By Ethan Walshe
Managing Editor

I consider music to be a large part of my life. I listen to it everyday, play it on various instruments and write about it when I can. My taste in music is a bit different from the mainstream and maybe not what every person at Westford Academy would be interested in. Having said that, I think it’s important for everyone to like what they like and be entitled to that opinion, but what I am doing here, is writing about particular music that I have been listening to lately. I’m always looking for something new to check out, so be sure to comment on this article and tell the Ghost Writer what you’ve been listening to as well.

1) Four Year Strong’s In Some Way, Shape or Form

Worcester based pop-punk band Four Year Strong just released their fourth album on Tuesday, November 8th via Decaydence and Universal Motown Records and I’ve been listening to it consistently since. It’s a step towards a more mature sound from the quartet, even sounding similar to In Your Honor era Foo Fighters. Four Year Strong is a band that I have been listening to for several months now, after I saw them open for one my all time favorite bands Rise Against (who are on this list a bit later). The group’s raw energy and dual vocalists makes them unique amongst this music scene.

Go listen to: “Stuck in the Middle” and “Just Drive”

2) La Dispute’s Somewhere at the Botton of the River Between Vega and Altair

I was recently introduced to this five piece post-hardcore band from Grand Rapids, Michigan whilst shopping in Pac-Sun for some new jeans, and a band with a sound I had never heard before came on the sound system. As soon as I got home I had to look them up and take a listen to their music. Their debut album Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between Vega and Altair is one of the most unique sounding albums I have ever come across. The vocals are unlike anything I have ever heard, and they make you physically feel the emotion in the man’s voice. I’ve been hooked on this album for weeks.

Go listen to: “Such Small Hands” and “New Storms for Older Lovers”

3) Everyone Dies in Utah’s Seeing Clearly

I came across this band on YouTube whilst searching through covers of popular pop and rap songs by heavier bands. I found Texas based Everyone Dies in Utah’s cover of Katy Perry’s “E.T.” and was blown away. They are definitely the heaviest band on this list I’m providing you, but don’t let that deter you from seeking them out. This 2011 debut album features intricate guitar leads, complex synth parts and extremely heavy breakdowns. They have a catchy sound that anyone interested in heavier music can get into. Plus their band name should be a selling point for anyone.

Go listen to: “Dude…I Know…It’s Everywhere” and “Adrian Makes It Rain”

4) Go Radio’s Lucky Street

Tallahassee, Tennessee is the hometown for this pop-punk group. The brain child of ex-Mayday Parade vocalist Jason Lancaster, Go Radio have the ability to play a hard hitting and interesting pop-punk song and transition seamlessly into a brooding piano ballad, a feat that is uncommon in today’s mainstream music. This is a band that I stumbled upon out of pure curiosity, and I don’t regret it one bit. Ever since their debut EP Do Overs & Second Chances I have been in love with their music and their sound. I had the opportunity to see them play at this summers Vans Warped Tour and was blown away. This album has been consistently playing on my way to school and when I fall asleep each night.

Go listen to: “House of Hallways” and “Any Other Heart”

5) Rise Against’s Endgame

Chicago based punk band Rise Against have been one of my favorite groups for several years now. Ever since I heard their third album The Sufferer & The Witness I have been absolutely hooked on their politically fueled punk sound. Their latest album Endgame is no exception to this trend of political motive in their music. Between tracks condemning Bush-era policies, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010 or the suicides of five homosexual young boys in September 2010, Rise Against leave little room for error, and it this deep meaning that can be found in the lyrics if you look for it that made me absolutely addicted to this album when it first came out in March. Recently, it’s found its way back into my recently played playlist on my iPod.

Go listen to: “Make It Stop (September’s Children)” and “Satellite”