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 – Night & Day

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Artist: The Secret Handshake
Album: Night & Day
Label: Triple Crown Records
Release Date: August 17th, 2010
Purchase: [itunes link=”http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fresh-start/id382919365?uo=4″ title=”iTunes” text=”iTunes”]

Overall: 8.5
Music: 9
Lyrics: 7.5
Production: 8.5

When I first heard of The Secret Handshake planning to release an album entitled Night & Day, I won’t lie when I say I expected much of the same sing-song lyrics, with electronic beats and plenty of auto-tune. But after listening to the new album from Luis Dubuc (the main component behind all the music), that this album is completely different from everything beforehand, and a step above that material as well.

The album implements old school instruments and production techniques to really give it a classic, soulful feeling to it. In comparison to his other work full of electronics and computers, this makes the album feel incredibly liberating from the first vibrations and rising effect of “Every Single Time”, to the body rocking finale of “Here’s To You”. Night & Day creates this raw vibe that rings true to how Luis appears to feel about his music, where it feels compassionate and honest, as if he has finally become an adult in the musical world, discovering himself and the music he wants to make.

Although the album at times borders the realm of cheesiness, in how honest it is trying to be embodying the vibe of an old school soul record, there are plenty of songs that can and will work today in our modern music radio world. The fun retro vibe of “You Got Me” or the catchiness in the lyrics of “Woman” would fare well amongst the average teenage crowd. Along with The Secret Handshake’s female contemporary Lights, the two put together a duet entitled “Used To Be So Sweet”, that will make fans of either side light up with joy.

There is no doubt that fans will be split about this album, seeing as how it is a complete rebranding of the artist’s sound, but it is most definitely worth a listen. A newer, more mature, and different/distinct image for Luis will only garner newer fans and even catchier tunes. Night & Day might be an album people will be skeptical to listen to, but after hearing the new motown inspired tunes, there will be many new fans or at least much more respect for this sensational artist.

Stream New Track From St. Leonard’s

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Please don’t hesitate to check out this new track entitled “Walk Beside Me” by up and coming band St. Leonard’s. Already with vibes of Coldplay and David Bowie, this band will be looking to make some major moves in the near future, and you should know about them now! Just click the link after the jump to hear the refreshing sounds.

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Paper Tongues Interview – June 14th 2010

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I recently had the opportunity to ask the band Paper Tongues a few questions about their sound, album and dream collaborations…

Please introduce yourself and your role in the band…
Joey Signa, I play electric guitar and merch guy.

How would you describe your sound to someone who had never heard you before?
We are very much a fusion of several different styles. I think U2 meets Mutemath meets Journey. It is different. The only way of really knowing is hearing Aswans voice, then you’ve heard us.

What kind of emotions or stories went into recording your debut album?
So much. It was quite a collaboration. We all threw as much of ourselves as we could into one computer then sorted threw the mess and picked out what made sense. There was a lot of back and forth and it took lots of ears to complete it but that is what made it what it is! We’re not selfish with our music.

What’s your favorite song on the album?
I love Everybody and Get Higher. Both are emotional and have so much meaning.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be
and why?
I personally would love to work with Death Cab For Cutie. I love what they have created and what the guitarist, Chris, pulls out of each song.

If you had to cover any one hit wonder in music history (ex. Who Let The
Dogs Out) what song would you choose?
I love playing Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Won’t Back Down is such a soulful song that is simple but feels so good.

If you could go back in time and talk to a younger version of yourself, what
would you tell them?
Don’t be afraid of conflict. Often times on the other side of it is freedom and a path that wasn’t previously open.

How would define ‘success’?
Success is growth. It’s coming from one place to another in the midst of change. Success is never a destination, it’s simply a mindset.

Thanks to the band and Kaytea from XO Publicity for helping set this up!

Envy On The Coast – Lowcountry

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Artist: Envy On The Coast
Album: Lowcountry
Label: Photo Finish Records
Purchase: iTunes
Release Date: March 30th, 2010

Overall: 9.0
Music: 9.5
Lyrics: 9.0
Production: 8.5

Envy On The Coast have always struck me has a really electric band, incredibly spontaneous with tempo shifts that hampered their ability to make a really solid album. Lucy Gray had its moments of spectacular songs, but overall left me less than satisfied. Enter the band’s new album Lowcountry, have they been able to bottle that lightning and use it to their advantage this time around?

