Minus The Bear - They Make Beer Commercials Like This (2004)

Genre: Indie/Rock
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/minusthebear

This EP just sounds right. I can't really explain it, the music just works - as a band Minus The Bear implements excellent grooves that fit together perfectly and just make for a wonderfully refreshing listen. At points it's technically challenging and definitely impressive from a musical perspective, fantastic guitarwork and a distinct groove that is just intensified by the awesome musicianship of the drums and bass. They throw the odd synth in at times, which work effectively, even if they may occasionally overpower the rest of the instruments, but really, I don't see any proper flaws in this. It's pretty much a perfect little slice of indie rock.

Link removed due to request. Sorry. ):

Trophy Scars - Hospital Music For The Aesthetics Of Language (2004)

Genre: Post-Hardcore/Experimental

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/trophyscars

Hospital Music, the debut release by Trophy Scars, a band that seem to transcend musical genres and certainly don't limit themselves when it comes to experimentation. However they manage to experiment in a flowing manner that just seems right - this experimentation never becomes distracting or anything of the sort. The music itself is beautiful and melodic, yet at the same time almost painful and tortured, mainly due to the poetry of vocalist, Jerry Jones. Yes, I said poetry. His lyrics are fantastic and while I'm not the biggest fan of his voice, it certainly fits the music. Overall this is an emotional experience that ranges from epic melodic crescendoes to playful jams and even the odd breakdown, which all in all comes down to an enjoyable listen. Pretty cool, huh?

Well, yeah.

Underoath - Define The Great Line (2006)

Genre: Post Hardcore/Metalcore
Myspace: www.myspace.com/underoath

Underoath is one of my all time favorite bands. They helped usher me into what I listen to today, basically paving the way for my musical tastes. I could put any one of their albums up here and be perfectly content. They can do no wrong in my book. They are all fantastic musicians, putting out some truly amazing songs. From extremely heavy to extremely soft UO has a great handle on what they are doing. I chose Define the Great line...well for no particular reason. Eventually I will get all of their stuff up on here because it is truly that great. Define the Great Line is the heaviest UO album. It differs from their previous record because Spencer actually wrote the lyrics he would scream and Aaron wrote his singing parts, whereas on the previous record Aaron wrote all of it. Define the Great Line is really a fantastic album, and if you haven't already checked out Underoath, you will love what you are about to hear.

Perfection.

The Dillinger Escape Plan - Irony Is A Dead Scene (2002)

Genre: Mathcore/Experimental
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/dillingerescapeplan

A 4 song EP combining the instrumental might of TDEP and the sheer vocal madness that is Mike Patton, holy shit awesome! One of the craziest bands on the planet teaming up with one of the craziest vocalists on the planet to make this little piece of madness. The riffs are all over the place, the drumming is absolutely intense and as for the vocals, well, they're just plain crazy. Mr. Patton goes from blood curdling yelps to creepy whispering in the blink of an eye and really doesn't sound at all sane, it just makes me wish he had done a full length with them - at 4 songs this is really way too short, particularly since the last track is a bit of a sub-par cover of Aphex Twins's 'Come To Daddy'. But hey, this is essential for fans of crazy music in general, I love it.

Madness.

Group X - Stepping on the Crowtche owf Your Americain Presidaint (2000)

Genre:Rap/Rock/Comedy
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/groupxarabianrapsensationsofficial

So check it. This right here is comedy music. Super funny and fucking hard to find. Group X The Arabian Rap Sensation will leave you breathless as you laugh hysterically over the course of this 19 track album. Don't worry kiddies they're not a terrorist band, just some dudes from Georgia making funny ass songs. Hit Songs such as "Johnny Poo Poo Pants" and "Pay Your Gas Or Lose Your ID" If Your Offended By This Music. Then...

EAT SHIT!!!

A Wilhelm Scream - Ruiner (2005)

Genre: Punk/Melodic Hardcore
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/awilhelmscream

Ruiner - an awesome offering of explosive punk from the likes of A Wilhelm Scream, this delivers the kind of super melodic, raging punk sound that they've become known for. The musicianship is ever impressive, highly technical guitarwork as well as great stuff from the bass and drums along with the punctuated, fearless vocals that make great use of multi-layering, I mean really - what's not to like about this? It has it's slower poppier moments but the majority of the time it's balls out lightning speed aggression and I absolutely love it. If you dig this be sure to check out their other albums, I'm also fairly sure they're releasing another album this year so you have that to look forward to as well!

Yay!

