What’s with these rocking bands coming out of Jersey? For such a tiny little state and built on industry and extreme’s it seems to produce some really talented bands as of late (umm Thursday, Saves The Day, Fell Far behind!). I admit, I have only been there once and it was driving through to NYC and we almost died in Jersey rush-hour and have seen the jersey stereotype videos on youtube – But if it can produce a band such as Desoto Jones, then it can’t be THAT bad, right?

The title of the disc sums up how I feel about it. The expanse of Aurora, the images it projects of a dawn of a new day (or, If you grew up in Northern Canada, the Aurora Borealis). This record is huge and the 5 members lay everything on the line and show their cards for their Deep Elm debut.

Success sometimes starts with a push in the right direction, and Desoto Jones sure got a helping hand with their producer Chris Badami (Dillinger Escape Plan, The Early November, Midtown, The Starting Line). The sound comes out very clean and includes everything you could want on a rock record – the classic acoustic track, the real rocking ones, heartfelt ballads (born from growing up in Jersey I’m sure).

Desoto Jones are one of those bands who surprise me with a debut record, sounding like they have done this thing for years and only having a budding career in front of them to conquer.

I gotta wonder though, what’s it like playing in a band with 3 of your brothers? The Staszewski brothers much have some patience, that’s for sure.

Write them love letters at http://www.myspace.com/desotojones

This little record comes to us from the UK and jump off with their debut ep “destroycreate”. The band has only been playing since 2006 and already bring a lot to the table as their competition is stuff with the truckloads of great bands in England.

A Thousand Suns play a mix of post-rock and alternative – If you didn’t know any better, you could guess that they were a Deep Elm band that play the kind of rock like Benton Falls or Outsmarting Simon (but more alternative, if that makes sense). Only releasing 5 songs is a tease though, I really need to hear more of the band – they seem to have played it safe and don’t stray very far from their abilities and they really need to be incredible songwriters or go fucking crazy on stage to attract the fans they need to stand out. It IS radio safe, perhaps that was their goal – but they need to offer something nobody else has.

Bottom line: It’s safe, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but I think they could give us more.

If you live in the UK - bug them at http://www.athousandsuns.net/ 

If you don’t already know who Jim Ward is then just punch yourself in the face right now. Jim has had a string of ridiculous success since he was a young lad. At 17 he joined At The Drive-in and later formed Sparta after ATTI had disbanded.

Jim also works on solo projects, such as this EP. I must note that Jim has released a cd with Texan poet Bobby Byrd and it is simply incredible. Jim provides a soft melody to Bobby’s long, rambling and passionate poems about life. One of the best tracks I have ever heard is called “Dear Jack” where Bobby professes his love for American writer Jack Kerouac (whom I adore). I suggest you pick that up as well as this new disc.

Quiet is exactly that – It’s an out of the spotlight and personal showing of Jim’s musicianship and 5 songs of Jim and his guitar (with some help on backing vocals). The songs are passionate (but not as over the top  as say, Owen) and compliment many moods to fill the background as you embark on a road trip or just feel like chilling out with your favourite bong (or, better yet, are getting it on with a crush and need something to put on).

You really can’t go wrong to add this cd to your collection – if you enjoy honest, heart-driven music that is void of cheesy lyrics and manufactured images then Jimmy Ward is the man for you.

If you need some Christmas presents still, or want to pick some up for yourself – head on over to the Doghouse Merch Store

http://www.doghouserecords.com/v11/link_store.php

Airbags are of course important in our daily lives – how cars went without them for so long is beyond me since they just make so much sense. They are commonplace now, saving lives left and right daily and they are here to stay. Not to be confused with the band by the same name, this mid-western 5 piece may or may not have had a couple of airbag’s save their lives – but their music sure saves the genre of getting stale.

It’s difficult to pinpoint the specific genre these 5 guys play under. I personally consider it in the kind of rock and roll hardcore that has become popular in the past few years. We have many elements of hardcore present  - breakdowns, heavy screams, double bass but we also have the swagger of rock and roll with weeping guitar solos and cock of the walk vocals. AASML are a great party band, drumming up loads of excitement all through their 7 song debut.

For a relatively new band, AASML bring a strong debut to the table and prove that they can swing just as hard as the seasoned players we are familiar with. They head out on tour soon and I highly suggest you check out their live show, as that will be the main attraction!!

I say fuck yes.

Click click to hear for yo ‘self

http://www.myspace.com/anairbagsavedmylife