Celldweller (2003)

I don't think Celldweller is exactly obscure, but I thought I would put this up anyway, seeing as I came across them recently thanks to a friend of mine.

Celldweller is (if the internet isn't lying to me) is a project started by Klayton, one of those artist/producer/etc hybrids of the music industry. I suppose his experience with all that and projects he has been a part of in the past has armed him with quite a bit of talent. I'll admit what I found the most amusing part I found in my findings was that Criss Angel was in a band? Really? I think I will seriously look into that, if only for my amusement.

But now, the music. I actually heard one of the tracks a few years back; Switchback, in it's instrumental form, was featured in one of the levels in Enter the Matrix. Yes, I played it, don't judge me. Hearing this again may have been what influenced me to look into it a little more and I am quite pleased with what I found. The contrast between tracks like 'Switchback' and (my favorite on the album) 'Stay with Me (Unlikely)' is almost sudden, yet somehow fits seamlessly into the album. It's an awesome record if you're into industrial or electronic music.

Sample Video: Switchback

The Jealous Sound: Kill them with Kindness (2003)

And now I present some more indie emo for your listening pleasure. Another find from a search about a month or so ago. The band was formed in Los Angelos and is a part of a long-running line of emo bands that are actually decent that need to release more albums especially since they appear to be kind of meandering around the concept of actually creating anything while occasionally posting in various areas about an upcoming LP. None the less I decided to look in to their one album they have, which I will now share with you.

Kill them with Kindness at first struck me as a little generic and I almost tossed it aside, but I have to say even music like that can quickly grab your attention. In my case this was especially true with Hope For Us, which I believe was the first song I heard (and also the first track on this album). There's a certain sound they remind me of and if I ever remember what it is, I'll tell you.

Sample Video: The Fold Out

Forty Foot Echo (2003)

Forty Foot Echo is a personal favorite of mine from a few years ago. Once again, this is a find via Pandora.com. By now it's probably obvious that I love the site. Unfortunately if you live outside of the USA, it's not available.

Multiply hooked me, Drift reeled me in, and Beside Me is definitely my favorite track off of the record. Unfortunately the band broke up after some complications with the record company, though Murray Yates (vocals) reformed it with a completely new line up and they released their follow-up album Aftershock. I think this is one of the few bands I've come across that their music still sounds great despite drastic changes.

Also, they're Canadian. Just thought I'd throw that out there.


Sample Video: Brand New Day