DEFIANCE, OHIO - Midwestern Minutes

This is the fourth full-length from this Columbus, Ohio-based band. As it turns out, they release all of their music for free download on their website. Pretty cool, because if this album is an indication, all of those downloads are worth your bandwidth (and any donations to the band you can afford to make). Midwestern Minutes is acoustic punk rock. It definitely has a country bend to it thanks in part to the violin, cello, and upright bass they employ on their recordings. I'd go see this band if they played a show near me. Dig it.

www.myspace.com/defianceohio32
www.defianceohio.terrorware.com

FRANK TURNER - Poetry of the Deed

Born in Bahrain, the London-raised punk rock troubadour presents his third full-length album. He's released several other solo EPs and compilations and has played in the bands Kneejerk and Million Dead as well. He plays punk rock with mixed acoustic and electric instrumentation and meaningful lyrics. The sound is similar to that of Billy Bragg. I highly recommend this album, it's great.

http://www.myspace.com/frankturner
www.frank-turner.com/

Frank Turner - Love Ire & Song

He used to be in the English hardcore band Million Dead, but now he plays acoustic punk rock. Love Ire & Song is his second solo full-length though he has released some other EPs, a DVD, and a compilation as well. Imagine a more punk, angrier Billy Bragg and you'd have this guy's music.

www.myspace.com/frankturner
www.frank-turner.com

Tom Gabel - Anna Is A Stool Pigeon single

He is the lead singer for Against Me! This is the single for his debut solo EP, Heart Burns, which comes out on October 28, 2008. The sound is different from Against Me! in that it is acoustic-guitar based, but it still has politically-charged lyrics and Tom's trademark angry young man spoken vocals. It's good stuff, the EP is something to look forward to.

www.myspace.com/tomgabelmusic
ifeelsicktomystomach.blogspot.com

Jim Ward - Quiet

Jim is the frontman for Sparta and played guitar for At The Drive-In when they were still around. This EP is a stark contrast to the style of those groups; it's a man and his guitar, the help of some friends, and true to the title, a quiet sound. Nothing like the chaotic style of his other projects and former group. For fans of light, acoustic guitar with male vocals.

www.myspace.com/jimwardquiet
www.civildefenseleague.net

Tyler Ramsey - A Long Dream About Swimming Across The Sea

This guy is opening for and playing with Band of Horses on their upcoming tour, and this choice seems logical. This is much slower than Band of Horses and is acoustic, country/folk, but his voice is reminiscent of the Band of Horses' lead singer. Very mellow. He also does a cover of Jackson Browne's "These Days." For fans of acousticness, Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Band of Horses.

www.myspace.com/tylerramseymusic
www.tylerramsey.com

AA Bondy - American Hearts

The new solo album from AA Bondy, who is actually Scott Bondy, who used to be the lead singer of the alt/indie band, Verbena. This is acoustic, stripped-down folk music that has country and blues influences. His voice is reminiscent of Patrick Park. Very laid-back, music to play if you are just going to relax and want to listen to music that tells a story.

www.myspace.com/aabondy
www.superphonicrecords.com/aa_bondy.html