Seabear “The Ghost That Carried Us Away” (Morr Music)

As a reviewer there is a guilt for the stuff you “never get around to.” Even albums I listen to a good bit don’t always get the green light when it comes to reviews. It’s reviewer’s remorse so to speak. The Ghost That Carried Us Away came out quite a while back in 2007 but it simply deserves more coverage. The album is a beautiful collection of indie folk/pop/rock. There are some noticeable parallels between Seabear’s The Ghost That Carried Us Away and Track A Tiger’s We Moved Like Ghosts. In fact, they just might be downright eerie. Obviously, the titles are similar. But, the bands’ sounds mirror each other as well. Both have a graceful touch as the songs float in and out. That ability that both bands possess creates a warm, intimate mood for the listener to latch onto. The Icelandic band also reminds me of the southern folk of Iron & Wine and the eclecticism of Sufjan Stevens. Perhaps it is the subtle vocals are the exceptional backing instrumentation. Either way, Seabear have a familiar and endearing ring to them. The Ghost That Carried Us Away is peaceful in its subtle approach. So, listen before bedtime.

Genre: Indie/Folk/Pop

RIYL: Iron & Wine, Sufjan Stevens, Ida

I Sing, I Swim

[audio http://www.toolshed-media.com/ts/seabear-i-sing-i-swim.mp3]

www.myspace.com/seabear

BEST NEW MUSIC

Settlefish “Oh Dear!” (Unhip)

The stylistic leap that Italian band Settlefish made from their debut, Dance A While, Upset, to their second album, The Plural Of The Choir was massive to say the least. The group’s third album, Oh Dear!, while not as dynamic a shift, still sees the band progressing at a tremendous rate. Settlefish have always been lead by the energy of vocalist Jonathan Clancy. His delivery and presence makes the band’s songs continually stand out from their peers. While much of Oh Dear! does continue the band’s upbeat pace, there is also a pull back of sorts. The band seems to have a more organic approach here as they continue to expand and explore their sonic territory. Oh Dear! is actually able to properly showcases the band’s extensive repertoire. It is incredible how Settlefish have grown into their own over the years. From a rather pedestrian emo band to a curious and wildy inventive indie rock band. Settlefish are stylish, experimental and flat out charming. Oh Dear! continues the band’s intriguing and rewarding metamorphosis.

Genre: Indie/Rock

RIYL: Modest Mouse, The Dismemberment Plan, Les Savy Fav

Balloons

02Balloons.mp3

Summer Drops

03SummerDrops.mp3

www.myspace.com/settlefish

One Win Choice “Never Suspend Disbelief” (Jump Start)

One Win Choice obviously have their hearts in the right place on Never Suspend Disbelief. However, that can only take you so far sometimes. The album and band simply fail to capture the spirit or energy needed for this type of material. One Win Choice are surely passionate and care about political discourse. Still, it all comes off as sounding just a bit hollow here. It is the same generic political punk mantra that bands like Pennywise (will this band please die already?) have been spouting off for years now. It’s true though, the lack of originality factor can sometimes be overlooked in melodic hardcore. You don’t necessarily need to reinvent the wheel to make a great record (example – The Swellers). But sadly, One Win Choice seem unable to make any real impression on Never Suspend Disbelief. It doesn’t help when the album runs too long as well. 32 minutes of average melodic hardcore is enough to leave most listeners running for the door…including this one. The sad fact is if you are hankering for some melodic hardcore there are countless bands doing this style much better. Not much more needs to be said.

Genre: Melodic Hardcore/Punk

RIYL: Good Riddance, Strike Anywhere, Rise Against

All We Are

[audio http://www.ezarchive.com/original/soundaslanguage/05AllWeAre.mp3]

Bury Them

[audio http://www.ezarchive.com/original/soundaslanguage/01BuryThem.mp3]

www.myspace.com/onewinchoice

Desoto Jones “Aurora” (Deep Elm)

Well Deep Elm, at least it’s not as bad as Fightstar.

