Wolftron = Acoustic Pop at Its Finest

The folk acoustic pop gods must have been thinking fondly of me today when they blessed my laptop's speakers with the lovely sounds of Wolftron, the side project of Daphne Loves Derby's front-man Kenny Choi. He produces symphonic music of epic proportions, complete with pretty vocals and even prettier instrumentation.

"Sugar Skulls" is cutesy, electronic jam accented with smooth acoustic guitar rhythms. The vocals hit every pitch just right. The song plays nice and easy on the ears. I love how delicate every note sounds. It is truly a work of art.

"Crystal Skulls" is another great slow and simple song with perfectly placed crescendos and decrescendos. I could hear the song grow emotionally with the color in the vocals. It sounds so beautiful I would consider playing it at my wedding. Even the ending is flawless with a soft, slowing percussion rhythm. I would not change anything about it.

"Ms. Luna Grim" is an upbeat track with intriguing lyrics. "Wait out in the dark until the moon burns through your heart. Then you'll find some peace. You'll never know my name again," is an example of the thought-provoking words supplied by Wolftron. Various electronica sounds are featured in this song, adding to its delightful mystique. The precise guitar-picking exemplifies the close attention to detail Wolftron pays to all of its songs.

Wolftron epitomizes great acoustic pop. The combination of Choi's whisper-like voice and the strong, full sound of the instrumentation works out very well. Watch this video of Choi performing "Ms. Luna Grim." Do you like his sound? Comment and share your opinion!

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Photo Credit: http://www.purevolume.com/wolftron/photos/2234860

5 Reasons Why You Should Listen to Lady Danville

Recently I had the pleasure of attending a Ben Folds concert at Pittsburgh's Club Zoo. I had no prior knowledge of an opening act being there, so I was pleasantly surprised when indie pop powerhouse Lady Danville took the stage and blew my mind. Here are five reasons why you should listen to Lady Danville.

1. Their music is SO FUN - I had no choice but to dance when they started strumming their first song. Their music is incredibly easy to groove to.

2. Their lyrics are easy to learn and sing along to - After hearing the first chorus of their song "Spoon" I felt like I had listened to the song a million times before. That catchiness makes their music feel like a warm welcome home into their world.

3. They have keys - I am a sucker for any band that utilizes a keyboard, and Lady Danville uses it to their very best advantage. Their music's happy pop feel is enhanced by the playfulness of the keys.

4. They can croon like there is no tomorrow - The sweet tones of their vocals knocked me off my feet. Their song "Sophie Roux" exhibits this trait. Don't fight it if you instantly form a crush on the band post-listening.

5. They sound like the love child of Ben Folds and A Fine Frenzy - Need I say more?

Check out this video of their divine song "The Uke Song." What do you think of Lady Danville?

And for good measure, here is the music video for "Sophie Roux." *Sigh,* so cute.

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Settle: Intriguing Song Titles with Buzzworthy Music to Match

Song titles catch my eye right away when I am looking at a band's Purevolume page. Two kinds of titles tend to grab my attention almost immediately: the bizarre and the awkward. In the case of alternative punk band Settle, their song titles could be summed up by both descriptors, so I was really curious as to what kind of music they create. Their tunes turned out to be just as intriguing as their titles.

"Naked at a Family Function" is a dark, alt rock jam with a new wave vibe that shines with guitar riff greatness. There is not much instrumental variation in the arrangement of the song. The verses have a specific, repeated instrumentation as well as the chorus, making the song uniform and easy to follow. The same lusciously catchy guitar riffs are repeated giving it consistency. I like this song because I can count on the fact that I will hear my favorite parts multiple times during the song. It's an interesting format.

"Affinity for My Hometown" resonates with hometown pride. Its sentimental theme makes it feel like an anthem for a homesick band on tour. The universal feeling featured in the song is punctuated with sentiments particular to the band members, which makes it very personal. "When I die, just bury me in the backyard," is the lyric that made me love Settle. This song is a win for me because I like the way the subject matter is presented, and the percussion sounds absolutely killer.

