I’m not one to tell anyone how to live their life, or to give deep philosophical theories.  But if there is one piece of advice I can give you it is to watch out for windowless vans.  The reasoning doesn’t take a genius to figure out.  What could possibly go on in that van to merit no windows?  Whatever it is I cannot comment in this column that’s for sure.  So why bring up these despicable sin bins?  Well, windowless van bands are bands to watch out for.  I figure that’s a better name than “pick pocket bands,” or “Britney Spears on Speed bands,” I’ll let you be the judge.  Regardless of their name, here are some bands to keep you eyes on in the second half of 2007.

Remember in a previous column I mentioned that “dance punk” is the hottest genre in indie music?  Well naturally there are a few bands in said variety that are looking to break out.  One of those bands is Justice the French duo is not for the faint of heart.  However, they mix up very funky beats and bass lines, with very catchy hooks.  One piece of advice, do not let your parents or grandparent listen to these guys, unless of course you really enjoy a lifetime of seclusion. 

If you still catch yourself wishing that Weezer front man Rivers Cuomo didn’t get all “learning type” and go back to Harvard to graduate, there is hope.  British natives Art Brut can hold you over until River’s figures out he has to pay off his mortgage.  Their recent album “It’s a Bit Complicated” has numerous catchy guitar driven songs.  The band’s lyrics show that they are not afraid to revel in their own success.

For all the bubble gum chewing poppy hipsters out there, The Clientele is sure to be on your I-Phone ringtone.  This is not their first album, but on their third try “God Save the Clientele” the London natives do something different, they may actually have a single.  “Bookshop Casanova” has just enough to capture more than their previously minute fan base.

Making the most impressive full length album debut, art-rock/post-punk band Battles is creating quite the buzz.  The New York City natives are the talk of the music industry with their introductory album “Mirrored.”  “Mirrored” mixes a smooth blend of talented musicians with great timing, along with high tech knowledge.  This album is like moving in with the “friend of a friend,” it just takes some time to get to know it.

Remember the “most likely to” section of your high school yearbook (if you are home schooled, this doesn’t apply to you)?  Well the year’s buzz band voted most likely to become the most successful would have to be White Rabbits.  Their debut album “Fort Nightly” is a powerful that will make you wonder why other bands cannot pull this off.  While there are 6 pieces to the band, none is more prevalent than the vocals.  The amazing range and shear power goes so well with catchy beats and soothing piano.  This album is a sure thing.  Now let’s hope they can avoid the shame of not living up to expectations, like most of the “most likely to’s.”

For the equestrian crowd, The Ponys with their newest album “Turn the Lights Out” are sure to stave off the glue factory (don’t email me PETA, it was a joke).  The indie garage band from Chicago seems destined to really make a move to become a household name.  The sound is reminiscent of Mooney Suzuki, but with more melancholy vocals.

In reality these are merely a few bands that are looking to get their big break in 2007.  Not to get cocky, but  I bet you didn’t think you would get sound life advice out of reading this column huh?  Well I bet you also don’t know that I was voted “most likely to give sound life advice in a musical column in DERF Magazine.”  I guess it does help to have Ms. Cleo as your Class President.