Music Under Fire

Over the years I have seen actors, comedians, and musicians going by only one name. Now, that doesn’t sound that much of a big deal does it? Well it does. With unique names like Sinbad, Raven, or Fergie, it’s easy to be remembered by your fans. But with an everyday name, it doesn’t really stick out. How can you be a well known musician by only using a generic everyday name? Well, I found a man who could pull it off

Off the streets of New York comes Samuel. Samuel is a singer/songwriter who was born and raised in Manhattan. He is signed by a little independent record label known as Heavy Roc Music. In fact, Samuel is their first signed artist. His real name is Samuel Hindes. Mr. Hindes is currently working his way up on the charts. He currently has over 346 downloads for his hit single “Say Goodbye” on ZShare.net. Samuel has gotten a lot of coverage and has been played on Mark Ronson’s show on East Village Radio in New York.

Samuel writes extremely moving music about romance, heartbreak, forbidden love, and rejection. And with the music and his singing along with these fantastic lyrics, you feel very at ease. His lyrical style is much like James Blunt with songs like “You’re Beautiful” and “Three Wiseman”. Also, the lyrics seem like something Bob Dylan would have written for the album “Blood on the Tracks”. But Samuel’s music and the vibe he sets is much different, and very much his own. This pattern is especially represented in the song “Say Goodbye”. This song is about Samuel pulling a girl’s number at a nightclub. After that, he obsesses of the fact that his infatuation with a girl who is not interested may or may not turn into a successful romance. This song explains the common fear we all have about loving someone more than they love us. You’ll be singing this song to yourself hours after you tune in.

His other songs are titled “I Heart New York”, “Cincinnati”, “Sink or Swim”, and “Shorty is the Shit”. If you ask me, each song is as good as the other. The only other way you would be able to find songs like this is if David Bowie decided to start doing R&B. These songs are catchy, brilliant, touching, and easy on the ears.

MP3: Samuel - Say Goodbye (buy)

Check out Samuel at http://www.myspace.com/samuelmusicnyc. Even though, the MySpace page looks like it belongs to a teenage prankster, there is plenty of good music and info that will have you “hearting” Samuel.

MGMT has to be my favorite, weirdest band of the year so far. I just don't see how its possible to beat them out on the bizarre things that go on around them.

Their latest video "Electric Feel", which has the best groove out of any on the album, features ridiculousness such as that Chuck-E-Cheese bear (2:17 is the moment of zen), glowing ooze, motorcycles blowing up the moon and lots of other things that fit with this song.

Of course, all of this craziness wouldn't have happened without the Internet hype, since this video looks a little better funded than their first one, which is similar to the 3-D "Time To Pretend" video, but nowhere near as fun to watch. If you want to try and find something even weirder, check out their "Kids" video. I'm still trying to figure out the meaning behind the words in that song.

MP3: MGMT - Electric Feel (buy)

Video: MGMT - Electric Feel

The trio from New York City, The Diggs recent release of their sophomore album Ctrl-Alt-Del has been making some noise for the band. Along side one of our favorite songs of the year thus far, "Recovery Forever", their latest is chock full of great songs. We were lucky enough to get a few words from the band about their progression, recording with Rudyard Lee Cullers and what Ctrl-Alt-Del is really all about.

People always are intrigued about band names - your name, The Diggs, seems somewhat straightforward (to us anyway). What are the biggest misconceptions you get based on your face value?

Robert: Oddly enough I didn't think that the name "The Diggs" was ever going to be the permanent. We were never crazy about it, but decided we could live with it for the time being and it just stuck. This was late 2003. After the first EP (2004’s Parahora), we just kind of stopped thinking about it. Now when people write about us, they often apply some sort of pun to the name (which is fine).
Timothy: The name is definitely straight forward and we chose it for that very reason.
Charlie: That we're a hipster band with a gimmick, when we're really just a straight ahead rock band.

