I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it- The 1975

"Chocolate" was the first song I even heard by The 1975, and- faster than you can say "Matty is an angel sent from Heaven to torture the human races with his beauty"- I was hooked. I loved the way you could hear his accent while he sings, how they mixed multiple genres into one song, and, most of all, I loved how I'd never heard anything that was quite like their music. These four boys out of Winslow, England opened my mind to how a group could sound like they are from the past and the future at the same time. The 1975 have continued to grow in popularity since their conception as a band, but, even though they have some more expensive clothes and a more elaborate live show than when they first began, they are still the reserved, humble band I fell in love with.

This is The 1975's second studio album; their self-titled was released in 2013 and they have released four EP's since then- Facedown, Sex, Music for Cars, and IV. Each song the band has released has shown a lot of thought, time, and creativity, and that is a huge reason why the band has been gaining a lot of success on both pop and rock charts. I'm honestly not sure which genre they really belong in, but I feel like they might not be quite sure either. This group seems to focus on their music first, then their fans, and last the opinions of anyone else. 

Photo Credit: Kristina Dawn

It's completely impossible to ask me to pick a favorite song on this album, but when I listened to it the first time all the way through "Loving Someone" was the song that stuck out the most. It starts out so simple and elegant with vocals, and slowly grows more and more intense until Matty's voice comes in; between it's verse it goes back to the tiny voices repeating "you should be loving someone" before it returns to Matty's singing. The lyrics of this song have a strong message regarding the our society, especially our obsession with technology and celebrities. We- as a human race- need to make connection with one another in person. The Lin that best exemplifies the meaning of this song, to me, is "Besides celebrities lacking in integrity; holding up the status quo instead of showing your kids that they matter..." Social media is a great thing, I love it, but people don't want to talk to the people around them and that's a problem. Our society needs to wake up and realize that we are doomed if you don't make some form of change, even if it's just in your own life. 

You can tell while listening to this album- along with The 1975 and their EPs- that the band spends a lot of time on their music, and they use their music as an outlet for whatever they're feeling. There is no mistaking the raw emotion that Matty exemplifies when he is singing on this album. Each song has amazingly intricate lyrics that are backed by the most perfect music; the tone of the instrumental matches the exact tone of Matty's voice to a point that they sound that they are one combined sound. I like it when you sleep is a collection of 17 amazing songs that come together to create a story of love, heartbreak, loss, and pain; this album is full of nothing but quality lyrics and beautiful melodies. The 1975 create the music that they want to, and don't seem to worry about what others think; that is the way music should be made. 

Photo Credit: Kristina Dawn

The song "Nana" immediately struck a chord with me, because I lost my great grandma- who I called Nana- when I was only eight years-old. She was a very kind and caring woman, but I never really got a chance to know her. "I know that God doesn't exist, and all of the palaver sounding it, but I like to think you can hear me sometimes" was a line that immediately dug into my soul in a way that made this song seem like this song was written for the sole purpose of bringing me some form of comfort. I was raised in a non-religious household in a state full of religious fanatics, and my way to cope with the death of my Nana was to pray. Looking back, I don't think I ever believed in God- at least not in the conventional form- but I was just a little girl who had lost someone close to her for the first time. I have had to deal with more death since then, and I know I'll have to deal with it for the rest of my life; this song so perfectly and simply expresses the emotions of losing someone close to you. A lot of why I love this song so much is person, but isn't connection what music is all about? That's what it is about for me. The instrumental in the song is so quiet that it's seems to be barely brushing the lyrics; it adds so much to the song while being so small. This song is just a beautiful a piece of artwork that 

The 1975 are touring all over the world right now- not to Utah, of course 😒- so they are very busy boys, but they always make time for their fans when they can. Matty Healy once said, "We kinda wanted people to fall in love with the band the same way you fall in love with a person- the more you get to know about somebody over a longer period of time, the more you both invest in the relationship"; I think that's the most genuine and beautiful statement about a band-fan relationship. I'm here to tell these amazing musicians- Matty, George, Adam, and Ross- that I'm invested; I will give you everything I have and I have no doubt you'll return the favor. The 1975 make the type of music that speaks directly to your soul; each song makes you feel things you didn't know you could feel. The 1975 make great music and I hope there is a lot more to come.

