Kings of A&R

If I could only use one word to describe The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus’ major label debut it would be “relevant.” Not many albums come out these days that can cross demographic borders without some level of selling out, however ’Don’t You Fake It’ does so with a professionalism beyond the young band’s years. Strongly rooted in power pop, but certainly not oblivious to other genres, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus have created an impressive album of hook-laden rock, leaving even the most jaded critics hard-pressed to find error. The band jumps from arena anthem to mainstream radio hit to power ballad to a nearly 8-minute prog-core epic without missing a beat or breaking a sweat. This album hits on all cylinders, musically, vocally and lyrically with David Bendeth’s production pulling out the absolute best in front man, Ronnie Winter’s composition. The public and critical response since the release of ‘Don’t You Fake It’ has been overwhelmingly positive, promising a very bright future for this KOAR alumn. (4.7/5)

• Hear ‘Don’t You Fake It’ in it’s entirety

Rarely do albums come along that contain such matter-of-fact honesty and stark revelations that they have the ability to completely gut the listener. When these albums do come along, it is rare that they will be able to musically appeal to a large audience, having the prowess and diversity to call on an array of influences and be accessible to any that lend an ear. But it’s also rare for a band to be dropped by their major label and then picked back up, so I suppose Blue October are simply put, a very rare find. Their latest effort ‘Foiled’ does what any Blue October fan thought was impossible. It has completely surpassed all previous work and marked a new phase for the band, finally bringing some closure to the anguished frontman. Foiled ends the story we’ve been avidly following and starts a new one, while creatively reaching heights previously unthinkable. Musically intricate, intimate and interesting, Foiled will surely be landing on many ‘Best Of’ lists. (5/5)

Danko Jones’ new album ‘Sleep Is The Enemy’ made my stereo ooze so much testosterone it impregnated my television and started a fight club with my xbox. While it has the depth of a shot glass, Sleep Is The Enemy is filled to the brim with fist pumping, sing-along, balls out rock anthems of aggressive machismo. Recently having their song ‘Baby Hates Me’ featured on WWE’s Wrestlemania 22, Danko Jones are solidifying their place in the angst-ridden broken hearts of beer swilling men everywhere and no doubt winning over some ladies along the way. (3.6/5)

Nathan Asher and The Infantry are like an exceedingly more tolerable version of Bright Eyes or Ryan Adams with all the brilliance of reflective singer/songwriter rock without the obnoxious pretension. Drawing more similarities to classic heartland rock greats like Bruce Springsteen or Rhett Miller, Nathan Asher and The Infantry’s latest effort Sex Without Love has all the makings of an indie/underground hit with the accessibility for mainstream success. No matter your taste in music, a great song is a great song is a great song, and Sex Without Love has more than a couple of them. (4.95/5)