P.O.D. – “On Fire”: This band returns to their “Fundamental Elements of the Southtown” roots here.  The band loses points for the cheesy chorus, but ultimately the song is so fun and catchy it doesn’t matter.  Fans will be won back and the band will likely see a resurgence in popularity if the rest of their upcoming record sounds like this.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS9xo8grWX8]

Family Force 5 – “Get On Outta Here”: This track tries to recall their crunk rock sound, but ultimately falls flat.  I can’t decide if I like this one or not.  I give the band props for coming up with a catchy, subwoofer shaking beat but the chorus is repeated just a bit too much toward the end of the song.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUuXIVsooV0]

Ocean Is Theory – “Best Intentions”: For intents and purposes, this is the Razor and Tie group’s first real radio single.  The stomp clap routine which segues into radio friendly alternative rock recalls some Tooth and Nail bands from the early 2000s, bringing in a nostalgia factor that RadioU has been lacking for awhile.  Ultimately, I’m not a huge fan of the track but its a refreshing addition to radio rock that will hopefully propel the band to the level they’ve been working toward for so many years.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twm99QinT_M&ob=av2e]

Bon Iver – “Holocene”: Surprisingly, this song is starting to get airplay on alternative radio, notably Columbus’ CD101 at 102.5 FM.  Soothing falsetto vocals and guitar work are an acquired taste, but as a new listener to this artist I can see how his popularity is exploding.  My sister and others have recommended this artist to me for awhile, and this may be the song to get me into it.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWcyIpul8OE]