They’ve performed on TRL and were named one of the Pop Punk Rookies of 2009. The Friday Night Boys released their first album That’s What She Said at the beginning of the summer and have been gaining momentum ever since. Originally one half of the hip-hop duo The Frontline, rapper Locksmith has worked his way into a strong solo career. Scripts N Screwz, the producer/writer duo from Saint Louis, have brought new single “Brick,” off debut album The New Noise, to this round of the Freshmen. At 26, Skyzoo has already launched campaigns for ESPN and Guiness. His first studio album The Salvation will be released this September. We Were Promised Jetpacks come to us from across the pond in Glasgow, Scotland with debut LP These Four Walls.

The Friday Night Boys

“Stuttering”

Something tells me that this group will have a very loud boisterous group in the comments section this week. (Please prove me right. Love it when that happens.) The video is a little bit cutesy for me, but it is nice to see the boys being anxious. Yes, this opinion is completely biased due to my gender but I can’t really help that now can I? It’s endearing that the lead singer is kind of the bully. I’m glad the slightly nerdy one finally gets a hug at the end.

Locksmith

“Rare Form”

It is hard for me to evaluate this video as the genre is not one I would normally listen to. I’m not sure I can fully appreciate it as it’s meant to be presented. It is a little too intense for my taste. However, I will comment on the energy that Locksmith brings to his words and how it makes for a powerful delivery. He is nothing if not passionate. (And the commentary about Kanye was pretty amusing.)

Scripts N’ Screwz

“Brick”

Something is up lately with creepy animated videos of the nautical variety. (Granted, Modest Mouse didn’t really take advantage of robust mermaids. I‘m glad those gals can also play instruments.) Overall, I really like this. The constant water-based, oceanic quips in the lyrics highlight the cleverness of the video and I enjoy the dark heavy beat. The Auto-Tune is used with a light enough touch. Who cares if Asher Roth already used this particular format?

Skyzoo

“The Beautiful Decay”

I enjoy this video not only for its very iconic shots of New York City, but also because Skyzoo is truly attempting to represent where he’s come from and where his background and roots are firmly situated. It does stray into the typical territory of hip hop artists, young kid on the streets dreaming of a career. But when it’s presented alongside the video, you get a sense of how much heart this kid has and how the awareness of the dichotomies that run through his life contribute to the lyrics. He doesn’t want to make any fuss or pretend he’s something that he is not. Very admirable.

We Were Promised Jetpacks

“Roll Up Your Sleeves”

The intro to this track is just a bit too long for me. But once it actually gets going, I liked it a lot more than anticipated. I don’t know about you, but accents really get me and the fact that you can hear Adam Thompson’s brogue when he sings is quite charming. I’m not overly impressed with the accompanying visuals. I’ve seen this cut and paste style used in so many indie videos lately and I think it’s time to set it down. Maybe if the separate shapes had come together to form a cohesive image I would feel differently? I feel as though that would have made the effect a bit smarter. But the song itself is a beautiful sentiment about waiting for love and presents a nice build-up overall.

Well kids. There is nothing that I am over-the-top overly enthusiastic about this week. So how about you sway my opinion in the comments section below. Tell me why you like the artist and help me make up my mind. Happy voting.

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