The 1975's Website

Buy "I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it" on iTunes
Kristina Dawn's Website

Wiped Out!- The Neighbourhood

When I heard The Neighbourhood for the first time I was immediately drawn in; they have such a unique sound and I absolutely adore the voice of Jesse Rutherford's, the band's lead singer. I've seen them live twice since then, and I'm absolutely pissed that they didn't come to Salt Lake City on The Flood Tour- I also wanted to see Bad Suns (for the third time as well) and Hunny (for the first time). Their shows are like nothing I've ever been to, because people are so rowdy, yet still so chill- and there is also the very distinct scent of Mary-Jane which makes it that much better. 

The song Single is my personal favorite- at least for the moment- because it's so mellow and a little different than the rest of the album. It starts with what sounds almost like a children's xylophone, and that continues throughout the song paired with a mellow guitar and drum machine. "Baby, I can't help but call her that, even though I shouldn't say it. I might never get her back, but I don't mind being patient, yeah. Can you let your baby be my girl?" It's a guy asking the father of the girl he loves if he can be with her; I think this song is just the right amount of sweet and sexy, and it sounds to fucking good, too. 

Wiped Out! is their second full-length album, and I'm absolutely in love with it. I wasn't sure what to expect from this album, but I'm very happy with the end result. They had quite a few other songs that were released between I Love You and this album- three EPs, a mixtape, and their song, Honest, was feature of the soundtrack for The Amazing Spider-Man 2- so I wasn't sure if they would have a lot of quality songs on this album, but it is has ten completely spectacular songs- and an eleventh, A Moment of Silence, that is just 30 seconds of complete silence. Wiped Out! is an all-around banger.

Each song has a very obvious hip-hop influence to it, but there is also an alt-rock sound present mixed with a Cali-inspired, beachy vibe. As I mentioned before, this band is unlike any group that is making music right now. I absolutely love the layers of sound in each song, especially in Baby Came Home 2 / Valentines. There is a lot of emotion and meaning behind all of the lyrics, and I can't believe that it's not getting more publicity. My favorite instrumental aspect of this album is the guitar; it's played in a way that conveys the meaning of the song and sounds absolutely flawless with each and every song. 

Daddy Issues is an absolutely stunning piece of music. The lyrics are so meaningful and- like all truly powerful lyrics- give you the feeling that you're really getting to know the artist. The chorus- "Go ahead and cry little girl, nobody does it like you do. I know how much it matters to you; I know you got daddy issues. And if you were my little girl, I'd do whatever I could; if run away and hide with you. I love that you got daddy issues, I do too."- talks about him finding a damaged girl that he just wants to do everything he can to protect, because he relates to her; in the bridge- "Go ahead and cry little boy, you know your daddy did, too. You know that you're mama went through, and you gotta let it out soon, just let it out."- you hear more of his side of the story. This song is- to me- about finding your other half that is just as damaged as you are, and they know how to love you because they know they pain you've felt. 

If you ever have the opportunity to see The Neighbourhood, I'd highly recommend it. I can't help but dance when I listen to them. They have fans from many different backgrounds, and you get the teenage fangirls along with grown men who love rap music- though it usually seems to be more of the former. They are a badass group of guys that are doing what they love and I think that's fucking awesome. 

The Neighbourhood's Website
Buy Wiped Out! on iTunes

Disgraceland- The Orwells

My dad was the one who played The Orwells for me the first time, and it is very rare that my dad plays a band from this century that I haven't heard before. What is even less likely is my dad being as excited as he was to play a song and he really took it personally when my mom said she didn't care for them, but I was immediately hooked. I think why he likes them so much is because they sound a lot like the Pixies and bands like them- my dad loves the Pixies. He bought this album on iTunes and I listened to it all the way through at least thirty times within the first week of owning it.

This is The Orwells' third studio album, and the talent of these guys is really incredible. I don't understand how this band is still so under the radar when they sound better than so many bands that are on the popular charts; I understand that they don't play pop music and their sound is a bit more aggressive, but if music is good, it's good. They did have their song Who Needs You featured in an Apple commercial, but I feel like the editing lost the meaning of the song; the song is about saying no to the status quo, but they made it about being patriotic and shit like that. The song was saying what the advertisers wanted them to say, instead of what the band actually stands for.

There's a lot of heavy guitar, oppressive bass, and angrier vocals; they have a very 90s, grungy sound. The Orwells know how they want to sound, and that is something that you don't really find on very often. Even with all of the influence from other bands that you can hear in their music, there is still that little bit of an x-factor that makes it their own. 

