Sherwood

California's Sherwood started out as just one of those bands that had good songs but didn't really forge an identity to separate them from the countless others. Formed back in 2002, Sherwood put out two albums over the years and I distinctly remember listening to their sophomore album A Different Light (released back in '07) and thought that this band just wasn't for me. What a difference an album makes.

Cut to 2009 and Sherwood have a new album entitled QU. Don't ask what it means; I haven't been able to track that down yet. And wouldn't you know it, not only is Sherwood more focused than ever, they actually have grown leaps and bounds. They claim the Beach Boys as an influence for their brand of classic rock with pop sensibilities, and it shows more than ever. The harmonies are what keep their opening track Shelter floating along. It is the best 52 seconds you'll hear all year. They keep the momentum going along with killer tracks like the propulsive first single Maybe This Time. But it's the power ballad Ground Beneath My Feet that really sends your finger to the repeat button. With layered harmonies, a gentle piano and an tonal shift mid-song that really drives lead signer Nate Henry's vocals to another level. Sherwood may have slipped by me once or twice but really have hit a nerve on their third outing.

Sherwood- Myspace
Shelter-


Ground Beneath My Feet-

Modo

Modo has been one of those bands that has sat in my inbox for a while. Not because they aren't good enough to post about, but outta sight, outta mind. Straight out of Asheville, North Carolina, Modo is two guys- Craig Larimer (vocals) and Jake Rosenbloum (electirc guitar). Together they create a sultry electric-tinged rock mix. Larimer's voice creates a urgency in their best track Blood That I Need. Blood is all rock swagger with electronic synths. Modo has found the perfect blend. Their self-titled EP comes out on November 20th and features tracks that build upon one another. While none can match the catchy nature of Blood That I Need, they sure can layer the various sounds with skill. Too bad that a lot of their songs kind of blend together. A bit more variation will propel this band into the great category.

Modo- Myspace

Digging For One Year

All together now... "Happy birthday to you."

Yep today, Digging For Days turns one year old! They grow up so fast.Feel free to go back to the archives and read up on my first post. It feels just like yesterday I was thinking of a name to kick start my foray into music blogging. There have been a lot of blood, sweat, and tears in getting Digging For Days to where it is now. (And I am still not 100% satisfied with it.)

I started this blog in response to feeling that many music blogs get so caught up in trying to be too hip and rely on too much critical hype. I hope that I have cultivated a one stop shop for great bands that cut through all the hype. I usually don't know who all reads DFD, but I hope that you have found at least one band or artist you normally wouldn't have known about. That's the goal. I will continue to post about my new finds in the future. Please continue to send in your buried bands. So keep spreading the word, posting links, and telling your friends. Here's to another year of Digging.

Family of the Year

I know it's fall. I do. But one listen to Family of the Year and you would think it is one of those humid, dimly lit, summer pool parties. This Family hasn't met a melody or harmony they didn't like. In fact, many of their songs have many vocalists. Whether it be the calming background vocals on Cast Off, or the shared lead vocals on Down to the River.

Family of the Year lean more toward the folksy side of rock, with their acoustic guitars and airy vibe. They really are one of the most intriguing acts I've come across in a good while. Summer Girl is the strongest track off their EP Where's the Sun. It evokes '70s pop with a modern edge. The song is about summer lovin' (cue Olivia Newton-John) The blending of the group's vocals is scary good. It really does transport you to a different time and place with all the imagery of falling in love during those carefree summer nights. Family of the Year recently wrapped up CMJ and their debut album Songbook hits stores November 17th.

Family of the Year- Myspace
Summer Girl-

Abandon Kansas

I'm on a roll apparently. It's been a bit of dry spell lately. Not much for me to get excited about. Abandon Kansas is from, shocker, Kansas! They do their best Switchfoot with their uplifting lyrics and really-trying-to-find-meaning songs. Their EP We're All Going Somewhere is a good way to get your feet wet. At times, their songs can drift without any powerful hook to draw you back into the song. But what does bring you back is the voice of lead singer Jeremy Spring. With his smooth to gruff transitions, it completely draws you in.

The band has said that they aren't interested in money or fame, but just want their music to reach people. Make Believe is the strongest off the EP. It starts off slow and builds to a heart breaker of a chorus with Spring singing, Do you love me through your gritted teeth? I get the feeling that you're gonna leave me. It's a perfect example of a song that the band just gets right. They could use more of those. All in all, a great band that shows promise. One to keep an eye on in the future.

Abandon Kansas-Myspace