featured bands:
July, 2005:
members: Bryce Avary
website: therocketsummer,com
new album: Hello, Good Friend (05/17/05)
other albums: Calendar Days
listen: purevolume | myspace
on tour: Currently on tour with hellogoodbye and JamisonParker
quote: "And I don't know exactly how it is that we can be so mad we consider to not exist., when we both know there's so much love clenched within our fists." -Goodbye Waves and Driveways
inspiration: That's So You (video)
opinion: Bryce Avary defines the term "one-man band." He does it all. He writes all of his lyrics and arranges all of his music. He plays all of the instruments recorded on the album: electric/acoustic/bass guitars, drums and percussion, organ and synthesizers, etc. You name it; he does it. He's a very talented young man who makes great music.
June, 2005:
Refer back to the previous featured band, Waking Ashland (March, 2004). Pick up their debut full-length, Composure, which was released May 10, 2005 on Tooth and Nail Records. It's a lovely album.
Also, check out Amber Pacific. They recently released their debut full-length, The Possibility and the Promise, May 24, 2005 on Hopeless Records. It's a great album. Give them a listen on their purevolume and myspace pages. And see them live on this summer's Warped Tour.
May, 2005:
Refer back to the previous featured band, Fall Out Boy (May and June, 2004). Check out their major label (Island Records) debut, From Under the Cork Tree (May 3, 2005). It's my pick for album of the year. And I have to say it... I told you so.
April, 2005:
members: Brandon Thomas (vocals), Dave Aguilera (guitar), Keith Thompson (bass & background vocals), Scott Gottlieb (drums)
website: bleedthedream.com
new album: Built by Blood (04/26/05)
other albums: Awake and Asleep EP's
listen: purevolume | myspace
on tour: On tour with Anberlin in April; appearing at Warped Tour 2005 this summer
quote: "I should have known what I was in for... I should have hit the ground running, but I never saw it coming." -Should Have Known
opinion: The first time I saw Bleed the Dream was when they opened for Matchbook Romance's headlining tour almost a year ago. Since then, I have become a huge fan and seen them live several times. Their live show never disappoints. They are a very hard-working band and deserving of every bit of success they will have. They recently finished the Taste of Chaos tour and will be on the entire Warped Tour this summer. Their debut full-length album, Built by Blood, is due out later this month on Warcon Records (Warped Tour's Kevin Lyman's new record label). Just over two weeks before the band's anticipated release, they were hit with a tragic loss. Drummer, Scott Gottlieb, who had been battling leukemia since May 8, 2004, lost his battle with cancer. He passed away on April 10, 2005 and is terribly missed. He did, however, leave something very special behind, recording all of the drum tracks and shooting two videos for Built by Blood while fighting for his life. Everyone this band has ever touched will be forever grateful for the courage and strength he had to fulfill his dream. Because of that, Scott will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to Scott, the band, and all of his family and friends. Rest in peace, Scott. We love and miss you more than you could ever know.
Broken wings have a home tonight...
R.I.P. Scott Gottlieb (1970-2005)
March, 2005:
Refer back to previous featured bands Copeland and Mae. And pick up their new albums: Copeland's In Motion (03/22/04) and Mae's The Everglow (03/29/04). These are, without question, two of the best albums you will hear all year.
February, 2005:
members: Travis (vocals), Disashi (guitar), Ryan (bass), Matt (drums)
website: gymclassheroes.com
new album: The Papercut Chronicles (02/22/05)
other albums: For the Kids and The Papercut EP
listen: purevolume | myspace
on tour: Fueled by Ramen and Friends tour with Fall Out Boy and The Academy Is... in March and April
quote: "Yo, Matt, remember Kathryn? She talked so much, I used to make her bring me aspirin. Blah, blah, blah... I'm doing fine, thanks for asking. I even tried to make a muzzle, but her mouth just would not quit." -Make Out Club
opinion: I love this band. Totally different than most of the music I listen to. They are so much fun though. They put on a great live show and are always a blast to hang out with. For fans of Fall Out Boy, give "Cupid's Chokehold" a listen for some special background vocals by Patrick Stump. And if you're a fan of punk music, "Taxi Driver" is a song you must hear. If you are more into hip-hop music, definitely check them out. And even if you're not, give them a listen anyway. They might surprise you!
