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This Poughkeepsie, NY band has been garnering a lot of buzz lately. Their debut album Crazy Is The New Cool is available on May 6th at Smartpunk.com.

AP Magazine (June Issue) says Crazy Is The New Cool is “very layered and complex for a pop-rock album, with biting lyrics that repeatedly attack the current state of the music scene.”

They are currently booking their summer tour and will be playing on Friday, May 2nd at the Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie, NY. The show is currently sold out and is presented by Glamour Kills Clothing, Jeff Menig, and The Daily Chorus.

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The sky was cold-fire sunrise, the clouds alive in wild paint,
but all of it blurred in the dynamite crescendo.

Reading Richard Bach’s brilliantly illustrative turns of phrase in Illusions, it is almost impossible not to be moved by the vivid imagery he uses in the exercise of his craft. So, in kind, it seems only fitting that one of music’s most promising young groups find the inspiration for its moniker in the words of such a talented writer.

In fusing together transplants of Terminal and Goodbye Tomorrow, Alive In Wild Paint’s four members (frontman Travis Bryant, guitarist Matt Grabe, bassist David Roat, and drummer Austin Wilson) are certainly no strangers to the music industry. And while you might think this could grant carte blanche access to success in the biz, the band has faced plenty of adversity on the way to release their Equal Vision debut, Ceilings. Whether it be roster shuffles, release date backpedaling, or even van theft, the guys still seem to have somehow come out stronger on the other side. “We’re at a very good place, both musically and in our relationships with each other,” says Roat. Through it all, the collective’s strong work ethic and perseverance has prevailed, as David reminds us all, “You have to look at the big picture though, and have faith that your hard work and creativity will have some reward in the end.”

So alas, while the turbulence leading up to the unveiling of Ceilings might lend itself to a natural sort of anger or bitter undertone in the band’s music, Alive In Wild Paint instead so coolly convey a disarming sort of tranquility. Centering around Bryant’s breathy, angelic croon, the band weaves together a set of calming expressions that are the perfect tonic to relieve the stresses of everyday life. Whether it be in the dancing pizzicato of the record’s title track, the subtle, minimalist instrumentation on Traffic, or the haunting piano balladry of Forecasting, Alive In Wild Paint skillfully prove they have a handle on the softer side of things. However, it is just as plain to see that the collective is far from a one-trick pony. Discussing the work as a whole, Roat explains, “Ceilings is a very diverse record, and I think that’s a big highlight of the album. It showcases our ability to demonstrate different sides of our songwriting.” And this is exceedingly evident in kind - the lush drama of Crystal Selves, the driving rock pulse of Sleep With Your Soul In, the sweeping majesty of the re-imagined A Vespertine Haunting, or a host of others. The end result is a record that is varied, yet cohesive - indeed the best of both worlds.

With Alive In Wild Paint hailing from sunny Arizona, and Ceilings being a thoughtful expression of accessible indie rock helmed by mega-producer Mark Trombino, it makes perfect sense to indulge in comparisons to Jimmy Eat World’s Clarity. And while the band acknowledges those parallels, their debut draws from a much wider base than just its hometown heroes - Snow Patrol, Counting Crows, Nada Surf, Radiohead, Blonde Redhead, The Cardigans. It makes sense to take cues from such a broad spectrum of music’s finest when making a record like Ceilings - a record inspired by “the idea of creating songs that could be in film.” It’s not a stretch, though, since the scope of Ceilings succeeds in matching its ambition. You could say that is attributable to any number of factors, but above all, it seems that the group has always remained grounded in the importance of perseverance. Looking back, Roat reflects, “I’m sure we all faced our own personal doubts and fears from time to time, but our passion always outweighed any idea of giving up.” And when listeners have a chance to bask in the mastery of Alive In Wild Paint’s debut, they couldn’t be happier it has come to fruition.

www.aliveinwildpaint.com
www.equalvision.com

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Cue the Doves have been pushing music forward for almost 3 years now, and in that time have accomplished what most bands only dream about.

Their first full length album, Architectures of the Atmosphere, was critically aclaimed by album critics across the globe including AP Magazine who gave the album a 4 out of 5 stars.

Started by lead singer Ryan Von Bergen and guitarist Jon Berndtsen (formerly of the Beautiful Mistake) in late 2004, Cue the Doves have toured through most of the country and have shared the stage with bands like 30 seconds to Mars, Saosin, Circa Survive, As Tall As Lions, Senses Fail, Emanuel, Dropping Daylights, Kaddisfly, the Used, Chiodos, Aiden, and Evaline.

