Damone

The Boston-based rockers' first album for new label Island Records jumps out of the speakers with ultra crisp guitars and the Tracy Bonham-esque vocals of one-named singer Noelle. Jammed with riffs that effectively straddle the line between punk-pop and metal, heaps of melody and the occasional hard rock "chug," Damone carve out a decidedly distinct niche in the modern rock arena. At her best, Noelle can sound like Pat Benatar, and that's always a good sign.