Genre: Alternative/Rock

RIYL: Radio Rock

Speed Bump

[audio http://www.deepelm.com/downloads/470.mp3]

www.myspace.com/desotojones

Vampire Weekend “Vampire Weekend” (XL)

Did you see these guys on SNL? I mean, this is some next level hipster bullshit right here. Vampire Weekend are one or two steps removed from being a really bad reggae band. Instead they settle in for some bland, cutesy indie pop with all your typical and monotonous influences. Can we please get off this afro-pop train already? Let’s hope this band will be forgotten soon. Believe me, we’ll all be better off for it. Uh!

Genre: Indie/Pop

RIYL: Wuss rock

M79

m79.mp3

www.myspace.com/vampireweekend

BEST NEW MUSIC (This one is kinda old but whatever.)

Attack In Black “Marriage” (Dine Alone)

Supposedly, Marriage is a long ways away from the Attack In Black’s hardcore roots. Frankly, I have no idea as the album was my first exposure to the band. Either way, this Ontario band has caught me totally off guard with their proper full-length debut. The band brings to mind the working class indie rock of Constantines mixed with the melodic punk of the great Gaslight Anthem. From soulful horn-laced rockers to punk anthems, Attack In Black sound like they were born to play this sound. The influence of artists like Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen ring out all across Marriage. The success of Attack In Black’s Marriage emphasizes that you can embrace your roots while keeping your footing firmly within modern times. Attack In Black have scored a knockout on their full-length debut.

Genre: Indie/Punk/Rock

RIYL: The Constantines, The Loved Ones, The Gaslight Anthem

Broken Things

07.BrokenThings.mp3

www.myspace.com/attackinblack

The Exit Strategy “City Of Microphones” (One Percent Press)

Considering City Of Microphones boasts the production skills of one J. Robbins the space the band occupies is certainly not surprising. That the band is from Buffalo, NY and not Washington D.C. is though. The Exit Strategy play a familiar brand of indie rock with notable DC influences. There are touches of Robbins’ bands (Jawbox, Burning Airlines, Channels) along with Fugazi and Faraquet all over City Of Microphones. Unfortunately though, the originality of those bands is falls by the wayside here. Sure, fans of this style should find a few noteworthy songs to latch onto. “The First the Finest the Future”, “General Manager” and “What The Fuck Is Low Art?” all hold their own with the the big boys that have inspired the band. However, as a whole City Of Microphones simply fails to grab the listener’s attention far too often. While I do love this style, and The Exit Strategy show some promise, City Of Microphones remains sadly unmemorable.

Genre: Indie/Punk/Rock

RIYL: Jawbox, Fugazi, Faraquet

The First the Finest the Future

[audio http://www.ezarchive.com/original/soundaslanguage/06TheFirsttheFinesttheFuture.mp3]

www.myspace.com/theexitstrategy

Hi Ho Six Shooter “Empire” (Goodnight)

The South is the new West or perhaps it’s always been that way. Hi Ho Six Shooter hail from Virginia and proclaim themselves to be a neo-western band. However, it’s the band’s southern themed roots that continue on Empire. I guess that should come as no surprise. Hell, the band released a Civil War themed 7-inch record a few years ago. Empire is the band’s most fully realized work yet and is meant to serve as an introduction to an overall larger forthcoming narrative. The album starts off appropriately with a mysterious horn-laced intro. Empire feels like a book of short stories thereafter. In fact, each song is introduced as being sung by a separate character so it is rather easy for the listener to follow the band’s ambitious storyline. Of course this is where the band excels…in telling masterfully woven stories. Similar to bands as diverse as Murder By Death and The Decemberists, Hi Ho Six Shooter are thematically reminiscent. While those bands might not have a ton in common sonically, each excel at telling intoxicating stories within the tapestry of their instrumentally diverse songs. Hi Ho Six Shooter’s tales have the ability to transport the listener back in time. Empire is a captivating journey for the listener and it marks only the beginning for the band.