January, 2005:
members: William Beckett (lead vocals), Tom Conrad (guitar, background vocals), Mike Carden (guitar), Adam Siska (bass), Andy Mrotek (drums)
website: theacademyis.com
new album: Almost Here (02/08/05)
other album: The Academy EP
listen: purevolume | myspace
on tour: Touring in January and February with Something Corporate and Straylight Run; Fueled by Ramen tour in March and April with Fall Out Boy and Gym Class Heroes
quote: "Oh, oh, did I mention when I see you it stings like hell to the fact that we could have something that will never happen?" -Attention
opinion: The Academy Is... going to be your new favorite band in 2005. I discovered them early in 2004, and they have since become one of my favorite bands to listen to and see live. Not only do they sound amazing live, but they also have a wonderful stage presence. I have been looking forward to their debut full-length, Almost Here, for quite some time. Having heard over half of the songs on the album, I can already guarantee that this CD will be getting a lot of plays. Every time I hear a new song, I find myself liking it better than the last. They are all so catchy and the lyrics are great. Give them a listen, and you'll soon find yourself singing along. Trust me when I say that The Academy Is... going to make you fall in love.
December, 2004:
members: Nick Thomas (vocals, guitar, bass,, keyboards)
website: thespillcanvas.com
album: Sunsets and Car Crashes
listen: purevolume.com
on tour: currently finishing up a tour with As Tall As Lions and The Lindsey Diaries
quote: "And forget everyone who's jade, 'cause they don't matter and I don't care..." -The Night Will Go As Follows
opinion: Okay, this isn't really a new NEW artist/album, though it might be to most of you, but The Spill Canvas has made quite an impression on me this past year. Nick Thomas is the brainchild of The Spill Canvas and primarily a solo act particularly on the CD. However, he has recruited a full band to tour with him most of the time. If you are a fan of acoustic music, Sunsets and Car Crashes is a must have. The album has sort of a Dashboard Confessional feel to it, but not quite. The lyrics are stunning, especially in songs such as "The Night Will Go As Follows" and "So Much," just to name a couple. There are also some more upbeat songs; however, they all possess the same acoustic flare. Take a listen. I think you'll like what you hear.
October, 2004:
members: John Nolan (vocals, guitar, piano), Shaun Cooper (bass), Michelle Nolan (vocals, guitar, piano), Will Noon (drums, percussion)
website: straylightrun.com | straylight-run.com
new album: Straylight Run (Self-Titled)
release date: October 12, 2004
listen: purevolume.com | e-card
on tour: co-headlining tour this fall with Hot Rod Circuit and support from Northstar and Say Anything
quote: "Sing me something soft, sad, and delicate, or loud and out of key... Sing me anything." -Existentialism on Prom Night
inspiration: Existentialism on Prom Night (video), The Tension and the Terror (video)
opinion: This is the album I have been waiting well over a year for. And it was worth every single second. I've had an unmastered copy of the album for about a month and a half, and it's beautiful from start to finish. This is undoubtedly one of my favorite albums of the year, right up there with Northstar's Pollyanna. They re-recorded four out of the six original demos they released last year after forming the band, and each song is even better than before. What impresses me most about this album though are the new songs. "Another Word for Desperate" is one of several stand out tracks. The lyrics and music are simply amazing. The album artwork in breathtaking. If you've never heard Straylight Run before, I encourage you to check them out. You can hear quite a bit of their material at the various websites I've linked to above. You will fall in love.