Cue the Doves is rounded out by drummer Jake Quam, guitarist Greg Burmeister, bassist Nate Bond, and the newester member of CTD, keyboard player/programmer Justin Miske. They have just finished recording their much anticipated second full length album, Stabilizing Vitals due out in spring of 2008. It’s already recieved several great reviews.

Now six members strong, and gaining more speed and momentum than ever, Cue the Doves promises to be around a long time, and to always try to open people up to a unique sound, and to always push music forward.

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This whole thing started with two former band-mates (Andrew & Adam) who had toured together (Halfway To Nowhere) and released a couple of albums on an indie (PopSmear). After that group dissolved the two found themselves on opposite sides of California but still in contact. In early 2007 they started sending demos back and forth while immersed in their separate bands (Hopefield & Hardly Formal), and soon over two dozen songs had made their way across the web.

In the summer of 2007 the timing was perfect and the two began work on an EP, spending two weeks in a house obsessively creating and living off of frozen pizzas. They invited some friends to collaborate and soon the work was done. The music speaks for itself- a nod to the big, ethereal music of the decades past that stirs the emotion in your chest, reminding you of a memory or a feeling, combined with the pounding pulse of modern flair. Music that doesn’t sell itself short. World, meet Brave Citizens. (Taken from their myspace page)

Press:
“amazing music…stirs your emotions” - BandNation + Interview

“This undeniably handsome (man crush!) duo churns out moody, dark, indie pop that’s hard to dislike. Slightly dancy, slightly naughty and very good; Revolutions is all these things. Clear your bellies and allow me to cram Brave Citizens down your throat. In a good way, of course…This album comes with just about my highest recommendation”. - AbsolutePunk

“…great, catchy edgy rock songs that is a complete rarity these days” - Subversive Productions Blog

“…dances around in the space where Interpol doesn’t exactly end and A.F.I. hasn’t exactly started…I enjoyed it immensely”- Independent Clauses Magazine

“After the digital release of its stadium rock-filled EP “Revolutions,” Brave Citizens has gained the attention of students and blogs around the nation.”- New University + Interview

“This band has big shoes to fill. And I mean big. Brave Citizens becomes our third band to enter the Top Ten [Top Unsigned List], while playing one show or less. Who were the other two? They were The Maine (Fearless) and Forever The Sickest Kids (Universal Motown). BC can make a national statement like those two before them. The positive vibe and smoothness of this band is really uplifting. Look for this band to get scooped up early. Their music can capture the teenage listener to the 30-something.”- The Daily Chorus

“The result of all these sensations and the devotion of a duo made in heaven is Revolutions; a diamond in the rough” (4 stars)- SomethingPunk.com + Interview

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The Green Trees Band are a rock-and-roll four-piece from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their post-folk pyschadelia simultaneously conjures Brian Wilson and that place slightly beyond the Milky Way. The band formed after the breakup of Lines Leading North—an indie outfit from Harrisburg—with drummer Rob Wildes, bassist James Massell, and singer/guitarist/songwriter William Smyth picking up guitarist Kinsey Rice to tour the east coast and record Old Leaves, the group’s most recent EP. These days the GTB are moving beyond their early Rolling Stones influences to find their own songwriting muses (think: skeletons, heads in clouds, lots of dirt).

 “Full Moon Smile” and “Holiday”, the two most recently available Green Trees tracks, show the band adding horns, keys, and tighter harmonies to their already honest and rootsy sound. Head over to their myspace page (www.myspace.com/thegreentreesband) or check them out at one of the seedier bars in eastern Pennsylvania. They’ll bring the monsters out from under your bed.

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ATTICA! ATTICA! is the music of Aaron Scott, singer of MARATHON and DE LA HOYA. A!A!’s debut full length record, entitled “Dead Skin/Dried Blood” is available now at Interpunk or at Smartpunk.

Since Marathon’s breakup, Aaron has been traveling the country on his own, writing songs on buses and trains, then circling back to the Northeast to record his ideas. With the help of close friend and producer Chris Antal, Aaron committed these songs to tape in Ithaca, NY, over the course of a year. The result is a collection of American music, stolen from the coffers of folk, punk, country, and rock. This is an album of intense beauty, with songs as challenging as they are fascinating. Aaron’s unique and versatile voice conducts an orchestra of strings and percussion, intertwining pianos with cellos and guitars with accordions. A pen deft enough for bumpy rides on unknown roads guides his musical machinations, and Aaron incorporates these experiences in a vivid mix of fantasy and reality. His lyrics continually return to matters of motion and action, with a thoughtfulness that can only come from someone with soles as ragged as his. If you like an unpredictable journey, it’s time to get on board.

