5 Bands You Should Know: June

A post by "Chris Stratton" To see more posts click here

Back for our second installment of 5 bands that you should know, I’ve decided that each month the selections will have a theme besides being bands worthy of some of your ears precious time. This months bands all have new albums dropping this month, not to mention previous cds you should pick up as well. Also, to reward you my readers, I have a gift for you that will change your lives for the better. It’s called iconcertcal, and this free itunes plug-in is a little slice of heaven. It automatically searches all the artists in your library and creates a calendar of upcoming cd releases and concerts in your area. This calendar is able to be exported to your ical and synced with your iphone. If this wasn’t enough, the calendar provides links to purchase the albums from amazon and tickets to the concerts. You can thank me later. Now, without further adieu, June’s bands you need to know:

Dredg

Very few bands possess a sound as unique as dredg. This San Francisco area band combines haunting vocals with technical guitar work and a pulsing rhythm section. Their 2005 release Catch Without Arms was easily one of my top cds of the last 4-5 years. On top of their music, bassist Drew Roulette is an accomplished visual artist who does most of the artwork for the bands albums and their website. If the new single Information is any indication, The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion will be one of my favorite albums of 2009.

Emery

I first saw Emery in 2003 at Virginia Tech in the student center for $2. At the time they were a little bit raw, but there stage show blew me away. Even though they were playing for what could not have been 200 people, they exuded an energy and fire that stayed with me long after their set. Their new single “The Smile, The Face” is an example of just how far they’ve come in just a few short years. This has me extremely excited to get my hands on a copy of …In Shallow Seas We Sail, which hits stores on June 2nd.

The Autumn Offering

This is where things get a little brutal, so be forewarned. This Daytona Beach outfit first caught my attention in 2005 while in college. Their driving sound and technical ability kept them in the car cd player for a little over a month. They fell off my radar for a little while, but thanks to iconcertcal, they are back in a big, big way. Their sound has evolved into a melodic blend of over the top metal goodness and vocal harmony that shows a maturing from the over the top aggression of their first record. Requim is sure to please when it comes out June 9th.

Darkest Hour

Now to prove that I take what readers say to heart and appreciate your suggestions, I give you Richmond’s own Darkest Hour. After last months post, Reader Joe (not Joe that plumber) challenged me to include local, up and coming bands. Granted, the band has been around since 2000 and released 4 albums on Victory Records in that time, but one out of two ain’t bad joe. Besides, I would venture to guess that most people haven’t heard of them. Back to the matter at hand, Darkest Hour are not only super talented musicians, but also happen to be really nice guys. If you spend any amount of time in Richmond, I wouldn’t be all to surprised if you saw one or all of the guys; they’ll probably buy you a beer. Virginia is for lovers……..and metal.

311

Here is my bonus pick for the month because I’m sure that everyone has heard of 311. Being one of my favorite bands though, I could not keep them off of this months list. The release of Uplifter this month marks the 10th studio album in the bands career, and let’s be honest, in this day and age of one hit wonders, that is truly an accomplishment. 311 has maintained its high level of musical quality through the years while managing to give fans a blend of new and fresh sounds and tried and true flavor in every disc. The cd of the summer drops June 2nd and if you haven’t had the privilege of seeing this band play live, than mark your calendars – Nissan Pavilion June 28th.

u do the dishes . . .

Related posts:

1. 5 Bands You Should Know: July
2. 5 Bands You Should Know: May
3. 311 and my Band of Brothers
4. Review: Hippiefest at Wolftrap
5. The Roots Give Up their Day Jobs for Jimmy Fallon
6. Future Band: Introspective
7. Rich and Single in Arlington
8. 5 Artists You Should Know: November
9. Criminal Injustice: Salt Lake City, Utah
10. 5 Artists You Should Know: January

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