Along Those Lines
Web: www.alongthoselinesmusic.com
Album: Somewhere In Between
Show: June 5 at Jaxx Nightclub: 6355Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA; 703-569-5940; www.jaxxroxx.com
Track: I Wish it Would Rain
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Only on the music scene for two years, one would have reasonably low expectations for anything released by a band so new. However, Along Those Lines newest CD, Somewhere In Between, beyond exceeds your expectations. The 11 tracks on this album have an infectious sound combined with honest lyrics that instantly get stuck in your head. “In My Eyes” is a rock ballad with lyrics so candid and true, “I told you forever and forever I mean…” it’s sure to be one of ATL’s most popular songs. Differing between rock/alternative melodies and love songs, the CD is a true combination of everything you’d want from a band. Slowing things down, “Jersey Girl,” the final track of the album, will make you melt. “I loved you endlessly. I close my eyes and you’re right here with me. In my arms was my whole world…I’m still in love with the Jersey Girl.” Not falling into any cliché sounds or categories, their sound and lyrics are all unique and special, making this CD an instant hit. This is one CD where you won’t skip tracks; each song proves that this talented Fairfax-based band has staying power. – Ashley Estill
The Poison Control Center
Web: www.myspace.com/thepcc
Album: Sad, Sour Future
Show: June 21 at Galaxy Hut: 2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA; 703-525-8646; www.galaxyhut.com
Track: Glory Us
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The Poison Control Center’s website claims they hail from Ames, Iowa but their latest record – the very, very good “Sad Sour Future” – was actually compiled from four different cities. The band members put the disc together by sending each other demos via the internet. It’s a novel approach to a novel, but extremely ambitious, indie rock record. “Sad Sour Future” clocks in at 71 minutes and 17 tracks. The opening tune, “Walls of City Hall,” starts out with staccato electric guitar that makes you think it’s going to be yet another pop-punk record. But the song quickly veers into a more interesting, dissonant churn of guitars and vocals that conjures images of Sonic Youth or Pavement. Things get even more intriguing from there. The Poison Control Center effectively employs an arsenal of instruments – piano, horns, keyboards – across the sprawling disc. “Calling Card,” a soaring slice of indie rock bliss, features gritty guitars and gorgeous harmonies, while “Cognac Dreams,” suffers from droning vocals and an overly repetitive feel. When you’re clocking 17 tracks on a single album there are bound to be a couple of clunkers, but The Poison Control Center gets the vast majority right on this compelling new disc. – Michael Coleman
Jonathan Mudd
Web: www.muddmusic.com
Album: Truth Lies
Show: June 29 at Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, VA; 703-255-1566; www.jamminjava.com
Track: If You Ever Leave Me
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The Poison Control Center’s website
Jonathan Mudd’s latest release, Truth Lies, is an 11-track album complete with humble melodies and lyrics that sing about the trials of love. With a confident and experienced sound, Mudd sings about the “heart’s shadowy places” in this predominantly mellow work. Mudd sings, strums on the guitar and even infuses keyboards throughout. Piano influences are particularly effective in his fourth track, “If You Ever Leave Me,” adding to the mood and power of this song. “If you ever leave me, oh baby, please make it fast. I don’t wanna see it coming when you slip into the past…” The album is 44 minutes, a little on the long side for 11 tracks, but goes by quickly and doesn’t drag on since each song flows nicely from one to another. Easy to listen to and never lingering, we approve. –Ashley Estill
Safety Word Orange
Web: www.safetywordorange.com
Album: On Your Mark, Get Set….
Show: July 3 at Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, VA; 703-255-1566; www.jamminjava.com
Track: Fiending
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Safety Word Orange, a five-piece band from Richmond, is often described as “pop punk.” Indeed their music is full of the fast tempos, crashing drums and speedy guitars that would be right at home on a playlist full of Blink 182 and Good Charlotte.But one can’t accurately describe something this polished as “punk.” Safety Word Orange, formed in 2007, are radio-ready power pop stars in the making. There is little of the dangerous snarl of punk here, but “On Your Mark, Get Set…” – the band’s second release – is an accomplished slice of record making. The five-song EP jumps off with “Never Enough,” a rapid-fire yet melodic song that showcases lead singer James Mason’s impressive vocal range and Travis King’s powerful drumming. Even better is “Follow Suit,’ a mid-tempo rocker that sustains a sense of drama through the use of sly chord changes. Safety Word Orange is a band that pays attention to the details. Don’t be surprised when major labels start paying attention to them. – Michael Coleman
