“I never thought I’d live this down.”

It feels good to stumble upon something this promising. Granted, I wasn’t completely unaware of Mat Kerekes as I listen occasionally to the band he fronts – Citizen. His few solo jams are certainly more softer of sentiment, however, and are appropriate for a markedly different mood. Mat’s self titled EP was released back in June of 2011 and, while barely hitting the 5 minute mark in total, is both a somber and sunny acoustic side project of one of punk’s up and coming frontmen.  Additionally, EP2 was released only a few months ago and is equally wonderful. Featured below are the two tracks from his latest.

“Eleven a.m. on the weekend, do I have anything to prove?”

Two bands, same beast. From Bear Cavalry to Bears.  However, Cleveland’s Bears has a few more  indie pop tricks up their sleeve, and a few more releases under their belt.  The upcoming full length Greater Lakes is slated for a Valentine’s Day release, which sees the band added to the sensational roster over at Misra Records.  The video above is a six track preview of the new album. The disc has already received enough fanfare to make this release the one to remember.  Official release will be in the band’s hometown on Feb 11.

Craig Finn performs new song ‘Jackson’ for A.V. Club

“You’ve got something to say, like you do everyday.”

A young group of four puts sunny Gosport, UK on the map. Bear Cavalry effectively mixes pop hooks, afrobeat, and math-rock sensibilities in their wonderful new Maple Trails release from the good people at Hot Wax.  While each individual track merits its own praise, “Will Smith Solves the Rubix Cube” is easily my favorite. Listen to all four tracks via Soundcloud below and, if you’re in London, catch them on Notting Hill Arts Club on Feb 22, as I will be doing!

“I remember when we first met, covered in dust and stale cigarettes.”

This song popped into my inbox two months ago, and I have been playing it on and off for weeks as the mood strikes. It’s a fantastic track from the fantastic and unfortunately ‘under-radared’ songwriter PJ Bond. Whether it will be officially released is yet to be seen, but it is as of now slated for a potential “TBD 2012″ vinyl release from Black Numbers. Past releases include and a 2009 LP entitled You Didn’t Know I Was Alphabetical and last year’s April 22: Vienna, Austria.  He just finished a nearly two month European tour and will now gear up for some spring 2012 releases.

PJ Bond – I’m In A Bad Way

“Just let it all go, and be yourself.”

Great song, great message.  Although I hadn’t listened much to the band under their former name, the Boys of Summer, I am all about giving Strange Vacation a big shot. Looking forward to the new 10 track debut, Chasm, which will be available on January 17th via Authentik. The Detroit three-piece writes solid pop-punk tracks, and alternates between two very different vocalists – both gritty, both wonderful. Stream the first single “Just Sing” below, or stick with the video above, which was directed by Joe Perri and Cody Payne of the Dangerous Summer.

what a track.

Eliza and the Bear - Coming Home Today

Tellison – Good Luck It’s Christmas

“A broken record never sounded so good.”

This band epitomizes everything I like about pop punk – real, raw,gritty.  Moreover, the only other band they list on their Facebook page is the Replacements, which scores a million points with a Minneapolitan like myself. Big Success, formerly called Men, just released their debut self-titled EP with the UK’s much loved super-indie Big Scary Monsters. ‘Stop This Mess’ can be streamed below, otherwise head to Spotify to stream the entire disc.

“I can’t bridge the gap in between us.”

I’m still here, still blogging, still overexcited about new music – though you may have guessed otherwise based on my utter lack of attention. Thanks to Beartrap PR for inspiring some action on my part. Whenever an email from Beartrap pops into my inbox, I usually pay attention. And it usually pays off. The Columbia, SC superband Rejectioneers, built from bits of other “prominent” area bands (I will take their word for it…), has just released a new EP entitled 25, which is being offered as a five track free download from their Bandcamp page. For a welcome bit of throwback 90s powerpop/light emocore – think Jimmy Eat World, the Get Up Kids, etc., look no further.

Rejectioneers – When It’s Over