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	<title>EastScene &#187; CD reviews</title>
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		<title>Boy Set Sail &#8211; Review</title>
		<link>http://www.eastscene.com/2011/10/12/boy-set-sail-review/</link>
		<comments>http://www.eastscene.com/2011/10/12/boy-set-sail-review/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:24:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>allie_kisa</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[CD reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[album]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boy Set Sail]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Review]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.eastscene.com/?p=8607</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[UK pop-rock band, Boy Set Sail has just released their debut E.P., “We’re Almost There,” on I Am Mighty records. They are currently on tour with dates throughout the UK, and with such a major release, you will not want to miss these guys.  Even though this is their first release, it is obvious [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>UK pop-rock band, Boy Set Sail has just released their debut E.P., “We’re Almost There,” on I Am Mighty records. They are currently on tour with dates throughout the UK, and with such a major release, you will not want to miss these guys.  Even though this is their first release, it is obvious that these guys possess the talent necessary to make it in this industry. <span id="more-8607"></span></p>
<p>Immediately upon hearing the first track, “Rewind,” it was evident to me that their vocals are ear-catching and certainly unique to this band. The singer has a remarkable voice, almost haunting in a way. It reminds me a lot of bands who have been successful in years past. In my opinion, this is what is going to draw people into their fan-base. We all love those types of songs, the ones that get incessantly stuck in your head with no signs of letting up.</p>
<p>The second track on the EP I find to be the most notable, entitled “Believe.” The chorus is so catchy that I found it stuck in my head for days after just listening to it once. Obviously, I was back for more and you will be too. I believe that these guys are here to stay, they already have proven that with this EP and I cannot wait to see them progress.</p>
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		<title>State of Shock &#8211; Rock N&#8217; Roll Romance album review</title>
		<link>http://www.eastscene.com/2011/09/22/state-of-shock-rock-n-roll-romance-album-review/</link>
		<comments>http://www.eastscene.com/2011/09/22/state-of-shock-rock-n-roll-romance-album-review/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:28:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[CD reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Album Review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Album]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[State of Shock]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.eastscene.com/?p=8515</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[VANCOUVER, BC &#8212; Last night, the washed-out, Nickelback-esque, grunge rock quintet threw a party at The Roxy. The occasion? A postponed release of Rock N’ Roll Romance. Four years have passed since Life, Love &#38; Lies, a sophomore album that was certified gold, producing four national singles and a Juno nomination. Rewind another three years, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>VANCOUVER, BC &#8212; Last night, the washed-out, Nickelback-esque, grunge rock quintet threw a party at The Roxy. The occasion? A postponed release of Rock N’ Roll Romance. Four years have passed since Life, Love &amp; Lies, a sophomore album that was certified gold, producing four national singles and a Juno nomination. Rewind another three years, when Guilt By Association was released exclusively in Canada.<span id="more-8515"></span></p>
<p>It’s no secret that the band members love touring and recording both, equally- that is apparent in their exuberant smiles onstage and ridiculous excitement in the studio. They don’t tire of the cycle, a common trend with artists that are pushed to create, create, create and tour, tour, tour in a limited amount of time.</p>
<div style="clear: left;float: left;margin-bottom: 0em;margin-right: 1em"><img class="alignright" src="http://www.maplemusic.com/assets/product_images/stt_rocknroll_cd.jpg" alt="" width="260" /></div>
<p>Rock N’ Roll Romance, however, is a bit of a hit and miss for a minority of their fans, myself included. Since the July premiere of lead single, “Have a Nice Day” (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vFH_h5nCHqM">check out their lawn party music video, also premiered yesterday</a>), I’ve progressively lost interest. Then came the mid-August announcement that the album was to be pushed back a month.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, the album sounds like an accomplishment. Such a fact cannot be denied- the guitar solos are glitzier, the rhythms are distinct, and Cameron Melnyk’s vocals are a lighter embodiment of that West Coast crunch (think Theory of a Deadman, The Veer Union). Despite complaints, it’s no “poppier” than its predecessor- remember the chart-topping chorus of “Money Honey”?</p>
<p>The lyrical theme of the album is a continuation of Life, Love &amp; Lies, but with more sex, drugs, and glam. Apparent from their previous efforts, State of Shock excel at ballads, and fans will be gifted with “Innocent Girl”, “Mary Goes ‘Round”, “Last Call” and “Used to Be”  this time round. “Wish I Woulda Wowed U” catches their audience with an anthemic swing. Although a little too layered at times, the gang vocals are well executed overall. Dirtying it up with fast, catchy hooks in “Gone N’Done N’ Did It”, then slowing it down before ending on a high note for the title track; the Romance feels whole.</p>
<p><a href="http://stateofshockband.com/tour-dates/">upcoming tour dates</a><br />
<a href="http://stateofshockband.com/store/">physical album and merch</a><br />
<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/rock-n-roll-romance/id464149815">digital on iTunes</a></p>
<p><em><a href="http://stateofshockband.com">State of Shock</a> is Cameron Melnyk (vocals), Alison Toews (bass), Jesse Wainwright and Simon Clow (guitars), John Philippon (drums).</em></p>
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		<title>Austra &#8211; Feel It Break album review</title>
		<link>http://www.eastscene.com/2011/06/15/austra-feel-it-break-album-review/</link>
		<comments>http://www.eastscene.com/2011/06/15/austra-feel-it-break-album-review/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jun 2011 02:05:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[CD reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Album Review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Austra]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Album]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tour Dates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.eastscene.com/?p=8268</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Katie Stelmanis and company’s debut is a proud example of a Canadian album that hasn’t had to rely on precarious (and tragically lackadaisical) bragging by pro-Canadian press. We see it far too often: Canucks raving about other Canucks, who are in truth, only mediocre, but given a plethora of extra gold stars for homeland status.


No, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Katie Stelmanis and company’s debut is a proud example of a Canadian album that hasn’t had to rely on precarious (and tragically lackadaisical) bragging by pro-Canadian press. We see it far too often: Canucks raving about other Canucks, who are in truth, only mediocre, but given a plethora of extra gold stars for homeland status.<br />
<span id="more-8268"></span></p>
<div style="clear: left;float: left;margin-bottom: 0em;margin-right: 1em"><img class="alignright" src="http://onethirtybpm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/austra-feel-it-break.jpg" alt="" width="273" height="273" /></div>
<p>No, <strong>Austra</strong>’s premature success was brought on by an equally Canadian-American indie crowd whose only deceit can be found in their over-indulgence of obscure acts for purposes of boosting one&#8217;s self-image. While Canada may have had a week’s advance on <em>Feel It Break</em>, fans on the southside of the border wouldn’t have anticipated the release any less than their northern neighbours if they had not been given a headstart. (Sincerest apologies to you Brits and continental Europeans; I&#8217;m simply not up-to-date about events on the other side of the pond.)</p>
<p>The opening track, “Darken Her Horse”, begins with an abrupt vocal entry, an opportunity for lead vocalist Katie Stelmanis to establish her presence immediately. An isolated, reverberating chord is joined by other sparse, repetitive effects as the accompaniment layers into the chorus. Here the vocals become choral and warmer than before, comparatively speaking. To call <strong>Austra</strong> a warm-sounding group is quite impossible. Equally inappropriate is to allot the bridge “soaring harmonies”, but despite their dark tone, such is achieved. For these reasons, the band can expect a decent level of respect from their fans and casual listeners alike.</p>
<p>The second track- and second single- has a lighter, more-sparkly intro. (Mind you, we’re still talking on the more solemn side of the spectrum.) Minimalist lyrics are vague, wary of the departure of a significant other and perhaps the arrival of another… significant other? Five-finger scales commence on “The Future” to a subdued, determinate percussive beat and become the recurring theme on the 4-minute track, with a similar atmosphere to its predecessor. The end harmonies are slightly dissonant, producing an eerie finish and putting an end to the subtle optimism for the next track.</p>
<p>“Beat and the Pulse”, the lead single, and its webbed/winged dancers (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjKtbCx3piM">video NSFW</a>) were a huge hit from their premiere, over three months ago. Still up to debate is the trio’s musical style, which has been labelled anything from goth pop to witch house. There is a definitive New Wave element to their atmospheric backdrops, while Stelmanis’s previous operatic vocal training is a key contributor to the sustained haunting effect present in her singing (<a href="http://www.spinner.ca/2011/05/16/austra-feel-it-break/"><em>source</em></a>). As far as comparisons go, in my limited experience with this musical genre, I am tempted to say <strong>How to Destroy Angels</strong> on the industrial extreme and <strong>Zola Jesus</strong>, leaning towards the pop side. <strong>Austra</strong> is a wonderful gem for anyone who enjoys gothic, Dark Wave subgenres or has an affinity towards deeper, more soulful pop.</p>
<p>Mid-album tracks, “Spellwork” and “The Villain” delve into stronger beats and a bit of jangle, reminiscent of <strong>Depeche Mode</strong> in the late ‘80s. Along with bubbly-accusatory “Hate Crime”, the former also sacrifices a little vocal sensitivity for raw feeling. Very post-grunge. In contrast, “The Choke” brings out insistent piano accompaniments, showcasing versatility and a softer, more emotional vocal line. Returning to “The Villain”, for I must praise it further, especially the bass line. Apart from sporadic hi-hat and ride cymbal, bassist Dorian Wolf provides the only driving rhythm until Maya Postepski’s entry with the rest of the kit.</p>
<p>“Shoot The Water”’s moving accompaniment answers the call for much-needed variety at this point in the album. Stylistically, it is the outsider, with uptempo piano accompaniment, in the manner of soundtrack music to a locomotive scene in a silent movie. (Which, frankly, is too many words to describe a simple thematic idea, but it was too visually charming a description to avoid.) The track is this way until the end, unlike previous songs with segmented movements.</p>
<p><em>Feel It Break</em> is concluded with two tracks, one titled “The Noise”, the other “The Beast”. The former employs conversing vocals, at least in pitch and what seem to be electronically modified handclaps. The latter is piano-driven from the start, once again in that locomotive style. Stelmanis’s vocals in this finale are astonishing and stronger than ever; almost like a vocal bugle call of sorts (here I’m thinking “The Last Post” or “Taps”). Nice chordal end, but shortly after there is a wisp of piano. Maybe it’s a “to be continued” or a clumsy hand on the keyboard… eh, maybe it’s an inside joke. Nonetheless, it’s a heart-stopper, one of the standout tracks, which include “Beat and the Pulse”, “The Choke”, “The Villain”, and “Shoot The Water”- oh, I’m fully aware that accounts for half the album.</p>
<h3>Track list</h3>
<p>01 Darken Her Horse<br />
02 Lose It<br />
03 The Future<br />
04 Beat and the Pulse<br />
05 Spellwork<br />
06 The Choke<br />
07 Hate Crime<br />
08 The Villain<br />
09 Shoot The Water<br />
10 The Noise<br />
11 The Beast</p>
<p>Purchase this album <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/feel-it-break/id435196647">digitally on iTunes</a> or <a href="http://www.dominorecordco.us/usa/albums/03-02-11/feel-it-break">via Domino Records</a>.</p>
<div><img src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lirt9sWIF91qati8yo1_500.jpg" alt="Austra at SXSW 2011" /></div>
<h3>Tour dates</h3>
<p>The trio visits <strong>Lee&#8217;s Palace in Toronto on Thursday night (the 19th)</strong>, before swinging into the Northeast States (CHI, NYC, BOS). They return to Quebec/Ontario for three more shows as follows before embarking on a June-July European tour:</p>
<p>May 26th &#8211; Montreal @ Il Motore<br />
May 27th &#8211; Ottawa @ Ritual Nightclub<br />
May 28th &#8211; Waterloo @ Starlight Social Club<br />
<a href="http://austramusic.tumblr.com/shows">All dates here</a>.</p>
<p><em><strong>Austra</strong> is: Katie Stelmanis (vocals, keys), Maya Postepski (percussion), and Dorian Wolf (bass); live additions: Ryan Wonsiak (keys), Romy and Sari Lightman (backing vocals). <a href="http://www.austramusic.com/">Official site</a>.</em></p>
<div>review by Jo</div>
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		<title>I Am Empire &#8211; Kings Album Review</title>
		<link>http://www.eastscene.com/2011/01/25/i-am-empire-kings-album-review/</link>
		<comments>http://www.eastscene.com/2011/01/25/i-am-empire-kings-album-review/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:16:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[CD reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Album Review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[I Am Empire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Album]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tooth and Nail Records]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.eastscene.com/?p=7986</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Californian alternative rock outfit, I Am Empire released their second studio album today on prominent Seattle label Tooth and Nail. Kings borrows techniques from the wave of arena rock that has mounted charts recently; the sounds of My Chemical Romance, 30 Seconds To Mars, and Kings of Leon. It&#8217;s a shame they&#8217;re not better known.
