And so it begins. Today is the first day of the Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial beginning of summer. But this weekend is also a time to reflect upon the sacrifices made by members of our military, and the freedoms they have secured for us with their very lives. Make sure you take the time to thank a veteran, and remember those who paid the ultimate price. And since you’ll be needing some music, here are five more artists to check out.
Artist Name: RFA
Album Name: RFA
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. Lazy; 2. Just Don’t Turn the Lights On; 3. Farewell; 4. Goodbye Stranger; 5. Down Your Street; 6. Simple Pleasures; 7. Don’t Want to Think About It; 8. All Dressed in Blue; 9. Porch Song; 10. Suzie Lee; 11. Walking my way Back to Y ou
Publicist: Caylie Landerville
Review: RFA, an indie rock quartet from Philadelphia, hits the ground running with their debut full-length album. They have become quite a home-town favorite with numerous sold-out shows and two previous EPs under their belt, and the hype is real. RFA delivers some powerful, energetic indie rock, with infectious guitar licks, great vocals and well-crafted songs that are instantly memorable. Put this one on and listen from start to finish – it’s all good.
Recommendation: Grab this one now. These guys are gonna be famous.
Artist Name: RADATTACK
Album Name: Montana Psychedelic versus Radattack
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. Montana Psychedelic; 2. What’s my Reputation; 3. Fight of the Year
Publicist: Spring Management
Review: Columbus, Ohio is the home of teen rockers RADATTACK, who have dubbed their style of music as “rock and roll muscle pop.” Considering this band has only been together for about eight months, they have a cohesive chemistry that rivals that of bands that have a much longer history. All three tracks are hip, cool and fun, and we can only expect a lot more from these guys as they mature and learn more about making music. We strongly advise college and indie radio stations to check them out and put their music into heavy rotation.
Recommendation: Definitely give these guys a chance and Get their EP.
Artist Name: Teddy and the Love Gang
Album Name: Kid Forest: City Dreams
Label: Nordic Records/Painted Black
Genre: Pop/Rock
Track Listing: 1. Who am I; 2. Bring it Baby; 3. He Waits; 4. Dreaming of Tomorrow
Publicist: Nordic Records
Review: Teddy and the Love Gang are back with part 2 of their three part EP trilogy that tells the story of Kid Forest. We reviewed part 1 back in March, and needless to say, we have a vested interest in the rest of the series. We only wish we could have witnessed their EP release party where they played from a hot air balloon. Needless to say, this EP segues perfectly from Twisted Homes, and quickly grabs the listener’s ears with their compelling story. We can hardly wait for part 3!! Despite obviously being part of a larger story, we feel that these tracks can stand on their own, and strongly encourage college and indie radio stations to check them out.
Recommendation: Get this one and be prepared for continued greatness.
Artist Name: Fifth Dawn
Album Name: Duality
Label: A&R Records
Genre: Alt Rock
Track Listing: 1. Element; 2. Defying Symmetry; 3. Another Reason; 4. Pressure; 5. Instinct; 6. It’s Cold Outside; 7. Finding Stars; 8. Cities are Lost; 9. High Towers; 10. Allure
Publicist: The A&R Department
Review: Aussie alt rock band Fifth Dawn, whose single “Defying Symmetry” we shared with our list of Ten Great Singles for April, delivers on their debut album, and furthers the Aussie invasion we have been experiencing this year in indie music. Their follow-up single, “It’s Cold Outside,” is even more powerful. With a sound between Evanesence and Paramore, lead singer Samanth Faul ushers in a new voice in alternative rock, and demonstrates that this band is here to stay. From the first notes of “Element,” it becomes quickly crystal clear that this band is ready to take their music and conquer the world as they have already done in Australia. The album is chock full of hits without any blanks, and deserves to be enjoyed from start to finish.
Recommendation: This one is a no-brainer. Get it now!
Artist Name: Century Thief
Album Name: Deaf Beneath the Waves
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk Rock
Track Listing: 1. 406; 2. You are Here; 3. Science of Solace
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Canadians Century Thief combine incredible harmonies with a spacious musical score to deliver folk rock that will appeal to the pop scene as well. The horns on “406” are spectacular, while the blending of their voices and the firm drum foundation make this one a great starting point for those just discovering this band. “You are Here” is dreamy, fresh, and chill-worthy, while “Science of Solace” is more upbeat, and would make a great addition to your work-out tape.
Recommendation: Give these guys a listen. When you need to chill, this one will do nicely.