This week we have somewhat of a special edition of Relevant Discoveries. These three bands just launched their presence in a big way and deserve your attention.

CRUSOE – If you’ve read Tuned Up for a while, chances are you caught our interview with Abandon Kansas, or attended the Tuned Up sponsored CD release show for OceanSpeak which featured AK as a supporting band. While AK is indeed in the throes of putting together their next EP, lead singer Jeremy Spring was not content to stick with that band alone. Nope, he decided to launch Crusoe out of the blue – and it’s not exactly what I expected. CRUSOE meshes Spring’s trademark vocals with an electronic sound that at times sounds new wavey, at times bordering on downtempo and chillwave – but all times groovy. Decide for yourself what you think this sounds like by listening to the track below:

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/181054288″ /]

The Timbre of Cedar – Another band that has played a Tuned Up showcase has spawned a new project. Except, this new project (The Timbre of Cedar) has replaced the original project (Snow) entirely. Fronted by Marissa LeClair, we have something that, based on the just released video for “Current”, sounds like a cross between The Ember Days and Come Wind. The vibe is familiar yet fresh. This band has a presence beyond their experience… and it’s driven by a love for their Creator. But if you don’t believe, check em out anyway. This worship tune ain’t your mom’s CCM. In fact, I’m not sure I’d call the song CCM at all. The Timbre of Cedar writes and performs from the heart.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oB8vsH4COI[/youtube]

The Altruist Affair – You guessed it – another new project from a previous Tuned Up feature has risen from the ashes. The Altruist Affair just made their presence known this week – in a very loud way. Colby Lykins is the mastermind behind the project, and many might know his previous project: pop punk group Ohio On Hi. He warned previous followers that The Altrusit Affair is quite a departure. It is – for the better. Colby Lykins’ voice isn’t really suited best for pop punk. I say this in spite of thinking their last release was a solid effort for what it was. The Altruist Affair combines elements of post hardcore with some progressive metalcore and even some good old fashioned rock. The result is something at times ethereal, at times experimental, yet at all times loud. The band is in it for the long haul – I can tell already.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIx6FflGYI8[/youtube]