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.

  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Videos
  • Articles
  • About
  • Contact

Jonezetta – Popularity

October 10, 2006 By Tyler Hayes Leave a Comment

Jonezetta Popularity

Artist: Jonezetta
Album: Popularity
Label: Tooth And Nail
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: October 3rd, 2006

Overall: 8.5
Music: 8.8
Lyrics: 8.4
Production: 9.0

Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ll lay it out for nice and simple; Jonezetta is that smooth talking new student at school that is instantly friends with everyone. You would never know they were the newest band on the Tooth and Nail record label. Jonezetta are not messing around, they take â┚¬Ã…”pop punkâ┚¬?/â┚¬?indie popâ┚¬? and cram a whole lot of energy into every song. The record is infectious and just flat out fun. It should get should get at least a few people dancing.

This record hits hard, like I said Jonezetta are not messing around, they intend to bring the fun, dancey rock music. The first six songs on â┚¬Ã…”Popularityâ┚¬? come in strong and donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢tâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ let up until you get to â┚¬Ã…”The love that carries meâ┚¬? which, even though slower does not lose the foot tapping drums.

My favorite song on the record would definitely be â┚¬Ã…”Communicateâ┚¬?. It starts out with acoustic, and electric guitars and vocals then having the entire band slide into the mix. The chorus of the song â┚¬Ã…”Isabelle, Isabelle itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s a long way home, to communicateâ┚¬? is one of the infectious parts I was referring to, It gets in your head and by the end of the song you singing along. The record flows very smoothly into the next song â┚¬Ã…”Man in a 3k suitâ┚¬? which sports [The Killers] reminiscent keys.

I knew Jonezetta was a talented band and that this was a pretty good debut album, but I didnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t realize how much I like the record until listening to a few times. I think people will like this after the first listen but I also think they will enjoy it the more they listen to it. This is no doubt worth peopleâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s ten bucks. Please support the band and go out and grab â┚¬Ã…”Popularityâ┚¬?

Tracklisting
1. Welcome Home
2. Get Ready (Hot Machete)
3. Communicate
4. Man in a 3K Suit
5. Backstabber
6. Popularity
7. Love That Carries Me
8. City We Live In
9. Bringin’ It Back Tonite… Everybody Start
10. Burn It Down!
11. Imagination

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: Jonezetta, Tooth And Nail

Spitalfield – Better Than Knowing Where You Are

October 5, 2006 By Trevor Bivens 3 Comments

Better Than Knowing Where You Are

Artist: Spitalfield
Album: Better Than Knowing Where You Are
Label: Victory Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: October 3, 2006

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

Spitalfield are Victory’s best kept secret and their biggest mistake. By that, I mean that Spitalfield are a band that are so far above others, that it’s still cool to talk about them to people who don’t know who they are. By biggest mistake I mean that people not knowing who they are is an injustice done to this band. I don’t see any elaborate marketing campaign to catapult them into the same league as some of their peers who have gone on to sell hundreds of thousands of albums. Maybe I’m a little bitter, because their previous two albums mean so much to me.

“Remember Right Now” was a record that had a sound reminiscent of other emo/pop-rock bands that I was listening to at the time, but it stood out so much. It remained a permanent fixture in my listening lineup throughout high school. “Stop Doing Bad Things” was met with mixed reviews from fans, but manages to be spun every night(and often on repeat) when I’m going to sleep. I’m one of those people that found it to be far above the sugary goodness of RRN.

That brings us to Spitalfield’s third full length for Victory, “Better Than Knowing Where You Are.” For months, vocalist/guitarist Mark Rose has been saying that this album takes the best of the first two albums and puts them together to create a new direction altogether for the band. It’s true, as this new album is an amalglam of the previous two records, combining the pop sensibilities of the first album with the rock-edge of the second.

