Style: Alternative pop/modern rock; compare to Anberlin, Mainstay, Jimmy Eat World
Top tracks: “Jumping the Gun,” “The One That Got Away,” “Fireworks”
Minneapolis modern rockers Hyland has churned out one of the year’s catchiest collections—and one of the most lyrically meaningful. There’s alternative pop aplenty thanks to producer Aaron Sprinkle (Anberlin, Kutless), and substance abounds as the songs cover frustration, growing pains, confession, and courtship. The band teams up with Stephen Christian (frontman for its main influence Anberlin) to co-write “The One That Got Away,” a song about regret that’s never made the topic sound sweeter. Hyland’s best asset is its harmonies—often sunny, occasionally brash, always unshakable.
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