By ANN ESCAMILLA, Staff Reporter.
1. The Districts
Barely out of high school these fresh faces from Philadelphia ranging between the ages of 18 and 20 are sure creating some buzz. They play indie rock infused with folk, blues and classic rock. Their love for music creates an energetic show and an interesting vibe. Although they’re very young they are already set to play music festivals like The Governors Ball and Bonnaroo. The also have a full U.S and U.K. tour happening right now. Their newest album “A Flourish and a Spoil” is set to be released Feb. 10 and is already getting great reviews.
2. Girlpool
Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad are teenage friends from Philadelphia. They aren’t the typical girl band singing about boys and dumb crushes. They sing honest, fun, playful and raw lyrics and seem not to care what other people think. With a mix of pop punk and indie rock infused with an early 90’s vibe these two girls have already proved their punk credentials with the release of a new EP called “Girlpool” followed by a documentary titled “Things Are OK.” They are currently on tour with Alex G and Waxahatchee.
3. Lady Lamb and the Beekeeper
Lady Lamb and the Beekeeper come from Maine. What Maine!?! Not Philadelphia?? Yes, good music comes from places other than Philadelphia. Anyway, I had the pleasure to see Lady Lamb live and it was amazing. She sings from the soul and knows how to rock a guitar and a banjo! Not only does she know how to play her instruments well she knows how to write. Her lyrics are covered with clever, witty, painful memories. Her folk, indie rock presence makes her one of a kind and someone to remember. Lady Lamb’s newest album “Mom+Pop Music” is set to be released March 3.
4. Cyberbully Mom Club
This band contains four members from none other than Philadelphia! What!? Shocker! Cyberbully Mom Club sounds like carefree teens that pour their hearts into cassette tapes that you could buy for $2 at Goodwill. Layered with soft guitar playing and quite vocals main singer Shari Heck sings her feelings and expresses herself through her heartfelt lyrics. It is hard to listen to Cyberbully Mom Club without reflecting or getting personal. It almost seems like her lyrics are the lyrics that you are to scared to say out loud. “I wanna be the one you drunk text first when you’re out of beer at 3 a.m.” You can check out their EPs at cyberbullymomclub.bandcamp.com.
5. Radiator Hospital
Coming from only the best place ever, Grand Rapids, Mich. Radiator Hospital has been turning heads real quick. They sound like a mix of pop punk and indie punk (if that’s a thing) who twist songs with fun, happy, sad and interesting lyrics. So many different emotions arise after listening to these guys: you will be crying, you will be screaming, you will be laughing and you won’t know why. The highly romantic and noisy punk songs are what they are known for and are certain to make you dance. Go be a good person and help get this really underrated band recognized. Their newest album “Torch Song” is now available for anyone! So please check it out.
6. Cherry Glazerr
Hardcore, surf punk with dreamy vocals is how to best describe Cherry Glazerr. This three-piece band from L.A depicts songs of fun adolescence, crushes, young love, but it’s not all hearts and rainbows as the band does get a little dark, but dark in a good way. They take aim toward the female youth and shine a light on things some don’t really want to see. “Don’t make us feel belittled, world.” They break all the rules and write what they want. “Watch out he’s a killer pizza man.” Yeah, that’s from the song “Pizza Monster” Kind of weird but also kind of cool.
7. Houndmouth
Now I’m not one for country but these guys are actually good and don’t have that full country vibe. I would say that they are a mix between American country with a touch of folk rock. They are scheduled to play Bonnaroo and also have a full U.S tour with Twin Limb. They have the soul and raspy voice of Bob Dylan but the blues and skill of nothing I’ve ever heard. “For No One” is their latest single from their newest album that is said to be released sometime this year.
8. Modest Mouse
It’s been 74 years since Modest Mouse has released a new album… well not 74 years but it’s been a while. They are finally emerging from the dark hole they lived in. I may be over exaggerating all of this but I’m super pumped about the newest album “Stranger to Ourselves” that will be released March 3. If you haven’t heard of Modest Mouse I’m sorry but you should expect indie rock, indie folk, and even punk rock. Lead singer Isaac Brock definitely has a certain unique tone to his voice that draws in its listeners. You can listen to their first single “Lampshades On Fire” now.
9. Runaway Brother
I honestly just heard of Runaway Brother but I was blown away by how good they are and the big names they are touring with in 2015 which include Tiny Moving Parts and Dads. They have a new album coming out March 31 called “Mother”. The first single “Moth” includes intense drums and guitar playing. Like most pop punk bands they sing aggressive emotional lyrics, but in a good way. They perform with Dads Feb. 21 in Grand Rapids at the Pyramid Scheme.
10. Sylvan Esso
This indie folk/techno electro pop band broke the scene recently with their self titled album. Their most popular song “Hey Mami” made it to the tenth spot on Paste Magazine’s “Top Best 50 Songs of 2014.” But the excitement for this group doesn’t stop there. They are set to play two of the most known music festivals around, Bonnaroo and Coachella. They also have an U.S and an U.K tour. Sadly they are not coming to Michigan. but maybe if you are a really big fan you can check them out in Columbus or Chicago.
