Ben Presley - "Wait For Me"

Ben Presley is an up-and-coming indie/folk/pop singer-songwriter out of the metro-Atlanta area, and he shows more promise than any other young artist I have heard in recent years. Given his background in musical theater, it comes as no surprise that Ben has one of the more unique and powerful set of pipes on the scene today. His voice is emotional and passionate, carrying the melody his first song released (as of yet) and seamlessly crafting beautifully heart-wrenching harmonies that are reminiscent of a southern/western flare without having the twang of typical country artists. Lyrically, Ben writes with wisdom beyond his years and flawlessly emphasizes the soulful and sensitive topics associated with his songs. In addition to his unmistakable vocal talent, Ben's guitar work effectively communicates the depth of his songs while not being overpowering - a feat not mastered by many artists in modern alternative/pop. Simply put, if you like folk music or any type of indie/acoustic...you will love Ben Presley's music. I encourage you to listen to the song posted below, and enjoy it! I sure am; I've been showing this song to all of my friends and it's actually been on repeat on my computer the entire time I've been writing this article. Listen and love.

"Wait For Me"




-John-


EDIT!!!
Ben Presley has released the official final version of "Wait For Me"
you can listen to it at www.reverbnation.com/benpresley

Graduation Day

Thank god...it's finally over.
New post tomorrow or something.

Top 8 Essential Bands/Albums for Summer

These are in no particular order, except for the order I thought of them in. Anyway, summer is pretty much finally here. Thank God. That means it's time for swimming, lake trips, going to the beach, chillin' out, maxin', relaxin' all cool, and other non-school-related things of that nature. Now, no summer drive or day of relaxation by the pool is complete without music...sure, you can listen to the wind and the people around you talking, but sometimes the new developments in the lives of soccer moms just aren't that compelling. So for that reason, I give you my list of the Top 8 Summer Bands. And albums.
Also, free download links!

Streetlight Manifesto - Streetlight is one of my favorite bands, and, in my opinion, the single best ska band on the scene today. They are one of the ultimate summer bands for sure. Ska is strategically designed to provide all the relaxation of reggae with all the fun of punk music, and all 3 of Streetlight Manifesto's original releases do just that: provide songs to be the background to a good day. They also just released a new album of covers entitled "99 Songs Of Revolution: Volume 1" which includes the single greatest cover of NoFX's hit "Linoleum" that has ever been recorded. Streetlight Manifesto is the perfect band for summer, whether you're relaxing, driving, partying or whatever.
Albums to get: "99 Songs of Revolution" "Everything Goes Numb"
Download "Everything Goes Numb": http://www.mediafire.com/?zjvyjgyxywh

Rebelution - A good friend of mine recently showed me Rebelution and I fell in love with them the first time I heard their song "Safe And Sound". Rebelution is a rock/reggae band...sort of like 311, except 311 sucks and Rebelution is great. They sing about typical topics in reggae music: God, Drugs, Love, etc. but they do it in a wonderfully poetic fashion. Overall, they're really just a very talented and extra catchy reggae band that perfectly accompanies a day at the beach or pool.
Albums to get: "Courage To Grow"

Rancid - Ahh, Rancid. Classic punk music taken from ska roots. Tim Armstrong still can't sing, but he mumbles like a champ. Rancid simply makes good music for a fun day, and many of their songs like "Journey To The End Of East Bay" are almost too fitting for a road trip soundtrack. Despite their lack of technical prowess, Rancid do what all great punk bands do: Have fun.
Albums to get: "And Out Come The Wolves"
Download "And Out Come The Wolves": http://www.mediafire.com/?zgwytnmm0ko

NOFX - Fat Mike is probably Top 100 for "Most Ridiculous People In The World" but that's what makes him so fun. NOFX have been around since 1983 and have been consistently releasing albums of fast, driven, humorous punk songs ever since. Their most recent release "Cokie The Clown" is one of the better punk ep's released in recent years, though Fat Mike's appearance as Cokie at SXSW didn't go over too well this past year. But that's because he's an idiot sometimes. Regardless of his intelligence, Fat Mike and the rest of NOFX have been releasing great albums which will fit in perfectly at your summer party/bbq.
Albums to get: "Coaster" "So Long and Thanks For All The Shoes"

All Time Low - All Time Low makes pop punk music about partying. I'm pretty sure that's enough of a description as to why they would be on this list.
Albums to get: "Nothing Personal"


Blink 182 - Blink 182 are the classic summer band. They were on some of the first Warped Tours and almost all of their music advocates some kind of partying or romance or something of the sort, all of which are topics frequently associated with summer. Also, as I'm sure you can tell by now, I really like pop/punk music in summer time. Deal with it.
Albums to get (though you probably already have them): "Cheshire Cat" "Dude Ranch" "The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show"
Download "Cheshire Cat": http://www.mediafire.com/?msxbeugt5dv

