After a nearly three year wait since the band's debut release, one of our indie favorites, From Indian Lakes, will be releasing their new full length album, Able Bodies, on November 13th. The band have released a new EP, which features two new songs ("We Are Sick" and "Breaking My Bones") at BandCamp, with a "name your price" deal of any amount which will go towards the funding of the new album. Another way to support the band is at their online store, which has a merch sale currently taking place, right here. The band's upcoming west coast fall tour dates with PK can be viewed below as well.


10/19/2012   Kuppajoe                      Fresno, CA
10/20/2012   Guitar Merchant            Canoga Park, CA
10/21/2012   Chain Reaction              Anaheim, CA
10/24/2012   The Nile Underground   Mesa, AZ
10/25/2012   The Wire                       Upland, CA
10/26/2012   The Box Office              Las Vegas, NV
10/27/2012   SLO Brew                      San Luis Obispo, CA

Beautiful Eulogy may be an unfamiliar name to you, but there's a good chance you've heard them in some way. The Portland, Oregon trio were recently on "Misconception" on Lecrae's Church Clothes mixtape, and the group itself is made up of veteran rappers Braille and Odd Thomas, along with producer Courtland Urbano (formerly Xperiment). The band's debut album, Satellite Kite, will be out on June 19th, and will be available as a free download from Humble Beast, and can currently be pre-ordered right here as well. You can watch the band's new video for their song "Entitlement" below.

June 15, 2012 will mark one year since the release of Love & War & The Sea In Between, an 18-song endeavor by Portland, OR native Josh Garrels. It's been a journey too, as Garrels' decided to give away his beautifully intricate piece of art for one year, free of charge between independent music sites BandCamp and Noisetrade. Every listen of the album has only seemingly been better, revealing the true emotion and tangibility behind the massive collection of songs, each unique, yet tied together with a common thread; pieces in a story of love, tension, and faith. The musicianship is remarkable, from orchestra-laden pieces to intimate acoustic melodies and even a bit of hip-hop influence thrown in for good measure, which accompany Garrel's thick, deep vocals and haunting falsettos. The cunning lyrics are yet another thing that can't go without mentioning, using imagery and good flow to convey the themes of Love & War to the listener. If you're like me, you've heard plenty of good music over the past few years, but I'm willing to say that Josh Garrel's Love & War & The Sea In Between is truly something special, willing to astound listeners for years to come.

Love & War & The Sea In Between is available for free download at Noisetrade and BandCamp until June 15. If you miss the opportunity, the album will still be available on iTunes and AmazonMP3 as well. The trailer for the upcoming film that documents the inception of the album, The Sea In Between, can also be seen below, with more info to be found here.



Josh Garrels: The Sea In Between - Trailer from Mason Jar Music on Vimeo.

Heath McNease is quite an interesting artist. His music is a split spectrum, one side hip-hop and the other singer-songwriter, which blend together for quite an eclectic result. McNease can be checked out on BandCamp, and his two newest releases, Thrift Store Jesus and The Nintendo Thumb Mixtape, are available as pay what you want (including free) download options right here.

Aradhna are quite an interesting duo, made up of Peter Hicks on guitar and Chris Hale on sitar, both doing their own sets of vocals as well. Aradhna make music with a passion, to provide a type of catharsis through their music, with the hope of the listener meeting God as a result. The music is certainly something to be marveled at, creating an atmosphere of joy and praise. The band have just released a new song, "Dharti," off their upcoming album, Sapna, which can be found at their Facebook, as well as tour dates. If you are going to Cornerstone Festival this summer, you can also be sure to catch Aradhna there as well.

Often around Easter, I wonder why "Easter music" isn't as prevalent as, say, Christmas music. After much thought about this, I was blown away last April when Cool Hand Luke (aka Mark Nicks) released what would be their final album, Of Man. It only took a listen to determine what the album was about: the last days of Jesus' life on the Earth. With over 30 guest contributions to the album, Of Man is certainly something special. The music is cinematic, in an indie rock meets classical sense, and flows strongly along with the lyrics, from the somber, string and piano-laden moments of "The Last Supper" and "The Silver," to the climatic "His Eyes," documenting the crucifixion of Christ, in tense, angsty gang vocals, and even pain-filled screams. The whole album provides for a thought provoking listen, perfect for reflection on the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, and is full of beautiful artistry. Of Man is highly recommended, and can be found on Spotify, iTunes, and AmazonMP3.

Home Is Calling are the newest addition to the Come&Live! community of artists, and have just released their new album, Evening Lights. Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, the trio play worship-driven alternative/indie rock, recommended for fans of bands such as The Glorious Unseen, The Ember Days, and Coldplay. Evening Lights is now available as a free download from Come&Live!.

