Empires

Chicago's Empires lives on the verge on spinning out of control. Their music is all controlled chaos without losing its way. And at the helm of the teetering on the edge is lead singer Sean Van Vleet. His voice is what makes Empires so interesting, especially on the rollicking "Damn Things Over." Van Vleet soars above ragged guitars singing "If there's a hell for lovers/I can be hell's loverboy." Antoher key track is "I Know You Know" a dark melodic song about unspoken feelings.

Empires is currently vying for a chance at a Rolling Stone cover. Be sure to vote for them here. A deluxe edition of their EP Bang will be released on March 9th.

Empires- Facebook

Damn Things Over-

Jamestown Revival

Forgive me readers for I have sinned. It has been much too long since my last post. But really I've not been impressed with a lot of stuff that's been sent my way. Until now...

Jamestown Revival is Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance. Hailing from Austin, Revival is musical equivalent of riding in the back of a truck on a spring day down a dirt road. There's a down home feel that runs through their EP titled Knives and Pipes. 

The simplicity on display here perfectly showcases the harmonies that Clay and Chance can achieve. From the chugging lines of "Looking For The Right Thing" (which brings to mind Johnny Cash) to the bluesy "Ain't It A Shame," Jamestown Revival proves that The Black Keys aren't the only ones who know their way around the blues. While they never quite reach the heights of the Keys, with their recent entry into the Rolling Stone cover competition, that is sure to change. Vote for JR to grace to cover of Rolling Stone here.

Jamestown Revival- Myspace

Heavy Heart- 

The 10 of '10

Another year, another list. Take it for what it's worth- a hype free list with no pretension; it's the Digging For Days way. 

10- J Roddy Walston & the Business- J Roddy Walston & the Business

 Raw energy at it best. J Roddy takes care of (ahem) business on this blast of pure rock n' roll. Jerry Lee Lewis would be proud on barn burners such as "Don't Break the Needle" and "Full Growing Man." Walston at his best and one of the years best debuts.

9-The Rock and The Tide- Joshua Radin

Radin still has his sparse, guitar-strummed ballads on here, but he also exercises his rock side. "The Ones with the Light" and "Road to Ride On" provide an excellent taste of what Radin is really made of. Lyrically powerful, beautifully sung and arranged, Radin further cements his television show soundtrack-iness with this release. (which is a good thing)

8-Hands All Over- Maroon 5

Gonna get a lot of flack for putting such a divisive band on a list that most people will expect should be filled with obscure bands. But, damnit, Maroon 5 delivered a solid album with hooky soul rock. This album has been in rotation since its release and that speaks to the pure listenability (is that a word?) of the record. You won't win any cool points, but you will be humming along for days.

7- Dark is the Way, Light is a Place- Anberlin

Always heard of this band, but rode them off as another emo band. Then I heard "Impossible" and "Take Me as You Found Me" and was convinced that these guys were something more. Anberlin decided to focus of hooks and melody this time around and may have gotten knocked for by hardcore fans, but their shift (though not that extreme) still felt sincere and organic. The result is an album, though short, is just as powerful.

6- Women + Country- Jakob Dylan

Former Wallflowers frontman, Jakob Dylan went country on his Rick Rubin produced second solo album and the results are quite excellent. With bass lines that will shake your bones, Dylan perfectly crafted his version of Americana rock. Backed up by the excellent Kelly Hogan and Neko Case, Dylan has never sounded so comfortable. Here's hoping we get more of the same in the future. (and a new Wallflowers album? Maybe?)

5- Court Yard Hounds by Court Yard Hounds

Dixie Chick sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Robson decided that they couldn't wait on lead Chick Natalie Maines to get ready to sing again. They formed their own group and they definitely stand on their own. With excellent harmonies and solid songwriting, Court Yard Hounds can more than tide us over for the Chicks' follow-up. Their duet with Jakob Dylan ("See You in the Spring") is the main reason they landed at #5.  A great track, both musically and lyrically.

