Label: Southern

Once again Rex continue to refine their gentle meandering brand emo-rock. Like an Afghan Whigs on Prozac, Rex’s third full length features an increased attention on the violins and cellos that subtly accompany the long and drifting guitars and bass. Although maybe just another twig from growing tree “3″ is powerful little record to play loudly into headphones, or quietly as a soundtrack to peaceful introspection.

Label: Basura / Priority

Timco is a band that lives in a dark, almost haunting, world of melodic angst. Musically they are more straight forward than weird, relying mainly on a typical drum, bass and guitar structure. A little like Green Day on prozac, their songs are driven by deep rich male vocals and determined neatly strummed guitar lines. What separates this trio from stardom may be the starkness of both their lyrical melodic yearnings. Nutshell: introspective, reflective, deep groove collective.

Label: Minty Fresh

Pure and simple some of the catchiest bubblegum pop music you’re likely to find. This trio is all about harmony, swapping cute male and female vocals, with understated guitar and piano lines. They vacillates between slow and fast tunes emphasizing the quirky, but not without sounding naively enlightened in the process. pApAs fritAs combine an almost Go-Go’s happy-go-lucky sensibility with a casual, almost slackeresque, presence. Nutshell: a clever, unlevered, endeavor.