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.

Dreams of University – Morning Rearrangement

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Artist: Dreams of University
Album: Morning Rearrangement
Label: Unsigned
Purchase: CD Baby
Release Date: April 7th, 2009

Overall: 8.0
Music: 7
Lyrics: 6.5
Production: 8.5

Morning Rearrangement is fun. I was hesitant at first, as Dreams of University’s sound greatly resembles that of Fall Out Boy, but after listening to the choruses of “6:45” and “Drop Down”, I was excitedly refreshed. Each upbeat song seems to have a surprise hook within its first minute in the form of pace changes and lyrical alterations. 

While it will undoubtedly evoke some dance moves from you, the EP will not tap on your heartstrings nor inspire you with deep, metaphorical lyrics. Vocals alone, Zimmerman (lead vocalist) lacks the range that would have surely boosted the EP an extra level, and he often rushes through a set, seeming to speak whimsically rather than truly sing. The lyrics alone are shallow and also hold little power, but they are thankfully void of the annoying repetition that many new bands implement in their lyrics. However, whatever Morning Rearrangement may lack, it makes up for it with its instrumentals, and there is no denying that this combined arrangement works incredibly well to produce an overall solid beginning for the upcoming band.

With its completely catchy chorus and guitar riffs, “Lily Love” stands out as my favorite track, urging you to dance around the room singing along with friends. “Drop Down” begins with a softer side of Zimmerman’s vocals that is greatly lacked yet desired on the EP, and momentarily offers a needed reprieve. Once again, the chorus will draw you in and keep you listening to the rest of the EP. The final track, “This Quiet Boy”, offers smooth guitar backings near the end of the song that really adds a final punch on the EP’s end.

Morning Rearrangement has the rare ability that enables listeners to find in it at least one favorable quality, regardless of the vast music paths they may follow. However, one may wonder if this easy likeability factor is attributed to the album’s often generic sound. Regardless, Morning Rearrangement makes for a fantastic summer soundtrack, and don’t be surprised when you are humming a chorus to yourself later.

Track Listing
1. 6:45
2. Drop Down
3. Lily Love
4. Yellow Sunglasses
5. This Quiet Boy

Mandy K – Mandy K

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Artist: Mandy K
Album: Mandy K 
Label: Unsigned
Purchase: Mandy K Webstore
Release Date: April 14th, 2009

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

“I’ve got my mind set/and i’ve been preparing” are the first lines to ring out on Mandy K’s latest self-titled EP, and no lines are more appropriate for the rest of the EP to be influenced by. With an album already under their belt, Mandy K have a lot to work with already in the way of re-working old songs, as well as introducing new ones for fans of the band. Their self-titled EP is a good mix of both that will introduce new fans to Mandy K and have them hooked at first listen.

The opening track “Plans” is bursting at the seams with hope and promise for the rest of the EP, as hints of bands like Motion City Soundtrack are ever present in the form of synths (most notably in the intro). Coupled with hook-filled lyrics and an enjoyable melody, “Plans” is a great start to this EP.

A common trend amongst most EP’s being released is the token “acoustic song” that showcases the heartwarming sentiments of said band, and how well they can wield an acoustic guitar. Mandy K does not escape this generalization with the song “Sunflower”. While on their previous album, they re-created it with higher production value for this EP, and the result is nothing short of charming and heart-warming (The chorus of “I Love You’s” helps a great deal). This song proves to be a step above most other acoustic songs as it retains a youthful and summery vibe that makes it an enjoyable listen (the full band ending helps boost the energy and sing-a-long quality of the song).

The rest of the EP showcases Mandy K’s ability to create all different kinds of definitions for the word “catchy”. The piano intro to “Come Back To Bed” adds a classic feel to it that is necessary to allow the track to stand on its own. “Are You From Tennessee? Cause You’re the Only Ten I See” shows the bands ability to let loose a little more and “rock out”. Another dimension to the EP is the “singer-scorned” effect of “Save Your Excuses”, which shows their ability to take their lyricism a bit more cynically to get back at someone, while still making it as catchy as possible.

Mandy K are obviously a band that have accomplished a fair amount in their time together, and as this EP as evidence shall remain on people’s radars as a band about ready to break through to people in a big way.