Their song Blood Bubbles is a bit more somber that other stuff on the album; it opens with the most beautiful guitar that continues throughout the rest of the song. There is a constant drumbeat across the whole song; it's simple, but yet matches with the rest of the song seamlessly. "She screamed now for help, but nobody came, so she picked up my gun, and put it to her brain. She begged, she begged, she screamed, said 'God, give me help,' then she decided to do it herself"; you can tell based on those lyrics what the song is about; this song has special meaning to me because I've gone through the same things as the girl in the song; luckily, when I screamed out for help, my parents talked to me, and I started seeing a counselor (like a therapist). I'm very happy to say that I am in a lot better place, but for anyone reading this that feels the way I felt just know that, no matter how cliche or stupid it sounds, it gets better- even if it doesn't seem like there is a light at the end of the tunnel just keep moving and eventually there will be. 

I hope that The Orwells come out with some new music really soon, because there is so much potential for this band. Even though this album is superb, there is always room for growth and improvement, and this band could take over the music industry if they just put their mind to it. 

Vikings- New Politics

I have loved New Politics since the first time I heard them, which I think was when I heard "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah"; where I heard it I have almost no idea, but without that moment I am positive my life would be different right now. NP was the first band I really stanned- past tense of the word stan which is a combination of the words stalker and fan. I have made quite a few friends through this band, and they've introduced me to a whole new world of fandoms. In a way New Politics has brought me out of my social media shell; they were the first band I interacted with on Twitter. I have so many memories that involve them in one way or another- both good and bad- I wouldn't trade any of them for the world.

Vikings is NP's third studio album and I feel like I have been waiting an eternity to hear it. David, lead singer, said in an interview at the beginning of this year that this album would most likely be released in February 2015, it finally came out last month- to say the least, I no longer trust David with anything involving a timeframe. I love the way this band gets along and the music that comes from that comradery. All of last summer I would just blast "Harlem" as I would cruise down the road with all the windows down, and it was absolutely perfect.

This album is full of a bunch of different types of music, each song has a slightly different sound. I'm still not sure what I think about each song on this album, but I love that I can tell that they were influenced by many different people while making this album. There is a bit of everything; you can hear the R&B and Hip-hop beats, the classic rock guitar riffs, and the electronic mixing.

Stardust is one of the more mellow songs off of this album; Soren sings the song, which means less of the all over the place singing that you get with David Boyd. This song has very melodic sound, with the vocals being the focus. "Why couldn't I make you want to leave the world behind? Our ship is stuck in a bottle; let's break the glass tonight. I'll be your after glow, your sweetness, and your light; I'll be the chemical that helps you sleep at night. We're stardust, you and I" It's a simple, warmhearted love song; it has a way of making you feel like you felt everything he's singing about, yet never experienced something quite as perfect. It makes me want to fall in love. 

This album kept me waiting, for longer than I anticipated, but it was completely worth the wait. I've listened to it so many times and I cannot wait to hear these songs live. It may not be what you're used to hearing from New Politics, but I think it's even better for that very reason. I love it when an artist steps out of their comfort zone to make something great, and that is what they did with this album. 

Badlands- Halsey

Halsey is, in my opinion, extremely and unjustly underrated. Her music is something that makes you feel things and makes you think; she has an approach to her songs that give them meaning, yet still make them so addictive and catchy. She makes you fall in love with her and the way sings. I can't help, but sing along to everyone of her songs; when I saw her, when she opened for Imagine Dragons, I was most likely annoying the people around me with how loudly and horribly I was singing. I first really became obsessed with Halsey after my friend, Bella, was talking about her; like the hipster-wannabe I am,  I told her I knew who Halsey was and loved her, but in reality I was looking up her songs with we were texting about here. That is one moment I don't think I will ever forget, and I will always feel indebted to Bella for it; it opened my music horizon and it gave me a new area of music to explore.

New Americana is absolutely phenomenal. It is the first, and so far only, single off Badlands. How she explained the song when she performed it this past summer was as an anthem for her generation. She sees how the younger generations accept people for whoever they are and whatever they believe, they don't judge people they way their parents did, and they want to create the best world possible for everyone that lives in it. I think my generation is a few years off of the group she sings about in the song (mostly because I was certainly not "raised on Biggy and Nirvana"), but I agree with the message completely.