The answer is a most definite yes, the band has come along way from their first album. Not only has the production improved, the band’s ability to write insanely infectious songs has come along way. Not the kind of catchy though that will wear you out after the tenth listen, but the good kind that grows on you after a long time that really sticks with you. Case in point, “The Great American T-Shirt Racket” at first listen may not sound like the catchiest affair, but after time you can see it as a potential radio single, and the band’s strongest (almost pop like) hook that wraps around you after multiple listens.

On their debut album, it was sometimes hard to hear lead vocalist’s Ryan Hunter’s voice as it sometimes became to nasally to listen to after a while. But in this album, it shows that he has come a long way vocally. Whether it be in the soft crooning of “Made Of Stone”, or the light, innocent melodies of “Like I Do.” Not only is his voice is improved, now you can’t get it out of your head.

Of course the band hasn’t lost that explosive charge that made them sound like a less mellow sounding Incubus, from the explosive mind-blowing chorus of “Clean Of You”, or the punch of gang vocals on “Puritan Dirt Song”. The band still has a clear knack for making songs that can shift from tempo to tempo almost seamlessly.

Lowcountry also takes more political tones, like the lyrics of “Head First In The River” which go “we’re the ones who you paid to see a piece of my soul for your money/and it’s my job, to smile while pigs feast/ swallows slop out of the head of a crooked priest,” the more political tones of their lyrics really helps develop their sound and makes them even more pleasing to listen to. This album isn’t something that at first you’ll see yourself playing over and over again, but with time and appreciation, every song will get stuck in your head and you’ll find yourself humming along to them in the car. Not only a band that could fit on alternative radio, but one that could do it while retaining their pride and core fanbase.

Sail By The Stars – The Night Owl EP

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Artist: Sail By The Stars
Album: The Night Owl EP
Label: Unsigned
Purchase: Online Store
Release Date: April 27th, 2010

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

These days, it can be hard to find music that just feels good to listen to. A lot of songs are striving to hard to be important, and trying to reach a “deeper meaning.” There’s a whole load of people just looking for songs that make them feel happy, while not making them feel completely shallow at the same time. Enter: Sail By The Stars, this one man band has everything you could ask for, crisp melodies, shiny hooks and a disposition sunnier then a hot summer day in the south. All these components are displayed to hear on The Night Owl EP.

The EP begins with the song “I Wish I May, I Wish I Might”, which allows the listener to everything right about Sail By The Stars. The bouncing acoustic guitar, and the catchy chorus that circles round and round the infectious toe-tapping beat. Starting the album off with the right foot is exactly what this song does.

The Night Owl EP‘s especially impressive moments involve things like the acoustic intro of “If My Room Were A Rocketship,” or the catchy chorus of “A Glowworm Never Grows Dim,” which is also complimented by the hooky lyrics. All of this leads up to the final, ballad track entitled “I’ll Give You The Moon.” Any listener that enjoys a good ballad will find themselves spinning this one on repeat, as the combination of piano and strings will have you singing the song to yourself all day long.

While most critics will shake their heads at the fact that Sail By The Stars isn’t necessarily reinventing the wheel when it comes to catchy pop tunes, those who enjoy the songs will find themselves playing them again and again, and what’s wrong with smiling every now and again? This EP serves as a nice taste of sunshine amongst more savory albums.

Circa Survive – Blue Sky Noise

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Artist: Circa Survive
Album: Blue Sky Noise
Label: Atlantic Records
Purchase: iTunes
Release Date: April 20th, 2010

Overall: 9.0
Music: 9.0
Lyrics: 9.0
Production: 9.0

After a few years, and a couple side projects, Circa Survive are back with their highly anticipated third album Blue Sky Noise. Following their previous record On Letting Go, it seemed like the only place to go was up for the band, but does the new album live up to the expectations that the band set themselves up too?

One of the complaints that could have been made about Circa Survive’s previous records was that they didn’t stray far from the alternative rock sound, playing with the same old ideas of needling guitars and drawn out melodies. It was something they were (and are) great at, but it could only be done so many times. Blue Sky Noise takes a different turn with the bands sound, with a much more decidedly rock vibe to it. Whether it be the intense (and I do mean intense) screams on “Get Out” or the rocking guitars of “Fever Dreams,” the expansion of their sound is a welcome edition to their catalogue.

