[Editor's Note: This post is brought to you by the fantastic music site Instrumental Analysis. Check it out!]

I've been kind of missing in action lately. During my absence, Amie Street has been kicking it into high gear. A lot of really good music has found its way on to the site in the past several weeks. There are 3 bands that I want to talk about in particular.

Telograph is a band from Washington, DC. They recently added Little Bits of Plastic to the site. I can't recommend that EP enough. Ever since I received an advance copy of it late last fall, it has been a regular in my rotation. It's almost like they picked everything that has been good about music in the past 20 years, mixed it up and made it their own sound. They took elements of music by the likes of Radiohead, U2, Echo and The Bunnymen, The Cure and Jeff Buckley and turned them into an amazing sound of their own. Apparently, I am not the only one noticing. In the next few weeks, they will be opening for O.A.R. on an arena tour, playing several shows in the DC area and making their SXSW debut. Get on board with these guys now, before it's too late.

We Won't Settle Down (

Eye For An Eye (

One band that recently added their catalogue to Amie Street that the majority of the world has never heard of is Hershey, PA band The April Skies. This band has been out there entertaining with their brand of Europop, since the late 80's. In the 90's they played places like CBGB's, The Chameleon Club and the 9:30 Club and shared the stage with bands like Ride and Lush. After taking several years off, the band regrouped and returned a few years ago with The Breathe EP. In the past 2 years they have released Flood and How It All Played Out and have been wowing audiences with their amazing live shows. They are currently more viable than they have ever been and show no signs of slowing down soon. Recently, many of the big players in the booming DC and Brooklyn scenes have started to take notice and have begun sharing the stage with these guys. Citing influences like The Cure, The Ocean Blue, REM, U2, The Stone Roses, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Smiths and The Jesus & Mary Chain, they are ready to take over the northeast with their catchy hook laden pop songs. As warmer weather approaches, they are preparing to play just about everywhere in the region and may even hit the west coast. Another new album is also in the planning stages. When they come to your town, go see them. Their albums may be good, but their live shows are where they really shine.

Here Comes The Rush (

Beautiful Girl

322 (

A Game

My Love Is In This House (

Unstoppable

Finally, I want to talk about These United States. They are from DC and are quite possibly the best band in the northeast right now. Take elements of indie rock, country and folk. Throw them all into a blender. Toss in great lyrics, amazing musicianship and Jesse Elliott's haunting voice and you have These United States. Their recorded songs are amazing and their live shows are even better. They embark on a U.S. tour later this week and will pretty much be everywhere between now and tax day, including several shows at SXSW. Go see them when they come to your town. You will not be disappointed.

Already Got a Girl Who Calls Me That (

We Go Down to That Corner LIVE (