Genre: Indie/Folk/Country

RIYL: Murder By Death, The Decemberists, Okkervil River

The Revelation

hihosixshooter_the_revelation.mp3

Snowdog’s Final Ride

hihosixshooter_snowdogs_final_ride.mp3

www.myspace.com/hh6s

BEST NEW MUSIC

Drag The River “You Can’t Live This Way” (Suburban Home)

Drag The River’s 2006 album, It’s Crazy, was, in my opinion, the band’s crowning achievement. Songwriters Chad Price and Jon Snodgrass never complimented each other better than on those fourteen songs. The duo return with You Can’t Live This Way which is perahaps the band’s most accomplished and full recording. Quickly out of the gate, the band shows a willingness to expand their sound. “Death Of The Life Of The Party” and “Rangement” start the album off and showcase ample horn and piano arrangements. Mr. Spacey Casey Prestwood is back with his pedal steel and he weaves in and out between the poignant vocals of Price and Snodgrass. Drag The River have dropped the rockers for the most part and gone straight for the heart on You Can’t Live This Way. It is appropriate because frankly, that is where Price and Snodgrass are at their best. Heart-wrenching lyrics and touching vocal performances carry the album along it’s scenic journey. Perhaps it is the quick pace of the pop punk genre that Price and Snodgrass have graduated from (Price in All and Snodgrass in Armchair Martian), but You Can’t Live This Way remains beautifully succinct. Fourteen songs in 34 minutes and the repeat button is ready for more. You Can’t Live This Way could very well be the last album for Drag The River. I will spare you the details and just hope that Price and Snodgrass realize how special what they have is and continue on. If not though, You Can’t Live This Way is an appropriate farewell.

Genre: Alt-Country/Folk

RIYL: Lucero, Drive-By Truckers, Son Volt

The Death Of The Life Of The Party

DragtheRiver_DeathoftheLifeoftheParty.mp3

www.myspace.com/dragtheriver

Free Diamonds “By The Sword” (Deep Elm)

By The Sword is an interesting and unexpected shift in dynamics for Free Diamonds. Unfortunately it’s not an entirely successful one either. Where as the band’s debut, There Should Be More Dancing, was at least endearing (if not sometimes grating), By The Sword lacks much of the band’s energetic style. The addition of female vocals to the band’s songs is interesting but seems a bit forced. They say you never miss something until it’s gone. Well, I guess they are right in regards to Free Diamonds. For the most part the band has abandoned their “grating” characteristics and damnit if I don’t miss them. There are some interesting ideas being pushed here though. The boys seem as if they have been listening to a little bit of Americana. It especially shows on the touching album closer, “My Boxing Days Are Over,” which is highlighted by a vocal and harmonica give and take. Too often though, the energy that highlighted the band’s past feels as though it has been sucked out. By The Sword limps through 16 songs only finding a true footing every few songs. Here’s hoping there are shinier days ahead for these diamonds.

Genre: Indie/Punk/Rock

RIYL: The Blood Brothers, Q And Not U, Les Savy Fav

Hugs & Kisses

[audio http://www.deepelm.com/downloads/463.mp3]

www.myspace.com/freediamonds

BEST NEW MUSIC

Tellison “Contact! Contact!” (Gravity Dip)

Coming in at the tail end of 2007, Tellison’s debut album, Contact! Contact!, made an immediate impression and managed to land in my Best of 2007 list. Tellison are keeping the flame alive in regards to amazing new UK bands. Bringing to mind Field Music, Dartz! and The Futureheads, Contact! Contact! is an infectious blend of indie pop with definite punk rock energy.The album was recorded over 6 months in different locations and with two different producers. Yet, there is an amazing cohesiveness to these songs. Even when the tempos change wildly from song to song, they fit together perfectly. Tellison weave their angular music around melodies big enough to make your head spin. Those hooks combined with a lead singer who can actually sing push the band into rare territory. The band embraces an incredible dexterity as they showcase the ability to turn on a dime at any given time. On Contact! Contact!, intelligent, thought-provoking lyrics combine with the band’s undeniable musicianship to create something truly extraordinary.

