your standard rock outfit instruments meet with alternating lead vocals and beautiful harmonies between two captivating voices, one male and one female. The pop act has received some notice in the past two years after opening for Death Cab for Cutie in the fall of 2005 and getting some airplay on The OC. And yet, it seems that they are still under the radar. Maybe hailing from Montreal keeps them distant from American pop culture, but the bandâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s recipe for pop is exciting and encouraging. Stars proves that pop doesnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t end at the tooled up synth beats (and vocals) of â┚¬Ã…”Toxic,â┚¬? nor at the power-chord reliance of pop rock (read emo and pop punk that has found, in recent years, its way to top of TRL).

Now, let me get off my high horse momentarily. Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ve realized that my undying love for the opener, â┚¬Ã…”Your Ex-Lover Is Dead,â┚¬? â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ and perhaps this particular love results from a sleeping, but undying love for a certain someone â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ often makes me forget how much I love the rest of the album. As I must listen to the whole album from start to finish for this review, I am reminded of Starsâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ ability to capture and then unleash audible beauty. This beauty ranges from the pop hooks of â┚¬Ã…”Ageless Beautyâ┚¬? to the dance-inducing beat of â┚¬Ã…”What Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢m Trying to Sayâ┚¬? to build-ups and dark imagery of â┚¬Ã…”One More Night.â┚¬? I could give you a few words on each of the others songs, but my little descriptions donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t do justice to the songs. If youâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ve ever liked a pop song, buy this album.

Track Listing
1. Your Ex-Lover Is Dead
2. Set Yourself On Fire
3. Ageless Beauty
4. Reunion
5. The Big Fight
6. What I’m Trying To say
7. One More Night
8. Sleep Tonight
9. The First Five Times
10. He Lied About Death
11. Celebration Guns
12. Soft Revolution
13. Calendar Girl

Standout Tracks
“Your Ex-Lover Is Dead”, “Calendar Girl”, “Ageless Beauty”, “Soft Revolution”