"I Saw an Inferno Once" features more infectious guitar riffs. The vocals are intense and somewhat monotone, which proves appropriate for the serious lyrics. The transitions into the verses are crisp, and the busy sound of the instrumental parts go well with the energetic vocals. This song packs quite the punch as far as establishing a specific vibe goes.

Settle made me a fan because their songs are all very different, from lyrics to instrumentation and chord progressions to arrangement. I recommend them to fans of Dr. Manhattan and Halifax.

Check out Settle's video for their song "Murder." What do you think of them? Comment this post and let me know your opinion! Feedback is always appreciated and welcomed.

Settle - "Murder"

Settle | Myspace Music Videos

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Photo Credit: http://www.purevolume.com/settle/photos/2563297

I am Grateful for Gratitude

Purevolume is most certainly a gold mine of great alternative rock, and San Francisco group Gratitude is a prime example of the gems out there in Purevolume's vast network. Their tracks are very well polished like a finely tuned machine. Members Jonah Matranga, Mark Weinberg, Jeremy Tappero, Bob Lindsey and David Jarnstrom have honed their skills to a tee.

"Begin Again" is a sorrowful, easy tempo song that does an excellent job at featuring the range of the vocalist's voice. The guitar riff that presides over the verses is quite powerful and clean. All of the instruments settle down when it is time for the vocals to take the spotlight. This song demonstrates Gratitude's exceptional understanding of playing as an ensemble.

"Another Division St." is another easy listening alt rock track with quiet, gentle vocals that build up into incredible crescendos during the choruses. This song has a very full sound, with consistent participation from every instrument. The guitar part in this song is so catchy and upbeat that I found it difficult not to partake in typical music-related toe-tapping. This song is very, very O.A.R. If you like O.A.R., listen to this song and prepare to fall in love with Gratitude's sound.

"This is the Part" is a very guitar-driven song that goes back and forth between a light, relaxed yet conflicted vibe and a heavier, full-blown angst-filled vibe. The instruments have a nice balance in this song while the vocalist does the damn thing. This song is full of emotion and energy. The only complaint I have is that I think the random scream that occurs at the end of the song sounds very misplaced. Other than that, I think it is an exceptional track, especially for a first time listener to check out.

I like Gratitude's simple, easy listening style. Their passion is apparent in their music, but they do not let that passion cause them to over-do their music. Everything is edited to perfection. Definitely listen to them if you like O.A.R.! Check out their music video for their song, "Drive Away." What do you think of Gratitude? Comment and let me know! Let's have a conversation.

Drive Away

GRATITUDE | Myspace Music Videos

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Photo Credit: http://www.purevolume.com/gratitude/photos/434169

Athlete Creates Electronically Enhanced Grooves

Some great talents have come from the United Kingdom: The Coral, Radiohead, Joss Stone, etc. Another UK group that should be recognized for their musical capabilities is Athlete, an indie rock phenomenon that produces beautiful, electronic-saturated tunes with articulate guitar rhythms. Purevolume blessed me with their creations and converted me into a fan almost instantly.

"Half Light" is a spacey groove with tender vocals that serve as the perfect accompaniment for the meliffluent chord progressions of the guitars and symbol-laden percussion parts. Gentle pauses in between verses and choruses give the song a story-like feel, as if the band members are making sure the audience is still paying attention. The electronic aspects of the song and percussion parts give the song a powerful pulse making it extremely kinetic.

"The Outsiders" consists of a melancholic sound from Athlete's electronic instruments supported by low, mysterious vocals. There are so many pleasing sounds in this song, yet together they come off as somewhat spooky and sorrowful. The texture of the song is soft, but the serious tone of being an outsider is not lost thanks to the distant keyboards and lyrics like, "Let's pick a fight on whomever we like, 'cause we're never wrong. Nobody likes us. We don't care, so let's lose ourselves." This song showcases how well Athlete can rock some electronica in their indie rock.

"In Between 2 States" is a melodic celebration of the strange, unexpected sounds electronic instruments can create. It is chock full of sound variations, giving it a very Pink Floyd-with-a-pinch-of-David-Bowie vibe. I think making it purely instrumental was a fantastic decision on Athlete's part because since so many diverse sounds are produced in the song, adding vocals would have taken away from the quality of the song. The best part about this song being on Purevolume? It's free to download it! Go to the band's purevolume page to get this gem in your iTunes.

