New Music Tuesday (Week of February 2nd)

Peasant, “Shady Retreat”

Fresh off the heels of his critically acclaimed album “On The Ground,” Peasant brings us a melodic, acoustic and unpretentious follow up titled “Shady Retreat.” Damien DeRose’s vocals come across as a soft whisper that compliments the guitar very well. “Shady Retreat” is destined to become Peasant’s breakthrough album.

Smile Smile, “Truth on Tape” (February 9, 2010)

Although Smile Smile’s “Truth on Tape” chronicles the end of the romantic relationship between singer/guitarist Ryan Hamilton and singer/pianist Jencey Hirunrusme the album is surprisingly upbeat. The Dallas duo who at one time was engaged parted ways and somehow managed to put together a harmonious, up-tempo, folk-friendly album. With tracks like “Cancer” (an up-tempo track that has a bit of a country twang) and the hauntingly beautiful “The Attic” it’s hard not to fall in love with this album.

The Soundtrack Of Our Lives, “Communion”

“Communion” is the title of The Soundtrack of Our Lives’ double disc LP. The album opens up with a wave of sounds that slowly evolve into rhythmic up-tempo guitar driven rock titled “Babel On.” There’s a feel of epicness to this album, the guitars are strongly present as are the cymbals on the drums reminiscing of those wildly popular modern rock albums that are bound to be around for a very long time. Stand out tracks include: “Mensa’s Marauders,”  ”Distorted Child” and “Flipside.”

Veil Veil Vanish, “Change In The Neon Light” (February 23, 2010)

From the second I popped in Veil Veil Vanish’s “Change In The Neon Light” I was hooked. Simply put “Change in The Neon Light’s is an enjoyable record from start to finish. Keven Tecon’s captivating vocals will have you hanging on to his every word that along with the band’s emotionally charged performance will have you hitting the replay button over and over again. Stand out tracks include: “Change in the Neon Light,” “Exile City” and “This is Violet.”