Author: Mike Farley (Page 26 of 63)

From First To Last is the latest band to walk the tightrope between Warped Tour and Active Rock radio fare. They’ve toured with the likes of Story of the Year and Fall Out Boy, but have a bit more edge along the lines of fellow Floridians Yellowcard. You might think bands in this genre can take other band’s music and put it in a blender to create their own style, and it’s hard to argue against that. But From First To Last has enough songwriting chops to separate themselves from the pack a bit. A lot of From First To Last’s Suretone Records debut is like listening to one long song. But there are a few standouts, and they are all melodic, blazing rockers—“Two As One,” “Worlds Away,” and “Tick Tick Tomorrow.” These guys might be in a crowded genre, but they’re worth keeping an eye on. (Label: Suretone)

From First To Last MySpace page

Somewhere between the time Faroe Islands native Teitur Lassen debuted and sounded like a young Paul Simon (circa 2003) and the time he released his third album, The Singer, he seems to have forgotten how to write songs with mass appeal. Instead of the melodic ear candy on his debut, Poetry & Aeroplanes, or even his sophomore effort, Stay Under the Stars, The Singer is far more experimental. The melodies are different, bordering on off-key, and the sounds and textures of the arrangements are going to lose more than a few of his faithful fans. The one glowing exception is “We Still Drink The Same Water,” which, despite its creepy feel, comes off like a powerful anthem. Despite the oddities, we’ll give Teitur a pass, because we know his amazing songwriting ability is lurking in here somewhere, and he just needed to explore his own depth this time around. (LABEL: Playground)

Teitur MySpace Page

If you champion indie pop with a cool alt-rock undertow, Los Angeles band You Me & Iowa deserves a chance to win a spot in your digital jukebox. The band’s second album, The Adventures of You Me & Iowa, is neatly crafted and features bouncy rhythms and more than a few melodies that will stick in your head for a while. If you remember the ‘80’s band the Housemartins, you’re going to fall in love with the song “Tommy Hall,” easily the best track on this set. But there is a lot more going on, and in the end You Me & Iowa comes off as a more upbeat Death Cab (“Dress the Stage”) or a more mature Daphne Loves Derby (“Margaret Mourning”). We’ll even forgive them for the Barenaked Ladies’ sound-alike, “Goldfish,” because most of this album is full of twists and turns, yet is very easy on the ears. (LABEL: Scrimshaw Jazz)

You Me & Iowa MySpace Page