Athlete is the perfect match for ears that enjoy relaxed, electronica-heavy music. Fans of Coldplay, Plushgun and Keane will fall in love with these guys. Watch the music video for their song, "Wires" that captures their entire musical aesthetic.

What do YOU think of them? Comment and let me know your thoughts on Athlete's style.

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

Photo Credit: http://www.purevolume.com/athlete/photos/2173850

He is We Appeals to Me

Timing worked out perfectly today when I visited Purevolume. I came across He is We, a two-piece acoustic indie pop band made up of Trevor Kelly and Rachel Taylor, who is releasing an album, "My Forever," in three days. How perfect? I happened upon a band that is releasing very fresh music and probably trying really hard to get that music out to the masses. So perfect. I did not only review their latest songs but also some older ones because I wanted to get a taste of how they have developed. Three songs in, and I was hooked.

"Forever and Ever" sounds a lot like a Charlotte Sometimes style of song mixed with a little bit of Vanessa Carlton. Its lyrics are passionate and optimistic, and the instrumentation goes well with the flow of the song. The crescendos and decrescendos are inserted in all the right places, and the acoustic guitar sounds fantastic with the gentle tone of the vocals. I especially appreciate the layered vocals of the song, which give it a symphonic sound. Every instrument's part is tweaked to perfection.

"A Mess It Grows" starts out with a haunting keyboard pattern with three notes and turns into an angst-filled, look-what-karma-can-do anthem. "I'm alright and I'm alive," is just one of the many examples of personal triumph found in the song. Percussion-filled rhythms and the simplistic keyboard pattern propel the song into musical greatness.

"Kiss It All Better" is another melancholy song punctuated with a quiet acoustic guitar and keys. The longing for improvement in a relationship is clearly heard through the aching, delicate vocals. The emotion heard in them is heartbreaking. I felt as though I was losing someone just like the band was.

He is We demonstrates command of their individual talents and an exceptional ability of letting those talents work together to create beautiful sounds. I like the way they combine acoustic guitar and piano/keyboards to give their music a soft yet emotionally charged feel. I recommend them to fans of Charlotte Sometimes.

Here's a great live performance of their song, "Happily Ever After." What do you think of them? Comment and let me know what you think of their music.

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

Photo Credit: http://www.purevolume.com/HEISWE/photos/3165698

Dear The Escape Frame: Please Reunite

Perhaps the only disappointing aspect of this blog for me is finding a band I really enjoy listening to, only to realize they are now defunct, leaving their golden tracks on Purevolume for fans like me to continue listening in hopes of a reunion. The Escape Frame epitomizes that sort of experience for me. They are the perfect balance of electronica and rock, using heavenly hooks and catchy choruses to draw in the listener. Their music is fun and refreshing. Why, oh, why do they have to be on hiatus?

"'The Desire" is a sinfully sweet-sounding pop tune with adorable lyrics. The lyric "So don't be afraid. Just tell me how you want this thing to play out," appeals to me because of how up-front yet flirty it is. This song proves cute lyrics and a good beat can hypnotize a electronica-pop-loving girl. I found the percussion parts very impressive, and they fit very well with the guitar's chord progressions. The guitar also wowed me from how it switched between a sweet, ukulele-like sound to a harder, grittier sound. It really pumped up the energy of the song by giving it texture. The song did not play flat at all.

"Unlike the Ordinary" is another decadent rock pop song that showcases The Escape Frame's electronica appeal. The lyrics are extremely positive with lines like, "Everything in front of you is something beautiful. Just open your eyes to see it all." The song captures man's ability to effect his perception of life's appearance. Kudos to them for succeeding in expressing something so profound in such a simple, jumpy, little ditty.

"Before We Die" is a slow semi-electronica, semi-acoustic song with a melancholy tone. The vocals convey the reflective theme of the song, crooning lyrics like, "Life amounts to nothing but a lot of time spent trying to figure it out before we die." The song shows a different side of The Escape Frame, dismissing the upbeat tempos of their other songs and exchanging them for a mature, thoughtful nature.