How did your debut Commute affect your approach to your second album Ctrl-Alt-Del? What has been done differently this time around?

Robert: I guess we wanted to do something a little different. But really we just started working and writing and Ctrl-Alt-Del is what came out of it. Rudyard Lee Cullers produced the record this time around and I know that helped really set it apart from Commute. We just didn’t want to make the same record twice. Our ambition has always been to progress and grow as a band.
Timothy: The tracking for Commute was way more “These are great songs, lets record them,” while Ctrl-Alt-Del was “Okay, how can we make these great songs really fucking great?”
Charlie: The songs on Ctrl-Alt-Del are much more emotional and draw from some very deep experiences.

Did you find it easier making your second LP once you got your first under your belt?

Robert: I think in some ways. We knew what we wanted and what we didn't. But it’s always hard. You labor over it and obsess over it.
Timothy: For me it was way harder. To begin with, when you are the only guitar player and the only singer on a rock record, you are going to be the one who is in the studio for the most amount of time. Also, when working with a producer who is as hungry and as driven as the band is you are going to be pushed hard. Rudyard Lee Cullers had so many incredible ideas and we tried them all. It was exhausting but I'm thrilled with how the record came out.
Charlie: Yes. It becomes much more fluid.

Your album name Ctrl-Alt-Del is "a way to start over when everything gets messed up or stuck." Were there specific reasons you decided on this album name? When was the last time you wanted to just reboot?

Robert: I think we all had our own personal reasons. For me there were a lot of big decisions I had to make and a lot of things I had to come to terms with in order to make them.
Timothy: For a while I wanted to name the record Brightness Falls after a book that I had read and loved. Ctrl-Alt-Del was the working title of a novel that a friend of ours was working on and we thought it suited the energy of the record perfectly. We stole it with permission.
The last time I wanted to reboot was probably before I started The Diggs when I wasn't writing and playing these songs.
Charlie: I think everyone does either at the end of the day or at some major point in their lives. We all want to move away to the mountains when we realize that we made bad choices.

For a three-man band, you put out quite an energetic, yet sophisticated intermingling array of melodies and rhythms - have you considered picking up a fourth member to expand you possibilities or do you feel you are where you need to be?

Robert: I definitely think we are where we need to be. I think we enjoy the challenge. It is both more complicated and simplistic at the same time. Besides, we get a kick out of playing with a 7 piece band and blowing them out of the water (just kidding).
Timothy: I remember seeing a Yeah Yeah Yeahs show (Bowery Ballroom NYC February 2006) right before Show Your Bones came out and although it was a great show, it bummed me out seeing that they had acquired another guitarist even if it was just for their gigs. We just wouldn't be the same band with a fourth member. I love the simplicity of being in a three piece. Bands have gotten too large in numbers. If you ask me, it’s funny when we're just as loud as they are.
Charlie: No. We like it small and strong. This band always has a few tricks up their sleeves as far as looping and layering goes.

"Brigante" and "Recovery Forever" are two of my favorite tracks from this album, both are equally moving, driven by all three band members equally - where do you see your strengths as a band and what are your personal favorites?

Robert: I think our strengths are that we are all very experienced musicians and really good friends. We all have strong musical personalities and we give each other the room to explore them. As for our personal favorites, they change from week to week but “Recovery Forever” and “Brigante” are always up there.
Timothy: We know how to let music breathe right and we all know what should happen in a song. “Carpal Tunnel” and “Ctrl-Alt-Del” are my favorites on the record.
Charlie: My personal favorite is "And In The End Shoot Back." It's just a beautiful song that builds accordingly. I like how the band automatically orchestrates its parts without any unnecessary doubling (no one steps on anyone’s toes).

I read in an interview from about a year or so ago, that you (Timothy Lannen) were into the "Seattle thing" in the 90s, which made you miss out on all of the popular music from that period. What bands stuck with you and helped you grow as musicians from that period?

