rock

Hanson: 21 Years of Music

No further introduction on this one: the boys of Hanson are wiping off their “Mmmbop†personas once and for all! Celebrating their 21 years in the industry – can you believe it? – Zac, Isaac, and Taylor are releasing this 5-track EP as a sort-of recap of highlights within their recent years. It’s mostly composed of live tracks, so the listening experience is akin to being a part of the crowd, screaming and all that.

The Warm Fuzzies: Fuzz of the Month

So, what’s the ‘fuzz’ of the month all about? Why, it’s no other than The Warm Fuzzies’ geek-tastic EP! Released in 2011, The Fuzz of the Month is the band’s planned year-long project, where they release one track per month. However, the holiday seasons must have kept them fuzzy in the pj’s, so the EP fell short of 2 tracks; the released 10 are still great, though.

The Zombie Dandies

Short, loud and energetic are the best words to describe this raucous EP from The Zombie Dandies. These two Frenchmen are obviously fans of the Motley Crue-era punk rock. Creating this nice, fast paced combo of guitars and vocals; the EP is a great picker-upper if you’re feeling like a sleepy head.

Camden: Totally Fine

Totally Fine is ‘totally’ ramped up compared to their previous EP and it ‘totally’ works. Three very strong tracks guide this EP straight to the repeat setting. Although Camden’s sound can simply be thrown into a the indie alternative rock genre, there’s something that sets Camden aside. Perhaps it’s their ability to blend everything just right, I can almost see the sound waves dancing away together as if it were their high school prom.

The Diamond Light: Krotona

In a scene dominated by the cheery and contrived, the gritty and bare-bones rarely stand a chance. Sure, The White Stripes and The Strokes made it, but their presence is hugely rendered anomalous by the prevailing forces. That's why it's a delight – and a respite – to stumble upon something as authentic as The Diamond Light. In 2009 this Los Angeles-based “soul-rock-blues” band, as the members categorize it, released Krotona, an eight-track EP that is a testament to how good and satisfying music gets when you keep it raw and real.

I Am The Agent: Volume One

'I Am The Agent’ is an alternative rock band from Newcastle/Central Coast of NSW, Australia. In their EP, ‘Volume I’, this band conveys a hauntingly beautiful and delicate sound which is achieved through a soft, clean and crisp guitar style and simple, emotional and gentle vocal melodies. Keeping this in mind, the band does not shy from taking things up a notch from time-to-time. All of these elements make it difficult to dismiss I Am The Agent into a specific and accurate category within the alternative rock genre. Furthermore, There is definitely a grunge element to this music and in some songs, this band reminds me of Nirvana. Specifically, the song ‘Leave’ reminds me of Nirvana’s song ‘Polly’ from their album ‘Nevermind’.

Interlude: 10000 ans de vengeance

Hardcore emo rock that starts and ends with lots of Spanish shouting. Although its often a bit challenging to absolutely love a song sung in a language you don't know, there are special tracks and albums that transcend beyond the language barrier. Interlude's 1000 ans de vengeance is certainly one that you can mark down on that list.

Angels & Airwaves give you Love – a free album download

I feel I should preface this review by saying that most Nu-Rock bores me. I kind of got over my rocker-girl phase as soon as I got out of high school, and to be honest I find that most modern rock bands don't really offer much I haven't heard before. That's why it surprises me so much that I absolutely love Love, the much-hyped brand-new album from alternative rockers Angels & Airwaves.