we the
kings
As of press time... reports show Kanye West’s “Graduation” is outselling 50 Cent’s “Curtis.”
Genre: Rock/Power pop/Alternative Hometown: Bradenton, Fla. Sounds like: Yellowcard, Cartel, All-American Rejects This band has a semi-original sound but is all around feel-good music to listen to. The lead vocalist has a great voice that isn’t overshadowed by too much instrumental noise. With their upbeat sound and tapyour-toe rhythm, this band really does have a likeable sound. On the edge of pop and punk, We the Kings deliver a truly positive experience that’s easy to sing to and quite catchy. Their self-titled album is due October 2 and will be in stores everywhere.
Sept. 12, 2007
5
BrokenIris
Entertainment
THE WICHITAN
Genre: Ambient/Acoustic/Rock Hometown: Sacramento, Calif. Sounds like: Angels and Airwaves Combined with unique orchestral music and expressive lyrics, Broken Iris truly delivers an artistic sound. Their darker and more edgy songs really break from the standard sound of rock and give the listeners something worth hearing. Instead of singing about summer nights and high school lovers, Broken Iris digs deep and actually delivers something new. Their debut is in stores now.
Almost amous by Courtney Foreman, staff reporter
Kenny Chesney, “Just Who I Am: Poets and Pirates” Goo Goo Dolls, “Greatest Hits” Hot Hot Heat, “Happiness Ltd.” Pinback, “Autumn of the Seraphs” Ani DiFranco, “Canon” Jupiter Rising, “Electropop” The Shout Out Louds, “Our Ill Wills” Ann Wilson, “Hope and Glory” The Go! Team, “Proof of Youth”
The After Midnight Project
Genre: Alternative/Rock/Ambient Hometown: Tarzana, Calif. Sounds like: Story of the Year, Evans Blue Using their own life experiences of growing up in Los Angeles, the After Midnight Project conveys a more original sound in the world of alternative rock. Without being too dark or too pop, the After Midnight Project goes back to the basics and is a breath of fresh air in the genre. Combining effortless talent and classic rock sounds, the After Midnight Project really does bring something creative to the table. When asked to interpret the band’s sound in his own words, Spencer Bastian, who plays guitar in AMP, said: “It’s about love and loss, pure emotion.” It’s always nice to have a band singing about emotional things without having to run to the tissue box the first chance you get. Overall, the After Midnight Project is gaining exposure. They are on tour now and will be all over Texas from October 17 through 23. The band plans to release their much-anticipated first full-length studio album this year.
Houston Calls
New releases this week:
You don’t have to be a genius to know what’s buzzing around MTV and what music is hot right now. It seems like every time you turn on the radio these days, you hear the same five songs played over and over again. It’s almost as if those songs are the only ones to listen to, which brings me to my question: These music sensations had to come from somewhere, so who else is out there undiscovered and deserving of attention? I present to you some new music options in the world of alternative rock. Instead of taking in what MTV has to offer this month, consider checking out these new faces and you just might find your new fix.
Genre: Power pop/Pop punk/Pop Hometown: Lyndhurst, N.J. Sounds like: Motion City Soundtrack, Get Up Kids, Hellogoodbye
Finally finding a band with some passion in their voices, Houston Calls offers a new experience when it comes to listening to music. While telling a story with each song, you really connect and find yourself a part of their very personal lyrics. Paired with a unique voice and power pop sounds, Houston Calls gives an upbeat twist to the current era of punk rock we’re in. This New Jersey-based band released their debut album, “A Collection of Short Stories,” in August of 2005 and has gained more coverage since. Some songs that stand out on their latest album are “Bob And Bonnie,” “A Pen and a Piece of Mind,” “Elephant and Castle” and “Amtrak Is For Lovers.” Houston Calls is working on a new album now and due sometime early next year.