Some bands rely so heavily on poignant lyricism, it makes you wonder whether poetry or music is its root intent. The art rock musings of The Braids are unmistakably musical at heart, with lyrics seemingly stemming naturally out of melodious background rhythm. Would this album be a success without a single accompanying written word sung aloud? The bet hear is yes, but not to take away from the lyrics themselves, which are both thought-provoking in nature with impressive vocals complementary in sound.Only 7 songs long, Native Speaker‘s songs are a collection of calculated musical marathons rather than sprints, with tracks nearing the 9 minute mark and none shorter than 4 minutes and 25 seconds. Were we to offer a single criticism to The Braids second release, perhaps a minute here and there could be shaved in the spirit of time-saving, while still accomplishing a song’s objective. However, if left to choose between tossing out cookie cutter tracks for the sake of volume alone or Native Speaker as it stands, we would unquestionably opt for the 7 thoroughly developed, albeit longer, songs. (more…)

If an Indie spirit, wit and little twang sound like your bag, the Well Hungarians find themselves very musically endowed. Let’s be honest, with a name like “Well Hungarians” you can expect a boatload of confidence and ballsy performance on stage. Though the group does not hail from Eastern Europe as one might mistakenly surmise, their composite Far East St. Louis background, past the point where rap turns to rural, brings a sound straight from the Heartland. A blend of Southern Rock and Midwestern realism, the double edged band brings both lyrics that evoke a grounded sense of truth complete with a tune that brings crowds up out of their seat.Active since 1993, the New Hungarians released their first studio album in 1999, titled Framed. Though what most listeners would consider the bands breakthrough didn’t come until 5 years later in 2004, the Well Hungarians came out with Sorry ‘Bout the Mess, headlined by the title track. “Sorry ‘Bout the Mess,” describes the toll heartbreak can take on not only the mind but one’s surroundings. From spic and span to a dysfunctional pig sty, it typifies the effect one breakup can have across all aspects of life. The “mess” in question refers not only to physical surroundings but a general post-breakup state of affairs, including the questionable decision making that results all too often. An easily relatable song for listeners, the both inviting and apologetic “Sorry ‘Bout the Mess” helped the band to strike chords with new audiences, greatly raising the group’s profile. Just one of four nationally charting singles, it’s joined by “Rock ‘n Roll Singer,” “Betty Rides Around” and 2007 single release “Diamonds and Love” as the group’s most recognizable hits. (more…)

Since the New Young Pony Club debuted their 2007 album, Fantastic Playroom, newfound fans have found themselves with bated breath for the upstart band to once again bring forth another consistently steady lineup of contagious beats. After 3 years of painful silence, on second thought, eardrum recovery, NYPC has once again delivered, this time with even more substance to back up their head-bobbing ebb and flow. The Optimist, as their second CD is titled, makes good on its clever name, coming together across each individual track to form a savvy, cohesive record, a more complete work than their already praiseworthy first effort. (more…)

Athens, GA, in addition to being consistently ranked among the top college towns in the world, is a hotbed for local music that breaks big on a national scene. Home to now famous acts across a variety of genres such as R.E.M., the B-52′s, Bubba Sparxxx, Drive-By Truckers, Widespread Panic, among a host of others, music industry ears constantly leaning towards the northeast Georgia town in hopes of hearing the next big sound to come out of Bulldawg Country. Here’s a look at a distinct band that brings something a little different to the table.The District Attorneys play music with a quirky, original and clever approach, never accused of taking themselves too seriously. In short, the DAs (no legal background) make music that’s just plain fun to listen to. (more…)