Brave Town

Digging For Days likes to unearth those bands and songs that actually deserve your time and attention. I don't just post because some PR guy sent me a their clients one sheet. 

From the very first word sung on the highly catchy "Denim," Nashville's Brave Town will win you over with their infectious hooks, melodies and superb guitar licks. With only an EP to their name so far, what Brave Town lack in quantity they make up for in quality. 

Notes of Coldplay and The Killers can be heard especially through hints of Jay Ragsdale's vocals and Michael Kelly's superb lead guitar. The EP is promising of what these young guys can do but nothing quite tops the effervescence of the love at first sight Ragsdale sings about on "Denim." By the time the chorus kicks in and the band is playing full force on this upbeat track, you will be sold. 

Denim-

Ryn Weaver

Should you feel badly for liking pop music? Well if it's Ryn Weaver' s brand of pop the answer is a resounding, "No!" Instantly catchy, insanely intricate, and forward thinking, Weaver has woven (no pun intended) herself into a nifty niche of the pop scene inhabited by a select few. Sky Ferreira and Ellie Goulding being a quick comparison. 

Ryn Weaver's break out single, "OctaHate," rewards on multiple listens. Co-written by Ryn and Charli XCX and produced by some of music's most innovative minds (Cashmere Cat, Passion Pit's Michael Angelakos, and Benny Blanco if you're keeping score), this tribal stomp with electronic touches is held together by Weaver's cool sonic warble. Why this song has not caught on at radio, I have no idea. "Promises" is another, ahem, promising track with its jittery vocal loops and laid back vibe. 

Weaver will release her debut album The Fool in June but if her Promises EP is any indication of what to expect, 2015 is looking to become a red letter year. An artist to keep your eye on for sure in the new year. 

OctaHate-

The Tennessee Whalers

Let's chalk it up to the fact that I just got through watching O' Brother Where Art Thou? 6 times in a row, (I teach for a living) but I am really digging The Tennessee Whalers. These harmonizing, down home, mandolin playing guys have exactly 2 songs for consumption and one of them is a Christmas song! Nevertheless, the Whalers aim to meld crystal clear harmonies with a modern edge. 

On their gently scathing song "Locks," they sing about a love that did quite a number on them begging her to give their heart back while simultaneously warning not to "come around here no more cause if you do I'll lock the door." These contradictions perfectly captures the confusing nature of a break-up that wasn't so easy. The Tennessee Whalers meld Americana folk with pop sensibilities much in the same way that other band cough-Mumford-cough does. "Locks" is just a taste and I would encourage everyone to definitely come around to listen to these guys more. Grab their free EP on NoiseTrade. 

The Tennessee Whalers-Facebook

Locks-

New Politics

The "Harlem Shake" is dead. Long live "Harlem." The new single from Danish alt-rock band New Politics, is not a dance craze, but it will sweep the nation. Lead singer David Boyd delivers your new favorite line "Shake it like a crack whore up in Harlem," with distorted vocals, while drummer Louis Vecchio keeps the beat at the forefront to give it some dance-ability.

Their new album, A Bad Girl in Harlem, is slated to drop on May 21st. New Politics rocks hard with a pop/punk sensibility, which is only to the listener's benefit. Mark my words, New Politics are about to blow up. Hop on the train now my friends. 

New Politics- Facebook
Harlem-

Jack and White

Purposefully, deceptively, and yet brilliantly  named Jack and White consists of former American Idol contestant Brooke White and songwriting partner Jack Mantranga. I remember really liking Brooke on AI but then her solo stuff didn't really do anything for me. Well what a difference a duo makes. Jack and White are the perfect blend. Their harmonies are effortless and their songs singable. On their new EP Gemini, they embody a 70s pop vibe, with a summery feel on every note. "Double Trouble" is a laid back affair about a couple of troublemakers who do something troubling. (The singers themselves don't really have a clear answer on that) Jack and White produce such catchy melodies that you can't help but put the repeat button on. A definite surprise for anyone looking for a soundtrack to their next beach party. 

Jack and White- Facebook

Double Trouble-

Honor Society

A bit of a departure into pop territory with this one, but keep reading because Honor Society aren't just your run of the mill sugary pop band. They have some of the most catchy, meticulously crafted songs I've heard in a long time. They remind me of The Cab with slick vocal harmonies having a modern edge with 80s undertones. (any group that sings about wondering what a girl's looking at on her mac are definitely a 21st century band) They are on tour with Jonas Brothers but let's not hold that against them, shall we?

Their EP, A Tale of Risky Business, spins tales of young love and regrets. Why Didn't I? tells of not getting the nerve up to tell someone how you really you feel, (It should be me and you together walking in the rain). It's the strongest track with a big beat verse that explodes into a driving chorus of guitar melodies and excellent harmonies. Honor Society shouldn't be exiled because they make great pop music. There is a place for undeniably catchy hooks with mainstream appeal and Honor Society delivers in both.

Honor Society- Myspace
Why Didn't I-