The Pulse's Christmas Wish List

These soon-to-be released and newly released albums are expected to make the BEST stocking stuffers (or Hanukkah gifts, or winter solstice gifts depending on your religion of choice) for you (of course) and your friends. Don't forget to hit up your local record store and pick one of these babies up:

For your parents:
Buffet Hotel - Jimmy Buffet

For the young adults:
Battle Studies - John Mayer
This Is War - 30 Seconds to Mars
Fall be Kind EP - Animal Collective
Butter - Hudson Mohawke

For the teeny-bopper:
Glee - The Music Vol 2 - Glee Cast
The Fame Monster - Lady Gaga
For Your Entertainment - Adam Lambert

Seasons Greetings and get ready for your black friday shopping!
Alena (THE Pulse)

The Kin is going from Nowhere to Somewhere

If your are a fan of Dave Matthews, Howie Day, or The Fray, then be prepared for The Pulse's latest "mashup". The Kin brings back the soul pop music once had as their music grows from it's roots in the land of the Aussies. Australian Brothers, Isaac and Thorry Koren, have been touring the world with their infectious brand of alternative music; melodic with soaring vocals and insightful storytelling, the boys give audiences a true co-led duo experience. After a successful first record, 'Rise & Fall', and a live acoustic EP released back in '08, The Kin released their sophomore album, entitled "THE UPside" in October of 09. They are currently touring some of America's various halls, theaters, and even synagogues as the opening act for folk phenomenon Joshua Radin. For more information check them out at www.thekin.com or www.myspace.com/thekin 


Bur for now, check out their song Animals

Album Review - Sherwood

I had the pleasure to see Sherwood play at the Fillmore in Detroit with Steel Train, Hellogoodbye, and Hanson. I was impressed by the band’s performing chops and by keyboardist/percussionist Mike Leibovich’s amusing dance moves, including throwing a tambourine up towards the lights.

Despite my positive impression of the band, I had to admit I was skeptical about the timing of their new album. Sometimes bands try to come back to quickly after achieving success, afraid that their fans will leave them for some other new band. However, Sherwood’s new album Qu meets expectations, despite that it only took the Californians two years to write, record, and release.

Qu is happy, cheerful pop music, complete with “woah” choruses and easy going guitar riffs. Don’t get the wrong idea about Sherwood though. They are not (I repeat NOT) just another overproduced alternative pop band. Every single song on this album has enough real instrumentation that you could sing them around a campfire with just an acoustic guitar ß Props go to producer Brad Wood on that one.

Their 2007 effort A Different Light peaked at #30 on the U.S. Top Independent Albums. With all the good press these boys are getting from critics at StereoSubversion (8/10 stars) and the Alternative Press (4/5 stars), I would be surprised if Qu doesn’t do even better

Myspace

Twitter

Official Site

 

Peace.

Emily

Tour:

11/3 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre

11/5 – San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom

11/7 – Los Angeles, CA – Club Nokia

11/8 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues

11/10 – Tucson, AZ – The Rialto Theatre

11/11 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues

11/12 – Santa Barbara, CA – The Hub at UCSB

Featured Artist: Scouting for Girls

Well, since The Pulse has gone British, I think now would be a wonderful time to introduce a recent "outta the UK" favorite of mine: Scouting For Girls
SFG is a London-based indie pop band comprised of Roy Stride (vocals/keyboards), Greg Churchouse (bass guitar), and Peter Ellard (percussion). This phenomenal three piece manages to maintain the ability to write a song that is, quite frankly, catchy as hell, but don't come off as too mainstream or poppy. Their songs range in subject matter from crushes and love to... spies? Yes, ladies and gentlemen, spies. The song "I Wish I was James Bond," easily the most recognized track thanks to YouTube, states the speaker's wistful desires to "kiss all the girls and blow the bad guys away," much in the fashion of his idol, James Bond himself.
SFG takes a different approach to alternative musicianship as well. Instead of opting for the typical guitar-bass-drums style of many indie bands, SFG takes advantage of the versatility of the piano instead of the "standard" guitar. Some might find themselves initially skeptical on this front, but I assure you it actually produces a refreshing sound. I mean, I'm saying this, and as a guitarist, I'm automatically biased, and I'm saying good things about it. Come on now.
Despite the UK's adoration for SFG, I've noticed that the only real US recognition they've received is one of their songs in a Vonage commercial. Unfortunately, unless something's changed, the album is not available in the US iTunes store, but they have an EP available on their official website for free download so I recommend you check them out.

Official Website
Twitter


Scouting For Girls - I Wish I Was James bond

Scouting for Girls|MySpace Music Videos

Bringin Back the Brits and the Brooks

He might be the next Jason Mraz or Gavin DeGraw but with a British accent. Not this isn't the Joe Brooks from LA. This singer/songwriter and Southampton native of the South UK will be a girl's next heartthrob. Brooks writes all of his own music in his tiny apartment and travels around the Southampton area playing gigs in small local clubs. In his personal blog, he explains how important connecting with his fans is and how much he appreciates their own creative personalities as well. Aside from writing music, Brooks loves to immerse himself in traveling, superheroes/alteregoes, vintage clothing, graphic design, and like any good Brit, TEA!

Now without further adieu, here is Joe Brooks ad his hit song Holes Inside! ♥ Alena





http://www.joebrooks.com/
http://www.myspace.com/joebrooksmusic

I PROMISE my next post will be shorter...

So I've recently made a MySpace page. For bands and stuff.
In the few weeks I've had it, I've had indie bands add me, some exceptional, some much less so. I posted a blog asking if a band would like to be featured in The Pulse, to please contact me.
About a day later, I received a message from a band, known as Deathalizer, asking to be featured.
I always go into MySpace band sites with a high amount of skepticism. Usually they're either teenage bands that only have about a month's worth of experience working together and a GarageBand recording of themselves doing Smells Like Teen Spirit, or a label run page that has no personal affiliation with the band. But naturally I give it a shot. I've got nothing but time, and hell, it might be worth it.
Now would I be sitting here writing about it if it wasn't? Didn't think so.
Deathalizer is a four-piece unsigned metal band from New York. Adopting their unmistakably thrash style from the likes of Metallica, Slayer, and Pantera, they blend the best of what these bands showcase to create great, in-your-face metal.
Starting with The Angel's Fall, the first track from Deathalizer's album, It Dwells Within, kicks off with slow dark sounding acoustic guitars, breaking into similarly paced harmonized riffs, leading, finally, into the Metallica-esque "theme" of the song, in a sense.
This Metallica influence in a prominent factor throughout the album. And as a huge Metallica fan, myself, I found Deathalizer to have released less of an album, and more of what some people might find a breath of fresh air where the St. Anger and, for some, Death Magnetic era of 'tallica just didn't make the cut (I personally thought DM was great, but to each his own).
That's not all we see however. The taste of Slayer one hears in both the intro riffs of Suicide Lane and the entirety of Crawling Back In is incredible. A shadow of Pantera takes over in Crumbs From the Sky, and by the fifth track, More than Gone, the band is ready to slow it down a bit. Not entirely, however. Starting with some slower bass and some simple chugging riffage, the thrash returns just before the again, slower, vocally focused verse. Which I might add, you haven't been hearing James Hetfield. Although not an exact sound, the vocal style is unmistakable.
The final song and title track of It Dwells Within marks the final return of the Pantera influence, both instrumentally and vocally. Even now, though, there's a little bit of Kill 'em All in there, closing the album.
One thing I loved about listening to Deathalizer is that they're not a band that's afraid of a guitar solo. They have talent, and they're not afraid to use it, and IT PAYS OFF. They've created a solid, powerful release that I would recommend to any modern thrash fan. And being the kind of unknown band that they are, they get personal with the fans, both potential and current. "We are mainly fans of thrash metal. We compose and play the music that we would want to hear ourselves as fans. We like to have fun on stage and raise the spirits of the audience. If you are into that, come join us on this ride. " says guitarist Antonio Calaf. Listen to the man.

It Dwells Within was (and still is, at least at the time of this writing) available on their official website in mp3 format for no charge at 128k. Although $5 (or more, it's a name your price kind of thing) for the higher quality version wouldn't be a mistake.

Check 'em out:
Official Website
Myspace
Twitter
Facebook

All I got for ya today. Enjoy.

Got Swagg, Got Tinchy Stryder

         BOY OH BOY do I have a surprise for you. For fans of Kanye West, Black Milk, and Kid Cudi, but who are looking for a bit of a twist, Tinchy Stryder is for you. This Ghanian grime singer and that now resides in Bow, East London is the new face of Synth-Hip Hop. Yes the name might sound a bit weird but I assure you his music is going to get you on the dance floor. He takes the melodic lines from Flo-Rida, the eclectic style from Kanye, and the synth lines from Justice and Daft Punk, and mashes them together.

