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.

Lovedrug – Everything Starts where it Ends

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Lovedrug

Artist: Lovedrug
Album: Everything Starts Where it Ends
Label: The Militia Group
Purchase: Smark Punk
Release Date: March 6th, 2007

Overall: 8.9
Music: 9.0
Lyrics: 8.8
Production: 8.9

This four piece from Canton, Ohio hope to open your mind and catch your ears all at the same time. Now, many faithful concert goers will have already heard of these guys seeing as they have been touring with such acts as Matchbook Romance, Eisley, The Juliana Theory, Acceptance, Copeland, Mae, and Action Action over the past few years. This, Lovedrugs second major full length release, Everything Starts Where it Ends, is the follow up to the 2004 Pretend You’re Alive, also released on Militia, an may leave you questioning yourself, “where have I been?”

The cd itself is faily moody and will more then likely require a solid listen through, I chose to pop it into my yamaha suround sound for an optimal listening experience, and I was blown away. Atmosphereic rock at it’s best! For example, theyԚ make perfect use of a piano ballad with crunchy guitars to keep you wishing the track “Salt of the Earth” continued on for another 10 minutes. (**I hit repeat)

Sorry to say this, because I just can’t hold back, but anyone who hasn’t been able to remove Mutemath’s self titled from their cd changer can at long last rejoice! At last!!

If your already a fan, or just plain interested,Ԛ be sure to check your local listings as Lovedrug is set to go on tour with Plain White T’s beginning in early March 2007.

LovedrugMyspace

Tracklisting:

  1. Happy Apple Poison â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 03:39
  2. Pushing The Shine â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 04:19
  3. Castling â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 03:25
  4. Thieving â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 03:17
  5. Bleed Together â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 03:27
  6. Dancing â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 01:15
  7. Ghost By Your Side â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 03:42
  8. Casino Clouds â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 04:40
  9. Doomsday & The Echo â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 05:11
  10. Salt of the Earth â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 06:30
  11. American Swimming Lesson â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 04:17
  12. Everything Starts Where It Ends â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 07:45

Roark – Break of Day

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Roark - Break of Day

Artist: Roark
Album: Break of Day
Label: LoveMinusZero
Purchase: WestAspen
Release Date: February 20th, 2007

Overall: 9.0
Music: 9.3
Lyrics: 9.0
Production: 8.8

To be completely honest, I haven’t had the had the pleasure to listen to a CD of this genre that was this good since Copeland’s latest release. Roark, a stickler for melody, and trust me it shows, crafted a simply amazing listening experience that I have been unable to put down since my first listen through.

Break of Day, the first release from the new lable <3-0 (LoveMinusZero) has it’s share of up’s and down’s. I say that in a good way though, based on the fact that the subject of many of Roark’s tracks are on Death, Relationships and Love. However, let me warn you right now, if you’re looking for some ass kickin’ rock and roll, you best look elsewhere, because, although this cd rocks, it rocks on a whole different level.

I highly recomend that everyone checks out the <3-0 website as snipit’s of each track are available to listen. It doesn’t do any track justice, but should provide everyone with a chance to hear, what should be, one of the best new pop/rock/indie cd’s this year. Break of Day get’s my vote for ‘sleeper hit’ of the last few months.

Be sure to check out the Roark contest taking place right now here with Driven Far Off. You could be the proud owner of a signed copy of Break of Day.

Be sure to check out the conest Driven Far Off is running right now with Drive-Thru Records and <3-0 to become the proud owner of a signed Break of Day CD.

RoarkMyspace

Tracklisting:

  1. Never Felt So Lucky â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 04:19
  2. Into Pieces â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 03:20
  3. Movin’ On â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 04:49
  4. Today (Perfect) â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 04:03
  5. Letters â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 03:07
  6. Brighter Side â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 03:55
  7. Broken Smile â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 05:58
  8. Song From The T.V. â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 04:05
  9. All Of The Riches â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 03:26
  10. Ask Myself â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 04:13
  11. Take It Slow â┚¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 04:00

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)

Fox Chase Drive – EP

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Fox Chase Drive

Artist: Fox Chase Drive
Album: EP
Label: Unsigned
Purchase: Myspace via Paypal
Release Date: 2007

Overall: 9.2
Music: 9.3
Lyrics: 8.9
Production: 9.4

Catching the attention of my friend and I in mid-2005, Mississippi’s Fox Chase Drive had some rough demos online that to this day remain two of the most played songs on my iPod. I automatically set out trying my best to promote them. They’re my favorite unsigned band. I was stoked when they got their new material done.

Hooking up with Class of 98’s Nick Baumhardt was a great choice, as his own band shows he knows a thing or two about crafting great songs. For being an unsigned self-release, the production here is solid. Everything sounds clean and crisp.

Blaring guitars open “24 to Nothing” and proceed to set the pace before the explosive chorus. A hearty synth line in the chorus is reminiscent of Motion City Soundtrack and The Reunion Show.