Timothy: The thing is those Seattle bands I liked were popular in the nineties. I should have been listening to The Stone Roses first record, The Verve, Ride, and The Pixies. I still listen to Nirvana though.

What have you been up to recently?

Robert: Writing new songs and supporting the new record around NYC. We’re still kicking around the idea of a brief US tour, but only if the situation is right. We’ll be doing a WOXY Lounge Act in the near future which we’re really looking forward to.
Timothy: We're really excited about music these days. We’re considering recording an EP over the summer that would consist of really loud straight forward guitar songs. We’d like to put it out quickly on a site like RCRDLBL or something like that. We just debuted a new song at a show last week at The Delancey in New York City and it went over really well.
Charlie: Working on getting my MA in percussive studies and writing film scores.

When you're not playing music, what do you find occupying your time?

Robert: Making out with my wife.
Timothy: I work at a cafe, read books, cook, and hang out with my lady.
Charlie: I enjoy reading, cooking, cycling, and learning and writing new music.

Thanks again guys for taking the time to answer these questions and best of luck this year.


MP3: The Diggs - Ctrl-Alt-Del (buy)

Check out The Diggs on their MySpace page, buy their album on iTunes or just visit their Official Page.

A little over a year since the release of their full-length debut album, All the Houses Look the Same, Deas Vail is once again recording. Paired with producer Mark Lee Townsend for the second time, the five band-mates from Arkansas are hoping to complete an EP by August and then a full-length album by January 2009.

Honing a optimistic indie rock sound, MusicUnderFire caught interest last year and reviewed their All the Houses Look the Same album. Check out the review here.

Now with their a nifty new web site, the group is providing daily updates and pictures with all that is happening. You can find their myspace.

MP3: Deas Vail - Light As Air (buy)
MP3: Deas Vail - Rewind (buy)

Deas Vail begins touring on June 8 with Nevertheless, Ruth and Wavorly. Tour dates below...

6/8 Trinity UMC Little Rock, Arkansas
6/12 Ichthus Festival (Indie Showcase Stage) Wilmore, Kentucky
6/15 TBA Columbus, Georgia
6/16 Carlson Memorial United Methodist Church La Belle, Florida
6/17 St. Andrews United Church Brandon, Florida
6/18 Murray Hill Theatre Jacksonville, Florida
6/21 Otterville Baptist Church Otterville, Illinois
6/22 The Shelter House Elletsville, Indiana
6/27 The Summit Erie, Pennsylvania
7/3 Cornerstone Festival - 1:00 - (Label Showcase Stage) Bushnell, Illinois
7/4 Cornerstone Festival - 5:20 - (Indie Community Stage) Bushnell, Illinois
7/5 Cornerstone Festival - 4:15 - (Gallery Stage) Bushnell, Illinois
7/8 New Community Church Muskogee, Oklahoma
7/11 The Foundry Omaha, Nebraska
7/12 Main Street Cafe Kansas City, Missouri
9/13 Fort Smith Riverfront Park Fort Smith, Arkansas

Don't be intimidated by seeing Sea Wolf or any other folk rock group live. Sure, the album might be something you listen to when you are winding down late at night but the live shows are their bread and butter.

Prior to the group taking the stage and while Jealous Girlfriends was still mid set, I perused the merch tables to see what was what. Half oblivious to Sea Wolf keyboardist Lisa Fendelander selling her group's stuff, I mentioned to her that I gave the group a 7.9 on my review of Leaves in the River. It wasn't the best thing to say and she responded with, "That's a C". I never thought of it like that. Let me rephrase myself- "If every group rated a 10, where would they go from there. I feel there is room for improvement. I came to the show because I am convinced Sea Wolf is a 10 live." If we at MusicUnderFire gave ratings to this live show, it would be much higher than that 7.9, but we don't.

