10 bands in Dallas you need to check out

by Ty Griffin of I Live in Dallas

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Descender, Sarah Jaffe, The Better Death, and Smile Smile are amongst the buzzworthy Dallas-area bands.

1) Descender -- “Thick” rock and roll from a group of guys that were all a part of the Deep Ellum scene in its prime. Casey Hess (Doosu, Burden Brothers), Jeff Gruber (Local 63), Zack Busby (Burden Brothers, Slow Roosevelt), and Duncan Black (3 Faced, Slowpoke, Floor 13) have all joined forces to bring solid rock music that melts your face.

Next show(s): May 6 – Army of Elephants Listening party at Vickery Park, CD Release Show on May 7 at the Double Wide with The Crash That Took Me and RTB2

2) Here Holy Spain -- Post Punk rockers Wes Todd, Erica Guagliardi, and Scott Brayfield have been writing songs like crazy since their debut release, Manic. Now they’re showcasing their new material live and are planning on hitting the studio in summer to record their sophomore release. There’s no band in DFW that writes better songs about being pissed than Here Holy Spain.

Next Shows: Lola’s in Fort Worth on May 22; Dia De Los Toadies Festival on August 28.

3) The Commotion -- Micah Creel, former guitarist for now defunct Edgewater, has been inspired and the product of his inspiration is none other than his solo project known as The Commotion. Along with his guitar skills, he showcases his talents by recording and playing all the instruments himself. He scored a gig opening for none other than Black Rebel Motor Cycle Club back in March at the House of Blues, and there are some shows that works for this summer.

Next Show: TBA

4) Sarah Jaffe

This singer/songwriter and her indie/folk brand of pop is just impossible to ignore. Her new album, Suburban Nature, was recently released on Kirtland Records, and she just returned from some European tour dates with Denton legends Midlake.

Next Show: May 4 at the Music Hall at Fair Park opening for Norah Jones

5) Siren City

This ambitious hard rock crew were very patient with the release of their latest album and it was well worth the wait. With Randy Stephens' ridiculous vocal range and the hard rock force from the rest, their approach obviously has done them well.

Next Show: Trees on May 15th

6) DSFZ (Dem SouthernFolkz)

This Dallas hip hop trio is a breath of fresh air compared to a lot of the mainstream hip hop that dominates the radio waves currently. Their music has a strong message and meaning, and their style and attitude is reminiscent of Outkast and Goodie Mob. Their latest album, The Message, is a definite must-have.

Next Show: May 7 at The Prophet Bar

7) The Better Death

The progressive/experimental band that consists of Sean Dailey, Ed McMahon, Danny Handler, and Ricky “The Honky Mofo” Wolking (formerly of Edgewater and the Nixons) is eccentric to say the least, and that’s exactly what makes them so awesome. Their main influences include the Mars Volta, Faith No More, King Crimson, and more.

Next Show: Scout Bar in Houston on May 30

8) The Crash That Took Me

Art alternative rock at its finest. This seven-piece took the Dallas scene by storm with their first release, Orchestrated Kaleidoscopes. Now they’re back with a new album, Chlorine Colored Eyes, that has the critics raving. With the new album, there are more layers to their sound.

Next Show: May 7 at the Double Wide with Descender and RTB2

9) Dead Twins

Brothers Gabe and Nick Cardinale started making a name for themselves as the Dead Twins back in 2008 with the release of some singles and playing a bunch of shows. Now they have a full new record on the way, and just released split Vinyl single with the Austin rockers, Magnet School. Gabe’s vocals and guitar playing are raw and infectious and have a way of drawing you in. Combine that with the Nick’s hard driving drum rhythms and you have recipe for a great rock band.

Next Show: TBA

10) Smile Smile

This Kirtland Records band consists of a guy writing songs about a girl that broke his heart. The twist with Smile Smile is that girl that singer Ryan Hamilton is writing about his bandmate, Jencey Hirunrusme. The pop rock sound on their latest album, Truth on Tape, has caught many critics’ eyes and they’ve been a part of some great tours with Bowling For Soup, Metric, and Bob Schneider. It’s safe to say that the future looks promising for this duo.

Next Show: May 12 at the Blackfinn in Arlington

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