          The debut album by Tinchy Styder "Star in the Hood" was released in August of 2007 on Takeover Entertainment. The album spawned two main singles, "Breakaway" and "Something About Your Smile". He then released his follow up album "Catch 22" in August of 2009 and it is now at No. 2 on the UK Carts (Right behind Calvin Harris's new album). He is currently playing sold out shows across the UK and is become the biggest hit around british college campuses.


So I HIGHLY URGE YOU TO CHECK HIM OUT at www.myspace.com/tinchystryder

Roll Out,
Alena

Check out his hit single Take Me Back ft. Taio Cruz

"Circles will not fill a square, don't fit together, but I don't care"

I found a $50 iTunes gift card in my desk. This resulted  in a music binge that could only be topped by Christmas 2008, when I got a $100 gift card and bought the 100 greatest songs of the 90s according to Vh1. Regardless, I bought some new stuff. Here are 3 new albums by 3 new bands you are buying today.

Aim and Ignite – Fun.

Must buys:        “All The Pretty Girls”

                        “Walking the Dog”

                        “I Wanna Be The One”

Fun. is a band made up of 3 people from 3 other bands: Jack Antonoff of Steel Train, Nate Ruess of The Format, and Andrew Dost of Paper and Plastick. Their debut album came out August 29, and it lives up to the band name. Aim and Ignite is good, fun music. “All the Pretty Girls” is reminiscent of Queen. “Be Calm” has a horn section that makes you think of the Queen of England. And the entire album makes you think of dancing. Aim and Ignite is what music should be: a party in a stereo.

Fun. on Myspace 

Fun. on Twitter 

Flawz – Caitlin Crosby

Must buys:        “Still Have My Heart”

                        “Don’t Play Me Hollow”

                        “Love Love Love”

If you don’t have $9.99 on your iTunes account, I’ll forgive you. However, it is nonnegotiable that you spare $.99 for her single, “Still Have My Heart.” Caitlin Crosby’s music is a little kooky, but pretty fun. Her voice is somewhere in between Katy Perry and Charlotte Sometimes, but poppy piano parts and clean guitars fill out her music. Type in her name on YouTube to see some pretty fun covers that she performs during her residency at the Hotel Cafe in LA (including an acoustic cover of “Baby Got Back”).

Caitlin Crosby on Myspace  

Caitlin Crosby on Twitter 

Welcome to the Walk Alone – The Rumble Strips

Must buys:        “Welcome to the Walk Alone”

                        “London”

                        “Not the Only Person”

Mark Ronson produced it. Do I need to say more?

I do? Really? Fine.

Killers strings and killer horns. I haven’t heard a more seamless mix involving an acoustic piano and a full rock band in a really long time. This album sounds like everything you’ve heard and nothing you’ve heard before. This album reminds me of everyone from Kaiser Chiefs to Herman’s Hermits to early No Doubt to … well, you get the picture. There is nothing I can really say to make you go buy this one that will do it justice. So get off this page and get on iTunes!

The Rumble Strips on Myspace

The Rumble Strips on Twitter

Peace.

Emily

Straight from Charm City, this week's featured band...

