The idea behind the “Stepping Stone Vol 1” compilation is a noble one. The Orange County, California based Militia Group put this project together as a showcase for unsigned bands. That goal is definitely something that we also believe in here so we are happy to do our part and help spread the word about this project. 

“Stepping Stone Vol 1,” showcases fifteen unsigned bands that fall into the alternative rock or pop-punk category.  Below instead of the typical review we decided to run some brief bios on the bands and let the music speak for itself. Here is you chance to get to know the bands featured on Stepping Stone followed by links to learn more about the CD itself. 
 
 

Combining equal parts infectious melody, a poignant lyricism, and an explosive stage show, Tokyo Rose captures the emotional discord between the nostalgia for youth and the hopes of maturity. Tokyo Rose offers a uniquely passionate spin on growing up generated only by first-hand experience. They have spent the greater part of the their first year acquainting the country with its sound, sharing the stage with such acts as Good Charlotte, Yellowcard, and The Beautiful Mistake as well as playing at Massachusetts's Skate Fest, New Jersey's Skate and Surf Fest, and the Vans Warped Tour. www.tokyorose.net
 
 

Copeland's glorious indie-rock anthems, accented with ambient guitar leads, contain masterfully executed tenor harmonies, well developed melodies, and lyrics ranging from romantic to spiritual. Their debut record on Theory 8 Records, a split EP, paved way to . Since its release in October 2001, the EP has earned rave reviews and won many new supporters for Copeland. Look for Copeland’s debut full-length entitled, “Beneath Medicine Tree,” March 2003 on The Militia Group. www.thecopelandsite.com

Fresh out of sunny San Diego, CA is the great Reeve Oliver. With distorted guitars and a beat that just makes you  want to bob your head, Reeve Oliver gets right down to business, playing what is called “catchy rock drenched on pop sensibility.” Their comprehensive recording history of almost 50 songs is waiting to be unleashed to the masses. Look out for Reeve Oliver in 2003. www.reeveoliver.com

In Clover is a 3-piece rock band straight out of Southern Maryland. Their smooth guitar melodies and soothing voice provides for an oh-so-good listening experience and has earned them a nice fan base on the east coast. With three EP’s under their belts, including a very recently released split EP with Movies With Heroes, the band is ready to venture out to big and better things. www.incloveronline.com

Melodic punk doesn’t get any better than this. Introducing Nothing To Lose, a three-piece band from San Diego, CA. This talented trio blends the likes of New Found Glory together with The Get Up Kids and solidly backs it up with their unblemished musicianship and captivating vocals. Already with a   strong following in San Diego, Nothing To Lose is looking to expand their horizons. www.ntlpunk.com

The Elevator Division is a four-piece rock band from Kansas City, Missouri. Their melodic pop-rock music with an emphasis on creative melody, intelligent lyrics and songwriting has earned them critical acclaim on their two independently released albums as well as an EP. They have been booked with such bands and musicians as:  Glen Phillips (of Toad The Wet Sprocket), The Get Up Kids, Pedro The Lion, and many others. The Elevator Division is currently writing for their third full-length, which they hope to release on a record label and to begin touring extensively. www.elevatordivision.com

When the sounds of Sunny Day Real Estate, No Motiv, Jimmy Eat World, and the Get Up Kids are mixed together, one hears the emotional and driving style of rock that is the unique thumbprint of Acceptance.  They combine great hooks and technical ability to produce an unequaled sound that keeps their listeners eager for more-so much that The Militia Group has decided to put out their EP, set to be released April 2003. Get ready to rock! www.acceptancemusic.com

Watashi Wa consists of five twenty-somethings from central California. They may mix emo with punk like a lot of bands out there. The difference is they do it well. Tooth and Nail signed Watashi Wa this past fall and are getting ready to release their first full-length in May of 2003. www.watashi-wa.com

Pretty guitars and gentle vocals that are often coupled with melodic outbursts seem to analogically to Die Radio Die’s view on life. Song titles like “Lover Left You Bleeding,” “As Soon As Beauty Dies,” and “New England Sunrise” are on their brand new EP titled “Headstock/Heart Attack.” Naming Minus The Bear and Death Cab For Cutie as some of their influences, they certainly make a name for themselves among that crowd. Keep an eye out for their full-length in 2003! www.dieradiodie.com