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.

Bloc Party – A Weekend in the City

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Bloc Party

Artist: Bloc Party
Album: A Weekend in the City
Label: Vice Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: February 6, 2007

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

Two years ago, Bloc Party exploded onto the indie rock scene with their Silent Alarm. Donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t let the driving beats of â┚¬Ã…”Song for Clay (Disappear Here)â┚¬? and â┚¬Ã…”Hunting for Witchesâ┚¬?, the first few tracks of their follow-up album, A Weekend in the City, fool you; the bandâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s sophomore album isnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t all dance-inspired/inspiring tracks like those on their debut. Rather Bloc Party delivers more diverse tunes with their second album, mellowing out on several. â┚¬Ã…”Waiting for the 7.18,â┚¬? for instance, highlights melodic vocals more than the dance-beat drums or the spiky guitar riffs which defined Bloc Party of Silent Alarm days. Even â┚¬Ã…”The Prayerâ┚¬? which certainly maintains dance-music-inspired drumming displays the bandâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s newfound ability to vary their sound. On the whole, the changes in style make this record more interesting than the first, particularly by giving more attention to the vocals despite not having a particularly outstanding singer in Kele Okereke. This change draws the listenerâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s attention more to the bandâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s simple, yet poetic and easily relatable lyrics.

Bloc Partyâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s heavy reliance on synthesizers and electronic effects may easily turn off a lot of listeners; their sound is certainly not for everyone. But Kele does deliver raw emotion well through his vocals, especially on this latest release with its darker, more contemplated feel. You may not make it through the whole album if you think it’s not for you, but at least give the latter songs “Kreuzberg,” “I Still Remember,” and “Sunday” a listen and stick with “The Prayer” ’til it picks up.

Tracklisting:

  1. “Song for Clay (Disappear Here)” â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 4:49
  2. “Hunting for Witches” â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 3:31
  3. “Waiting for the 7:18” â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 4:17
  4. “The Prayer” â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 3:45
  5. “Uniform” â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 5:32
  6. “On” â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 4:46
  7. “Where Is Home?” â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 4:54
  8. “Kreuzberg” â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 5:27
  9. “I Still Remember” â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 4:23
  10. “Sunday” â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 4:59
  11. “SRXT” â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 4:51 or 7:51 (3 additional minutes of silence)

Youth Group – Casino Twilight Dogs

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Youth Group

Artist: Youth Group
Album: Casino Twilight Dogs
Label: Epitaph
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: January 30, 2007

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

Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ll admit, I only got interested in this Aussie indie band after they exploded into the US market via an awe-inspiringly well-polished cover of 80s pop hit â┚¬Ã…”Forever Youngâ┚¬?. Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢d heard a song or two before that, but only in passing. Recently I was listening to a local public radio station that plays the latest from the underground and independent music scenes when â┚¬Ã…”Start Today Tomorrowâ┚¬? came on. I immediately knew that I was familiar with the band, but I couldnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t quite place it. The US release, put out on Epitaph, kicks off with â┚¬Ã…”On a Stringâ┚¬? which is at times reminiscent of a mellow Shins song. Though Youth Group occasionally falters at providing something spankinâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ new to the indie scene (but really not many within any â┚¬Ã…”sceneâ┚¬? succeed at this venture), they make up for it with the diversity of their music. They lack the power of Death Cab for Cutie, among others, to make listeners know on the first listen of any song that it is a creation of the band. Perhaps, however, this is their strength; not only is the new album novel for old fans, but all fans, old and new alike, will be impressed by the variety of music on this disc.

Tracklisting:
1. On A String
2. Sorry
3. Catching And Killing
4. Dead Zoo
5. Under The Underpass
6. Sicily
7. Daisy Chains
8. Forever Young
9. Start Today Tomorrow
10. The Destruction Of Laurel Canyon
11. TJ

My Chemical Romance Vid Premiere

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My Chemical Romance’s new video for “Famous Last Words” is having its official US premiere today, Thursday the 11th, on MTV!Ԛ  You can catch an early taste of it today on TRL, which airs between 3:30 and 4:30 (all time zones) and then at 11:00pm in regular programming (all time zones). You can also see it on MTV.com by clicking here.

Plain White T’s – Every Second Counts

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Plain White T's - Every Second Counts

Artist: The Plain White T’s
Album: Every Second Counts
Label: Fearless
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: September 12, 2006

Overall: 8.5
Music: 9.0
Lyrics: 5.5
Production: 9.5

Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ve been a fan of the Plain White Tâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s since their release of Stop in 2002. I was drawn to their upbeat songs and catchy melodies (Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ve always thought of them as a less standard-pop-punk version of Punchline). I must say, Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢m wholly impressed by the Plain White Tâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s latest release, Every Second Counts. The guys display amazing depth of sound. The album opens with a standard pop-punk power chords, but quickly ventures into new territory. While I find the lyrics on Every Second Counts to be generally trite (notably so on the single â┚¬Ã…”Hate [I Really Donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t like You]â┚¬?), Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢m still pleased with the great production in every other regard. This is an album that you can play through a whole time without getting bored of the same sound. Further, I can already tell by the diversity of songs and styles that this album will be in my rotation for a long time to come. Take a listen; even if you come out with just a song or two that you find enjoyable, Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢m convinced that there is something for everyone (or at least all DFO readers) on this disc.

