No bubble gum allowed; this is power pop

By: Jen Paolino

Posted: 11/7/08

Everybody could use a little sunshine, sometimes. If you're in the mood for some great music, but break-up songs and broken hearts aren't your scene, then these five powerpop bands are just what you're looking for. Their blend of electronic dance beats and uplifting lyrics will have you tapping your feet and wishing that you could throw a "Party In Your Bedroom" all night long.

Band Name: A Rocket To The Moon

Album Title: Greetings from… - EP

Who/What They Sound Like: This band has been, ironically, compared to The Rocket Summer, but if you're not familiar with Bryce Avery and his project, then let's just say that this debut is a mix of really catchy power-pop with the added bonus of an awesome synthesizer.

Why You Should Listen: Not only is the music super addictive, but it's kind of hard not to get up and dance when you hear tracks like "If Only They Knew." The sequencing, guitars, vocals, and keyboard on this EP just might put other pop-rock bands to shame. Oh, and did I mention that it's all done by one guy? That's right. Nick Santino, from Braintree, Mass. is pure musical genius, and is making himself right at home with the rest of the Fueled By Ramen family.

Band Name: Hey Monday

Album Title: Hold On Tight

Who/What They Sound Like: They've been tied to bands like Paramore and Flyleaf due to the fact that they are a female fronted act, but musically they set themselves apart. They bring a fresh sound to the pop-punk scene with a debut record that features smooth vocals and slick guitar riffs.

Why You Should Listen: There's no denying that you'll be on your feet rockin' the air guitar like nobody's business once you take a listen to songs like "How You Love Me Now" and, their current single, "Homecoming." Their lyrics are destined to get stuck in your head, and this band will have you singing along to their catchy hooks every day of the week.

Band Name: Sing It Loud

Album Title: Come Around

Who/What They Sound Like: If you're fans of All Time Low or Danger Is My Middle Name, but you wish that you could find a band that will allow you to show off that fancy footwork you've been keeping hidden for so long, then Sing It Loud is the band for you.

Why You Should Listen: It's only their debut album and they've already managed to snag appearances from Alex Gaskarth from All Time Low, and Justin Pierre from Motion City Soundtrack. Pretty cool, huh? These boys from Minnesota have pop music in their blood, and after just one listen to their record you're going to want to sing each and every song as loud as you can.

Band Name: Farewell

Album Title: Isn't This Supposed to Be Fun?

Who/What They Sound Like: While lead singer Marshall Davis sounds like Mark Hoppus from blink-182, these guys manage to add a little edge to their version of pop-punk. If you're a fan of Every Avenue or Lights Out Dancing, you'll probably want to give this record a listen.

Why You Should Listen: Their tracks fuse memorable chord changes with spunky lyrics and quirky song titles such as "First One On the Blog" and "Cut You a New Smile." They don't try to hide behind their poppy beats; they keep their songs real by letting their emotions bleed into every word they sing. Plus, the fact that they are from right here in Greensboro is pretty cool too.

Band Name: Cash Cash

Album Title: Cash Cash - EP

Who/What They Sound Like: If Metrostation and Hellogoodbye became one band, you'd have Cash Cash.

Why You Should Listen: These guys make you feel like you're in the coolest '80s nightclub in the world. Their debut might only have four songs, but these Jersey boys definitely show the potential to release a killer full-length, electro-pop record.