Number One Gun

Jeff Schneweiss, front man and mastermind behind Number One Gun, has reinvented his band after a considerable hiatus, during which time he has been focusing on producing other projects. This power-pop outfit, which has a respectable history for delivering catchy tunes and tight song structures, is back with its brand-new record, The North Pole Project (Tooth & Nail). Not to take anything away from their older material, but Schneweiss seems to have found himself during The Gun’s hibernation, as nothing released previously has this much vocal dynamic. Sometimes taking a break can clear your head, and in this case, that is a law rather than a theory. You can preview these new tracks online via the band’s MySpace and purchase the new album as well: myspace.com/numberonegun.

Brighten

With nearly 3 million plays on its MySpace page and over 50,000 friends, Brighten has the base that most free agents only dream of. They have toured with Hawthorne Heights, Eisley and Cute is What We Aim For. A series of unique legal scenarios has put the band in a great position with a huge fan base, and now the band is searching for a new label home. Its brand of indie rock is more classic in nature, with more emo influence than the current incarnation of power-pop. Some songs are acoustic, while others are more ambient pop with song structure and melody worthy of a major label release. Though, Chico, Calif., is not necessarily known for its music scene, Brighten surely does put the town on the musical map. Expect them to get out from under the radar any moment with a new label home. You can find out how to purchase the new LP, King vs. Queen, as well as the band’s EP, Ready When You Are, at myspace.com/wearebrighten.

Spitfire

Spitfires were British, single-seat fighter aircraft used in World War II. Funny, because this band’s sound is like a WWII aircraft smashing into the Alps. Spitfire has a storied history which includes members of Norma Jean. While in the past it delivered some pummeling recordings, this, its second incarnation after a lengthy break-up, has proven to be the group’s finest. With the release of the brand-new record, Cult Fiction, in late March on Goodfellow Records, the band celebrates its most shining achievement. Odd time signatures, spasmodic hits, funhouse melodies and unpredictable turns make this more than your average loud release. The screams of the vocalist make my throat ache. As desperate as it is unsettling, this is a sound that will peel the paint off your walls. You can find out more at myspace.com/spitfirerock.

Mike Kelly

A great kept secret, Mike Kelly possesses the classic elements of a future great singer/songwriter: insightful lyrics, memorable songwriting and a bellowing voice that conjures up imagery. Hailing from Tulsa, Okla., his songs speak of failure and redemption in everyday life as a midwestern man. While he is still without a label’s backing, you can get a taste of his magic before the masses get ahold of him (which they are most likely to do). Check out his music and find the latest news and dates at myspace.com/mikekelly.