Sea Wolf

The guys and gals from L.A.'s Sea Wolf hopped on stage a few clicks before midnight and didn't let the hundred-some fans at the North Star Bar in Philadelphia get restless for their 14-song set.

Composed of an uncommon ensemble, they boast six members capable of changing the tempo at any moment. While frontman Alex Brown Church maintains his cool behind the mic, Catherine Odell (cello), Lisa Fendelander (keyboards), Aaron Robinson (guitar/backup vocals), Ted Liscinski (bass) and Joey Fickin (drums) provide more than enough entertainment when called upon.


Sea Wolf opened up with "Song for the Dead", a song struck with a 'wah-wah' strobing vibe from the keyboard and laced with the catchy refrain "move like a tiger into the thicket, claws in the dirt, you'll sing like a cricket...". Next, in "The Cold, the Dark & the Silence" Church really took center stage as his vocals and body language on stage reverberated energy to the bobbing onlookers.

From here, Sea Wolf calmed shortly as they played the guitar-friendly "Middle Distance Runner" before upping the tempo with "I Made A Resolution" and my personal favorite "Winter Windows". This song is the essence of what makes the group such a grand live show due to the stoic ornamentation of the keyboard tuned to an accordion, a long-winding cello, rattling tambourines, the bass-grabbing drums and the sobering lyrics.

With "Neutral Ground" the group once more shifts their tempo to a slower pace. "The Rose Captain" highlights the middle of the show when the padded drum sticks, lulling lyrics and soothing cello all come together in unison. "The Garden That You Planted", "Song of the Magpie" off of the Augusten Burroughs audio book "A Wolf at the Table" and "Black Leaf Falls" all continue this down-tempo sound, although the group moves around and changes their overall sound.

"You're a Wolf" and "Black Dirt" do a 180 as they up this folk rock speed into a steady jog compliments of Aaron Robinson on guitar. A backseat player for many of Sea Wolf's songs due to his complimentary playing with Church, the chipping away he presents on the guitar really spice things up a few degrees.

After Sea Wolf exited the stage a minute or two before 1 a.m., the crowd roared for one more. What we got was two more. Church explained that "Leaves in the River" is a true story from Omaha, Nebraska". With that, he played an almost solo song that features the honest lyrics about a guy and a girl and an intoxicated walk after a Halloween party. This was followed by "The Promise", which is the bonus track from LITR, and fittingly enough keenly closed down the show.

This show was truly amazing. When the tempo on stage switched, Sea Wolf didn't lose any energy as everyone on stage continued to move and sway (even cello player Catherine Odell). Check out their remaining tour dates and keep posted as to when their new EP will be released.

5/30 Paradise Boston, Massachusetts
5/31 Le Cercle Quebec, Quebec
6/1 Le Divan Orange Montreal, Quebec
6/3 El Mocambo Toronto, Ontario
6/4 Fox Theater Detroit, Michigan
6/5 Schuba’s Tavern Chicago, Illinois
6/6 7th Street Entry Minneapolis, Minnesota
6/7 Parkway Theatre Winnipeg, Manitoba
6/9 The Republik Calgary, Alberta
6/10 Velvet Underground Edmonton, Alberta
6/12 Media Club Vancouver, British Columbia
6/13 Lucky Bar Victoria, British Columbia
6/14 High Dive Seattle, Washington
6/15 Doug Fir Lounge Portland, Oregon
6/17 The Independent San Francisco, California
6/19 Echoplex Los Angeles, California
6/20 Casbah San Diego, California

Please pardon any errors I made in naming band members.

Angel Pier has announced that they will be releasing their second EP, Sacrifice EP, on August 9.

After dropping Bullet Holes & Broken Sectors last year, the group caught the ears of music-lovers with "Sprites". A group Hot Press calls "Irelands next break-out success" and NME says sounds like "classic indie pop… pitched between Coldplay, My Morning Jacket & The Killers", Angel Pier should corral a whole new slew of listeners with their newest EP.

