Indie Music Universe

Throne To The Wolves by From First To Last

Georgia's own, From First To Last, are back with their 5th studio album dropping March 16th, and a new label to call home. From First To Last have tightened their grip and are sinking their teeth in even further with "Throne to the Wolves", the highly anticipated album that marks their return to the indie music scene. The momentum from these juggernauts has only increased. Despite the impressive length of their discography, From First To Last are assuring us they've only begun to show us the onslaught of rock that is headed in our direction.

Be In Love by Locksley

With their 2007 debut, Locksley kept one foot in the present while looking to the past — specifically the British Invasion of the '60s — for inspiration. Released in 2010, Be in Love finds the band returning to that familiar intersection of latter-day appeal and vintage melody, even if the songs here are more modern than the band's early work. The most contemporary tunes are pushed to the top of the track list, where "Love You Too" and "Darling, It's True" exhibit more in common with Hot Hot Heat and the Strokes than anyone from the previous century. Locksley's '60s state of mind returns as the album progresses, though, eventually peaking during side B with "Down for Too Long" and "The Way That We Go." Taking a page from bands like the Hollies and the Beatles, Locksley also pay special attention to their vocals, with each member writing his own material and singing lead on several tracks. Newcomer Jordan Laz, who replaced bassist Adam Collins in 2008, pulls his weight fairly easily, contributing three songs to the mix and adding a rough-and-tumble Stonesy swagger to his vocal performances. The best moments, though, come whenever the musicians throw their vocal strengths into the same heap, resulting in the sort of harmony-laden material that, while still reminiscent of Locksley's retro influences, also puts them into the same category as current acts like Sloan. ~ Andrew Leahe

Almanac by The Nadas

What happens when a rock band throws open the studio doors, stops being polite and starts getting real? The Nadas found out. The rules were simple: the band would write, record and release one song a month for a year. And, every step of the process would be streamed live via the web; allowing the fans to become an integral part of the album, Almanac. With over 125,000 copies of their previous six albums, one would think Playboy Magazines Best College Band Youve Never Heard Of would have little to worry about. However, transparency and constant deadlines of the Almanac project were a challenge for this veteran band. By rising to the occasion The Nadas have created the most creative, engaging and cohesive records of their career.
 

Run Wolves Run by Sean Hayes

On Run Wolves Run, Sean Hayes expands his sound and produces some of the most emotional music he's ever made. It's a raw, gritty excursion into all the dark and light places that make a human heart. Drummer Andrew Borger (Tom Waits, Norah Jones, Smokey Hormel) and bass player Devin Hoff (Nels Cline Singers, Xiu Xiu, Carla Bozulich) help push the music in unexpected directions, giving Hayes the opportunity to pour raw emotion into every note he sings.
 

Pageantry by The Slants

Building on the momentum of their highly acclaimed debut release Slanted Eyes, Slanted Hearts, six tours across North America in two years, and countless features in the press, Pageantry is The Slants' latest release. Featuring guest appearances and studio work from Brandon Eggleston (Modest Mouse, Pretty Girls Make Graves, Josh Ritter), Cory Gray (The Decemberists), and Mic Crenshaw. The album combines the very best of Depeche Mode, Joy Division, The Faint, and The Killers…all with an Asian twist.

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