Hey Everyone! This has been a great week for ‘Pleased To Hear You.’ Lots of great music came my way and I can’t wait to share it with all of you. I am so totally stoked to feature the three bands I wrote about this week. One more thing though…if you are in a band, know a band, represent a band, are a mom of band, and think you may have something we may enjoy, feel free to pass it along. Hit me up on Twitter at @stevenrbauer or email me here.

Band: Run, Forever
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Site: www.facebook.com/runforevermusic
My Pittsburgh band bias continues…tee hee. But make no mistake; my predisposition for listening to everything coming out of my former residence should take nothing away from the fantastic music this band is making. Run, Forever puts out a signature blend of punk rock full of raw emotion. Don’t be fooled by the ‘punk rock’ moniker though. The band has much more in common with modern day ‘left of the dial’ punk bands such as the Sidekicks, Titus Andronicus, and Against Me. Lead singer Anthony Huebel’s vocals are the definition of ‘heart on the sleeve’ with lyrical content that is fantastically poetic and thought-provoking. The band is also lockstep as a unit setting the perfect foundation for Huebel’s melodies. Most recently, the band released a record titled Settling on Tiny Engines.

Band: Look Alive
Location: Atlanta, GA
Site: www.lookaliveatl.com
“Ladies and Gentleman, what are we waiting for…” I couldn’t think of a better introduction to a band. Out of Atlanta, GA, Look Alive plays a ferocious brand of melodic punk rock. The group is comprised of scene veterans and that is readily apparent as you listen to the music. There are no frills, no fancy haircuts, just true-blue pop-punk played with a collective passion like their lives depended on it. The band is currently recording their debut EP for Autumn + Color Records due out July 2.

Band: Have Mercy
Location: Baltimore, MD
Site: www.wearehavemercy.com
There are bands that people brag about seeing in a VFW Hall or basement show before they blew up. If you fast forward slightly into the future, Have Mercy will be that band. While generally described as alternative indie, the band’s sound fits particularly well in the wheelhouse of groups such a Brand New, Manchester Orchestra, and 90s emo bands such as Sunny Day Real Estate and Mineral. When this band hits on all cylinders, watch out. It hits you sonically like a tidal wave and doesn’t let up…in the best possible way. Their upcoming LP was produced by J. Robbins and I can’t think of anyone more perfect to capture this band’s sound than the former Jawbox/Burning Airlines frontman. The aforementioned upcoming LP is titled The Earth Pushed Back and will be available May 21 via Topshelf Records.