I like The Escape Frame's multifaceted sound. Their songs vary between super synth-y, pop and rock. Sometimes they blend all three sounds together, and other times they are showcased separately. Regardless, their sound is vibrant and addicting. Check out their lovely cover of Dr. Dre's "Nothin But a G Thang." Tonight I will pray to the electronica gods for them to get back together someday.

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

Photo Credit: http://www.purevolume.com/theescapeframe/photos/2593327

The Stills Have Skills

Purevolume gave me an impressive dose of good music today in the form of The Stills, an indie rock Canadian gem. Members Greg Paquet, Oliver Crowe, Tim Fletcher, Liam O'Neil and Dave Hamelin blew me away with their incredibly unified sound and the way they take full advantage of every instrument's capabilities in each song. Their music is full of life and feeling and has the ability to perk up any ear.

"In the Beginning" is a spirited, pulsing, bittersweet jam about coming to grips with moving on. The steady tambourine and constant guitar riff move the intro along by providing an unwavering cadence for the rest of the instruments to follow, resulting in a powerful sound and victorious vibe. The vocals blend perfectly with all of the instruments with its low tone and even pitches. I appreciate the different levels of emotion this song goes through. It feels like a story, a very easy-to-listen-to story.

"Helicopters" is a spacey, percussion-driven tune with an interesting rhythm within the vocals that contrasts with the rhythm of the instruments. It is easy to hear the immense effort The Stills put into perfecting this song. It almost feels like an epic because of the various layers of sound in it. The song plays like a motivational track on a cross country runner's playlist, giving it a very distinct personality that stays consistent throughout the entire song.

"Lola Stars and Stripes" features some fantastic guitar action that basically dictates the energy of the entire song. A simple percussion rhythm moves in and out of the song, giving the song a fuller sound when appropriate. Each instrument bows out when it is clear that one particular talent is to be showcased, which goes to show The Stills definitely have a sense of musical unity and respect for each other's talent. Very cool.

The Stills stand out because their skills and overall sound are polished. They do not sound like anybody but themselves. Check out the video for "Lola Stars and Stripes" here, and let me know what you think of their sound. Comments are always welcome!

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

Photo Credit: http://www.purevolume.com/thestills/photos/1799860

Friendly Spotlight

I was recently given an assignment in my multimedia class that required me to create a video that related to my blog and could be posted on my blog. Being that my best friend at school, Danny Carbo, is ditching Point Park University after this semester to start a music career, I knew I had the perfect subject.

I have known Danny since the second week of my freshman year, and after just a few conversations with him about the music industry, it became pretty obvious this kid belongs on a stage and not in a musical theater program.

Though I am very sad to see him go, I am so excited for the huge jump he is about to take. I made this video not only to meet my class' requirements, but to show that Danny Carbo is someone music lovers should know about.

Watch the video and comment! Feedback is always appreciated!

Thank you watching. Shuffle on.

Holiday Unheard Of Should Be Heard

Experimental rock is always a hit or a miss for me, and Holiday Unheard Of is an absolute hit. Members Jared, Keegan, Keaton, Nick and Kelly seem to have cultivated a style quite unique to them and perfected it. Their sound is very full, powerful and distinguished. I wanted to listen to every song again and again and again.

"Winds" consists of sorrowful vocals backed by some hefty lungs. The instrumentation accents the strong presence of the vocals. Everything just fits in this song, from the intricate guitar picking to the intense percussion. Each instrument was paid obvious attention to in the songwriting process. This song showcases Holiday Unheard Of's high level of musical skill.

"Greater Calling" also comes alive with angst-driven vocals. There is a mix of belting and screaming that clearly conveys the emotions of the song. I focused the most on the great guitar parts of this song that rang out above the vocals at times without really trying. I appreciate a band that can make the individual musical talent stand out, not just the group's collective talent. This song accomplishes that without a hitch. Listen to a live performance of it here:

"The Golden Strand" rocks (pun intended) back and forth between quiet, haunting guitar riffs and upbeat crescendos, while maintaining one unifying quality: pristine articulation. I love every measure of this song because everything just sounds the way it should. Not one aspect sounds like it drops the ball. This song packs a punch, a very talented punch.

