No Sleep, 2010

Balance & Composure somewhat inconsiderately steal the show on this eight track split; the quintet have hiked up the intensity of their driving, emo-touched rock some considerable notches, and it’s an impressive thing to behold. Fellow Pennsylvanians Tigers Jaw’s four contributions are a more modest affair – in a bare-boned indie-punk way – but are very solid in their own right, if not quite living up to their stellar predecessors.

Self-released, 2010

The debut EP from Manchester’s Battleplans goes for a kind of energetic emotional rock sound with a hefty dose of theatrics, especially in the vocal department. It’s a decent enough ambition, but the songs themselves plod by a bit, and, with the possible exception of the Mars Volta-like title track, aren’t catchy or dynamic enough to grab the listener.

Self-released, 2010

Museum Mouth’s debut album hits the sweet spot between noisy lo-fi production and catchy, memorable songwriting. The result is a combination of raw 90’s indie rock (read: Pavement) and modern shoegaze, with some noise thrown in. This is one of the most unique releases I’ve heard this year.

Count Your Lucky Stars, 2010

Any of the songs on this album, taken individually, are awesome. Joie De Vivre’s brand of downtempo indie rock is very powerful, with inventive bass and drum grooves laying a nice foundation for the downtrodden (but certainly not emo) vocals and occasional trumpet. As an album, though, the songs all start to sound very similar. These guys have potential, but they need to find a way to shake up their own formula.

Paper + Plastick, 2010

Recent Paper + Plastick signees Restorations come out swinging on their debut 4-track EP Strange Behavior, released digitally on May 4th with a 12 inch vinyl edition forthcoming. This isn’t your average “young, loud, and snotty” punk record, but rather a taste of more lush, complex instrumentation and slow, lingering melodies that work themselves into your brain for days to come. Recommended for fans of Jena Berlin and Lucero.

Suburban Home, 2010

Look Mexico’s sophomore full length takes what the Gasp Asp EP started and runs with it: this treads sober and subtle indie-rock territory, rather than the buoyant math-pop of their debut album. It’s less immediately catchy, but the songwriting is more ambitious and adventurous; consequently the record requires more investment, but you’ll be rewarded for it.

Big Scary Monsters, 2010

The debut solo album from the ex-Gorilla Biscuits, Quicksand and Rival Schools man is a gently upbeat acoustic affair. Although he shows his roots with covers of CIV and Agnostic Front, that’s as close the record gets to vociferous; instead Schreifels chooses to get his points across in an unassuming folk fashion with this collection of smart and tuneful songs.

Eyeball, 2010

There’s always been something about The Forecast that does it for me. Perhaps it’s that elusive x element to their songwriting, or their authentic and unpretentious approach, or that their melodies chime well with the chemical arrangements in my brain. Maybe I’m just a sucker for dual male/female vocals. Whatever the truth, this is catchy and intelligent pop-rock that won’t be leaving my stereo for a while.

Red Leader, 2010

A New York 8-piece that make an eclectic noise, as an 8-piece are liable to. Good Problems sounds a bit like Modest Mouse, or a moody post-rock band, or something rustic and folky, which makes it a fairly disjointed listen. With some patience though you’re bound to dig out something you like on here.

Self-released, 2010

Communipaw’s debut comprises some gentle indie rock with a fondness for alt-country and a leisurely guitar solo or two. Earnest and upbeat, if touched by melancholy, the twelve tracks take a generally unassuming tack, which proves a slight weakness – a lot of the album simply passes you by. Still, highlights like “Heaven, Who You” and “Balzhauf” certainly make it worth the free download (or $5 for a physical copy).

Bridge Nine, 2010

There was a lot of anticipation for this record after the ambitious Is Dead, and the Long Island quintet don’t disappoint. Or not much, anyway – with its emotionally-barbed rock, noisy punk outbursts, and perpetual thirst for experimentation, I Was Trying… is better than its predecessor, if not quite the gamechanger some predicted (and a touch too reminiscent of fellow Islanders Brand New).

Endgame, 2010

Not to be confused with Motion City Soundtrack, this Kent foursome play rock of a much more broody ilk. On their lushly produced debut the vocals croon and soar above guitars, drums, and piano that sweep, pound, and twinkle respectively in response. This is carefully orchestrated drama: at worst wading into tamely histrionic radio territory, at best creating something stirring and powerful.