PlayRadioPlay!, 'Texas' (Island)
Sincere newcomer's debut out-emos emo bands -- totally!
By Jon Young 05.15.08 3:10 PM
Go ahead, you insensitive bastard -- snicker at uncool Texas teen Daniel Hunter. Sneer at his wimpy voice and laugh at his grandiose synth-and-piano melodies that suggest Céline Dion's reject pile. Roll your eyes when he spouts romantic tripe ("I dream a little bit about the chance of seeing you") or cosmic gibberish ("In the vacuums of space / These feelings are erased").
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Phantom Planet, 'Raise the Dead' (Fueled By Ramen/Atlantic)
Hollywood hunks resurface after The OC, get the bends.
By Mikael Wood 05.15.08 3:09 PM
Now that they're labelmates with Fall Out Boy and Panic at the Disco, you might expect these well-connected L.A. dudes to go new-school emo on the belated follow-up to their 2004, self-titled breakthrough.
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James Pants, 'Welcome' (Stones Throw)
Peanut Butter Wolf protégé's retro beats have a bent charm.
By Mosi Reeves 05.15.08 3:07 PM
The latest weirdo to emerge from Stones Throw's hip-hop factory, this Spokane,
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The Night Marchers, 'See You in Magic' (Vagrant/Swami)
Tireless journeyman uncorks new venture, with less fizz.
By Jon Young 05.15.08 2:57 PM
SoCal greaser John "Speedo" Reis has launched and disbanded his share of bands during the past two decades, most notably Rocket From the Crypt. The Night Marchers follow that band's tried-and-true strategy, intertwining punk, hard rock, and rockabilly, with lively if unsurprising results. Reis' grouchy rasp recalls Graham Parker, especially during outbursts of lust, meaning most of the time.
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Neva Dinova, 'You May Already Be Dreaming' (Saddle Creek)
At least Bright Eyes always put in that extra 10 percent.
By Josh Modell 05.15.08 2:55 PM
There's trying to sound like you're not trying and then there's actually not trying -- Omaha's countryish rockers Neva Dinova do a bit of both on their third album. At worst, chief songwriter Jake Bellows sounds utterly bored by his own compositions: Crazy Horse–style guitars save "Clouds" from total flatness, but the minimal "Tryptophan" admits defeat right in the title.
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Neon Neon, 'Stainless Style' (Lex)
Who knew a dud sports car could be such an inspiration?
By Stacey Anderson 05.15.08 2:53 PM
Because all human triumph begins and ends with Michael J. Fox, the debut collaboration from Super Furry Animals leader Gruff Rhys and eccentric hip-hop producer Boom Bip waxes theoretical about MJF's star-making vehicle. Literally.
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