Timeshares was one of the first bands I really got into when their first EP was promoted as a free download over on ifyoumakeit. Now they’re on a label which is kind enough to release their debut LP as a free download for the next month. It’s titled Bearable, and much like the first, it’s full of fun, friendly good times played in the key of rough jangled hooks. But don’t take my word for it, there is only three weeks left, get downloading!
The boys in Budapest’s Bankrupt have been doing the whole pop-punk thing for quite a while, so it should comes as somewhat of a surprise to learn that they’ve toned down the Ramones influences in favour of a relaxing retro feel (think guitars with reverberating distortion). It’s tough to describe the new sound since it’s so radically different, but I will say it’s refreshingly mature for the band without sacrificing their long running group chemistry.
Just look at that balding head! I think it’s the first one to take the stage as an album cover in quite a while. I have no idea why it’s there, but it certainly jumps out. Lack of hair aside though, Eat This McKinley is has made ten songs of craggy pop punk done right. I wouldn’t be surprised if these guys end up on No Idea Records or Recess Records down the line with an album this strong.
A full record of snotty pop punk played with the beautiful short sightedness of youth. Nothing seems to matter to the dudes in synth led pop punk outfit Corrigan save for the prospect of a few beers and a good time. The simple organ flow of “Hey Kathy,” crunchy-smooth intro of “Same Again,” and bounding, carefree chorus call of “Ferris Bueller” make for a notable list of highlights amongst an already addicting eleven song playlist of fun. Snag it thanks to the guys at Death To False Hope Records.
Here’s a jovial little piece of full-band piano rock. The group is Tin Armor, and the record is Life Of Abundance. From what I understand, they used to lean more towards The Smoking Popes in style, and while their vocalist can still pull off that range, he now isn’t afraid to meld all sorts of vectors of gospel and blues (especially in the opening track) to give Life Of Abundance a life of its own. There’s a heavy Death Cab For Cutie element here, but it’s for the best. The album’s vibrant cover art really commands what listeners can expect within.
Here’s a pretty solid little dose of gruff pop punk along the lines of The Holy Mess and Campaign. Great meaty riffs and infectious little bass lines abound across four tight and bouncy tracks. Download the EP for free courtesy the band!
Hold Tight! has just released a meaty seven song EP over on their bandcamp. It’s boisterous, snotty, and boastful. Not a single track goes over the one minute mark, so those with short attention spans rejoice! It’s currently available as a pay what you like download, so be sure to download this blistering dose of while there is no price tag!
I’ve got to admit, I’m probably only posting this one due to the absolutely over the top promotional picture and album concept. Just look at that thing, it’s like the world is about to end and only Rivals In The Fall can stop it. It’s almost as ridiculous as Four Year Strong’s Enemy Of The World cover art – difference being, these guys are completely serious. Rivals In The Fall might sound like every other likely auto-tuned hard edged pop punk band out there, but based on shear image alone, they want to be something big. I haven’t listened to The Tale Of J.B. Douglas enough as of yet to report a detailed plot outline (there’s reference to dogfights, something about humanity’s last chance and quite a few Coheed & Cambria-like battles – check the title track for narration), but it’s definitely there and I assure you that you haven’t heard anything quite like this in a while. I have a feeling this will be a love it or hate it affair for most.
Here’s a succinct little two track single from Netherlands-based five piece Suicide Bombs. The songs are quick and melodic, and suggest a great technical ability along the lines of No Use For A Name and Strung Out. Definitely worth keeping an eye on for larger releases.
This one’s for all those people who say most of the pop-punk on this Free Music Blog mostly links to ifyoumakeit.com albums (not that there’s anything wrong with that). The band is Gone By Friday, and their sound is squeaky clean and altogether very fun. Some good benchmarks are probably Lagwagon, Taking Back Sunday, and Yellowcard – an odd mix, but I wouldn’t describe it any other way. Their latest offering is their aptly titled two song freEP. This duo is certainly the band’s strongest output to date, with songs reaching that elusively approachable, but never overly so, level of fun. The band also has their first EP up for download, and while it’s a little rough around the edges, it’s still pretty solid in its own right.
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