In this day and age when music shelves are stacked full of rap and R&B albums it is always nice to run across a great pop disc. However, you do have to dig a little deeper. In this instance we turn to the World Wide Web. I found a slew of amazing rock/pop bands that have never graced the American air waves, decidedly one of the hardest markets out there to please. The top two that caught my eye were Darren Hayes’ “The Tension and The Spark” and Ocianic’s “U”. Both albums ironically are by talented musicians that herald from Australia but are USA residents now.

The Tension and The Spark is Hayes’ second solo album after the breakup of his first, internationally famous, band Savage Garden. Upon doing a little research, I discovered that this album was different from his usual style, but in a good way! The pop-esque sound had faded and was replaced with a more jaded raw edge. He teamed up with Robert Conley from Specificus (an underground band) and it was truly, in my opinion, a blessed union. I loved the sounds and the lyrics had that eloquent way of the few that really speak to you. Some of the songs broke away with racy concepts and one in particular; “Unlovable” is a slap in the face. It’ll really catch your attention with tragic lyrics such as “Am I unlovable? Am I unlookable?”… All in all from track 1 to track 13 this album draws you in, takes you on a journey, and pushes you out the other side to reevaluate the way you live your life, the way you relate to others. It is extremely worth it to go to www.darrenhayes.com and check out this magnificent work of underrated musical art!

The other disc I ran across while prowling the net was an album simply titled “U”. The band, Ocianic, is LA based and has what I’ll call a soft rock sound. The band is comprised of Aaron Hendra, Ben Carey, and Russ Hendra. All Australian born and bred, but they’ve graced our shores while writing this album. With heartfelt lyrics of love and angst this is duality at its best. My now favourite track “Fire” is a gritty number about the reality of fame (at least as my interpretation sees it) but they still have their softer side. Songs like “Always Amazing” & “The Feeling” make you wish your older brother’s were Aaron & Ben! They have won me over as a fan. They certainly know how to write a breathtaking album! They’re independently released and according to their website, this is their life long dream come to fruition. Aaron, lead singer, I learned is planning a solo project that, after giving a listen to the first round of songs he’s written, will surely be a stunner. I’m all excited. Thank God for the Google feature! Ben Carey, lead guitar, is currently touring with the band Lifehouse. I can’t wait to see if he does something solo as well. Check out their first album at www.ocianic.com!

For now they remain in my bookmarks, new music added to my library, and I’m offering them as suggestions to add to yours. Till next time, I’ll be keeping my spot light on the underground. Let’s see who gets discovered!