Random bands have started to follow me on twitter and tumblr, and it does amazing things for my ego. In this segment, we talk about the bands that have followed me recently.

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Schemata Theory
I intern at a label that specializes in metal, but I will admit readily that I know nothing about straight up metal aside from the historical details of welding accidents and missing fingers. The history of drop tuning doesn't exactly help me determine whether or not a band is good, though. So I'm gonna have to keep this review pretty simple, lest I make a judgment that doesn't even apply to the music.
I'm not super into it, just because I'm not super into metal. I like metalcore, but that's kind of the punk baby of metal, or the punk niece or nephew. But just because I'm not into it doesn't mean Schemata Theory isn't a good band-- in fact, they're great. It's good music with a great reaction from listeners (I surveyed the youtube comments, sue me), which, in my book, means a positive review.

Jocelyn
Ahhhh, pop rock, I know what I'm talking about again.
I like Jocelyn, they're fun, but still kind of angsty, like me (I love talking about myself, can you tell?) My only real complaint was that the lead singer Alex sounds a little out of key when he sings. His voice just doesn't sound quite right with the music. And it's pretty much your standard pop rock band. I feel like I'm being mean. Good thing I didn't become a teacher, I would have graded so harshly...

Lauren Elizabeth of Theody
I was obsessed with Flyleaf when I was seventeen. Like, I didn't listen to anything else for weeks at a time. I distinctly remember baking cookies while hardcore jamming to "Cassie." Lucky me, Theody came knocking, and I get to relive those glory days. And I have to apologize for going with the obvious comparison-- another female-fronted Christian rock band-- but Lauren's vocals are more melodic than Lacey's (yes, I'm still using Lacey as the point of comparison, I'm an early Flyleaf fan, I haven't adjusted to the changes in lineup just yet), and Theody utilizes keys and programming in a way that Flyleaf didn't. So I'm distinguishing. There.
​Again, I have to draw a tiny issue with the vocals not meshing fantastically with the music. Her voice sounds a little strained, too, although my ear is untrained and I also strain my vocals all the time so I'm not exactly a great coach for these sorts of things.

Random bands have started to follow me on twitter and tumblr, and it does amazing things for my ego. In this segment, we talk about the bands that have followed me this week.

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Countless Goodbyes
I tweeted something about doing metalcore vocals (spoiler, it was in a dream, I will never be able to start a metalcore band) and these guys found me on twitter. They stuck with me after about fifty tweeted videos of me after getting a wisdom tooth pulled, so props to them they truly understand the meaning of living hardcore.

I really enjoyed the majority of their music, there was a disconnect between the screamed vocals and the clean vocals. It wasn't the kind of disconnect that brings interest to the songs. It was as though the clean vocals belonged to a different band in a different genre... they weren't enjoyable and really detracted from the overall experience of the music. And that's unfortunate, because aside from those poorly paved bridges, this is a solid metalcore band that produces solid music.

Listen For The Light
I also got a follow this week from the bassist of Listen For The Light, a metalcore band out of Maryland. Which means he could have found me because of metalcore or because of Maryland. SO THERE'S A MYSTERY HERE. I don't know what I wanted to accomplish with that sentence but I'm kind of fond of it so I guess it's staying

ANYWAY.

I am super excited about this band, because they are a shining light in a genre that typically has a musical checklist. The vocal layering of clean and screaming is a refreshing change from alternating verses, or saving clean vocals for a quick visit on the bridge. And there are moments when the guitar gets to shine without drop tuning, and it's fantastic. I feel like I just got out of a pool, it's phenomenal.

The Gift of Ghosts
I usually love anything ghost related, and the trend held up for these guys.

The Gift of Ghosts skirts around genre by picking the best aspects of the full spectrum of rock, sprinkling in some dope programming, and spine shattering vocals.We get double the clean vocals, double the screaming, this is music that dances around in your ears on its own, it's like being given 3D glasses for sound. Ten out of ten would recommend.

Random bands have started to follow me on twitter and tumblr, and it does amazing things for my ego. In this segment, we talk about the bands that have followed me this week.

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Lost?
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Before I do reviews, I'll scan the "about" section on a band's facebook page. When a band lists Paramore, All Time Low, and Blink 182, I get excited. Lost? announced their return today, and it couldn't have come at a better time, because I am now enthralled by the musical instincts of this band. Lost? delivers on their influences, but avoids being a derivative pop punk band by including a unique medley of natural vocals and synthy backing beats. The mixture of synths and loops in tandem with live instruments (think strong basslines and highway running guitars) prevents this music from fading into the background. The music, in fact, outshines the vocals, and could be interesting as purely instrumental arrangements.

Random bands have started to follow me on twitter and tumblr, and it does amazing things for my ego. In this segment, we talk about the bands that have followed me this week.

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The Royal
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The Royal make pop rock with an intelligent aesthetic, though they compare themselves to Maroon 5, there are more obvious similarities to be found with Canadian pop rockers Mariana's Trench. There's a penchant for subtle darkness, but with great pop hooks (never oversimplified) and positive energy.