In Review Online: Unheard Of #1

This is a feature I will start doing for In Review Online every so often. Some of these bands have been featured on the site before - some have not, but they're all worth checking out.

For indie music enthusiasts, discovery is what drives us, especially as modern technology makes it so much easier for artists to create and disseminate music to the masses. While you could argue that the magic of finding your new favorite band is lessened by the simple fact that it can happen multiple times a week, the abundance of cheap, high quality music so readily available has created opportunities for both musicians and music lovers alike that never existed previously. Still, it’s impossible to find all the “good stuff,” even by following tastemaker websites, perusing internet radio, or keeping company with fellow junkies – there’s just not enough time in the day to hear it all. And, as fun as it is to discover new and notable musical talent around the web, it’s almost as enjoyable sharing what you’ve found and discussing (or even arguing) about the band’s legitimacy as “the next big thing.” No longer is it hip (as long as you’re older than 16) to keep your musical treasures to yourself; if you’ve found a diamond in the rough it’s your solemn obligation to make it heard! In this spirit, I’m presenting five artists or bands that I feel are worthy of your attention and that I’m guessing you haven’t heard before – so take a look and a listen and let me know what you think. (Full Article)

Featured Bands:

Pree

Holiday Shores

Sonya Cotton

Rubik

Bagheera

Bagheera make their debut with the Hollow Home EP

Remember Bagheera...from Jungle Book? Perhaps not, but the black panther from Rudyard Kipling's classic novel served as the inspiration behind the name for an upcoming three-piece indie band comprised of students at the University of Liverpool, and that itself should be giving the name additional meaning soon. The band have only a four-song EP to their name, but Hollow Home is an excellent introduction to their ear-catching style and I imagine it won't be long before people are taking notice.

It's easiest to name-check Grizzly Bear in association with Baheera's sound, and though they wear that along with several other influences on their collective sleeve, the band's music is quite good and unique enough to be deserving of attention. The four songs showcase the trio's excellent vocal ability as well as their more than capable musicianship in composing truly gorgeous tunes, my favorite of which ("Old Machine") you can download below - though I recommend checking out MySpace for the entire EP. Bagheera certainly know how to make an entrance into the music scene.

Old Machine (MP3)