“Dare To…” opens the album with Mark’s voice calmly coming across the speakers backed up by an ambient guitar that leads into one of my favorite tracks, the fervent “The Only Thing That Matters.” Vocally, I believe this is Mark at his best, going from a soft croon into an explosive crescendo of vocal power. The pace doesn’t let up as “On The Floor” showcases Rose and former long-time guitarist Dan Lowder’s ability to play off eachother in a way that a lot of younger guitar-duo’s lack. First single “Secrets In Mirrors” proceeds to slow things down a bit. This is one of my least favorite tracks, and I don’t think it was a good pick for a first single. Lyrically, it’s got staying power, but it lacks the punch the previous two songs delivered. The title tracks picks things back up only to have them slowed down again by the relaxing “Hold On.” The song is smiliar to “In The Same Lifetime” from the band’s first Victory full length. The mid-tempo “Won’t Back Down” is easy on the ears and also tends to stick out for me. Three more rockers, including the lackluster “Lasting First Impression” are followed up by one more slow burner in “Novocaine.” Finally closing the album is the ridiculously delicious “Listen.”

While I’m completely in love with this album, a small handful of tracks that aren’t up to par tend to bring it down a little bit. However, the fact of the matter remains. Spitalfield are leaps and bounds above the blandess that so many bands are bringing to this style of music right now, and they always have been. If this record doesn’t elevate this band to a higher place, something is wrong. I can’t stress buying this album enough. Buy it for yourself, your friends, and even your parents. Then tell the world to go buy it.

Track Listing
1. Dare To…
2. The Only Thing That Matters
3. On The Floor
4. Secrets In Mirrors
5. Better Than Knowing Where You Are
6. Hold On
7. Won’t Back Down
8. Curtain Call
9. Tell Me, Clarice
10. Lasting First Impression
11. Novocaine
12. Listen

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: Spitalfield, Victory Records

Skillet – Comatose

October 5, 2006 By Tyler Hayes 2 Comments

The Decemberists The Crane Wife

Artist: Skillet
Album: Comatose
Label: Atlantic Records
Purchase: Amazon
Release Date: October 3rd, 2006

Overall: 8.0
Music: 8.0
Lyrics: 8.0
Production: 9.5

Skillet has been around forever, and so Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢m sure most people have at least heard of them. If you were never really interested before, or have never heard them this is the opportunity to do so. With the release of their newest album â┚¬Ã…”Comatoseâ┚¬? they have picked up a more mainstream sound that will definitely turn a few heads that werenâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t paying attention before.

This record has radio anthems written all over it. If Atlantic pushes this release like they should, they will have the next big thing on their hands for sure. For some it may be your next guilty pleasure that you just canâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t stop listening to because the choruses are too infectious, or because you secretly love that arena rock sound.

â┚¬Ã‹Å“Comatoseâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ starts with easily the best choice for a first single â┚¬Ã…”Rebirthingâ┚¬?. The song starts with strings which erupt into pounding drums, while still accompanied by the strings. The vocals on the song (and entire record) are the scratchy forceful vocals that make a good rock song. The record moves forward in cookie cutter fashion following all the rules through the next few songs. We get to â┚¬Ã…”The older I getâ┚¬? and I donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t know if itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s a really good song, or just me, but this song sticks out in good way. â┚¬Ã…”Those nightsâ┚¬? would be my vote for a second single. It has that radio friendly sound that people just eat up.

Like I said the record does follow a pretty strait forward set of rules, yet Skillet just does all the right things, while not taking many chances. The one thing different would be the last song which is unexpected but does get in your head, and Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ll leave you to discover that on your own. Overall a good release and worth the money and your time.

Track listing
1. Rebirthing
2. The Last Night
3. Yours To Hold
4. Better Than Drugs
5. Comatose
6. The Older I Get
7. Those Nights
8. Falling Inside The Black
9. Say Goodbye
10. Whispers In The Dark
11. Looking For Angels

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: atlantic, Skillet

Pete Nischt – The Free EP

October 4, 2006 By Tyler Hayes Leave a Comment

Pete Nischt The Free EP

Artist: Pete Nischt
Album: The Free EP
Label: Regular Music
Purchase: Regular Music
Release Date: October 2006

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

What is better than free? Not much and what is the best marketing tool? Give things away for free. Well I had not heard of Pete Nischt before downloading his free EP (and I’m still unsure of how to pronounce his last name) but I know this won’t be the last time either.

