Outsiders - Against The Current

Pop-rock band, Against The Current, have just released their first single 'Outsiders' with Fueled By Ramen. As I'm sure some of you have gathered, Fueled By Ramen (alongside DCD2) is my favourite label, signing some of the best artists around and they haven't disappointed. 'Outsider' will grab your attention from beginning to end and is definitely a brilliant start to what I'm sure will be a brilliant career for this band.

Interview with The Score

Pop duo The Score shot into the limelight after ASDA used their song 'Oh My Love' in their advert. It took the #1 spot on the Spotify UK Viral Chart and the #4 spot on the iTunes UK pop charts, going on to become the second most Shazam'd song in the UK. Following the success of the single the band were signed to Republic Records and following the release of their EP they played their first UK show at The Borderline in London. Sonically similar to bands like OneRepublic, American Authors and The Script, their EP showcases their feel-good, get up and dance vibe. The duo is made up of Eddie Anthony, vocals and guitar, and Edan Dover, keys and production, I was lucky enough to organise an interview with them before the show and was struck by how down-to-earth they are.

Victorious - Panic! At The Disco

The band, Panic! At The Disco, recently celebrated 10 years since the release of their debut album 'A Fever You Can't Sweat Out', despite the fact they weren't even out of college they gave us an album that helped shape the sound of pop-punk today. 10 years later, after members leaving and sounds evolving, Panic! are still making brilliant music. They released a third song from the yet-to-be-released fifth album; their new single 'Victorious'.

Interview with A Story Told

Five piece pop-rock group A Story Told, from Charleston, West Virginia, have been taking their local area by storm; even playing the well-known Vans Warped Tour in Pittsburgh. Their 'Stay With Me' cover was featured in a post by Pop Buzz which is how I discovered this amazing band. They were kind enough to answer some of my questions about how they started, what's coming up next and who influences their sound.

 

That's The Spirit - Bring Me The Horizon

Bring Me The Horizon show us a new side with their fifth album 'That's The Spirit', their usual metalcore sound takes the backseat and the album is driven by a more alternative-pop sound. The five-piece rock band formed back in 2003 and since have changed their sound with nearly every album. There's such a range of sounds on the album, yet still staying within the broad genre of rock, and I absolutely love it. I've never been much of a fan of Bring Me The Horizon but this album has changed that.

Drag Me Down - One Direction

One Direction hold the hearts of thousands of fans, spanning all ages, many of whom have followed them since the band formed on the talent show X Factor. Since the departure of Zayn earlier in the year I think we were all interested to see how the band would continue, and they seem to be taking this chance to change their sound.

Interview with Kalimur

4-piece rock band Kalimur reached out to me on Twitter asking me to listen to one of their songs and I couldn’t be happier about the whole situation. A song review soon turned into a Skype call with singer Brett Steinberg and bassist Tyler Berkich, who were both down-to-earth, lovely people. If one thing was clear, it was their passion for music.

Thieves Of The Night - Kalimur

Although fairly unknown, American rock band Kalimur could make it big. I'll admit I knew nothing about these guys before a message on twitter asking what I thought of 'Thieves Of The Night' which started it all.

This Summer's Gonna Hurt Like A Motherf***er - Maroon 5

I'll admit, when I fist saw the title of their next single I was a little sceptical about where Maroon 5 were going. Since their first alum 'Songs About Jane' their sound has developed and changed massively, both winning and losing them fans.

Native - OneRepublic

'Native' is the third studio album from OneRepublic and it does not disappoint. For fans that have followed the band since the beginning, each album is a progression and 'Native' is no different. With that collection of talent it really is a beautiful thing.
Each song stands out, there is not a single thing I dislike about the album. The whole thing seems to say 'carpe diem', if I was to sum up the message from the album this would be what stands out. But more importantly, each song, although with a special meaning to the members who wrote it, is completely adaptable to the listener and their own thoughts and experiences.
Ryan Tedder, the lead singer of OneRepublic and the undercover King of Pop behind countless number ones, has pulled it out of the bag with the help of the other members of the band (Brent, Zach, Eddie and Drew). Not only are the melodies and lyrics beautiful, but his voice is like an angel. I honestly feel like OneRepublic is God's gift to man, the whole lot of them are incredibly talented and bring an individual and loved sound to the market.
One of my favourite features of the album has to be the cello, brought in by Brent Kutzle and performed flawlessly throughout; it is an amazing touch. Personally, without Brent and his cello, I don't think OneRepublic would be the same.
This album really showcases the band's talent, from feel good songs like 'I Lived' and 'Counting Stars' to songs that make your insides melt like 'Something's Gotta Give' and 'Au Revoir'. Each song is perfect in it's own way and I honestly couldn't choose a favourite. Like I said, Ryan Tedder's voice blows me away, some times I seriously doubt that a noise so pure could be someone's voice. Well, after seeing them live twice I can say that it does. (I will make at least one post on that at a later date!) The song's are instantly recognisable, 'Counting Stars' being a great example of this, you can't help singing along and dancing, no matter how bad your dancing is.
Definitely buy this album if you haven't already because it will knock your socks off. It is a must hear album and if you are a fan, you need to see these guys live; there is NOTHING like it. If you are one of the lucky few who live in one of the places where OneRepublic are visiting on their extended Native Tour, get out and buy tickets. If not, keep your eyes peeled because they are currently working on album no. 4 and if the rumours are to be believed then that should be arriving around November this year.

 

Fun Fact : Each animal represents one of the band members :D Think you can guess who is what?