Drawing on his background of church hymns and blues, Corey Chisel created the album Death Won’t Send a Letter with his band the Wandering Sons. It will be released later this month. League 510 is comprised of members TK, Mont, Mr. Knowitall, and DJ Blacksmith who are promoting their album To the Beat. Fresh off supporting Tori Amos on her tour, the four piece group from London, One EskimO, released a 4 song EP right afterward. Known for his candid and controversial lyrics, rap artist Saigon has also created the charity Abandoned National Foundation, a non-profit working with children on the streets, in addition to working on his upcoming release The Greatest Story Never Told. A quartet from Melbourne, Australia, The Temper Trap, recently released their debut LP Conditions this past spring.

Corey Chisel

“Born Again”

I actually quite liked this song (I mean, I was raised on folk so can you blame me?) and the video has a nice balance. The juxtaposition of desires and religious icongraphy are tastefully used, but at the same time carry the association of models that are slightly tarnished and questionable. But all done respectfully and with a delicate touch. Good job on this one.

 
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League 510

“I’m On”

I’m not sure how I feel about the song, but I do like that the party is actually a REAL intrepretation and not some jazzed-up club scene that we’re never going to be able to relate because well… the majority of us are not famous. It’s just people having a good time, which gives it a bit of an edge and brings it down to the audience’s level. (Okay, so maybe the scantily-clad ladies were a bit over the top but I guess these fellas can dream. Or whatever.)

One eskimO

“Kandi”

This fell a little flat for me. I’m not sure if it’s that the track never really pays off; the chorus isn’t exactly one of complex, intricate lyrics and the bridge is nothing really to speak of either. Or it might be that the video… drags. It doesn’t really culimnate into anything, it just shows projected images against the instruments, which works for the first minute or so but then seems redundant. There’s potential here, it’s just not realized yet.

Saigon

“Gotta Believe It”

I fear that we’re witnessing another scary misuse of the Auto-tune. Ah well, it’s hard to blame just one artist anymore as they’re all doing it. But these kids are damn cute and the message of the song does attempt to be positive so we must give credit where credit is due. I would rather see/listen to something along these lines, especially when it comes to this genre of music, rather than another played-out track about bling. At least USE your talent for a cause. And Saigon does. (While being patriotic!)

The Temper Trap

“Sweet Disposition”

For anyone who has seen (500) Days of Summer (and enjoyed it I suppose, but how could you not? Is your heart made of stone?!) than you are most likely predisposed to like The Temper Trap as well, who have become pretty well-known for the inclusion on the movie’s soundtrack. I think what sets the song apart from most usual fare of this nature, is the way the group is able to really control the emotional build-up of the song. They have the superb gift of prefect crescendo. The video does slightly remind me of Passion Pit’s for “Sleepyhead,” what with the silver glitter and all, but it’s charming nonetheless. Ah, how we romanticize the throes of angsty, desperate love!

I think this week it has to be Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons for me (perhaps they will be a dark horse!) followed closely by The Temper Trap. Who are you liking this week? Let me know in the comments section below.

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