Two years ago I stumbled upon Justin Branam and instantly fell in love with his song “You Never Know” from his album Words Worth Mentioning. Now Justin Branam is back and better than ever with his most recent album Introducing Justin Branam, which has three heartfelt acoustic songs, which reflect his musical talent. Each of his songs have sweet choruses along with a mixture of keys and strings, which mesh together perfectly. One could say Justin Branam is an overall great musician with a big heart, so take the time to check out his music at http://www.myspace.com/justinbranam and you’ll find that you download his newest album for free, just by introducing him to five of your friends. So what are you waiting for, let Justin Branam sweep you off your feet.

~Tamlyn

http://www.myspace.com/missmayi

With their recent release of their debut album Apologies Are For The Weak, Miss May I is definitely a band to check out. Although this band may be on the young side with an average age of 18, their musicianship is remarkable. This Dayton, Ohio band with only a few demos caught the attention of Rise Records, which is pretty amazing considering the fact they only had a few demos at the time. Being somewhat of a Myspace sensation there’s a chance you’ve proably heard their cover of Savage’s song ”Swing” gracing the profile songs of many.  With their popularity sky rocketing, I’m sure these Ohio boys will have a successful tour. But if you don’t get a chance to catch them live I would most definitely pick up their album Apologies Are For The Weak, which just so happened to be produced by Joey Sturgis, who has worked with bands such as The Devil Wears Prada and Attack Attack!.

~Tamlyn

Yet again I’ve decided to recommend another United Kingdom band, but this time it’s not a metal band like Architects. I was thinking let’s go a little indie rock, so it is my pleasure to introduce you to Foals. This U.K. band is highly influenced by minimalism and math rock and is definitely a band to take a listen to. They currently only have one full length out, but Antidotes is the cream of the crop when it comes to my favorite U.K. albums. One thing that I enjoy most about Foals is the vocals, you have to love Yannis Philippakis voice and you also can’t forget the catchy beat of their songs either. Think Bloc Party crossed with a little Kidcrash and Late Of The Pier and you have Foals.

Foals-Cassius

Foals-Balloons

~Tamlyn

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=61982351

You’re proably wondering who The Word Alive is and if you know the frontman in the photo above. It turns out you proably do because he’s the ex-vocalist of blessthefall, vocalist for Escape The Fate, and he is the one and only Craig Mabbitt. Basically all I can say about The Word Alive is that they are simply amazing, not just because I’m a fan of Craig Mabbitt’s vocals, but their new EP is going to be EPIC just by listening to a few of their new songs on their myspace page, you can just tell how they’re going to get a solid fan base and some big tours booked. Anyways I’d definitely check out the The Word Alive and listen to all their songs.

~Tamlyn

Enter Shikari is a four piece U.K. band that you should definately know about. They’re huge in Europe and have played festivals such as Pukkelpop and Download and have also been on the cover of Kerrang Magazine. So basically they’re amazing and aren’t your average post-hardcore band they have an electronic feel to their songs and they’re fun. If I had to choose my top five favorite bands they would be at the top of my list along side The Devil Wears Prada and Underoath. I believe this U.K. band will take over North America with their debut album Take To The Skies and their upcoming album, which is currently being recorded.

Enter Shikari-Anything Can Happen In The Next Half Hour

~Tamlyn

http://www.myspace.com/fillmoreeastfl

Fillmore East is an up and coming 5 piece band based out of South Florida whose melodies are sure to keep you wanting more. I would say that Fillmore East should be categorized under an indie/rock/alternative genre, but they do throw in a few screams here and there to keep everyone interested. Fillmore East definitely has a bright future and will be finishing up a mini tour throughout the state of Florida this month. If you have the chance I would highly recommend taking the time to check out one of their shows.

-Nick

Ida Maria is a Norwegian rock musician, with a backing band that makes a four-piece. Her sultry and somewhat raspy voice makes for sensual, raw, old school rock. Borrowing inspiration, no doubt, from the sixties through the eighties in varying degrees for each of her songs. Her recent hits “Oh My God” and “I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked” have taken Europe by storm, and she is soon to be at the forefront of the American music scene as well. The music is definitely danceable, but not in the least reminding of the American, hip-hop danceable music we have now a days–no this stuff is fresh and packs a punch, for pop lovers and haters alike. Her first full-length album comes out on July 28th (just a couple of days away!), but for now you can visit her site to get a taste by clicking here: 

Look out for an album review next week for her new album, Fortress Round My Heart

–Caroline

http://www.myspace.com/cutcopy

Cut Copy is a three piece Australian band who’s music cannot be thrown under one certain genre. Their music could be considered electro pop, but I mean bands in that genre usually aren’t that good honestly, so I’m going to say they’re dance/electronic/pop/punk/indie music.  In other words Cut Copy is definately a band that deserves all those genres, when you listen to their music you’ll see why. When Caroline and I first heard their single “Lights & Music” we fell in love with their unique sound and catchy beats. Take a listen and if you’re 21 or over which sadly I’m not you can see them at the Mezzanine in San Francisco in early October.

Cut Copy-Light & Music

~Tamlyn

http://www.myspace.com/showbread

Showbread is a 6 piece band from Guyton, Georgia. The very first time I saw these guys live I honestly did not know what to think. I had gone to the show to see my friends band, but everyone was so excited for Showbread, and I couldn’t understand why. The band wore matching t-shirts and leather shorts, the lead singer had bright blue eyeshadow on, as well as fishnet stockings and cowboy boots. My very first reaction was to not watch the show, but the rhythms were catchy, and the lyrics were fun! The next time they came to town, I was the first one in line. I fell in love with the bands wacky on-stage antics, interesting outfits, and suprisingly meaningful lyrics. The band has recently released a double album, Anorexia Nervosa. Both albums tell two different beautiful/tragic/emotional stories of 2 sistera, Anorexia & Nervosa. Each album comes with its own small storybook, to read along with the album.

I cannot stress how badly I want each and every one of you to go to their show the next time that they come to your town, these guys do not dissapoint! And that is why I chose to recommend Showbread.

Showbread – The Pig (Anorexia)

–Daniel

When I first saw Foxy Shazam on tour with Fall of Troy, I had no idea who they were and I was definately in for a treat. These guys are crazy on stage and I’d highly recommend you see them live. Their keyboardist Schuyler Vaughn White got on top on his keyboard pulled up his shirt and ripped out his chest hair and blew it in the crowd. Not only was a keyboardist a sight to see, but their vocalist Eric Shaun Nally asked for cigarettes from the crowd and stuck basically the whole pack in his mouth smoked them and stuck them all in his mouth and chews them. But it’s not only Foxy Shazam’s stage antics that make them amazing, but their songs are fun and they’re just about a good time. So if you get a chance catch them on tour with Finch or check out their music on myspace here.

Foxy Shazam-Dangerous Man

~Tamlyn