That’s not to say though that the entire album is all new, there is still plenty of the old Circa Survive that people have loved since day one. A song like “The Longest Mile” really calls to the bands earlier material, or the haunting echoing sounds of “Glass Arrows.” Blue Sky Noise is as different as it is the same, and many diehard listeners will most likely respect this from the band.

The last thing about this album, and the most controversial, would Anthony Green’s voice. It’s really a love/hate affair with all listeners, and this album will only spark more debates over whether he has a place in music. His voice has easily gotten more gruff and it’s harder to hit those really high notes heard on previous affairs, but it does add to the intensity of their sound. While at other times, when Green is singing in his lower register, it amounts to some of the best songs on the album (most notably “Frozen Creek” and “Spirit Of The Stairwell” which are both beautiful). His voice is most definitely an acquire taste, but those who like it will love it this time around.

All in all, Blue Sky Noise is a welcome addition to the Circa Survive’s discography. This album won’t grab you right out of the blue the moment you hear it if you are a casual listener, but you’ll find it growing on you listen after listen. The band has acquired a certain explosive, yet subdued sound, that most other bands don’t have (or can’t control) which makes them very special in their own right.

Mr. Fogg – Moving Parts

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Artist: Mr. Fogg
Album: Moving Parts
Label: Kicking Ink Recordings
Purchase: iTunes
Release Date:

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

Granted, most listeners have probably never heard of Mr. Fogg, but upon first listen one would immediately swoon at his sombre crooning over lovesick electronic beats. And while this Mr. Hudson sounding english heavy heart might be dismissed as just another flash in the pan, his songs bring to life a soundscape of emotion that others may lack, in his debut album Moving Parts.

The album is decidedly different from most others instrumentally, from the Owl City playful ticks of “Moving Parts”, to the almost Nine Inch Nails sounding harsh electronic snaps of “Keep Your Teeth Sharp”. All these different strokes that are painted in the music help keep the album from growing stagnant.

“Stung” is the highlight track of the album, with the echoed harmonies and the catchy chorus. The song brings together the entire essence of the album, what feels fleeting and distant is much closer after all in Mr. Fogg’s world. It’s an adventure of the soul, that feels connected and disconnected by the artists all at once.

While at times Mr. Fogg could be too comparable to other artists, it is just one hump to get through while listening to the songs. They are well put together, and most importantly sound genuine in their effort. Moving Parts will keep you in motion, no matter how sad things can get sometimes.

Before Their Eyes – Untouchable

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Artist: Before Their Eyes
Album: Untouchable
Label: Rise Records
Purchase: iTunes
Release Date: March 9th, 2010

Overall: 8.0
Music: 8.0
Lyrics: 8.5
Production: 8.0

For the many people that know who Before Their Eyes are, there are plenty more that have never heard them before. The band has just released their third album entitled Untouchable, and it seems now more then ever, are looking to find more people to listen to them and become fans.

The main difference that kept Before Their Eyes from reaching that pinnacle of success and exposure has always been a lack of one extremely catchy song. Their past albums have been solid, but didn’t have that extra push of a special song that would hook people in immediately. This album has one in the form of “Sing To Me”, which has a very catchy rising chorus and airy harmonies to round it all out. This song would be a perfect start to hear from this band, and could find its place on radio fairly easily.

Untouchable’s first half is also different for the band, with less focus on the screaming side of their sound. While the band has always been able to, and still can incorporate screaming with regular singing, they can pull off one without the other quite well. “Love Is Misery” and “Start With Today” are both examples of how well they can do this, as they lay off the chunkier side of their music.

When they do rock though, Before Their Eyes are very good at what they do. Amongst the monster guitar riff in the middle of “My Match, Your Fire” and the growls of “Hell Or High Water”, one could equate them to the crunchy hardcore of Cancer Bats. That is until they break out into falsetto melodies where they set themselves apart from the rest (“Rick Vs Nick” shows off the back and forth of melodies and screaming to a T).

Before Their Eyes have taken their sound to a new place, where they can experience success while still remaining true to their original sound. They are a band that can shred with the toughest, while still pen a charmingly sweet ballad (“Start With Today”). While the melodies can sometimes be to nasally, and they aren’t necessarily reinventing their genre, there is more good then bad which makes this a pretty strong affair.