&#8220;Heart [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="clear: left;float: left;margin-bottom: 1em;margin-right: 1em"><img src="http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/845/iamempirekingscover.jpg" alt="" height="150" /></div>
<p>Californian alternative rock outfit, I Am Empire released their second studio album today on prominent Seattle label Tooth and Nail. <em>Kings</em> borrows techniques from the wave of arena rock that has mounted charts recently; the sounds of My Chemical Romance, 30 Seconds To Mars, and Kings of Leon. It&#8217;s a shame they&#8217;re not better known.<span id="more-7986"></span></p>
<p>&#8220;Heart Attack&#8221; is explosive and catchy, featuring some intricate guitar work from Andrew Stanton, while immediate fan favourite, &#8220;Saints &amp; Sinners&#8221;, possesses all the makings of a scream punk hit a la Alexisonfire, only fresher. The chorus attacks, &#8220;How can you be a saint when you&#8217;re a sinner like me?&#8221; atop riveting vibrato chords. The next two &#8220;&amp;&#8221; songs complete the trilogy on a lighter, funkier note.</p>
<p>Two original songs that brought them to media attention in 2008, &#8220;The Elevator&#8221; and &#8220;You&#8217;re A Fake&#8221; have been rereleased, encasing the two ballads of the album, besides the closing lullaby, &#8220;It&#8217;s Not Fair&#8221;. Contrast is present, at a level slightly above what would normally be expected for a band of similar style.</p>
<p>But it is their new lead single, &#8220;Brain Damage&#8221;, with its epic &#8220;We are the sons and daughters&#8221; chorus and amusingly memorable hand motions that contagiously accumulated upwards of 10,000 hits on YouTube. (Twice the number Tooth and Nail videos regularly get- and in the last five days, as well.) Austin Lyons, you&#8217;re an eccentric one, but undeniably adorable. The video itself is nothing much; a straight 2:41 minutes of the band performing in a&#8230; forest? <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5jvkeM_yW0">See for yourself.</a></p>
<p>The five-piece were an instant hit in their hometown of San Jose, gaining the attention of major radio stations, magazines, and Myspace surfers. But it&#8217;s no wonder they were popular from the start. A definite roots rock influence can be heard, masked over by (this can&#8217;t be stressed enough) impressive guitar for such a young group. Their next steps will be developing a more distinctive sound for a listener to identify- &#8220;yes, this is I Am Empire&#8221;.</p>
<p><strong>Track list</strong><br />
01 Brain Damage<br />
02 Heart Attack<br />
03 Saints &amp; Sinners<br />
04 Hammers &amp; Anvils<br />
05 Love &amp; Despair<br />
06 To The Moon<br />
07 The Elevator<br />
08 Dig You Out<br />
09 Take Me Away<br />
10 You&#8217;re A Fake<br />
11 Foxhole<br />
12 It&#8217;s Not Fair</p>
<p>Purchase this album <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/kings/id412749813">digitally on iTunes</a> or <a href="http://zambooie.com/toothandnail/detail.tpl?sku=TND26494&amp;cart=12959649308421200">via Tooth and Nail</a>.</p>
<p><em>I Am Empire is Austin Lyons (vocals), Andrew Stanton (lead guitar), Joshua Case (bass/vocals), Dan Otis (rhythm guitar), and Eric Martin (drums). <a href="http://www.toothandnail.com/artists/290/I_Am_Empire/">More info</a> / <a href="http://www.myspace.com/iamempire">Myspace</a>.</em></p>
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		<title>For All Those Sleeping &#8211; Cross Your Fingers album review</title>
		<link>http://www.eastscene.com/2010/07/21/for-all-those-sleeping-cross-your-fingers-album-review/</link>
		<comments>http://www.eastscene.com/2010/07/21/for-all-those-sleeping-cross-your-fingers-album-review/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:25:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alex Munroe</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[CD reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.eastscene.com/?p=7610</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There&#8217;s been a huge burst of popularity throughout the last couple years in one of the many branches of the hardcore genre that blends the catchy step of power pop music, reminiscent of Forever The Sickest Kids, Nevershoutnever, and many others, and the heavy riffs and breakdowns that you would find in your typical hardcore [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.indievisionmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/covers/24642.jpg"><img class="alignleft" src="http://www.indievisionmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/covers/24642.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>There&#8217;s been a huge burst of popularity throughout the last couple years in one of the many branches of the hardcore genre that blends the catchy step of power pop music, reminiscent of Forever The Sickest Kids, Nevershoutnever, and many others, and the heavy riffs and breakdowns that you would find in your typical hardcore music, like Paddock Park or even Alesana. Many, and I mean like 90% of the bands that try to complete the fusion of the two styles fail quite miserably, but without those tremendous downfalls we wouldn&#8217;t be able to find the occasional  diamond in the rough, in this case For All Those Sleeping.<span id="more-7610"></span></p>