Badlands is Halsey's first full length album, and I find it absolutely mind blowing. Most artists' first album sounds awkward and almost rushed, but she seemed to take her time; she put out a few EPs, let herself mature, find her sound, and make this album the best it could possibly be. Halsey seems like she has her ideas about how things need to sound and workout, and she will do everything in her power to make sure it all goes to plan. I feel like I can kind of relate to her in a way, but more than anything I hope I could become a good enough person to even be around her without feeling inadequate.

This album has the perfect mixture of techo and classical sounds, so hats off to Halsey, her producer, and anyone else that helped out with this Badlands. They have created a support system through the instrumental that lifts her voice to its highest potential; it sounds as close to perfection as anything I have heard, in that regard. Halsey has a way of sounding innocent while she's singing about getting high and fucking guys, and I absolutely love it. I love women who are comfortable about sex and don't feel like they're just trying to sound "sexy". 

The song Colors begins with a simple beat with Halsey's voice as the point of focus. The song, to me, is about a relationship gone wrong though she is still hopelessly in love. "Everything is blue: his pills, his hands, his jeans. Now I'm covered in the colors; pulled apart at the seems. It's blue. Every thing is grey: his hair, his smoke, his dreams. And now he's so devoid of color, he don't know what it means. And he's blue" There is so much meaning behind each work; you can sense it even if you're not completely sure what it is. my favorite line is the very first one of the song, "Your little brother never tells you, but he loves you so," it might seem really simple and a bit dumb to some people, but those who have younger siblings can see the meaning behind it; I have two little brothers who constantly tell me they hate me, are mad at me, or simply don't want to be around me, but every once in a while they'll say those three little words and it seems it make me happier than almost anything else in the world. I love my brothers, and it makes me feel amazing when I'm sure they love me, too.

I have always had a almost religious connection with music, and Halsey is an artist that reinforces and strengthens that connection. I feel the swell of emotion when I hear her music; that is in no way, shape, or form an exaggeration. She makes me feel like I have something to live for with her music; not the music itself, but the things she says in her music. Halsey is fucking perfect; I don't care how that makes me sounds, but I love her. "Saying that I want more, this is what I live for"

Halsey's website

Buy Badlands

Hozier

I first heard Hozier on AltNation when I heard "Take Me To Church", and I was instantly drawn to the song. I have never been religious and- besides a short phase when I was in elementary school- I have never wanted to be; this song really made me feel like I wanted to belong to some form of higher power, and that I should only associate with people who accept me for who I am. When I was watching the show The Leftovers, after one of my favorite episodes they played "Take Me To Church" during the credits and it fit so perfectly; I listened to this album over and over for days and weeks after that. I couldn't fathom how a song could be so meaningful in so many different ways. When the music video came out for "Take Me To Church", I cried while watching it and I still get chills every single time I see it; it's such a beautiful video with a powerful story. Hozier has meant a lot to me, if only for the past six months or so, but his music has a way of speaking right to what I am feeling. His music makes me happy, even if it isn't a permanent feeling.

This is Hozier's first full length album; he has got critics raving about his music, fans all over the world, and a message and ideas that people can agree with and stand behind. It is almost unbelievable the amount of success he's gained from this album, but what's even more amazing is the music. Hozier seems to be perfect in every single way- both in his music and appearance- but his lyrics are often about his imperfections and problems; I feel like knowing that there is someone out there, who is doing so well, and dealing with the same type of issues I'm having every day makes it all seem a lot easier to handle. He is living, breathing proof that the bad things can pass and there's something good that can come from all of it.
While they all share the same emotional lyrics, each song on this album is so different in sound and meaning. He uses his voice to really make the song what it is, and without him the music isn't the same. I love the way that the words just roll off his tongue, and the way the mixed of the backing vocals only highlight his vocals further. There is just not really not anything on this album that I feel the need to critique; there are are few points on the album I feel could have been mixed slightly differently, but, overall, I have no complaints and feel that Hozier and his team made an amazing album. 

