Copeland Beneath Medicine Tree (cd) (The Militia Group) I have never heard lyrics as heart wrenching as this. Ever. Actually, if I had just read the lyrics written down without the accompanying music it may have been too much. However that was not the case and the words make the songs mean that much more, and the instrumentation places the words in the correct frame of mind. The songs are primarily ballad-like, not unlike Further Seems Forever or EndSerenading-era Mineral / early Gloria Record -- though the vocals are more fragile which give the songs a sense of urgency. I like pretty much every song on this album, a rarity for me. Check out their website thecopelandsite.com. Prizefighter Self-Titled (cdep) (Self-Released) With thick, dynamic guitarworks, tight beats and powerful vocals, Philadelphia's Prizefighter conjures up something along the lines of Finch fronted by Bob Nanna (Braid, Hey Mercedes) -- but varied enough so you can't really peg them as "a band that sounds like that band". The opening track of this 4-song EP, "Houston", is a great example of this band being fundamentally solid with sweet tricks and changes. It makes me wonder two things: why there aren't bands like this in NYC, and why they're not yet signed. "Blend In" delivers like a track off Thursday's Waiting album. "Lights Of The Fourth" snakes around like Tool, complete with explosions and trebly bass. "52 In A 35" chugs along to a slidey beat and brings this ride to an end. Find out more about these guys on their website prizefighterband.com! Further Seems Forever How To Start A Fire (cd) (Tooth and Nail) Anthemic. I can't think of a better single word to describe FSF. "How To Start A Fire" is the first proper full-length release with singer Jason Gleason, and what better proper introduction than an album as grand as this. I love how the songs on this album soar, songs like "The Sound", "Against My Better Judgment", "Pride War", "On Legendary" and "Insincerity As An Artform". With excellent lyrics writing and musicianship, FSF have found a new identity with their new set of strong, emotional, hardcore ballads.
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