Caesars Rome, an edgy UK rock band recently released a new record which fans of Funeral For A Friend may be really into. Gripping aggression, pounding drums, and guitars which rarely let up create an experience that is a good time for those looking for a burst of energy.

Song to start with: “High On The Nines”

What music has been taking over your stereo lately? Be sure to leave a link for people to check out some audio.

My rec: One For The Team

This band has been recommended plenty of times here, but their new record is pretty addictive. The band remains the same, just refined and focused.

It’s almost spooky how much Mike Hargreaves of the band Michou sounds like Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie. If you’re into vocals that effortlessly go down smooth and mellow pop/rock music then Michou has you covered, you know if you’re tired of listening to Death Cab For Cutie. Seriously, the resemblance is uncanny.

Indie rockers All the Day Holiday create melodically driven tunes with the best of them. Daydream lyrics, catchy and touching melodies, and sensitive vocals characterize this band’s first album The Things We’ve Grown to Love. Their well-crafted songs are soaring and this band’s future looks bright.

The guys in LightParade are only just getting started—they posted their first songs on their MySpace on March 10th—but already they’ve found a niche and a defined style.  By no means newcomers to the industry (vocalist Jeremiah Wood used to play for Leeland), the band’s alternative rock sound is well crafted with excellent guitars and layered vocals.  They don’t exactly reinvent the wheel and sound similar to The Myriad with some BritPop influences, but what they do, they do well.

This is a guest rec from Brandon Clark.

Recently, I was searching my daily internet sites and happened upon a gem of a band. Leslie and The Badgers, is a charming alt-country band based out of Los Angeles, California.Their song “Old Timers” was featured on the FX show “The Riches”, which might coincidentally be the only reason you may or may not have heard of them. Check out their latest album “Room Full of Smoke” on iTunes — I recommend starting with the songs “Los Angeles” and “Ball Park Lights”.

If you’d like to catch some of their real charm, check out these videos of them that initially caught my attention.

I happened upon Red Shepherd yesterday and the song “Blue Skies” specifically stuck out. The song begins simple enough with a likable melody, but then transforms and gains a passion you were secretly hoping for when the song first began. Give it and the band a listen, you’ll be glad you did.

Though a very much straight forward singer/songwriter style, Tyrone Wells has seemed to find a pretty big following. His new record ‘Metal & Wood’ just got released and so this is a good time to check out his music if you haven’t yet.

Looking for a hip indie rock band you haven’t heard of before? Check out Pet Lions. Songs like “Roman History” and “Propeller Plane” definitely hold up the band’s latest EP (‘Soft Right’), but whether or not the other songs do it for you, the two mentioned tracks are worth your time.

Miniature Tigers, a band that this is both in the business of indie rock and indie pop, have a song available for free download on Spinner.com called “Cannibal Queen”. Anyone else ready for a new record from this band?

Man Overboard just released their new record ‘Before We Met…’, and truth be told, this collection of otherwise punk/pop songs are pretty good. Take “Love Your Friends, Die Laughing” for example, the acoustic based track with group vocals is unbelievably catchy the first time through.

Just like the band Search/Rescue came from members of Acceptance and Gatsby’s American Dream, there are now 2 new bands coming from Search/Rescue. Places And Numbers is Bobby’s solo effort [his new EP is available for pay-what-you] and Ryan has started singing with Ticktockman. The release from Places And Numbers seems much more interesting to me personally, but take your pick.

The last reader feedback was in the beginning of February. It seems time again for you to recommend some bands.

My Rec: Have you heard of Have You Heard? Lame, I’m sorry. Anyway, if you’re looking for a decent pop/punk band, here’s one. If you become really hooked on them, the band is also looking to raise money to record/release their next album that you could help out with.

Song to start with: “Turn Out The Lights”

The gripping vocals that fill the speakers on “The Ladder” begins Andrew Belle’s new record in a way that’s hard to ignore. Yes, he’s another pop artist that places the emphasis on a soulful country/folk flare which is proving to be a popular trend currently, but I would definitely not call Andrew Belle just another artist.

Song to start with: “Static Waves”

Thanks to Rob for the tip

The Honey Trees join indie-rockers Eisley on a list of high-quality female-fronted indie music.  Electronics, strings, and the pure vocals of lead vocalist Becky Filip make The Honey Tree’s sound haunting and worth listening to.  “Orchard” is a slow and dark tune,  but the band shows their lighter side on the melodic “Find Home.”

