The Morning Riot,

“No Escape”

The Morning Riot members haven’t been in the trenches of Hollywood or slumming from house to house for the last decade trying to perfect their sound. No, the band from Oceanside has only been together a short time. But in that short time, they have made so much progress musically and are so driven to get their sound out there, that they have achieved what so many bands who play for years and years never do: they landed a real label and get a real CD out there. Yes, The Morning Riot has been officially signed to a division of Warner Bros. called Wright Records and the group has just finished the final touches on the remastering of its album. Look out for the group’s first major release soon, but in the mean time, check out some of the tunes on their MySpace (www.myspace. com/themorningriot) like title track “No Escape” and “Jawbreaker.”

Down, “Over the Under”

Death, drugs, destruction and tragedy are all ingredients put into making a great rock album. These were the things that have plagued Down and its lead singer Phil Anselmo (former singer for Pantera) in the last few years, but the Louisiana band has overcome its plight and “Over the Under” is the end result. A beautiful, dark, and bluesy record, “Over the Under” stays true to its southern Louisiana roots and Anselmo’s somber vocals carry over the riffs and harmonies like a haunt. “Never Try” starts with crying guitars and Anselmo’s pained voice comes in with “Never try/You either do it or don’t waste your time.” If you listen to this album and it doesn’t make you want to move, check your pulse because you might be dead. The band will stop in San Diego on Nov. 20 at the House of Blues. For more on Down, visit www.down-nola.com.

Saves the Day, “Under the Boards”

The second installment of Saves the Day concept album trilogy arrives in stores Oct. 30, and not a minute too late. The band is out on tour right now performing songs from their entire catalog acoustically. At a recent stop in Anaheim, the New Jersey band was gracious enough to take requests during the last half hour of the show and lead singer Chris Conley could be seen before the show talking with fans in the venue’s parking lot. It always means so much to fans when musicians take the time to meet with them and give them a

smile. The album is amazing

— it elevates, moves

and inspires. Check out www.myspace.com/savestheday for a few of the new songs and for tour information. Songs to listen to when you get your hands on it: “Under the Boards,” “When I’m Not There,” and “Can’t Stay the Same.”

Writer, “Cover

Your Tracks”

When I first received this CD, I half expected to hear what you usually hear from bands these days — four-chord guitar riffs, verse chorus verse. But not these guys from San Diego — layers, emotion, and ambience are the things Writer is made of. This is not a band that woke up one day, plugged in a guitar and decided to make a record. Much more thought was put into this album. Brothers Andy Ralph (vocals, guitar) and James Ralph (guitar, synth), and drummer Matthew Fredrich come together to form a unique sound that echoes influences like Elliot Smith and Wilco. Check out www.writermusic.com to listen to the album. I recommend “Make Us Proud” and “Who Are You After (If It’s Not Me).”