Words: Ray Moore / Photo: Demi Cambridge

You can call me old fashioned but I truly believe word of mouth and going to shows are an awesome way to discover new bands. That is how I discovered Thursday. I  went to a show back in 2001 and one of the bands playing was Thursday. The rest as they say is history. I have been doing this for years and I continue to discover bands this way. It was by these ways that I discovered Bonfires, Lost Swimmer and Microwave. All three of these young bands are on the cusp of breaking out. If you had not heard of them before now, you’re welcome. You may have just found your new favorite band.

Bonfires I discovered at a show a few months back. I wanted to go to a show one night after work and I remembered that Light Years were playing at The Basement. So I of course made my way there, as they are a band I listen to from time to time. While on my way to The Basement I listened to Bonfires a little on Spotify. I liked what I heard. Fast forward to their show, it felt like the shows I use to go to 10-15 years ago. 20-45 people rocking out and singing along to the band. That was a really great night. Bonfires is a 5 piece emo based out of Chicago. The thing I find crazy about this band is they have only been a band since early 2014. Their sound is so polished. They also recently signed to Bad Timing records. If you are a fan a bands like Head North, A Will Away and Post Season I would give these guys a listen. I promise you will have a new favorite band. I’m really excited to see what is next for these guys.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv7oTiSmaWg[/youtube]

Lost Swimmer is a band that a friend of mine has been talking about and talking up for a few months now. When I would see him he always would mention them. It’s awesome to see people that excited about a new a band. They are  a fairly new Post-Hardcore/emo band from Pikeville, KY. Much like Bonfires, they also just signed to a label, Little Heart records. After months of my buddy talking them up I finally got to see them last month and they absolutely killed it. I look forward to their first release. Based on what I heard live this record is going to slay. It drops July 3^rd. So do yourself a favor and go pick it up. I know I will.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocIsL-F9FQo[/youtube]

Microwave has been on my radar for a few months. They were one of those bands I was excited about the moment I heard them. There have that something that I can’t put my finger on but I like it. This indie/emo 4 piece from Atlanta has been making music since 2012. The one thing that sticks out about this band are the lyrics. If you have read any of my reviews then you know that lyrics are tops for me. The song, “Grass Stains” is one that I play over and over. I relate with that song on so many levels. There is a line that goes, “You’ll probably never love me like I love you, but I love you still the same way.” Man that line is money and it’s so true. There are a few more lines like that in “Grass Stains” and just the entire album. This is a band that I see breaking out soon. They just need the right tour or more exposure. Once that happens they will be on the same level as a Modern Baseball or The Hotelier. I for one am looking forward to that.

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All three of these bands are on tour or getting ready to tour.

Lost Swimmer are going out on their own

Bonfires are opening a few dates for a few tours. They have a short run with You, Me and Everyone We Know. After that, a short run with Hawthorne Heights and Sleepwave. They then finish up with The Spill Canvas.

Microwave are going out with You Blew It! and Sorority Noise. They also are playing some headlining dates as well along with a few festival dates.