The Silent Years – Let Go

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Artist: The Silent Years
Album: Let Go
Label: SideCho Records
Purchase: iTunes, Amazon, Amie Street  
Release Date: July 14th, 2009

Overall: 8.5
Music: 9.o
Lyrics: 8.0
Production: 8.0

Sometimes when we listen to music we learn to let go, let go of our previous conceptions of what we like and what we choose to listen to on a daily basis. In doing this can we evolve our musical standards and learn to listen to things all across the board. This leads us to The Silent Year’s newest EP, Let Go.

“Taking Drugs at the Amusement Park” is the first track to lead off Let Go, with a fuzzy bass intro and pounding drums this song might mean pure ecstasy for any indie lover, but as the song progresses it is learned that they are just as much about pop as they are indie (especially taking into consideration the “da-da-da”-like breakdown).

This brings us to the aforementioned point, that sometimes we need to let go of what we think a band should sound like. Sometimes it is hard to border indie and pop at the same time, because it is such a niche (indie) compared with the ability to access any kind of listener (pop). This is something that The Silent Years have done very well for themselves. Songs such as “Vampires Bite The Hands That Feed Them” is pure indie gold (horns and all), while “Madame Shocking” is a song that shows single potential with a rising string intro evolving into a fun drum beat with charming effects throughout.

Let Go is a wonderful taste of what the band is all about, that they can be just as good at being fun and catchy, while being instrumentally sound and ambient as your favorite indie band. In the end it is hard to resist the catchiness of songs like “TV>BJ”, or the six minute long finale “Claw Marks” with it’s spastic movement between sounds leaves the listener spellbound and wanting more after the last note fades away with the white noise.

A very tastefully constructed EP have made The Silent Years a band to keep paying attention to in the future as they polish their ability to create tunes that will not only appeal to everyone around them, but also allow them to retain artistic credibility in the most critical of circles. Above all else Let Go features fun, vibrant, sing-along songs that will have the entire audience singing along.

The Secret Handshake – My Name Up In Lights

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Artist: The Secret Handshake
Album: My Name Up In Lights
Label: Triple Crown Records
Purchase: Triple Crown Merch Store
Release Date: April 21tst, 2009

Overall: 9.0
Music: 9.o
Lyrics: 8.0
Production: 8.5

Luis Dubuc’s The Secret Handshake have been hard at work since the release of his debut, One Full Year. Amidst a whole lot of touring and gaining new fans each and every day, The Secret Handshake have made themselves known as a band with a lot of credit for being high energy on the road, but with only one full album under your belt you can only do so much. Now with a fresh sophomore album, My Name Up In Lights is an album set to take The Secret Handshake to higher levels then ever before.

The opening track “All For You” sets up the album at a fun, fast paced adventure into figuring out what you can accomplish with the rest of your life. the guitar splashes in the opening track really help to show what Luis has learned since he started out, adding more musical diversity and rock-appeal to songs.

While guitars can be fun, it’s hard to fight the catchiness of a well placed piano hook in songs like “Nothing To Change That” and “Saturday”. Which are both fun songs with piano parts that will have you youtube-ing all night finding out how to play them.

While Luis still remains within the whole hipster/scene vibe of his tunes, he is also able to switch up styles and still remain relevant to the rest of his album. Tracks like “Hey Girl” and “Make Up Your Mind” which rock with a certain swagger compliments of unique drum and bass parts that give the tracks a certain poise about them that make them unique from their contemporaries.

It’s all to apparent that The Secret Handshake has achieved a certain maturity through My Name Up In Lights. While some songs remember what has happened before (see: “TGIF”) and what could be (see: “Last Song”), there has obviously been some growing up in between One Full Year and this new release. There’s nothing better then seeing an artist you’ve enjoyed since the beginning mature as a musician and find their own place in the scene, it’s hard to deny that My Name Up In Lights has separated The Secret Handshake from a lot of other bands who have electronic beats and instruments, because experience breeds talent, and it’s something this album proves to be true.

Holiday Parade – Tickets & Passports

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Artist: Holiday Parade
Album: Tickets & Passports
Label: Unsigned
Purchase: Holiday Parade Webstore
Release Date: April 7th, 2009

Overall: 9.0
Music: 8.5
Lyrics: 9.0
Production: 9.0

Listening back, it’s all to apparent hearing an album from a band that has achieved great heights that they have been bred for success. Whether it be Fall Out Boy’s Take This To Your Grave or Plain White T’s All That We Needed, it’s understandable how bands like these have become so popular; clever songwriting, catchy instrumentation brought them to these heights of musical superstardom. Now as we listen to music in the scene now it’s hard to hear albums that feel classic like the aforementioned, but the latest release from Holiday Parade has made that a little bit less of a sparkle in music’s eyes with their latest release, Tickets & Passports.

