One Second 2 Late could be Canada’s latest answer to Rise Against. Sony BMG/Red Ink surely hopes so and has a potential breakout song with the first single, “Fear of a Nation” which is quickly making its way up the Canadian rock chart.

Hedley may have had their shot stateside a few years back with the single, “On My Own”, but this Canadian chart topping band, who features singer Jacob Hoggard (who made it to the top 3 of Canadian Idol before asking his fans to let him be voted off, so he could maintain his band Hedley) didn’t resonate with American fans and faded away as just another pop/punk band. Are they worth another look after a second album with a few more Canadian multi format hits? Check out the 4th single, “Old School” (currently #3 at Candian HOT AC, & #9 at Canadian Top 40)

The Next MGMT? Funky Hollywood pop duo Iglu and Hartly remind me of one of this year’s biggest indie rock breakout acts, MGMT, with some rap verses added in for flavor. First single “In This City”, debuted this week at #5 on the UK singles chart.

Springfield, Illinois Piano rockers The Graduate seem prime for “the next level” after over a year of buzz about their debut album, “Anhedonia” and relentless touring. Check out the title track, and “Sit and Sink”.

Quick Picks:

Glasvegas – “Geraldine” - Glasgow, Scotland band with their fair share of sold out shows in the next few mont hs, and a supporting gig with Oasis in London.

Nineteen Ninety Four – “Stay Where You Are” - For fans of The Starting Line and Valencia.

Marry a Thief – “Awful Things” – ambient/emo/pop

House of Heroes – “Lose Control” – Heading out on tour with Relient K & Ludo.

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