Top 10 Artists of 2007
by Dominic Roberts
1. Parkway Drive (http://www.myspace.com/parkwaydrive)
These Aussie geniuses are back with a brand new album and ready to rule
your ears. This band once again worked with Adam from Killswitch Engage
fame (who has also helped produce Unearth and Every Time I Die), and they
are ready for the world to know Parkway Drive. Their new album, "Horizons,"
will hit stores on October 9th via Epitaph Records.
For fans of: Bleeding Through, Killswitch Engage, Unearth
2. How To Start A Fire (http://www.myspace.com/howtostartafiremusic)
For being stuck in West Texas, these guys have combined past talents and
their influences to create an epic sound that transcends the Lone Start
state. Over the years, kids have quoted lyrics from Taking Back Sunday,
Brand New, The Early November, and other such "emo" bands. Get ready to
quote How To Start A Fire. This band is ready to take on the world with
their talent. Their EP, to be released in the fall, will start the flame
for their musical journey.
"I see you drown as I sit on the deck
You are dying and you are swimming away
My hands desperately cling to this raft if you'd just say the word
I'll deliver you"
For fans of: Saosin, The Receiving end of Sirens, Underoath, Matchbook
Romance
3. Memphis May Fire (http://www.myspace.com/memphismayfire)
You have got to admit, it's in. The southern sound is in. But stop, don't
automatically think of Maylene and the Sons of Disaster just yet. Memphis
May Fire brings in a great rock sound with a catchy scream and vocal abilities.
This band has already toured much of America with no record label behind
them. Major labels are not seeing what this band is doing just yet and they
should be scratching their heads when they hear this band.
For fans of: Every Time I Die, Underoath, The Used
4. Baumer (http://www.myspace.com/baumer)
Imagine being on a dark road. The headlights provide hardly any use. All
you can rely on is the bright stars and moon, the city lights on the horizon
and a dance on your mind. With that in mind, think of post-Depeche Mode
meets modern New London Fire or Action Action. Baumer is a band that every
time I listen to them, I am glad I am hearing a band this good. I am upset
that I am not seeing them on MTV or FUSE.
For fans of: Depeche Mode, New London Fire, Action Action
5. The Reign of Kindo (http://www.myspace.com/thereignofkindo)
Hailing from Buffalo, NY, One Eleven Records brings you The Reign of Kindo.
Same band members (minus the past vocalist) as This Day and Age - same label,
different name, different sound. The Reign of Kindo present a newer, jazz
rock sound. The band's vocals can be described as The Fray meets raw styles
of Radiohead. The Reign of Kindo has an orchestral sound to with the talent
to be played over and over again on the radio. Check out their EP when it
hits stores. One song is long enough to be impressed.
For fans of: Radiohead, The Fray
6. Samantha Roberts (http://www.myspace.com/thesamantharoberts)
If Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan had a baby, Samantha Roberts would be the
child. Samantha Roberts has a great indie rock sound. With a not-so-poppy
voice but very calming music, Samantha Roberts presents her powerful lyrics.
She belongs on the big stages at indie festivals and deserves a top spot
on the Billboard 200. Let her words and sound do the magic.
For fans of: Bright Eyes, Bob Dylan
7. Four Year Strong (http://www.myspace.com/fouryearstrong)
If someone told me that pop-punk was dead, I would beg to differ. Pop-punk
is back and going strong. We have been enlightened as of late by Set Your
Goals, I Am the Avalanche, and A Day To Remember. So, where does Four Year
Strong stand? These Massachusetts guys are ready to take on the scene with
their new album, "Rise or Die Young." Four Year Strong have the pop-punk
sound like New Found Glory and Homegrown. But don't be fooled - they also
bring in gang vocals and breakdowns for hardcore fans. I listened to pop-punk
during most of my teen years and even now, in my 20s, the genre is still
taking over. I haven't been this happy listening to a new pop-punk band
since Race The Sun ( R.I.P.). Four Year Strong is on tour with I Am the
Avalanche and soon to be on tour with The Starting Line. In no time, this
band will no longer be a support band and will be headlining national tours!
For fans of: Set Your Goals, New Found Glory, The Movielife
8. The Sound The Silhouette (http://www.myspace.com/thesoundthesilhouettex)
In the 90's / early 2000's, many memorable bands were pop-punk. Blink-182,
FenixTx, The Starting Line, New Found Glory, and so on. For the past few
years, we have seen select bands mellow out or break up to form newer bands
(Angels and Airwaves/+44). The Sound The Silhouette bring back the pop-punk
we have missed. If pop-punk is making a come back, count this trio in.
For fans of: Blink-182, FenixTx, +44, and The Starting Line
9. Secret Lives of the Freemasons (http://www.myspace.com/secretlivesofthefreemasons)
Secret Lives definitely have a post-hardcore sound, with Glassjaw-influenced
styles behind them as well as pop-punk influence. While moving up to Victory
Records, Secret Lives have been gaining the attention they deserve. They
will release a new album soon and are simply ready to take over the post-hardcore
crown.
For fans of: Glassjaw, The Bled, and a blend of pop-punk styles.
10. So Long Forgotten (http://www.myspace.com/solongforgotten)
I always once wanted to be a poet, because I love to speak in front of people.
I have never had the courage to do so until I saw this band perform live.
So Long Forgotten have an intense live set. I asked this band to compare
themselves to other acts and they cited Dredg meets Mewithoutyou. What surfaced
on the top of my mind upon hearing their epic sound were the Christian-influenced
lyrics. I have never been so uplifted and inspired while listening to a
band like this. So Long Forgotten deserves a lot of attention regardless
of their background and lifestyle. Take a chance to listen to some of the
most amazing music I have ever heard.
For fans of: Dredg, Mewithoutyou, Straylight Run, Lydia, Copeland