The Griswolds

Straight of of the outback, from down under, the group of Aussies are known as The Griswolds! I'd also like to say that last sentence was pretty impressive. But not as impressive as these guys! Their EP, Heart of a Lion, is something else! Sure, its only four songs, but they all have a different style and taste to each track, yet each seem to fall under a "Griswold" like sound. My two favorite tracks are "Heart of a Lion" and "Red Tuxedo", but "The Courtship of Summer" and "Mississippi" are great tunes, too! The track "Heart of a Lion" is a bit more edgy than their other songs, but man, does it work. It's a catchy, fast-paced, and a well composed sound. While another one of their tracks, "Red Tuxedo", reminds me very much of Vampire Weekend. I expect a quality album coming in early January of next year! So give a listen!

What do you think?

Enjoy!

- Jake Savitz

Black Taxi

Guess whose back, back, back? Back again, gain, gain? Kevin and I are! So tell a friend! I bring to you from the Big Apple, Black Taxi. In my opinion, a certain diamond in the rough. I wish there was information to give to you, but all I've got is that they're a four-man band, born in raised in the bustling melting pot of New York City. Their music has a certain upbeat feel. I'd compare it to maybe Spoon or the Arctic Monkeys. The song "Tightrope" and "Hand" especially peaked my interest while listening to their album We Don't Know Any Better. Needless to say, it's rockin'. Give it a listen!

What do you think?

-Jake

Robinson

As Kevin said before, it's been a while! No need to fret, Kevin and I are coming back strong and feeling good, especially after hearing the music from Robinson. All the way from the UK, Robinson captures fast-paced acoustic styles and really fuses old and new sounds. In all honestly, it's really hard to put a finger on this dude. I can tell you for certain that this is upbeat, joyful, and a catchy experience. Many of his songs are based off the long history of the Robinson family name and their ancient family troubles. Below are two of my favorite tracks off Robinson's 3rd album, Willamina Robinson, "Superlove" and "Waiting on Cinderella". Also, we are waiting to do an interview with Robinson! What do you think?

-Jake

The Front Bottoms

Wow! Its been a while.  Sorry for the long break between post, I've been real busy with the start of football and school, and I could only really manage to update the song of the week.  Which leads me to my next featured artist, The Front Bottoms.  Fresh out of New Jersey, the front bottoms originally formed in 2006 under the lead of Brian Sella (Lead Vocals and Guitar).  Initially a three man band, the former keyboarder, Brian Uychich (and brother of the current drummer), left the band in 2010.  In 2011 they signed with Bar/None Records, and the following fall they released their debut album off that label.  In May of this year they released their second album off of Bar/None Records titled Talon of the Hawk.  The Front Bottoms give listeners a laid back rock with punk and folk sounds elegantly mixed in.  In my opinion, the best part of the band is the almost storytelling lyrics of bad break ups, fun times, and the not so fun times.  The video I have included underneath is titled "Twin Sized Mattress", and it highlights the many style of The Front Bottoms.
  Hope You Enjoy
               ~Kevin

The Rebel Light

A small band hailing from the big Los Angeles, The Rebel Light is perfect example of a talented small band. Their single "Jukebox Dream" radiates that summer feel that makes us remember good times with good people. If I had to put my finger on them, I'd say The Rebel Light is a mixture of The Beach Boys and The Beatles. I know, those are some big names. But give them a listen! "Jukebox Dream" has become a quick favorite of mine. Below there is a link to the song itself and a MP3 download, respectively. What do you think?

-Jake Savitz

https://soundcloud.com/therebellight/jukebox-dream-1

http://www.hightail.com/download/bWJvek9qVEh6NFBMYnRVag

These Reinging Days

One great thing about technology is the expansion of communication. Communicating to this blog, or any other, can help bands get their feet off the ground! A email containing any promise of new music can go either way, but these guys are good. Hailing from the UK, The Reigning Days offer a synthesized feel, with climbing crescendos and intense percussion that can really get you going! One song "Stand Down" is a tale of   some battle of sorts, but the clashing cymbals and up-beat guitar help with its' mood. Another song, "Living It Up" has that same up-beat feel. Give them a listen!