<p>Their album Cross Your Fingers, released on July 20th, is their first release since signing with Fearless records after putting out a demo/EP independently, and their looking for a good start as part of one of the industries leading labels.</p>
<p>This album has something for everyone who enjoys the post-hardcore genre and can definitely give you some hope for the future of this band. They put out a constant energy in their music and have numerous twists and turns throughout songs that jump from quick paced electronic based chorus&#8217;s to the heavy, start-swinging-your-fists breakdowns that can send waves of excitement through your body (notable tracks like He&#8217;s Dead Because Mommy Killed Him, and The Midnight Society).</p>
<p>Even with all the aforementioned awesomeness, there are still a couple flaws that definitely put a damper on the album. Once the initial &#8220;awe&#8221; factor fades away the songs can tend to draw out a bit and take away from the experience overall. Certain songs have a repetitive factor that seems to turn a 3 minute song into feeling like a 5 minute one, most notably Run Away.</p>
<p>Another of the smaller flaws I found was the way the songs seem to mesh together. There was a shortage of creative differences between songs and I found myself looking back to my iTunes to notice I had gone through three songs when I still thought I was listening to one. They would do well to look at some bands that excel in differentiating their sound throughout an album, like Greeley Estates most recent album No Rain, No Rainbow.</p>
<p>All in all this was still a good enough album and definitely gives me something to listen to until the new Word Alive album comes out, but there are still some flaws people might find that could turn them off of this band. I look forward to their future and hope they progress even further as a more influential part of this genre.</p>
<p>Notable Tracks:</p>
<p>Favorite Liar</p>
<p>Never Leave Northfield</p>
<p>If I Wanted Your Two Cents I&#8217;d Rob You</p>
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		<title>MINUS THE BEAR&#8217;S OMNI &#8211; ALBUM REVIEW</title>
		<link>http://www.eastscene.com/2010/05/01/minus-the-bears-omni-album-review/</link>
		<comments>http://www.eastscene.com/2010/05/01/minus-the-bears-omni-album-review/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 02 May 2010 01:54:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brennan Schnell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[CD reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.eastscene.com/?p=7494</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The seasons are changing faster than we know it, and now Summer is on the rising. What a better way to bring in the Summer weather than Minus The Bear&#8217;s new album OMNI which will be released in stores on Tuesday, May 4th 2010 with their new record label, Dangerbird Records. After their last record [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-7070" href="http://www.eastscene.com/2010/01/14/you-me-at-sixs-hold-me-down-album-review/you-me-at-six-hold-me-down/"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-7070" style="border: 2px solid black; margin: 3px 2px;" title="minus-the-bear-omni" src="http://www.eastscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Minusthebear.jpg" alt="avi-buffalo" width="135" height="135" /></a></p>
<p>The seasons are changing faster than we know it, and now Summer is on the rising. What a better way to bring in the Summer weather than Minus The Bear&#8217;s new album <em>OMNI</em> which will be released in stores on Tuesday, May 4th 2010 with their new record label, Dangerbird Records. After their last record release, Planet of Ice, your left guessing what would they have in store for their fans next because of their drastic style change; here is your chance to find out!<span id="more-7494"></span></p>
<p>The track &#8220;My Time&#8221; introduces you into the record, which after the repetitive percussion, your brought into a different sound to Minus the Bear. This sound isn&#8217;t something familiar to their former records, but rather them all combined together. It has a retro-modern beat, combined with the classic vocals of Jake Snider. The Summer breeze runs through as &#8220;Summer Angel&#8221; approaches, reminding you most of their record <em>Menos El Oso</em> with the higher pitch chords and mesmerizing rhythm. The unusual quality behind Minus the Bear is their ability to make you fall into their music, physically and mentally, as the lyrics &#8220;My summer angel keeps me on the run&#8221;, you are reminded of this attribute. The next track, &#8220;Secret Country&#8221;, will then go on to remind you of <em>Planet of Ice</em> with the increased amount of percussion and deeper but brilliant guitar riffs. The track &#8220;Into the Mirror&#8221; which was streamed on their MySpace page on October 9, 2010, had caught the attention of most fans. This is one that will show you the combination between the two former records, because of the not only percussion increase, deeper guitar riffs, but also the