I'm slowly catching up with emails sent to the One Louder inbox over the last couple months. By this time some of these songs have most likely made the rounds, so I apologize for the overall lack of newsworthiness.

Anyhow, here are a couple bands and tracks I found most interesting so far. More to come soon.

Finian McKean - "Shades Are Drawn" (MP3) (from Shades Are Drawn, 2006): The title track to Finian McKean's debut solo record (he was a member of the now-defunct Push Kings) moves slowly, but surely with a cool and chunky rhythm. The bass is dirty, the guitars brittle and wiry. I'm working backwards here, having not heard a note from Push Kings, but this track's mood and melody is addictive. Check out Finian performing at Cake Shop in NYC on February 26.

Earl Greyhound - "SOS" (MP3) (from Earl Greyhound's forthcoming debut album, Spring 2006): Currently in residency at Pianos every Monday this month, New York's Earl Greyhound are a power pop three-piece with a sound that revolves around the sweet and rough vocal synergy of guitarist Matt Whyte and bassist Kamara Thomas. "SOS", one of three tracks available on the band's MySpace page, is a cosmic anthem, blazing with a Zeppelin-size riff. "Earl Greyhound was born to rock," the band says. Indeed.