James Arden checks out the garage rockers latest album.
The Christian rock band from Brighton bring religion to the masses.
Recipe for modern R'n'B album: liberal helpings of guest rappers and an overdose of sexual euphemisms.
For any fan of indie, I would highly recommend the band known as Circa Survive. They recently released their sophomore album, titled On Letting Go this past May. Within the indie world this album has receive a lot of attention for its frontman Anthony Green's vocals and onstage performance.
His high pitched voice is a bit of the love/hate variety, but most that hear it are amazed at the range and intensity within each song. His eclectic style of dancing on stage during concerts draws the listeners in and allows them to feel the music that the band produces. They are predominantly fast-paced, but have a depth to them that allows listens to get lost in the sound.
A band that has received some attention over in the UK and that recently made a stir within the independent music scene in America were the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s and their latest EP IS IS. Their newest EP is a callback to their Fever to Tell days with a heavier sound and Karen O’s vocals rejuvenating the band's presence during the earlier tracks.
The second half of the EP allows the guitarist to shine as Karen supports the band as they lay thick, down beat, thumping, guitar parts. The drums are the glue that binds the album; never overpowering but a constant presence that shifts between supporting the vocals and the guitar. They remain mysterious as they are never really featured, but always give the tracks the edge that they need.
If hip-hop is you genre of choice, then think about checking out any of the albums by the artist known as Sage Francis. His newest album Human the Death Dance is an excellent lyrical blend between his slam poetry hip-hop style and a fusion of punk rock.
However, his first album Personal Journals is the best album, hands down. His lyrics are intelligent to the point where you will replay many tracks just to here what he says again. The beats on these albums are complex in their influences and layers, but simple enough to remain catchy for three minutes.
Here is a very small sampling of some bands and artists that have been making headlines back home. Hopefully, everyone will find something that they enjoy, and don’t worry, there will be many more suggestions to come, both from America and the underground of the UK scene.
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