You can hear the emotion in Hozier's voice when he is singing, and the song "From Eden" is one of the most beautiful examples of that. The love that he feels is conveyed with the inflection and sound of his voice, and- if you've seen the way he looks- you want him to be singing it to you. This song has a more fast paced beat than most of the album, but the way combine all the other elements of the song with it still allows it to make a more mellow sound. "Honey, you're familiar like my mirror years ago. Idealism sits in prison, chivalry fell on its sword, innocence died screaming. Honey, ask me, I should know. I slithered here from Eden, just to sit outside your door." The lyrics in this song lead you to believe that it is talking about a couple that has grown apart with the way that our modern society looks at love, and they're not sure how to handle it. It is such a beautiful song, and it also has a point and story to it.

I look forward to hearing what music Hozier makes in the future, and I am pretty sure that I'll love it as well. His sound is one that can't be classified into just one genre, but it has become popular among quite a few different groups of people. He has accomplished what seems to be what many musicians hope and strive for their whole career with just one album; he has brought together different types of people, shared an important message, and helped bring attention to a problem in our society. I'm not sure where else he can go from here, but I'm sure he has some ideas and I cannot wait to hear them.

Hozier's Website
Buy Hozier (Bonus Track Version)

Run- AWOLNATION

I've been listening to AWOLNATION a lot since I heard them for the first time; they're one of the bands that were popular for what seemed like a second, but I have made them apart of my usual rotation of artists. I saw them live a few years ago at the X96 Big Ass Show, and they put on a really great show; they got the crowd moving, screaming, and cheering after the first song they played. This band are so well-rounded as performers that I think it would be difficult for them not to succeed. AN is a band that knows what they want to do with their music and do everything in their power to make it exactly how they want it.

"Headrest for My Soul" is a song about calling out for help, even if you're not sure if anyone is listening. You just want someone to save you, but nobody is and you're running out of time. This is one of those songs that really seems to explain how my depression and how it makes me feel; I just want some help, but I just keep getting closer to drowning. It's like I'm on a raft in the ocean. They use an acoustic guitar in this song, and that just adds to the feeling of the song by building that more mellow sound around the deeper lyrics. "There's a leak in this boat; someone toss me a rope... There's a leak in this boat; how the hell will I float?"

Run is AWOLNATION's second full length album, and it has a very different sound that what was on Megalithic Symphony. You can still very easily tell that these songs are by the same band, but there is a lot of- what I would classify as- experimenting and I think it really pays off. This is a very well written and produced album; everyone did their job to make the best album possible and that is something that you don't see enough in the music industry lately. This band takes pride in what they do and create music that they should be proud of.

AN has a very unique sound and all of their songs have have a sort of story within them. Aaron Bruno- aka AWOL- (lead singer) has a voice that is unlike all other singers I've ever heard. The way they use each instrument in a different way that allows them all to come together and create the sort Kraftwork-meets Imagine Dragons-meets an 1890s poet sound to their music. AWOL sings/speaks with a certain rhythm that follows along with the beat that is found in the music and it almost acts like another set of percussion. I honestly believe that without their lyrical work, this band would not be as good as they are; by that I mean that a lot of their personal flair and appeal comes from their abstract and slightly crazy lyrics. 

The song "I Am" is a more mellow song, compared to the rest of the album. The lyrics- like with every one of their songs- are absolutely amazing. My favorite part is the use of the piano in the song, because it really does add to the song in a way that changes the sound of the song with its presence and absence. I feel like the line 'only looking up when my head's down" has a lot of meaning; it's kind of going back to the idea that you don't know what you've got until it's gone. You only change what you're doing after you're already in trouble because of it.

I hope that this is just the second of many albums to come, because I feel like AWOLNATION has so much to do as a band, and they still have a lot of room to grow together as a band. I loved how this album sounds like the first album, but it also has that little bit of change that helps you to see that they have changed. They tried something new and different, but they stayed true to who they are as a band. I look forward to what the future holds for these guys. 

AWOLNATION's Website
Buy Run

*I know that if anyone actually reads my blog regularly you have probably heard me say (or read me type?) that a lot of different groups are so unique and different from everything out there, but I really do mean it every time I say it; if you disagree just tell me, I'm pretty open minded.*

Gave You My Heart- The Blue Aces

When I heard The Blue Aces for the first time, I stopped the drawing I was doing and looked at my phone to see who was playing (it was on Spotify). There is no reason these girls shouldn't be famous; they are amazing musicians, they write beautiful and heartfelt songs, and they are all drop-dead gorgeous. I saw them at the 5 Star Foundation Summer Bash and they were absolutely amazing, and they were one of the bands that you felt like you got to know them a little by the way they were interacting with the crowd. My favorite thing is when seeing a band live makes you fall in love with their music even more than you already have, because that means they actually did something at that show that made you care and felt like you were being acknowledged as a fan. 