Contact: aaron@atticaattica.org

Related links:
Attica! Attica! on Purevolume
Chris Antal
Marathon (Aaron’s old band)
De La Hoya (Aaron’s old old band)

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One Small Step For Landmines has a nifty habit of cranking out angular-yet-driving guitars lines and unforgettable melodies, building massively catchy songs around jazzy, rapid-fire drums and a propulsive bass line. This Florida three piece is dynamically compelling as they are unpredictable and explosive. The band’s debut full-length will see a September 11th release from Civil Defense League, the Doghouse imprint created by Sparta front man Jim Ward.

“I’m glad we don’t have air conditioning.” It’s an odd statement for the drummer of a band from Florida to make. At any point in the year the weather conditions are less then desirable and the inability of the band’s rehearsal space to provide consistency could factor into the music they are trying to create. With One Small Step For Landmines the inconsistency actually BECAME the music. When it’s hot you sweat, when it’s cold you shiver, all of these knee-jerk reactions translate into the honest approach the band took to writing it’s debut album. None of the three members arrived at the first rehearsal with any material or preconceived notion of what the band should be or should become. August Hansen merely sat down behind his drum set and began hashing out the opening section of what would become ‘Anybody Out There’.

Within minutes Steve Leacock had hammered down the Motown-infused bass line for the song and Kevin Allen would fill out the arrangement with effected angular guitar work and a vocal melody. At the end of this initial meeting the three had a song on their hands and that’s what weighed in more then anything on the progress of the project. The ability to write, record and share their music with others without limitations, without outside opinions, in the most honest way possible is the driving force behind One Small Step For Landmines and a characteristic that sets them apart from their peers and contemporaries.

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Deas Vail is a band signed to Brave New World Records, the pet label of producer Mark Lee Townsend (Relient K, O.C. Supertones, Jennifer Knapp).

Noted for having musical similarities to Death Cab for Cutie and Muse, Deas Vail was formed in the sleepy University town of Russellville, AR in 2003.

After a couple of years of touring, Deas Vail signed to Brave New World Records in 2005. In the fall of 2006, they released the Collapse EP. Sales for the EP through touring alone exceeded 2,500 units. Deas Vail toured across the nation with artists such as John Reuben, The New Frontiers, and The Tide. In late 2006, the band entered the studio again with producer Mark Lee Townsend to finish their first indie label LP, All the Houses Look the Same. The album was nationally released on March 6th, 2007 and featured in magazines such as Alternative Press (magazine), Relevant Magazine, and Hard Music Magazine. The album is available in stores such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Amazon.com, and Target. (SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA)

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www.myspace.com/amestory

Spin
“Amestory took three years to write the music for their debut album, which isn’t such a long time considering it was spent building a bridge between indie rock, emo, melodic pop, and chamber music. The brainchild of California-based artists Mike Russell (vocals, guitar) of Respira, and Doug Prior (piano), Amestory — which also includes J.D. Knotts (drums, slide) and Derek Coburn (bass) — now seamlessly leaps between meticulously-constructed haunting orchestral sounds and minimalist rock. With alternately somber and dubiously optimistic lyrics layered over evocative instrumentals, Amestory’s self-titled debut begs to be listened to while contemplating that failed relationship as the rain pounds on your window…”

Entertainment Weekly Online
“The song ‘Constants’ by Amestory has everything you could want in an indie rock song: piano, violin, ethereal synths, a plucky acoustic guitar, and, most important, raspy melancholic vocals. Yeah, he sounds a little like Jeremy Enigk , but nowadays, who doesn’t? Expect to hear it when/if Ryan and Marissa break up on The O.C.”

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Pittsburgh, PA powerpop rock quartet Victory Lane has one goal in mind; writing and performing songs at an extremely passionate level.

Victory Lane’s story begins when Jason Romanus (guitar/vocals) and Jimi Romanus (bass) were joined by long time friends Pat Dee (drums) and Ben Armstrong (guitar/vocals) in the Fall of 2004.

Victory Lane spent the latter half of 2005 and first few months in 2006 writing close to 30 new songs. In March, the band headed 15 hours westward to Eudora, Kansas to record its latest effort at the infamous Black Lodge Studios (Motion City Soundtrack, The Get Up Kids, Houston Calls). The outcome is a five song EP full of hook driven choruses, well-developed emotional lyrics, and songs fit for radio airplay. The newest batch of songs shows how far the band has grown in the past year since the release of its April 2005 full-length album, LISTEN AND BELIEVE.

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