The album starts right off with three very strong tracks. The sentimental piano and lyrics of “Getaway” starts the album off just right with light guitars and a steady pace which sets the tone for the rest of the release. The next track is pure pop-punk gold with the song “Turn It Up” which cast reflections of summer and fun will make this fast-paced track the soundtrack to your upcoming summer. Finishing off this trio is “Where Did I Go” which is a very ska influenced track with a fun acoustic guitar beginning and light lyrics.

Something intriguing about Holiday Parade is their focus on piano, while a lot of “piano-rock” bands would be billed as emotional and incredibly solemn at times (ex. Augustana, Something Corporate). Holiday Parade take a very light tone with their use of the piano, having a lot of fun with it. Songs like “Time For Me” and “Forever” have a fun pace and make for a head-bobbing, toe-tapping journey through charm.

Just as the first three tracks of Tickets & Passports were strong indeed, the concluding three are just as strong (if not more). “Look Out Below (This Love)” is a song tailor-made for radio and girl’s hearts everywhere (the use of whistling and acoustic guitar definitely help). The next track “Southern Skies” definitely allows a more somber side of Holiday Parade to show (something lesser found in the beginning of the release), with its rising chorus and reliant lyrics make this song the soundtrack to many a relationship. Finally the title track “Tickets & Passports” is an appropriate piano ballad send-off to the album, casting the swirling piano with strings and a rousing chorus of “Na Na Na’s” makes this song memorable and heartfelt.

Holiday Parade are a band that have a lot to offer, and this album is a great example of how music should be made nowadays, something more on the pop side of life that still holds together its artistic integrity. Not only should they gain a lot of fans through this album, they are all deserved as evidence by this album.

This Providence – Who Are You Now?

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Artist: This Providence
Album: Who Are You Now?
Label: Fueled By Ramen
Purchase: Fueled By Ramen Webstore
Release Date: March 17, 2009

Overall: 9.0
Music: 9.0
Lyrics: 8.5
Production: 9.0

Listening to This Providences debut and sophomore efforts (Our Worlds Divorce and their self-titled respectively) it’s hard to believe that they have not risen to the levels of stardom that their unique brand of pop and cocksure attitude would imply them to be at. Now as they prepare to release their third album, Who Are You Now? They are posed to finally break out of that “next big thing” category and propel themselves to the forefront of the music scene.

With the album opener “Sure As Hell” it’s already apparent that This Providence aren’t your average pop band, they have created a formula that allows them to try different things and still come off incredibly charming. “Sure As Hell” for instance begins with a drifting guitar over singer Dan Young’s solemn lyrics; not the most upbeat of beginnings but a great start none the less, showing off their artistic integrity before all else.

It’s obvious in this release that This Providence are trying their best to appeal to the widest audience possible (if it wasn’t apparent from their employment of hook maverick Matt Squire), there are many hits on Who Are You Now? From the first rocking single “Letdown” that uses clever lyrics and catchy guitars to drive it into an obvious single territory. Also songs like “That Girl’s A Trick” and “Selfish” possess the same formula of catchiness that with proper exposure could explode.

Something that This Providence have always used very well is the performance of their bassist. This new album is no exception as bass hooks run rampant, such as in tracks like “Waste Myself” and “Keeping On Without You” use the bass so prominently at times, rather then hiding it in the mix like a lot of bands do. It’s great to hear such appreciation for an instrument that is more often then not overlooked in the music scene nowadays.

Listening to Who Are You Now? it’s hard not to hear some of This Providence’s charm and cocky-while-charming attitude evaporating in comparison to there previous releases. It’s as if they aren’t a band that have had two albums prior to this, but rather a band just showing up on the scene and executing a great release while still feeling unsure of themselves. Although this doesn’t mean This Providence are playing it safe with the same formula, songs like the beautiful “Chasing The Wind” and the experimental “My Beautiful Rescue (Renovated)” show that they are still not afraid to pull off something different even with a different outlook.

