The Submarines
Declare a New State
Label: Nettwerk Records
Available now on iTunes and eMusic
In stores: June 20

I found out the hard way…you’re not cool unless you listen to the Submarines and can recite their love story in all it’s romantically collaborative glory. But I’m all caught up now, and can confidently say the duo’s music is almost as good as the backstory behind it.

Declare a New State is a melancholic tribute to Blake Hazard and John Dragonetti’s failed and renewed relationship — mixed as a gift for the recent wedding (awww).

“Peace and Hate,” the first track, is the single the label’s pushing (it . . . → Read More: The Submarines : Declare a New State

Big City Rock
Big City Rock
Label: Atlantic / Wea

Maroon 5′s Adam Levine says Big City Rock is his “favorite new band,” according to the sticker on the group’s self-titled debut. And it’s no question why, with BCR’s arena rock hooks, catchy choruses and downright pretentious power pop attitude.

With that said, there are no surprises on this album, so don’t expect them. That’s the beauty of popular pop, I suppose.

The most interesting thing is that although the group hails from L.A., three of the fivesome are from Madison, WI. That’s not a big city . . . → Read More: Big City Rock : Self-titled

Hard Fi
Stars of CCTV
Label: Wea/Atlantic

Iowans call it a “Shazam,” most Americans call it an “ATM Machine,” and Hard-Fi call it a “Cash Machine.” Either way, the concept is the same. Push the button; get paid.

And that’s what the Middlesex-based Brit rockers are banking for with their self-financed debut album, Stars of CCTV, which is already a top album in the UK and building buzz with its release and major label push in the U.S.

In fact, you’ve probably already heard the first single, “Cash Machine,” especially since Hard Fi are one of the hottest bands out of Britain right now (cough – . . . → Read More: Hard Fi : Stars of CCTV

The iOs
In Sunday Songs
Label: Kanine Records
In stores: May 16

The iOs, a New York five piece dubbed “nu garde” by the Village Voice, are full of new wavy power pop, boy-girl lyrics and an affinity for the Rentals, Cardigans and Weezer.

Building on the success of their five-track Center and Stop EP, the group is launching their first full length, In Sunday Songs, next month with a bright synthy future planned as the group attempts to escape the NY and CA touring circuits.

Favorites on the new disc include the laid back Clash cool of single “Resident Alien” and my I swear to God . . . → Read More: The iOs : In Sunday Songs

Be Your Own Pet
Summer Sensation
Label: Ecstatic Peace

Formed in 2002 at the Nashville School of the Arts, Be Your Own Pet (BYOP) has a musical pedigree unmatched in any post-punk groups today or ever before, so it’s no wonder they’re getting a PR boost before any of them have even reached their 18th b-day.

And while they may not yet be legal, BYOP have made a big splash in the UK and are setting their sites on the states.

Rock guitars and quirky, abrasive vocals are the hook here — even more so than Metric and actually a lot like local Minneapolis duo Great . . . → Read More: Be Your Own Pet : Summer Sensation