Albums Out This Week: W/C 13th July 2009

People still have the ability to be surprised. We, an alternative and punk magazine which deals in proper music, are handed a release by Daughtry, the 4th placer from American Idol.

His only claim to rockdom is the generic recycling of material which even Nickelback might be ashamed to write (but probably not) and then there's surprise when we point out how manufactured and pompous it is? Go figure. In honour of that, here are some more obvious facts for you to consider.

- The sky is not blue, the atmosphere filters out all other frequencies of light, giving the impression of a blue hue.
- The rhythm really is gonna get you.
- Statistically speaking, nine out of ten people enjoy gang rape.
- The film based on the lyrics of Lavigne's Skater Boi will never be made.
- Bruce Willis was dead all along.
- S. Darko is an atrocity!

DevilDriver: Pray for Villains

DevilDriver recently attempted to beat the Guinness world record for largest circle pit at this year's Download Festival, I hope you can get a good idea of the band from that fact alone. If not then you can take a listen to one of their previous three albums... before though, take a walk, listen to the birds. Enjoy your hearing before only blood remains.. 

Daughtry: Leave This Town

Take a second glance at the artwork for this record and understand why we will refuse to tell you any substantial information about the release. This horrific display of music could only be driven by a bunch of Nickelback-worshipping, wannabe rock-stars. And that's all the information you'll ever need to know about Daughtry. 

The Rumble Strips: Welcome to the Walkalone

We nearly lost a reviewer to this album; in an act of good faith Brad Kelly decided to give this album a spin to see if it would really be the atrocious mess that was expected. In a series of unfortunate events during his listen he managed to destroy half of the SG office, hurting many co-workers in the process. He is now said to be somewhere off the coast of East Africa in an attempt to get as far away from the CD as possible.

Gwyneth Herbert: All The Ghosts

Gwyneth released her last full length album back in 2007 which received positive reviews from the folk scene. Since then she has recorded a live acoustic album with Genesis lead singer Peter Gabriel, which also propelled Gwyneth's career even further and produced high expectation for her fifth release All The Ghosts. 

La Coka Nostra: A Brand You Can Touch

We don't really have high hopes for this album, you can get an idea for yourself on their Myspace, if you continue to investigate after the visual bombardment of queer press shots you'll find a free mix-tape buried in their 'ghetto' blogs. The main reason we covered this album is because Snoop Dog and Cypress Hill make guest appearances, but let's face it: those guys would turn up to Miley Cyrus' rap album.

Ebony Bones: Bones Of My Bones

British musician, producer and actress Ebony Thomas walked away from this year's SxSW as one of their best new acts. Known for her radical performances and attention-grabbing dress-sense, Ebony has accumulated a monstrous amount of publicity since news of her début album broke. New material from the album has been showcased on Ebony's recent tours, which will continue throughout the summer. 

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros: Up From Below

Alex Ebert heads up this twelve-strong collective from L.A, their aim is to make people dance using the basics of classic rock, a mission which they've so obviously absorbed and flourished within. The group are now showcasing their theatrical fun around the United States and Great Britain in support of their début album. 

The Killer and The Star: S/T

The Killer and The Star's début album was originally planed for release in late 2008 under the name The Series Of Emotion,  the album was recorded over two years ago with Limp Bizkit's John Otto on the drums and Idiot Pilot's Michael Harris on lead guitar. We eagerly await news of a tour... 

Barr: Skogsbo

Solo-artist Barr signed to Kill Rock Stars a few years back when he first toured with The Dear Hunter, he recently had to cancel a tour with his previous buddies due to the general hardship behind music making, something we should all appreciate! Barr blends pop melodies with alternative aspects producing his own intriguing sound and is definitely an artist to look out for this summer.

Billy Talent : III

Over recent years Billy Talent's once momentous reputation has depleted into an erratic collection of media and musical debris. The initial reviews from their fourth album (Including ours)  have all suggested that the four chaps are rapidly clambering out of their messy wake, resuscitating their connection to prior fans.

Dan Black: Un

Dan is the latest indie-electro pretty boy to explode onto scene, promising nothing but camp vocals diluted with the most basic of pop tracks. There's nothing special going on here, we just decided to warn you about Polydor's latest pollution. 

We Fell To Earth: S/T

We Fell To Earth are fairly new on the music circuit and have already made a huge impact. This début has been highly anticipated by a wide range of music experts and first glimpses have blown these expectations away. This is a one of the more hopeful albums from this week's releases so be sure to give it a listen. 

Oneida: Rated O

Oneida are one of the few remaining psychedelic rock bands to form in the 90's which is probably due to their evolution into more electronic music. Rated O will be the second edition to Oneida's 'triptych' series named Thank Your Parents which will eventually consist of three albums. 

Marc Carroll: Dust of Rumour

We haven't heard much from Marc Carroll in the past even though he's produced two successful albums. Our initial interest in Dust Of Rumour were heightened when Marc stated that he has a "punk ethic with folk roots", a concoction that sounded far too interesting to miss. Another Frank Turner perhaps?

Beastie Boys: Ill Communication [Reissue]

This mammoth release will include 32 remastered tracks from the mighty Beastie Boys, twelve of the songs are new to the album that originally received 6x platinum back in 1994. If you're lucky (or wealthy enough) you might be able to get your hands on one of the 1,500 vinyl box sets.

Tara Jane O'Neil: A Ways Away

Portland appears to be turning into the 21st century Seattle and along with this shift comes a flood of talented musicians such as Tara Jane O'Neil. As a fine example of a Portland dweller, Tara not only plays multiple instruments but has trained as a professional producer, sound engineer and artist.  A Ways Away will be her eighth album since her first release in 2000. 

Portland Cello Project: The Thao & Justin Power Sessions

Speaking of Portland... This is not your normal collaboration, with over ten members all yielding cellos, the word generic or dull just simply cannot apply. These chaps from the grand city have brewed up some serious fuss in the past few months since they released their début.

He Is Legend: It Hates You

The U.K gets a week head-start on the third album from the hairy hard rockers. Repressing their former post-hardcore style in favour of pure rock 'n' roll, the quartet even roped in a cello this time around. The experimental opus, coming soon. Possibly.

August Burns Red: Constellations

Metalcore that you could take home to your mother. Except for the fact that they're named after an incident of arson involving cute little pets (true story!). Album number three beckons for the Christian Pennsylvanians. Shall we answer the call?

The Most Serene Republic: ...and the Ever-Expanding Universe

Grandiose baroque pop comes to us all the way from Canada. Wipe the thoughts of The Arcade Fire and replace them with Broken Social Scene. If you like yearning, downbeat and emotional indie from the best of the literati, you may have met your match.