By Andy Argyrakis

ROLLICKING ROCK ‘N’ ROLL FROM DECEMBERADIO

If the back of DecembeRadio’s second CD, Satisfied (Slanted), had a copyright date from the 1970s, the rollicking rockers could literally stand in the same company as Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin and any heavy hitter from that like-minded style. Add in a bit of The Black Crowes, plus these guys’ own southern seasoning, and it’s all about cranking up the amplifiers to 11, wrapped around an unabashed spiritual foundation. Outside of exploding on the album, these songs are sure to translate well to the stage setting during the gang’s marathon trek this fall.

ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE REMEDY

Sticking with more modern/alternative brushstrokes, Remedy Drive encapsulates the ethereal sounds of Muse meets the current dance rock craze on occasion throughout its debut disc, Daylight Is Coming (Word). The project was produced by All Star United’s Ian Eskelin and is loaded with hopeful songs for the current generation.

DOUBLE DOSE OF DIVINE VOCALS

He may have first found fame as part of the Gaither Vocal Band, but David Phelps is quickly establishing himself in solo contexts, including two 2008 Dove Awards, plus a recent appearance on ABC’s “Extreme Home Makeover.” Those crystalline pipes are once again on display throughout the aptly titled The Voice (Word), which reunites the powerhouse with producer Monroe Jones (Third Day, Paul Colman Trio). In soul contexts, the mighty Darwin Hobbs also returns with his latest solo CD, Free (Tyscot/Taseis Media Group), following an impressive career as a session vocalist for the likes of Michael McDonald, Switchfoot and Michael W. Smith (to name a few).

POG EXPANDED

They may be down a member, but Point of Grace continues to rise up on the country charts of all places. As a result of the extra on-air attention, the famed girl group finds a deluxe edition of How You Live (Word), which will center around an acoustic version of the crossover ballad “How You Live (Turn Up the Music),” amongst several other extra special surprises.

For a complete list of new and upcoming albums, check out our new releases page.