Listen to Holiday Unheard Of for an epic musical experience. They are definitely capable of profound musical expression. I recommend them to fans of The Receiving End of Sirens.

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

Photo credit: http://www.purevolume.com/holidayunheardof/photos/2406903

I Want More of Say No More

The indie pop gods blessed me today with California's fun, fresh Say No More. Members Peter Pedrazzi, Peter Holbert, Jon Rasmussen and Tim Spier create music that is just as delightful as they look in <-- that photograph. Their efforts equal the formula of idyllic pop rock: catchy percussion rhythms, bright vocals, driving guitar riffs and one heck of a toe-tapping beat in every song.

"Long Drive Home" does not waste any time jumping into an anthem-like vibe. Every instrument sounds completely focused on the final product, which results in an impressive cohesion amongst them. As cliche as it may be, I would probably listen to this song to get through a long drive home. It has a sinfully contagious optimistic energy.

"This is Our Way" sounds very Motion City Soundtrack-esque, and I am ALL about it! The lyrics are very free-spirited, which match the peppy instrumental parts perfectly. I think there are even some trumpets playing around -1:40. Whatever instrument that is, it adds to the positive attitude of the song. Every second pulses with excitement and bounce. Say No More won me over with this one.

"Tell Me What You're Thinking" is a somber acoustic ditty with simplistic yet emotionally heavy lyrics. The vocals combine just the right amount of croon and whisper to create a very intimate feel. The song sounds so personal, I felt like it was directed towards me. It's so cute yet so tragic. I like that they manage to capture both of those sensations in one song. Watch it performed live here:

Say No More can definitely count me as a fan now. Their music has heart and vitality, two qualities that characterize great pop rock in my mind. I strongly advise anyone and everyone to check them out.

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

Photo credit: http://www.purevolume.com/saynomore/photos/2402714

Brilliant Red Lights Lacks Total Brilliance

Purevolume really disappointed me today with Brilliant Red Lights. Please understand that members Evan, Noah and Aaron did not fail me completely. In fact, I rather enjoyed their instrumental talent. However, the vocals killed it for me though. I was so excited for each song whenever the intros would begin, but that feeling quickly faded with each ear-shattering verse. I just really get so down in the dumps for a band whenever they are so close to success, but fail to get that metaphorical cigar. One lacking element can throw off an entire sound, and Brilliant Red Lights is unfortunately a perfect example of that.

"Numb Songs" starts off with some killer guitar-picking and percussion that plays like a well-oiled machine. Then screeching, pitchy vocals pour mediocrity all over the song. The guitar and bass continue to sound great together, but all of that magic is blanketed by the weakly supported vocals. They sound so forced and unrehearsed. I could love this song if that single aspect was re-recorded.

"A Declaration of Purpose" sounds mismatched and awkward. The notes the vocals hit do not seem to blend with the guitar and bass parts. If putting a left shoe on a right foot had a sound assigned to it, this song would be that sound. Again, the vocals sound strangled while a very catchy rhythm is developed by the guitar parts. What an tragic case.

"New Flags" has a very catchy groove to it with very tight percussion and intriguing guitar patterns that make my ear want to hear more. The vocals kind of fade into the background, making this song more bearable than the others. That quality of being easy to ignore still does not make them enjoyable though. I wish that once piece of the puzzle could be replaced to make the song a masterpiece.

I commend Brilliant Red Lights for creating decent rhythms and instrumental parts, but I think they should definitely rethink the vocals. I do not want to sing along to a song with a second-rate vocalist. I am second-rate enough myself.

Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.

Photo credit: http://www.purevolume.com/brilliantredlights/photos/1009857

What Makes a Band a GOOD Band?

I recently interviewed some music fans about what they think makes a band a good band. The answers were very diverse. Listen to the results by clicking the play button on the media player below that adorable picture of a rock band.

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Photo credit: http://www.kudlian.net/products/stikfas/