additional high pitch chords that were the highlight to <em>Meno&#8217;s El Oso</em>. &#8220;Into the Mirror&#8221; didn&#8217;t only remind you of vintage records, but vintage years of the 80&#8217;s with the use of a synthesized violin. And they didn&#8217;t only include a catchy chorus, but also a female vocalist by the name of Erin Passmore from the canadian band Sylvie. Let&#8217;s begin to rewind as &#8220;Animal Backwards&#8221; comes on, the unique percussion used most in this track was the rewinding of the guitar riffs creating a brilliant beat and electronic use. &#8220;Fooled By The Night&#8221; escorts you out of <em>OMNI </em>on a softer note, an intro that involves an organ effect, and chimes then builds up to a sexy melodic guitar riff which includes an acoustic rhythm in the background. &#8220;Fooled By The Night&#8221; has a very soft and also a very sinister feel, which leaves you wanting more.</p>
<p>Minus the Bear is obviously not afraid of change, and they show this in their last three albums all being completely different. Though this album I believe is a combination between the first two, it creates a more retro sound that you haven&#8217;t heard before. They are increasing their knowledge in their music, and their abilities, that is obvious throughout the records. I&#8217;ll always believe that <em>Menos El Oso</em> was their best album, but <em>OMNI </em>had covered the grey areas that they lacked in <em>Planet of Ice</em>. Many of Minus the Bear fans had not been fans to their album <em>Planet of Ice</em>, but they had introduced themselves to a new set a fans. Now, <em>OMNI</em> has come in and has the ability to gather the old, the former, and the new. The positives of this album is the fact that they still carry their unique qualities, and combined the attributes that both sets of fans enjoyed from their albums. And the negatives on<em> OMNI</em> were the fact that not all the tracks were able to grab your attention, and some are very similar to others, but the fact that Minus the Bear had the courage to make an album that every song was longer that 4 minutes shows how hard they worked on this record. Check out their album <em>OMNI </em>in stores this Tuesday! Also, Minus the Bear are currently out on tour around the U.S until May 29th 2010, for more details on dates and venues, read further or find out if their playing in your city on their MySpace page.</p>
<p>OMNI&#8217;s Album Review by Shannah Lauren</p>
<p><strong>Best Tracks:</strong><strong> </strong>Summer Angel, Excuses, Into the Mirror, and Animal Backwards.</p>
<p><strong>May 5th 2010:</strong> Boston, Massachusetts @ Wilbur Theatre<br />
<strong> May 6th 2010:</strong> Philadelphia, Pennsylvania @ Trocadero<br />
<strong> May 7th 2010: </strong>Washington, Washington @ 9:30 Club<br />
<strong> May 8th 2010: </strong>Richmond, Virginia @ The National<br />
<strong> May 9th 2010: </strong>Charlotte, North Carolina @ The Fillmore Charlotte<br />
<strong> May 10th 2010:</strong> Atlanta, Georgia @ Variety Playhouse<br />
<strong> May 11th 2010:</strong> Fort Lauderdale, Florida @ Revolution<br />
<strong> May 12th 2010: </strong>Tampa, Florida @ The Ritz Theatre<br />
<strong> May 14th 2010</strong>: Houston, Texas @ House of Blues<br />
<strong> May 15th 2010: </strong>Dallas, Texas @ Granada Theatre<br />
<strong> May 16th 2010: </strong>Austin, Texas @ La Zona Rosa<br />
<strong> May 18th 2010:</strong> Albuquerque, New Mexico @ Sunshine Theatre<br />
<strong> May 19th 2010: </strong>Las Vegas, Nevada @ House of Blues<br />
<strong> May 20th 2010: </strong>Los Angeles, California @ Mayan Theatre<br />
<strong> May 21st 2010:</strong> Pomona, California @ Glass House<br />
<strong> May 22nd 2010:</strong> San Diego, California @ SOMA<br />
<strong> May 23rd 2010:</strong> Tempe, Arizona @ Marquee Theatre<br />
<strong> May 26th 2010: </strong>San Francisco, California @ Regency Ballroom<br />
<strong> May 27th 2010:</strong> Reno, Nevada @ Knitting Factory<br />
<strong> May 28th 2010:</strong> Portland, Oregon @Roseland Theater<br />
<strong> May 29th 2010:</strong> Quincy, Washington @ Sasquatch! MUSIC Festival (Sold Out)</p>
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		<title>AVI BUFFALO &#8211; ALBUM REVIEW</title>
		<link>http://www.eastscene.com/2010/05/01/avi-buffalo-album-review/</link>
		<comments>http://www.eastscene.com/2010/05/01/avi-buffalo-album-review/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 01 May 2010 18:18:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brennan Schnell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[CD reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.eastscene.com/?p=7485</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ Avi Buffalo, a band stemming from Long Beach, California, may be relatively new on the music scene, but they’re already measuring up to their predecessors!  