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.
In the need to listen to something new, something good? Check out the new bands added to the On The Rise section.
Paper Rival – (Nashville, Tennessee – Indie, Rock, Alternative)
Parade The Day – (Northern Virgina – Rock, Pop)
Metro Station – (Hollywood, California – Club / Electronica / Pop)
Artist: Cauterize
Album: Disguises
Label: High4Records
Purchase: Kill the 8
Release Date: June 12, 2007
Overall: 7.0
Music: 7.5
Lyrics: 7.0
Production: 7.0
This pop rock band just released it’s 3rd album, Disguises, on June 12th, 2007 to some very anxious fans. The album opens with “Love in The Attic” which begins with a steely drum/guitar solo. I rolled my eyes at the expectation of another average rock song, but was happily surprised when the vocals chimed in. Lead vocalist Jesse Smith’s smooth yet powerful voice was actually a perfect match for the song, giving it everything that it lacked. Had he added anymore emotion to his voice, the song would have been too overpowered with vocals and intstrumentals. The 2nd song “Closer”, however, strayed away from the preconceived “pop” genre, flashing a fuller rock sound, but straining his voice in the middle.
By the proceeding song “Don’t Stop Now”, Cauterize slowly gets back to their pop beginning and even has momentary acoustic vocals paired with melodic backings. Strangely, I enjoyed the next 2 songs, “Minor Key Symphony” and “Dare to Scream”, because they begin traveling towards a soft rock and consistent sound. Upon review of the album, it seemed to me that the band refused to stick with one genre in their songs and instead introduced a vast variety among the tracks.
This little skipping game continues throughout the rest of the CD, with an adequate amount of heavier songs splashed with the refreshing handful of mellow tunes. “Paper Wings” and “Porcelain” stand out on the album as being the most acoustic and slow of all the tracks, and render me quite favorable towards the difference in sound.
Someone had told me the Cauterize had been riding on the edge of pre-famosity for quite a while, yet they never managed to reach the upper level for some reason. After listening to the songs numerously, I realized why.
This band does not really have a distinguishable overall sound.
The fan pool is seemingly split when some adore the slow melodies and others love the heavier rock. As many times as I listened to the entire album, I did not feel anything emotionally, which I think is due to unoriginality in some of their songs. Don’t get me wrong you hardxcore Cauterize fans, some songs were extremely heartfelt, but for the most part I felt like I was listening to same old fluff. The few stand out tracks provided an interest hook for listeners, but the rest of the album overall seemed to reach no true depth. If they choose a concrete genre and apply it to all of their songs I am sure we would see them rise up through the ranks quicker. While they already have an unquestionably grand fan base, their potential should surely earn them more.
Track Listing:
1. Love In The Attic
2. Closer
3. Don’t Stop Now
4. Minor Key Symphony
5. Dare You To Scream
6. The Devil In Lace
7. Porcelain
8. Wake To The Sun
9. Slivers
10. Tremble
11. Miracles Or Medicine
12. Paper Wings
Every Avenue, from Marysville, Michigan, has joined the Fearless Records Family and is set to release a new EP titled Ah! on August 14.
This five piece ensemble is made up of vocalist / pianist David Ryan, guitarists and vocalists Joshua Randal and Jimmie Deeghan, bassist Cameron Grenstiner, and Michael Govaere on drums.
“We are really excited to be part of Fearless Records. We are a hardworking band and we are glad it has paid off. We realize that this is a life changing experience and we are ready to work even harder. We are looking forward to the release of our new EP. This album shows our growth as a band. We are excited to be out on the road playing these songs and meeting fans,”
Every Avenue.
Tour Dates
06.20.07 – La Crosse, WI @ The Warehouse
06.21.07 – Rochester, MN @ Midwest Skatepark
06.22.07 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
06.23.07 – Burnsville, MN @ The Garage
06.24.07 – Madison, WI @ The Annex (18+)
06.25.07 – Neenah, WI @ The Hub
06.26.07 РBerwyn, IL @ The Nite Light Caf̩
06.27.07 – Grand Rapids, MI @ The DAAC
06.28.07 РRoseville, MI @ Myspace Internet Caf̩
06.30.07 – Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall
07.04.07 – Ann Arbor, MI @ The Blind Pig
07.05.07 – Lansing, MI @ Mac’s Bar
07.07.07 – Warren, MI @ Jonas Stock at GS360
07.08.07 – Clinton Township, MI @ The Rusty Nail
07.10.07 – Warren, MI @ GS360
07.20.07 – Sandusky, MI @ The Potato Extravaganza at The Beacon
07.21.07 – Midlothian, IL @ JT Music
07.24.07 – Lansing, MI @ Mac’s
07.25.07 – Warren, MI @ GS360
07.26.07 – Port Huron, MI @ Club Dash
Adelphi (any one remember them?) has posted a new demo titled “Spank” on their MySpace page.