We have been fortunate enough to talk to the group as they are preparing for their summer festival stint, which includes the NXNE in Toronto on June 12. MUF interviewed the group before their North American tour in March, which included a layover at SXSW. You can see the interview here.

We also have provided a few 90-second sample mp3s and tour dates below so you can get a feel of their sound and possibly make a show. Enjoy and tell your friends.

MP3: Angel Pier - Pray (buy)
MP3: Angel Pier - Sprites (buy)

6/8 Neutral Bar, Toronto, Canada
6/9 TBA, Toronto, Canada
6/10 Tiger Bar, Toronto, Canada
6/11 Live on Thatradio.com, Toronto, Canada
6/12 NXNE - Maple Music Showcase @ The Supermarket, Toronto, Canada.
8/9 Whelans /w Sanzkrit & TBA, Dublin Ireland
8/23 An Conair bar, Dingle, Kerry, Ireland

Have you ever had one of those 'rainy' days where its not really raining, but you just can't shake whatever it is on your mind? Cut Copy's video of "Hearts On Fire" just about sums that up. Despite not matching the video to the song that well, its more or less interesting to see what your life would be like if you couldn't escape the rain. I mean, really... how would you listen to music while its raining all over you. Your iPod would short out, your computer would defuse itself and you would have water in your ear.

MP3: Cut Copy - Time Stands Still (buy)

Visit Cut Copy's official page/blog for more information on the band or go to their MySpace and befriend them.

Video: Cut Copy - Hearts On Fire

We've been running circles trying to keep up with groups lately. With the summer tours and festivals about to jump full steam this coming week, we present to you one of our showcase groups, Russian Circles.

As a fan of ambient and progressive rock alike, the announcement of Russian Circle's June tour throughout the U.S. nabbed our fancy once more. The three guys who claim their home in Chicago, don't sing and don't want anyone listening to them expecting that either. Their second full-length album, Station (5/07), is off of Suicide Squeeze Records and features six tracks all rigged with their own firepower, whether it be through a lonely guitar or a rock ballad.

MP3: Russian Circles - Youngblood (buy)
MP3: Russian Circles - Death Rides A Horse (buy)

For everyone's enjoyment, we went to Yahoo!Maps and provided a taste of what their tour looks like as well as the tour dates below.


6/3 Picador Iowa City, Iowa
6/4 The Bluebird St. Louis, Missouri
6/5 The Riot Room Kansas City, Missouri
6/6 Marquis Denver, Colorado
6/7 Burt’s Tiki Lounge Salt Lake City, Utah
6/8 Neurolux Boise, Idaho
6/9 Neumo’s Seattle, Washington
6/10 Doug Fir Lounge Portland, Oregon
6/11 Cafe Coda Chico, California
6/12 Slim’s San Francisco, California
6/13 Dance Unlimited Morgan Hill, California
6/14 Glass House Pomona, California
6/15 Troubador West Hollywood, California
6/16 The Casbah San Diego, California
6/18 The Clubhouse Phoenix, Arizona
6/20 Red 7 Austin, Texas
6/21 Lola’s Ft. Worth, Texas
6/22 Rudyards Houston, Texas
6/23 Spanish Moon Baton Rouge, Louisiana
6/24 Bottletree Birmingham, Alabama
6/25 The Drunken Unicorn Atlanta, Georgia
6/26 Local 506 Chapel Hill, North Carolina
6/27 Harmony Grange Wilmington, Delaware
6/28 Middle East Upstairs Cambridge, Massachusetts
6/29 Music Hall of Williamsburg Brooklyn, New York
6/30 The Ottobar Baltimore, Maryland
7/1 Mohawk Place Buffalo, New York
7/2 Magic Stick Detroit, Michigan
7/3 The Ravari Room Columbus, Ohio
7/5 Schubas - 2 Shows Chicago, Illinois

New this week are a few we're quite scared of and a few we're really looking forward to. With a light week of artists to talk about, and summer buzz building for those albums in the near future, let's get right to this.

