Bands On The Edge: Friday Review Special

I get lots of music and some of it doesn’t fall into the power pop genre, but may be worth a listen or two — especially if it has at least one good ipod worthy track. Here are a few artists that passed my desk this month, some come with FREE downloads – so gobble it up while it lasts.

Tereu Tereu “All That Keeps Us Together”

This is a mixed stew of a band, with bits of many genres – but it falls in the alternative pop category. They run ear-pleasing hooks through oddball time signatures and punctuate their songs with feedback-laden freak outs. The result is adventurous but accessible. Fans of Apples in Stereo may find something here to like. Some tracks here stand out well: “Beyond The Coast,” “Cage Was Right” and “The Skeptic”
MySpace | Tereu Tereu Site | Bandcamp

Dinosaur Feathers “Early Morning Risers” EP

Really out-there spaced pop, these Brooklyn boys Greg Sullo and Derek Zimmerman use synths, guitars, noise and sometimes slip in a melody or two. Fans of Animal Collective and Paul Simon may find the weird sonic textures refreshing. And hey… did I mention it’s a FREE download from the band’s site?
MySpace | Dinosaur Feathers Site – FREE DOWNLOAD

Oh My God “The Night Undoes The Work Of The Day”

Quirky Chicago band lets loose a flow of strong emotions, after a car accident nearly wiped them out, they did both physical and music therapy here. The new album starts with a sure fire pop hit in “My Own Adventure.” OMGs striking sound of distorted organ, overdriven bass guitar, driving drums and rich vocals, draw comparisons to everyone from Quasi to Queen. Worth more than a look, also listen to the dynamic piano ballad “Bring Yourself.”
MySpace | Oh My God site | FREE Download “My Own Adventure”

Hockey “Mind Chaos”

Hockey is a sport where men try to hit a puck into the net. Hockey is also a dance-punk band from Portland, supported by Talking Head Jerry Harrison. This is funk-infused dance-rock, with nice hooks in songs like the amazingly catchy “Song Away” and hipper-than-hip “Too Fake.” The music is fun and easy to dance to, fans of Scissor Sisters take note, this could be your newest guilty pleasure. Enjoy a cool music video made by the band right here. All this and no time in the penalty box!
MySpace | Amazon | CD Baby

Boh Runga “Right Here”

Boh is a star in her native New Zealand and plays straight up pop music with clean flair and a wonderfully soft voice. The new album “Right Here” was helped with musical heavyweights Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Wendy Melvoin (Prince and the Revolution), Kevin Savigar, (Rod Stewart’s songwriter) and Shelly Peiken who wrote ‘Bitch’ for Meredith Brooks and also ‘Genie in a Bottle’ for Christina Aguilera. The result is a polished product that would fit nicely in any music collection. And she sells a line of fine jewelry as well – talk about multi-talented!
MySpace | Boh Runga Website | “Evelyn” FREE Download here