The Starting Line‘s new single, “Island,” is now available on iTunes here.
The band is currently recording their TDR debut, The Way We Operate, with producer Steve Soboslai (Punchline). Read, listen, & watch updates in the studio all week by visiting their blog here! Check them out on their mini-tour starting next week.
Tour Dates
06-24-07 Pittsburgh, PA @ Garfield Artworks
06-26-07 Howell, MI @ Bowl-E-Drome
06-27-07 Willow Springs, IL @ The Green Door
06-29-07 Springdale, AR @ The Pontiac
06-30-07 Houston, TX @ Java Jazz
07-13-07 Humble, TX @ Fuel
07-14-07 Beaumont, TX @ Antone’s
07-17-07 Houston, TX @ Walters
07-21-07 Baytown, TX @ Community Center
08-31-07 Port Neches, TX @ The Doorway
09-01-07 Baytown, TX @ The Fallout
Artist: American Diary
Album: The Brightest Colors
Label: Independently Released
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: April 3rd, 2007
Overall: 8.0
Music: 8.0
Lyrics: 8.0
Production: 7.5
Recently the East Coast has proven to be quite a breeding ground for new-found talent. As many great bands have seemingly popped up overnight; this however is not the case.The fact of the matter is that these groups have worked very hard and put in the time to hone their craft. One such group being American Diary; who have spent the better part of their young career with the shoulder firmly to the wheel. By taking their music to the legion halls and basements across the Atlantic Seaboard, many have been forced to take notice. Their fanbase has grown exponentially as the band has sold out numerous local venues and moved over 1,000 copies of their debut album Wear It ‘Til You Love it. Shortly after its release the band found themselves in the studio with acclaimed producer Paul Leavitt (Over It, Cute Is What We Aim For, All Time Low) who oversaw the creation of their latest offering aptly titled The Brightest Colors which intensely displays American Diary’s best work to date.
As the first chords are struck “The Goodbye Celebration” sets this seven song EP in motion. American Diary without haste superbly blend all the elements that makeup their radiant pop-punk sound. The song “We Could Be Hero’s” features some intriguing and abstract lyrical content such as the chorus of “This poison called fame and the veins of the insane says that we could be heroes.” Track three entitled “Life With Out Living” seemingly tells a lured tale of alcohol, hookups and overall bad decisions all before it breaks down into a catchy series of kick drum and handclaps. I completely view “Til Death Do Us Part” as the standout track. An intrepid and very dynamic sound resonates strongly as frontman Brandon Ingley’s vocals seamlessly weave throughout it.
After listening I am left wondering what exactly the title “Liberationtoxication” means, but it doesn’t really matter because it’s a great tune nonetheless. Also one that highlights the crunchy guitar-work of duo Ben Diary and Mikey Clark. “You got me shaking like a first class plane crash” opens the second verse of “I Love You I Like You” and I definitely love this song. By showcasing exceptional musical arrangements it’s clear to me that this band will not remain unsigned for long. The Brightest Colors concludes with “Heart Attack Pact” which is a blistering anthem that makes for a perfect ending. As the music fades out the vocals echo and chant “Swing the mic around, you’ll feel me in the crowd. Oh my god lets make a point to tear this place down. You can’t help, we can’t help, we can’t help, but get caught up in this madhouse.” I know I’m completely caught up in this music and strongly suggest giving this band a chance. The only flaw of The Brightest Colors is that I’m left anxiously awaiting the next full length album by American Diary.
Track List
1. The Goodbye Celebration
2. We Could Be Hero’s
3. Life With Out Living
4. Til Death Do Us Part
5. Liberationtoxication
6. I Love You I Like You
7. Heart Attack Pact
The Trademark (Utah) will be studio guests tonight, Wednesday June 20th 2007 on DJ Rossstar’s Punk Rock Show. Silverstein (Victory Records) will be calling in for a live phone interview, so tune in and be the first to ask them about their new album! The show airs live from 7-8pm PST/ 10-11pm EST. You can listen to the show on www.idobiradio.com. If you have questions for the guests, send them to the screen name: staridobi
Down To Earth Approach has launched an e-card for their new album, Come Back To You, due out July 10th.
