Hydra Melody

Full-blown alternative rock is not dead. You just have to dig for it. Hydra Melody fuse big choruses with catchy guitar hooks and soaring vocals. This San Antonio 5 piece rocks with a modern edge that is reminiscient of Third Eye Blind, which is fitting because they are opening for the '90s mainstays on their fall tour. 

They shine on singles like "California" which  is arena, not to mention radio, ready. Lead singer Jordan Berlanga pleads with a lost love singing "It's been a long time coming, but I can wait for years. Just come back to me," over a shimmering guitar line. And wait for years all of us alt-rock fans have been doing patiently. Hydra Melody provide a much needed rock boost to your playlist. They'll be right at home next to Imagine Dragons and Young the Giant. 

Hydra Melody- Facebook
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A Lion Named Roar

I first heard of A Lion Named Roar after just stumbling upon them in one of those constant YouTube video clip loops. (We've all been there) At the time, I was impressed, but there wasn't really much in the way of actually purchasing any of their music. On November 27th, ALNR will put out their Foreign Land EP. While this isn't a full length album, they are following in the Imagine Dragons blueprint. Release an EP, gain some buzz, release the LP, BAM! Instant hit band. 

With huge hooks and a pop/rock sensibility these guys from Kentucky are clamoring to be heard. With first single "This Won't Last For Long," lead singer Chris Jackson soars on a song about cherishing moments as they come. "Noon" starts off with a western whistle and churns along with stiff swagger. "Remember Me"(a personal favorite) is filled with excellent lyrics about losing your identity in a relationship with a chugging beat. ("When days are gone and you're not around anymore will i remember me?") A Lion Named Roar could stand to roar a little louder at some moments, but this EP shows a ton of potential for a band that lives up to the hype.

A Lion Named Roar- Facebook

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Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons have Vegas opulence mixed with a pop/rock sensibility. Their new album It's Time could signify their sense of expectation and it should. Lead singer Dan Reynolds sings with passion and on the title track (their best) he employs, over a hand clap/stomp beat, that "It's time to begin, isn't it? I get a little bit bigger but I'll admit I'm just the same as I was." A good message for those who lose their way when they get a little taste of success. "Look How Far We've Come" is an upbeat track with dream-like guitar lines. Imagine Dragons works best when they really let themselves go and definite one to watch.

Imagine Dragons- Facebook

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