As you may have come to expect here at the Learning Curve, we are all about bringing you diversity each and every time out. This week things are no different. This time out we have a lot to offer - from southern rock to metal, and singer/songwriter to pop.

You should be able to find something you like, well, at least we hope so. If not, then come back round next week and we will try again to make you happy.

Telling on Trixie
Hail from: New York, New York
Label: None
Sounds like: The Black Crowes, Collective Soul, Matchbox 20
You should be listening to: 'Ugly, Broke and Sober'

LISTEN TO THEM

I Should Care Why?: Derek Nicoletto is one of the better voices you have never heard of, a reason that Telling on Trixie is making this list. Nicoletto soulfully carries hooks effortlessly, very redolent of how pop rock bands in the 1990's used to do things. TOT is band that truly pays attention to detail, something that should be pretty obvious in their songwriting. Their song structures are clean and concise, lead to an easy listen surely everyone can enjoy.

I Talk to Robots
Hail from: Sterling, CO
Label: None
Sounds like: Ace Enders, Backseat Goodbye, the Rocket Summer
You should be listening to: 'All Pilots to Planes'

LISTEN TO THEM

Should Care Why?: The talent in I Talk to Robots aka Colorado's David Allen Wagner is immediately evident, even looking beyond the fact that he does it all singing and playing guitar, piano and tambourine. He can really do it all, sounding current in some of his works while be able to contrast that sounding like a singer from the 70's in others. His voice is enjoyably effervescent no matter what.

A Beautiful Nightmare
Hail from: Chicago, IL
Label: None
Sounds like: Eighteen Visions, Manntis, War of Ages
You should be listening to: Assorted MySpace Songs

LISTEN TO THEM

I Should Care Why?: Although they have been in a constant state of flux for the better part of four years, it isn't noticeably wearing on the Windy City's A Beautiful Nightmare. They continue to churn out accessible hardcore with a metalcore tinge, complete with upbeat drum work with scattered blast beats, guitars that don't quit and a vocalist that can grind as well as he can sing. They haven't shared the stage with As I Lay Dying, Throwdown, Soilwork and Through the Eyes of the Dead because they suck.

Rukus
Hail from: Jonesboro, AR
Label: None
Sounds like: American Head Charge, Epidemic, Egypt Central
You should be listening to: 'Cut Your Losses' EP

LISTEN TO THEM

I Should Care Why?: 'You thought she was heaven sent/but you're just too damn codependent,' Rukus claims during 'Codependent,' arguably their best track, truly an anthem to men everywhere. This track is just one example of what Arkansas outfit Rukus can do musically as they combine nu-metal tendencies with a strong element of southern fried rock; strong hooks fueled by cohesive guitars and capable vocals. If you're into modern rock, then you should look these dudes up for sure.

Lullaby the Storm
Hail from: Massapequa, NY
Label: 567 Records
Sounds like: Eisley, One True Thing, Versaemerge
You should be listening to: Assorted MySpace Songs

LISTEN TO THEM

I Should Care Why?: I have been a lifelong From Autumn to Ashes fan, and am also fan of the bands off-shoots Biology and Warship among others, and now Lullaby the Storm, which boasts ex-FATA guitarist Scott Gross in its fold. The group is fronted by Mari-Elaina, who sounds eerily similar to Melanie Wills, formerly of One True Thing and according to Gross, LTS is the 'natural line of progression FATA would have taken had he stayed in the band.' Regardless, his new venture sounds pretty good. The band just completed work on their new disc recorded at the bands own Hit and Run Studio.


Story by Brian Campbell

Starpulse contributing writer

(Check out previous 'Learning Curve' articles.)