and I stole your soal, Because you said I’d never be able

Has this ever occurred to anyone? When something is over "hyped," and the listener tends to shy away from the release? I mean, the release is going to be good, but it's not that good. Total opposite happened when I heard Lydia's "Illuminate." I found the record incredible hard to get into. Slow, moving music. The only song I could really get into was "I Woke Up Near The Sea," where vocalist Leighton Antelman showed off some amazing lyrical work.


Well, recently I've threw out my modest opinion and listened to the record. The hype issue might have been worthy. Illuminate is slowly ranking as one of my favorites of 2008. The combination of Antelman and female vocalist Mindy White is stunning. Her piano keys flourish within each others voices. The opening track "This Is Twice Now" reminds me of similar times. Remember when Copeland released Eat, Sleep, Repeat? The same feeling when I listened to that. It remind me of my favorite song "Love Affair," where Marsh is at his best. Even Aaron Marsh makes an appearance on this record on "Hospital." This record is for real.

Lyrics to "This Is Twice Now"

Baby, just ask once more
Because I saw your door wide open
But the floor is still freezing
Hailey, I was sick and I'm still quite unwell
Tell me it's you or nothing at all

I stole your soul
Because you said I’d never be able
But all the whole world is still on my string

Second time now and you’ve done this before
Drive around the back so I can’t see them
But you’re still freezing
Let me take your coat and your keys and this car
Because I’ve been unwell far too long now

I stole your soul
Because you said I’d never be able
But all the whole world is still on my string

But all the whole world is still on my string

It’s never much when I sing about you

Below, I've posted a few acoustic tracks recently performed for AbsolutePunk.net. It includes a Counting Crows cover. I've also posted a neat violin version of "This Is Twice Now," where a YouTube user did her rendition by adding her personal violin track. Listen, love, spread.

Track list:

Absolute Punk Exclusive Video

1. Holiday In Spain (Counting Crows Acoustic Cover)
2. I Woke Up Near The Sea (Acousitc)
3. Stay Awake (Acoustic)
4. This Is Twice Now (Acoustic)

Download Here

This Is Twice Now (Violin Version) [MP3]

Introducing...The Downtown Fiction [9/28/08]

Recently, it seems bands have been passing down the torch. That torch, representing the next top unsigned band. It first started with The Dangerous Summer, then passed it to The Bigger Lights. From that, it was Take Cover, and now The Downtown Fiction. TDF are from the Virginia area, playing tunes similar to Cartel (Ransom EP) to Mercy Mercedes. They are on the verge of breaking out and it's going to be interesting to see this band form a solid fan base. Take a listen below!

The Downtown Fiction- Not Your Typical Thursday [MP3]
The Downtown Fiction- Hold Your Breath [MP3]

Update

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON

Track By Track: Callahan- Face The Day [EP]

Track By Track: Callahan- Face The Day [EP]
Unsigned

I'm starting to turn away from the more "poppyier" stuff due to the Fall season approaching. But, I might as well end it off on a good note. Hailing from Springfield, Ohio; Callahan bring comparisons from All Time Low to Valencia, and even to Ohio's own Hit The Lights. They released their new EP "Face The Day."

1. This One's For The History Books- Immediately, I became hooked to this release within 30 seconds. Vocalist Ryan Clay brings resemblance to AG from All Time Low. Pounding guitars mixed with soft vocals, the lyric "Boys Will Be Boys" will be stuck in your head for about six hours (As the case for me).

2. The Bittersweet July- Teasing guitars enter the beginning of the song. Mixed with the pounding vocals from Clay again, this band seems to have the EP moving in the direction they want. This seems like one of those "feel good" songs. However, it doesn't lead into the next song very well.

3. Dressed To Impress- Some bands in the similar genre go through the same problem: Why do songs sound the same throughout the album? I wish bands would realize that you don't need to contain one sound to become "known." This song doesn't really do anything for me. It actually bores me at times. I mean, when I start guessing the next lyric.. you can tell it's one of those generic pop-punk songs.

4. Face The Day- When I originally heard this song, I thought it was from the band Parade The Day. This is probably the strongest song on the album. With the guitar teamwork from Jake Bonham and Brad Comer, it keeps your foot tapping. It also doesn't hurt that the man behind the kit (Wes Comer) knows what he's doing. Again, vocalist Ryan Clay sounds really smooth and comfortable in this song. It sounds like he's not trying to force things; he's just letting things happen. "I'll fall asleep waiting for you."