August, 2004:
members: Aaron Marsh (lead vocals, guitars, melloton, organ, piano ); Bryan Laurenson (guitars, piano); James Likeness (bass, backing vocals); Jon Bucklew (drums)
website: thecopelandsite.com
new album: Know Nothing Stays the Same EP
release date: August 10, 2004
other album: Beneath Medicine Tree (2003), Copeland/Pacifico Split EP (2001)
listen: purevolume.com
on tour: currently on tour with The Working Title and Lovedrug
quote: "And she said that I was the brightest little firefly in her jar..." -Brightest
inspiration: Brightest (video)
opinion: There's only one word to describe Copeland's music... Beautiful. From start to finish, Copeland's debut full-length, Beneath Medicine Tree, is simple beautiful. It's full of emotion in both the lyrics and the music. There's a sense of sadness and a feeling of deep love throughout. There really aren't many words that I could say that would do this album justice. Just take my word for it. Pick it up, give it a listen, and fall in love. Copeland is releasing an EP of cover songs this month, titled Know Nothing Stays the Same. This EP was supposed to be released sometime back in early March, but kept getting delayed. I'm so glad that it's finally going to make its way onto the shelves of record stores and into my CD collection and heart.
July, 2004:
members: Adam Lazzara (lead vocals); Fred Mascherino (guitar & vocals); Eddie Reyes (guitar), Matthew Rubano (bass); Mark O'Connell (drums)
website: takingbacksunday.com
new album: Where You Want to Be
release date: July 27, 2004
other album: Tell All Your Friends (2002)
listen: purevolume.com
on tour: playing on the main stage of the Warped Tour all summer long; headlining tour to follow in the fall with support from Fall Out Boy
quote: "Cross my heart and hope to... I'm lying just to keep you here. So reckless, so thoughtless, so careless... but I could care less." -...Slowdance on the Inside
inspiration: Best Friends (video)
opinion: The highly anticipated follow-up to Taking Back Sunday's debut album, Tell All Your Friends, has almost arrived. For some of us, it has already. God bless the Internet. And even though I downloaded Where You Want to Be more than a month before its release date, you can bet I will be one of the first people in line to buy it on July 27. I initially had some reservations with whether or not this album could measure up to the excellence of TAYF due in large part to the departure of John Nolan and Shaun Cooper last year. I'm happy to report that I really had nothing to worry about. In my opinion, this album is just as good as the last. The vocals and lyrics are fantastic. This album is full of catchy and witty lyrics that you will be singing along to almost immediately from start to finish.
May and June, 2004:
members: Patrick Stump (lead vocals & guitar); Joe Trohman (guitar & vocals); Pete Wentz (bass & vocals); Andy Hurley (drums)
website: falloutboyrock.com
new album: My Heart Will Always Be the B-Side to My Tongue (Acoustic EP and DVD)
release date: May 18, 2004 (buy)
other album: Take This to Your Grave, Fall Out Boy's Evening Out with Your Girlfriend, Fall Out Boy/Project Rocket Split EP
listen: e-card | purevolume.com
watch: "dead on arrival"
on tour: opening on a few dates of the Blink-182/Taking Back Sunday tour (mid-May), playing a few shows in Japan (late May/early June), full U.S. headlining tour this summer (beginning in June), and performing at several stops on the Warped Tour (August)
quote: "So wear me like a locket around your throat/I'll weigh you down; I'll watch you choke/You look so good in blue..." -Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner
opinion: Pete said it best... "Forget what you heard. This is the new craze." How much do I love Fall Out Boy? I'm crazy about them. I first heard of them about a year and a half ago when I downloaded their Christmas song, "Yule Shoot Your Eye Out." I was immediately hooked and knew I would be hearing a lot more from them in the future. I downloaded some of their songs as they became available and ordered their album Take This to Your Grave as soon as it was available. A year later, and I still listen to it on a regular basis. I love it. It's so much fun, very catchy, and has lyrics that are full of a mix of wittiness and spitefulness, such as "Let's play this game called 'When You Catch Fire.' I wouldn't piss to put you out. Stop burning bridges and drive off of them. So I can forget about you." And that is only the beginning. It's one of those albums that you can listen to over and over again from start to finish. I suspect the same will be true of their upcoming release, My Heart Will Always Be the B-Side to My Tongue, an acoustic EP (with full-length DVD). I have seen Fall Out Boy in concert almost more times than I can count. They put on an amazing live show full of so much energy. They are some of the nicest guys you could ever meet, and clearly care as much about their fans as their fans care about them and their music. There's not much else I can say about them. I think the music speaks for itself. Enjoy.
