Aderbat

“I need someone – somebody by my side”

I like Pennsylvania’s Aderbat. Admittedly, they don’t light in me the same fire as they used to, but they’re a great band nonetheless. They’ve got, though a shy one, an akin-to-Buckley sound. The vocals are really raw, and I think that’s the reason I was drawn to the band in the first place. Teamed with their smooth, modestly jazzy indie rock, it makes for a pretty interesting combination.

Aderbat – I Need Someone
Aderbat – Bye Bye
Aderbat – Hesitate

more info…
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

The Grates

As a small celebration of recieving my first ever free CD in the post (starting a blog definitly seems worth it now) this is just a small post on the band I was sent. Female fronted Australians The Grates are a superb fun band who admit started as a bit of joke. You can hear the fun on Sukkafish which almost shouldn’t be taken seriously with the way it is sung but for some reason comes across so sweetly that you’ll adore it straight away. Its Inside Outside that really stands out for me though and think that its a great sing-a-long which I think sounds like a mix of Sleater-Kinney and Mates of State. I’m sure you’ll disagree but have a listen and let us know.

The Grates – Inside Out

The Grates – Sukkafish

Later…

Rantings of Eva

“I’m a fool for you.”

I’m not saying that Minneapolis doesn’t have a great local scene – it does. But Atlanta/Athens area blows my mind. I could go on relentlessly about how many great bands are down in that area. Why this particular band hasn’t already been signed and accounted for, I’m not quite sure. The Rantings of Eva were one of the first band’s I featured on here a few months ago. Apparently, a new album has been in the works for awhile now. I haven’t heard anything about it as of late. Too bad, too. They’ve got a really great, accessible sound. Their boy Ryan Flanagan has some killer vocals as well.

The Rantings of Eva – Still Holding On
The Rantings of Eva – Coming Down
The Rantings of Eva – Another Memory of You

more info…
Official Site
Myspace

The Stationary Set

“…resigning yourself to your father’s shoes is nothing more than one big excuse to lose.”

I’m not even sure how I came across these guys, but it must have been pretty randomly. The Stationary Set cites influences such as Ben Gibbard, American Analog Set, Ryan Adams etc. Most of these influences are pretty apparent upon the first listen to some of their tracks. The band, led by songwriter Andrew Lutes, creates unassuming, easy to listen to acoustic tracks. While most of the songs are still in demo form, its pretty easy to recognize the talent and find something you like in them. Sometimes you just need some mellow, down to earth songwriting.

The Stationary Set – Consider Yourself Absolved
The Stationary Set – True Happiness Is Just Around The Corner
The Stationary Set – The Bright Idea

more info…
Myspace
Quite Scientific (band’s label)

Babystrange

“Real? It was never the real thing.”

Looking mighty dapper, aren’t they? Boston and the surrounding area is teeming with a lot of great talent. Babystrange is perfect evidence of this. They write loud, punchy indie rock tracks while still maintaining some pop sensibility. In fact, they’re self proclaimed “neo-rock & roll/soul survivalists.” What really impresses me about this band is frontman Eric Deneen’s vocals. They’re absolutely perfect for the kind of music his band is making. Again, it’s one of those unexplainable things, you just need to hear it for yourself. I bought their new album called Put Out and have been wholly enjoying it. Apparently they’ve got a UK tour coming soon, which is very cool. Good luck guys, hope to be hearing more about you soon. Also, thanks to the band for permission to post up some tracks.

Babystrange – Jukebox Queen
Babystrange – Everybody Wants One

more info…
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

Ikaros

“Why should I know better now?”

I wish this band would break in the states. They’re great. Swedish (Who else wouldn’t mind living in Sweden? The social welfare policy there is unreal, seriously. They’ve got you covered.) indie band Ikaros is the brainchild David Lehnberg, who has himself released five other solo albums under the moniker “Ariel Kill Him”. His solo stuff is great as well, but I really like what he is doing with this band. I guess they’re pretty big in Sweden (can anyone back me up on this?) because they’re usually booked pretty solid over there. Also, they’ve offered up the whole album – a new, very different remixed version – up on their site. So, if you’re interested in that somewhat agitated, electronic stuff, you might dig it. Check it out here (and go to the media section…). Otherwise, these three tracks from the original version of debut album Speak Music. Their label, Kasual Recordings, has some other really cool artists as well. In fact, I’ll direct you right to Beezewax and Jettie.

Ikaros – The Monster Plaster
Ikaros – New
Ikaros – Concrete Sky

more info…
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

Intonation

I’m going to Lollapalooza with a couple of friends this summer. Should be a blast. However, I’d rather be at Intonation instead. Why? Mike Skinner. I love Mike Skinner. It’s also in Chicago. And it’s loads cheaper. It’s kind of a Vice Records spectacular. A lot of great bands playing. The only thing keeping me sane is the fact that Ryan Adams is playing at Lollapalooza. He, essentially, is the reason I’m going. Not a big post, but here’s a Streets remix that Vice is sharing.

The Streets – When You Wasn’t Famous (remix)

Also, if you sign up here, you’ve got a chance to win a couple of free tickets to Intonation in Chicago.

Chris Koza

“People can change, they can change – its not an illusion, it just needs some practice”

Chris Koza and his band are from Minneapolis. So, naturally, I’m predisposed to like them. And like them I do. A lot, actually. I got the disc randomly in the mail a couple of weeks ago. I had tossed it aside with the rest, thinking I’d eventually get around to it. I’m glad it was sooner rather than later, because Chris is awesome. I’m impressed. His blending of your standard radio rock with some definite country/folk leanings is right up my alley…
Has anyone from the area seen him live yet? It’s definitely something I plan on doing soon.

Chris Koza – View From A Pier
Chris Koza – Candle In The Dark
Chris Koza – Goldmine

more info…
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase at official site

my mom is rad

My mom is rad – and not just on Mother’s Day, either…

Page France – Mother
The Frames – God Bless Mom
Dear and the Headlights – Mother, Make Me Golden

Find Dear and the Headlights here, because I love them.

Dallas

I’m heading to Dallas early tomorrow morning until Sunday to see my older brother play some lacrosse. I’ve never been there, only to Houston and Galveston. Should be rad, I’m excited. I figured I’d post up some tracks from some of my favorites bands from the area. I’m sure I’m probably missing an obvious one, but this is what I came up with. If you’re from the area and I’m missing out on a great band….enlighten me, yeah?

Radiant – That Girl
Radiant – The Kid With The Knife
Sorta – Alcohol Drip
Sorta – Sweet Little Bay
The Mermaid Purse – Tonight
The Mermaid Purse – Out of Reach
Midlake – Balloon Maker
Midlake – King Fish Pies
Salim Nourallah – All Waste The Days