Listen To This

Written by Craig Will Friday, 18 March 2011 13:00

Welcome to Listen To This. I'm hoping this becomes a weekly, bi-weekly, or at least a monthly column in which I introduce you to music you might not know and should definitely give a chance. I listen to a lot of music and I'm sure there will be artists you're already familiar with and artists that aren't your taste but I'm hoping to cover everything and that you'll be able to pick up something new that you enjoy. The way it works is that I will give you the name of an artist and album (as well as the year it was released), a very quick blurb about the sound/style, and then three tracks to test drive. If you don't like any of the three tracks then this album is most likely not for you.

This week has a theme:

Of all the lead vocalists that put their high-pitched wailing to grinding guitars and pounding drums there are only a few that I truly enjoy. Each of them lead a completely different sounding musical group but each are talented at what they do, creative at how they do it, and very poetic. You can use the MP3 player in the right column to skim through each of these albums.

Chiodos - All's Well That Ends Well - 2005

Craig Owens was at the helm of Chiodos sophomore album and with it's raucous guitar hooks set against the backdrop of haunting keys makes a fantastic melody to rock out to while driving, gaming, or just chilling.

Tracks to check out - All Nereids Beware / The Words 'Best Friend' Become Redefined / There's No Penguins In Alaska

Circa Survive - Blue Sky Noise - 2010

There is not much to say about this album that isn't glowing. Each track touches a nerve with the sincerity and care structured into it and it is obvious that each track charts the feelings and emotions with which it was created.

Tracks to check out - Get Out / Fever Dreams / Frozen Creek

Pierce the Veil - A Flair For The Dramatic - 2007

Like other entries in this article, Pierce the Veil delights with high octave vocals, eerie keys, and fast paced guitars that tickle the ears just right.

Tracks to check out - Chemical Kids and Mechanical Brides / Currents Convulsive / Yeah Boy and Doll Face