When I started the Blog of Sound a few months back I never anticipated the response that we’ve gotten. With a few contributors who chimed in every now and again, I’m pleased to report that we’re going strong. Further, when I posted that early entry noting several indie bands I think are worth your listening time, I didn’t expect to make that recommendation entry into an ongoing and recurring feature at the Blog of Sound. But, some of you have asked me to continue to do that, so in what will now become a weekly Blog of Sound feature, I’m pleased to present you with Blog of Sound’s Indie Noise.

Every week, I’ll choose two independent musicians or bands that are rocking my world and provide some commentary. Here at Blog of Sound we want to expand your musical horizons. And as always, if you have an artist or group you’d like to see featured in Blog of Sound’s Indie Noise column let us know! We’re always on the lookout for hot, new sounds. And now, without further ado – Blog of Sound’s Indie Noise.

As I’ve mentioned in previous entries, more and more bands are going the independent route. Not all independent artists are bands without “hit” songs or are groups you’ve never heard of. Such is the case for this first band, No Address. I discovered No Address during the summer of 2005. Our only local independent rock station was playing their song “Sadie (When I’m Gone).” It was different from the other songs the station played. It was catchy and borderline poppy, but poppy in a good way. The chorus got stuck in my head for days on end and I really enjoyed that song in particular. It didn’t take me long to head out to the record shop and pick up their CD.

Overall, No Address’ disc “Time Doesn’t Notice” was pretty good. Every song was something you could sing-a-long with and though their songs were being played on the rock station, it wasn’t the screamo/death metal that seems to be populating the airwaves. But just while I was waiting for a second release from this group, they vanished. The band broke up. The end, right?

Wrong.

No Address is back and hard at work at recording a new album. They’re running independent this time and that’s probably a good thing. Like another independent band I can think of, No Address left Atlantic Records and have voiced some opinions about the versions of their tunes the label chose to release. They’ve posted a demo version of “Lasting Words” to their Myspace page – a version they would have like to have seen on the commercial release of “Time Doesn’t Notice.” From what we can tell, this version is better than the cut that made the CD. If they continue to call the shots with their new songs we’re excited about this band’s future.

Another band you should definitely check out is getting ready for the September release of their debut album. While they’ve been touring as a band since 2004, Scarlet Sins is an all-girl rock/metal band hailing from Toronto, Canada. These four ladies are a powerful and talented group playing tunes reminiscent of Alice in Chains, Nine Inch Nails, and older Metallica. The tunes are melodic and enjoyable. Think Kittie without the screaming. And to prove how good this group is they’re part of the line-up for the first-ever Powerbox Festival in Washington. They’ll be performing on the same bill as Girlschool, McQueen, Kittie, and Vixen. This is one festival we’re excited for!

Check out Scarlet Sins’ music player. They’ve got four tunes on it that will make you want to rock. “Reborn,” “No Arguments,” and “Drown” are obvious rockers on the page and are solid tunes that fit in well with the songs their other festival-rockers offer up. “With You” is a standout and while it is quieter, its more of a rock song than many of the songs gracing modern rock radio stations. Kudos to Scarlet Sins. We can’t wait for the release of their debut album and wish them all the best.

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