Familiar yet fresh

Comparisons to other bands is often inevitable, and when mere copycatting is on the table, there isn’t much to talk about. What I do enjoy is when bands will churn out music that may take a nod to something we’ve heard before, and yet, produce something fresh, diverse and fully entertains.

Imagine Dragons — Night Visions (Interscope). The debut CD of Imagine Dragons has enjoyed incessant playing on my car stereo. Its arena-friendly music with “to die for” choruses. Think of a more evolved Train, or a rock-influenced One Republic. While the opener, Radioactive, is more power rock, the next four songs define the band for me. Tiptoe, the first single It’s Time, Demons and the folksy On Top of the World showcase the musical diversity that should make the band a true favorite. Underdog is Owl City/Passion Pit meets Mumford and Sons. Truly worth the listen, and one I’d recommend if you’re looking for new music.

Tonight Alive — What Are You So Scared Of? (Sony Records). With a lady vocalist fronting this Australian band, the comparison to Paramore will be inevitable. With a sound that’s even more raw and muscular than Paramore on its grungiest of days, Tonight Alive does bring a new kind of energy to the music scene.

There’s strong guitar work, and no slow or mid tempo numbers on this raucous album. Starlight, Reason to Sing, the title track and Safe and Sound are the choice tracks on this album. At times also sounding like early Avril Lavigne, this is garage punk for today, and I am curious to watch their live act, to see how much energy is expended.