April, 2004:
Dammit! I somehow erased my Northstar feature. I'll try to duplicate the information later.
website: northstarrock.com
listen: e-card | purevolume.com
March, 2004:
members: Jonathan (vocals & piano), Ryan (guitar & vocals), Andrew (bass), Thomas (drums)
website: wakingashland.com
album: "I Am for You" EP (available in mid-April)
listen: purevolume.com
on tour: currently playing shows in the Southern California area
quote: "The stars align for you and I tonight..." -Counting the Stars
inspiration: all hands on deck (video)
opinion: I only recently discovered this band and almost instantly fell in love with what I heard. I am a big fan of "piano rock", and these guys bring it to a whole new level. It's somewhat different. It's completely beautiful. I'm very impressed. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of the "I Am for You" EP that is due out next month, and it's wonderful from start to finish. You can listen to three songs from the upcoming EP at their PureVolume page. Or you can email the band, and they will give you information on how you can get a hold of one of the 500 advanced copies of the EP, which includes the acoustic "All Hands on Deck" as a bonus track, which will not be included on the official release in April.
February, 2004:
members: Brandon Reilly (lead vocals & guitar), Joe McCaffery (guitar), Phil Navetta (bass), and Brian Lane (tentatively on drums)
website: nightmareofyou.com
listen: demos
on tour: live debut on March 6 at The Downtown in Long Island (additional shows to follow)
quote: "And hey, sweetheart, is that your new car? Why don't you drive it off of a cliff? Because I can't stand your life since I am no longer in it." -I'd Dodge a Bullet for You
opinion: You all know how upset I was over the demise of The Movielife. Well, from the ashes rises another very promising band. Founded by former Movielife guitarist Brandon Reilly, Nightmare of You currently consists of two other official members--Joe McCaffery and former Movielife bassist, Phil Navetta. Brian Lane, of Brand New fame, helped them out with the drumming on their demos and may potentially become a permanent fixture in the band, schedule permitting. Regardless of who else becomes official members of the band, I have a feeling that they will be great. The demos that have been made available online are terrific. Brandon has stepped up from his role as lead guitarist in The Movielife to lead vocalist in Nightmare of You. His has a very unique singing voice that I really enjoy. While Nightmare of You have a very different sound than The Movielife, it's definitely different in a good way. I look forward to hearing more soon. So once again, the dismemberment of one of my favorite Long Island bands births another for me to fall in love with. Please check them out.
January, 2004:
members: Dave Gimenes (vocals & guitar), Zach Gehring (guitar), Mark Padgett (bass), Rob Sweitzer (background vocals & keyboards), Jacob Marshall (drums)
website: whatismae.com
album: destination: beautiful
listen: e-card |purevolume.com
on tour: Headlining tour with Copeland, The Working Title, and Slow Coming Day from 01/23/04 to o3/07/04
quote: "Please consider all things trite; forgiveness will be the thing that gets us by..." -Embers and Envelopes
inspiration: skyline drive (video)
opinion: What is Mae? The e-card says it best: love. loss. beauty. passion. regret. defeat. hope. faith. fear. trust. bliss. loneliness. pride. betrayal. frustration. energy. harmony. power. light. color. pain. tragedy. dreams. doubt. destiny. inspiration. feeling. life. Their debut full-length album, destination: beautiful, which has already been out for almost a year now, conveys all of those things and more. I first caught a glimpse of Mae when they opened for The Starting Line here back in July. I recently had the pleasure of really seeing them live again when they opened for Something Corporate last month. They were just wonderful, as is destination: beautiful. You can stream the entire album from their e-card, so you have no excuse not to check them out.