The four girls that make up The Blue Aces come from Provo, Utah; this is their first album. They are young and talented. When I first got this album, I listened to it that night and the next day over and over for hours; I became addicted. They have such an organic sound, without a lot of the electronic effects that have become so common in indie rock, alternative rock, and the like. The Blue Aces sort of remind me of the band Maudlin Strangers; they both just have very natural sounds and their vocals are stupendous. I feel lucky to have heard this band, because they're one of those that make you want to go out of your way to help them in any way you can. These girls have such a bright future and are absolutely spectacular.

The Blue Aces use every instrument to its fullest potential and create an amazing sound. The drums are the base of each song; creating the beat that everything else fits in with. They guitar riffs have a sort of 70s funk vibe about them, but still fit in amazingly well with the rest of the elements of the track. Some bands don't use the bass very effectively, only using it as background noise to make their song less empty, but McKenna (bassist) uses the bass to make the music better. She does her own thing and adds a new piece of music that enhances the rest of the song. The vocals are nothing less than spectacular, Cristal (vocals/guitar) does an amazing job of making the songs the best they can be by adding emotion and feeling to each and every work. Each song is a work of art and I could listen to this album forever.

"Maybe" is a more mellow song, compared to some of the other stuff on the album. It still has a great drumbeat, and Alisa (drummer) hits the cymbals in a way that creates one of my favorite sounds in the world: the faint sound of the metal rattling; it's not too loud, but just enough to make it so it's kind of magical- if that makes any sense at all. Kate (guitarist) does a great job of adding to the song without taking away from any of the other elements; she uses a lot of different tricks with the guitar to get the exact sound she wanted. The bass is following along with the melody the guitar is doing, but with little twists here and there that add character to the song. The lyrics are absolutely beautiful and you feel like you're really getting the meaning behind every word she says. "Baby if you give me such a rush, and maybe if your touch is just enough. Said maybe we're falling in love, my baby. Falling in love," those lines make you feel like you're falling in love, too. When a song can make you feel what they're singing about, then I feel like it has really done its job.

The song "I Don't Wanna Know" is probably one of my favorite songs on this album. It's almost all because of the lyrics; don't get me wrong the instrumental work is stellar, but they lyrics just make me feel. You can hear everything she is going through from the way she says each line and it makes me want to scream every word along with her. I also love the way the song just fades out at the end; just the guitar slowly growing silent. "The coldest love that i ever felt, but somehow warm is there, as well. I know you love her, oh you prove it. I know you want her. I was so stupid to ever think that you would be faithful to me"; you can hear the pain that the relationship- and ultimately the break up as well- caused her. Even if you've never had to deal with someone cheating on you, you have experienced some sort of pain that was caused by someone else and you felt helpless; this song make me feel like I am somehow regaining the power that they stole from me. They best feeling in the world is when you realize you're not alone and someone else knows exactly how you feel; even though you may not know them, it makes you feel better that they are out there.

The Blue Aces are currently working in the studio to make some new stuff- which will hopeful lead to a nice tour; they have done a lot of smaller shows in the Salt Lake Valley, but I hope that soon they will tour the country- if not the world- and share their amazing music with a lot of new people. When you see these babes on The Tonight Show, just remember that I told you they were going to be famous. In all seriousness, I think this band has a very bright future, because they have all the things that make a great band: great music, good attitude, and amazing music (the music is pretty damn important). I look forward to hearing any and all music they make in the future.

LOVETAP!- Smallpools

Since I first heard "Dreaming" on AltNation I have been slightly obsessed with Smallpools; thinking back it feels like that was so long ago, but it was in the late summer of 2013. For some reason I feel like they have been around a lot longer that the two years that they have. I think it's partially because they have that sort of 60s beachy sound mixed with the 80s dance music vibe; though they are classified as indie pop. It seems like Smallpools has made it their mission to combine all the best aspects from music over the past 50 years and make a new sound that is beautifully original.

When I first heard the song "Killer Whales" my mind immediately went to Sea World and the movie Blackfish, but it's not about either of those things. It is a song about being in love with someone who isn't around, in this case they are "saving all the killer whales". The way he describes the girl in the song is how I dream a guy would talk about me- "Alone in that motor suite tonight. I’m trying to paint your face in my brain so I can get sleep and calm my mind. She was a concept; I was in love then." He is totally in love with this ideal girl that doesn't exist, yet she takes up all of his thoughts; it's just such a relatable and idealistic view on the way the world works, that I can't help but wish that he finds his dream girl. 