5. When Morning Comes- I heard the intro and I thought it was Spitalfield. Guitars remind me of the old Chicago band. This song isn't the strongest song on the album. It probably would have been more appreciated by me if tracks three and five were switched in the order. However, the negative to this song: It sounds like I've heard the song before.

6. Love Stories Never Have Endings- Many bands tend to albums off horrible. If bands would pretend albums were essays in English, you'd need a strong conclusion/clincher sentence. In this case, Callahan knows how to write an essay. Reminding me of The Dangerous Summer, the gang vocals at about 30 seconds left in the song are genius.

Overview: This is a solid release. Nothing overdone and nothing that really can kill the mood. It'll probably be in my friends car next summer when he can drive. And this probably will make great beach music. Check it out if you like: Valencia, The Dangerous Summer, All Time Low, or Hit The Lights

Score: 74%

Myspace
Buy @ Smartpunk

Review: Nightmare Of You- Bang EP

Nightmare of You- Bang EP

In the music industry, sometimes you might catch a family who is very talented in the music business. One always hears about the Kinsella’s marvelous work but another family overshadowed is the Reilly‘s. In this case Brandon Reilly and Nightmare of You. Most agree, Nightmare of You came out of nowhere with their Self titled debut in 2005. The boy’s introduce us to the dancy/indie EP “Bang.”

Nightmare of You is an interesting outfit. With member’s formally of Glassjaw and The Movielife, success wasn’t far away. Bang is released on The Bevonshire Label, which is Nightmare of You’s own label. They recently split from East West Records in May, making the EP impossible to find in any Best Buy or FYE. So I recently went to local music shop, Looney Tunes, and found a copy there. That moment made me re-live the glory of one of the most forgot EP’s of 2007.

Bang is the sophomore release from NOY. It’s one of those EP’s that with every listen, it gets better and better. The release open’s up with the false track titled “I Don't Want To Dance Anymore.” To many, Nightmare of You brings resemblance of The Smiths and Morrissey. This track is clearly an example of Brandon Reilly giving a knack at an English sound. “I Was Never A Normal Boy” follows the first track. The guitar work that guitarist Joseph McCaffrey introduces reminds me a lot of Beatles/Beach Boy’s mashup. Reilly in this song keeps reminding the listener of his childhood life and how he was insecure about many things, including himself.

The first half of Bang is a completely different mood then the rest of the EP. The first half of the EP reminds me of a hang over from the self titled debut. Mellow, depressing rock. To start off the midpoint of Bang, “You're Very Dear To Me” turns the tide with the jazzy/dancing side of Nightmare of You. At first listen, I swore I heard this song on a Geiko commercial. But I can say, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear this song at a nightclub in New York City. “Bang” is the next track on the EP. Again, NOY keeping up with an upbeat tempo, the band show’s how sex is involved in their music. The finally song my personal favorite, “Herbal Jazz Cigarette.” The simple, yet hard driving drum beat that is illustrated in the song sets the speed of how fast you move your feet.

Everyone is going out but you will keep me in tonight even though you aren't here with me. You make me want to find God, you give me meaning for the means of my universe. Oh, the end would have no end. And if I don't see you soon I just might lose whatever is left of my mind. I know, I know, I know that I'm so crazy I know, I know, I know because you told me so. And there's nothing in this world that's quite prescribable that makes me feel the way I feel when I look into your eyes. -Herbal Jazz Cigarette

Getting back to the family members theory. With This Is Hell releasing a new record in 2008, so does Nightmare of You. This EP demonstrates why so many people respect what this band has done in so little time. This EP resembles English rock beats, classic bass, and just an overall positive impression. It’s a shame that Bang wasn’t released worldwide, because many people forgot about the drive of Nightmare of You. Bang brings back a reason why old fan’s should be excited for 2008.

Score: 82%

Track list:
1. I Don’t Want To Dance Anymore
2. I Was Never A Normal Boy
3. You’re Very Dear To Me
4. Bang
5. Herbal Jazz Cigarette

Buy
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Oh my heart is racing, my voice is shaking with the thought of you.

So this friend of mine made a blog post about Brightwood. He runs Sleeping With Headphones. Similar to my blog and all. We might even merge sites sometime in the future. Anyways, back to this band. I'm watching It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia. Tonight was a very, cold night. That included me taking a long walk home from my local carnival. High 50's tonight. It's just awesome to walk and have headphones on.

I decided to listen to the new Brightwood record, Wake. I would like to say think.. Copeland with a mix of Lydia/a deeper less poppy Sherwood. The mix of everything this band has going is awesome. Really, check out this song entitled "Dreamer To Dream." It's up there for my songs of the year list.

