Music

The Julys

If you're in the mood for some uptempo indie rock, listening to the The Julys is a good place to start. According to their facebook bio, the band started off "as two young men coping with the loss of their respective harpy women." They've certainly come a long way since then. Now, the band is a quartet that creates some really good and catchy indie rock mixes. Instead of bitter, heart wrenching lyrics; the band takes on a feel-good disposition; filling their sound with bouncy beats, hipster style guitars and some wild Little Richard-style singing.

Big Wilson River: Octopus Album

At first listen Big Wilson River’s Octopus Album packs a jarring punch. After adjusting to a somewhat stylistically predictable album, which is best described as a jerky and frantic folk/rock hybrid, a zealous melody and original narrative begins to merge. Powerful instrumentals are aided by forceful lead singer Darrin Bradbury who at times dominates the vocals with a strained shout. Despite, he is paired with Emma McLaughlin who has a soft yet strong voice, something similar to the enticing and hypnotic effect of Adele.

JT Bruce: The Dreamer’s Paradox

Animator, artist, filmmaker and musician, JT Bruce, is one tough act to follow. He describes himself as having an "eye for the bizarre and an ear for the unusual" and this clearly shows in his music. For The Dreamer's Paradox, Bruce creates a complicated yet hypnotic compilation where progressive music resonates. This is the second record for the artist. The album itself is a bit old, about 5 years today but it still manages to impress plenty of listeners out there. His first album, Anomalous Material, gained quite a response and this one is no exception either. However, the artist noticeably takes his sound a little deeper, creating more diversity and layers to his instruments unlike before.

Oh!Hello: Spooky

Oh!Hello's follow-up to their delightful EP Beachy, is a curious thing. Originally a solo project, this Portland, Oregon band is composed of frontman Michael Todd Berland, Jordan Strickland and Nate Morse. They have already collaborated with other NW bands such as Grifflin Taylor (Faire du Surf) and Ed Hanson (Greate Horned Owl). Their latest set Spooky is a seven-track album released last October 27 and recorded under Vampire Factory.

Tin Armor: Life Of Abundance

Tin Armor is a folk pop band from Ohio. This quartet creates lovely piano infused rock that brings to mind great melodic rock artists such as Ben Folds, Jeff Buckley and The Band. Life Of Abundance is the band's full length debut record. It's currently being offered at a pay-what-you-want offer over at their BandCamp page and comes with 12 awesome tracks that showcases the groups penchant for gorgeous vocal melodies and sweeping instrument work. Each track is a privy to a sincere emotion; giving you a chance to feel what the singer is going through and the thoughts running through his head.

The Box Tiger: The Box Tiger

Upbeat, exciting and energetic. Those words best describe Toronto's The Box Tiger, an indie rock quartet first started back in 2009. Although fairly new in the game, they've managed to release more than just good debut and has garnered an impressive amount of listeners despite being only 2 years old. Led by founder and frontwoman Sonia Sturino, the band has an inherent maturity both in their sound and instrument playing. Many of the songs included in this self-titled EP are well-constructed, not to mention very catchy.

Fine Young Firecrackers: From The Ground Up

If you're in the mood for some fine music, take a listen to Fine Young Firecrackers. This new band from Liverpool is among the latest group of awesome bands that have come out of the city. They bring in tons of energy, great beats and plenty of personality with their debut EP, From The Ground Up; making sure that you take notice and enjoy their sound. Their music is reminiscent of various feel-good punk pop acts that you put on if you just want some good, uncomplicated and enjoyable music to keep you company throughout your day.

Born Without Bones: Say Hello

Born Without Bones is a laid back indie power pop band that you'll find hanging around Milford, MA. Say Hello is the first album for the band and it's a compilation that pretty much expands on the power pop/emo rock phase that most bands seemed to be stuck in for awhile. The album features 12 tracks that run the gamut of punk, acoustic pop, and a bit of indie rock. I'm gonna put it out there that if you dislike power pop or anthemic highschool emo rock, then you best stay away. But if you live for this stuff, keep reading and you just might find a gem in this record.