Fivestar Riot
Unfamiliar Sky
(Self-released)

Nothing influences art quite like pain, and nothing builds confidence like overcoming adversity. Put both together and you have passionate, honest, from the gut creativity. Fivestar Riot's Unfamiliar Sky EP was conceived and recorded during the singer's battle with cancer, and that's exactly what Unfamiliar Sky has achieved. Leaving Pop-Punk behind and aiming for something with a little more substance, the band has created a collection of indie rock anthems full of hope, hooks and musical chops. This music probably won't piss off your mom, but it'll hit you like a shot of caffeine.

Brad Filicky