Reactive Record: So far in 2008 we’ve had a few singles that could easily be deemed as “reactive”, basically meaning it will get some kind of actual reaction out of you and light up a station’s phone lines, most notably with Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl” & Flobots “Handlebars”. Former Myspace Records (now A&M/Octone) band Hollywood Undead is a less intimidating, mask wearing, genre bending group that calls themselves a mix between hip/hop & screamo. The new single “Undead” is definitely capable of generating a fair amount of lovers and haters. Is this a ridiculous track from a ridiculous band or one worthy of some radio play? Either way it should get people paying attention to what’s coming out of their speakers.

#1 in Ireland: Irish piano/rockers The Script have Ireland’s #1 album on iTunes. Don’t dismiss them as Maroon 5 wannabes with their hits “We Cry” & “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved”, this is a band that has potential to make an impact worldwide. Check out those singles and “Before The Worst” on their myspace.

Bringin’ The Rock: Netherlands rockers The [New] Shining bring back some 90’s soaring vocals on their track “Red Eyes” and Dallas, TX rockers Miser also have some noteworthy tracks with their cover of the Cranberries 90’s hit “Zombie” and their second single “Zen”.

Quick Picks:

Rise Against – “Re-Education (Through Labor)” – another hit from this Chicago, Illinois punk band.

Brandon Heath’s track “Give Me Your Eyes” is nearing the top of the Christian chart, similar to 2007 breakout artist Mat Kearney.

Also worth a listen is indie act Deas Vail , new singles from recent major label signing The Urgency “Fingerprints” , and the interesting new single Ricochet from Shiny Toy Guns (They brought the rock for this one.)

Soundcheck is written by Dallas who currently attends San Francisco State University and works on the Live 105 (KITS) Action Team.