Natalie

Don’t Believe the Hype

It's summer, right? Time when what we all need is that extra flow of energy, when we feel like bringing back all those over the top beach parties, rooftop clubs, and the spontaneous vacations somewhere on the islands. Sostanze Records knows the feeling all too well and so they put together a special compilation of five amazing tracks so you can feel like the party is still going even when you are stuck in your grey corporate cubicle. The compilation, Don't Believe the Hype, brings us some of the best of electro and fidget music out there, so be sure to turn up the volume, but remember, according to Sostanze "this album must be accompanied by a medical authorization."

Heart-Sick Groans: Look?!?!?! These Three Painters of Hits Have Done It Again!

Heart-Sick Groans is a lovely, and a rather unique, band from Sundsvall, Sweden. Formed back in 2007, the trio has already been called by numerous blogs as "one of indie-pop's best kept secrets"; and with their fresh, highly addictive guitars, whistles, drums, harmonica, weaved into the wonderfully blissful sounds of summer, it might just be true. The recently released Look!!! These Three Painters of Hits Have Done It Again! (got to love the title), is a long awaited follow up to the band's previous two hit EP's and is currently offered as a free/pay what you wish download. So give it a try!

Re-Stoned: Vermel

My very first experience listening to the band might have included pressing play and patiently waiting for the lead singer to come out with his/her powerful vocals among the equally powerful electric guitar solos... patiently waiting, and waiting. But as the times goes by and you find yourself so into the flow of the music, listening to every riff and hit of drums - that initial need for vocals seem to fade. Well, Re-Stoned is not your average band - so the traditional set up fronted by a lead singer was instead replaced by the true craftsmanship of guitar, bass, and drums creating a fully instrumental experience. Vermel, Re-Stoned latest album, certainly brings us back to the golden style of the 70s classic rock, and with its world class hooks and true fuzzy rock the album definitely upholds the tradition of the decade well.

Bobby Blunt: A Traveleres Notebook EP

Swedish music blog, Apple Juice Break, has been posting about music ever since 2008. More recently, however, AJB decided to venture just a bit outside of their comfort zone into the world of art & graphic design and ... even more music. Their recently created collective YES WAY!, has brought us a great new free EP, A Travelers Notebook, (made available on June 17th) by Virginia based vocalist & rapper Bobby Blunt and Australian born producer TA-KU. The EP is a hip-hop, neo-soul, rap influenced 5-track release with just a hint of electronic sounds and some stand-up vocals. Overall, a pretty sweet first collaboration project.

Heartless: The Story of a Tin Man

We all grew up with The Wizard of Oz. Some had the story read to them before going to sleep and some could not stay away from the television set while watching Dorothy and her magical red shoes. As much as we know about our little heroine, do we know just how the other characters in this timeless classic came to be? Whitestone Motion Pictures decided to do just that, and with their beautifully executed twenty minute film take us to the beginning on a journey through the life of Tin Woodsman.

Adult Swim: Singles

We all know or at least heard of Adult Swim as adult-oriented cable television that shares air time with Cartoon Network; not everyone, however, knows them for releasing some sweet free music. As part of their more recent projects, Adult Swim has decided to put together a compilation, 8 singles over 8 weeks that would blend together some great artists from genres as diverse as folk, pop, hip-hop, metal, and a touch of electronica.

The League of Moveable Type

Typeface has always been an integral part of art... For me it is art. And it is good to see that there are other people out there who think the same way. The League of Moveable Type came to life thanks to two designers, Caroline and Micah, to combat the limitations and raise the standards of the web. It features a collection of some of the highest-quality of typefaces I came across online in a very long time. As a user you are more than welcome to contribute, browse, download, and use the chosen typefaces for free as all of them are subject to SIL's Open Font License (which means that you are allowed to use the fonts for either personal or commercial purposes as long as you give a credit to its original creator).

Abdoulaye Alhassane: Sahara Spirit

Abdoulaye Alhassane is often called a master of the music of the Saharan cultures and languages; from Songhai, Sonrai, to Tamaschek, Peil, Toureg, and Zerma. More than anything else, however, he is an incredibly talented composer, arranger, producer and has been a part of a highly successful Niger based band, Mamar Kassey, which toured the world gathering countless of rave reviews. Although playing mainly guitar, Alhassane's instrumental entourage includes many Central Saharan strings such as Molo and Gurmi and today brings some masterfully crafted sounds further reminding us that instruments... can sing too.

Moses Luster and the Hollywood Lights: I’m The Lion

If you are tired of all the clean cut pop, rock, indie sounds no matter how good they might be and instead crave for something entirely new, somewhat dark and rusty than I'm The Lion is here to help. The lyrics sing of "low life crooks, doomed love affairs and a haunted past", the music comes filled with strong drums, some electronic beats, and that good old hollywood orchestra feel, while the vocals bring back the ghosts of the classics such as Johnny Cash or Tom Waits with just a touch of Leonard Cohen. A sure keeper!