Brian: Upstate NY's La Cosa Nostra is four really non-descript looking dudes making some really awesome music. Think somewhere between the Mars Volta and Sirens-era On the Might of Princes instrumentation, with vocal interplay reminiscent of the latter and Bear vs. Shark. I don't know, it's crazy shit, let's put it in that intensely professional way. The first two tracks are from their forthcoming, recently recorded and as yet untitled EP. The other two are simply demos, but sufficiently bring the (indie) rock as well. (If these links don't work feel free to visit their Myspace page from which they're taken.) Big ups to my stoner cousin for the tip-off.

La Cosa Nostra - Saddle Your Alpaca La Cosa Nostra - Adjective La Cosa Nostra - Citizenparatrooper La Cosa Nostra - White Owl Master Justin: I just got back from a great show at The Gilman, Latterman and a few others. One of those few others was North Lincoln, a band from Grand Rapids, MI. The Bay Area folks who weren't there tonight missed them, and by the sounds of it made a pretty huge mistake. They've released a disc on No Idea and sound kind of like fellow michiganders Small Brown Bike mixed with some Hot Water Music for good measure. The have the shout along qualities that make a live band entertaining, while mixing it up with some subtle harmonies and rhythm changes in the studio to keep you interested. I recommend checking them out (obviously) if you're fans of either band, or if you're just in the mood for a No Idea band who isn't from Florida. (Similar Myspace disclaimer about the links)

North Lincoln - Satellite North Lincoln - A Message Lost North Lincoln - Back to School