The Futureheads' This Is Not A World is about as indie rock as it gets in the UK. They will be a sure favorite for us this week. I Love Math (who doesn't?) are another pleasant group if you're into that slowed-down mellow guitar-in-your-backyard sort of thing. Their album is called Getting To The Point Is Beside It.

Also, check out Midnight Juggernauts, a trio whose psychadelic indie will be a nice change pace. Also, 1997, a band named after a year, brings some nice pop/punk to the table. These guys are obviously Dancing With The Devil, just as those daring punk teens are.

Another group you absolutely can't miss is The Lodger. Although I'm not sure what a 'lodger' exactly is, these guys are from the UK and are hard to ignore.

MP3: Midnight Juggernauts - Shadows (buy)
MP3: John Hiatt - Same Old Man (buy)
MP3: I Love Math - Josephine Street (buy)

1997 - On the Run (Official) (MySpace)
36 Crazyfists - The Tide And Its Takers (Official) (MySpace)
Al Green - Lay It Down (Official) (MySpace)
Architecture In Helsinki - Like It or Not EP (Official) (MySpace)
Baker - Bike Ride (Official) (MySpace)
Cyndi Lauper - Bring Ya To The Brink (Official) (MySpace)
Eat Skull - Sick To Death (MySpace)
Eliza Gilksyon - Beautiful World (Official) (MySpace)
Ellen Allien - SOOL (Official) (MySpace)
Free Blood - Never Hear Surf Music Again 12" (Official) (MySpace)
From a Second Story Window - Conversations (MySpace)
H2O - Nothing to Prove (Official) (MySpace)
I Love Math - Getting To The Point is Beside It (MySpace)
Jamies Elsewhere - Guidebook for Sinners Turned Saints (Official) (MySpace)
John Hiatt - Same Old Man (Official) (MySpace)
Mammatus - Mammatus (LP version) (MySpace)
Midnight Juggernauts - Dystopia (Official) (MySpace)
Mount Eerie - Black Wooden Ceiling Opening (Official) (MySpace)
Odd Nosdam - Pretty Swell Explode (Official) (MySpace)
Polaroid - Paint The Town (MySpace)
Since October - This is My Heart (Official) (MySpace)
Steinski - What Does It All Mean? 1983-2006 Retrospective (Official) (MySpace)
Tetuzi Akiyama - The Ancient Balance to Control Death (Official)
The Futureheads - This Is Not The World (Official) (MySpace)
The Lodger - Life Is Sweet (MySpace)
Underoath - Survive, Kaleidescope (Official) (MySpace)
Walter Meego - Voyager (Official) (MySpace)

Back to Johnny Brenda's for the second show in three days provided us with another taste of Philadelphia rock (The Bye Byes, Venomous) as well as a much appreciated headline from the U.K. (Air Traffic).

Venomous


Venomous, which hails from just outside Philly in West Chester, opened without much banter and cleanly roped in my attention. Their combination of garage rock with quick mid-ranged vocals exhibited a firm grasp on their cohesion as a group.

Their lead singer sang in a way that more often than not resembled the wiry style of Thom Yorke where he would soft talk at some points before emphasizing key parts of the lyrics. His presence wasn't the energy on stage for the group though, as the Venomous drummer constantly tapped away at the drums in his head-bobbing fashion.

The highlight of the set came about 15 minutes in when the lead singer put down his guitar and started playing the tambourine for their song "Calm". Clearly the slowest song on their set list, it also turned out to be the favorite of the fans watching as the place became entranced by the longing vocals and the simple, yet hypnotizing, drum beats.

After the group showcased their new song,"Careen", the remainder of the set turned into harder punk rock. This harder part featured a minute-long song complete with every member of Venomous energetically playing up until a hi-hat finish on the drums.

