Glass Animals: From Oxford to Global Stardom

Glass Animals, the indie rock quartet hailing from Oxford, England, burst onto the scene in 2010. The band's lineup boasts Dave Bayley (vocals, guitar, keys, drums, songwriting), Drew MacFarlane (guitar, keys, backing vocals), Edmund Irwin-Singer (bass, keys, backing vocals), and Joe Seaward (drums).

Their debut album, "Zaba" (2014), propelled them into the spotlight with the platinum-selling single "Gooey." This success paved the way for their sophomore album, "How to Be a Human Being," which garnered critical acclaim and won them coveted awards: UK Album of the Year and Self Producing Artist of the Year at the 2018 MPG Awards. They also received a prestigious Mercury Prize nomination for this album.

Their third album, "Dreamland," reached number two on the UK Albums Chart and number seven on the US Billboard 200. This solidified their position as a major force in the music scene.

However, it was their hit single "Heat Waves" that catapulted them to global fame. The track went viral on TikTok, topping the charts in Australia and being crowned number one on the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2020. It has since surpassed two billion streams on Spotify and achieved the pinnacle of success, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the UK Singles Chart.

The band's critical acclaim continued with two Brit Award nominations in 2022: Best British Alternative/Rock Act and "Heat Waves" for Best British Single. They also received their first Grammy nomination for Best New Artist at the 2022 Grammy Awards.

Early Days: 2010-2015

The four band members, all graduates of St Edward's School in Oxford, forged their musical bond during their formative years. This shared history serves as the foundation for their unique blend of indie rock, electronic, and psychedelic sounds.

The Downtown Fiction: A Rock Band from Virginia

The Downtown Fiction, hailing from Fairfax, Virginia, were a force in the American rock scene. The band's lineup consisted of Cameron Leahy (guitarist and lead vocalist), David Pavluk (bassist and backing vocalist), Wes Dimond (guitarist and backing vocalist), and Kyle Rodgers (drummer).

From High School Friends to a Rock Band

The band's journey began with the friendship between Cameron Leahy, the band's songwriting mastermind, and Eric Jones, the original drummer. The two bonded over their shared love of music while attending Westfield High School. In the summer of 2008, they decided to form The Downtown Fiction, a name inspired by the iconic film "Pulp Fiction," a favorite among the band members.

They began uploading their demos to MySpace, quickly building a dedicated fan base. Needing a bassist to complete their sound, they recruited David Pavluk, who also added his vocal talents to their mix. Their final member, Wes Dimond, joined the band and later went on to become a 5th grade teacher.

A Year of Touring and a Record Deal

The Downtown Fiction hit the road, touring relentlessly for a year. Their raw energy and passionate performances caught the attention of Photo Finish Records, an independent label based in New York City. They signed with the label and continued to tour extensively, joining the Bamboozle Road Show in 2010, followed by the Warped Tour that same year.

**The Downtown Fiction's legacy continues to resonate with their fans, a testament to their energetic live performances, catchy tunes, and the undeniable chemistry between the four band members. **

Facing Mortality: Terror Management Theory and the Band

Terror Management Theory explores the fundamental human anxiety stemming from our awareness of our own mortality. To cope with this existential dread, we seek meaning and significance within our worldviews. These beliefs, whether individual or collective, provide a sense of permanence and purpose, offering solace in the face of our inevitable demise.

In 2018, a band named Terror Management emerged from St. Augustine, Florida, embodying this very concept. The group comprises seasoned musicians: Kevin Kelly, known for his work in Liquid Limbs, pounding the large drum set; Jeremy Rogers, a veteran of Minimum Rage, Dredger, and Telepathic Lines, providing the bassline; Alan Mills, of Burl and Greenness fame, wielding a guitar through a complex web of pedals; and Mike Taylor, a member of Palatka, Halo Perfecto, and Flaws, handling the simpler guitar and lending his voice to most of the songs.

