The Matches

Artist: The Matches
Album: Decomposer (2006)
Label: Epitaph

The Matches are a unique four-piece pop punk band from Oakland, US who has released a creation that is simply one of the most diverse punk albums I have ever heard. After their breaking debut success on 'E. Von Dahl Killed The Locals' (2004), the band has exceeded any preconceived notions and expectations with latest release Decomposer featuring thirteen flawless tracks.

The record opens with an unusual and deliberate 'Salty Eyes', taking you into an orchestral-like chamber of rock with screaming violins to make you sway your head and snatch your soul back into time. Before sinking into the pop punk infused sound and catchy hooks of 'What Katie Said', which shows how an unlikely pairing of two makes real sense.

Each track on Decomposer is its own masterpiece, in particular 'The Barbers Unhappiness', which sees Shawn Harris write at his best and sing with genuine passion that brings this beautiful record to a most satisfying end.

Boys Like Girls

Artist: Boys Like Girls
Album: Boys Like Girls (2006)
Label: Red Ink

Boys Like Girls, a young four-piece band from Boston. Massachusetts showcases twelve individual tracks that carry its own heart-throbbing weight.

The self-titled album opens with 'The Great Escape', a high-school anthem spilling youthful innocence makes the song about getting up and moving on from past mistakes. The majority of lyrics penned by vocalist Martin Johnson who at 21 years of age has written songs that fall into the pop-punk scene. Once you press play, you’ll find yourself in a wave of emotions from the up-beat 'Dance Hall Drug' to the sweet catchy single Hero/Heroine, to punk ballad 'Thunder' and heartfelt 'Broken Man'.

And although the band has crafted music that considerably falls short of originality in the pop-punk genre, by the time the disc stops playing it won’t even matter. 'Me You And My Medication' screams “emo” but Johnson’s solid vocals help elevate the song and band above the rest of the genre.

The Manchester Orchestra

Artist: The Manchester Orchestra
Album: I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child (2006)
Label: Favorite Gentleman

The Manchester Orchestra is a young band from Atlanta, Georgia whose full-length debut album, I’m Like a Virgin Losing A Child is worthy of recognition.

The album is introduced by a roaring 'Wolves At Night' which not only gets listeners immediate attention but also exposes the records cardinal themes. Stories are what help us make sense of the world, and Singer/songwriter, Andy Hull uses stories of fictional characters to write songs with creative precision to make sense of his own world. From the patient plotting an escape from hospital in 'The Neighbourhood Is Bleeding', to the mourning child trying hard to understand and accept loss in, 'I Can Feel Your Pain' & 'Sleeper 1972', and the ubiquitous outcries in 'Where Have You Been?'. Andy Hull confronts you with questions like, "if you knew I was dying, would it change you?", in emotionally charged 'I Can Barely Breathe' that will change you, your way of thinking and overall perceptions on life.

Considering the quintet’s average age is only 19, they prove to be well wise beyond their years and fellow musical peers.