It’s hard to believe that lead vocalists, Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg, as well as the others in the band, are barely out of high school. The self-titled album, Avi Buffalo, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-7070" href="http://www.eastscene.com/2010/01/14/you-me-at-sixs-hold-me-down-album-review/you-me-at-six-hold-me-down/"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-7070" style="border: 2px solid black; margin: 3px 2px;" title="avi-buffalo" src="http://www.eastscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/AviBuffalo.jpg" alt="avi-buffalo" width="135" height="135" /></a> Avi Buffalo, a band stemming from Long Beach, California, may be relatively new on the music scene, but they’re already measuring up to their predecessors!  It’s hard to believe that lead vocalists, Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg, as well as the others in the band, are barely out of high school. The self-titled album, Avi Buffalo, released April 27, 2010, with little disappointment. This was the band’s debut on Sub Pop Records. Avi’s high, yet soulful, voice marries seamlessly with their flower child, earthy music.  While the band’s tracks may be new, their classic sound makes it seem as if they’ve been around for ages.<span id="more-7485"></span></p>
<p>    The album opens with the track, “Truth sets in&#8221;.  The song exemplifies the psychedelic vibe present throughout the entire album, and every now and again I could compare Avi’s vocals to that of Andrew Vanwyngarden of MGMT.  Combined with the seemingly natural instrumentals, it makes for some feel-good listening! Perhaps a song made for listening to with every window in the house open, “Summer Cum” perfectly pairs a mellow tune with witty lyrics.  But don’t think that this quartet stops there; I was pleasantly surprised to find the voice of Rebecca Coleman, vocalist and keyboardist for the band, simply mesmerizing.  In “One Last,” the pair’s vocals come together to form a perfect, moody harmony. </p>
<p> Avi Buffalo is sure to go places if they keep putting music of this caliber out!  The band’s already loyal following continues to grow, and they will be touring for the majority of this year.  And if the decade bending tracks don’t have you quite convinced, the album also dons original band artwork.</p>
<p> - Album Review by Tara Gardner</p>
<p> 19 Apr 2010 Phoenix, AZ Trunk Space &#8211; All Ages</p>
<p>21 Apr 2010 San Diego, CA Casbah &#8211; 18 Yrs+</p>
<p>23 Apr 2010 San Francisco, CA Independent &#8211; 21 Yrs+</p>
<p>26 Apr 2010 Long Beach, CA Fingerprints &#8211; ALL AGES</p>
<p>27 Apr 2010 San Luis Obispo Boo Boo Records &#8211; ALL AGES</p>
<p>28 Apr 2010 San Francisco, CA Amoeba Records &#8211; ALL AGES</p>
<p>29 Apr 2010 Santa Barbara, CA Jensen’s &#8211; ALL AGES HEADLINE SHOW</p>
<p>01 May 2010 Los Angeles, CA Troubadour &#8211; All Ages</p>
<p>RECORD RELEASE SHOW W/ VOICEsVOICEs, The Wailing Wall</p>
<p>13 May 2010 Brighton, UK The Great Escape Festival</p>
<p>14 May 2010 Minehead, UK All Tomorrow’s Parties Festival w/ Pavement SOLD OUT!</p>
<p>15 May 2010 The Hague, The Netherlands Walk The Line Festival</p>
<p>16 May 2010 Brussels, Belgium Le Grand Salon &#8211; Les Nuits Botanique</p>
<p>18 May 2010 Paris, France Reservoir Club</p>
<p>20 May 2010 Hamburg, Germany Molotow</p>
<p>21 May 2010 Berlin, Germany Bang Bang Club</p>
<p>23 May 2010 Amsterdam, Netherlands Paradise w/ The Ruby Suns</p>
<p>24 May 2010 London, UK The Old Blue Last</p>
<p>30 May 2010 George, WA Gorge Amphitheatre Sasquatch! Music Festival</p>
<p>June 18 2010 NXNE (SOLO) Toronto, BC W/ AA Bondy</p>
<p>June 19 2010 NXNE @ LEE’S PALACE Toronto, BC W/ Cold Cave</p>
<p>July 2 2010 ROYAL OAK THEATER Royal Oak, MI w/ Modest Mouse</p>
<p>July 3 2010 SUMMERFEST Milwaukee, WI w/ Modest Mouse</p>
<p>July 4, 2010 80/35 MUSIC FESTIVAL Des Moines, IA</p>
<p>July 6 2010 KANSAS CITY GRINDERS Kansas City, MO w/ Modest Mouse</p>
<p>July 23 2010 CRYSTAL BALLROOM Portland, OR W/ Blitzen Trapper</p>
<p>July 27 2010 FIRST AVE Minneapolis, MN W/ Blitzen Trapper</p>
<p>July 28 2010 TURNER Milwaukee, WI W/ Blitzen Trapper</p>
<p>31 Jul 2010 Montreal, Canada Osheaga Music Festival w/ Arcade Fire, Pavement, Beach House, Blitzen Trapper</p>
<p>August 3 2010 OPERA HOUSE Toronto, BC w/ Blitzen Trapper</p>
<p>August 4 2010 MAJESTIC Detroit, MI w/ Blitzen Trapper</p>
<p>August 5 2010, THE VOGUE Indianapolis, IN w/ Blitzen Trapper</p>
<p>04 Sep 2010 Monticello, NY ATP New York Festival w/ Sonic Youth, Iggy &amp; The Stooges</p>
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		<title>Rooney&#8217;s The Wild One EP &#8211; Album Review</title>
		<link>http://www.eastscene.com/2010/02/24/rooneys-the-wild-one-ep-album-review/</link>
		<comments>http://www.eastscene.com/2010/02/24/rooneys-the-wild-one-ep-album-review/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:18:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brennan Schnell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[CD reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Album Review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cd review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rooney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Wild One]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.eastscene.com/?p=7238</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s been a while since we heard new music from this California quintet but if this is just a sign of what is to come, then Rooney is definitely going to be putting their name back on the map.
