Punk

(Blink 182, Green Day, New Found Glory)

Wood Spider: Tending Fires

Tending Fires is a simple but engaging compilation that's filled with lo-fi acoustic recordings from a four piece crew that call themselves, Wood Spider. Playing a host of acoustic, punk, freak folk, the album is perfect for those midnight campfires in the middle of nowhere and moon-filled camp reveries with the guitar and friends. Their sound brings to mind Gogol Bordello with the wailing/screaming vocals of Max Bemis of Say Anything. This is actually a split EP with Niko and the Juggler Meadow Family Band. It's a little over a year old and licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Corrigan: ’94 and Before

Corrigan is a Brighton, UK based band that delivers a host of uptempo power pop tracks in the vein of bands like Boys Like Girls and The Getup Kids. The group does its best to deliver an enjoyable pop punk album that swirls with guitars, fast drumming, whiny singing and catchy melodies. '94 and Before is a set of 11 tracks released for free over at Death to False Hope Record. This is the debut record for the band and it looks like they have a bright future ahead of them.

Sweet Empire: This Season Needs Torches

Sweet Empire is a group that hasn't forgotten their punk rock roots. The band sounds like it would have felt comfortable during the 90s punk rock revival when the genre actually became popular again thanks to bands like The Offspring and Green Day. This Season Needs Torches is a 12-track album offered by the band at a name-your-price option. Packed with what is essentially all out punk, the record breezes through one loud, energetic track after another. A purely handmade, DIY record; the album has that freshly plucked punk sound that's both nostalgic and easily enjoyable.

Pretty Guts: PG002

Formed back in May 2010, Pretty Guts is a London-based progressive rock band. Made up of "Word-smith Michael Triponel, Child guitar prodigy Tyrone Flavell, Ex-fashion model Richard Yong on Drums and Matthew Barton on Bass." Despite the hodge-podge background, together, the band creates their brand of indie progressive punk rock with some gusto. They take their influence from various genres of music, be it from soul, jazz, rock, hip hop and even the blues. It's this diversity in taste and influence that allows the band to create a familiar yet distinct sound that easily pleases their listeners.

Kit Oh Nein!: KON!

Feel-good psych punk with a touch of indie rock is one way to describe Kit Oh Nein!'s music. The three piece band hails from Detroit/NYC and seems to know their way around the sound. Led by frontman Ryan Milligan from The Hotwalls, KON! (an acronym of the band's name) is the group's debut record. The album contains 10 tracks that run circles around punk, pop, and psychedelic indie rock. Enveloped in raw energy as well as a hazy indie rock club vibe, it's hard to believe the entire set of tracks were recorded in only 3 days. This is one of those debut albums worth checking out if you like dirty, cerebral indie punk rock.

Sweatshirt Weather: With High Hopes EP

Indianapolis natives, Sweatshirt Weather, is more or less a young band, but this doesn't mean they can't hold their own when it comes to beautiful and fun summer pop rock songs. With High Hopes EP was released in BandCamp back in January 2010 but it wasn't until 2011 when the band officially solidified as a group. They were joined by bassist , Chad Kulaga, by this time and faithfully started their journey in the indie music world. Their brand of summer power pop has helped propel them into the spotlight and has allowed them to share the stage with the likes of The Fold and The Bigger Lights.

Love Story in Blood Red: Hot Cha

Love Story in Blood Red is spearheaded by former Means frontman, Jason Frederick. Working together with producer and friend, Kris Poulin; the duo created this 4-track compilation of indie rock goodness. Although it took years for the actual songs to be fleshed out as circumstances and life got in the way; the final recordings were presented by Kris to Jason after 9 years since he left him with it. They finally managed to release the short compilation last March 2011 over at indie netlabel, RockProper.com. The EP also hosts several musician friends who were enlisted to help complete the EP by Kris during all those years.

First Things First: The Brighter Side

If you enjoy power pop bands like The Click Five, Fountains of Wayne or even, The Ataris; First Things First could be your next favorite band. This three-piece Pennsylvania natives have been busting their behinds slowly climbing their way to the top. By promoting themselves and making sure they create the right contacts in the industry, they've managed to become one of the most fastest rising local acts in the pop punk Pennsylavania scene. The Brighter Side is the band's debut EP and comes with 5 great singles. These guys definitely know their strengths and how to play on it, jumping from one seriously catchy track to another.

7YearsBadLuck: Sleep Now, Pay Later

If you're in the mood for some pop punk to perk up your day, 7 Years Bad Luck would make great company. This is the latest release from these Austrian rockers and it's proving to be something that's worth snatching. Luckily, the boys are offering it for a free download over at their BandCamp. Of course, you can also show your support for the band by grabbing the vinyl version. Mixing catchy hooks, some raw energy and an overall happy vibe, Sleep Now, Pay Later is one album that listeners shouldn't miss out on.