Kye Kye - Young Love


Kye Kye are a band of harmonious melody, to sum it up in a few words. The Northwestern four piece plays a mix of experimental and indie music, creating an amalgam of electronic soundscapes, soothing vocals, and catchy drum loops. On their latest album, Young Love, the band have crafted a truly unique expression of faith and love, all wrapped up in the album's 11 songs. The strong opener, "Reach," sets an ambient pace, which is then followed by looped beats and electronics, along with vocalist Olga's delicate voice, which  especially shines on the delightful, acoustic-driven "Rooftops." Young Love is a highly recommended album if you are into bands such as Future of Forestry and perhaps The Ember Days, and you can also catch Kye Kye live this spring, on tour with John Mark McMillan.




From Indian Lakes - The Man With Wooden Legs


From Indian Lakes have undoubtedly been one of my favorite bands over the past year, after discovering their late 2009 release The Man With Wooden Legs. The Californian quintet plays a fresh, edgy, and sometimes calming brand of indie rock, that is to be marveled at. Vocalist Joey Vannucci's lyrics are very introspective, and show wisdom and honesty beyond his age, and his range consists of anywhere from soft falsettos to near screams. "I Have No Answers" and "We Are Invincible" show off the more vibrant side of From Indian Lakes, full of fluid guitar riffs, and remarkable percussion, while tunes such as "Away!" and "I Am Aware" reveal the band's softer side, with equally as much passion (the band also released an acoustic EP last fall, which can be streamed here). The Man With Wooden is truly a hidden gem, and an album that will be sure to stick with its listener over the years. If that isn't enough, the band have a new, full length album coming out this year, which is certainly much anticipated.




Quiet Science - Dark Words on Dark Wings


Quiet Science hail out of Florida, and are an alternative/glam rock trio. Dusting over intense drums and echoing guitars are heavy doses of synths, adding something unique to the songs. Throughout the 10 song venture of Dark Words on Dark Wings, the band explore themes of finding hope in dark times, and fighting the good fight. The album's lead single, "Runner," is oh so catchy, and the chorus will be sure to hook any listener, unknowingly, while "A Dying Breed" has an aggressive drive to it, and harmonies between lead vocalist Mark Nathan and Daisy Elisabeth. "A Feast For Crows" is another one of the album's strongest points,  littered with danceable electronics, and swooning vocals. If you're looking for some catchy, passionate alternative rock, and perhaps enjoy synth-heavy songs from the 80s, then Quiet Science might just be the band you are looking for. Also, be sure to check out their debut album as well, 2010's [With/Without].




Theatre Breaks Loose - Stranger Places, Greater Things


Playing an energetic blend of alternative pop rock is Theatre Breaks Loose, from Oklahoma City. The band just released their new EP, Stranger Places, Greater Things, this past November, and it shows some good potential from a young band. The band have not one, but two vocalists, which are backed by crisp guitars, and lyrics full of love, hopes, and dreams. The EP's closer, "Stranger Places, Greater Things," shows a realization that we are part of something bigger in life, and not alone in struggles, while "Costa Rica" is a pretty serious, upbeat love song, and for good measure, there's even a piano ballad, "Buried Alive." Overall, I can see Theatre Breaks Loose being a band to be listened to driving around with windows rolled down on a summer day, the perfect setting for some fun alternative rock, with a slight pop punk influence, which is exactly what the six song EP Stranger Places, Greater Things brings with it.

Vocal Few is the new acoustic project from Matt MacDonald (vocalist of The Classic Crime) and his wife Kristie. The duo will be releasing their debut EP, She'll Be Right, on January 10th, and it can currently be pre-ordered from the band in digital or vinyl format here, with all funds going to help the couple raise their newborn baby. Also, Vocal Few have two songs from She'll Be Right streaming at their website, which can be heard right here.

Check out Ryan Shelley, an indie/folk worship artist from Florida, who has shared the stage with such artists as Aaron Gillespie, The Ember Days and Ascend The Hill. Ryan has recently released a new full-length album, Sights & Sounds, on iTunes, and you can preview some new songs at his website or Facebook page, which also contains tour dates and more info on Ryan's music.

Sinai Vessel is an indie rock project, mainly driven by Caleb Cordes, with a mission: to make deeply personal music with a goal of  touching the listener. A passion for God is knitted into Sinai Vessels lyrics, intertwined with the joys and pains of life, shown on their upcoming full length release, Labor Pains, which will be out on October 4th. Labor Pains can currently be streamed at the band's Bandcamp, and the first single from the album, "Vows," is also available for free download. Give Sinai Vessel a listen, check out Labor Pains, and take in the beauty found in its music and lyrics; you may just find something special.

