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The flavors of Talking Heads and the Cure are so evident here, that listening to the self-titled debut from New York City-based Stellastarr, you’d swear you were back at CBGB’s during the first New Wave movement. At times they sound too derivative, but for the most part you can subtract everything else out and take Stellastarr for what they are -- a really good band with a retro yet fresh sound.
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The whole nu-metal phenomenon seems to have died down a bit lately, but when a band like Three Days Grace comes around and delivers melodic rock songs rife with testosterone, people are going to buy it. Especially when the music is as good as it is here, and this band sounds like a cross between Nickelback and Linkin Park. But what will surely keep this Canadian trio around for a while is the pure power behind the voice of lead singer Adam Gontier.
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With so many influences at work here, Nashville’s Mile 8 has come up with a collection of funky yet accessible songs with Whatever Works. At times the sheer musicianship outshines the songwriting, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Put this one in the player and it can be nice background music at a party, or something to simply put you in a good mood any time of day.
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Octone Records has a good track record after bringing us Maroon 5. Now they present Michael Tolcher, another artist that has the potential to transcend generations of tastemakers. Tolcher is a singer/songwriter with a debut record that has so many hooks he just might find himself following a similar path to success as John Mayer or Jason Mraz. There’s not a bad track on here, and Tolcher consistently sings his ass off.
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Hailing from Minnesota, the Vestals are one of those jangly rock bands that have Brit-pop flavor while maintaining their cool indie-rock vibe. The Gordon brothers, who front this four-piece band, most closely resemble the Gallagher brothers from Oasis, but hopefully don’t beat the crap out of each other like their British counterparts. The opening track, “Seven Hours,” sounds like it came straight off Radiohead’s The Bends, and it doesn’t get much better than that.
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If I didn’t know any better, I’d say this Seattle-based group has sucked me in. My experience with these acts is that they are all flair and no song. Well, U.S.E. is different. These songs are so infectious you might find yourself dancing on top of your car in the rain. Personally I don’t know how they come across live, but if this stuff doesn’t become a staple in the dance clubs I’ll be really surprised.
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It’s pop, it’s punk, it’s simply good. Imagine taking Jimmy Eat World, Weezer and Green Day and putting them in a blender. You’d be drinking a concoction of power pop songs that is almost better than the sum of its parts. Australian band The Living End may sound like they are maturing with their latest release, Modern Artillery, but the energy and the songs continue to shine.
~Mike Farley
mfarley@bullz-eye.com