Turnstile – “Gravity”: I expected chaos. Instead I got a mix between straightforward rock and hardcore. The vocals sound like Zack De La Rocha of Rage Against the Machine. I very much dig this. Now I realize why people are so stoked to see them live in my hometown. Sometimes simple descriptors are best for a band – Turnstile fits this bill.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/173082631″ /]

Circa Survive – “Schema”: Few heavy tracks have been this satisfying this year. And this is right after I wrote about Turnstile. Classic Circa, but with everything turned up to 11. The music video kind of weirds me out though – who wants to see an oversized baby beat the crap out of Anthony Green?! For real though – classic Circa through and through. I see no reason why long time fans wouldn’t enjoy this.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfbnSb8kFkI[/youtube]

Skyline Hotel – “Oh My Dear”: We don’t get too many pop submissions so I figured I’d check out this indie pop band from Maryland. The single has a warm, dreamy feel that shows that the band is hip to their more alternative counterparts in the current industry while keeping both feet planted firmly in accessible pop territory. It’s a bit odd hearing this sunny track in November, as I envision this to be sort of a late summer track. But the track is full, lush and has the right amount of melancholy without overflowing into cheesy power ballad territory.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/172127235″ /]

Hoochie Coochie Men – “Big Blue Tree”:  Once you get over the goofy band name, you’ll actually probably really dig this track. Blues rock does describe this band’s sound – but it underestimates the power therein. This is the sort of thing that perfectly balances being easy listening and high energy. This blues track is surprisingly upbeat. The Lafayette College six piece has garnered momentum fresh off a 40 city tour and will release an EP in early 2015.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/170115290″ /]

Angel Olson – “May As Well”: What is there to say? Angel Olson’s voice is, um, angelic. No frills. Minimal production. Minimal but effective guitar. “If you really love me, there’s no way to tell – you’re always arrive when you say farewell.” Ouch, those are some painful lyrics – not because they’re bad. Just vulnerable and raw. Powerful.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/173704180″/]

The Decemberists – “Make You Better”: What can I say. We finally have new music from The Decemberists. What we have essentially sounds like a balance of influences from The King is Dead and The Crane Wife – a very, very good thing. Straightforward indie rock with heavy emphasis on harmonies and Peter Buck-like guitar playing. Everything about this song screams “classic” Decemberists, which makes me feel like they played it safe a bit. A smart move though, as something experimental after a hiatus would be very risky.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq76aQRmbQA[/youtube]

NYVES – “Fall Behind”: Industrial electronica from Randy Torres (ex Project 86) and Ryan Clark (Demon Hunter). Enough said. But you’re reading the blog… ugh, fine! This is pretty cool. Pensive electronica with muscle is the phrase I would use to describe this track. Clark’s singing is on point and stays within a pretty narrow range. Torres is apparently at the helm moreso when it comes to the production – something I’m ok with. Don’t be deceived by the “WUB-WUB-WUB” at the beginning of the track. This wasn’t made for the mainstream EDM crowd.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/170217435″ /]