As it turns out, the three albums I’ve picked have no album titles yet, or even as much as a concrete release date. I’d like to think that this only heightens the anticipation, though. Yeah. That’s what I’ll keep telling myself.
Is that my Dad’s garage?
Alternative: Jimmy Eat World
Considering this album is most likely to be released first in my list for 2013 and there is still so little actually known about it – I’m wildly surprised. I always find it fascinating when bands have their new material leaked unintentionally before the release date, whether it be by some computer-network-savvy fan or an inside job by the label. It seems, though, that Jimmy Eat World is playing it smart by staying relatively quiet throughout the whole writing, recording, mixing, and now mastering process of their eighth studio album. Fortunately we do know two things: they are without a label, and unlike most unsigned bands the engineer/producer, Alain Johannes (Queens of the Stone Age, Them Crooked Vultures), isn’t just some kid with Pro Tools and a “studio” in his parents’ attic.
Punk: The Story So Far
Look at all of those pop-punk sheep.
It’s been about a year and a half (June 21, 2011) since the release of The Story So Far’s debut full-length, Under Soil And Dirt, and like everyone else that listens to anything even remotely close to pop-punk, I’m still listening to every track. To read that many are saying their upcoming sophomore album could leave a mark in not only the pop-punk community but the alternative genre as well is pretty impressive for a band without a Wikipedia page. Since Under Soil And Dirt took at least a good six months to really grab any attention outside of their fan base, I can only expect the same for this upcoming release. Luckily, if there is one album in 2013 that I don’t have to worry about being a flopping mess it’s this one. Even if The Story So Far only reach the most minimal of expectations, this sophomore debut will still leave a hot and steamy mark on pop-punk.
Post-Rock: Moving Mountains
Moving Mountains (and their furly beards)
Drawing direct influence from the huge powers known as Thrice and labelmates The Appleseed Cast, I’m surprised Moving Mountains aren’t a whole lot more popular than they are currently. They certainly haven’t been hiding in the studio until recently. Touring almost non-stop for two years with anyone from The Fall of Troy to Straylight Run would get the attention of a whole slew of scenes, but it’s my hopes that their first full-length since May 2011 will get them all the attention they deserve. Josh Kirby will be replacing guitarist Frank Graniero on Moving Mountains’ third full-length which could prove to be a risky move since Frank recorded guitar on the their last three releases (Foreword, Waves, and New Light). Luckily, founding members Gregory Dunn (vocals/guitar) and Nicholas Pizzolato (drums) are still on the bill and will, almost without a doubt, be able to blow my mind away for a third time.
~ D.B.
Open Bar Reception 