There is seemingly a sea of crappy local emo and punk bands and although I have spent much time dwelling over the bad, I HAVE found some gems (mostly through word of mouth). These guys, Miapollo, are brilliant:
miapollo [EP ONLINE NOW!!!] on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads
as well as these guys, Love Turns Hate. Slightly generic, but good live.
LOVE TURNS HATE on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads
I figure you guys probably know a ton of local bands who could use my myspace add or iTunes download. If you could post them, that be sweet.