Past Lives - Strange Symmetry

Features ex-Blood Brothers members Jordan Blilie (vocals), Morgan Henderson (guitar/keyboard), and Mark Gajadhar (drums), as well as ex-Shoplifting member Devin Welch (guitar), who at one point, was also in the Blood Brothers. The result is a band that sounds very similar to the Blood Brothers - "experimental" rock with post-hardcore influences and angsty high-pitched male vocals. They are slightly less abrasive though (key word: slightly). This is certainly not music for everyone. However, I think I like these guys better than Jaguar Love, the band formed by the other half of the Blood Brothers. It just seems more accessible than them.

www.myspace.com/pastlivesmusic
www.pastliveslife.com/

Jaguar Love - Take Me To The Sea

Their debut; features Johnny Whitney, Cody Votolato (ex-Blood Brothers members) and J Clark (ex-Pretty Girls Make Graves). The vocalist, Johnny Whitney, continues on his Blood Brothers style of high-pitched screams, singing, screeching, and talking. The music is a less chaotic version of Blood Brothers. If you like the Mars Volta and hardcore, and want them combined, you may like this. If not, you will probably hate this, and probably hate the singer as well as he can get on your nerves very quickly.

www.myspace.com/jaguarloveband
takebacktheradworld.com

Die! Die! Die! - Promises, Promises

Frantic, fast-paced rock with definite punk and hardcore influences straight outta Dunedin, New Zealand. Like a less-abrasive Blood Brothers that is easier on the ears, but still something I can't see most people enjoying. Vocals are more spoken than sung, and reminiscent of At The Drive-In at times.

www.myspace.com/diediedienz
www.diediedie.net

The Alphabetical Order - I Am Magically Happening!

These guys (and girl) are definitely influenced by 90's D.C. emo/hardcore, with extra bits of rock and punk influences as well. Songs tend to vary in style from one another but maintain their hardcore energy throughout. The second half of this album is remarkably boring. They're okay, but certainly not great. "Submarines" was my favorite track.


www.myspace.com/thealphabeticalorder
www.thealphabeticalorder.org