So I figured I would give you all a little recommendation of a few artists that have always come through for me. Although my tastes are ever changing I have always had a few bands that I have always loved. I'll give you a few of my sure things, as well as a few of my latest favorites. 

1. Moving Mountains

I really can't say enough about how much I love this band. Their most recent release "Foreword" is definitely at the top of my list for favorite albums in 2008, and considering they released it on vinyl in 2009, I'm going to let it slide through to the top of my list on 2009 also. The previous album "Pneuma" touched on the potential of these guys but they really proved themselves with "Foreword". In my opinion "Foreword" is the most epic movement in recent music. Whatever your tastes are, it can't be argued that Moving Mountains is a breakthrough band with incredible talent. If you take no other recommendations from this list, at least listen to Moving Mountains. 

2. As Tall As Lions

These guys already have a decent following, but I still think they need to be expanded. It took me a little while to aqcuire a liking for their music, but once I did, I couldn't imagine how I missed the pure beauty of their writing. Beautiful instrumental melodies and tones along with outstanding singing, just wonderful. They have recently completed their next effort and it will be released this August. This is another band where you can hear their evolution through their discography, yet enjoy each release in it's own right.

3. Gracer

Haven't heard from Gracer in awhile. After their release for "Voices Travel", a phenomenal album, they fell off the grid for some time. They have recently released two new songs on their purevolume, and I couldn't be happier. Not only did it remind me to up "Voices Travel" in my rotation but it got me excited for their new material and what may come with a new album. 

4. The Graduate

Pop punk has been becoming an over saturated, unoriginal, mess of bands, but the Graduate have found a great way to stand out. Finally a band embraces all the new effects and abilities available with amps and instruments. Pop punk music has become such a format, and the reason I love the Graduate is their album "Anhedonia" follows many of the conventions of pop punk, like up beat rhythms, catchy melodies, high pitched talented vocalist, etc... but their guitar work realyl sands out and they are definitely a light of hope and originality within the genre.

5. All The Day Holiday

This group is more of the band of the moment for me, but I'm confident they'll have some lasting value. They seemed to have come out of no where with their signing to Linc Star Records and their release of "The Things We've Grown To Love". The album is incredible, but more importantly their live show is flawless. Of course it helps that the songs they are playing is fantastic, but it's been awhile since I've seen a band so tight. They're the type of guys who can turn an awful sound system into gold. 

There are definitely a few more bands in my rotation that I think need some recognition, so I'll be giving you all another batch of artists to check out soon.