Alphanaut, or singer/songwriter Mark Allen, brings the first single off his album Out of Orbit to the mtvU Freshmen. The Ivy Walls is a quartet from Los Angeles whose album The Elegant Universe is available now. British twins Joe and Luke McGarry, along with member Nico Saavedra, form the trio Pop Noir. Anna Rose is a Jimi Hendrix-lovin’ songstress, who is set to release her debut album Nomad. The Canadian quintet Still Life Still had a very big 2009, that saw not only the release of their EP Pastel, but also their first full-length studio album; Girls Come Too.

Alphanaut

“Never Been To Athens”

I like the dark undertones of this song, the sadness and relief of the lyrics mixing with the electronica beats. But I couldn’t help but stop and think that the whole look and feel of the video reminded me so much of Modest Mouse’s “Float On” that I was continually distracted. Also the spoken part at the end threw me off as well. Seemed a tad over the top. But overall, I would listen to this again.

The Ivy Walls

“Getaway Driver”

The song and the video are both slick and stylish in a way that relates to LA culture. Although there’s nothing that particularly stands-out about either, I like the entire package for its smooth effect. It doesn’t require much effort to listen or watch. It is something you can throw on when you want to chill out; background music. It is a something that carries you gently into relaxation.

Pop Noir

“DIY”

Omph. I hate acronyms for song titles. But this is catchy. Well at least until it hits the rather ridiculous chorus. It does have that sing-a-long quality that crowds seem to love. Did anyone else think that the leader singer fancied himself as Mick Jagger?

Anna Rose

“Picture”

These lyrics… do not do it for me. I want to see burgeoning talent use unique expressions rather than fall back on trite cliches like, “We’re all in the dark.” I understand Rose is encouraging us all to look beyond the image, but there are more meaningful ways to express this sentitment. I do, however, really enjoy the slow tempo of her song and the lingering guitar chords. I understand that she plays as well, so I am wondering why she chose NOT to play in her own video.

Still Life Still

“Kid”

Out of all the Freshmen videos this week, “Kid” has the most sharply developed concept, although I wish there were more purpose and intent behind some of the creepier, disarming moments. I do think out of all the videos in this round, it is the one where the atmosphere of the song is really reflected in the video, so nice work there.

Alright then. Who will pull off a win this week? Vote and let us know in the comments section below.

Voting runs from 11 AM (EST) Monday until 2 PM (EST) on Friday.