If you haven’t heard already, Brand New’s fourth full-length “Daisy” has leaked a solid three weeks before it’s September 22nd release date (don’t worry, I already pre-ordered it). Having only heard the underwelming single “At The Bottom” let me say that Daisy is everything I thought it wouldn’t be.

I stayed up way later than I should have delving through Daisy three times before I retired to sleep a mere four hours before I had to be at work, so I’m a little tired. However, the jaunting kick-off track “Vices” has been doing everything it can to co-team with my cup of joe to keep me from fallin asleep right now.

“Vices” is the dark introduction to a stunningly DARK, DARK album. The track kicks in with an old hymn and after about 90 seconds, the mayhem begins. Out of tune piano keys fall, guitars kick in and Lacey begins shredding his vocal chords. As the guitars slide up and down, it almost sounds like Lacey is being possessed. I’ve yet to hear a song released this year that has made me crawl inside with euphoric giddy school-girl excitement like “Vices” did the first time I heard it.

It sounds like the band weren’t kidding when they titled 2006′s The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me, it also sounds like the devil won out.

MP3:: Brand New – Vices

Lydia’s Illuminate is a pleasant surprise. With dense layering, and male and female vocals that perfectly compliment eachother, Illuminate shows leaps and bounds of progression from their debut. Check it out because all the hype is warranted. Illuminate is poised to be the soundtrack to the upcoming warm season.

Lydia @ myspace
Lydia “Stay Awake”

city and colour is the solo project of alexisonfire vocalist dallas green. i never got into any alexisonfire albums and didn’t even really like his debut solo record, but his new album “bring me your love” has really surprised me thus far. it’s hard to make it in the singer/songwriter genre these days. it can be a dangerous genre, generally full of pretentious hacks, but there is a small percentage that just have some sort of natural ability. dallas green is definitely one of those few exceptions. bring me your love is full of some of the most gorgeous heart bearing song writing i’ve heard on an acoustic album this year. check out my favorite track from the disc below

city and colour @ myspace
mp3: city and colour – “the girl”

Finally got a hold of the much anticipated debut from Colour Revolt. I caught these guys last time they came through SLC back in December, where they played in a small garage for a handful of people. I believe this album will put an end to that.

“Plunder Beg and Curse” will be released on April 1st through Fat Possum Records, be sure to grab a copy. I’ve heard alot of negative first impressions, but dont be fooled, Plunder Beg and Curse contains some of Colour Revolts best moments. I can’t seem to get enough of the triple guitar assaults that Colour Revolt pulls off throughout the album. Vocalist Jesse Coppenbarger accents the songs with one of the most dynamic vocal performances i’ve heard so far this year. Don’t miss out on this, a preorder hasn’t been announced yet, but I’ll keep you guys posted.

Colour Revolt Tour Dates:

Mar 8 2008 8:00P	Juanita’s	Little Rock, Arkansas
Mar 9 2008 6:00P	Harlequin Alley	Shreveport, Louisiana
Mar 10 2008 6:30P	Union Court	Norman, Oklahoma
Mar 12 2008 8:00P	Walters on Washington	Houston, Texas
Mar 13 2008 8:00P	SXSW	Austin, Texas
Mar 14 2008 8:00P	SXSW	Austin, Texas
Mar 15 2008 8:00P	SXSW	Austin, Texas
Mar 29 2008 7:00P	Dickinson College	Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Apr 3 2008 5:30P	Thacker Mountain Radio	Oxford, Mississippi
Apr 5 2008 4:00P	Smith-Wills	Jackson, Mississippi

Colour Revolt on Myspace
Download MP3: “Swamp”

the scene up in washington never seems to amaze me, i can only imagine what it must be like to live up there. the seattle-area is home to some of my favorite acts including forgive durden, gatsbys american dream, this providence, and now kay kay and his weathered underground.

you may be familiar with gatsbys american dream (currently on hiatus.) GAD bassist, kirk huffman has been on a roll this past year, starting his own label (bombs over bellevue) as well as starting two of the most exciting new acts i’ve heard recently: wild orchid children, and kay kay and his weathered underground.

kay kay just announced their vinyl only release of their self-titled studio debut. the pre-release comes with a free digital download and can be found right here.

there are only 1,000 copies being pressed, so i would recommend getting one before these guys blow up. on first impression, this album does not dissapoint. kay kay have a knack for flawlessly orchestrating BIG, BIG songs. For some reason, this album reminds me alot of Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, whether it be be the music or the album art (which is really cool as well).

bottom line, dont miss out on these guys.

kay kay on myspace
download mp3: “night of the star childs funk”