Brides - Ocular.Unveil (2008)

Genre: Experimental/Hardcore/Progressive
Myspace: myspace.com/bridesmusic

Brides is a very interesting band. They bring their diverse sound to hardcore and tranform the genre. The opening track is probably my favorite. It's basically an intro with light guitars, a solid drum beat on toms and snare, a beautiful piano underscore, and awesome vocals repeating the same line. Then there's a quiet area and BAM, an aggresive onslaught of melodic euphoria. And the clean vocals switch to raw vocals and it sounds sooo much like Polar Bear Club. As for the whole album, it's probably one the best cds I've heard in years. Experimental melodic hardcore rock to the max. One thing though. The 2 people singing on here strangely sound like 2 other people. Like I said, the raw vocals sound like PBC but a bit more yelly at times, and the clean vocals sound like, get ready, Fall Out Boy. BUT!!! I promise it works. Just download it please. Probably one the best cds you'll download this year, I can promise you that.

AwesomeToTheMax

Anchors For Arms - Remember Why You Came This Far (2009)

Genre: Hardcore/Rock
Myspace: myspace.com/anchorsforarms

One of my favorite pop-hardcore bands. Perfect mix of hardcore, solid rock, and really catchy hooks. And by pop-hardcore, I do NOT mean like ADTR. Anchors For Arms is completely different. From song to song, you can notice that they just wrote what they felt like. Some songs are just straight up catchy and then there are some that are a bit more heavy with sweet jams/breakdowns but still just as catchy. I really dig the vocals. Nothing outstanding but it all comes together nicely. Alot of harmony. AFA for some reason reminds me of Energy. So if you like Energy, you'll dig AFA. Get this yo.

Catchyness

Frodus - And We Washed Our Weapons In The Sea (2001)

Genre: Post-Hardcore
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/fci

Frodus honed a sound reminiscent to the post-hardcore of Fugazi and Refused, but taking a slightly more experimental approach to the music. There really aren't any faults with this record, the bass is always interesting, as is the guitar work, the singing ranges from resigned singing to shrill emotional yelling, and the drums lay down rhythms that make nearly every track. This is just a fantastic testament to the post-hardcore genre in general and I advise any fan of post-hardcore, or even hardcore in general, to give this a listen. Hell, Thrice even covered the track "The Earth Isn't Humming", you know it must be good.

Sweet.

Mono - Hymn To The Immortal Wind (2009)

Genre: Post-Rock
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/monojp

Hymn To The Immortal Wind is a beautiful piece of post-rock, with the perfect blend of layered guitar melodies and the odd piano and strings, it just all goes together so well. They've perfected the art of musical climaxes, the build-ups are just incredibly impressive and then the crescendoes themselves - the soundscapes are absolutely huge and seriously just beautiful. Even if you're not a fan of post-rock I advise you check this out, even if you just use it to chill out to, because this is simply sublime and a pleasure to listen to, none of my words can really do it justice. My favourite post-rock band ever? Quite possibly.

Epic.

Life In Your Way - Waking Giants (2007)

Genre: Melodic Hardcore
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/lifeinyourway

Waking Giants is a strikingly passionate melodic hardcore album, making use of bruising metalcore moments in the vein of Misery Signals and mixing it all up with the spacy melodic parts that I'm a huge fan of. A wise man once said that this sounds like the album Hopesfall never released and he was very much correct, it would fit perfectly between No Wings To Speak Of and Satellite Years. The only concern I have with this release are the clean vocals. Don't get me wrong, they sound fine, it's just they seem a bit out of place at times, although maybe that's just me. As with so many bands I start to like they've already split up, which is really lame. Enough negativity though, these guys play some really cool melodic hardcore so give them a try.

Enjoy.

My Epic - I Am Undone (2008)

Genre: Alternative/Indie
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/myepic

This is a CD that requires multiple listens to quite get go grips with it's beautiful blend of guitars and violin and just plain awesomeness. Every instrument is played with passion, the guitar creates stunning atmosphere and has creative little flashes, but never goes over the top. The same goes for the other instruments, it all fits perfectly along with the vocalist, who ranges from quiet murmurs to emotional wails and everything in between, conveying all manner of emotions with intelligent, if a bit Christian, lyrics. It all comes across as really relaxing, yet emotional and moving at the same time - as the band's name suggests, this really is epic.

Yes!

The Velvet Teen - Cum Laude (2006)

Genre: Indie/Experimental
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thevelvetteen

This is... kind of strange. I guess I'd call it eclectic indie stuff with electronic bits and just odd experimental sections, but don't let that put you off - it does sound pretty cool, even if it is hit or miss some of the time. The vocals are good, even if there is a weird vocal filter used at times, not the autotune kind of vocal filter but.. different. One thing I can say for sure is that the drumming is really, really cool, he has some awesome fills and stuff. If I'm honest you're better off ignoring my half-assed description and just listening to it.

Link removed due to request - you can buy the album here.

