Aaron Gillespie side project

I love Underoath, and now Aaron Gillespie has stepped out from behind the drums and given birth to The Almost, a lighter side project that I can't get enough of.
Although some choruses are super melodic and might seem to lean towards pop-punk, the versus are dark and intriguing. After the fist time I listened to "Say this Sooner" I was hooked, blasting it over and over in my apartment (likely to the dismay of my neighbors).
The mellower hits, like "Amazing because It Is" give the listener a look into Gillespie's internal, spiritual struggles- who can't relate to that?

Of course Gillespie's vocals keep the music realistic, blending an all encompassing melody with raw emotion, one of the characteristics I love the most about Underoath.



Check it out!
The record Southern Weather is out now

or hear it here:

The Almost MySpace page

Tysen, Quiet Drive, Bleeding Alarm

Tonight I went to the Showbox to see a friend's band Tysen, and was treated to some other musical acts as well. I arrived late but saw most of Bleeding Alarm's set. Musically they were pretty good, melodic, almost hardcore. I enjoyed their guitar sound and the lead vocals, but I wish the bassist and guitarists would have moved around more. Still I would be interested in seeing them again.
Next was Tysen. I have seen them a few times and their know lead singer from another band I worked with called Roundabout. I have always enjoyed his vocals and performance style- the way he commands the attention of a room without trying too hard and can go from singing to screaming fluidly. The second half of their set featured some of their harder songs, such as "Another Mistake" and the band really got into their music, moving around more individually and as a unit. They were far more energetic on that song than any other track. Just before they closed their set they thanked Jesus, suggested that kids live a life free from the tangles of alcohol drugs and told them that life was worth living. I could see the security team role their eyes and give the band the middle finger. I have to say that while I think bands have a right to voice their opinions and beliefs. Certainly kids paid for music and not preaching but Tysen certainly wasn't droning on and on. Also, it is their set, and their time in stage in my opinion. As long as they are not being offensive or hateful I think bands should be allowed to voice their ideas.

OK sorry for the tangent. Now for my discovery of the night, Quietdrive. I had heard of this band but never actually heard them. Upon hearing the first song I wasn't quite turned on. Their onstage persona was super flamboyant and it seemed like they were trying to hard, but I kept listening. Their second song was a little more appealing, and then the played a new song they claimed to have written a few days ago, "Hollywood." This one blew me away. Just looking at the song's structure it was awesome. Great hooks and I could imagine kids rocking out to it on the radio. Later the lead singer brought out an acoustic guitar for a sweet and deeply melodic "song for the lovers" title "Rush together". Later still he brought out a violin, but this was no yellow card flashback. The guy played beautifully and flowed gorgeously with the guitar. It was not like a random instrument thrown in for effect, but an major piece of that song. I appreciated the three guitars, which game the band a full and layered sound without being too extreme. I also grew more comfortable with their onstage performance. Although the lead single is a little outlandish, at least he is absorbed with the music, and the band is fun to watch. Can't wait for them to record Hollywood!

Give them a listen, but if you want the full experience, see them live! Are they coming to your town? Find out!

For Quietdrive: visit their web site

For Tysen: their MySpace profile or web site

For Bleeding Alarm: their web site

Too Slim and the Taildraggers

I apologize to readers for not posting this sooner, the hectic Easter weekend has kept me busy. Nonetheless I wanted to write about a weekend show I saw, Too Slim and the Taildraggers at the Triple Door.
First of all, this was my first visit to the Triple Door, and it was an awesome venue. Great ambiance, great drinks and great food. Upscale, but still a rockin good time with cheering and even a little dancing.
I have to say though, it might not have been the best space to see Too Slim, especially since it was my first sight of the blues band. My companions at the show had seen the band in some "more casual" bars and said it was a completely different experience. nonetheless I look forward to my next trip to the Triple Door, a great outing for a classy evening.
As for Too Slim, I was impressed. I am not a blues aficionado by any means, but I had a good time rocking out to songs like "She gives me money" and "The fortune teller". It was good, casual music that got people dancing and laughing. If you go to one of the shows and give the music a chance, you cannot help but have a great time. I also really appreciated Too Slims collaborations with Henry Cooper, where they really jammed and some great sounds came out as a result. The drummer was clearly talented, playing with one hand when he needed to move his mike around and the base player was very amusing to watch as he rocked his head and shook his head to the beat.

give it a listen and tell me what you think.
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Amber Pacific and genres

I am sure that when many read this first posting they might dismiss this blog entirely because it is about a - gasp - pop-punk band! So I guess this post is for those who are not adamantly apposed to pop-punk as a genre. I myself do not recommend opposing or claiming to dislike any entire genre of music. You could be surprised what will come out of exploring different styles with an open mind.
Any how, for those who can appreciate feel good, energizing music when they are in the mood to listen to it, this morning (or afternoon?) I would like to recommend a quick listen to Amber Pacific. A pop punk band from Federal Way, WA who, to my knowledge, has never tried to confirm to any genre but instead write the music that stirs true within them. It has come out as true pop-punk, but good pop-punk, in my opinion. What do you think? let me know. I have enjoyed listening to their last record, "The Possibility and the Promise" lately as the sun has began to shine. They also have a new record coming out May 22.
Check out their music at their MySpace page: http://myspace.com/amberpacific

I recommend older songs "Save Me For Me" and "Poetically Pathetic".
New track, "Fall Back into my Life" is very polished, with nice guitar lines, and vocals, despite what some might call, very "emo" lyrics I enjoy it when I'm in the mood for an uplifting, feel good tune.

What do you think?

Who do you recommend?