This band, united by their shared musical journey, confronts the existential anxieties of mortality through the raw power of their music, offering an alternative to fear through the transformative nature of art.

Get ready to unleash your inner punk with BAD DOG, a ferociously fun band where rebellious spirit meets playful mischief. Led by the fearless Snarls Barkley, their infectious tunes and high-energy performances are guaranteed to have you howling along in no time. With the thunderous drumming of K9 Crash and the blistering guitar riffs of Howler and Snaggletooth, BAD DOG's energetic sound will have you wagging your tail and diving headfirst into the mosh pit.

Hailing from the vibrant music scene of New York City, Freezing Cold is an indie rock trio comprised of guitarist and vocalist Jeff Cunningham (formerly of Bridge And Tunnel), bassist Leanne Butkovic (previously with Never), and drummer Angie Boylan (known for her work with Aye Nako and Sleater-Kinney's touring band). Having shared the stage with notable acts such as On the Might of Princes, Algernon Cadwallader, Radiator Hospital, and Screaming Females in recent years, the band is poised to unleash their most powerful and cohesive musical offering yet this fall.

Sainthood Reps: A Long Island Rock Odyssey

Sainthood Reps, the Long Island-bred indie rock quartet, exploded onto the scene in 2009, igniting a sonic firestorm with their emotive melodies and ferocious energy. The band's origins can be traced back to the shared musical passion of frontman/guitarist Francesco Montesanto and touring guitarist Derrick Sherman, both Long Island natives who had collaborated on various projects before uniting under the Sainthood Reps banner. Montesanto's raw songwriting, imbued with a potent blend of angst and introspection, resonated deeply with Sherman, and the two began crafting their own distinct brand of rock.

Their early demos, shared via Myspace in August 2009, hinted at the band's undeniable potential. The arrival of drummer Bradley Cordaro and bassist Jani Zubkovs solidified the lineup, and Sainthood Reps were officially born in September 2009.

Their debut tour, a December 2009 trek alongside All the Day Holiday, marked the beginning of their relentless touring schedule. A January 2010 tour with Caspian further established their presence in the underground rock scene, culminating in the release of a collaborative split EP with fellow emotive rockers O'Brother.

The following year, 2011, witnessed a pivotal moment for Sainthood Reps as they signed with the esteemed Tooth & Nail Records. This partnership led to the release of their highly anticipated debut album, "Monoculture," produced by the acclaimed Mike Sapone. "Monoculture" served as a powerful statement of intent, showcasing the band's raw talent and infectious energy.

While originally aiming to record a double EP in March 2010, the band found themselves swept up in a whirlwind of label interest, ultimately choosing to partner with Tooth & Nail Records for a full-length release.

"Monoculture" established Sainthood Reps as a force to be reckoned with, solidifying their position as a leading act in the vibrant indie rock scene. The record's impact would be further amplified with the release of their sophomore album, "Headswell," in October 2013, via No Sleep Records. With each release, Sainthood Reps continued to refine their sound, leaving an indelible mark on the rock landscape and solidifying their status as a band to watch.

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, The Carolyn is a dynamic three-piece melodic punk band. Since their formation in 2016, they've carved a path for themselves with two EPs and two albums, released through the respected labels 59 X Records and Gunner Records. Their sound, infused with emotive undertones, resonates deeply with fans of punk music that embraces raw emotion.

The werewolf in question is none other than Michael J. Wolf, frontman of Wolf-Face, a local punk band now achieving legendary status. Their sound echoes influences like the Misfits, Dillinger Four, Dead Mechanical, and even the late Jay Reatard.

Ten years ago, Tampa Bay was introduced to Wolf-Face when they emerged from their practice space, armed with anthems like "Give Me a Keg of Beer," "Be a Man!," and "​​I'm a Son of a Bitch." These songs, filled with biting lyrics, were a direct response to the producers of the 1985 film "Teen Wolf," who, according to Wolf, appropriated his life story and turned it into a movie.