LOVETAP! is Smallpools' first full length album. They started in Los Angeles, but Sean (lead singer) is from New York, Mike (guitarist) is from New Jersey, and Beau (drummer) and Joseph (bassist) are from Oregon. I believe in destiny, and I feel like these guys were meant to come together create the amazing music that they do. I have never heard anything quite like what they do, and that has led to me fascinated by every song that I hear. Each one of their songs tells a story and that makes me want to hear it over and over again; they let me go on an adventure with my earbuds.

Smallpools mixes so many different instruments and sounds that you almost don't know what you should focus on. Sean has a phenomenal range that fills in the gaps left in the instrumentals; he makes you feel engaged in the stories they tell with the way he uses his inflection. Beau does an amazing job of playing the drums in a way that creates a wonderful backing for the song, while never overshadowing any of the other elements. Every instrument used in each song make their music the organized mess it is; you're not always sure what exact pieces went into making the music you're listening to, but you love it all the same- if not more.

The song "Mason Jar" was another track that immediately drew me in; it begins with a series of oh's, then goes into Sean singing, with speaking in between lines, and an enchanting instrumental backing. This song tells the story of falling in love with a very unique girl, then realizing it's not really meant to be, and then dealing with the emotional turmoil she causes. This song has a bitter honesty about how it is to be in love, but somehow still makes me dream about it like a fairy tale. It almost makes you want to go after those people who you know will break your heart, just to get that experience.

Smallpools received a lot of mainstream airplay after the initial release of "Dreaming", and I was extremely excited for them; since then, they haven't been getting quite as much attention, but I'm hoping that they are able to get the level of recognition for at least one song on this album, because I personally believe that some of these songs are better than "Dreaming". This is an unbelievably creative group of guys, and I'm never sure what I'm going to hear when I listen to their music. Smallpools is constantly full of surprises, and in the music business that is an amazing quality to possess. 

Smallpools' Website
Buy LOVETAP!

Electrogram- Vinyl Theatre

Vinyl Theatre are a young, indie-rock band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They have an electronically inspired sound with a large emphasis on the vocal work; every other element of the band is used to enhance the Keegan's (lead singer) voice. This band presents themselves with the class and talent of musicians twice their age. Vinyl Theatre makes good music that people should listen to, and I could easily see them making it onto mainstream radio stations.

Electrogram is their debut album, and it is a lot more organized and mature than what a young band's first album usually sounds like. They know what their sound is and they have done their best to perfect it. The great thing about Vinyl Theatre is the that they aren't experimenting with sounds that aren't what they usually play; this album all has the same basic sound, but that being said this album contains eight very unique songs that have their own individual charter. Their songs have a way of worming their way into your head whether you like it or not; they are the perfect mixture of catchy and good quality music. 

Vinyl Theatre uses the basic instruments that are expected from a rock band, but with the addition of some synth that gives them their own original twist on the alternative rock sound. Keegan has a very strong voice, so they use that to their advantage by using his voice like another instrument to enhance the melody during instrumental parts and then having him singing a cappella. The drums are the most prominent instrument in their music, and it makes the music sound a little more hardcore than other indie pop. Guitar riffs on this album remind me of 70s and 80s hair metal at times, but sometimes they sound like they belong in a mellow coffee shop indie song. Vinyl Theatre has mixed a lot of genres to create their sound that is different from the other stuff that is playing on the radio.

The song "Summer" begins with an intricate drum beat that leads into calm then catchy lyrics. This seems like the type of song you'd play while you're partying with your significant other; getting kind of flirty. It sounds like a song about young love and becoming 'involved' (*wink wink nod nod*) with another person for the first time. Some of my favorite lines from this song are "There's no spell on me I swear, but I still feel so damn impaired. Something in that summer sky, bringing me to my demise." They seem to describe a very deep and beautiful love; that is something I hope to experience one day.

"Shine On" is an energetic song with catchy lyrics that have an unclear meaning- at least to me. It feels like a fun song to blast in your car while you're driving on the highway with your windows down. To me, it seems like the song is about growing up and hanging out- getting into trouble- with your friends. "Shine On" could become an sort of anthem for teens and I know I'm going to be listening to it a lot throughout my sophomore year. 

