Young the Giant

California based band Young the Giant (formerly The Jakes) sure have fallen into some great company. After their manager entered them into a contest to open up for Kings of Leon for a one night only set in Chicago, not only did they end up winning, but they've been building buzz ever since. Sometimes it takes a shot like opening for the Kings to get some of that limelight sprinkled your way.

Young the Giant has gone through several members. But have weathered the storm each and every time. With a brand new shiny record deal signed, the guys find themselves about to enter the studio to begin recording their first LP. They claim The Strokes, Colplay, and Radiohead as their influences. I can definitely hear some Strokes here and there. Young the Giant are a more cleaned up version. Lead singer Sameer Gahdia has a cavalier tone to his voice. It's effortless and completely laid back California.

Cough Syrup is one of their best songs with its acoustic guitar and simple melodies. It sweeps you up with its dream like sound and pounding chorus. Paid the Piper is a funky, bouncy piano driven tune with a snappy chorus. Check out their EP Shake My Hand. I haven't found a bad tune yet. Young the Giant are a buzzy band deserving of your attention, um right now.

Young the Giant- Myspace
Cough Syrup-

Joshua James

Digging For Days Reviews...
Build Me This by Joshua James

Joshua James was on my radar, but not really for the best reasons. I heard a few of his songs and wasn't that blown away. His voice was a quiet little thing, the music was quaint, and the whole vibe was just a little too coffee house for me. Well, all of that has changed with his new album and major label debut, Build Me This. And boy does the major label really suit him well.

James has amped up the guitars, amped up the volume, and stretches his voice like never before. He kicks off his album with Coal War, a sparse, cotton-picking spiritual that hits all the right notes lyrically and musically. Other highlights include Black July a barn-burner with throbbing guitars, and pounding drums. James turns a bit country on Annabelle, with fiddles and a toe tapping chorus making sure his Annabelle is feeling fine. (Are you well? Annabelle.

Build Me This showcases the electric side of Joshua James with riveting results. He does veer back into his folk roots on cuts like Kitchen Tile and In The Middle. Some of the more somber cuts are hit and miss musically. But one thing James has down pat is his way with words. He uses dark, heavy lyrics and keeps his aim true. Build Me This provides Joshua James with an excellent route into Americana blues; one of the best releases this year. A

Joshua James- Myspace
Coal War-

The Dead Trees

The Dead Trees are admittedly rough around the edges and even a little rough inside the edges. With very little production on their debut LP, King Of Rosa, The Dead Trees are spreading their brand of lo-fi garage rock. "But wait," you say, "Didn't garage rock die out with The Strokes?" Well, yes and no. The Trees do have an affinity for playing loud, sloppy (in a good way) and catchy music. There is definitely some semblance of The Strokes and even a little bit of The Walkmen to be heard here.

On their song Shelter, The Dead Trees are at their best- with guitar hooks and a chorus that practically begs the crowd to sing along. It may be a little in your face for some. But it's on the track Loretta, where the guys really find their groove. Everything comes to head here. It's got a catchy hook, jangling guitars, and focused vocals. The Dead Trees will be touring this fall with The Rosebud Thieves and getting to work on their 2nd album. Hopefully a little polish will be applied to let all the potential shine through without loosing any of the luster.

The Dead Trees- Myspace
Loretta-

A.A. Bondy

Digging For Days Reviews...
When The Devil's Loose by A.A. Bondy

A.A. Bondy has one of those voices. You know the one I'm talking about. The kind that you could hear sing a cookbook. (Phone books are so 5 minutes ago) I heard most of his first album American Hearts and was impressed with his talent but his songs on that album were a little tedious. On his sophomore release, Bondy's voice still carries much of the weight, but now he backed by a full band.

When The Devil's Loose starts with Mightiest of Guns- an atmospheric acoustic number, which almost has a dream like quality to it. Bondy sings about various "guns" whether they be actual or literal. It's a perfect way to bridge the gap from those who loved his intimate nature on his first album and the new fans he wants for his "bigger" sound. Another highlight is A Slow Parade, with it's slow drawl drums, and Bondy using what God gave him to make you really feel his emotion. It's actually one of the best vocals I've heard from the Double A. And it seems even this singer/songwriter has gotten caught up in vampire mania with Oh The Vampyre. It's a witty acoustic number about the downside of being a blood sucker. With clever lines, like "See my teeth so sharp and my blood so stale, you know I could drink the world and never get my fill," it's sure to be used in an upcoming promotion.

But there are some definite problems with Bondy's Devil. Even though he is backed by a full band, it's news to him. He still sings as though there are only 10 people that need to hear. Forget about the back of the house. His songs often are either a little too precious (I Can See The Pines Are Dancing), or have nowhere to go (False River). Although Bondy's not know for his strong hooks, listeners need a reason to play a song more after the first listen. I found myself going back to only 2 or 3 songs. If Bondy wants to amp up his sound, the band is there, if only he would be. C

Oh The Vampyre (Electric)-