David Desnoyers

Artist: Deerhunter
Album: "MicroCastle"/ Kranky 2008
Genre: Ambient/Indie

Never before have I listened to Deerhunter, and after hearing this album for the first time, I thought it was time to broaden my horizons. Like Velvet Underground on more downers, Deerhunter's newest release, "Microcastle", lives up to all the hype that their last release put on their shoulders. With an appearance by Cole Alexander of the Black Lips on "Saved By Old Times," lead guitarist Lockett Pundt takes the lead vocals on tracks "Agoraphobia" and "Neither of Us Uncertainly," to standout tracks on the album. Their sound is slow and soothing which can be great on a chilly fall day, or if you've got a mid-term paper to write. Deerhunters simple lyrics and artsy approach to their music makes it so they have a few tracks that sound like Caribou. Because of their aesthetic vocals and major tones, their music is soothing and calming, while remaining upbeat. It kind of has that creepy upper/downer effect, like one who is taking copious amounts of drugs, but sees no issues with it. I would say that I like the album, but I don't think I can handle listening to the entire album, in one sitting, for fear of my own subconscious convincing me to take drugs.

There is also a bonus disc that will be released with "Microcastle"; "Weird Era Cont.," which is a thirteen track release which will be available for download with or without "Microcastle."

Favorite Track(s): Agorophobia, Twilight at Carbon Lake, Cavalry Scars
Overall Rating: C+
Related Artists: The Velvet Underground, Caribou, Bitcrush

Artist: Nikka Costa
Album: "Pebble to a Pearl"/Stax 2008
Genre: Soul/Pop

Take two parts Amy Winehouse (minus the addictions), add a little Joss Stone soul and you have Nikka Costa, an American blues, soul and funk singer. Born and raised surrounded by credible and acclaimed music (father Don Costa arranged for Frank Sinatra) it is no wonder that Costa has not forgotten what real music is supposed to sound like. Her voice is deep, layered and organic, which is difficult to find in the days of Britney Spears' voice synthesizing, and Miley Cyrus' cheesy pop ideas. Costa's lyrics are intelligent and meaningful and that is a breath of fresh air in a world where lines like "Baby don't you wanna dance up on me" are not only acceptable, but are sung by thirteen year old girls everywhere.

It has been tough for Costa to break through onto the American market, but in 2001 she flew onto the scene with "Everybody's Got Their Something," but has not been heard from since. This new album should catch on and hopefully create some staying power for Costa. I was not previously, but I can honestly say that I am now a fan.

Favorite Track(s): Stuck To You, Bullets in the Sky, and Someone for Everyone
Overall Rating: B Chance of Turning to Drugs: drastically less than Houston and Winehouse (WIN)
Related Artists: Amy Winehouse (use sparingly), Joss Stone, Sara Bareilles

Ian Marsan

Artist: I Set My Friends On Fire
Album: "You Can't Spell Slaughter Without Laughter"/ Epitaph 2008
Genre: Experimental/ Two-Step/Electronic

If you are looking for something that most people have never heard before, then pick this CD up. Riding the coattails of other…different Epitaph artists, I Set My Friends On Fire have put out a record that is doubtlessly entertaining. Bear in mind, the Florida based duo does not make music for the typical radio listener. Mixing Postal Service electronic beats with the screams and breakdowns of modern "hardcore," ISMFOF successfully blends genres better than most. The two teens, Matt and Nabil, both: sing, write, play, and program all of the music. That's right, most of the songs are digital. If any complaints are to be lodged, it's against their bear scream (the low scream). Most of the CD his vocals are a joke; inhaling is used solely for breathing, stop using it to deepen your vocals. It may be difficult, but listen past the other screaming too (more of a pig squeal), the music is actually quite cool and the singing can sometimes be heard. Most importantly, try not to take ISMFOF too seriously. The "band" started their career with a screamo cover of "Crank Dat" under the alias the Cavalry Kids (also on the CD).They seem to make music purely for fun which is pretty sweet.

Favorite Track(s): Things That Rhyme With Orange; Ravenous, Ravenous Rhinos
Overall Rating: A
Related Artists: Umm…what?
How's the throat doing?: Beer me a lozenge please

Artist: The Spinto Band
Album: "Moonwink"/ Park The Van 2008
Genre: Indie/ Synth-Pop

You know how sometimes you listen to a band for the first time and you fall in love with them? But you don't really know why? Yeah? Well let's discuss The Spinto Band. The Delaware based band has a lock on the "just weird enough to like" card. TSB tools around with falsetto vocals, disco beats, electric piano, and an overall Beach Boys feel which produces a very happy feel to their music. Odd? Yes, but addicting. Their plethora of fun sounds is entertaining, but sadly repetitive at some points. Once you've heard one song, you've basically heard them all. The Spinto Band is a nice change of pace, but in the end, you are left with a feeling of minor disappointment. A band with so much talent should really go out of their way to mix up the CD. Every song felt the same.

Favorite Track(s): Favorite is a strong word…
Overall Rating: B-
Related Artists: Modest Mouse, Franz Ferdinand
Pitch Level on a scale from Staind to Freddy Mercury: A bit less than Little Richard

Ted MacDonald

Artist: UNEARTH
Album: "The March"/ 2008 Metal Blade Records
Genre: Metalcore

If you ever liked metal or hardcore, there is a good chance that this release will be your new favorite CD. The way they famously blend the two genres is still intact and they have somehow improved. How you ask? I can't possibly muster anything up to try to explain and not sound like a fool. These guys are in the peak of their career. I highly doubt that anyone in their genre can touch them, which is pretty subjective to inquire, but the new album has earned them the often-temporary title in music that is: untouchable. People who are not familiar with the band may not like the vocals as they seem kind of monotone and unchanging at times, but everybody in this band always seems to be doing something that is fun to listen to. Also, the musicianship is top of the line. There isn't too much to say other than this is pure fun for listeners. "The March" is a very strong buy.

Favorite track(s): My Will Be Done, Crow Killer, We Are Not Anonymous
Overall Rating: A
Speeding tickets impending?: Don't risk driving to this AT ALL COSTS.

Article Tools