If this album was to achieve a certain goal it would probably be to expose This Providence to as many people as possible, an album that has turned this little indie band that could, into a group of artists poised to become bigger then they could have ever hoped for. While this will cause a lot of fans to turn their backs on This Providence and their loss of “indie cred”. It will no doubt bring about new fans that will appreciare This Providence and who they are now.

The Boy And His Machine – Show Them What You’re Made Of

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The Boy And His Machine

Artist: The Boy And His Machine
Album: Show Them What You’re Made Of
Label: Unsigned
Purchase: SmartPunk

Overall: 7.5
Music: 8
Lyrics: 7.0
Production: 7.0

The Boy and His Machine, the pop-punk band that I wrote about over a year ago, are back with a new EP titled Show Them What You’re Made Of. This fun filled band are still packing it all with catchy lyrics, dance out rhythms, and the potential to be your favorite new band.

Opening the five song EP is “Hook, Line, & Sinker”, a song that captivates your ears with great riffs and sing a long lyrics. Ron’s vocals bring out the best in each song like “The Walls of Regret” which is my favorite on the EP. Although the band didn’t put out a full-length, this is a great continuation from their previous EP and it will surely help them get more recognition. If you are in the mood for a few good pop-punk songs, this is an EP for you.

Track Listing
1. Hook, Line, & Sinker
2. Coming Clean
3. Tonight We Ride
4. The Walls Of Regret
5. A Getaway At Best

1090 Club-Natural Selection

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Artist: 1090 Club
Album: Natural Selection
Label: Sidecho Records
Purchase: Amazon
Release Date: March 24, 2009

Overall: 7.0
Music: 7.0
Lyrics: 6.0
Production: 8.0

1090 Club’s second release, Natural Selection, features ten tracks of harmonizing guitar, bass, drums, piano and violin. This four piece band from Billings, Montana has produced a relatively solid album with help from producer Steve Fisk who has worked with such bands as Nirvana and Minus The Bear. For the most part, Natural Selection has its fair share of good tracks and at the same time an equal share of mediocre tracks.

The first song, ITSON, features a driving drum rhythm throughout the song accompanied by dark guitar and piano riffs. The violin kicks in within the first 15 seconds of the song and I must admit, the violin is rather refreshing. It seems as though too many bands simply rely on “core” instruments (guitar, bass, drums) and not enough on other instruments, but 1090 Club is an exception and they do a rather good job of incorporating the violin and piano into their songs. “Happiness” is one of the more upbeat tracks on the album with quick drums and once again, the nice incorporation of the violin. The guitar riff in the verse is also a really nice touch to this song. However, the vocals in the song seem really rough and awkward in the chorus. The vocals on a majority of the album are really forced and boring–the singer doesn’t really offer much to the songs. The strong instrumentals in songs likes “Claire” and “Do” make up for the lack of vocals, but I would say that the vocals are the biggest downside to this album.

Despite the weak vocals, don’t let that stop you from checking out Natural Selection. The instrumentals and overall melodies of the songs switch off between relaxing and upbeat. This album features some really nice violin, piano and drum work which is really nice to see because so many bands only rely on guitar riffs and vocals. For the most part, the 1090 Club has released an album that has an equal mix of songs that remind me of music from Cursive and Mates Of States, and I would recommend giving Natural Selection a listen for yourself.

Track Listing
1. ITSON
2. Off My Mind
3. Conversations
4. Happiness
5. Earworm
6. Things Inside
7. Claire
8. Hearts
9. Positive Reinforcement
10. An Act

MSTRKRFT – Fist Of God

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MSTRKRFT - Fist Of God

Artist: MSTRKRFT
Album: Fist Of God
Label: Last Gang Records
Purchase: Amazon
Release Date: March 17th, 2009

Overall: 9
Music: 9
Lyrics: 8
Production: 9.5

The year is 2006, and MSTRKRFT’s debut album The Looks was paving the way for MSTRKRFT’s eventual take-over of the club scene by creating an album of infectious instrumentals, great instrumentation, and an insane vibe of: sex, sex, sex (all to apparent in their video for “Easy Love”). Now MSTRKRFT are back in 2009, with their official sophomore release Fist Of God.

