J Roddy Walston & The Business

Pure, raw energy is the only way to describe J Roddy and the Business. From Baltimore by way of Tennessee, these guys play rock n' roll as if their lives depend on it. And a few of today's bands could stand to have their lives threatened. (I'm glaring at you Nickelback!) Their sound is jagged and rough, but then goes down smooth once the melodies take control. JR&TB are nothing if not super catchy. With a sophomore album out on July 27th, JR&TB hope to really show the world what it really means to rock. And roll.

Roddy's voice is all gravel and glass but never veers into grating. One moment he is subdued and the next note everything is unleashed. Piano rocker Don't Break the Needle is one of their strongest tracks with slow burning vocals by Roddy before he lets loose the flames on the chorus. Jerry Lee Lewis would be proud.

Roddy is backed by some serious Business as well. The entire band's sound basically body slams emo to the floor. Not only are J Roddy and the Business performing barn burners with every tune, they set the whole damn town aflame.


J Roddy Walston & The Business- Myspace
Don't Break the Needle-

The Victorious Secrets

FreeCreditScore.com is currently looking to replace their popular fake band. You know the ones with the guys singing in a Renaissance Fair or at a restaurant in pirate get-ups. Yeah, they're fake. Sorry to ruin your childhood fantasies. Anyway, the company has been searching the country for a real replacement band. There are 4 bands that you can vote for right now. I have my favorite and their little commercial ditty is even more catchy than any jingle I have heard on TV. (Maybe the Empire Flooring 1-800-988-2300, EMPIRE!)

The Victorious Secrets (get it?) is an unsigned band from Detroit with a national commercial and the goods to back it up. Their sound is a grungy/pop/rock thing going on. Simultaneously catchy and tongue planted firmly in cheek, they're songs are self-aware and so are the guys in the band. (As evidenced in some of their interviews) Riding on a Falcon, is a thumping good time with excellent lead vocals by Danny Zott. A definite winner in my book for the competition which hopefully leads to bigger and better things for these guys.

The Victorious Secrets- Myspace
Riding on a Falcon-



FreeCreditScore.com Jingle-

Lady Danville

Hailing from LA, acoustic rockers Lady Danville specialize in lush harmonies and gentle hooks. Formed in 2007 after meeting for UCLA's acappella group Awaken, Lady Danville have been hitting every venue in LA to spread their music and gather a following. They are currently recording their full length album. A little bit Death Cab for Cutie mixed with the vocal stylings of Ben Folds.

One of their best songs is Cars which is all bouncy piano and plucky guitar. Lady Danville are on top of their game when they fully embrace the hooks and harmonies that seem to just ooze out of every song. Also check out Anthem, a piano driven mid-tempo that will definitely grow on you. Lady D takes you back to a time when music felt organic and actually performed by musicians. A lot of potential with these guys.

Lady Danville- Myspace
Cars-

Lady Danville - Cars from Matthew Kurtin on Vimeo.

American Bang

I heard about these guys through a Verizon commercial. They had a catchy little song on it a while back and then I had just forgotten about them. I stumbled across them again, very randomly, and and it just so happens that they are finally putting out a proper debut album. (Their self titled effort comes out at the end of August.)

After listening to their first single Wild And Young, they strike me as a cleaner version of Kings of Leon. Lead singer Jaren Johnston even mimics some of Caleb Followill's twangy vocal mannerisms. I am not saying it is a bad thing by any means. If you like Kings of Leon then you'll love American Bang. Their songs are soaring, anthemic, and rollicking. Many of you will scream 'derivative' but I say that American Bang bring a spit shine polish that KoL were just getting around to on their latest album. There's enough room in the music landscape for a band this talented.

American Bang- Myspace
Wild And Young-