Valerie

Racing Glaciers

Describing themselves as a band that mostly writes about "rivers and nighttime," Racing Glaciers makes for an intriguing yet slightly offbeat group. This self-titled album features 6 cuts that range from slow indie folk rock to electro infused alternative cuts. Gathering influences from Led Zeppelin, Sigur Ros, Bon Iver, Death Cab for Cutie and Pink Floyd to name a few; the band consists of Tim Monaghan, Danny Thorpe, Matt Scheepers, and Simon Millest.

The Flipsides: The Best Of Times

If you were big on punk from the San Francisco Bay Area during the early & middle 2000, then chances are you might have heard of The Flipsides. This pop punk 3 piece had their first gig on Christmas Eve of 1999 and released their debut record, Clever One, back in 2002. The trio is made of frontwoman and guitarist, Sabrina Stewart; Mark Bradin on bass and Jim Lindsay on drums. The Best Of Times, is a five-track compilation that's best described by Sabrina as an "abridged version" of her adolescence since most of it were written before she was still in the band. It contains short but punchy tracks that blares with energy and meant to be enjoyed loud.

Hell is Now Love Records Sampler

Hell is Now Love Records Sampler is a compilation of some of the best bands the label has to offer. Practically throwing it at your feet, the album is available as a free download. It contains 7 tracks from bands like Lost Rockets, Mason Chic and Black Science to name a few. All of them are under the label's roster and have already released or will release their own albums in the next months or so. Containing a flurry mix of rock, indie pop, alternative plus a touch of psychedelic noise; the sampler makes for a good jumping point into the labels band bin.

Baptman: Under The Influence

Serving as a mixtape for the indie film, Influencers; Baptman's Under the Influence serves as a beautiful gateway to the film and its idealogy. The film discusses how trends today are easily spread and digested, whether its in fashion, music or entertainment. Taking this premise, Baptman infuses his sound with beautiful electronica, hip hop, jazz, indie and even rock elements while also sprinkling inspiring lyrics here and there.

Kidd Seven: Hear Me Out

Brought up from Compton and Pasadena, rapper, Kidd Seven shares his latest mixtape in preparation for his debut album. Hear Me Out was released last April 2012 and comes with 16 tracks. It's a nice compilation for those who love hip hop and need something to pop on their cars as they drive around. Filled with great beats, Hear Me Out contains a nice mix of samples and cool laid back beats coupled with good rap skills, to satisfy any listener.

Chris Rubeo: Ships of Sticks and Twine EP

Chris Rubeo's music is the kind you'd normally hear at some quiet coffee shop as you enjoy your cup of joe and soak in the good day. The short EP is comprised of 5 simple tracks that flourish with great harmonies, interesting instruments and a beautiful, laid back vibe. The Boston singer not only sings solo but also performs for another sweet band called, The Sparrows. Ships of Sticks and Twine was released last September 2011 and offered as a free download over at the singer's BandCamp page.

Cypria: Infinite Loop Vol. 1 (Indescribable Sounds)

Music and hip hop with a purpose; Infinite Loop Vol. 1 is an intense collection that's filled with crafty beats and interesting mixes. From the instrumentals to the R&B tinged tracks down to the occasional hip hop rhymes, the record is a great collection of random beats that's worth playing over and over again. The album is spearheaded by 19-year old UK producer, Cypria.

Tom Phonic: Good Luck Knowing

Filled with funky 8-bit style sounds and a host of futuristic beats, Good Luck Knowing is proving to be quite a record. Containing 8-tracks that were written and produced by Tom Phonic; most of the songs were created with friends as well as with specific inspiration in mind. The producer/DJ has been creating music for the past 12 years now. He's a St. Louis native but moved to the Big Apple in 2005. Here, he found a flourishing electronic underground scene that paved the way for his music to spring forth.