December, 2003:
members: Jesse Lacey (lead vocals & guitar), Vinnie Accardi (guitar & vocals), Garrett Tierney (bass), Brian Lane (drums)
website: brandnewrock.com
new album: The Holiday EP - Street Team Exclusive (limited edition of 1000); released December of 2003
other albums: Deja Entendu, Your Favorite Weapon, Brand New/Safety in Numbers Split EP
dvd: Try ebay!
listen: e-card
on tour: Recently completed their headlining tour with Hot Rod Circuit and Eisley; Brand New will be appearing at several radio holiday shows throughout the month of December before heading to the UK with Straylight Run in January
on tv: IMX (Fuse TV) on 12/23/03
quote: "Oh, my tongue's the only muscle on my body that works harder than my heart." --Okay I Believe You, but My Tommy Gun Don't
inspiration: The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot (video) and Moshi, Moshi (video)
opinion: Anyone who knows me or frequents this site had to know Brand New was bound to pop up as the featured band sooner or later. I'm just a wee bit obsessed, hehe. Brand New has become my favorite band over the last year or so. I liked them a lot for quite some time before they released their sophomore effort, Deja Entendu, back in June. However, since then, I can safely say that I have fallen completely in love. The album has been out for nearly half a year now, and I still listen to it on a daily basis. It's my pick for best album of 2003. I can't say enough about it. The lyrics are genius. It's a classic. A masterpiece in my eyes, from start to finish. On top of all that, Brand New is one of the best, if not the best, live performances you can witness. They own the crowd. Hearing thousands of people reciting the first few lines from "Tommy Gun" in unison with Jesse Lacey at the beginning of a show gives me chills. I've been fortunate enough to see them live five times (twice last week!) and meet them a few times since the release of Deja Entendu back in June. Every show was an experience that I would never trade for anything. I can't wait to do it again. Anyway, I couldn't think of any bands that have new releases coming out in the month of December that have me overly excited, so I thought it would be appropriate to give the honor to Brand New, who I think could be the featured band of the year. If you are still for whatever reason Brand New deprived, then heed my advice... Buy their music. Go to their shows. You'll thank me for it later. I promise.
November, 2003:
members: Ken Vasoli (lead vocals & bass), Mike Golla (guitar & vocals), Matt Watts (guitar), Tom Gryskiewicz (drums)
website: startinglinerock.com
new album: Make Yourself at Home - Acoustic EP
release date: November 25, 2003
other albums: With hopes of starting over... EP and Say It Like You Mean It
dvd: Limited Edition Acoustic DVD; available only at drivethrurecords.com
listen: drivethrurecords.com
on tour: Recently completed headlining the Drive-Thru Invasion tour; currently not on tour while working on their next full-length album
quote: "Cross your fingers/And pray for winter/I'll be there/Painting the town your favorite color" -The Drama Summer
inspiration: The Best of Me (video) and Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now (video)
opinion: This band is a lot of fun. I've been a fan for some time now and seen them live several times. In fact, I saw them three times in a six week time span this summer. I have had the opportunity to meet them a couple of times, as well, and they are very down to earth and friendly. They put on a great live show and their albums are great from start to finish. I've been looking forward to the Make Yourself at Home EP for a really long time now. I've actually had the EP downloaded for at least half a year now, but it's release kept getting delayed. They have added one additional song to the track list that I have not yet heard. I'm excited to get the EP, which also included enhanced material of two brand new songs that they have performed live. I'm equally excited to get the limited edition DVD, which includes their acoustic performance at Skate & Surf Fest. The EP and DVD will hopefully be enough to tide me over until TSL releases their next full-length album sometime next year.