4- Young the Giant by Young the Giant

Young the Giant, though newly named, deliver quite an impressive debut. Filled with hook after hook, these Giants have an 80s vibe that actually feels modern and not synth heavy. (unlike The Killers) Sameer Gadhia carries quite the song and often the song lives and dies on his voice alone. "My Body" proves they can rock, but it's "I Got" that shows off both their versatility.

3- Of the Blue Colour of the Sky- OK GO

Video masterminds OK GO may be known for their music videos but it was this album that showed they can grow their music beyond pop/rock. Heavily influence by Prince, ...Of the Sky not only gives longtime fans the sound they want, but the sound they didn't know they wanted. Damian Kulash and the guys deliver such layered and experimental rock that it keeps you guessing from song to song. No one in rock music can touch these guys visually and this record proved that they might need to start upping their game musically as well.

2- Grace Potter & the Nocturnals- Grace Potter & the Nocturnals

Major label debuts are a blessing and a curse- great we've got the money from a big label, but our fans will yell "Sell out!" Fortunately, Grace Potter can sing loud enough and strong enough to drown out the few who think that. With Potter channeling Janis Joplin, she is the best singer working today. (as evidenced by her wail on "Tiny Light") Already working on a follow-up, Potter and her Nocturnals offer a perfect mix of blues, rock, and soul. This record takes you back to a time when music wasn't produced but sung from the heart (and soul).

1- Sigh No More by Mumford & Sons

A perfect blend of folk, rock, and blues- Mumford & Sons have arrived. Sigh No More made the music world stand up and take notice of a genre that was thought to be more niche than anything. Not quite country nor rock, Mumford & Sons are electric lead by the raw voice of Marcus Mumford. Whether it's simply understated as in "After the Storm" or a torrent of emotion in "White Blank Page," these guys know how to deliver a wallop of emotion one song at a time. The best album I heard all year long.

Hurts

Hurts is usually a band I would bypass. Electronic- 80s Morrissey-esque music but then came that Christmas song that I'm sure everyone has heard by now. ("All I Want for Christmas," no not the Mariah Carey one) It's as melancholy as my favorite Christmas song, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," but it in the best possible way.

Anyway, this song led me to some of their other stuff. It's not all for me, but their song "Stay" is quite possibly the best unrequited love song ever written. (We say goodbye in the pouring rain/And I break down as you walk away/ Stay). Taken off their debut album Happiness, Lead singer Theo Hutchcraft channels Morrissey but with a modern edge. A choir even helps Hutchcraft get the girl to stay. Hurts has a penchant for long slow walking and looking sad but their music is filled with enough synth hooks to carry you through. 

Hurts- Myspace

Stay-

Boy & Bear

Cut from the same cloth as Mumford & Sons, Boy & Bear find themselves in that rare to find genre- indie/folk Americana rock. So it's surprising to find out that they hail from Australia. Each member fronted another band at one point in their career and I'm glad that they finally realized that they are better together. Boy & Bear, have a down home sound with catchy hooks and harmonies for days. 

It only takes one listen to B&B to know that they have the goods. Take "Mexican Mavis" for instance. Probably one of their strongest tracks I've heard. With it's choral harmonies and plucked acoustic guitar, "Mavis" is thriving, pounding and an excellent starting point. "Blood to Gold" is a lyrical goldmine (pun intended) about what you have is never enough. ("If this blood don't turn to gold I think I'm doomed") Boy & Bear will definitely get compared to Mumford & Sons (and maybe Fleet Foxes) but I do believe that there is space enough in this musical genre for this excellent band. 

Boy & Bear- Myspace

Mexican Mavis-

Young the Giant

Digging For Days Reviews...

Young the Giant by Young the Giant

Already inducted into the DFD Hall of Fame (yeah we've got one...um...it just started), Young the Giant (formerly The Jakes) are set to deliver their proper self-titled debut album digitally on October 26th. And deliver do they ever. Giant is one of the best terms to describe these California guys' sound. They have a big sound which is accented by lead singer's Sameer Gadhia's big voice. He soars on the rollicking, lively My Body and brings it down to a simmer on Islands.

