Oct 28th two bands released EP's with their newest songs with a couple of new versions as well.

Emery
While Broken Hearts Prevail
A band I have been a fan of for a long while now. This was a band that definitely took some getting used to, but the more I listened the more I realized just how talented they really are. When their third album "I'm Only A Man" came out, I was disappointed to find that their style - while moving forward - had dramatically changed. It was a darker development, to be sure, and one that I wasn't too sure I appreciated very much. They had taken many artistic liberties, but I had missed their old way of doing things, because they were the best in their genre in my own opinion. No one could weave lyrics like Emery, and I had grown very accustomed to their melodies along with the angst in their Screamo background.

Now they're back with the EP "While Broke Hearts Prevail", and I couldn't be more happier for what I'm hearing. In this 8 song album, I feel like Emery has finally found that full sound they've been searching for since they started losing band members left and right. It's really hurt their creativity, I think, but now they seem to be getting their edge back. Starting off with "The Smile, The Face" is a perfect way to introduce new fans to who they are, and also to old fans saying, "We're back and better than ever." From then on we are treated to a good variety of songs that don't end up repeating themselves, nor do they seem like they tried to hard to push a certain sound.

Two songs, "Say the Things" and "Do the Things", are both seemingly the same song. One is more upbeat, while the other slows it down, but both have very different lyrics but very different meanings. My brother says he switched up the words with both songs, and they both can work perfectly with each other. "Thoughtlife" also has two versions on this album, which I'm excited about because I loved the accoustic Demo from "The Question (Deluxe Edition)". Needless to say, I can't wait for their next full length album, but this is enough to keep me satisfied; especially since I was afraid of the direction they were going.

Josiah Leming
Angels Undercover
This album I just got today. Josiah is one of those kids that you have to keep watch on, because no one knows where he might go from here. No doubt he will blow up to be a big sensation, but for now he's just a kid recording his first album in London with has a lot of ground to cover.

Of the 5 songs on this album, three are from previous efforts he recorded on his own, and just to hear his progression on these three songs can show how talented he is. This kid has got some real passion. One can almost feel it exploding onto his keyboard whenever his fingers make contact. From the words he sings one can instantly realize that he has got something he wants to say to the entire world; unfortunately, I don't know what that is.

No one can deny that his music is amazing, but what I'm worried about is the attitude he takes toward a career. Sure enough, it's hard to understand what Josiah is trying to get across as an overall character. When you have one song saying "I don't believe in Heaven" but the next you are saying "They can go to Hell", it really is a strange concept. Not only because Hell can't exist without Heaven, but also because he blatantly has no regard for how he comes across to other people. I fear that his arrogance and disrespect may be his downfall, but for now he's here to say, and he's coming in strong.

Having been rejected from American Idol, he went on to pursue his musical career by himself, and by the time I found out about him he was already recording music and even sharing it on YouTube. I don't doubt then when an LP finally does come out, everyone will be singing his "One Last Song", and many more will be inspired - I'll be one of them.

Catch him before he's hot.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQX0yhb-kUc&hl=en&fs=1]