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.

We Shot the Moon – The Polar Bear & Cougar

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We Shot the Moon

Artist: We Shot the Moon
Album: The Polar Bear & Cougar
Label: Self Released
Purchase: N/A
Release Date: N/A

Overall: 8.5
Music: 9.0
Lyrics: 8.5
Production: 8.0

Infectious pop rock is the best way to describe We Shot the Moon. As the superb combination of Jonathon Jones (Ex Waking Ashland) Joe Greenetz and Dan Koch from Sherwood; they have proven to create some of the catchiest, most compelling songs of the year. “The Waters Edge” alone is enough audio candy to hook anyone in. The Polar Bear & Cougar is nothing short of an awesome introduction for this young band. We should all look forward to more music from these guys in the New Year.

Standout Track
The Waters Edge

Track Listing
1. Sway Your Head
2. Julie
3. The Waters Edge
4. Key Change (LTFP)
5. Welcome Home

Paper Rival- Paper Rival EP

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paper rival

Artist: Paper Rival
Album: EP
Label: Photo Finish Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: July 10, 2007

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

Paper Rival plays indie-rock, are from Tennessee and were formerly known as Keating. From that brief description some might listen, others will not. However, I’m here to tell you that there is no hint of country and they’re not the band from Canada with a name change. This is their debut EP off Photo Finish Records with 5 tracks of CIRCA SURVIVE meets ADAM LAZZARA vocals. The first song, “Alabama”, is my favorite off the EP because the song carries a mellow tone through out the song and sets the mood for the rest of the cd. “Home is Right Out Your Window” is another track I enjoyed both musically and lyrically. You can’t resist singing “Maybe I’ve been a bad little boy” with them, it just has a sweet ring to it. Just in case you were wondering about the Adam Lazzara reference, listen to “A Fox in the Garden”. The EP then ends with “Pacing the Cage”, a song where an audience can join their hand clapping at a show. Overall, a great cd to listen and sing along from start to ending.

Track Listing:
1. Alabama
2. Your Right
3. Home is Right Outside Your Window
4. A Fox in the Garden
5. Pacing the Cage

The Color Fred – Bend to Break

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Bend to Break

Artist: The Color Fred
Album: Bend to Break
Label: Equal Vision
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: October 30th, 2007

Overall: 7.0
Music: 8.5
Lyrics: 7.5
Production: 7.5

When Fred Mascherino announced that he’d left Taking Back Sunday to pursue his solo career, many were left devastated; week’s later fans were given the chance to find solace in Mascherino’s debut effort. With The Color Fred it’s Mascherino who shows his true colors, not to mention his knack for creating pure pop-rock bliss. The single “If I Surrender” has already made a big splash on the Internet, with its subsequent video.

The record becomes slightly bogged down in the middle; as I found favor in the more up tempo tracks. All around, Bend to Break is a well written album, that’s sure to please. Fred truly brought a great dynamic to Taking Back Sunday, and he will be missed. Nevertheless he’s paved the way for a great solo career, the future looks bright for The Color Fred.

Standout Track
Minnesota

Track Listing
1. Get Out
2. If I Surrender
3. Hate to See You Go
4. It Isn’t Me
5. Complaintor
6. The Tragedy
7. I Didn’t See
8. Empty House
9. Minnesota
10. I’ll Never Know
11. Don’t Pretend

Desoto Jones – Aurora

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Aurora

Artist: Desoto Jones
Album: Aurora
Label: Deep Elm
Purchase: Inter Punk
Release Date: November 27th, ’07

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

If there is such a thing as an independent “modern rock” record, then this is it! Desoto Jones brings forth solid musicianship, heartfelt lyrics, and a true passion for music that shines through on their sophomore effort, Aurora. Without hesitation the record kicks into high gear, its flow is seamless and the guitar-work is something to be celebrated. Aurora simply does not let up, from its blazing opener to the subtle acoustic-laced ballad “Nonfiction” on through the fitting closer, “Waiting.” I can see this album spanning a vast array of fans, as there really is something for everyone. I couldn’t let this release fly below the radar, and neither should you. Deep Elm Records has begun limiting their releases to 1,000 copies, so be sure to pick up Aurora!