The Wild one may be short but provides some great tracks and a sound that may have [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-7241" href="http://www.eastscene.com/2010/02/24/rooneys-the-wild-one-ep-album-review/wildone600x600/"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-7241" style="border: 5px solid black; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" title="wildone600x600" src="http://www.eastscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/wildone600x600-150x150.jpg" alt="wildone600x600" width="135" height="135" /></a>It&#8217;s been a while since we heard new music from this California quintet but if this is just a sign of what is to come, then Rooney is definitely going to be putting their name back on the map.</p>
<p>The Wild one may be short but provides some great tracks and a sound that may have not been so present in the past. The band has definitely matured and the new <span>EP</span> has some great highlights. I would say my favorite track off the album would be the title track &#8220;Wild One&#8221; and it is the one that differs most from their past in a good way. Ned Bower actually takes on the lead vocals for the track and it provides a jazzier sound to the track that we normally haven&#8217;t heard.<span id="more-7238"></span><br />
My other favorite track that really portrays the sound the band has come to be known as is the opener to the <span>EP</span> &#8220;<span>Suckceed</span>&#8221; which has a great introduction that seems to be sang by the whole band.</p>
<p>If the work on this <span>EP</span> is anything like what their next full length album will bring later this year, this band will definitely be regaining the following they had before and adding a great amount of new fans to their roster!</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold">Possibly sounds like: </span>Wild Sweet Orange, <span>Augustana</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold">Out of 10: </span>9/10<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold">Track Listing:<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-weight: bold"><br />
</span></span></span>1.<span>Suckweed</span><br />
2.I Don&#8217;t Understand<br />
3.Wild One<br />
4.The Days Keep Going By<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-weight: bold"><br />
</span></span></span></p>
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		<title>MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK &#8211; MY DINOSAUR LIFE ALBUM REVIEW</title>
		<link>http://www.eastscene.com/2010/01/18/motion-city-soundtrack-my-dinosaur-life-album-review/</link>
		<comments>http://www.eastscene.com/2010/01/18/motion-city-soundtrack-my-dinosaur-life-album-review/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 01:31:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brennan Schnell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[CD reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Album Review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motion City Soundtrack]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[My Dinosaur Life]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.eastscene.com/?p=7090</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It was hit or miss. Motion City Soundtrack&#8217;s new album My Dinosaur Life is their first release since signing to the major label Columbia Records. They had announced their follow up to Even If It Kills Me while they were on Warped Tour in 2008. Even If It Kills Me is a tough album to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-7095" href="http://www.eastscene.com/2010/01/18/motion-city-soundtrack-my-dinosaur-life-album-review/motion_city_soundtrack-my_dinosaur_life/"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-7095" style="border: 5px solid black; margin-right: 2px; margin-left: 2px;" title="motion_city_soundtrack-my_dinosaur_life" src="http://www.eastscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/motion_city_soundtrack-my_dinosaur_life-150x150.jpg" alt="motion_city_soundtrack-my_dinosaur_life" width="135" height="135" /></a>It was hit or miss. Motion City Soundtrack&#8217;s new album <em>My Dinosaur Lif</em><em>e</em> is their first release since signing to the major label Columbia Records. They had announced their follow up to <em>Even If It Kills Me</em> while they were on Warped Tour in 2008. <em>Even If It Kills Me</em> is a tough album to top, especially when it involves mainstream publicity such as &#8220;This Is For Real&#8221;, which was used on the trailer for the movie 17 Again, &#8220;It Had To Be You&#8221; was used in trailer for Hotel For Dogs, and &#8220;Fell in Love Without You&#8221; had been used on an episode of Gossip Girl. Not only is this their fourth studio album, but also their second album being produced by Blink 182&#8217;s Mark Hoppus.<span id="more-7090"></span></p>
<p>I thought that they could have opened up the album stronger, but as I listened to the remainder of the record, I realized each track had its own specific highlights. The second track, &#8220;A Lifeless Ordinary&#8221;, showcases the improvement of Justin Pierre&#8217;s vocals as well as guitar riffs, and both tracks &#8220;Disappear&#8221; and &#8220;Delirium&#8221; included captivating choruses. As &#8220;Pulp Fiction&#8221; arrives, you&#8217;ll be brought back into the 90&#8217;s pop-era with a similar sound to The New Radical&#8217;s hit &#8220;You Get What You Give&#8221;. And when &#8220;Hysteria&#8221; comes through, you&#8217;ll take a step forward to the sounds of their former albums. Furthermore, they also embrace features that are comparable to other artists, for example the track &#8220;Stand Too Close&#8221; includes the similar sounds to the band Sherwood with their easy-listening-pop, driven by simple acoustic guitars and very catchy clap line. In addition, the track &#8220;@!#?@!&#8221; shows an older, bouncy, pop-punk root like the vintage style of the bands Green Day, New Found Glory and coincidentally Blink 182. This record was saving the best for last with &#8220;The Weakends&#8221;, including mesmerizing features such as brilliant guitar riffs, a rigid set of lyrics that captures your attention, and a snare that adds a great punch to the track.</p>
<p><em>My Dinosaur Life </em>doesn&#8217;t reach perfection, but what I love most about this band is they don&#8217;t write what&#8217;s currently hot. However, their passion and belief in themselves drives them enough to continuously write a good record. I feel as if the album itself may have been slightly rushed, due to the fact that they only spent a year creating, working, and producing this album which will be released January 19, 2010. Motion City Soundtrack will enjoy a successful release as fans eagerly await to hear what they have created, and for what&#8217;s in store for the next chapter.</p>
