Driven Far Off

Trevor Bivens

The Receiving End of Sirens – “Between the Heart and the Synapse” is such a beautiful album that is underappreciated. It’s a sprawling epic full of emotion, energy, and some of the best musicianship to be heard in the past few years. While being out for a while, it never gained the momentum it should have. If you have the time and dig bands with spaced out music, narrative lyrics, and an edge that make them have a sound all their own, check this album out and fall in love.

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Devin Henderson

Cancer BatsԚ – Self-described as a fusion between Southern Rock, Metal & Hardcore, it’s undeniable that the Cancer Bats, if nothing else, BRING IT. When you’re looking for angry, loud, driving, and original, the only thing better than their debut ‘Birthing the Giant’ is their insanely energetic live show. They’re currently on tour with Alexisonfire, Every Time I Die, and Attack in Black, across Canada & the US, and this is a tour NOT to be missed. Check out their new album, and their live show – I guarantee you’ll be blown away.

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Reema Desai

We Are Americana â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ This band formed only a short year ago and it’s already on the road to becoming the one-millionth great band to come out of New York. Before joining the band vocalist DJ Jess was a full time DJ in the city and his past shows through in the music. Songs like “My Body Hates Me” have intricate beats and effects that scream, “A DJ wrote this song!” The guitar sound is energetic and manages to flow perfectly with the vocals, beat and bass line without either of the four being drowned out by one another. DJ Jess’s vocals almost sound like another instrument of their own especially on tracks like “How I Killed the Rekindle”. Their current EP “My Body Hates Me” is something you’ll want to listen all the way throughâ┚¬Ã‚¦several times. The best thing about this band is not their vocals or their EP though; it’s the fact they know how to get people moving. Come on, if you didn’t dance around even a little bit in your chair during the “My Body Hates Me” Remix, then there might be something wrong.

Mike Duncan

Dashboard Confessional – What can you expect from a veteran songwriter such as Chris Carraba but another great album? Yup, he did it again, another fine collection of nostalgic songs dealing with relationships. The funny thing about nostalgia is that it takes stillshots from all the romanticized moments in life you want to remember and that’s exactly what Dusk and Summer is â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬ eleven “stillshots” from someone’s idealized love life that are composed in such a way that they are relatable to everyone. While Carraba’s first try as a full band in A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar may not have gripped you, I think this effort will. For me, as a change from the last album, I do see the same man who wrote The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most writing Dusk and Summer. Believe me, you’ll want to remember these songs, and you most likely will.

MySpace | PureVolume

Julie Watanabe

Falling Up – This past Tuesday the boys from Falling Up released their first ever remix album, Exit Lights. Selecting hit tracks from both Crashings and Dawn Escapes along with several brand new, never recorded songs, the boys hit the studio with a tag-team of reknowned producers and fellow Christian musicians to put some killer new spins on some otherwise old tunes. Now I’ve always loved the stuff Falling Up have put out, and Exit Lights is no exception. Gone are the harder rock riffs and in their place a swirling hue of ambience and rich electronic tones. The idea of a rock remix album in itself is a novel idea (not to mention for such a young band), and Falling Up are one of the few groups capable of translating their hit songs to an equally astounding remix. A must have for anyone who owns Dawn Escapes.

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The Static Age – Blank Screens is The Static Age’s third full length album and first release through ReIgnition Records. With a classically trained pianist setting the backbone for most of the band’s earthy, organic musical approach, Andrew Paley’s enigmatic voice floats above the melodies in a very ethereal manner. Think Paulson vs. new school This Day And Age. Recommended for anyone who can appreciate the quality of original music beyond the scope of pop-rock and scene bands. If you can’t understand it’s greatness now, you most certainly will in two years.

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Michael Schneider
Matt Wertz, Underoath

Bryce Jacobson

Nevertheless – Live Like We’re Alive is Nevertheless’s new album that we happen to be streaming on the site this week. They mix the power of Number One Gun with the energy of MxPx and top it off with the likes of Hawk Nelson. Sounds like a good mix right? Take a listen for yourself this week and let us know what you think.