The name Sleepsound doesn’t lie, as “Leaves Change” is a six-song collection of falsetto vocals, lingering chords, and dreamy arrangements. The band’s organic feel is its strength, but when it once strays with electronic beats on “One Last Time,” it doesn’t work. It fixes itself quickly with a pacing acoustic drum beat, and the song begins to sounds whole. Singer Geoff Register delivers with an optimistic laziness that perfectly complements the meandering pace of the album. The vocals stand at the forefront, quite possibly a result of Register mixing the album, but it’s the right idea, as he eases from song to song and gives them life. A definite highlight is the title track’s chorus, as Register earns his namesake, moving from one register to another seamlessly. The album’s closer, “Sometimes I Ride,” best shows the band in its element by first lulling the listener into comfort, then charging the tempo up a bit, all to just calm everything back to normal. Sleepsound shows real promise as a band able to combine a sense of beautiful hope and precise songwriting. Although not groundbreaking, “Leaves Change” is proof of a band that is comfortable with what it is, and does it does well.

Review by: Drew Kincius

Luna Halo’s first effort after departing the Christian music world showcases the Barlowe brothers and company plowing through eleven tracks of happy melodies and hummable vocals. “Kings and Queens” and “Untouchable” kick start the album with high bursts of pounding rhythm and catchy riffs, as this driving momentum shows initial promise. But starting with the album’s next track “Medicate,” things turn in favor of the bland and usual. The rest of the album is littered with slow ballads and lackluster rockers. The tracks have a definite polished feel, and the band is professional with their delivery and efficiency. But what makes the album worthy of some minor toe-tapping is its ultimate undoing, as the majority of the music fails to venture from the usual pop formula of verse/chorus/verse/bridge/send us home. Nothing here is miserable, but a lack of a true pop gem is evident. It’s a recording surrounded in safety – safe lyrics, clean guitars, short arrangements – and for those wanting a “follow the straight and narrow” pop album, this self-titled sophomore release is your ticket. Luna Halo have claimed to have left the Christian world behind, but nothing about this release, besides the absence of any outright religious lyrics, would care to state otherwise.

Review by: Drew Kincius

Making their way out of the vibrant music scene of Long Beach, Calif., The Valley Arena is adding even more color to the already diverse landscape with the release of their second LP, Sesso Vita. Playing as a modern-day, post-punk opus, this album swells with distortion-heavy irreverence that still retains its dexterity as the voices of the band’s duo vocalists steadily and sweetly soar over top all ten exceptional tracks.

Review by: Kelsey McArdle

If there is one thing that singer/songwriter Fred Thomas fails in doing, it is writing a song that doesn’t infinitely drip with ear-catching melody that many fellow songwriters could only ever dream about creating. Evoking the likes of Morrissey and Belle and Sebastian, but with what some have described as a “Motown twist” for its adaptation and intricate execution of pure pop sensibilities, his band, under the moniker Saturday Looks Good To Me, has crafted a gem of an album that will keep toes tapping and faces grinning well throughout its 11 oh-so-lovely tracks.

Review by: Kelsey McArdle

There is no denying the fact that passion alone keeps alive music’s current hardcore scene, and if any band is here to prove they keep that drive alive and well, it’s California’s very own The Warriors. On their newest album, Genuine Sense of Outrage, the band channels that fire into every song as they blast through 12 adrenaline-fueled anthems that take hardcore’s usual conventions and bend them to their will. With breakdowns and blast beats abounding, this ferocious effort undoubtedly kicks and screams in all the right ways.

Review by: Kelsey McArdle

The UK has always been a hotbed of musical genius, and it may have just produced its newest sensation. Hailing straight out of the bustling Glasgow music scene, the three members of Frightened Rabbit have made their way to the front of the herd with their own blissfully unique style. Their newest album, Sing the Greys, includes a beautiful assortment of songs, ranging from jangly mod-rock to luminous acoustic-driven ballads that shake and shift and stand to confirm this band’s bright future.

Review by: Kelsey McArdle

Kimon's, Songs of the Revolution album has a definite old rock sound to it. The instrumentals on the album give it a Blues feel, while lead vocalist Kimon resembles the slow rock voice of artists such as Tom Petty. Overall, this album is a little slow to warm up to, but after a couple of listens and a better understanding of its politically influenced lyrics, it starts to grow on you and gets better.

Review by: Sally Niezer

The former DJ of Cypress Hill knows how to put it down while emcee Sick Jacken knows how to raise it up. The songs on The Legend feel like a throwback to Company Flow's Funcrusher Plus lyrically, often dealing with political, theological, and post-apocalyptic themes about consequence. The beats are equally dense, frequently incorporating bits of narration, guitars, thick drums, and whatever else adds to the motif of each song. Muggs proves that he's still relavant in hip hop with this album.

Review by: Olaolu Jegede

The latest Underworld album is a largely enjoyable blend of house, vocals, and techno. While the album sometimes enters dance music territory, many of the tracks remain slower with greater emphasis placed on orchestral-sounding arrangements and vocals touches. These vocals help compensate for some beats that may not have been interesting and varied enough to stand on their own. Had the album featured more songs that defied the house or techno standard, Oblivion could have been a lot better.

Review by: Olaolu Jegede

Creative and fascinating. Pure and simple. Ravens & Chimes integrate some interesting composition choices in contrast to the graceful harmonies of the lead singer and the female vocalist. A high pitched piano rings out over the intricate and high energy drums, while the almost speech like vocals lead the band.

Review by: Hanna Dillon