Shwayze - Hey, here's a change of pace. Shwayze is a hip-hop artist who frequently works with Cisco Adler to make some really smooth hip-hop over a caribbean/reggae influenced instrumental section. Honestly, if you can't listen to Shwayze's songs "Buzzin'" and "Corona and Lime" and be relaxed, you need to be in therapy right now.
Albums to get: "Shwayze"
Download "Shwayze": http://www.filestube.com/77a78c885022f4e103e9/go.html

Travie McCoy - Travie is the singer from Gym Class Heroes, and is actually set to release his first solo album "Lazarus" this June. Only one track has been released so far ("Billionaire" featuring Bruno Mars), but if it's any indication of how the rest of the album will sound, then I have a feeling that "Lazarus" will be on constant rotation for the next few months.
Albums to get: "Lazarus" (Or the "Billionaire" single)
Download Travie's single "Billionaire": http://www.mediafire.com/?m1lmwwjmmow


Well there you go. Enjoy, and have a good summer!

-John-

Jeremy Schwartz

Now, this entry is not about the Jeremy Schwartz that was on that one episode of "Rescue Me" (Great show, by the way) so if you were looking for him, you're going to be sorely disappointed. Though I can not imagine you looking for THAT Jeremy Schwartz...I mean, come on; I IMDB'd that guy and he's done nothing. But if you really want me to then I'll write about him at some point.
Anyway, this particular entry is about Jeremy Schwartz, ex-guitarist/songwriter for Massachusetts based Hardcore/Metalcore band Ice Nine Kills. Those of you who know me know that I am a huge Ice Nine Kills fan, however after hearing their newest songs on their myspace (new album out this summer), I must say that they have declined since the unexplained departure of Mr. J Schwartz.

So that sucks.

On the other hand, after some research, I discovered that Jeremy has recently been doing some solo recording of his own. It's not old Ice Nine Kills...in fact, there's very little that could even resemble or be compared to hardcore music. But, Jeremy proves that he is an amazing songwriter by experimenting with an indie/classic metal feel as well as some of his trademark emo acoustic songs.

Oh, also, almost all of his songs are about sex or heartbreak. Or both. So I guess if you're into that...yeah.

Unfortunately, he hasn't released a solo album (yet) but I can only hope that he is in the process of creating one for all of us. In the meantime, I will provide you with the link to his myspace, which is the only place that you can listen to his songs so far (well, two of the newest ones at least).

http://www.myspace.com/jeremyink

Enjoy Everyone!

-John-

As Per Request

Okay, so this isn't so much a review as a simple advertisement/download link. If you have not yet heard of melodic hardcore band Batten Down Your Heart...you will very soon. Each member is great at what they do, and their music comes together so smoothly that, even though the individual parts aren't technically challenging, it sounds as though each musician is a virtuoso in their own right. Watch out, 'cause this band is going to blow up on the scene very soon.
Here's a download link for their appeal to the masses: A cover of "Replay" by Iyaz.

I confess, I actually love this song.

http://www.mediafire.com/?zyj3nzvjhmn


Good day!

Short Post...

So, I love Manchester Orchestra. I really want to be able to do a review of them...but they haven't put out anything new in almost a year. Therefore, I will leave you with the video that made me fall in love with them: Manchester Orchestra with Brand New and Kevin Devine playing "Where Have You Been" live...One of the best performances ever.

Minus The Bear - Omni

Minus The Bear has been a regular part of my listening rotation since my brother showed me their music back when they released "Menos El Oso" five years ago, and since then they have been a band that seems determined to break all genre boundaries. Minus The Bear seamlessly have been encompassing all that the indie-experimental/pop/dance genre has to offer for years now, so I had very high expectations leading up to their most recent release Omni. I will tell you right now, Omni does not disappoint in the least. Vocalist Jake Snider brings his A-game throughout all ten tracks on Omni, and both he and lead guitarist Dave Knudson (Ex-Botch...I know right?) keep the spacy-yet-catchy vibe flowing nonstop. Knudson impresses as always with his use of two-handed tapping, but also embraces the listener with his ability to create melody out of obscurity. Erin Tate provides a solid beat on every track, flawlessly commanding control over some of Minus The Bear's most syncopated melodies yet, constantly aware of where the time is and never slipping up once. Not to mention, he's pretty creative at what he does. Overall, every musician has their moment to shine on Omni, and none of them disappoint.

I won't go in depth over every song this time, but I'll highlight some of my favorite tracks within the full track list.

