The Cartel
The Ransom EP
The Militia Group
Sweet! The opener, “Luckie Street,” is a 100% rocker, with one of the coolest opening riffs in recent memory. The Cartel is band that takes equal cues from Static Prevails-era Jimmy Eat World, The Get Up Kids and All American Rejects’ harder stuff. This five song EP is one of the best all around pop releases that I’ve heard in a long time. The vocalist has a superb rock voice; he can actually sing, but he doesn’t come off as a total wuss. The guitars are crunchy and tough, and the drums are perfect in the mix. This is a perfect slab of emo-pop. These guys have got the rock, the sensitivity and a bunch of super sharp hooks. This one is definitely worth your while.
The Militia Group: http://www.themilitiagroup.com