This EP is chalked full of potential. It reminds me so much of the first time I heard Dashboard Confessional, not so much the voice but the style, and the rawness that a singer/song writer and his acoustic guitar tend to have. Also there was an acoustic singer/song writer that went under the name “Remember Maine” with a similar style who later went on to front a little band called “The Academy Is…” so don’t under estimate the potential that lies in the simple single instrument bands.

The record starts off with one of the catchier songs “Hello Denver”. Despite having only the acoustic guitar the EP does stay upbeat most of the time with a big ending plea in the last song “June”. This EP is better than average. Mostly it’s a great chance to get acquainted with someone you will more than likely be hearing more from in the future. This release is definitely worth your time to go download it, and definitely worth the price.

Track listing
1. Hello Denver
2. Second Second Chances
3. Sandbox
4. Stars
5. June

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: Pete Nischt, Regular-Music

The Decemberists – The Crane Wife

October 3, 2006 By Tyler Hayes Leave a Comment

The Decemberists The Crane Wife

Artist: The Decemberists
Album: The Crane Wife
Label: Capitol Records
Purchase: Amazon
Release Date: October 3rd, 2006

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

If ever there was an album I wasnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t expecting to listen to, and even less expecting to praise it as the amazing record that it is, then it would be â┚¬Ã…”The Crane Wifeâ┚¬? from The Decemberists. Let me go back and say that I had heard that this record was coming out, but from my past experiences with The Decemberists I was not interested in this at all. My view of the band before was that they were talented, but just slow, dark, and boring. Well like I usually am when I judge a record before I hear it, I was wrong about â┚¬Ã…”The Crane Wifeâ┚¬? It is definitely one of the best works released this year.

I was trying to think of a way to describe this album, and over and over again only one word kept coming to mind, and however dangerous it may be to define a complex release with only one word, thatâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s what Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢m going to do. Melody is what describes this record, the melody is what sticks out on â┚¬Ã…”The Crane Wifeâ┚¬?, and the melody is what grabs you in the seemingly simple songs. This is proved by the very first song â┚¬Ã…”the crane wife 3â┚¬?, which if you are not hooked, or at least intrigued in the first minute of the first song, then there is a good chance that this gem of a record is not for you.

Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ve heard from people and can tell that this CD is a different direction for The Decemberists but not really being interested before Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢m not too familiar and so I wonâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t try and explain the difference between this and their previous works. â┚¬Ã…”The Crane Wifeâ┚¬? is a breezy, light, folk album with deep and complex lyrics. On first listen the lyrics may be passed by just because of the melody they float on. The best example would be the last song â┚¬Ã…”Sons and Daughtersâ┚¬? with the foot tapping, almost bouncy feel, yet its deep political message. In a couple of songs the electric guitars are brought out â┚¬Ã…”The Perfect Crime 2â┚¬? and â┚¬Ã…”When The War Cameâ┚¬? yet those songs never feel out of place on this otherwise acoustic album.

This album should be heard by everyone whether or not you have been a fan of this band in the past. It is one of those albums (for me at least) that literally came out of nowhere and shocked me with how amazing it was.

Track listing
1. The Crane Wife 3
2. The Island-Come & See/The Landlordâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s Daughter/Youâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ll Not Feel The Drowning
3. Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)
4. O Valencia!
5. The Perfect Crime #2
6. When The War Came
7. Shankhill Butchers
8. Summersong
9. The Crane Wife 1 and 2
10. Sons and Daughters

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: Decemberists

The Summer Obsession – This Is Where You Belong

October 3, 2006 By Trevor Bivens 2 Comments

This Is Where You Belong

Artist: The Summer Obsession
Album: This Is Where You Belong
Label: Virgin Records
Purchase: Amazon
Release Date: August 29, 2006

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

For the longest time, I was trying to figure out why this band reminded me of old Good Charlotte. It wasn’t until recently that I realized that their old drummer is in this band. It explained a lot to me. I’d put this band on par with older Good Charlotte. I’m talking the first album, which ironically enough is the one Chris wasn’t on. The uh, good one. Yeah, I said it.