The seeds of Codefendants were sown in a unique act of solidarity. Get Dead vocalist Sam King's graffiti crew, driven by a shared passion for helping others, used their talents to raise funds for incarcerated folk rapper Ceschi Ramos. Years later, fate intervened, bringing them together at the iconic Gilman Street Project in Berkeley. A mutual love for hip-hop, punk rock, graffiti, and the hustle cemented their bond, setting the stage for something extraordinary.

Codefendants, defying easy categorization, emerged from a desire to create music unlike anything else. They enlisted the legendary Fat Mike, both as producer and musician, to help them bring their vision to life, resulting in a genre-bending album they call "Crime Wave."

Since their 2023 debut, Codefendants have collaborated with an eclectic mix of artists, including Death Row founder The DOC, N8NOFACE, 2Mex, Angelo from Fishbone, and Stacey Dee from Bad Cop / Bad Cop. Their live performances have seen them share the stage with an impressive roster of punk bands, culminating in a momentous opening slot for Avenged Sevenfold at the LA Forum.

While Ramos and King are the core of Codefendants, they often find themselves backed by the vibrant energy of Venezuelan art punk heroes Zeta or King's own band, Get Dead. This dynamic fusion of talent and experience creates a truly unique sonic experience, reflecting the band's unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and defying expectations.

Hailing from Burlington, Ontario, The Penske File are a melodic punk band whose infectious energy and catchy tunes have been captivating audiences. Their latest album, "Salvation," released in April, has been a constant source of enjoyment for us. However, it was their recent live performance in Manchester that truly blew us away. The band's enthusiasm was palpable, their melodies irresistibly catchy, and their choruses left a lasting impression. The Penske File are a force to be reckoned with, both on record and on stage.

The Iron Roses are a force of nature, a vibrant tapestry of talent woven into a musical entity that yearns to reshape the world. Their music, forged in the fires of contemporary injustice, resonates with the raw power of seasoned musicians channeling their righteous anger into protest anthems. Unwavering in their commitment, their voices still roar with the fire of rebellion, refusing to succumb to apathy.

Witnessing these six individuals pour their souls into their truth is an awe-inspiring spectacle. Their growth over the past few years, a testament to their unwavering spirit, has culminated in this powerful new record. The Iron Roses, and their music, embody a potent cocktail of strength, love, and passion - qualities desperately needed in our troubled times.

Further Seems Forever: A Rock Band's Rollercoaster Ride

Further Seems Forever, hailing from Pompano Beach, Florida, burst onto the scene in 1998. Their initial eight years were a whirlwind of lineup changes, with each of their first three albums featuring a different lead vocalist.

The band's journey began with Chris Carrabba, whose emo-tinged vocals graced their debut album, "The Moon Is Down" (2001). However, Carrabba soon departed to form Dashboard Confessional, leaving a void filled by Jason Gleason for their sophomore release, "How to Start a Fire" (2003). Gleason's tenure proved short-lived, and he was replaced by Jon Bunch, formerly of Sense Field, who fronted their third album, "Hide Nothing" (2004).

The band called it quits in 2006, but four years later, they reunited, with Carrabba back on vocal duties. Their fourth album, "Penny Black," released in 2012, marked a return to their roots.

While often categorized as indie rock and closely associated with the emo genre, Further Seems Forever's sound also drew connections to Christian rock. This association stemmed from the members' faith, recurring Christian themes in their lyrics, their affiliation with Tooth & Nail Records, and their appearances at Christian festivals like Cornerstone and Furnace Fest. However, the band maintained that they weren't a strictly Christian act, but rather a rock band with Christian members.

Further Seems Forever's story is a testament to the enduring power of music and the ever-evolving dynamics of a band's journey. Through lineup changes, stylistic shifts, and genre classifications, their music continues to resonate with listeners, leaving a lasting impact on the rock scene.