Anyone that knows me knows I'm a huge concert-goer. I really enjoy live music, preferably good live music.
So, a couple Januaries ago, a friend told me about a concert, four bands, five bucks, and the closer was Egypt Central. Not a hugely known band, but I'd always really enjoyed their music. And hell yes, I can afford that.
So, day of the show rolls around. We go, it's at the Ottobar in Baltimore. Now, I had never been there before that time, but I wasn't surprised to find that it's basically a stage, a bar, and a thick layer of haze.
We got there early, because... well... that's what we do. Get there early, almost guaranteed a place against the stage. Not like it was really difficult, because the crowd wasn't huge.
First band was a local band called... hell... I don't remember their name. They were alright for what they did, but I wasn't really feelin' it at the time. Next band was Lennex, another local band. Highly entertaining. Good music. Third band was a Baltimore based band, Forty Acres. This was actually my favorite of the night. Egypt Central was good, but Forty Acres really stood out to me. Maybe it's because I'm a huge fan of the "throwback" style of rock: something reminiscent of the 70's or 80's. But they put on a damn good show. High energy, kept the crowd moving, including that drunk chick behind me, shakily holding her drink above my head, only to let it fall, dousing me with whatever alcohol she may have been consuming.
But that's neither here nor there. After the show, I felt compelled to buy the album they had on sale: Broken Promise, a self-produced album. A purchase I was glad I made, worth way more then the... $10? $5? Something.
All I know now is that I have kept up with this band since I saw them. And it's amazing to see how far they've made it.
They started out in vocalist/guitarist John Allen's basement. He already had a lot of useful experience in both songwriting and touring before, as the drummer for SR-71, a Baltimore local alternative rock band. This time around, however, Mr. Allen stepped up to the mic, and anyone like me, who's a fan of the band is glad he did. His voice is perfectly suited for the old-school rock'n'roll sound that they produce, and the instrumental aspect is equally well suited.
They played shows around the Baltimore area for a while, until they were "discovered." Discovered, I say, by Mr. Nikki Sixx himself, bassist for Motley Crue and president of Eleven/Seven Records.
After several name changes, going from Forty Acres to Chosen Son, and then from Chosen Son to what we now know as Charm City Devils, a tribute to the city they have emerged from, they were signed to Eleven Seven, among big names like Crue themselves, Drowning Pool, and Buckcherry.
Now what is it about Charm City Devils that make them unique?
Maybe it's the fact that unlike many so-called rock bands of today, they truly represent the whole, no holds barred, dangerous, raw sound of what rock once was. No frills, nothing too complex, just pure sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll.
Charm City Devils released their breakout Eleven Seven debut, Let's Rock-n-Roll, earlier this year. A fun release, preferred when played loudly, it still features that raw sound that was loved about Broken Promise.
They have just ended their run opening for Cruefest 2, and are now on the second leg of their tour, so if you get the chance, go see them.
So, if you like bands like Buckcherry or Jet, or simply like the idea of a band reviving the old school rock sound, I recommend you check out Charm City Devils.
Key Tracks -- Let's Rock-N-Roll (Endless Road), House Fire, Pour Me (IT HAS COWBELL XD)

Online:

Website
Facebook
Twitter

That's all from me, today. Enjoy.
~Sara (@skapocalypsenow)

Come September, Come New Album Releases (and Reviews)

I have been fortunate enough to inherit some of the newest albums before they have been released and would like to give you readers just a bit of insight  (There are a lot of albums so I have to be brief about some of them):

September 8 

• A Fine Frenzy - A Bomb In A Birdcage
  
• Rodrigo y Gabriela - 11:11 (BUY THIS. I haven't heard it but I can only predict perfection from this dynamic classical guitar duo
  
• Boys Like Girls - Love Drunk (3 Stars out of 5): WATCH OUT BLG FANS. This is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING like their debut album/self-titled release. They have joined the mass of power pop bands like All Time Low and Jet Lag Gemini (god I hate that name...no offense to the band or anything) and have conformed to the synth filled sounds of major labels. I particularly do not like the album, and I particularly would not recommend it to most people. Give yourself a few days and you shall hear it for yourself.
  
• Saosin - In Search of Solid Ground (4.5 Stars out of 5): They have done it again! Following their self-titled debut album (released in 2006), Saosin has brought us another gem in their jewelry box. They have gone back to their roots of The Grey EP. Cove’s vocals have never sounded so clean and beautiful, the guitar work is just as invigorating as before, and Alex Rodriguez’s drumming remains spot on with his signature fills.  This is sure to be an ear pleaser.
  
• Advent - Naked and Cold
  

September 15

• Everytime I Die - New Junk Aesthetic
  

September 22

• Slayer - World Painted Blood
  
• Brand New - Daisy
  
• Five Finger Death Punch - War Is The Answer (2.5 out of 5): I am highly disappointed in the album. Moody's vocal are just not up to par and the guitar riffs feel like they repeat within the album multiple times. The album marks the record debut of new guitarist Jason Hook, pulled from the Alice Cooper after original guitarist Darrell Roberts split in January of this year. Hook's playing is decent (I mean the guy has played for Hillary Duff....I don't judge but you know). I have a hard time judging this album for a general audience, so I recommend listening to it yourself if you want a good idea.
  
• MIKA - The Boy Who Knew Too Much

September 29

• Paramore - Brand New Eyes: Listen to their single "Ignorance" and you will feel the same insane intensity that I can predict this album will bring. DO NOT MISS THIS

Peace Out

Alena