A new version of former demo “Close the Door” is much better than its predecessor and should have fans of sold pop/rock drooling for more.

“Promise Me So” closes the disc with enough sugary goodness to give you a cavity or two.

The only drawback to this EP is the super-short track listing. I would’ve enjoyed having the song “So California” re-recorded and tacked on to the end. Actually, I would’ve enjoyed anything else they could cook up. This band will be going places soon enough as some of our brothers-in-media are finally picking up on how good these dudes are. It’s only a matter of time before labels come knocking.

Track Listing:
1. 24 to Nothing
2. Close the Door
3. Promise Me So

Hot Rod Circuit – The Underground is a Dying Breed

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Hot Rod Circuit The Underground is a Dying Breed

Artist: Hot Rod Circuit
Album: The Underground is a Dying Breed
Label: Immortal Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: March 20th, 2007

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

This will be the record that saves 2007 from completely being taken over by the Fall Out Boys of the world [you can quote me on that]. â┚¬Ã…”The underground is a dying breedâ┚¬? could not have been a better title for this album that shows Hot Rod Circuit has always stayed true to the music they believe in whether its popular in the mainstream or not.

The record has a raw production to it that makes you feel like its 1999 again but never once does the production take away from the songs or make you feel like its a bad recording. The drums hit hard during the chorus of â┚¬Ã…”Vampireâ┚¬? which has a subtle hook and a ton of replay value. Lyrically â┚¬Ã…”What we believe inâ┚¬? is the punk version of snow patrols â┚¬Ã…”Chasing carsâ┚¬? with the same vibe of needing to take advantage of the moment.â┚¬?U.S. Royaltyâ┚¬? starts off twangy but quickly jumps into the catchy rock that this band excels in. The singing on â┚¬Ã…”Cali’sâ┚¬? verses has an interesting feel to it, which takes most of the song to get used to.

Hot Rod Circuit returns to the days of â┚¬Ã…”Sorry about tomorrowâ┚¬? on their stellar new new record. My only grip with the album is that it’s over too fast. I urge everyone to race down to the store the day this comes out and pick it up, and roll down the windows as you drive down the freeway.

Track Listing
1. Stateside
2. Vampire
3. Battleship
4. What We Believe In
5. 45’s
6. Holding On To Nothing
7. US Royalty
8. Ventricle
9. Spit You Out
10. Cali
11. 6-8

Cities Apart – Anniversary

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City Apart

Artist: Cities Apart
Album: Anniversary
Label: Unsigned
Purchase: Cities Apart Store
Release Date: November 15, 2006

Overall: 7.4
Music: 7.4
Lyrics: 7.3
Production: 7.0

South Carolina’s unsigned Cities Apart are looking to state their claim on today’s ever-growing rock scene. Channeling Taking Back Sunday and other popular artists, they have produced a debut EP worthy of playing through your speakers.

There’s nothing overly groundbreaking on “Anniversary,” but proficient songwriting and musicianship is present. There’s some especially sick bass lines sprinkled throughout the disc.

“Lost and Found” opens the album on a high note. “Softly Spoken” opens strong with and has a great bridge, but the first part of the chorus falters a bit. “Agree to Disagree” has one of those bouncing bass lines I mentioned earlier that I thoroughly enjoy. “1,000 Miles Off Course(We Want to Survive) starts off rocky, but picks up about halfway through. Had the whole song been consistent, this would have been the best track on the album. The powerful “Muddy Water” would be the perfect backing track to a commercial for this band. Finally, “Honesty Kills” forgetfully closes the disc as the weakest song present.

I’d like to hear what the band could do with a larger production budget. There’s plenty of potential here, and with time, I’m sure they will take the next step and come into their own. If their new demos are any indication, the next album will be leaps and bounds above how good this EP already is.

Track Listing:
1. Lost and Found
2. Softly Spoken
3. Agree to Disagree
4. 1,000 Miles Off Course(We Want to Survive)
5. Muddy Water
6. Honesty Kills

Secondhand Serenade – Awake (re-release)

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Secondhand Serenade

Artist: Secondhand Serenade
Album: Awake
Label: Glassnote
Purchase: Smart Punk
 Release Date: February 6, 2007

Overall: 8.3
Music: 8.4
Lyrics: 8.2
Production: 8.5

Nowadays, a guy and a guitar equal a Dashboard Confessional rip-off. It’s never been more blatant than Secondhand Serenade. However, it’s never been done this well.

Fans of Chris Carrabba longing for new acoustic tracks to tug on their heartstrings absolutely need this album. “Awake” is a re-release, celebrating John Vesely’s joining of the East/West family.

John’s voice is able to hover barely above a whisper and then take off soaring into a melting pot of harmonies. It’s much more accessible than D/C.

The songs themselves are nothing original, but are crafted so well that you don’t care. You will sing along all the same.

