Homesick by A Day To Remember

A Day To Remember

I will be genuinely surprised if A Day To Remember doesn't cross over into mainstream radio this year. Last summer saw them go from near anonymity to being one of the biggest draws on the Warped Tour, and they continue to be able to ride the success of Homesick.

"If It Means A Lot To You" slipped under my radar for much of the time I've been listening to this band. Reminiscent of "Broken" by Seether and Amy Lee of Evanescence, the acoustic, female duet placed at the end of the album seemed too cliche and ill fitted to the rest of the album. Slowly, I realized the song was the exact reason that cliche is perpetuated. When these songs work, bands across genres are inspired to pick up the acoustic and give their shot.

"Have Faith In Me" is the song on Homesick that best demonstrates the full range A Day To Remember play. Touching & personal at times and powerfully intent at others, the song is a much truer introduction to their style.

"The Downfall of Us All" is a fun example of what they've been and really are at heart. A pop-punk band that loved heavy rock, they tuned down their guitars, added double bass drum and roaring vocals to play the music they wanted to hear.

"Dig" by Incubus

Dig (Album Version) - Incubus

Incubus was the band that first got me into rock, and first really made me realize what a passion I had for new music. Continually trying to innovate and make marked changes between albums, they set themselves a high bar post-Morning View. The following albums didn't have the consistency of previous albums, and seemed to lack the inspiration since they had reached the top of the modern-rock heap. Light Grenades' "Dig" is my favorite track from this era and one of their best from any album.

"Giving Up The Gun" by Vampire Weekend, Live at SNL

I've been wanting to post about Vampire Weekend for a while, but wasn't sure how to talk about a band that has already received so much hype. This performance of "Giving Up The Gun" on Saturday Night Live from this past week was a great introduction to the band if you haven't heard them before. Simply put, Contra should be in your collection.

"Wasting Time (Eternal Summer)" by Four Year Strong

Wasting Time (Eternal Summer) ...

Four Year Strong isn't trying to break the mold. They aren't trying to impress anyone or break out of their scene. They simply want to take a sound they love and put their twist on it.  Aptly describing themselves as "happy hardcore," I think they are the best introduction to pop-punk & post-hardcore, specifically screaming. Their upbeat style and sheer fun that surrounds the music makes it easy to immediately appreciate the intent behind the screaming. Screaming is not always a representation of angst or depression, but a versatile instrument. Sometimes it's used for percussion or rhythm, and sometimes simply a way to distinguish between the two singers.

Their second LP, Enemy of the World, was released today and the tracks they have leaked recently have me pumped that they have continued on the atmosphere from Rise or Die Trying. I hope you enjoy "Wasting Time (Eternal Summer)" and highly encourage everyone to check out all FYS's music.

"Hit The Bottom" by Sherwood

Hit The Bottom - Sherwood

"Hit The Bottom" from Sherwood's Qu should be on everyone's Spring Break & Summer playlists. Upbeat surfer rock that can't help but get you singing, its lyrics deliver a message relevant to many these days without dwelling on negativity or coming off as a depressing track.