Jon Foreman

Though I doubt there are many of you reading this who have not heard/heard of Jon Foreman’s wildly successful band Switchfoot, it is time for all of you to give an ear to his solo prospects. Jon has engineered an ambitious undertaking as his first solo endeavor, namely the release of four EPs, each title for its respective season: Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. This is softer, lighter material than you would expect from Switchfoot—lighthearted at times and quite subtle, with a wide variety of instrumentation. Clarinets, Harmonicas—and everything in between—help create an almost fairytale-like atmosphere. I have always thought Jon has an other-worldly voice. He proves it more than ever before on Fall and Winter. Spring and Summer are coming soon. You can see his performance schedule and preview/purchase the music at jonforeman.com.

Search The City

As recent signees to Tooth & Nail Records, these five Detroitians (pronounced dee TROY shuns) cling to an overpowering pop/rock sound, boasting potent melody and clever instrumentation. Not unlike the Anberlins of the music universe, there is high energy and riffage to lift and drive the vocal prowess here. You can expect their new release, A Fire So Big the Heavens Can See It—which was produced by James Paul Wisner (Dashboard Confessional, Underoath, The Academy Is)—in early 2008 (release date forthcoming). In the meantime, check out the band’s debut EP, Ghosts, at myspace.com/searchthecity.

Gwen Stacy

Gwen Stacy was Spiderman’s first true love in the original comic book series and one of the most controversial figures in animated lore, as she was tragically killed in an accident with Spiderman. Not bad at all—as creative band names go. This Indianapolis, Indiana, hardcore/metalcore quartet is gaining steam, with a brand-new LP out titled The Life I Know. The band is also finishing up a huge national tour (“The Vs. Tour”) with established, crushing comrades Haste the Day, Scary Kids Scaring Kids and Drop Dead Gorgeous. Though it exemplifies what has become known as the classic metalcore blastbeat/breakdown/melodic chorus formula, Gwen Stacy is set apart by a more experimental side. Fans of August Burns Red and Dillinger Escape Plan may find something to grab hold of here. Find out more at myspace.com/gwenstacy.

The Famine

When ex-Embodyment and Demon Hunter members get together it is something worth giving a moment of your time to. And if I had to sum up how it makes me feel in one word, I would choose the word macabremassacreness. This is heavy. But it does not sound anything like the current fads. It isn’t death metal or experimental or “core” in any way. It is pretty cool though…that is if you like fire, explosions or chainsaws. Did I already mention beards once in this column? Well, these beards are bigger. See mad facial hair and hear the sound of a wrecking ball dance party at myspace.com/thefaminedestroys.