Wazu is an interesting beast simply because I think the average group would be hard pressed to release demos all throughout the writing and recording process. With that being said, they just recently posted a demo for "Walk All Night". A bit more upbeat, it still maintains the group’s dark wave sound — think of a more pop sensible My Bloody Valentine — but the new demo doesn’t dethrown my personal favorite "MURDER1".

The band has been making waves with their live shows; recently at CMJ, as well as their show last night with Deli Poll winners Incan Abraham. It’s going to be interesting to see what shapes up with Wazu in 2011.

-Angelo Lorenzo

Eulogies, known for their calming, mellow and melodic sound, has announced the release for their 3rd album off of Dangerbird Records, titled "Tear The Fences Down". Eulogies’ songs always have a joyful mood to them, but this record is dedicated to a tragic event that frontman Peter Waker experienced last year, after living in anguish and pain over the death of his best friend’s 4 year old son. 

"In May of 2008 i experienced the ultimate high of my life when my son was born. Instantly everything was noticeably richer. music that i had listened to hundreds of times suddenly had more depth and layers to it than ever before. My life was full of a deep love i had never dreamed of. Just 7 days later, i got a call from my best friend and business partner, my brother from another mother, that his 4-year-old son was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. I felt the floor drop out from under me. Talk about the universe speaking. There is no more poignant example of yin and yang in one’s life than this. After what happened in July of 2009 my emotions–my heart–my life–were all blown to smithereens. It took months to untangle my insides to the point that i could sit down with a pencil and a guitar and confront what I had been through, but when I did I began to see the light again after more than a year of deep-rooted torment. these songs became my lifeline. this is a diary of the trauma of war, and ultimately a way out of those horrific depths", said Walker.

"Tear The Fences Down" will be released on January 18th. For now, you can listen to the single "You Hide".

–Jenna Putnam

The White Buffalo is many things: hearfelt, baritone, and an excellent raconteur. With a voice thats said to go down as smooth as whiskey, he’ll be heading up The Mint tonight, Dec. 15th. with the show starting at 9:30pm. If you can’t make it then try to grab his EP, Prepare for Black and Blue, or at least check out the video below.

-Angelo Lorenzo

Sometimes I feel like I’ve missed the boat when I finally come across certain bands. It’s especially the case with Letting Up Despite Great Faults, considering I use to work with their drummer many, many moons ago (those are stories for another day). This four piece’s shoegaze sound stay upbeat, never getting too dark or artificial. Their collection of songs lift you up and bring you down at the same time, it’s the fodder for a coastal drive in the winter.

-Angelo Lorenzo

Travis Knight transcends the singer/songwriter category by tapping into a variety of influences for his melodic roots, reggae-inspired sound. Perhaps it’s because the proficient musician—who will play all instruments on his early 2011 solo release Risky Calm Oddity—considers himself a bassist at heart. Knight formed Moss Bluff in Los Angeles in 2005, and has released two full-length albums featuring contributions from Ben Harper’s drummer Jordan Richardson, William Ryan Fritch, and former Matisyahu drummer Jonah David. Songs such as “Elegant DEMO” recall the pre-1980’s basslines of The Police. “Ribbons” is another modern reggae ditty, perfect for a sexy, slow dance. Pulsing with an energetic, memorable chorus, “Arm in the Sun” delights with its lush strings and heavy personal vocals. Knight starts a regular gig at the Viper Room this Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 10:15 pm, and will play every Wednesday at 8:15 pm through January.

-Whitney Phaneuf

I was lucky enough to be in New York City during a performance by L.A.’s Julia Othmer. She is a singer/songwriter with a cute, funky attitude and haunting pipes that leave listeners in awe. Once I escaped the burning cold of the city and ducked into the dim-lit, intimate setting of Rockwood Music Hall, I caught Julia’s set and heard some of her new music as well. She kept the audience in good spirits by the witty stories she told about the meaning behind each of her songs, which I though was rather unique. She captivated listeners with the dramatic pounding of the piano keys and passionate singing. Othmer’s new music should be coming out in early 2011, so stay tuned.

–Jenna Putnam

As aforementioned, cello rock duet Oak and Gorski‘s new EP drops tomorrow, and they have released a free download of their track "Love Destroyer" to butter you up for it. If you dig the track, be sure to pick it up! They will also be playing a record release show on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m., at Hotel Cafe.

It’s free download Friday… well not every Friday, but we’re entitled to make up a few holidays. Big Bad Wolf is giving their self titled EP out for free on Sound Cloud. This quirky collection of songs was recorded over one weekend in a cabin in Big Bear. Opening up with "Yosemite", a song written on a flight home, to closing with the driving and slightly dark "Coal in the Fire", the EP becomes a fitting introduction to the band’s solid musicianship. This one has a spot in my collection.

-Angelo Lorenzo

This post didn’t end up on the wrong blog, I swear! Accordion doesn’t have to equal your great aunt’s polka music, it can be an equal mix of masculinity and beauty much like the mythical unicorn. That’s why The Petrojvic Blasting Company is playing the Monsters of Accordion 2010 tour whose last stop parks it at the Troubadour on Dec. 19th with other squeezebox superstar acts. There is just something about folk and Gypsy punk that allows it to translate from the street corner to the stage so easily, and The Petrojvic Blasting Company is a fine example. If they don’t excite a jig from the crowd, they may be brewing a barrom brawl – I can’t wait!

-Angelo Lorenzo