For every screaming music dance craze, for every generation’s “turn off that racket” rock and roll or cacophony punk noise comes an equally hip yet polar opposite sound. The new millennium’s second decade has been kind to bands that have turned down and spread out their sound, spawning a solid scene of experimental folk, singer songwriters, and an encyclopedia of other low volume sub genres to round out the sound of the town. Hampstead, New Hampshire’s own Bells Down fit nicely into this niche of acoustic based bands, and their first E.P. Destroyer acts as a fine introduction to the Granite State outfit.

Destroyer is a five track sampler that shows off the band’s sit-around-the-campfire song style. The numbers are laced with a variety of acoustic string set ups, nuanced brass, and sing along gang vocals. The harmonies on the songs are well executed and come off especially well in the title track, where a dueling ukulele/vocal bridge gives the song a sort of old world tone that doesn’t come off as tacked on. The E.P’s lyrics are mostly disenchanted poems with themes of thin line love and hate and fickle passion that lead singer Bayley Blaisdell delivers with a clean and untouched vocal track that roots the E.P. as a self-recorded effort.

All together, Destroyer acts as a quick and solid moody E.P. with simple but enjoyable production and interesting instrumentation. Fans of such acts as Feist, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Saint Vincent would be well advised to check it out.–Anthony Geehan

I was pleasantly surprised when I received a package in the mail from the Portsmouth, NH-based band Superfrog. Not only had I been sent a copy of their latest release, Call from the Moon, but it was accompanied by a cover letter and very well-designed one-sheet. Call me old-fashioned, but I appreciate seeing a band put in the time and effort to distribute a physical press kit.

As for Call from the Moon, it was equally as impressive. I often find myself straying away from groups labeled “jam bands” because of their song lengths and superfluous instrumental solos. I love guitars, but seriously, who needs to hear a six-minute guitar or bass solo? My skepticism quickly dissipated as I listened to this record. I thought the band did an excellent job of showcasing their instrumental prowess without going overboard. They were able to produce tight, well-orchestrated songs while still demonstrating a mastery of their respective instruments.

In his cover letter, drummer Shane Cormer highlighted a few select tracks he felt were especially impressive on the album, and after listening to each of the songs, I find I am inclined to agree with his suggestions. I thought the second track, “Astronautical”, which was featured on Relix Magazine’s February/March 2010 CD sampler, was the best song on the record. I found the trumpet melodies to be quite infectious. The chorus really lifts the song up to another level, propelled by the entrance of perfectly placed back-up vocal harmonies and held down by an extremely tight rhythm section.

Based on what I heard from these songs, I would have to say that Superfrog has a great knack for crafting catchy and energetic choruses. “IOU1” is another track that demonstrates their propensity for great hooks. Their use of back-up vocals during the chorus of this song, coupled with a smooth trumpet line and “Fool-in-the-Rain-esque” drum groove, really gets this song stuck in your head.

Overall, I would have to say just one word can sum up Superfrog—professional. From the way they handle the distribution of their music to their creation of a brilliant blend of jam band-ska-rock, Superfrog has a sound that can certainly draw the interest of all kinds of different fans.–Daniel McMahon