June Divided

Ok, let's cut to the chase. Philadelphia-based June Divided kicks some serious musical butt. With Keith Gill on drums, Chris Kissel on guitar/keys and Melissa Menago on guitar and laying out a serious vocal punch, they're a band to be reckoned with.

I know just about every band with a female singer will get compared to Paramore at some point, and I can see some valid points of comparison but I'd have to say Menago's vocals are well, not "better" than Hayley's but they've got a rockier edge to them, and she's forceful without yelling.

Their debut EP "The Other Side Of You" insists on being played at maximum volume. Powerful vocals, great guitar and drums.  They don't neglect the lyrics either. In my opinion, the standout tracks are the single "Bullet" and "The Shadows" but the entire EP is worth the price of admission.

Currently the band is trying to raise money to fund a full-length album, they're about half-way to their goal of $3500 but with only 47 days left, I'm sure they could use all the help they can. If I can editorialize a little, it makes me so happy that there are fund-raising tools like this available for bands, it helps them make a better album, and gives fans a real sense of investment in the band.

So, check them out on iTunes, and if you like them, be sure to "like" them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter - and if you've got some cash to spare their Indiegogo link is here!

Kelly Packer - Breathe/Easy

 

I've been trying to come up with what to say about Kelly Packer for over a day now, and I'm still having trouble coming up with something. Her music is mostly pop, but like pop music itself, it covers a lot of ground. Breathe/Easy, her debut album, has influences from electropop ("Seventeen, Hitchcock") to R&B ("Your Queen"), to the country-tinged "Honestly Honesty" and pure pop ("Tragedy")

I know saying an album has something for everyone is a bit of a cliche, but "Breathe/Easy" is one of those albums, and Kelly's voice is captivating. She wrings every ounce of emotion out of her songs. I can't recommend this album enough. Please check it out and give it a careful listen. There are little nuances and details I'm still discovering.

If you're interested in finding out more, and listening to more of her tunes, check out her Facebook page, and iTunes, she's also on Twitter, so follow her!