1. My Time - an amazing opening to the album...full of energy and creativity. Vocals melodies will be stuck in your head for days, I promise.
2. Summer Angel
3. Secret Country - One of the funkiest songs Minus The Bear has ever released...Great arrangement and very interesting beat driving the entire song.
4. Hold Me Down
5. Excuses - Simply flawless.
6. The Thief
7. Into The Mirror
8. Animal Backwards - Really their first time experimenting with an entirely electronic style...Almost reminiscent of modern House music.
9. Dayglow Vista Road
10. Fooled By The Night


Download Minus The Bear's 2010 release Omni right now!
http://www.mediafire.com/?njhjnzzzioo

Not sure what I will review next! Consider the suggestion box open.

Top 8 Hardcore Bands You Haven't Heard (But Need To)

8. Miss May I: Now, some of you may have actually heard of Ohio's own Miss May I before, which is why I decided to start the list with them...Also, they're sort of more "metalcore" than "hardcore" if you get what I'm saying. Anyway, Miss May I's claim to underground fame is their spectacular cover of "Swing" by Savage. They successfully manage to take a fairly awful club tune and turn it into something that even the most seasoned metal vets would call heavy (not sludge metal heavy, but heavy). That same idea, creating undeniably heavy music and having a good time has translated into their 2009 release "Apologies Are For The Weak", a very satisfying metalcore album to say the least. Pick it up. I dare you. You may not know about Miss May I now, but since they begin a nationwide United States tour with The Devil Wears Prada on June 28, 2010, something is telling me you'll be hearing a lot about them soon.

7. Ice Nine Kills: Ice Nine Kills has been around for quite awhile now in various forms. They began as a pop/punk/ska band back when all of the members were still in high school, then moved upward and onward and released the post-hardcore album "Last Chance To Make Amends" which gained them a bit of recognition on the underground emo circuit. However, their latest release "The Burning" is what got me hooked. "The Burning" was released a couple years ago and really documents the growth of INK and showcases each musician for the talents they possess. The guitarist's riffs are extraordinarily melodic while simultaneously highlighting the technical prowess of the young band's writing style, the drummer provides flawless time keeping abilities even through very odd syncopated rhythms and time signature changes, and the two vocalists in Ice Nine Kills seem to be locked in a constant battle for supremacy as both constantly compete for who has the better scream or growl and who's clean vocals can provide the soaring melodies that give them their unique edge over many bands on the scene today. The amazing thing to me is also that this album, "The Burning", is so heavy yet does not contain a single breakdown like the other cookie-cutter hardcore bands wearing extreme v-neck shirts. Also, Ice Nine Kills have recently finished recording their follow up to "The Burning" to be released sometime this summer; I will be reviewing it once it's released, so keep an eye out for that.

6. A Hero A Fake: A Hero A Fake is the next Between The Buried And Me. On their debut album "Volatile" A Hero A Fake showed the underground world (or at least the ones who searched for them) exactly what the definition of "heavy" is. They paired immense breakdowns with extraordinarily technical fretwork by all three guitarists, as well as some of the more well-thought-out lyrics present in any hardcore band today. Not to mention, they actually showcased their gifted bassist instead of forcing him to hide behind the guitarists, unlike most metalcore/hardcore bands. They followed up "Volatile" with this year's "Let Oceans Lie" which only raised the bar for this group. The musical aspects of AHAF remained mostly untouched from "Volatile", but the main difference is in the vocals. On "Volatile" there is very little clean singing, and to be honest, their screamer is quite abrasive and monotonous at times - bad combo. However, on "Let Oceans Lie" A Hero A Fake have reinvented their vocal style to create some of the most spectacular contrasts between clean vocals that would have Puccini crying at their beauty (Puccini was an Italian opera composer, look him up), and punishing growls/screams that force the listener to feel the emotions that the vocalist wants them to feel. Great band, hopefully going to blow up soon.

5. Psyopus: I am hesitant to even put Psyopus on this list because Psyopus is a genre in itself. They can not be called hardcore, but they can't be called anything else. I will call them Avant-Garde Metal for the purposes of this article, and I will include them regardless of your opposition, thank you very much. Psyopus is crazy. They change time signatures roughly every measure, switch between metal and jazz, start and stop at random intervals, and seem to speed up and slow down at will. That being said, Chris "Arpmandude" Arp is certainly the most technically-gifted guitarist on the (read: any) scene today. I simply can not describe Psyopus' sound, because their sound is indescribable. All I can do is tell you to listen to them. Which I will do. Listen to them.

