Valerie

Pretty Guts: PG002

Formed back in May 2010, Pretty Guts is a London-based progressive rock band. Made up of "Word-smith Michael Triponel, Child guitar prodigy Tyrone Flavell, Ex-fashion model Richard Yong on Drums and Matthew Barton on Bass." Despite the hodge-podge background, together, the band creates their brand of indie progressive punk rock with some gusto. They take their influence from various genres of music, be it from soul, jazz, rock, hip hop and even the blues. It's this diversity in taste and influence that allows the band to create a familiar yet distinct sound that easily pleases their listeners.

Elle B: Until the Light of Day

Counting Prince, Lauryn Hill and her classically trained mom as influences; singer/songwriter Elle B, certainly knows how to make gorgeous R&B tinged tracks that'll make you want to listen all night long. Her soulful voice is reminiscent of song sirens of the yesteryears, allowing her to gain a wider audience each time she's performing. Until the Light of Day is her latest release and follows up her successful debut, the Elle B. EP. The record comes with 9 free tracks/demos recorded between 2007 to 2010.

Tough Lovers: Exits.

What initially started out as a solo project for Jamie Smail quickly turned into a collective. Luckily, the rapport between the members paid off and Tough Lovers has produced a compilation that is both endearing and catchy. Other members of the band include Graham, Dane and Ryan. This Canadian four-piece proudly produce stellar indie pop rock tracks that will get your head swaying and your feet tapping from the beat. If you want something laid-back and easy to listen to, you can't go wrong with giving this one a listen. The boys are offering this EP as a free download over at their BandCamp site.

Fraser James: Gone From Here

Creating beautiful acoustic indie pop, Fraser James, has a knack for capturing any listener's attention with only his guitar and sweet vocal chops. Gone From Here is a debut EP from the St. Albans singer. It delivers music that seems ideal company for cold afternoons with hot cocoa on hand while silently taking in the quiet day. You'll find 8-tracks in this compilation, all recorded between winter of 2010 to summer of 2011. Almost all of them were written by James except for Flume which is a Bon Iver cover.

Montes Rook: Patience

Mixing folk music with some enchanting vocals, Montes Rook is a cool little trio from Montgomery, NY. The band is made up of Drew Guido , Jean-Marie Dean, and Noah Meyer; the members aren't exactly new in the band scene. They've spent some time in various other bands before coming together to record this sweet compilation. Drew and Noah have been friends since they were young and have dabbled with different musical genres before settling with this indie acoustic piece. Afterwards, they finally drew the courage to ask Jean-Marie to sing for them. The result was this pleasing trio and their sound.

Maximus York: Freedomtown EP

Deep bass, wild party synths and smooth disco feel; this amazing compilation is courtesy of Los Angeles native, Santiago Calogero. Better known under the alias, Maximus York; Freedomtown EP is his latest release. It comes with four free tracks that you can download and check out. Combining a flurry of beats and some upbeat thumping bass, the songs seem perfectly destined for any hot nightspot where dancing is the main topic.

Kit Oh Nein!: KON!

Feel-good psych punk with a touch of indie rock is one way to describe Kit Oh Nein!'s music. The three piece band hails from Detroit/NYC and seems to know their way around the sound. Led by frontman Ryan Milligan from The Hotwalls, KON! (an acronym of the band's name) is the group's debut record. The album contains 10 tracks that run circles around punk, pop, and psychedelic indie rock. Enveloped in raw energy as well as a hazy indie rock club vibe, it's hard to believe the entire set of tracks were recorded in only 3 days. This is one of those debut albums worth checking out if you like dirty, cerebral indie punk rock.

Swimming: EP

Like most bands, Swimming is a fusion of various musicians who belong from different bands. Regardless of their different projects, this 7-track EP still beams with beautiful cohesion. The band itself is made up of Brian Kupillas- Guitar, Vox , Max Glenn- Bass, Vox, Jared Hennessy- Guitar, Vox and Neil Lord- Drums. Mixing laid back, feel-good music with a surf rock vibe, you get an EP that radiates with great songs; perfect for times you want to hang out with friends and family and simply relax.