1.

Dead Sara
Self Titled

This four piece rock band from L.A. gets the gold this year, with their stunning self-titled debut album.

The first time I heard lead single “Weatherman” on the radio, it gave me chills. The kind of chills you only get when music just gets under your skin and makes you feel like it’s what has been missing from your life. Needless to say, I had to know more about this band. So I picked up the album and was completely floored to find that every single song was just as good (if not better than) “Weatherman”.

Vocalist Emily Armstrong could have been the love child of Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain. Her range is nothing short of legendary and she can howl with the best of them. Guitarist Siouxsie Medley nearly steals the spotlight from Armstrong, with her amazing skill. From the heart pounding chaos of “Monumental Holiday” to the stark, stripped down “Sorry For It All”, this album is simply incredible. One of my favorite tracks, “Face to Face”, a lovelorn confession, has the best climax I’ve ever heard in a song. Skip to around 3:00 and listen from there.

There is not one bad track on this diverse album. “We Are What You Say” is a rock anthem about never giving up. “Timed Blues” is a folksy classic rock-sounding track that really showcases Medley’s talent. “Test On My Patience” is another of my favorites, with exceptional lyrics (“I’m in love, I’m in love, no I’m not, oh my God, I’m a liar I can taste it.”)

My only complaint about this album is that it’s too short. I’m so excited to hear what’s next from them and I can’t wait to see them live. They’re about to go on tour with Muse in 2013, which I hope will expose them to many more people. If any band ever deserved fame and fortune, it’s Dead Sara.

2.

AWOLNATION
Megalithic Symphony

The first time I listened to this album, all I could think was that I couldn’t believe how versatile they are. I had only heard “Kill Your Heroes” on the radio, so I was expecting an album full of the same sound. But every song has it’s own flavor on Megalithic Symphony, and it surprisingly works.

Lead single “Sail” is a moody electronic piece with dark lyrics (“Maybe I should cry for help. Maybe I should kill myself. Blame it on my A.D.D, baby.) and synth grooves. “People” is a feel good song that is borderline pop, while “Kill Your Heroes” sounds like something straight from ‘90s alternative. “Not Your Fault” showcases frontman Aaron Bruno’s screaming abilities while also being a decent dance track. “Knights of Shame” is the band’s foray into hip-hop while “All I Need” is downright gospel.

Somehow it all ties together to make one incredible album that I simply cannot stop listening to. I recently saw the band live and they were just incredible. I’m definitely excited to hear what is next from these guys.

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