Vinyl Theatre has gotten some airplay- mostly on alternative stations- with their song "Breaking Up My Bones". I know that it is only a matter of time before these guys 'hit the big time'. Right now, they are on tour with The Mowgli's and are gaining more and more fans after each show. They also have a very loyal band of followers on social media that have their back no matter what. I wish nothing but the best for these guys, and have no doubt that they will succeed.

Vinyl Theatre's Website
Buy Electrogram

Talking Is Hard- Walk the Moon

Walk the Moon are a group of Ohioans that like to play music of the indie rock persuasion. Their music is a combination of mellow, lovey-dovey songs and pumped up dance music; they have a very unique sound- a lot of which can be accredited to Nick Petricca's (lead singer) very distinct voice. Kevin Ray (bassist) is also a very big talking point for WTM, but that's because he is absolutely flawless and one of the most beautiful men to ever walk the moon- haha get it? like walk the Earth, but it's their band name... it was funnier in my head. Anyway, they are a very talented group of guys that I first started listening to because they were headlining on The Griswolds' tour- just kidding, The Griswolds were opening for them. I had heard a few of their songs on their last album on AltNation, but I hadn't looked up any of their music or listened to anything besides four or five songs. I am very glad I started listening to them. 

Talking Is Hard is the second studio album released by Walk the Moon. The put 12 songs on this album, but they also recently released the UK version and there is an extra song on there that is called "Boyfriend" and I suggest you find a way to listen to it because it is absolutely amazing. This album is a bit more upbeat and energetic than their first album, so it's a lot of fun to listen to, dance to, and sing along with. Every song on Talking Is Hard is something I could listen to over and over again, and I listen to this album on repeat a lot. 

On this album the drums seem to ground the music and everything else is built on top of that. It has  a sort of dreamy feel because of the synth, keyboard, and vocals. As in most rock music, there is a lot of impressive guitar riffs. The bass isn't as noticeable as some of the other elements, but if you listen for it you can hear how it enhances both the drum and guitar and adds another layer to the music. Walk the Moon have a very versatile sound that you can listen to at anytime. Their music is the kind that you can't help but smile and get into it; the lyrics just draw you in and the instrumental pieces are extraordinary. This album has a very 80s inspired sound; there is a lot of synth, guitar, and keyboard- they also seem to wear pretty tight pants. They have done a great job to create their own sound in a way that makes people want to listen to it.

The song "Avalanche" is one of the more mellow songs on the album, but it is a song that just stuck out to me when I first heard it. It has with a very simple instrumental backing of a repeating drumbeat, a intricate guitar riff, synth, and a subtle bass riff. They lyrical work is so beautiful and creates a sort of story about someone finding their soulmate. "You got a look in your eyesI knew you in a past life. One glance and the avalanche drops; one look and my heartbeat stops. Ships pass in the night, I don't wanna wait 'til the next life. One glance and the avalanche drops; one look and my heartbeat stops," this chorus makes you want to feel something like that without even being sure what it would be that you're feeling. This song draws you in and makes you want to fall in love.

"Portugal" is a more electronic song; the lyrics are kind of cryptic and you're not totally sure what the song is talking about. My favorite part of the song just has the kick drum repeating, piano, and Nick singing; you can really feel the emotion in this song. The backing vocals add more character and makes the song sound even better. There is one part toward the middle of the song that reminds me of AWOLNATION, because it has the same sort of voice changed chanting vocals. "What you don't know now, one day you'll learn. Growing up is a heavy leaf to turn, a heavy leaf to turn," this song is about coming of age and falling in love at a young age. You can relate to exactly what he's singing about and feeling, and that is a beautiful thing that I think you can only really get from music.

Walk the Moon is currently on a US tour, and right now they are doing a lot of different festivals. They put on a great live performance and play amazing music. I have heard only good things about this band. Kevin Ray may need to take some time off in the near future though, because his husband Christopher Whitehall-Ray (lead singer of The Griswolds) is pregnant with their lizard baby- this is a very serious matter that has gone down on the Twitter universe, if you don't know about it educate yourself (it's a joke if you didn't get that). They are amazingly talented and I don't see them doing anything than just getting better and more popular as they continue to make music. 

Walk the Moon's Website
Buy Talking Is Hard