Whisker-A-NoGo

I have known this band for many years, and they’re f*cking sweethearts.  More than once, I’ve found myself in Denver hanging with these guys, and their counterpart-comrades The Photo Atlas and The Epilogues, and not wanting to leave!  I’ll just go ahead and say it, I totally want to move to Denver. :)

The new self-produced album from the Colorado-natives, American Volume, showcases their well-rounded ability to write, record and release their own content with no hands in their pockets. 

If you were to combine the vibe in Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs, with a touch of Cave In’s older-ambient stuff, you are off to the right start; the guitar tone in their heavier tracks isn’t really the heavy you would expect, it’s more like Incubus’ [newest] tone or something resembling Our Lady Peace.  Oh, and I think you’ll agree with me that the accordion in “Stones & Sticks” was a fine choice.

Here’s where you can check out their new video for “Bar Talk”. 

Rating: 7.4/10

@whiskeranogo

It’s been a long four years since the last album from The All-American Rejects. Following their third release, which received very mixed reviews to say the least, the Rejects have been far from quiet. Playing a summer of Warped Tour, wrapping up tours with Blink-182 and Taking Back Sunday, even doing a jam for Alice in Wonderland,  it’s obvious these four guys have been hard at work. (read the full review here)

The pacing, timing, tempos, and instrumentation of every track make each number stand out. As a result, this is the record that defines The All-American Rejects as more than just a “pop” or “rock” band – they’re here to rock ‘n roll and keep their name, and they sure as hell aren’t about to let anyone stop them. If Move Along got the name in lights, it’s Kids in the Street that ensures The All-American Rejects to be burning bright for years to come.

My rating: 8.0/10  [Contributed by RG]