Originally from the small island of Bornholm between Denmark and Sweden, The River Phoenix have brought their sound to the States with debut album Ritual. Formed over 20 years ago, Dream Theater continues to prove that an old-school metal band will never be out-of-style. Known for their live performances, the quartet Ponytail is an experimental rock band from Baltimore. 23 year old Zee Avi was originally discovered through her YouTube videos and released her self-titled debut LP just last month. Originally an artist with the Native Guns, Bambu brings us his latest full-length solo album Exact Change.

Bambu

“Crooks and Rooks”

I enjoy the laid-back beat of this video. There is nothing rushed about Bambu’s track and I appreciate that it’s the way in which he approaches his lyrics as well; even though it’s essentially a song about advice and wisdom he is not in a hurry to express the urgency of his message. You will either listen, or you won’t. It’s for you to take at your leisure. While it’s not groundbreaking, it has the potential to create positive change and I salute the effort and passion behind it.

Dream Theater

“A Rite Of Passage”

Well I’m scared. Okay, in all honesty, metal is not the type of music I listen to. It’s just too harsh-sounding on my little indie-loving ears. BUT (take note before you jump to conclusions commentators!) I do appreciate the huge dramatic appeal of the song and video. And it is especially obvious that the band went to great lengths to attempt a grand-scale visual masterpiece. As it’s not my chosen genre, I don’t really feel as if I can make a fair assessment of whether or not they pulled it off, but I was thoroughly entertained. Why didn’t we get to see what was in the box? (Anyone think of Se7en? What’s in the box?! Tell me what’s in the box!) And their drummer has a very impressive kit. Two thumbs up for him.

Ponytail

“Celebrate the Body Electric (It Came From An Angel)”

Oh my, I think I just had a seizure. Seriously. Shouldn’t this come with some sort of warning for the epileptic? I fear for them. So, I equal parts love and dislike both the song and the video. First, I think the video is very interesting visually. While you can tell it wasn’t made with a ton of money, I think you have to admire a band who can still create a unique aesthetic on a low-budget. Also, I often stray towards music that is experimental in hopes of hearing something different. This is without a doubt, highly experimental. But I also think this can get a band into trouble. They try to “out-indie” themselves a little bit, if you will. (Do you like that term? I came up with that on my own.) I think you have to start asking, “When does music stop being music and start being just noise?” and the song plays around with that question. However, I do still like this. The way it dips and turns and constantly changes keeps me intrigued.

The River Phoenix

“5 Wheel Drive”

I mean, the video is not that bad. It doesn’t mean it’s that good either. I would have liked to see a little more of the letter subplot rather than the performance, but I’m not finding anything particularly unique about the song or lyrics anyways. My feeling towards the whole package is just sort of… BLAH. I did like how they moshed around with the letters at the end instead of just placing them perfectly in order, but it’s still not a song I would listen to again.

Zee Avi

“Bitter Heart”

Aaaaawwwww. She’s the sweetest little thing, isn’t she? And she has amazing footwear. There’s something in Zee’s intonation that reminds me the teeniest bit of Patsy Cline, perhaps the way she slips between singing and almost half-speaking like Cline does as well. It’s not a very strong comparison but I sense it. This video is… cute! Right? It’s really the first and only word that springs to mind. I want to wrap this video up in a pink ribbon. I want to place a little bunny next to this video. And I am not saying this in jest. We could all use a little bit more light in our lives and this video delivers just that.

So this week I think my pick has to go to Ponytail for being the strangest and overall the most driven to produce a piece that is not your normal, everyday run-of-mill kind of thing. I also have to mention and give support to Zee Avi as well, cause I really did enjoy that song. As always, let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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