Poison The Well - I/III II/III III/III (2009)

Genre: Metalcore/Post-Hardcore
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/poisonthewell

Poison The Well return briefly with 6 new songs before they release their next full-length, which I have to say I'm really looking forward to. Unlike what seems like the majority of people I really enjoyed their last album Versions, I like how it had a much darker more experimental feel. Anyway, as for this EP - it's effectively taking the sound of Versions, fast, addictive and upbeat songs with nice clean parts and well yeah, that's all there is to it really. I find this really easy to pick up and listen to, it doesn't really require much thought while listening and keeps you hooked. What more do you want out of music really? Remember to look out for their next album, titled Tropic Rot, that's set to be released July 7th!

Mhmm.

mewithoutYou - (A -> B): Life (2002)

Genre: Post-Hardcore/Indie
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mewithoutyou

(A -> B): Life is the debut album by mewithoutYou and strikes me as being their most raw and passionate attempt. Vocalist Aaron Weiss screams out all his problems to the world, expressing all his passion and emotion with brilliantly poetic and deep lyrics, his voice on the other hand is definitely an acquired taste - you'll either love it or hate it. Musically this album takes a lot of influences from the hardcore scene with lots of indie or alternative or whatever influences on top. If I'm honest I really can't explain it, but the lyrics and sheer emotion that is conveyed here almost make the musicianship itself irrelevant. Just listen and be moved.

Clickyyy.

With Honor - This Is Our Revenge (2005)

Genre: Hardcore/Punk/Rock
Myspace: http://myspace.com/withhonorhc

This Is Our Revenge is the last of With Honor's amazing cds. And what a way to go out. This cd is superb. The one-liners in this cd are simply great. "I still believe, that faith can move the mountains." I could list a TON more, but that one always sticks in my mind. And as for the music, they can't go wrong. Melodic hardcore at its finest. With positive lyrics that could make the most depressed person feel better about their life. With Honor is just straight up hardcore, solid and true. And that's how I like my music. This is one of those 10 or so cds that I push on people to get. I'm pushing you now.

Positivity

With Honor - With Honor (2003)

Genre: Hardcore
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/withhonorhc

With Honor's self-titled debut EP launched them forwards into the world of hardcore, mixing together the chaotic side of hardcore with more melodic punk sensibilites and pulling it all together with fantastic musicianship. Every song is memorable, with the music being fast and raw, yet flowing perfectly. The vocals are earnest and rage-filled, conveying raw emotion that really grips the listener and the drumming and musicianship in general is absolutely phenomenal. This 10 minutes or so of music (waaaay too short!) is nothing short of necessary for any and all fans of hardcore.

Intense.

Polar Bear Club - Sometimes Things Just Disappear (2008)

Genre: Indie/Post-Hardcore/Rock
Myspace: http://myspace.com/polarbearclub

Polar Bear Club is one of those bands that put out a cd not realizing that it is pure perfection. I imagine they enjoy their own music, but I don't know if they know that their music is completely incredible. I'm serious, this cd is flawless. So much passion and honesty. Not to mention some of the best music I've ever heard. Beautifully raw vocals and lyrics mixed with, I guess you could say, melodic punk guitar work? I can't even explain it. If Rise Against had babies with Hot Water Music and then their children had babies with Further Seems Forever, then you'd come out with something close to PBC. Sound about right? Yea, that's it.

Life Changing

Set Your Goals - Mutiny! (2006)

Genre: Pop Punk/Hardcore
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/setyourgoals

Set Your Goals deliver a fresh and enjoyable pop punk/hardcore hybrid that just so happens to be catchy as balls (assuming that balls are really damn catchy). They combine the youthful, playful elements of pop punk with the conviction and dedication of hardcore, bringing together elements we've all heard a million times before in a more original way that turns out to be really, really fun. I love how energetic and full of life this is, it's just great. They use two vocalists on this release and I can't say I'm a huge fan of the whinier one, but it doesn't really detract from this at all. Oh, and the concept revolves around pirates - I mean, what's not to like?

Pirates!

Hot Cross - Risk Revival (2007)

Genre: Post-Hardcore/Screamo
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/hotcross

With Risk Revival Hot Cross refined their sound and made a really catchy post-hardcore-ish album that's really fun to listen to. It's not as instrumentally or musically impressive as past releases, although it is by no means bad by any stretch of the imagination. If anything this probably just adds in making the album even catchier, if it was more technical I can't see it being as much fun as it is. The vocals sound much more youthful and even hopeful in comparison to past vocal performances, which is a breath of fresh air. Unfortunately the album is a bit too long, I do struggle to get through it all as the tracks ends up blending into each other a bit, but it's fun for the odd listen so give it a try.

Clicky.