The Bye Byes


Immediately when the guys from The Bye Byes began strumming and activating the stage, a strange euphoria swept over me.

The lead singer said briefly that "We are The Byes Byes", but besides his everyday lyrics in mostly every song, he didn't mutter a word. In fact, the most active guy on stage turned out to be the bassist, who spoke to the crowd between songs and jammed on stage with the instrument that almost always has the most subdued/backseat member play.

It became apparent more and more that the bassist might have a better voice than the lead singer, who writes all the songs, when the bassist provided backup vocals for the lead man and was ultimately the center of attention.

This weird feeling crept over me the whole set, which I can't say I was particularly pleased with. The Bye Byes didn't have a real lead guitar on stage and their use of a keyboard member only kicked in when the songs were dying out or in an interlude. Many of the people in the audience appeared to show up for them though, and I suppose many of the remarks I made might strike some interest in them.

Air Traffic


With Johnny Brenda's packed to hear U.K. alt-rockstars Air Traffic, we waited. Scheduled to go on at 11:30 p.m., the guys didn't appear until close to midnight after their stage-hands had finally set up. What followed everyone in attendance will remember.

Air Traffic opened up with "Never Even Told Me Her Name" as lead singer and keyboardist Chris Wall flawlessly rapped away while swaying on his less-than-sturdy trunk. When the final words were sung of this, "we are here, we are", the ovation began and a buzzing energy coated the room.



Headed by Wall's unique voice and seat in front of a mammoth of a keyboard, the rest of the guys from Air Traffic earn their own respect as well. Tom Prichard (guitar) and Jim Maddock (bass) each moved and worked their respective instruments up and down to the ever-changing tracks the group features. Drummer David Jordan is no exception to the rules either as he switched from a sometimes back-end sound to the forefront.

This flexibility of the group came to full fruition with "Come On" as Wall rotated between the keyboard and lead guitar while Prichard and Maddox each beat the single drum and Jordan played backup keyboard before returning behind the drums. The whole sight on stage can be seen with our video below (will be up soon).

As each song was played the crowd at Johnny Brenda's mimicked the energy as it turned to dance hall with "Charlottle", private showing with "I Can't Understand", before returning to dance hall with "Shooting Star". After the last song echoed in everyone's ears as the clock stuck one, the bar erupted with adulation for the youngsters from England.



One of our favorites in their performance, which we put in our top 50 songs of last year was "No More Running Away" (also featured on an episode of The Hills), which two band members played the drums as Wall played the piano so earnestly. As the tempo picked up, Wall made sure the tempo did not go to fast as he waved the tempo back down. His presence as a leader and frontman for the quartet was obvious throughout the performance. The control and presence of his performance could be felt.

The most stunning thought of the whole night was how small the crowd was that enjoyed Air Traffic play. While in the UK, their shows bring boatloads of fans to their shows, their popularity has not spread to the States (yet anyway), making for a smaller, more intimate show. Regardless of the crowd, their performance was stolid and with a few new songs played throughout their performance, we have a feeling Wall and Co. will be back much sooner, but perhaps next time around, a bigger venue.

MusicUnderFire reviewed Air Traffic's Fractured Life late last year. You can check out the review here.

Perhaps two of the least likely candidates for artists of the year. Both have already shown great leaps and bounds in the music world this year: 1) Philadelphia's own Santi White or "Santogold" as we all know, who's parents even told her she couldn't sing and 2) Fleet Foxes, who are getting more comparisons to My Morning Jacket than there are remixes on the Hype Machine.

So let the games begin - below is the album art for Santogold and Fleet Foxes, one of which I think will be my favorite of the entire year. Sure its still a bit early, but when you get that feeling, there's not fighting it. Which album art is better?

MP3: Santogold - L.E.S. Artistes (buy)
MP3: Fleet Foxes - English House (buy)

Buy Santogold and Fleet Foxes on iTunes!