There are a lot of bands with the name Bright Young Things, it almost seems like a race to see who can rise above the rest first and then make the others change their name. The group (duo?) that caught my attention though was the electronic band from Australia. If you remotely like Young Love, Lady Gaga, or any of these other dancey pop acts you should absolutely love Bright Young Things. The song “Good Times” which is labeled a demo, does not sound like a “demo”, but rather sounds like a current radio single.

Two very different recs today.

Vedera: Pop

Currently on tour with Jack’s Mannequin and Fun., Vedera recently released a new album 5 years after their last one came out. There is definitely a comparison to bands like the Cranberries or other 90’s female fronted rock bands, but regardless, they have their own style and ‘Stages’ is a huge leap forward for the band. Song to start with: “Satisfy”

Motions And Miles: Indie Rock

There is a very DIY sense that comes with the band’s new release ‘Grace’ not because it’s rough around the edges, but because it feels like the band isn’t catering to any outside source besides themselves. “Every Day Between The Facts” is great song to start with to feel the passionate indie rock style in between Saosin and In Aviate.

Rarely am I thoroughly impressed by random solicitations, but even Cedar Avenue’s MySpace page is fantastic. Sort of in that Deas Vail (minus the high pitch vocals) pop/rock realm, Cedar Avenue really nails the style they aim for and there’s not really any reason not to love this band.

Song to start with with: “7 Years”

Fast forward 2 years to present-day and Shapes Stars Make now have a new album recently released. Though The Appleseed Cast would still be a “RIYL” compassion band, on the new record however, Shapes Stars Make follow their own carved out path. The mellow and often serene music is a great soother, but also an interesting listen. ‘These Mountains Are Safe’ came out January 19th, worth your time.

Did you know Rocky Votolato had a new record coming out 2/23/10? If you were at all interested in the acoustic beginnings of The Honorary Title’s or even Dashboard Confessional to some extend you should find something for you here. “Red River” from the new record is up for streaming and a bit more upbeat than typical stuff he’s done in the past.

Here is another round of a bunch of recs. Be sure to leave a comment if any of these work out for you.

It’s A King Thing – Indie/rock/Acoustic [RIYL: Old Weezer]

The 71’s – Alt Rock [RIYL: Jet, Switchfoot]

Fang Island – Indie [RIYL: We Were Promised Jet Packs, Anathallo]

Mellow groove rock from San Diego, Long Live Logos know how to draw out the anticipation created with subtle melodies. The latest album, ‘Let’s Take A Walk’ is full of gems including my favorite “No One Can Beat Us”.

Maybe you’ve heard of this band called, We Shot The Moon? Well, much like Jonathan Jones made a solo album, the other band members have created their own side project called, Feet Feet Feet Parachute. Although not the quickest name to say in a sentence, the departure from the standard piano rock is a refreshing change. The band just released a new EP at the beginning of February, so be sure to get in at the ground level.

Strictly by accident did I find Chasing Claymores, but I’m glad I did because they are totally worth mentioning. The band follows a harder pop/punk style, fitting in with bands like Anberlin and Rufio, both of which they’ve shared the bill with. “Smile & Fake It” looks to be the single and probably the best track to start with to get acquainted with their music.

Don’t forget about Fair. Their new album drops on Tuesday and even though the last one was good, this one out does it in almost every way. If you haven’t yet, check out our full review of the album and pick it up on 2/9/10.

“The Road You Know” is a glimpse at Say It Twice’s new EP being released in March. If I were to base my opinion of the band strictly on that song, I would have extremely high hopes. After hearing the new album however, I can say “The Road You  Know” is not a one-off and this band is the real deal. Anthem pop/rock at its heart, the music is both suited to the mainstream as well as giving the independent crowd something to secretly enjoy.

New and worthy bands? In the comments leave at least a name and link to hear some music.

Mellow and full of enchanting melodies, you should be aware of The Middle East.

Song to start with: “Blood”

Why should you care about Two Door Cinema Club before you even listen to them? Well, they are label mates with Phoenix and Mumford & Sons for one, but beyond name dropping, the slick and hip indie rock is very sticky. “Undercover Martyn” is a modest attempt at using nearly flawless hooks to take over someone’s brain. “Something Good Can Work” also sounds like a Phoenix inspired tune, but simpler. This band will take over the music scene with the release of a full album, just wait.

I wish I would have been all over the latest release from The Most Serene Republic back when it came out in July of last year.  ’…And The Ever Expanding Universe’ is comprised of an orchestral of sound, weaving in typical folk instruments into a group of melodies. “Heavens To Purgatory” should hook you in mere seconds making my job seem easy with today’s rec. Enjoy.