Lyrics to "Dreamer To Dream"

I've never been one for chase,
but for you I caved.
Memories that paint your face in shades of red and laughter.
I've been called a dreamer, desperate for sleep.
You have been that dream.
The kind I shut my eyes to keep.
I'm in love again, in the worst kind of way.
Oh my heart is racing,
my voice is shaking at the thought of you.
I didn't ask for this, I did not want it.
What do you suggest between head and heart when feeling is the strongest.
I've been called a dreamer, desperate for sleep.
You have been that dream,
the kind that takes me in too deep.
And I'm in love again, in the worst kind of way. Oh my heart is racing, my voice is shaking with the thought of you.
You've always been the one.
I've never had the nerve to say it.
You're all I dream.
The moment I'm feeling courageous,
you always leave me tongue tied.
And now it's too late because you're far gone.
Wish I could say I tried.
And I'm in love again, in the worst kind of way.
Oh my heart is racing, my voice is shaking at the thought of you.

Brightwood- Dreamer To Dream [MP3]

La La La Dispute

No Sleep Records is one of my favorite records. They have one of the chillest dudes who runs it. With a totally kill name (Chris Hansen). Not only that, their lineup is awesome. But here's a band many of you probably haven't heard of. They are finally releasing their highly anticipated album (by me). That band is La Dispute. They are showing their talent on 11/11/08 with the release of "Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between Vega and Altair". I got to listen to the album tonight. Think of mewithoutYou with a mix of At the drive in. This is the product of those bands. Get stoked. This will grow on you.

Review: Brighten- Early Love EP

Brighten- Early Love EP
Unsigned

I have a special spot in my heart, for bands who stick it out through the rough of times. Bands that are on the verge of calling it quits, but stick it out. Most of the time, a bond is created; and it becomes stronger. The sounds become more comfortable; more enjoyable to the listener. Sometimes, it even reveals assorted sounds. Chico, California's Brighten is one of these feel good stories.

They got in a huge ordeal with the releasing of there 2006 release King Vs. Queen, where the album wasn't supposed to be released, however; it was released. There were also rumors of the band folding due to the departure of drummer Jimmy Richards. While I became nervous, the band announced the releasing of Early Love; the EP. However, again; the EP was pushed back months and months. Finally, we all got some late love.

My inital thoughts of Early Love were something to sound a little more poppier than KVQ. "Carolina" is the complete opposite of my hypothesis. Vocalist/Song Writer Justin Richards beautiful, tranquil voice soothes into the listeners ears. The band continue with the same healthy, soft sound on my personal favorite "We Are Birds". Not only does the band keep the soft sounds, they incorporate different influences into this song. The song could hit any listener; showing how you have your whole life to find "love".

While I've said the EP is soft, it surely still has some of the old, harder Brighten. "Swings" shows where the anger of such a band can come out. It's really refreshing to listen to an EP, that doesn't sound the same on every song. The listener doesn't have to fall asleep at any point in the album, cause there will be a up-beat song waiting for you. Such as the transition between "Love Me Honestly" and "What She Really Wants". "What She Really Wants" shows how the band could pretty much play at any sound they want. The song blends every emotion that a guitar can play, and the effect of Richards voice could have on the listener.

It's been over a year and a half since the last Brighten release. It's been over a year since I've seen this band perform. With "Early Love" finally releasing, I will be very interesting on which approach the band will take on the next record. Either way, it's sure to draw listeners back to listening to them. "Early Love" sound not be over looked. It's the EP you wish bands would put the time into writing this masterpiece. So really, love this band honestly.

Artist: Brighten
Album: Early Love
Label: Unsigned
Purchase: Smartpunk
Release Date: September 2nd, 2008
Reviewed By: Kyle Schnitzer

Score: 8.2

The Years Gone By- Forever Comes Too Soon

The Years Gone By- Forever Comes Too Soon
Rise Records

I'm one of the people who like to discover music. Not be told about the band and become attached to the trend. I could just surf the internet for countless hours to find a band a website hasn't covered. Or I could just go to shows. About two years ago, I saw a band called The Years Gone By perform here on Long Island. I wasn't really attched right away and all. In 2007, I was re-introduced to them through their new EP "On The Verge". To me, I didn't find it really that great at the time. I was being rushed about reviewing it and didn't really give it a fair grade. I was quoted as saying that The Years Gone By would be the next "big thing in 2008". I would say that most of that statement became accurate. The Years Gone By announced they had signed to Rise Records, I thought... [READ MORE HERE]