<p>-Shannah Lauren</p>
<p>My Dinosaur Life Track Listing:</p>
<p>1.     Worker Bee<br />
2.     A Lifeless Ordinary (Need A Little Help)<br />
3.     Her Words Destroyed My Planet<br />
4.     Disappear<br />
5.     Delirium<br />
6.     History Lesson<br />
7.     Stand Too Close<br />
8.     Pulp Fiction<br />
9.     @!#?@!<br />
10.  Hysteria<br />
11.  Skin And Bones<br />
12.  The Weakends</p>
<p>Check out Motion City Soundtrack on tour w/ Weezer:<br />
January 18, 2010: West Babylon, NY (Looney Tunes In-Store)<br />
January 19, 2010: Boston, MA (Newbury Comics Instore)<br />
January 20, 2010: Fords, NJ (Vintage Vinyl Instore)<br />
January 21, 2010: Aurora, IL (Best Buy Instore Performance &amp; Signing)<br />
January 22, 2010: Bloomington, MN (Best Buy)<br />
January 23, 2010: Minneapolis, MN (First Avenue)<br />
January 25, 2010: Grand Rapids, MI (The Intersection)<br />
January 26, 2010: Cincinnati, OH (Bogarts)<br />
January 27, 2010: Cleveland, OH (House of Blues)<br />
January 29, 2010: Pontiac, MI (Clutch Cargo&#8217;s)<br />
January 31, 2010: Pittsburg, PA (Mr. Small&#8217;s Theater)<br />
February 01, 2010: Towson, MD (Recher Theater)<br />
February 03, 2010: New York, NY (The Fillmore at Irving Plaza)<br />
February 04, 2010: Hartford, CT (Webster Theater)<br />
February 06, 2010: Charlotte, NC (Tremont Hall)<br />
February 08, 2010: Atlanta, GA (Masquerade)<br />
February 10, 2010: Dallas, TX (The Prophet Bar)<br />
February 11, 2010: Austin, TX (Emo&#8217;s)<br />
February 12, 2010: Tucson, AZ (Rialto Theatre)<br />
February 14, 2010: W. Hollywood, CA (House of Blues)<br />
February 15, 2010: Anaheim, CA (House of Blues)<br />
February 16, 2010: San Francisco, CA (Regency Ballroom)<br />
February 20, 2010: Brisbane, Australia (Brisbane Soundwave Festival &#8211; RNA Showgrounds)<br />
February 21, 2010: Sydney, Australia (Sydney Soundwave Festival &#8211; Eastern Creek Raceway)<br />
February 26, 2010: Melbourne, Australia (Melbourne Soundwave Festival &#8211; Melbourne Showgrounds)<br />
February 27, 2010: Adelaide, South Australia (Adelaide Soundwave Festival &#8211; Bonython Park Oval)<br />
March 01, 2010: Perth, Australia (Perth Soundway Festival &#8211; Steel Blue Oval)<br />
March 04, 2010: Tokyo, Japan (Akasaka Blitz)<br />
March 07, 2010: Nagoya, Japan (Club Quattro)<br />
March 08, 2010: Osaka, Japan (Big Cat)<br />
March 23, 2010: Leeds, UK (The Cockpit)<br />
March 24, 2010: Oxford, UK (O2 Academy)<br />
March 26, 2010: London, UK (Electric Ballroom)<br />
March 27, 2010: Manchester, UK (Academy 2 @ Manchester University)<br />
March 28, 2010: Birmingham, UK (O2 Academy 2)<br />
March 30, 2010: Glasgow, UK (Oran Mor)</p>
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		<title>You Me At Six&#8217;s Hold Me Down &#8211; Album Review</title>
		<link>http://www.eastscene.com/2010/01/14/you-me-at-sixs-hold-me-down-album-review/</link>
		<comments>http://www.eastscene.com/2010/01/14/you-me-at-sixs-hold-me-down-album-review/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 02:23:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brennan Schnell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[CD reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Album Review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hold Me Down]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[You Me at Six]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.eastscene.com/?p=7043</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Alternative music coming out of the U.K has been on the rise with the likes of Muse, Coldplay, and Radiohead. Metal has also followed suit, chiming in with bands like Bullet For My Valentine and Bring Me The Horizon. Now, You Me At Six is the newest pop-rock British band to hit the  North American spotlight. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-7070" href="http://www.eastscene.com/2010/01/14/you-me-at-sixs-hold-me-down-album-review/you-me-at-six-hold-me-down/"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-7070" style="border: 2px solid black; margin: 3px 2px;" title="you-me-at-six-hold-me-down" src="http://www.eastscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/you-me-at-six-hold-me-down-150x150.jpg" alt="you-me-at-six-hold-me-down" width="135" height="135" /></a>Alternative music coming out of the U.K has been on the rise with the likes of Muse, Coldplay, and Radiohead. Metal has also followed suit, chiming in with bands like Bullet For My Valentine and Bring Me The Horizon. Now, You Me At Six is the newest pop-rock British band to hit the  North American spotlight. They formed in 2004, having Weybridge, Surrey as their base, and became well-known in the states in 2008 when their debut album <em>Take Off Your Colours</em> was released. As the new year arrived, their second studio album <em>Hold Me Down</em> is ready to hit the record stores on January 11th, 2010.<span id="more-7043"></span><br />
The album sets off with &#8220;The Consequence&#8221;, a warning siren that drags the listener into the record. Lead into the second track, &#8220;Underdog&#8221;, brings the feel of the entire album into one song with a catchy chorus and Josh Franceschi&#8217;s unique rugged pop-charm voice. Track four, &#8220;Stay With Me&#8221;, with even a simple intro was catchy and fit perfectly. After the first chorus, you might catch another quite similar chorus from Kings of Leon&#8217;s hit &#8220;Use Somebody&#8221; but in a different key, which I think added a perfect dose to the track.&#8221;Liquid Confidence&#8221; begins lighter than the former tracks with soft back up vocals and lead into a high incredible chorus, though the song is brilliant, it is very repetitive.</p>
<p>You Me At Six has many unique qualities but when it came to<em> Hold Me Down,</em> I believe that a lot of the tracks sounded quite similar, and only a few have grabbed my attention. Although the album is very good, I feel their ultimate musical ability is yet to be achieved. Overall, <em>Hold Me Down</em> is a great record with a similar sound to the likes of The Audition and Dear And The Headlights, combined. This being said, I believe that this record will not only hold onto the fans they have established to date, but widen their admiring horizons. Keep your eyes peeled for these boys, as they have just completed their trek on the AP Fall Ball Tour and will be making the rounds on Warped Tour 2010.<br />
Band Members:</p>
<ul>
<li>Josh Franceschi- lead vocals</li>
<li>Max Helyer &#8211; rhythm guitar</li>
<li>Chris Miller &#8211; lead guitar</li>
<li>Matt Barnes &#8211; bass guitar</li>
<li>Dan Flint &#8211; drums</li>
</ul>
<p>Best tracks: Underdog, Stay With Me, Liquid Confidence</p>
<p>For fans of: Mayday Parade, The Audition, Dear And The Headlights</p>
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