Standout Track
Don’t Fail Me

Track Listing
1. Speed Bump
2. Don’t Fail Me
3. Giant Magnets
4. Cap Gun
5. Nonfiction
6. Out of the Blue
7. Sweet Sun
8. Working Class Daydream
9. Courtesy Call
10. Waiting

Attica! Attica! – Dead Skin / Dried Blood

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Dead Skin Dried Blood

Artist: Attica! Attica!
Album: Dead Skin / Dried Blood
Label: Red Leader
Purchase: Interpunk
Release Date: September 11, ’07

Overall: 8.0
Music: 8.5
Lyrics: 8.0
Production: 7.0

Attica! Attica! is the true blue, lo-fi, no frills indie rock masterwork of one Aaron Scott. On this, his debut solo effort, Scott showcases his sharp tongue and even sharper musicianship. Dead Skin / Dried Blood is simply a dozen well crafted gems; they are subtle yet at the same time intense. This multi-instrumentalist draws from a vast array of influences most predominantly, folk rock. With fingers on the strings and the pen to paper, it’s clear that Scott intended this record to be a journey for the listener. Reflective of his own travels, the album contains views on today’s society as well as political overtones. However, as his rye lyrics seep in, his messages don’t come off as overtly “preachy.”

It is truly rare breed of artist who can thoroughly captivate with only an acoustic guitar; Aaron Scott is an honest musician in every sense of the term.

Standout Track
Frostbite

Track Listing
1. Motion Sickness
2. The Play’s the Thing
3. Frostbite
4. Tires and Mint
5. Way Down in Gitmo
6. Intermission
7. A Dirge for the Underground
8. The Kid’s War
9. The Party Party
10. Blackout
11. We’ll Always Be Home
12. Flamethrower

The High Court – Puppet Strings

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Puppet Strings

Artist: The High Court
Album: Puppet Strings
Label: I Surrender
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: July 24th, 2007

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

The High Court truly delivers their own brand of crunchy, risqué rock ‘n’ roll. On this their debut effort is nothing short of a roller-coaster ride, filled with torrid tales, spine tingling melodies, and plenty of shredding guitars. From the self-titled opener to “Down in Flames” its heavy finally, this record doesn’t quit. “2 Much Love for 1 Woman” is as catchy as it is topically edgy. Where “In Bambi’s Eyes” could make any old school Fall Out Boy fan begin to swoon. Puppet Strings is definitely a unique album, genre-jumping from hard to classic rock fused with pop punk overtones. Plain and simple this is a pure “rock out” record, one that I highly recommend!

Standout Track
Alien

Track Listing
1. Puppet Strings
2. 2 Much Love for 1 Woman
3. Refresher Course
4. Whisper to the Clouds
5. In Bambi’s Eyes
6. Heaven on the Horizon
7. Alien
8. Payback
9. She’ll Never Know
10. After the Climax
11. Like a Ghost
12. Down in Flames

John Ralston – Sorry Vampire

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Sorry Vampire

Artist: John Ralston
Album: Sorry Vampire
Label: Vagrant
Purchase: Interpunk
Release Date: October 2nd, 2007

Overall: 8.0
Music: 8.0
Lyrics: 9.0
Production: 8.0

Upon first hearing Ralston’s debut entitled, Needle Bed, I found the record to be impactuful yet rather sparse and almost hollow at times. His follow up, Sorry Vampire sits on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. This intensely layered and meticulously crafted record is truly something to behold. The somber, swaying, gloomy melodies lend the perfect audio-backdrop for the commonly gray fall weather. Each track is its own intricate and developed work of art. I find it hard to imagine how Ralston will follow this up or how these songs will be preformed live. I look forward to finding out those answers in the not too distant future. This is truly a record that requires a good pair of headphones and an open mind.

