Local Spins
Get Out

PosterWall - ‘Amplifier Habit’
Since Jimmy Eat World laid down the prototype for what has become the definitive "Mesa" sound, there have been many albums from bands calling our fair city home that have brimmed with pop melodies, heavy guitars, tight song-craft and layered vocal harmonies. PosterWall’s debut EP is no exception, which is a good thing — who ever complains about good pop songs done up right? Kicking off with "Teenage Generation," the quartet establishes that catchy tunes will be in abundance on this six-song release — these guys cram three or four ear-candy hooks into each cut, with "Springfield," an ode to pop star and soap actor Rick Springfield’s "Jessie’s Girl" taking honors as the disc’s best cut. Singer/songwriter Brian Stewart’s lyrics sometimes lapse into standard emo fare, but that’s a minor glitch on a disc that puts melody above all else. B Next show: 7 p.m. Friday at Heritage Academy, 32 S. Center St., Mesa, . $5. All ages. Web site: www.posterwall.net
— Chris Hansen Orf, Get Out

Carden - ‘Carden’
The laid-back acoustic rock of Carden is mature and contemplative — many of the songs on their new release sound like they could have appeared on last summer’s "Garden State" soundtrack, except with more of a country influence. There isn’t a lot of variety on the disc as Carden settles into a familiar sound and doesn’t tinker much with the formula. Sure, none of the songs here are going to get you onto the dance floor, but it’s perfect rainy day music. The band provides thoughtful yarns of heartbreak through a simple yet elegant acoustic setup. The tunes are always well-executed, but the "less-is-more" technique makes Carden seem a bit like a one-trick pony, but at least the trick is worth a listen. B Next show: 3:30 p.m. Thursday at R.T. O’Sullivan’s, 1010 W. Southern Ave., Mesa, . $10. Web site: www.cardenmusic.com
— Albert Ching, Get Out