Modern Rock Reviews

Modern Rock Archive

The Decemberists - O Valencia - A
If it weren't for The Shins, The Decemberists would probably get a lot more publicity for their quirky and brilliantly written indie rock. This is one of their finest and with a slightly faster tempo might have earned an "A+".

The Editors - Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors - A-
The best Joy Division knock-off of the year so far (take that Interpol) is a gloomy and engrossing tune with a solid chorus. This is the best Editors song so far.

The Deftones - Hole In The Earth - A-
The best metal band around right now not named "Tool", the Deftones release their most melodic and radio-friendly single since "Change".

The Cat Empire - Sly - A-
A slowed-down Arctic Monkeys-esque single marks the arrival of The Cat Empire, a promising new indie band.

The Cold War Kids - Hospital Beds - B+
It's no "Hang Me Up To Dry", but it's still a cut above the usual assortment of indie rock and pop punk songs on the radio.

The Format - She Doesn't Get It - B+
This song is far above average, but it doesn't quite reach the elite heights of indie rock due to it's lack of a solid hook.

The Cinematics - Keep Forgetting - B+
Another solid single for The Cinematics, this time with a much better chorus.

The Clicks - Oh Yeah - B+
A solid debut for the indie rock band featuring above-average vocals and a solid beat.

The Cinematics - Break - B+
An above-average indie rock song with good verses, but a mediocre chorus.

The Deftones - Mein - B
A solid metal tune that doesn't quite hit on all the marks.

The Feeling - Sewn - B
A decent but timid emo song that isn't well-written enough to be weak but isn't hooky enough to overcome it's lyrical shortcomings.

The Colour - Save Yourself - B
A decent song that is badly in need of a chorus.

The Exies - Different From You - B-
A sludgy metal song that at the very least doesn't have an irritating vocal like most of them do.

The Dollyrots - Because I'm Awesome - B-
A great riot-grrl sound is betrayed by miserably bad lyrics. This wouldn't happen to be a Donnas side project, would it?

The Classic Crime - The Fight - B-
An average pop punk song. Not necessarily bad, but doesn't stand out in a crowded field.