On this fall’s Nintendo Fusion Tour, the T’s are on the road to blowing up with this release.

Tracklisting:
1. Our Time Now
2. Come Back To Me
3. Hate (I Really Don’t Like You)
4. You And Me
5. Friends Don’t Let Friends Dial Drunk
6. Making A Memory
7. So Damn Clever
8. Tearin’ Us Apart
9. Write You A Song
10. Gimme A Chance
11. Figure It Out
12. Let Me Take You There

Sugarcult – Lights Out

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Sugarcult Lights Out

Artist: Sugarcult
Album: Lights Out
Label: V2/Fearless
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: September 12, 2006

Overall: 6.5
Music: 6.5
Lyrics: 7.5
Production: 6.0

Sugarcultâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s continued (or perhaps continuing is a better word) progression as a band is evident on their latest release, Lights Out. Crashing drums and power chords highlight the bandâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s pop punk roots, but more complex guitar interludes and scruffier vocals signal a departure. Unfortunately creating vocals that sound like Tim Pagnottaâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s been smoking two packs a day since the release of Palm Trees and Powerlines is a bit much.

Validaâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s Editorial Note: To me, the change in vocal style is a blatant announcement (put out by the band itself) that the band has matured. Sadly, it translates more like the imagery at the end of the third Matrix movie, which is so in-your-face that it forces the viewer into understanding the film exactly as the directors intended instead of allowing him/her to explore and find meaning on his/her own. In creating art â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ be it music, film, or painting – itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s important to remember that art is a form of expression and that its beauty is in the myriad interpretations that arise from that expression.

But perhaps Pagnotta truly has upped the intensity of his smoking and the vocal changes arenâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t as superficial as I find them to be. So let me continue. â┚¬Ã…”Lights Outâ┚¬? and â┚¬Ã…”Dead Livingâ┚¬? which kick off the album are extremely reminiscent of Palm Trees, as are a few other tracks including â┚¬Ã…”Majoring in Minorsâ┚¬? and the mildly depressing lullaby â┚¬Ã…”The Investigationâ┚¬?. Further, while some of the experimentation and growth displayed on this album are still a bit rough, â┚¬Ã…”Shakingâ┚¬? does piece itself together to be a successful pop song and thereâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s a lot of promise elsewhere.

Track Listing:
1. Lights Out
2. Dead Living
3. Los Angeles
4. Do It Alone
5. Explode
6. Out Of Phase
7. Made A Mistake
8. Riot
9. Majoring In Minors
10. Shaking
11. The Investigation
12. Hiatus

Avenged Sevenfold Cancels Tour Dates to Record New Album

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Earshot Media Press Release:

“Huntington Beach, CA quintet Avenged Sevenfold â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬ M. Shadows, Synyster Gates, Zacky Vengeance, Johnny Christ, and The Reverend â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬ have announced cancellation of tour dates. The band will not be playing scheduled UK fall dates, and have postponed plans for a winter U.S. tour in favor of entering the recording studio.

Avenged Sevenfold hopes fans will not be let down, but rather will look forward to seeing them back on the road with new songs to share. The band have been writing songs for their forthcoming album, and are eager to work on a forthcoming album.

Singer M. Shadows explains the bandâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s decision, â┚¬Ã…”We love our loyal fans and want to continue giving them the freshest, most awesome show and material possible. Weâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ve been playing songs from City of Evil around the world for 15 months and now feel itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s time to bring them something new. Weâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re honored by the growing audiences wanting to see our show, but feel an obligation to our fans to always give them the best we have to offer. Weâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ve started writing and canâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t wait for our fans to hear what weâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re working onâ┚¬?

Cancelled A7X tour dates:

10/21 Manchester – Apollo
10/22 Newcastle – Carling Academy
10/23 Glasgow – Barrowland
10/25 Wolverhampton – The Civic Hall
10/26 Brixtom – Carling Academy
10/27 Cardiff – Cardiff University
10/29 Norwich – Norwich U.E.A.
10/30 Southampton – Southampton Guildhall
10/31 Nottingham – Rock City
11/2 Leeds – Leeds University Union
11/3 Dublin – Ambassador Theatre

Escape the Fate in Search of a New Singer

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*Update: This is an old press release that was released by the band in 2006. Since then Ronnie decided not to leave the band.

Escape the Fate singer Ronnie Radke has left the band* (please read the update above) , forcing the guys to 1) drop out of the Bullet for My Valentine/18 Visions tour and 2) search for a new singer (check out their Submissions page on Myspace if you think you have what it takes). Below is the official message from the band.