Genre: Indie/Pop/Punk

RIYL: The Futureheads, Field Music, Dartz!

New York, New York, New York

06tellisonnewyorknewyorknewyork.mp3

www.myspace.com/tellison

500 Miles To Memphis “Sunshine In A Shot Glass” (Deep Elm)

500 Miles To Memphis hail from Cincinnati, OH. The band cleverly took it’s name from the distance between their hometown to Graceland in Memphis, TN. 500 Miles To Memphis has an interesting sound as they combine country with rock n’ roll. With ample fiddle and steel guitar the band adds an authentic element to their brand of punk n’ roll. Ryan Malott’s endearing tales of life, love, booze and everything in between is almost comforting. With a thoroughly rocking sound and Malott’s wry lyrical take, 500 Miles To Memphis are able to strike a nerve here. The only complaint is that the album clocks in at nearly 50 minutes. So, Sunshine In A Shot Glass does run a bit too long at times. Regardless, fans of rock n’ roll with more than a little twang should find much to sink their teeth into here.

Genre: Rock/Country/Punk

RIYL: Lucero, Social Distortion, Old 97’s

All My Friends Are Crazy

[audio http://www.deepelm.com/downloads/464.mp3]

www.myspace.com/500milestomemphis

We Were Skeletons “Summers” (Self-Released)

We Were Skeletons are a hardcore punk/screamo band from Lancaster, PA. There is something so incredibly refreshing when listening to the band’s debut album, Summers. Ranging in age from 17-19 years old, there is youthful exuberance that pours out from the band’s songs. Summers sounds completely pure. It is as if the boys have just coasted through the last five years and refused influence from all the shit that has pervaded this genre. Touching on bands like Hot Cross, Orchid and Off Minor, We Were Skeletons’ sound harkens back to the golden age where substance triumphed over style and not vice versa. We Were Skeletons show off incredible dynamics as they embrace experimentation and aggression. Summers is a breath of fresh air that just might knock you on your ass if you aren’t prepared.

(You can download the full album: www.megaupload.com/?d=EKQ9TQZN. Or you can purchase a copy at the band’s myspace page below.)

Genre: Hardcore/Punk/Screamo

RIYL: Hot Cross, Kidcrash, Refused

Sewers

[audio http://www.ezarchive.com/original/soundaslanguage/05Sewers.mp3]

www.myspace.com/wewereskeletons

Last American Buffalo “Marquis For The Debutante” (Self-Released)

On Marquis For The Debutante Last American Buffalo sound a bit torn. The band seems as though they can not decide which direction to actually go. Last American Buffalo do well what The Killers so desperately wanted to do on their last album…sound authentic. The band mixes in rustic, country flavored songs with more danceable material in the vein of Minus The Bear. However, the band is at their best when they strip everything down. Bare-boned songs like “Privateer” and album closer “Sunshine” are vulnerable and touching. Those songs are actually reminiscent of the underrated The Snake The Cross The Crown. The band would be well-advised to continue to follow that route. Last American Buffalo sound like one of those bands that might pleasantly surprise you as you’re forced to listen (for whatever reason) to terrible FM radio. Perhaps that is not such a ringing endorsement but Marquis For The Debutante certainly shows promise. For now though, much of the album is just pleasant background music.

Genre: Indie/Americana/Rock

RIYL: Minus The Bear, Spoon, The Snake The Cross The Crown

Fön

[audio http://www.ezarchive.com/original/soundaslanguage/07FoenPronouncedPhone.mp3]

www.myspace.com/lastamericanbuffaloband