Check out Rejoice the Awakening, a rising melodic hardcore band out of Florida. The have just released a new song, which can streamed over at Indie Vision Music. The new song comes off of their upcoming EP, Many Waters/Many Floods, which is releasing on December 5th. The EP was recorded with Brian Hood at 456 Recordings (A Plea For Purging, Gideon, As Hell Retreats), and is sure to be a good release from this upcoming band, who have shared the stage with the likes of The Chariot, Oh, Sleeper, and My Epic to name a few. For more info on Rejoice the Awakening, check them out on Facebook.

One of the summer festivals' best kept secrets may just be iMatter Festival, now in its fourth year, held at Eldridge Park in Elmira, New York. This year's festival is being held this weekend, September 2-4, and is looking to be the biggest and best one yet, with three days of music, speakers, and a message of hope and love. For more information on the festival, and to purchase tickets, check out the iMatter website. Below are some things that you can be looking forward to at each of iMatter's three days.

Friday, September 2nd


Friday night will be the start of this year's iMatter Festival, and will be kicked off with worship from Oceans and Vessels and The Ember Days. After that, there will be a night of hip-hop, provided by Benjah, Flame, and the night's headliner, Reach Records' Trip Lee. Joey Furjanic will also be speaking as well.


Saturday, September 3rd


Saturday will be iMatter's main day, and will be full of heavy music. As Hell Retreats will be starting out the day at 10 AM, and will be followed by some up and coming hardcore bands, such as My Heart To Fear, Gideon, To Speak Of Wolves, and Hundredth. Life In Your Way will be playing their third show back as a band this year, and A Plea For Purging will be playing their second show back after recording their upcoming album. The day will be headlined by August Burns Red, along with Emery. Throughout the day, Jake Luhrs of August Burns Red will be speaking, as well as Chad Johnson, founder of Come&Live!. There will also be a Come&Live! tent, in which bands will be doing interviews throughout the day in. To end the night, The Ember Days will be playing their second set of the festival.


Sunday, September 4th


Sunday is the last day of iMatter, but will be free. Speaker Joey Furjanic will be talking again, and The Ember Days will be leading worship to close out iMatter Festival 2011.

Oceans and Vessels are an indie worship band out of Elmira, NY, with a passion to lead others in worshiping our Creator. They released a new EP, The Wrecked, earlier this year, which is now available on iTunes. The band will also be leading worship at iMatter Festival on Friday, September 2nd, alongside The Ember Days, Trip Lee, Flame, and Benjah. For more information on Oceans and Vessels, you can visit their website.

Out of the New England area come new post-hardcore band Exiting The Fall. The band just recently played a spot at this year's SoulFest, alongside artists such as Project 86 and Life In Your Way. For such a young band, they have a very polished and impressive quality to their music. You can give the band a listen at their Facebook, where have two new songs up off their new EP, Parables.

It was a sad day when As Cities Burn disbanded two years ago, but vocalist/guitarist Cody Bonnette and drummer Aaron Lunsford from the band have formed a new musical endeavor, Hawkboy. The band has just released a new self-titled EP, available for free through the Regenerate Music Company on a new site named Sponsor Seed, and can be downloaded here, in addition to being available to purchase on iTunes. The band is currently on tour with Emery and Oh, Sleeper on the We Do What We Want tour through the end of June.

You may know him as the frontman of We Shot The Moon, or as the former vocalist of Waking Ashland, but now, singer-songwriter Jonathan Jones is taking the solo route. His new album, Community Group, will be releasing June 14th, and can be pre-ordered on his now. In addition, Jonathan is offering three free downloads, two of new songs, and one Arcade Fire cover. For the free songs, pre-orders, and more info on Jonathan Jones, you can check out his website.

Chances are you're wondering what the members of Haste The Day have had planned after their breakup two months ago, and it's only two months after that former HTD frontman Stephen Keech has unveiled his new musical endeavors. Going under the name Stephen Albert Joseph Keech, Stephen is now playing some indie/folk rock, that could be compared to the likes of bands such as Surrogate. His first single, "Black Coffee," is available for free download and to listen to on Bandcamp.You can also stay updated with Stephen on his site.

Out of Williamsport, Pennsylvania is the melodic metalcore quintet My Heart To Fear. The band has recently released their new three song EP, which can be purchased on AmazonMP3 and iTunes, and can be streamed right here. They have also released a new music video as well. My Heart To Fear are on an East Coast tour right now, and will be touring this summer, and playing at iMatter Festival in Elmira, NY in September. You can check out the band's Facebook for tour dates and music.

You may remember when we interviewed him last year, but Sons of God frontman Aaron Newberry has been working on a solo album. He has posted a demo of a new song titled "Crawlin' Through My Head" which can be heard here, and look for more new music from Aaron coming soon!