Recommend if you like: Wilco, Dashboard Confessional, Kevin Devine, The New Amsterdams

Track Listing
1. Fragile
2. The Only Evidence
3. When I Was a Bandage
4. I Guess I Wasted My Summer Now 5
5. Lessons I & II
6. A Small Clearing
7. Ghetto Tested
8. Beautiful Disarmed
9. No One Loves You Like I Do
10. Second Hand Lovers
11. Haven’t Missed You All My Life
12. Where You Used to Sleep

Just Surrender – We’re in Like Sin

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We're in Like Sin

Artist: Just Surrender
Album: We’re in Like Sin
Label: Broken English
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: August 21st, 2007

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

Ultimately sophomore releases have been known for falling short and not living up to the expectations created by the debut effort. As much as I hate to say it, this album is no different. We’re in Like Sin showcases a band trying to find themselves and come into their own sound. Stylistically the record encompasses a variety of genres, from gritty rock to polished pop. Despite the diversity, the album fails to standout from the pack or make much of a sonic splash. I’m not sure if the New York quartet spread themselves too thin or possibly rushed the writing process, I just can’t help but feel that they somehow missed the mark. However there are some highlights such as the single “Your Life and Mine” and the closer, “I’ll Be Here” shows much promise. Just Surrender is still one of the brighter spots in the current scene, and will no doubt continue to thrive.

Recommend if you like: Boys Night Out, The Classic Crime, pop-punk with an edge.

Track Listing
1. Body Language and Bad Habits
2. So Close/So Alive
3. If I Wanted to Cuddle I’d Buy a Teddy Bear
4. I Said It Before
5. Your Life and Mine
6. New Declaration
7. Payback
8. You’d Be In Great Shape If You Ran Like Your Mouth
9. We’re in Like Sin
10. Something That I’m Not
11. I’ll Be Here

The Fold – Secrets Keep You Sick

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Secrets Keep You Sick

Artist: The Fold
Album: Secrets Keep You Sick
Label: Tooth & Nail
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: May 22, 2007

Overall: 6.5
Music: 7.0
Lyrics: 8.0
Production: 7.5

“Let’s get to the point, let’s get to this condition…” is the chant that sharply echoes over power chords as the record begins and from this point on there is no looking back. Secrets Keep You Sick essentially serves as a sonic journal for frontman, Daniel Castady to chronicle the last few years of his life. The melodies and power behind each song simply grab a hold of you, and can only be described as compelling. The record as a whole is very emotionally charged, however not in a miserable-heartrending way.

The first half of the album is upbeat and more immediate, where the second half seems to gradually drag and become less memorable. Nevertheless, Secrets encompasses a certain brand of stirring alt-rock; that deserves to be pushed to the forefront. The Fold is vastly underrated, and it’s a shame that they remain relatively unknown. Thus, it’s no secret that this band deserves some much needed recognition; everyone should give this band and album a chance.

Recommend if you like: Heartfelt and uplifting rock music.

Track Listing
1. Medicine
2. Younger Than Our Years
3. Your Secrets Keep You Sick
4. New Skeptic
5. Faster Still
6. Closer
7. Down in Doubt and Living Without
8. Hey Rebekah
9. Catastrophe!
10. Beside You Now
11. Revisited

We The Kings – We The Kings

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We The Kings

Artist: We The Kings
Album: We The Kings
Label: S-Curve
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: October 2, 2007

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

Virtually appearing out of thin air, We The Kings have sneaked onto the scene with their new self-titled album. The band is made up of long-time friends who sing about their life experiences and even their hometown. Going the way of bands such as The All-American Rejects and Boys Like Girls, We The Kings bring out their pop rock and coat it with a sweet layer of catchy sing along lyrics. On their first single “Skyway Avenue” the band showcases their catchy rock style with lyrics like “Cause If you jump I will jump too, we will fall together from the buildings ledge, never looking back at what we’ve done, we’ll say it was love, cause I would die for you on Skyway Avenue.” With songs like “Whoa” , “The Quiet” , and “All Again For You” We The Kings are sure to please pop rock fans of all kinds.

Recommend if you like: Boys Like Girls, The All-American Rejects, Cartel, songs to sing along to.

Track Listing
1. Secret Valentine
2. Skyway Avenue
3. Check Yes Juliet
4. Stay Young
5. Whoa
6. August Is Over
7. The Quiet
8. Don’t Speak Liar
9. Headlines Read Out…
10. All Again For You
11. This Is Our Town