For as long as I can remember I have loved punk rock and all its sub-genres. But mind you I’m not a fan of genres and sub-genres. To me, it’s all punk. But for you genre freaks out there I had to mention that. Anyways one off-shoot I have never been that fond of is ska. Yes, that includes The Mighty Mighty Bosstones as well. Over the past few weeks, I have been listening to a newer band that has elements of ska as they have included trombone and saxophone into their pop punk sound. That band is Keep Flying. This is a band that rose from the ashes of beloved ska/pop punk band Survay Says! My likeness for this band was further cemented when I caught their set at Sophomore Slump Fest last weekend. The energy this unit has is unmatched. Saxophonist John James is a madman on stage. I very much am looking forward to seeing them again next week at a house show. If they play the same way they did at SSF, I don’t think the house will be standing after they are done playing.

Bearings is a pop-punk band from Ottawa, Ontario. They are part of this new breed of pop-punk, this version that is more aggressive. Bands such as Life Lessons, Belmont, WSTR, and Capstan. I first came to know of them a few months back as they were announced to play a show here in Columbus. I was on the fence about going but then the local promoter posted the day of that it was their first show here and he wanted to make sure our scene came out to show them a good time. That was all I needed to hear to make my mind up. I went to the show and was instantly a fan. It was one of those shows that left me wanting more. And I will get that soon, as they were recently announced as the opening band for State Champs fall tour. The good news does not end there, just this week they announced they signed to Pure Noise Records.

I will be the first to admit that I get caught in my ways, in my music. As much as I love local music I sometimes miss out on bands. I feel that is the case with this next band or it almost was. Twice in the past two months, I had the chance to see Throwing Rocks at Girls and I didn’t see them, as they were the opening band both times, so I maybe took my time getting to both shows. That was a mistake. I finally listened to them last week and wow, just wow!!! These guys are good. They have a post hardcore sound that reminds me of 2003, and I LOVE IT!!!!! I can only imagine what they sound like live. So if you are a fan of bands like The Used, Finch, and The Story of the Year I would suggest checking them out.