October/November (2003) featurette:
members: Jamison Covington (vocals & guitar) and Parker Case (guitar, bass, drums, & vocals)
website: jamisonparker.com
new album: Notes & Photographs EP
release date: October 28, 2003
listen: e-card
on tour: Now on tour with Straylight Run and The New Amsterdams
on tv: IMX (Fuse TV) on 11/24/03
quote: "You remind me of a song I used to love..." -Your Song
opinion: I had heard a little bit about this band a while back, but I didn't really "hear" them until they joined Straylight Run on their first ever tour. They opened for them, and I picked up their notes&photographs e.p. at the show. I instantly fell in love with it. It is packed with five incredible songs. I really love each and every one of them. On Tuesday, October 28, they will be releasing this EP nationally on Interscope Records. I am fortunate enough to have gotten one of the 2000 limited edition copies (#507 to be exact!) that they sold independently, complete with a one-of-a-kind Polaroid picture that they took themselves. What a great idea that was! And what a great duo these two are. You all really should check them out. You can listen to all five songs that are on the EP at their mp3.com page.
October, 2003:
members: Andrew McMahon (lead vocals & piano), William Tell (guitar & background vocals), Josh Parkington (guitar), Clutch (bass), Brian Ireland (drums & percussion)
website: somethingcorporate.com
new album: North
release date: October 21, 2003
other albums: Ready...Break, AudioBoxer EP, Leaving through the Window
dvd: A Year in the Life
listen: North player | mp3.com
on tour: Headlining tour with Rx Bandits, Mae, and Days Away
on tv: Jimmy Kimmel Live on 10/21/03
quote: "And you don't want to be here in the future/So you say the present's just a pleasant interruption to the past" -Konstantine
inspiration: Konstantine (slideshow)
opinion: What can I say? I'm a sucker for the piano. And no one plays it quite like Andrew. It's fascinating watching him play. I mean, who can literally jump and dance on the keys of a piano and make it sound so good and fit so perfectly with the song? But there's more to SoCo than just Andrew... Will, Josh, Clutch, and Brian are all very talented musicians. This group of guys make up one of my top 10 favorite bands. Their music is powerful and inspiring. Their lyrics have moved me to tears. If you haven't experienced SoCo's music, you must. Their live show is one of the best. I most recently saw SoCo on September 26, and hearing the amazing "Konstantine" (a gorgeous 10-minute ballad) live is something I will not soon forget. Do yourself a favor and listen to this band.
September, 2003:
members: Andrew Jordan (vocals & guitar), Judas DePaolo (guitar), Ryan Kienle (bass), Aaron Stern (drums)
website: matchbookromance.com
new album: Stories and Alibis
release date: September 23, 2003
other albums: West for Wishing EP
on tour: Currently overseas with The Ataris
quote: "Third time's a charm, but would we even get that far?" -14 Balloons
inspiration: Promise (video)
low (6.70 MB) | high (16.9 MB)
opinion: I first heard Matchbook Romance at absolutepunk.net, where their song "The Greatest Fall (of All Time)" was featured in the King of the Hill contest. I immediately fell in love with the song, which remained the KotH champion for several months. I bought their EP, West for Wishing, and was very impressed. I was able to see them live at the Warped Tour back in June, and they put on an amazing show. Their debut full-length album, Stories and Alibis, will be out later this month (on my birthday, yay!). I've heard a few of the new songs online and live, and I'm definitely looking forward to hearing the album in its entirety!
August, 2003:
members: Chris Carrabba (lead vocals & guitar), Johnny Lefler (guitar & piano), Scott Schoenbeck (bass), Mike Marsh (drums)
website: dashboardconfessional.com
new album: A Mark, a Mission, a Brand, a Scar
release date: August 12, 2003
listen: D/C Player | The Leak
review: rollingstone.com
other albums: MTV Unplugged v2.0, The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most, The Swiss Army Romance, Summers Kiss EP, So Impossible EP, The Drowning EP
on tour: September 2 to October 7 with Brand New, MxPx, and Vendetta Red
on tv: The Late Show with David Letterman on August 7 and Last Call with Carson Daly late night on August 14
quote: "My hopes are so high that your kiss might kill me/So, won't you kill me?/So, I die happy..."
inspiration: hands down (video)
opinion: "Hands Down" was the first video I ever made, which was nearly ten months ago. It's such a great song, but it's just one of many great songs by D/C. I've been looking forward to the new album (which contains a full-band version of "Hands Down", by the way) longer than I can remember. I have heard several songs off of it already, and I know it's not going to disappoint.