Driven Far Off

The latest on the indie, alternative, and rock music scene including news, music, contest, interviews, and more. Best described as your favorite place to find new bands.

The Secret Handshake – One Full Year

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One Full Year

Artist: The Secret Handshake
Album: One Full Year
Label: Triple Crown Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: September 25, 2007

Overall: 7.0
Music: 7.0
Lyrics: 7.5
Production: 8.0

Luis Dubuc, the mastermind behind The Secret Handshake has spent years toiling behind his Apple computer screen to create and perfect his sound. With the release of One Full Year he has proven that there truly can be substance behind the beats. The album is chalk full of enough drum machines, voice processors and synthesizers to create a bona fide dance party. However, I found that it’s Dubuc’s lyrical content that shines the brightest of all.

Recommended if you like: Fun electronic indie-pop, in the vein of PlayRadioPlay! and Hellogoodbye.

Track Listing
1. Too Young
2. Summer of ’98
3. Coastal Cities
4. Wanted You
5. Everyone Knows Everyone
6. Denton, TX
7. Midnight Movie
8. Game Girl
9. Pictures
10. Don’t Count on Me
11. I Lied About Everything
12. Make You Mine
13. Lately
14. Crosses Fingers

CMJ Music Marathon

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This year’s CMJ Music Marathon starts tomorrow, so if you’re in the New York area be sure to attend. If you can’t make it, the complete lineup for each showcase is listed here. It’s a great opportunity to find some exciting new music.

Grace Period Forced To Change Name

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Grace Period (Ex The Early November) have been forced to change their name. This comes as a shock to everyone and a big disappointment as their debut full length is set to be released next month. Nevertheless they are forging ahead and the record’s release shouldn’t be affected. Click here to read a message from Jeff.

June – Make It Blur

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Make It Blur

Artist: June
Album: Make It Blur
Label: Victory Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: August 7th, 2007

Overall: 7.5
Music: 8.0
Lyrics: 6.5
Production: 8.5

On this their sophomore effort for Victory Records, June has broken new ground and redefined their sound. From the opening powerful pop-rocker “No Time for Sense” to the piano tinged single “I’d Lose Myself” it’s evident that this is a band coming into their own. Each song truly has it’s own unique identity, and the record as a whole merely doesn’t just bleed together and become forgettable. If their last record, If You Speak Any Faster was the foundation for their sound then Make It Blur makes for the sleek and sturdy walls. I can’t wait to hear how they build upon this.

Recommended if you like: mainstream alternative radio-rock without the stigma attached.

Track Listing
1. No Time for Sense
2. Finally
3. Tempter
4. Closer
5. Your Shadow
6. I’d Lose Myself
7. Just Don’t Let Go
8. Machine and the Line
9. Swallowed
10. A Taste
11. Sight for Sore Eyes
12. Southpoint