Unsigned Reviews – My Aim Is True, Testing Tomorrow, The Black And White Years…

MY AIM IS TRUE
A Spark, A Fire
Score: 8
Stream: “Shotgun”
RIYL: All Time Low, Count Your Blessings, Fireworks

With a lot of buzz already surrounding them, it’s not hard to see why when listening to A Spark, A Fire. Not only does it all sound very professional, the songs are just as catchy and fun as some of the bands leading this genre currently. You could compare My Aim Is True to the likes of All Time Low, Fireworks, or The Maine, and like these bands, My Aim Is True has the ability to mix punk, rock, and alternative in an enjoyable package. This five track EP brings to mind the early days of Count Your Blessings, so Maryland fans should definitely take a look at these guys. A Spark, A Fire is energetic punk/rock entertainment. It may not be the best out there, but it is certainly way ahead of the unsigned competition. My Aim Is True will find a label soon enough. Let’s just hope they don’t follow CYB to Standby. (NL)

TESTING TOMORROW
The Pull
Score: 8
Stream: “Mama Knows”
RIYL: Godsmack, Framing Hanley, Hinder

Hard rock may have just found it’s new leader with Testing Tomorrow. This genre has been lacking for several years now, so it’s about time someone came around to change the negativity. Testing Tomorrow aren’t doing anything original or new, but they are showing hard rock fans what this kind of music is all about. In other words, their music does justice. The Pull features five worthy jams, including the favorite “Mama Knows”. You also have the metal-tinged “Olivia”, the haunting build of “Silent Underground”, the more reserved approach of “Universe”, and the well rounded closing track “Hide And Seek”. As a whole, Testing Tomorrow have brought us a worthy hard rock EP that may possibly foreshadow greater things to come for this genre. (NL)

THE BLACK AND WHITE YEARS
Patterns
Score: 7
Stream: “Perfect”
RIYL: The Dance Party, Maroon 5, Eightfourseven

Patterns mixes electro beat, indie, and alternative to create a sound I obviously don’t have much experience with. As a result, it’s hard to compare this band to others of its like. What I can tell you is The Black And White Years feel funky. Their music isn’t all energetic and bouncy as one may expect. It’s kind of like pulled back electronic music with goth overtones. By this, I’m referring to the vocals. I think of vampires when I hear them. I can’t explain why. I just do. As a whole, Patterns does offer up interesting music landscapes to explore. This would be a good album to play if you’re tired and looking for something soothing. The odd thing is that, while soothing, it’s also abrasive at times. Whatever you would label The Black And White Years, they are playing something nontraditional. This isn’t mainstream music you’ll hear everywhere. In other words, Patterns is a unique record, though it is definitely a required taste as well. (NL)

THE ROCKETBOYS
Wellwisher
Score: 7.5
Stream: “A Narrow Place”
RIYL: Abel, Falling Up, Brighten

Ambient rock is very popular in the Christian scene, but that makes sense considering the lyrical themes of this kind of music. I still find it humorous listening to Christian metal bands that scream the whole time while having religious lyrics. Any how, The Rocketboys pull it off quite well, singing in a crooning style as the instruments put you at ease. Of course, not everyone likes this style of music because it is pretty slow moving. Wellwisher is going to appeal to a more mature audience as a result. Speaking of which, the music itself sounds very experienced in the sense that it feels like the band members have been doing this sort of thing for years and years. ‘Impressive’ would be a good word to use. While the first track, “A Narrow Place”, found me best, each of the four tracks offers something interesting and relaxing. Fans of ambient rock should look no further than The Rocketboys for their next fix. (NL)

RED LIGHT SKY
Red Light Sky
Score: 8.5
Stream: “Face Lift”
RIYL: Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Emery, Harp And Lyre

Remember the old days when screamo was first really emerging on the scene? It was actually more like fast punk/rock with some screeching vocals from time to time. Now and days, it’s actually a lot of screaming and a step under metal at times. Well Red Light Sky sound like they come from the older days when screamo was at its best. From First To Last had released their debut EP, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus was still good, etc. etc. Well this six track collection is a flashback to all that greatness. Red Light Sky remain highly energetic and passionate through each track, rather than sound overly rehearsed and polished. This sense of urgency works extremely well for the band. The first track, “Red Light Sky”, is an introduction of sorts, and unlike most, it actually gets you pumped for what’s to come. It is then followed by “Midnight Moves”, a fun song that almost feels like A Day To Remember at times. “Strong Enough” is more punk/rock and fast, “Face Lift” is soaring and crazy, “The Summer Ends” has a more pop undertone to it (think The Maine’s earlier work), and “A Fair Fight” molds all the elements together in one well rounded final track. With some tightening and further territory expansion, these guys could easily become kings. This is one of the best unsigned releases I’ve heard recently. Definitely worth checking out. (NL)