Drums and guitar rock

American Radass (this is important)

Dads

7out-of-10

I don't listen to punk much these days. At the ripe old age of 22 I just find it too loud. Power chords and poorly recorded cymbals, along with the screaming, just don't do it for me anymore. But, with that said, when I come across a band like New Jersey's, Dads, who bare a punk attitude with a different twist, I can really get into it.

Sure, they're loud (like, really loud), but this two piece brings more to the table than those pop punk faux hawks who turn decibels' into dollars. For two guys with a drum set and a guitar, Dads rocks harder than most, and they bring in an incredibly melodic element into their raucous and raw indie punk sound.

I hear a lot of Modest Mouse influence and a large helping of a 90's emo casserole. The songs are rough and gritty, the lyrics are honest and true. Combine this with some slick guitar playing and quick pounding drums and you have an energetic and fun record with more than one layer. I love the time signature and tempo changes, and the repeating melodic guitar parts tying everything together.

American Radass is as dirty as the state it hails from, and Dads is a band with an original flare and a knack for writing insanely catchy punk songs.

-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU

Youth and Magic

Steven Flore

8-out-of-10

Steven Fiore's Youth and Magic is a folk rock record that hits all the right notes. It somehow encapsulates a feeling of wonder, and sounds of innocence, while appealing to a mature audience.

This record is full of radio-ready hits that span a nice variety. Musical hooks litter the tracks while Fiore's crystal clear voice sings simply great lyrics. The songs are fun, relatively light hearted, and catchy. The production is polished and shimmering and appealing to lovers of a pop sound.

I found the tracks became somewhat redundant, changing little in tempo and baring many resemblances. Although each track on its own could be a hit single, I just became bored with the complete package. But, for Fiore's incredible song writing and beautiful pop sound I highly recommend this record.

-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU