Union - Before I was a day, I was a dawn.

Union is a band from Grimsby, U.K with an Alt/Indie sound. All the members are about 17 years old and have been playing together for 3 years . The song Before I was a day, I was a dawn is an interesting insight to the bands style. The lead guitar work immediately impresses through its unorthodox approach and makes you wish it was present more consistently through the song. The drums complement the music very well; it is unique and yet not too far out there. The vocals sound sometimes like they go slightly out of key but it might be part of their style. The lyrics are still in need of some polishing but that can sometimes be the hardest part to creatively grow into. The lyrics on are their way to being "their own", but as any writer can tell you their earlier work was a bit more predictable. I can barely hear the bass guitar in this one, this might be due to it mimicking the rhythm guitar. If this is the case, straying a little from the path might add a layer of texture to the music. This band has been receiving increasing amounts of popularity through out Europe and it is clear why. They have an excellent sound and I wish I was half as good as they are at their age. I believe this band has very prosperous future. Their songs are consistent and yet individualistic. Get a little taste of Grimsby and listen to their EP Monty!

http://unionuk.bandcamp.com/track/before-i-was-a-day-i-was-a-dawn

http://soundcloud.com/unionband-1

Serene - I Wish You Understood

Serene is a 13 year old singer from Wantagh, New York. Her ability far exceeds her age but I believe her true potential is being partially obstructed. In her song I Wish You Understood she demonstrates her vocal strength but the recording quality does not allow her to really shine through. The music sounds all computer generated and is predictable. This may be due to the influences of their music are formulaic pop rock artists. This could all probably be hidden a little better if the bass guitar was turned up, people always underestimate the power of the bass. The lyrics are what you would expect to read in a journal you would find from your preteen years but hey that stuff sells. I get what she is going for and she is doing an excellent job but I feel like as she grows into an adult she will grow into her own artistic identity and meet her potential.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Serene/126913054054026?sk=app_2405167945

YPB (Young Pretty Boys) - Hometown

YPB (Young Pretty Boys) is a duo from Brooklyn that has recently been gaining momentum and reputation. Their song Hometown is anthem of multiple perspectives on their hometown, Brooklyn. While boasting lines like "Home of the greatest rappers, Legendary is the mission" they express the slippery slope that makes pursuing success an up hill battle. The beat the sing on is excellent. The percussion keeps you moving the whole time and the bass captivates while the some what menacing piano keeps the emotions of the song consistent. The auto-tune back up vocals can be a little overwhelming but it might just be part of their style. Personally, I think getting a good female back up singer on some of their tracks could really interact well with their vocals and beats. With the increasing exposure and acclaim I'm sure some back up singers will be clambering at the opportunity to cut a track with these young gents. Check out their new EP High Maintenance that came out on July 23rd.

http://officialypb.com/

http://www.limelinx.com/files/f4da37dc3f079c1e08519b7bdbefd1e0

Damn The Architect - Whole

Damn the Architect is rock hip-hop electronic band from Indiana. In this generation we have the bridging of the gap between analog and digital music to look forward to. This band is one of many engineers working toward this effort. In the song whole we are introduced with a rock riff fairly reminiscent of 90's rock bands like The Pixies. The lyrical work of this song pertains to the dualities of life and the extremes, though it leans toward the dismal side. The synthy riff and rock riff combine expertly. These guys are onto something but I feel a little improvement of vocal recording could help the differing components of all the music fuse together better. If you see any pictures it looks like these guys put on one hell of a show. So if you are looking for more artists in the realm of more intellectual hip hop give Damn the Architect a listen and try to read their lyrics while they spit them out with machine gun speed.

http://damnthearchitect.bandcamp.com/track/whole

Dirty Cousins - Blisters

Dirty Cousins is a Garage Rock band from Cambridge. One immediate charm of the band is the vocals. The combination of lead and back up vocals really set the tone for their song Blisters. A lot of English singers through rock history have dropped a significant proportion of their accent and I have found this to be an atrocity in most cases. The distinct accent gives the song an elusive element genuineness. For percussion lovers, their is excellent consistence through the song. Personally, I enjoyed the use of Hi-Hat quite thoroughly. I wish I could hear the bass a little better, but I assume that the bass was meant be kept in the background supporting the foundation of the music. The heavily distorted guitar has a mildly Lo-Fi allure to it. The primary riff returned to through out the song is fairly simple but bent notes really kick you in the teeth with some rock attitude. Give'em a listen and look forward to their upcoming EP!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUw5VsQZ7kI

www.facebook.com/dirtycousins

The Butler Combo- It's a Little Awkward at First

For a lot of bands, the departure of a lead singer can be devastating; but I have feeling The Butler Combo were unphased when their vocalist called it quits. This power house of musicians are continuing the funk rock art, pioneered by such artists as The Red Hot Chili Peppers. The flamethrower guitar solos performed by Michael Butler get progressively more potent through out the song periodically returning to the intro riff that holds everything together. The Bassist, Jake Marek is clearly adept as well. You can easily imagine how much fret work had to be done on his behalf to record this song. If you a have a sub woofer you should turn it up to really appreciate the fluid bass line. The drummer's contribution should not go unpraised either. David Suriani's explosive fills help instill the incendiary feel of the song. As far as drummers go he also carries a characteristic uncommon for many and that is his discretionary use of silence. Like every great drummer, Suriani knows when to let the anticipation build. Feeling funky tonight? Let the Butler Combo serve it up.

http://soundcloud.com/michaelbutler/its-a-little-awkward-at

Carpeaux - A French Man's Love Song

Carpeaux is a Brazilian guitarist living in the Phillipines. He uses finger picking style familiar to classical guitar work but a modern quality is felt in the progression of the music. A near indie element appears in the quirkiness of the song's different interacting components. The cymbal percussion in the song adds an off-beat feel that reflects the textual painting of the lyrics that express the downtrodden and nihilistic thinking that comes along with a mostly bitter, bitter-sweet love. Though the song is called A French Man's Love Song Carpeaux uses his distinct Brazilian accent to emphasize the song's play on a the French stereotype of love. All together the song is a smooth and soothing experience, the only qualms come with the recording quality that is not without its own novel charm; but with proper studio recording Carpeaux could really bloom. If you don't like it at first give it an extra listen, really listen. Trust me, it becomes infectious.


http://carpeaux.bandcamp.com/track/a-french-mans-love-song