4. The Color Morale: I first heard of The Color Morale this past March when I heard they were touring in support of The Chariot. I checked out their music prior to the show and quite frankly, I was blown away. They have the potential to become huge in the hardcore world. Their vocalists are nothing short of amazing with one providing highly emotional screams while the other provides soulful clean vocals akin to "Emarosa"'s Jonny Craig. Their release "We All Have Demons" is not as technical as the other bands I have described in this article, but it is one of the most powerfully unrelenting albums I have heard in a long time. The guitarists rarely steal the spotlight and are mostly used for texture while the vocals take the foreground. Another amazing staple of this band is their drummer, Steve Carey. Since I play drums myself, I am keen to listen to what the drums are doing in any given song, and Steve blew me away with his complex rhythms and undeniable ability being presented throughout the album, while never overplaying and forcing himself to be the center of attention. Brilliant band, that's for sure.

3. The Chariot: Josh Scogin is sort of the hometown hero in Atlanta, having created both Norma Jean and The Chariot. Yet, I'm always surprised when I mention The Chariot to people, even some from the area, and they stare at me dumbfounded or ask "Isn't that a Gavin DeGraw song?" The Chariot are the single most intense band on the scene...and they're Christian. No clean vocals at any time. Stop/Start breakdowns and riffs. "Noise Experimentation." Giant beards. Simply put, structured chaos. The Chariot have been described as being "an acquired taste...like red wine" and I couldn't agree with anything more. When I first heard their music, I laughed. I didn't really fall in love with The Chariot until I saw them live. It was in the middle of their set (opening for Norma Jean and Horse: The Band) that I realized that their music isn't about the presence of melody and harmony. It is about conveying an experience to the listener. The reasoning behind their structural obscurity is that they want to force their fans to feel what it is like to have their lives cast into chaos and then brought back to a stable state. And The Chariot succeeds.

2. Asking Alexandria: I only very recently discovered Asking Alexandria and I really wish I had known about them earlier. Asking Alexandria is definitely one of the best underground hardcore bands, hands down. Their music features heavy breakdowns, intricate guitars, and emotionally-driven vocals, the combination of which results in a whole lot of fun. At times, their music may become slightly predictable, but it's in a way that makes you laugh and go "ah, damn I'm glad they did that there!" One of the more unique features in Asking Alexandria is their incorporation of electronic music in their songs, which creates a very interesting contrast in the sudden shift from hardcore to house music, only to have the listener caught in a swirling crescendo that forcefully throws them back into a punishing breakdown. Each song is beautifully orchestrated and tends to feature not only the standard hardcore regimen (guitars, bass, drums, vocals) but the occasional synthesizer, piano, violin, marching snares, and more. To put it simply, Asking Alexandria's debut album "Stand Up And Scream" is a must have for any hardcore fan.

1. We Came As Romans: Ahh, We Came As Romans. Every single member of We Came As Romans is flawless at what they do. Kyle Pavone's clean vocals sweep the listener away and carry them on a ride as he presents WCAR's "non-christian" positive messages of love...through brutality. The screams are emotional, the growls guttural, the music technical, the hooks memorable. This album will have you singing (or screaming) along for weeks after you hear it. I wish I could say more about We Came As Romans and their first full-length album "To Plant A Seed" but I think it's safer to just let their music do the talking for them. A good pair of noise canceling headphones is recommended upon first listen. Enjoy, everyone!

AAAANNNNDDDDDD for all of you who read this, I am not yet including download links (unfortunately) but I will provide some links to a few youtube videos or sites where you can hear these bands.

Miss May I, "Forgive and Forget" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X0046oaHfQ
Ice Nine Kills, "The Greatest Story Ever Told" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB2bQJBXX6o
A Hero A Fake, "Let Oceans Lie" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPmbBurFiWA
Psyopus, "Whore Meet Liar" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLT6IdX1rhw
The Color Morale, "Humannequin" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP7MZuOCOwc
The Chariot, "Daggers" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K05weZYExPU&a=dmZprWuGUDI&playnext_from=ML
also The Chariot *Live*, "The Deaf Policeman" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5gsD30l47w
Asking Alexandria, "The Final Episode (Let's Change The Channel)" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLQBebfEXpc
We Came As Romans, "Roads That Don't End And Views That Never Cease" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNkvaTy7JLI


Enjoy everyone. New review sometime soon.

-Edit!- DOWNLOAD LINK YAYAYAYAYA!

Asking Alexandria "Stand Up And Scream"
http://www.mediafire.com/?fnoyjhz5nmy

Sorry

Wow, I have been very busy as of late...and even though no one reads this, if there is one person who has ever checked back to see if I've updated and I haven't, I'm very sorry. But I'm getting back on the ball, okay? Soon enough, more reviews and columns.

Up next: The Top 10 Hardcore Bands You Haven't Heard (But Need To)