“As of today, Ronnie Radke is officially no longer a member of Escape The Fate. We feel that in order for the band to move forward, the only possible way, will have to be without him. The reasons as to why are very personal. Just know that we still love him and we wish him all the best of luck in the future.

We obviously have to drop off of the Bullet For My Valentine / 18 Visions tour because of the circumstances. We know you guys will be bummed but are also sure you understand. We will definitely be touring in no time, so dont worry.

With that being said, we are still going to be releasing the album as planned, September 26th, and are looking forward to the future with great optimism.

We need a new lead singer and we need one now. If you think it could be you and want to audition here’s what to do… There is a myspace account on our Top 8 called “Escape The Fate Submissions”. Post everything there! We will be looking for everything from youtube videos, to demos from your old bands, to mp3s and anything you can do to let us hear what you got. If you think you fucken rock, then make sure we hear from you. We are very confident that when this is all said and done, we will be a stronger, even crazier band then ever. Remember, September 26th is the day so go pick up the record. We have the best fans ever and we know you\’ll stick with us no matter what. We love all of you.

The Outline Free Show & Radio Show

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If you live in Southern California, go catch a free performance by The Outline and get some signed goods. The band will be performing at the Virgin Megastore in Orange, CA TODAY on Tuesday September 12. It starts at 7:30 pm and it’s absolutely FREE so come hang out with the band and bring all your friends. Then tune in to Indie 103.1 TOMORROW on Wednesday, September 13th at 3pm PST to hear a live interview with The Outline. Donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t have the station in your area? Tune in live at http://www.indie1031.fm/listenlive.php.

Lucky Boys Confusion – How to Get out Alive

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LuckyBoysConfusion

Artist: Lucky Boys Confusion
Album: How to Get out Alive
Label: Townstyle
Purchase:
Release Date: June 13, 2006

Overall: 8.2
Music: 7.5
Lyrics: 8.0
Production: 9.0

Chicagoans Lucky Boys Confusion have chosen the standard rock route with their latest release, a five-song EP called How to Get out Alive. The boys made a name for themselves, landing a major record deal to put out their second full-length, Commitment. Despite how committed the guys were, they proved a bit unlucky when Atlantic bought out Warner and bid the boys farewell. So they started from the bottom again, turning out this EP on their own label. Considering this fact, production is astounding. “Cigarettes” has the catchy riffs (including some synth) and cute lyrics that make a great pop song, but has more complexities than “Hey Driver”, the band’s closest thing to a big hit from their last album. Overall, however, its disappointing to see that the band has shed one of its most recognizable traits on this album: their ska influences. Though often making their way only into songs subtly such as the “hey hey hey” chants on “Hey Driver”, the Lucky Boys sound has always incorporated some ska. Hopefully the guys bring back the twotone upbeats on their full-length due out sometime next year.

Tracklisting:
1. The Struggle (Getting out Alive)
2. Cigarettes
3. When Bad News Gets Worse
4. Like Rats From A Sinking Ship
5. Anything, Anything

Park – Building a Better ______

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Park

Artist: Park
Album: Building a Better _____
Label: Lobster
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: July 25, 2006

Overall: 8.3
Music: 7.9
Lyrics: 8.9
Production: 7.9

I’ve been a fan of Park’s dark pop since I got my hands on their 2001 release, No Signal. But as the tracks of this album cycled through and I hit those from their first full-length on my iTunes, it was hard to tell that the albums had changed. I only realized that Building a Better ______ had ended because I knew the words to the first track of No Signal and therefore knew that it was no longer just the deja entendu feeling but rather that I’d experienced at the start of the new disc. So? Yes, the band has a signature sound, and I happen to quite enjoy it. On the surface this makes it difficult to see that they’ve built a better Park and a better album. But on a second listen, you can hear the band’s more precise and deliberate timing and can tell that they’ve opted for a mellower sound. The layering of guitar riffs and rhythms is one of the band’s most interesting contributions to the powerchord-driven emo genre; powerchords have their place in contemporary pop and rock music, and these guys make use of them but do not rely on them. Lyrics are another strongpoint; though they convey typical emo angst, they do so with a poetry that is, for the most part, not trite.

Valida’s Editorial Point: Too often within the emo genre, I hear lyrics that are transparent – instead of hearing the struggle faced by the artist in the situation he/she is describing, I hear the struggle faced by the artist when he/she was trying to scribble out his/her thoughts poetically. I can see the artist opening up the thesaurus looking for a new, obscure word for “leave” or “broken”. These lyrics, to me, have in the writing process lost the feeling that drove them out of the artist’s head in the first place.

Tracklisting:
1. The Trophy Wife
2. Mississippi Burning
3. Who Is Aliandra
4. Angels And Errors
5. A Message
6. Chica Chica
7. La Amoureux
8. Irukandji
9. Intro
10. Hide And Seek
(11.) A Message (Hidden Track)