SOUND BITES

As our look back on the year that was catches up to the present (and peeks ever so slightly into the future), it becomes clear that the vast majority of rock artists preferred to avoid the last two months of the year; though it's typically the stronghold time of year for pop superstar stocking stuffers, I still find it just a bit odd to see that two month gap emerge after mid-October with no nominated songs. In fact, that's almost as odd as two established bands deciding to release their albums one week before Christmas. Regardless, our last batch of nominees runs the gamut: here we find new artists to look out for, home grown Maritime talent hitting its stride, and no less than three bands with multiple Album of the Year nominations. Song of the Year nominees #41-50 are:

  The Stanfields explored their roots on their third album  For King and Country  in 2013. Ably performed but lacking the raucous Maritime energy of their first two records, I found myself not going back to it very often. Now, that record feels kind of like a stopgap release, as fourth record  Modem Operandi  charges from the gate;  White Juan  is a quick, furious blast of punk-inspired mayhem that acts as a jarring intro to the album. The majority of  Modem Operandi  splits the difference between the traditional east coast leanings that came into full fruition on  For King and Country  and the Dropkicks-inspired pure rock fury that endeared them to fans from day one. There's a fair amount of new ground to the band to cover as well; they recently swapped out two members, so changes were expected. Granted, they still sound like The Stanfields, so no need to worry. Perhaps the greatest departure is  The Marystown Expedition , an ...

THE STANFIELDS Death & Taxes From: Death & Taxes Released: September 18 Given a couple years of relentless touring, it was a safe bet that The Stanfields would exhibit improved chops on their sophomore album. On Death & Taxes , they have chops in spades; everything is tighter, louder and more muscular. It's a raw album, and one that has dark energy flowing through it. There's nothing like the happy-go-lucky (and, occasionally, hilarious) moments on their debut, but that's not a bad thing. No one wants to be known as a novelty band, and The Stanfields have proven that when it comes to their craft they should be taken seriously. Added bonus: the interactive video for the title track (found at pleaseclickagree.com) is very cool and very frightening.

(Sorry for the tiny album art, it's all I could find.) With the release date for their sophomore album Death & Taxes looming, Nova Scotian rock juggernaut The Stanfields have eased any trepidation about them losing their edge with lead single Invisible Hands . While the subject matter takes a more serious turn than much of their debut, Invisible Hands retains the ragged melodies that make The Stanfields such a joy to listen to.  So it makes for a mature, natural progression for the band. Death & Taxes is out September 18.  Peruse all of the enticing pre-order options here .