Young the Giant are steeped in Californian, laid-back rock. They create such an atmosphere with each and every song. They aren't going for the nose-bleeds every time but they make up for it genuine pop/rock greatness. Hooks abound at every turn and especially on their most famous track Cough Syrup. Garands is filled with soaring vocals that practically beg to be blared from a car stereo at sunset. Never too heavy or too light, these guys are, to quote Goldilocks, "Just right." They have built quite a mold for themselves, one I'm not quite sure has been cast before. Young the Giant inhabit a soulful place where the songs are at the forefront. Melodies swoon in and out with dream like guitars and pounding, piercing drums. 

Not every song is a winner though, St. Walker at times is a bit aimless. It's just not as strong as the rest. Same goes for album closer Guns Out. On this track, the hooks just don't spill out as easily as the others. It gets weighed down by its own breeziness. Young the Giant though have put together quite a strong outfit of material here that will bring that summery feel we'll all need by winter's end. A-

Young the Giant- Myspace

My Body-

Get Back Loretta

Get Back Loretta

San Diego's Get Back Loretta is pop music at its best-smart, catchy, edgy. Their songs are filled with hooks, big melodies, and great lyrics. After a few listens I'm definitely high on these guys. Their new EP Where Did You Go? is anchored by excellent track Breaking Down. Often channeling Muse at times on this song, Steven Bradford delivers lines like waves crashing upon the shore. 

Bradford has such a bombastic quality to his voice, bringing to mind Cold War Kids lead singer Nathan Willett. GBL is in my wheelhouse because they deliver the type of rock I crave- highly melodic and catchy as hell.

Get Back Loretta- Myspace

Breaking Down (Acoustic)-

Justin Jones

Justin Jones

Rough around the edges, blues fueled, raw energy. Just some of the ways to describe Justin Jones. His new release Little Fox EP, is a breath of fresh air in the overproduced shine of today's music. With just enough ragged-ness in his voice to make you want to keep listening, Jones keeps his brand of country-tinged rock rolling. On the harmonica laden opening track Little Fox.

 It's a highlight on the album but it's the stark track The Gutter with its gut-wrenching lyrics and simple guitar chords that knocks you down.  (I found a memory in the gutter/put it in my belly/ it fed me for weeks). Jones' honesty in his songs is almost a little too hard to listen to. His vocals sound like he is on the brink of ripping open his chest. A great find that has gotten me out of a dry spell. 

Justin Jones- Myspace
The Gutter-

Jukebox the Ghost

Call this a long time coming. Jukebox the Ghost came into my email a while back. I mean a whhhile back. And then I forgot about them. And then I remembered how much I intended to get them on DFD but never did. (Well, thanks to Direct Current for the memory jog) Jukebox the Ghost just released their album Everything Under the Sun and it is filled with hooky, anthemic, piano-driven gems.

So Let Us Create is a Queen-esque slow build with trickling piano and a soft flowing melody. Also check out the jittery album opener Schizophrenia, which sounds like Phoenix on a caffeine high. With their pop sensibilities intact, Jukebox the Ghost aren't one of those bands that gets experimental and the critics swoon. Rather, they rely on solid songwriting, tight melodies, and excellent




Jukebox the Ghost- Myspace
So Let Us Create-

New Pete Yorn

As you can probably tell, my real job has started back. (Teaching doesn't pay many bills, but it pays some.) So right now, I'm more concerned with getting everything squared away with that. BUT I did just get a second Pete Yorn track off his upcoming self-titled album. It's called Velcro Shoes and is just as good as Precious Stone. Filled with harmonica, rough guitars, and a catchy hook, Pete Yorn is putting out his best work. I was a huge fan of his first two, not so much his last two. These tracks are changing my outlook. It's now sunny with a definite purchase. Hopefully I'll be getting an advanced copy to review to really get a better idea. Until then, enjoy a free download of Velcro Shoes AND Precious Stone.


Pete Yorn-Myspace
Precious Stone-
Download This:
Velcro Shoes
Precious Stone

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-