The album starts off with opening track “It Ain’t Love” which kicks of with a hardcore synth loop, which is ultimately perfected with the addition of Lil’ Mo on the hook. “It Ain’t Love” feels really fast paced, but the hook allows it to slow down and repel any obnoxious repetitiveness that could be found on this opening track.

The next track “1000 Cigarettes” kicks the album into high gear with a great intro (courtesy of a strong electronically tinged guitar) that leads right into killer drums and synths that make the track undeniably exciting, and adrenaline pumping to the extreme. The tracking is very well placed in that the next song is the obvious single “Bounce” with N.O.R.E. and ISIS compliments, this song is bred to be played in any club all over.

This album is made for all different kinds of people; Even those who are not techno enthusiasts will find themselves humming along to tracks on Fist Of God. It’s hard to deny the catchiness of John Legend’s croon on “Heartbreaker” which changes the idea of techno as it plays with the many instrumental elements, while retaining the certain tenderness of a class R&B tune. While other people who are more into the technical side of techno will truly appreciate tracks like “VuVuVu” and the album’s title track “Fist of God” both bring out a great energy about them, that will undoubtably resonate with the techno crowd.

All in all Fist of God is an album for a lot of different people, there will always be a track on this album that will bring you in and make you enjoy it. It’s hard to deny songs like “So Deep” with their vocal catchiness. Or the gangster vibes courtesy of Ghostface Killah on “Word Up”. This album is a lot more intense and experimental then their debut, while still remaining light weight at times (See: “Breakaway”) It just goes to show that not every single techno artist needs to make ten minute opuses to drum and bass beats to be good. Sometimes all it takes is smart, catchy instrumentation to create a great, fun and enjoyable album made for everyone.

Various Artists – Punk Goes Pop 2

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Artist: Various Artists
Album: Punk Goes Pop Vol. 2
Label: Fearless Records
Purchase: Itunes
Release Date: March 10th, 2009

Overall: 8.5
Music: 8
Lyrics: 7
Production: 9

The “Punk Goes…” series has helped pay tribute to many great bands over the years, by re-imagining songs by new artists in the “scene”. The latest edition to the “Punk Goes…” roster is Punk Goes Pop Vol. 2, a release comprising of some of todays biggest hits, interpreted by other great bands.

The album kicks right off into full gear with Alesana’s cover of “What Goes Around Comes Around” by Justin Timberlake. To say that this track took the original song to a heavier level would be an understatement. As strong guitar riffs and screams tear through the track, turning this from sad breakup song to headbanger’s delight.

The next couples tracks power through all different kinds of pop. From Silverstein’s rendition of the “Apologize” turning it into a powerful ballad with a climactic finish. August Burns Red’s cover of “…Baby One More Time”, which transforms Britney Spear’s hit into a thrash-fest of epic proportions.

Some of the strongest tracks on Punk Goes Pop 2 are ones that endure the most drastic changes. “When I Grow Up” by Mayday Parade changes the up-beat track into one that emphasizes the catchiness of the Pussycat Dolls original while lacing it with dark undertones that make it much easier to relate to. Also the strength in Bayside’s “Beautiful Girls” changes the Sean Kingston reggae influenced pop jam into an instrumentally strong and incredibly charming Bayside version. “Disturbia” by The Cab also possess a certain charm, that with The Cab’s strong instrumentation and vocal ability makes this track undeniable and one of the album’s strongest tracks, this rendition could even serve as an official single for The Cab.

As strong as these tracks are, there are some misses to be found on Punk Goes Pop 2. When it comes to some of the more obscure tracks, it truly becomes hit or miss with songs. Breathe Carolina’s version of “See You Again” unfortunately comes off as a bit forced and lacks adrenaline, making the Miley Cyrus version more fast-paced and exciting. Attack Attack’s version of “I Kissed A Girl” has a lackluster techno beat followed by a hardcore breakdown, that just lacks that extra oomph the other tracks possess that could take it from alright cover, to awesome dance jam.

In conclusion, like most cover-based albums with many different artists some tracks will falter (see: Chiodos’ “Flagpole Sitta”), while other tracks will rise above the rest and sometimes will be better then the original (see: A Static Lullaby’s “Toxic”).  Overall Punk Goes Pop 2 is a fun, solid offering that will keep the franchise alive for years to come. Here’s to another round of tributes to some of the artists that have and will continue to shape our music scene.