Deas Vail

So Arkansas' Deas Vail (which means Humble servant of God) has been around a few years now. Apparently I'm a little late to the party. But you know what they say, "Better late..."well, you know the rest. The band just released their brand new LP called Birds and Cages Tuesday and I've got to say it's really great. Their sound is powered by sweet melodies and powerful vocals courtesy of lead singer Wes Blaylock. They remind me a bit of Death Cab For Cutie, if Cutie had hooks.

One of the best songs, is the piano-driven track Birds, which find Blaylock reaching to understand the meaning of life (you know light stuff) singing We are just figurines with a theology that we don't we understand. The song has great lyrics that really do make you think. While many of their songs have a Christianity slant, they don't go around hitting you over the head with it. Deas Vail knows how to rock out as apparent on Excuses, with its soaring chorus. They may not be new to the music scene, but they've been hidden for far too long.

Deas Vail- Myspace
Birds-

The Rescues

Can an indie supergroup, still be a supergroup even if you don't any of the members as solo artists? Well, apparently The Rescues are comprised of very successful indie solo artists who formed their band after an Atlantic exec asked them to get together and perform at his wedding. And the rest they say is history.

The Rescues are a pretty unique sounding group, mixing California pop, gritty indie sensibilities and a dash of electronica. (Only a dash though) Need proof of this mix? Well look no further than the absolutely blissful, pounding track Can't Stand the Rain. Mixing toy piano, thunderous tambourine, and more tempo changes than you can shake a stick, The Rescues have found a perfect mix of melancholy and intrigue. The song gets better on repeated listens as you find something new every time.

The Rescues just recently signed with Universal Republic so expect a new album um... sometime soon hopefully.

The Rescues- Myspace
Can't Stand the Rain-

Kids In Glass Houses

Pop punk outfit Kids in Glass Houses may be from Wales, but their music has all the snide and snare of many of American grown pop/punk bands. While many of those bands can end up sounding the same (whiny, shrill, nonchalant..), these Kids have found a groove to set them apart.

Their debut album Smart Casual had a couple of charting singles over in the UK. The band landed an opening spot for Fall Out Boy and a headlining tour of their own. But still remain largely unknown in the States, which may change when they release their sophomore album in the spring of 2010. The first single off said album, Youngblood (Let It Out) is true blue melodic rock filled with the angst of youth (Young boy chasing his prayers upstairs, a white light, her red light, and her thighs on his mind) Lead singer Aled, has an edge to his voice that really propels the song.

Kids In Glass Houses do teeter on the edge of emo but just stay far enough on this side of rock to be safe. Their songs are filled with hooks both lyrically and musically. If these guys continue on the path of their first single, the new album should provide quite a listen.

Kids In Glass Houses- Myspace
Youngblood (Let It Out)-

Jason Zerbin

So its been a little while hasn't it? I haven't forgotten about y'all but there has just been a lack of exciting talent lately. I've been getting a lot of recommendations mind you, but nothing that is worth posting. (Because here at DFD, I only want the best music)

With that said, Canada's Jason Zerbin is getting me out of my dry spell. With a touch of David Gray and a bit of straight forward rock, Zerbin creates an all encompassing sound. His debut album is finished and is waiting on a release date as of this typing. His song Hear Me has such well-written lyrics (If love's really an ocean, I want to drown) and a steady build. The song is one of his strongest with atmospheric guitars and emotion to spare. In Your Arms starts off with haunting strings and builds to strong rock hook with a sprinkle of toy piano. It's an all around great song although it never really gets where it's going. I Want You is his catchiest song with a jittery backbeat against a Zerbin singing, I want you more than anyone else/ Over the powers of heaven and hell.

Jason Zerbin's voice immediately draws you in with his powerful instrument. There's not much grit or blues but a smooth, clean, straight forward vocal. With his smart lyrics and knack for writing those songs that have a steady climb before everything is released, Zerbin is going to quickly be finding himself scoring a scene on The CW.

Jason Zerbin- Myspace
In Your Arms-