The Summer Obsession sound like Virgin Records’ too little, too late attempt to cash in on pop-punk. I could be wrong. Maybe it’s just the changing of the guard for major label lineups. Who knows? It doesn’t change the fact that this album could have been even better than just “pretty good.” Musically, TSO lay waste to Good Charlotte’s latest musical endeavors. A light piano line opens the album on “8 AM.” Automatically, the song takes a hold of you and refuses to let go with the aid of an explosive chorus. “Disappear” is another ear-pleaser, but the lyrics start to show their weakness. From here on out, the lyrics sound like they were taken from a Jr. High student’s notebook. Aside from the lyrics, I only have a few minor complaints with some annoying melodies and riffs, but for the most part, the album is pretty solid. On that note, “Melt the Sugar” needs to be a single. It’s got “school dance” written all over it.

If your siblings are tired of waiting for a new Fall Out Boy album and aren’t ready to appreciate the new Sugarcult or New Found Glory records, pick this up for them. Also, a personal note to Chris Wilson: Congratulations for being in a much better band than your previous one. Hopefully The Summer Obsession will mature with their next album and not try to act artsy.

Track Listing
1. 8 AM
2. Disappear
3. Never Coming Back
4. Death Said
5. Melt the Sugar
6. Burning Bridges
7. Bored
8. Do You Remember
9. Over My Head
10. Down For Whatever
11. I Miss You
12. Where You Belong

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: The Summer Obsession

The Pink Spiders – Teenage Graffiti

October 3, 2006 By Trevor Bivens 3 Comments

teenagegraffiti

Artist: The Pink Spiders
Album: Teenage Graffiti
Label: Suretone/Geffen Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: August 1, 2006

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

After taking control of hipsters’ ears everywhere, The Pink Spiders exploded onto the scene, capturing the hearts of so many more. Crafting themselves a sound that blends old-school pop sensibilities with modern day rockstar attitude, the best way to describe the Spiders’is like “The All American Rejects on Crack.” You’d never guess these fellas were from Tennessee.

The album opens up with the in-your-face “Soft Smoke” and doesn’t let up. The third track, “Modern Swinger” continues the assault as a song that can wipe the floor with any others put up against it. First single, “Little Razorblade” bounces along with a mellow beat and the potential to be background music on “The O.C.” The album proceeds to the end with an even blend of hard rockers and slow jams, proving once again that bands from Tennessee can write more than mountain-music.

Basically, The Pink Spiders don’t care what you think about them, because they know how good they are. “Teenage Graffiti” stacks up against, and pushes over most of the other rock albums available from major labels. Provided Geffen doesn’t screw this band over, the future could be paved with gold for The Pink Spiders.

Track Listing
1. Soft Smoke
2. Saturday Nite Riot
3. Modern Swinger
4. Hollywood Fix
5. Little Razorblade
6. Nobody Baby
7. Hey Jane
8. Still Three Shy
9. Adalane
10. Easy Way Out
11. Pretend That This Is Fiction
12. Secret Song

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: The-Pink-Spiders

ActionReaction – 3 Is The Magic Number

September 29, 2006 By Tyler Hayes Leave a Comment

ActionReaction 3 is The Magic Number

Artist: ActionReaction
Album: Self-Titled
Label: Equal Vision
Purchase:
Smart Punk
Release Date: August 22, 2006

Overall: 6.5
Music: 5.0
Lyrics: 5.9
Production: 6.9

Let me start by saying this is not another further seems forever album. I know the singer plays one of the biggest parts in making a band what they are and what they sound like but Jason Gleason, for better or worse, has left the further seems forever sound behind and approached â┚¬Ã…”ActionReactionâ┚¬? from a totally different aspect.

Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ll be honest I do miss the â┚¬Ã‹Å“How to Start a Fireâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ days, and so I was looking forward to something new from this amazing singer. Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ll just be honest, I was let down by â┚¬Ã‹Å“3 Is the Magic Numberâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢. I was not let down because it wasnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t another Further Seems Forever record, because that wouldnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t be fair to ActionReaction. I was let down by the songs, for the most part they didnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t seem finished, they seemed rushed and very raw. Donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t get me wrong sometimes a raw sound can be a good thing, but itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s not that the sound was raw but they songs themselves appear rushed and didnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t seem to flow very well.

Before you stop reading because you think Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢m a hater, let me say there are definitely good things about the bandâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s debut for example the first song â┚¬Ã…”Sinnerâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s Algebraâ┚¬? is a wonderful rock song. The song is catchy without going overboard and accomplishes its goal. Another standout track would be â┚¬Ã…”With My Voiceâ┚¬? with its foot taping beat and catchy chorus. The record does do some good things, but just not enough and in the end a lot of the songs are forgettable and donâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t pull you back. Itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s probably worth checking out if youâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re a huge Jason Gleason fan though.

Track Listing
1. Sinner’s Algebra
2. Can You Hear The Sun?
3. March On
4. At the Moon
5. Come See My Grave
6. The Exit Poll Amen
7. Contagious
8. With My Voice
9. The 21 Gun Salute
10. Have a Cocktail
11. Spark the Sun

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: ActionReaction

Mute Math – Self-Titled

September 29, 2006 By Tyler Hayes Leave a Comment

Mute Math Self Titled

Artist: Mute Math
Album: Self-Titled
Label: Warner Brothers
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: September 26, 2006

Overall: 10.0
Music: 10.0
Lyrics: 10.0
Production: 10.0

This album is a little different than most that were released this year, because this album was really released twice. It has been a big rollercoaster ride for Mute Math and them putting out their debut full length. They released it earlier this year on tour, selling it at their shows and using their own money to fund that. September 26th was when the record was officially released by Warner Brothers.

The first song is an instrumental track which sets the stage for everything you can except to hear over the next 60 minutes. The drums are loud and raw and stick out, but in such a perfect way. The keyboard and guitar set the melody which is quickly added to with faint vocals which aren’t words but rather is used as another instrument. The first song fades and the guitar comes in strong and leads you into the rest of the record.

The record is very dynamic, it does not fit in a certain mold, sometimes rocking out hard with songs like â┚¬Ã…”Typicalâ┚¬? and â┚¬Ã…”chaosâ┚¬? while other times it shows itâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s softer side with songs like â┚¬Ã…”Stall Outâ┚¬? and â┚¬Ã…”Stare At The Sunâ┚¬? which connects to another instrumental track â┚¬Ã…”Obsoleteâ┚¬?, although this one is much long (4:30 to be exact). The whole time though this record is intelligent, it never misses a step and is complimented with thought provoking lyrics on every track.

One thing that came across my mind was that there are so many sounds and effect on the record that I thought they might be shooting themselves in the foot by putting a record out that they could not play live, but that is not the case at all. The 6 song live EP that comes with this CD proves they know how to replicate the sounds and emotion that is on their debut self-titled full length.
Do yourself a favor and go buy this.

Track listing
1. Collapse
2. Typical
3. After We Have Left Our Homes
4. Chaos
5. Noticed
6. Plan B
7. Stare At The Sun
8. Obsolete
9. Break The Same
10. You Are Mine
11. Control
12. Picture
13. Stall Out
14. Reset

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: Mute-Math

Sugarcult – Lights Out

September 26, 2006 By Valida 3 Comments

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

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: Fearless Records, Sugarcult, v2

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • …
  • 30
  • Next Page »

Recent Posts

Motion City Soundtrack To Release Video Documentary

Secrets Stream “Maybe Next May” Video

Emery to Launch Crowdfunding Campaign for New Album

I Am The Avalanche Stream New Album “Wolverines”

The Weeks @ The Ryman Auditorium

Copyright © 2025, Driven Far Off. All Rights Reserved.