New Brunswick natives Semiotics have been the hidden gem of alternative emo rock, with a slight early 2000’s pop punk vibe (think Motion City Soundtrack). With jumpy melodies and relatable lyrics, Semiotics surely is a band worth checking out if you’re looking for a fresh, reviving sound. Nicholas Rapon, co-singer and co-guitarist of the band, has been booking shows since he was in high school, and not necessarily just in New Brunswick. Originally only playing in his house, Semiotics have since played various DIY venues and...
From the underground NJ music community comes Montclair based indie rockers, Hodera. United By Birdcalls is Hodera’s first official full length release. Led by Matthew Smith, Hodera has undergone several lineup changes until establishing a consistent collective of musicians both touring and recording. The band takes on an indie-alternative form, with their music embodying characteristics of the classic Midwestern emo blended with a folky tone. United By Birdcalls narrates the listener through a therapeutic release...
With two years and various lineup changes under their belt, Montclair based quartet Gifts have dropped Seven Songs, a solid and confident EP that provides the perfect starting block for a band who finally has all its working parts in order. Rather than add another band to further clutter the, "emo," tag, let's call this something like: Dark Math-Tinged Pop-Punk. Though only, well, seven songs, this album is a truly fulfilling listening experience with great narrative at its core. First and foremost, let's talk about the drumming....