                                                                                                                                          - Jake

GENERATIONALS

Playing out of New Orleans,the indie- rock duo first got together in 2008 around the talents of Ted Joyner (Vocals/ guitar) and Grant Widmer (also guitar and vocals). They are the remnants of a group called, The

Eames Erara, who got some notable exposure on a 2005 episode of Grey's Anatomy and Abercrombie & Fitch's website. When the other three member no longer wanted to pursue musical careers Grant and Ted branched out forming what is today called Generationals.  I was quite entertained after first listening to many of the tracks off of their latest album titled "Heza".  Many of the tracks like " Put a Light On" gives  fun quirky vibe to listeners, with the combinations of subtle synth lines and numerous bell sounds.  The only word that I can really describe the band with is enjoyable, all of their music just brightens up your day and gives you a little boost.  You can get their 3rd full length album now on iTunes and check out their website for tour dates,  both of which links are listen below. As always, Happy music~Kevin  

Generationals Website

Album "Heza"

 

The Musgraves

Brand new band everyone! After receiving an email for Ok! Good Records (http://okgoodrecords.com) I was a little skeptic if this could be a diamond in the rough, not knowing how these guys sounded. I was very surprised, to say the least! Riddled with deep messages, this upbeat and groovy band from the UK can really get you moving. In their press released, they were well described as "...something like The Beach Boys meet Mumford and Sons." Well said, if I do say so myself. The songs below, which have achieved some popularity across the pond, are some of my favorites. Below are "So Sofia" and "The Way You Make Me Want You".
What do you think?

-Jake Savitz

Wavves

I have been waiting a while to write about these guys because my opinion on the band has changed everytime I listen to their album "Afraid of Heights" .  Coming off first as just a run of the mill indie-punk, they did not really entertain me.  However as I kept listening I saw how there style was somewhat revolutionary and had a 60 rebel sound.  They are a bunch of guys who play what ever they feel like and don't care how the media or people say about them.  Much along the lines of FIDLAR and a little softer than the Japandroids Wavves offers a laid back style of what appears to be a revival of punk rock, mixing fast past guitars in some songs and a heavy mellow bass in others.  One thing is for sure, with their kick-ass personality they have sure gained a loyal following and will continue to please those looking for something new and upbeat.  Personally I like their tunes "Afraid of Heights" and " Thats on Me"Check them out Below.As always happy Music!~Kevin

The Royal Concept

The Royal Concept seem to be gaining much earned attention. Being published on many notable watch lists ,along with having their hit track (and my favorite) "World on Fire" featured on EA sports Fifa World Cup the Synth-Pop band looks to be making their big push.  Hailing from Stockholm, The Royal Concept offer their take on on a modern indie sound, complete with a scratchy synth guitar and heavy bass lines.  There sound is comparable to that of WALK THE MOON, Atlas Genius and Phoenix  just to name a few.  However there lead singer has the voice almost exactly alike that of the lead singer of Two Door Cinema Club's Alex Trimble. I am sure this band will continue to rise to the top of the indie charts riding the steam of of there debut work "Royal Concept EP". Until Next Time! ~~~~Kevin

You Won't

The young Boston band really surprised me when I saw them last Saturday along with Joy formidable at the Union Transfer in Philadelphia   They have a familiar Americana feel like that of the Lumineers with a rustic edgy guitar to complement the keyboard and drums.  The first thing that struck me as the entertained the crowd in Philly was the fact that it was only a two man band, but they managed to play 3 instrument along with some harmonica here and there.  The lead singer, Racky Sastri, plays the guitar along with the Mandolin and has an unusually high pitched voice, but it makes the band.  On the other hand we have the combination drummer, keyboarder, harmonica player  Josh Arnoudse who manages to play all three at once during many of the indie rockers songs.  You Won't recently released a twelve song album titled "Skeptic Goodbye" , and if you're a TRUE music fan you will get this album.  I listened to the album several times through and there is not a single song I don't like.  It goes from an upbeat indie jam with "Three Car Garage" and then lays back to a piano and kick drum in "Television", along with many folky guitar jams like "Realize".  You can get there album at band camp http://youwont.bandcamp.com/ for only 10 bucks! They are on tour now with the Joy Formidable and Blood Red Shoes you can see the concert calender at  https://www.facebook.com/youwontmusic/app_123966167614127
Check them out an tell me what you think on twitter @alt_indie_music ~ Kevin

