The Sweetest Place On Earth

When did Central Pennsylvania become a hotbed for underground music? I remember going to see a few shows in small, makeshift venues growing up (i.e. Godsmack in the City Island lawn-mower garage), but nothing like the sort of underground, independent post-hardcore shows I began attending once I moved to Philly. Hershey, Harrisburg, Lancaster; we were never at a loss for live shows to attend, but recently it seems more and more awesome bands are starting to come out of the area (and surroundings) I grew up in. I mean, we had LIVE and Fuel (meh, I know) who came from our hometowns, but nothing of the sort of music I have grown to love and adore. Please check out some of the awesome acts which have been forming the last few years.

BALANCE AND COMPOSURE - Doylestown, PA

Neighbors of one of my favorite bands, Circa Survive, Balance and Composure have been fighting to fill the hand-me-down shoes of bands like Brand New and mewithoutYou. Their most recent release, "Separation" finally solidifies this group with a voice their own, and leaves them equals with their forefathers.

TIGERS JAW - Scranton, PA

There's more to Scranton, Pennsylvania than Michael Scott and Royal's swimming fans (4-1-4 what's up!!!). While a lot of indie rock bands are striving to be weirder and more out there, Tigers Jaw are doing exactly the opposite: they're writing classic, catchy songs, reminiscent of their late '90s influences.

KOJI - Harrisburg, PA

Hailing from the 7-1-7, Andrew "Koji" Shiraki grew up screaming his lungs out fronting several post-hardcore outfits around central PA. Now, at age 24, he realized it's not how loud you scream, but what you say that holds the most water. Still retaining social justice and politics as themes in his lyrics, he's using his music to inspire both inner peace as well as build a new peace in the world around him.

KOJI - Giants Sleeping from If You Make It on Vimeo.

TEXAS IN JULY - Ephrata, PA

I recently had the pleasure of catching Texas In July killing it as the first opening act on this years Take Action! Tour in support of Silverstein and Bayside. Carrying on the metalcore torch, TIJ aren't tackling any new ground, but instead, bringing small town aesthetic to it. There are a few risky (and risque, me-yow) moments on the band's full-length debut being released on Equal Vision later this year. Still, fans of metal both old and new will certainly enjoy Texas In July for years to come.

AUGUST BURNS RED - Lancaster, PA

Most of you probably remember August Burns Red from the adorable video of Charlie playing drums to "The Eleventh Hour". What you might not realize is ABR has been tearing apart the metal scene for eight years, leaving few survivors in their wake. They are known for the ability to weave flowing melody in with incredibly brutal breakdowns and off-meter riffs.

There you go folks. Listen and enjoy.

The day is soon coming when turning your back won't be an option...