Sprinkle several songs from “Awake” on a mixtape or purchase the album as a Valentine’s Day present for your sweetie. You’re sure to get the “sap of the year” award, but a smile is guaranteed on their face.

Track Listing:
1. Half Alive
2. Broken
3. Vulnerable
4. Your Call
5. Maybe
6. It’s Not Over
7. I Hate This Song
8. Awake
9. Take Me With You
10. Let It Roll
11. The Last Song Ever
12. End

Fall Out Boy – Infinity On High

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falloutboy.jpg

Artist: Fall Out Boy
Album: Infinity On High
Label: Island Def Jam
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: February 6, 2007

Overall: 9.2
Music: 9.2
Lyrics: 8.7
Production: 9.4

Fall Out Boy are either the world’s most loved band, or the most hated. For those of us that “get it,” they have delivered a fantastic new album with “Infinity On High.”

The album expands on the style of “From Under the Cork Tree.” With that album, the band introduced a safe, mainstream sound to new and old fans alike. Now they’re able to take creative liberties and spin off into new directions that keeps the music evolving.

Despite what some may think, with Jay-Z introducing this disc, you know it’s is going to be huge. “Thriller” shows hints of Fall Out Boy’s hardcore roots with Andrew Hurley on double bass pedals and Joe Trohman’s chugging guitars. If Jay-Z on the same track as double bass isn’t enough to excite you, the album has barely even started.

“The Take Over, the Break’s Over” has grooving verses that transit into a pumping bridge that melts into a delicious chorus.

Polarizing first single “This Ain’t A Scene, It’s An Arms Race” grew on me after I could actually sit down with it. It was a gamble for the band to experiment with an R&B sound, but the charts say it was a smart move.

“I’m Like A Lawyer With the Way I’m Always Trying to Get You Off (Me and You)” draws upon Maroon 5 and will probably give the media more reason to bastardize the word emo.

“Hum Hallelujah” is sure to be a new fan favorite. Then it’s followed up with what’s sure to be known as “the worst FOB song ever.” “Golden” shows that the band are trying new things, but this song was poorly executed.

The album hammers through eight more tracks ranging from good to great. The b-sides that have been released, depending on where you buy your disc are also welcome additions to the band’s catalog.

While I doubt we’ll ever get another “Take This To Your Grave,” “Infinity” is a worthy follow-up that’s sure to keep Fall Out Boy on top for at least another year.

Track Listing:
1. Thriller
2. The Take Over, The Break’s Over
3. This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race
4. I’m Like a Lawyer With the Way I’m Always Trying to Get You Off (Me&You)
5. Hum Hallelujah
6. Golden
7. Thnks Fr Th Mmrs
8. Don’t You Know Who I Think I Am?
9. The (After) Life of the Party
10. The Carpal Tunnel of Love
11. Bang the Doldrums
12. Fame < Infamy 13. You're Crashing, But You're No Wave 14. I've Got All This Ringing In My Ears and None On My Fingers

This Beautiful Republic – Even Heroes Need A Parachute

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Beautiful Republic

Artist: This Beautiful Republic
Album: Even Heroes Need A Parachute
Label: Forefront Records
Release Date: April 3, 2007
Purchase: Soon

Overall: 8.9
Music: 9.0
Lyrics: 8.5
Production: 9.4

Looking for catchy, melodic, emo driven rock? Look no further… because this five man group out of Toledo Ohio have will satisfy your hunger. Well, here I am, my first review but certainly not my last. I managed to get my dirty little hands on an advance copy of the debut full length cd from This Beautiful Republic, and might I add, a very stellar debut onto the scene. These guys have put a lot of time and effort into this cd and it shows. Produced by Allan Salmon, who also did the unreal Mutemath release last year, I don’t have to say much more; but, to be completely fair, musically, these guys are extremely dynamic.

Although this cd is only thirty eight and a half minutes it packs a tightly wound punch. The tracks flow fairly seamlessly and provide quite an enjoyable listen. The disc starts with a bang for the first two tracks giving you a solid idea of their sound and goes right into, which is quite possibly one of the best tracks on the disc, Jesus to the World. I find it hard to say that though, as the entire cd has something for everyone, whether your after something fast and hard or slow and soft. If your thinking about picking this up, the tracks on both their purevolume and myspace pages are definitely worth a couple listens. I would suggest checking out the final track, if you have the opportunity to stream it anywhere, as it is well worth the listen and a great way to close out the cd.

All too often bands are compared to similar sounding bands, not something I’ll ever do. I just want to give you the facts and let you make up your own mind. This Beautiful Republic are classified as Christian rock; they might be, I don’t know, however, one thing’s for sure, they rock. **Sorry no photo/purchase link available at this time.

Track Listing:
1. Casting Off
2. Going Under
3. Jesus to the World
4. Right Now
5. Black Box
6. The Surface
7. Let’s be Honest
8. New Year
9. Something to Deny
10. Fears & Failures
11. Cloud Cover

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