I received an e-mail about this close knit indie rock group from Columbus, Ohio a while ago, but being busy, I just listened to the sample tracks, realized this band was highly enjoyable and went on with my days. It wasn’t until I started doing these ultra music blog updates that I realized I had committed an atrocious crime in not writing about them yet, considering I’ve enjoyed them for weeks.

They employ the timeless rock/pop band structure using pianos upfront and guitars for texture. Talking about texture, they sound similar to the Cold War Kids, and at their most dramatic a little like Muse.

The Iry – Whole Again

The Iry – Blackout

The Iry Myspace

Do you ever get a hankering for rambunctious rock with just a hint of class? Like the best punk band in the world wearing custom made tailored suits? Or maybe a gang brawl with those participating adorned in top hats and canes while snapping their fingers West Side Story style? Well if you’re like me, then the answer is a resounding “yes”. My latest fix for this niche is Tennessee’s We Were the States, whose bouncy garage rock style reminds me of the Hives, with a bit more southern spice, and by “bit” I mean a whole case of red pepper.

We Were the States – Till Morning Comes

We Were the States – Up Your Sleeve

Feature by Ferdinand Moss, Digital Boy
As Rob, the main character from Nick Hornby’s book “High Fidelity” said, “Do I listen to pop music because I’m miserable, or am I miserable because I listen to pop music?”

One of the best break-up albums of 2007, Kate Nash’s “Made of Bricks” is a melancholy pop album that strikes chords with the heart. British-born Nash takes a comedic and self-deprecating perspective on her own life. With simple upbeat piano riffs in “Foundations”, the tone is set for a witty, ironic song about a relationship on the rocks. The song “Merry Happy” is anything but, with the lines “Yeah you make me merry make me very, very happy/But you obviously, you didn’t want to stick around.” Her songs, though they may seem happy at first, are dark, longing looks into Nash’s failing or failed relationships.

The album is not as abrasive or man hating (except for a song named “Dickhead”) as similar artist Lily Allen’s album “Alright, Still”, and not as saccharine sweet as Sara Bareilles’ song “I’m Not Gonna Write You A Love Song”; the songs on this album will surely get stuck in your head. With piano slip-ups here and there and a clever take on life, the album is far from a typical pop album. Take a listen to the songs below and let us know what you think.

For more information, music and a fun cover of “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes, check out her myspace at http://www.myspace.com/katenashmusic.

Kate Nash – Foundations.mp3

Kate Nash – Merry Happy.mp3

Kate Nash – Mouthwash.mp3