Ampline

Just like the name, Cincinnati trio Ampline captures a rocking yet humble vibe, packing its mostly instrumental tracks with tension and a steady flow of hooks. The band's last studio album, 2006's Rosary, often makes it sound a lot like any number of thoughtful post-punk bands out there, only with no vocals, less anger, and more thoroughly fleshed-out songs. Well, sometimes Ampline does add vocals, as on at least one track from the forthcoming album You Will Be Buried Here, but either way, the songs always build on subtle rhythmic complexities and guitar and basslines that manage to meander and keep them on-point all at once.

Updated 10/29/2009