What's Left Of The Trees - Where There's Water, There Must Be Shore [2010]

Absolute Punk's Free Music Friday is a godsend. I've found some awesome local groups from it and this is one of them. What's Left Of The Trees is a two-man group that has been kicking my musical ass for the past few days. The sound is reminiscent of Portugal. the Man's Church Mouth as well as As Tall As Lions and I'm loving it. Southern-ish but also soulful, it's kinda difficult to describe but also really familiar. The singer's vocals are pretty different from a lot out there, it's normal at some times then every now and again he'll do some vibrato-sounding bits as well. Really this is one that's kinda hard to critique but super fun to listen to and addictive. Support local music, yo.

Also, I'll have my download up as well as the band's bandcamp link in case you'd rather DL it from there (so they can have an accurate download count).

Genre: Indie
For Fans Of: Portugal. The Man, As Tall As Lions, Circa Survive
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Wake Me! You're Not Waking Me!
2. Always Was
3. As Long As We're Being Honest
4. All That Gold
5. Sugar And Brass


Bandcamp

- A

Neon Trees - Becoming Different People [2006]

Alright well I'm about to pass out, but I feel like I haven't posted much so this is gonna be quick. Normally I dismiss anything with the word "electronic" in it, since that (to me) implies repetition and preloaded songs, no need for talent. But Neon Trees was different. Synth lines flowing over singer Tyler Glenn's voice while a dancy backbeat plays behind them, it kept (and still keeps) me entertained and I fell in love. Unfortunately, the newer (and more popular) releases by these guys aren't nearly as good, but there's always this gem. "Tidal Waves" is arguably my favorite rock-out-in-my-undies tune. Just give it a listen.

Genre: Electronic Party Rock
For Fans Of: (I dunno, but according to iTunes) Animal Kingdom, The Whigs, The Killers
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Friendly Fire
2. Phones
3. Up Against The Glass
4. Tidal Waves
5. Souvenirs
6. The Morning Becomes Electric


-A