After clips being shown on several blogs and websites, we waited for the perfect moment when the full version of "Violet Hill's" video would be released. This is no rip-off, fake or false promotion for another band; this is the real deal.

As Coldplay's first release from Viva La Vida, their highly influenced Brian Eno-driven "Violet Hill" single boasts political messages shown throughout, especially since Coldplay released a parody on political world leaders and governmental video shots tuned to their latest single.

MP3: Coldplay - Help Is Around The Corner (buy)

You can now preorder Viva La Vida on iTunes until its release date of June 17th. Also check out their website for updated info on their latest band news.

Video: Coldplay - Violet Hill

They define themselves as country, two-step and trance. I'm not sure how that's really possible, but really when it comes down to it, they're a popular addiction to our UK rock collection.

There are four who make up Assembly Now, the perfect number as far as pop/rock bands go - guitar, bass, vocals and drums. They have a few hooks very comparable to American pop/punk, but that little touch of UK sets their sound over the edge. The band has not released anything since 2007 and the extent of their collection is their Graphs & Maps EP. As of right now, they're back and in the world-renown studio London Bridge, so be sure to expect something from them soon.

MP3: Assembly Now - Magnetic (buy)

If you like these guys, be sure to look them up on iTunes for some more songs, such as "Leigh-On-Sea". Also, check them out on their MySpace page for more updated info.

Video: Assembly Now - Graphs, Maps & Trees

With the premier of "Pork and Beans" (which was free to download not more than a month ago), faithful fans heralded this song sounding like the 'old Weezer' we all wish we could experience for the first time again. Now that we've all heard the 'Pork and Beans" song itself, the complimenting video is now released as of yesterday (May 23rd).

On our first glimpse, it has everything a loyal YouTuber and Weezer fan would love. That dramatic look, light sabres, cartoons, Nintendo, 155 shirts, computer nerds, lab coats, Miss South Carolina, K-fed ridiculous 'Popzao' studio peek, some crafty hand movements, kung-fu, men in wigs, red shoes, Peanut Butter Jelly Time, rainbow socks and more light sabres. Could this be the greatest music YouTube video of the year? We're thinking... yes?

MP3: Weezer - Surf Wax America (buy)

If you're still waiting it out to listen to the full Weezer 'Red Album', they've been doing a weekly video on their iMeem page. You can see one of their episodes below.

First off, we at MusicUnderFire would like to thank all of the military men and women who gave their lives while in the line of duty. We salute you.

I think this weekend means more to working adults than it does to kids. Sure, the pool opens with its 55 degree water and a little bit colder Italian ice, but for the rest of us, it is all about heading to the beach/lake and dusting off our Jimmy Buffett albums while concocting some heathen brew of utmost delight. We did not forget the all-important grilling out as well.

If any of you do recall, it is this weekend when the roads also start jamming up with our unfaithful 4:00 p.m. departing work comrades, so even when you do leave a few minutes before 5, you won't be heading anywhere fast.

Lastly, for guys and girls alike, we all get to see who has lost their winter coat and chiseled up for the season ahead. Enjoy the list and if you have any suggestions I would like to hear them. Sorry, I know Sublime and Bruce Springsteen are favorites, but they just didn't work for this mix. For a chuckle and old time's sake, I placed Andrew W.K. at the top of this list...

MP3: Andrew W.K. - Party Hard (buy)
MP3: Dirty on Purpose - Girls and Sunshine (buy)
MP3: The Dodos - The Season (buy)
"We do this for the season."
MP3: MGMT - Weekend Wars (buy)
"And you might have to plan for the weekend wars."
MP3: The Submarines - Swimming Pool (buy)
MP3: Architects - Jersey Shore (buy)
These guys play "Jersey Shore" the way it should be played.
MP3: Modest Mouse - March into the Sea (buy)
MP3: Weezer - Island in the Sun (