Before we get to how amazing Thee Armada is, let’s backtrack a little as to why you’re here. The purpose of this blog is to “showcase” (or if you want to be technical, “promote”) bands that are on the rise. I’ve been questioned a few times about this artist or that concert, and it’s great to know that people want to be exposed to new music although they might not know how to go about “finding” it. So basically, I’m taking my “skills” in band hunting and making everything easy enough for you to become a fan of different artists and bands on the rise (hence, almost a-list). Each entry will include a little blurb about the style of music this band has to offer, a small list of the most recent upcoming tour dates, and links to where you can listen and learn more about the artist. Oh, and I also encourage you to comment on the artists and bands that are being showcased! Whether you like them or hate them, get your opinion out there and let other fans know why. I hope this site not only exposes people to new music, but also gets them thinking and talking about it! And now back to your regularly scheduled programming…

THEE ARMADA!

Originally uploaded by rockmomcolorpics

Hailing from Houston, Texas, Thee Armada combines the best powerpop and rock your ears have heard since Fall Out Boy’s Take This to Your Grave (yes, it has been that long!). These guys have been on the rise since early February, when they made the Top Ten Signed Artists chart on purevolume.com. They have also landed a spot on the well-known South by Southwest (SXSW) tour, alongside punk veterans MXPX, and other rising bands such as Be Your Own Pet and The Cool Kids.

Their single, “Rock, Shock, and Load,” has been making its way around the internet and has been nothing short of a success for the band. Thee Armada combines a well balanced blend of the catchiest pop tunes and upbeat rhythms, while remaining true to the scene with their rock melodies. They are sure to impress fans of All Time Low or Paramore, while bringing new fans to the genre, simply because their sound is so raw, power driven, and fun to listen (or even dance) to.

Their music is simply intoxicating. What distinguishes Thee Armada from similar bands that have already hit the mainstream circuit is the fact that their sound is more earnest, which is the main reason I became a fan as soon as “Rock, Shock, and Load” blasted out of my speakers. Their songs are undeniably catchy, but it has not gotten to the point where you can taste the sugared layer that has been coated on to appeal to “tweens” that are trying to make the transition from Hannah Montana pop to the rock and pop-punk bands typically seen at Warped Tour. Like I said earlier, I would say their sound is similar to Fall Out Boy, circa Take This to Your Grave (think about songs like Saturday or Dead on Arrival). There is a type of quality to Thee Armada’s music, and you feel as though they are making catchy rock songs because they want to—not because music executives are telling them to sound a certain way.

Thee Armada is the type of band that you will listen to once and know that you are listening to a band that will one day be amazing and successful (think about the first time you heard a song by a local band that has since gone mainstream). With all this said (and of course, after you have visited the links below and have listened to their music :] ), what do you think of Thee Armada? Do you think they have what it takes to top the mainstream charts?

Links:

Thee Armada’s Official Website
Thee Armada’s Myspace
SXSW Official Website

Upcoming Tour Dates:

March 6: The House of Rock w/ Forever The Sickest Kids in Corpus Cristi, Texas
March 7: The Warhol in San Antonio, Texas
March 8—March 9: Tequila Sunset in South Padre Island, Texas
March 12—March 16: SXSW in Austin, Texas