I came across Dan Croll at Johnny Brenda's last week when he opened for The little Green cars.  As for most opening acts I wasn't expecting much from the indie-pop artist hailing from Liverpool, but to say the least I was blown away.  His concert was a perfect mix between keyboard, bass, and guitar, but was not filled with synthesizers like one would think but rather balanced live sound.  His latest EP titled From Nowhere got significant attention from charts like The Hype Machine, where it at number 1 for a few days, along with being featured as one of  The Guardian's new bands of the day in early november.  He will also be releasing one of the tacks off that EP as a single which will come out April 1st titled Compliment Your Soul. which also happens to my favorite track of his.  All of his  music is available on iTunes along with on amazon, Hope You Enjoy!~Kevin

Coasts

WIth a new single reccently released the talented  indie band from the Uk has things looking up.  I'm in the middle of class right now and i just happened to come across their recent single "Oceans".  Due to my school blocking every possible website i can't get you much info on the band.  All I can tell you is their one song that I found found is a jam. Tell Me what you think~ Kevin

p.s .Follow @alt_indie_music

Small and Upcoming Indie Band

Hey guys I always like to promote small band especially those not on a major music label trying to make it in the music community.  SO... I present Whale & More Whale.  I just wanted to give them a shout out because they tweeted at me so if you get a chance they released a new 2 song EP at http://whaleandmorewhale.bandcamp.com/.  So If You get a chance check them out there EP is free so you got nothing to loose.

Jake Bugg

Like a blast from the past, Jake Bugg reminds many of a rebel artist from the 60s, but with a folk twist to the ,majority of his songs. Now I know any of you guys reading this from the UK are saying you've known about this guy for months, but cut me a break we just don't get stuff that quick here in the US.  Anyway, Jake Bugg offers a unique 60s feel reminding me much of the Beatles, but with hint of Johnny Cash.  Although only 18 his self titled album reached #1 on the UK charts, and will eventually reach the states, most likely after he plays in this years SXSW festival in Austin.  My favorite and one of his singles "Two Fingers" really highlights his rustic rebel style.  Different than his other songs "Two Fingers" show more pop influences, although I would not call it pop, in anyway shape or form.  Enjoy~KEVIN

Awesome live concert with the Lumineers

The Lumineers rocked the tower on Thursday playing many of their favorites such as Ho Hey, Stubborn Love, Charlie Boy, along with the rest of their self titled album.  They also gave us a little sneak preview of a new "untitled" song in which their cellist  Neyla Pekarek belted out responses to Wesley Shultz's many verses.  It was quite impressive to see how talented they all were in playing all of the instruments; at one point or another everyone in the group picked a form of a guitar.  If you get a chance to see these guys you must go, it was one of the best concerts I have seen.  P.S. Comments or new Band to tell us about?  Pop us a tweet @Alt_indi_music

 After seeing the Twenty One Pilots this weekend I have new respect for the pop duo out of Ohio.  In Sub-Freezing temperatures around 20 degrees the boys came out wearing nothing but ski masks and a pair of shorts. Take a Look at the pictures.  Not only are they crazy but they preformed a rocking show, preforming many of their hits like Guns for Hands, Holding On to You, and Migraine.  I missed a drumstick only by a few feet, what a shame. Til next Time~ Kevin

Follow us on twitter @Alt_indie_music for the latest music Updates, and check out our followers for cool new bands.