Hometown: Davison, MI
Genre: Hardcore, Emo, Rock
Sounds like: The Fall Of Troy, From First To Last,
Current Album: All’s Well That Ends Well
Myspace: myspace.com/chiodos
Official Site: chiodos.net

I know I’m sure majority of you are familiar with Chiodos, but I just couldn’t resist writing something about these guys. Leaving in Flint, MI for the past 6 years it wasn’t hard not to hear of Chiodos. Seeing them play locally was a real treat. And now a few years later they have sky rocketed across America. For those of you who have yet to experience Chiodos, I demand that you goto their myspace right now and have a listen. They somewhat spuratic melody changes and massive technicality it their work is hard in itself, and then to make it sound good, they do that perfectly. Craig’s voice layered over top of that just adds to the dazzle. They are currently working on their sophomore album, scheduled to be released this fall, titled Bone Palace Ballet. Until then I’ll continue to rock out All’s Well That Ends Well, three years later.

Framing Hanley has a great sound, but with their intense live shows the band quickly gained a large following in Nashville. In November of 2006 they signed with Silent Majority Group and just finished recording their debut album “The Moment.” Their new album is set to hit stores May 15th and I can’t wait to add this one to my collection. Some of the songs I really liked were Here me know, Home, and a slower track Alone in this bed. If your looking for a another good rock band this is the one.

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Genre: Alternative, Rock, Punk
Sounds like: Roses Are Red, The Audition, Tokyo Rose
Current Album: This Could Be a Possibility
Myspace: myspace.com/valencia
Official Site: valenciamusic.net

After multiple recommendations to listen to this band, I was instantly hooked. If their debut album This Could Be A Possibility didn’t give you the perfect summer feeling I don’t know what does. If you’re looking for a new CD to pop in your car this summer, Valencia has your back. Some of my favorites include Space Between, 3000 Miles, Away We Go. We spring here, it’s only days away from the summer sun.

Hometown: Victorville, CA
Genre: Rock, Post Hardcore, Punk
Sounds like: Senses Fail, The Audition, Scary Kids Scaring Kids
Current Album: Romantic Wealth
Myspace: myspace.com/lorenedrive
Official Site: lorenedrive.com

Lorene Drive has been around for a while and I’m surprised I haven’t heard more about them. They debut album Romantic Wealth is full of energy and rock. Songs such as A Song In The Key Of Sex and Lip Service will definitely get you moving. They’ve been touring, but recently mentioned that they’ve recorded 3 new songs of an upcoming album they look to release later this year.

Hometown: Windsor, ON
Genre: Rock
Sounds like: Crossfade, 10 Years, Breaking Benjamin
Current Album: Exit 674
Myspace: myspace.com/ashesofsoma
Official Site: www.ashesofsoma.com

I came acrossed this band when my girl friend told me about this great band she had stubbled apon. I took a look and found that this band rocks! They will be on tour this summer.

Hometown: San Diego, CA
Genre: Punk, Emo, Post Hardcore
Sounds like: Senses Fail, A Change Of Pace, Endicott
Current Album: A Celebration of an Ending
Myspace: myspace.com/piercetheveil
Official Site:

When I first heard this band they went by a different name. Originally they were called Before Today. In late 2006 Before Today officially change their name to Pierce The Veil, same band, same music style. Their music is full of layered vocal melodies and complex guitar sounds. They signed in 2003 with Equal Vision Records. Pierce The Veil is one of their song titles when they were Before Today. Since changing their name they have release 2 new songs on their myspace. To hear some more of their music check out purevolume.com/beforetoday. Some of my favorite tracks include Failure Is Relative, Enlarge Your Hearts, and Staring At Backgrounds. They are currently working on a new album as an unsigned band. Look out to hear new music from these guys.

Hometown: Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, UK
Genre: Rock, Screamo, Punk
Sounds like: Chiodos, Funeral For A Friend
Current Album: Blackout Blackout Blackout
Myspace: myspace.com/theblackout
Official Site: theblackoutmusic.co.uk

I found this band from an old band I used to listen to, When Reason Sleeps. About 2 years ago When Reason Sleeps broke up and their 2 lead sings each started new bands, The Blackout and The Guns. Personally, I love the power rock of The Blackout. Every song is full of energy and blood curling screams. Their short 7 track EP is amazing, atleast. Some of my favorite tracks include Murder In The Make Believe Ballroom, You And Your Friends vs. Me and the Revolution, and It’s High Tide Baby.

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Genre: Alternative, Rock
Sounds like: Chevelle, Theory Of A Deadman, Breaking Benjamin
Current Album: Head for the Door
Myspace: myspace.com/theexies
Official Site: the-exies.com

The internet is a beautiful thing, and if it weren’t for the internet I would have never discovered this band. The Exies have a strong foundation in every song. They write songs that are powerful and some leave you feeling like you were left on a cloud. At the same time other songs bring you right back to earth. They have three album releases with a fourth coming next month. Some of my favorite songs include Inertia, Hey You, and Kickout.

Hometown: Edmonton, AB
Genre: Rock, Alternative Punk
Sounds like: Green Day, Billy Talent
Current Album: A Year at the Movies
Myspace: myspace.com/socialcode
Official Site: socialcodemusic.com

This band is full of energy. Every song on their album is very catchy and fun. A Year At The Movies, their debut full album is complete. I came across Social Code browsing the internet a while back and I’ve loved them since. Travis, lead vocals, has a deep, sort of raspy voice, but when hits long notes they’re strong. Most of Social Code’s music is upbeat, but they also do have some amazing slow tempo songs that get you singing along in no time. They had a few singles such as Beautiful, Perfect Grave, and Everything Fine. But some of my favorite songs are Cats and Dogs, Flurry, and As Good As It Gets. They have a new self-titled album set to hit stores on May 8th.

Hometown: Lodi/Gatl, CA
Genre: Post Hardcore, Rock, Screamo
Sounds like: From First To Last, Chiodos, Thursday
Current Album: She Watched the Sky
Myspace: myspace.com/askylitdrive
Official Site:

I came across A Skylit Drive, browsing myspace, typical, I know. But after listening to their songs, I was hooked. Their vocal layerings and ear ringing screams show off the dynamics of each song, put together beautifully. They only have a 7 track EP and I’m impressed throughout. I’m anxious to hear more from them in the future. Some of my favorite tracks include Drown The City and According To Columbus.