Pomegranates Heaven Pomegranates have come a long way since their debut album in 2008. Having released 3 more albums including their latest, Heaven, since then, they have grown and experimented with each release. I wasn’t thrilled with their last album, One of Us, and was hoping for a return to form on Heaven. They’ve taking some of their roots and mixed them up with a faster tempo and a groovier beat and for the most part it works. Heaven is a step in the right direction for the band and hope they continue experimenting like this. (Modern Outsider) Pswingset All Our False Starts In a scene of indie and emo revival bands, Pswingset makes an album that is a challenge to get into and is devoid of expectations. I applaud them greatly for it. They could’ve taken the easy route and recorded something that people would’ve loved immediately, but instead they put out something that requires the listener to be engaged and actively listening to it while it plays. All Our False Starts is not an album for people with short attention spans, it’s an album for people who truly love music. (Topshelf Records) Red Collar Welcome Home It took me a while to get into this album as it’s one of the genres I frequent least, but after a few repeated listens, it finally started sticking. Their brand of American rock is unflappable. You can really feel the passion for music and performing in frontman Jason Kutchma’s voice. If this album is any indication of the way music is moving, I’ve got no qualms with that. (Tiny Engines) Redgrave National Act There isn’t much difference between this EP and their previous one except that they have definitely gotten better. The vocals are louder and more direct, and the drums hit harder than ever. If you enjoyed their last EP, you’re gonna love this one too. (Lovitt Records)
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Reel Big Fish Candy Coated Fury Still clinging onto that 3rd Wave of Ska, Reel Big Fish is back with the best release in years. It’s not hard calling it their best when their last few albums were pretty bad. Even though it’s their best album, I’ve gone back and forth on this album a lot. On one side I really like the music and it’s the closest they’ve come to Turn Off The Radio. On the other side though, it’s the same lyrical content they’ve always done. It’s the same you suck, my girlfriend sucks, everything sucks content that made them popular. They’ve got the instrument parts figured out properly, it’s just time they matured with the lyrics and got out of middle school. (Rock Ridge Music) Restorations A/B Continuing on their path to world music domination and becoming the first band to play the International Space Station (wait for it), Restorations are back with a little slice of rock ‘n’ roll pie. And of course this pie is delicious with it’s whipped cream topping and Oreo crumb crust; Restorations wouldn’t screw you by giving you Peach Cobbler or Strawberry Rhubarb, this shit is the real deal. Rainbow sprinkles, check! Peanut Butter Cups, check! Total guitar shreddage, fuck yes! It’s a fact that the song names on this 7” are abbreviations for “A” AWESOME and “B” BAD-ASS. Pack your bags fellas, NASA is calling. (Tiny Engines) Run, Forever Settling I was really impressed with Run, Forever’s last album, The Devil, And Death, And Me., and came into Settling with high expectations. All those expectations and more were exceedingly met. They’ve definitely gotten better at what they do and this album has seamlessly turned into on of my recent favorites. (Tiny Engines)