Photo by Tiff Yoon

Lancaster, PA generally brings to mind thoughts that involve horse and buggies, tourist traps, and all you can eat breakfast buffets. Face-melting technical rock really isn’t on the forefront of that list. After hearing guitar and drum duo 1994, your perception of the Amish capital of the world might need some retooling.

I went to Circle of Hope in South Philly recently to see a friends’ band play, expecting to see some amigos and enjoy a night of live music. 1994 proceeded to put on one of the best live shows I’ve seen in years. The band has achieved the perfect combination of unbelievable musicianship and stage presence, and their recently recorded demo is a fair indicator of their talent. Gravely sung/screamed vocals, uber-technical guitar and some of the most intense drumming ever all combine to make a band I can’t wait to see again and hear some new tunes from in the future. Plus, one of their songs is called “Sexual Alien vs. Sexual Predator.” If that doesn’t make you love them, I don’t know what will.

Check out some songs off of their Winter ‘08 demo here.

Tags: Band Spotlight, News by Leah
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Who: Big Science

What do they sound like: The jangly guitar riffs of Modest Mouse mixed with The Cure.

Why you should listen: The band, which features two ex-members of The North Atlantic, just recently posted their debut three-song demo and I’m already hooked. Lead singer Jason Hendrix has shown his penchant for pop sensibilities in the past with North Atlantic songs like “Scientist Girl” and “Bottom of This Town.” Big Science seems to be where he can expand on that while retaining interesting song structures and brilliant lyrics.

Check out their demo here.

Tags: Band Spotlight, Big Science by bill
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Who: Sakes Alive!!

What do they sound like?: A mix of Strike Anywhere, Polar Bear Club, and From Ashes Rise, sans the crustiness.

Why YOU should listen!: I’d must say, for only having a three-song demo, Rochester, NY’s Sakes Alive!! are miles ahead of many bands at their level. Right off the bat, I was incredibly impressed when I popped in their demo last week. The songs are undeniably urgent, passion-filled and grab you from the first chord. All you NYC kids should stop by to see the band play at Lost and Found Bar in Greenpoint on Feb. 29th.

You can check out Sakes Alive!! on our Late Night Mix player to the right. Also, check out an awesome interview our friends at Mutiny Zine did with SA!! leader Chris here.

Tags: Band Spotlight, Sakes Alive!! by Matthew
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Who: The Roadside Graves

What do they sound like?: Jersey-bred rockers, fueled by equal parts Uncle Tupelo and Lucero.

Why YOU should listen!: I was initially turned onto this band by LNWF friend Lauren Measure, so thanks go out to her. The song “West Coast,” which you can listen to below, is goosebump-inducing. The band has been getting loads of praise from their Jersey-peers and a few major websites here and there. I’ve been told I need to check them out in their proper habitat, which would be a booze-filled basement in New Brunswick, NJ. I can only imagine the rawkus scene for now. With painfully honest and unflinching lyrics that would make John K. Samson proud, this band could easily become an obsession with a ton of people very soon.

Tags: Band Spotlight, The Roadside Graves by Matthew
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With few exceptions (Cat Power, Mirah), usually the combination of the words “female,” and “singer-songwriter” cause little reaction in me. At best, an unimpressed rolling of the eyes or maybe even a pantomimed vomit if I’m feeling saucy. I must be missing the girl gene that causes me to tear up when I hear “Pieces of You” on the radio. Therefore, it’s a rare occurrence that a female musician gets such a strong recommendation from me. Congrats, Essie Jain.

There are a lot of reasons why I like Jain so much, only half of which have to do with her being British. Her brand of modern chamber pop music is delicate and beautiful without ever getting cheesy or overly sweet, and dang, can that girl sing. We aren’t talking Aretha Franklin belting here; rather, Jain’s ability to convey a feeling in the quietest possible way makes listening to a song like “Glory” an incredibly intimate experience.

Check out more about Essie after the jump.

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Tags: Band Spotlight by Leah
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