THE COMPANY WE KEEP (Motion City Soundtrack/Receiving End of Sirens/Misery Signals) is streaming their cover of AT THE DRIVE-IN’s “Pattern Against User” at Absolutepunk.net. The track will be included with the digital version of their upcoming 7” for the Making Moves series. Preorder it here. Listen to the track here.

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THE RED EYE OF SOROMON (TREOS) will be playing a special show on May 16 at The Middle East, in Boston. The significance of this? The band shares an acronym with the sometimes-reunited THE RECEIVING END OF SIRENS…

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All month, I’m sure you’ve read posts about “South By” and how every band out there “killed it.” I’ll cut to the chase: I saw some great performances by bands that most major sources probably missed. Here are my favorites.

DOOMTREE 

The hip-hop collective played a handful of sets during SXSW and I was fortunate to catch their appearance at the Roxy AUSTINROX Showcase. The set felt like an intimate dance party, especially during POS’ new track. This specific song, with a chorus of “I don’t wanna think about it, I just wanna get down” will not leave my head. I need his new album to be released as soon as possible so I can listen to it nonstop. Between SIMS jumping into the crowd to dance and get crazy and POS climbing on speakers to pump up everyone watching, the show was constantly fun. The only disappointment from their set was that police actually ended it early, due to the 2 a.m. cutoff time.

I THE MIGHTY

This recent addition to Equal Vision Records blew me away. They’re a great fit for fans of Circa Survive, Say Anything and Ivoryline. Despite playing at 1 in the afternoon (early, for SXSW standards), they rocked out with an energy that very few can harness on that little amount of sleep. Their new EP, Karma Never Sleeps, will be available on Tuesday.

STATES

Since Nate Young, of ANBERLIN, recommended this group (ex-LYDIA, COPELAND) last year, I’ve become a big fan of their dance-pop/rock music and looked forward to seeing them live. The PureVolume House and Buzznet hosted one of their many appearances and it made for a great mid-day performance. 

BACK POCKET MEMORY

Keep an eye on this group. I couldn’t get a clear photo of them during the set because they never stood still. Vocalist Chris Pennington climbed on any amp or railing available, and even made his way to the front of the venue to sing for anyone who walked past. Their catchy, upbeat rock music is infectious and their sweaty set at Agave certainly caught everyone’s attention.

THE COMPANY WE KEEP (Photo Credit)

I made a huge effort to get to Kenny Dorham’s Backyard BBQ, the venue hosting THE COMPANY WE KEEP. It’s about a mile away from the main festivities of SXSW, but well worth the walk. Because they are a new band, I was only familiar with their opening song, “Right/Wrong,” but the rest of their material is just as creative and entertaining. I had high expectations, due to the background of this group (current and ex members of Motion City Soundtrack, The Receiving End of Sirens and Misery Signals), and they did not disappoint. 

THE MATERIAL

I’ve seen a few performances from this Los Angeles-based group before, but this was by far their best. Holding only one SXSW appearance this year greatly paid off. The Thirsty Nickel filled with fans, leaving me to barely find room at the front, at the stage. Their set maintained energy and heart the entire time. Their cover of THRICE’s song, “The Weight,” pleased even the die-hard Thrice fans in the room. The Material is constantly on tour or making new music, so make sure to give them a chance if they visit your hometown.

BBQ

Not a band, but a delicious stop on my visit in Austin. Ironworks BBQ has incredible food and is not to be missed.

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Review by Greg

THE COMPANY WE KEEP (Motion City Soundtrack, Misery Signals, ex-The Receiving End of Sirens) released the second song from their upcoming 7” for the Making Moves series. Listen to “The Company She Keeps” via MTV Buzzworthy below.

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THE COMPANY WE KEEP, which features members of Motion City Soundtrack, The Receiving End of Sirens and Misery Signals, released their first full track today. The song, “Right/Wrong” will be included on their debut 7” EP when it’s released on April 24. Listen to it here.

This record is the inaugural release in the Making Moves series, which is a 7-inch series featuring up-and-coming artists chosen by the members of Motion City Soundtrack. Making Moves is presented in conjunction with Drexel University’s record label, MAD Dragon Records, and MCS’ new label, the Boombox Generation.

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THE COMPANY WE KEEP is a new band, featuring Justin Pierre of MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK, BRIAN SOUTHALL of THE RECEIVING END OF SIRENS, Branden Morgan of MISERY SIGNALS and newcomer Amy Brennan. Together, the group is working on writing and recording material for a 7” EP that will be released later this year as part of the Making Moves series. Listen to a 30 second sample clip of a track below. 

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