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The Miracals: Hermosa (EP)

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If you miss the days of surfer rock music, rest assured, you'll be able to relive the nostalgia as you listen to The Miracals. (Yes, their name spelling is a bit weird but their music is quite pleasant.) All four members are college students from Southern California. They initially called themselves, "The Smiles" but for some reason changed it to The Miracals. They like to describe their music as "beach rock" or the more quirky "tropical grunge," gathering influence from one of the bands that shaped the genre, The Beach Boys. Hermosa EP is a nice compilation that screams of summer fun. Even in the dead of winter, it's perfect for bringing some sunshine to dreary mornings.
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California Condors: Calm Carnivore

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The California Condors is not just the name for the largest North American land bird, but also the equivalent of a 3 piece West Coast crew that plays some infectious contemporary indie rock along with a slight 60s/70s touch. These Orange County natives count The Beatles, Willie Nelson and Neil Young among their influences. Indeed their distinctive sound echoes with this influence.
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Punk’s Undead: Punk’s Undead Volume 1

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Punk is not dead! For the many punk lovers out there, Punk's Undead Volume 1 might just be the album you've been looking for. This 28 track compilation features great tracks from various punk rockers in the Chicago area and neighboring cities. Released under Illinois indie netlabel, Sematary Records; the compilation is one big punk fest featuring songs that are energetic and quite raw in places. Described as the record label from the grave, Punk's Undead - Volume 1 is definitely an interesting compilation fit for any true blue punk rocker.
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Thefft: The Primer EP

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The newest release from ambient electronic netlabel, Cut Records, is from Thefft. It seems the artist has been brewing underground for awhile and now he's ready to show off his skills with his EP, The Primer. Much of the hype is warranted though as the album skillfully intertwines beats, bass and synths to create a delightful fusion fit for some good old dancing in a bar or club. The man behind all the glorious beats is Jack Robertson aka. Thefft. Although he's not a full newcomer, he's definitely making the rounds this time and causing a stir. Born in London, he's currently based in New York, creating and producing sonic tracks that are worthy of a listen.
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Nueva Noventa: Colors

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A product of years of work and countless rehearsals; Colors by Nueva Noventa contains a lushness that only time could have filled and created. Nueva Noventa is a four piece indie rock crew from Santiago, Chile. Their sound focuses on indie pop rock but also introduces elements of electronica once in awhile. There's nothing much out there about the band or the members themselves. It seems they're among the few bands who like to let their sound do all the talking instead. Frankly, this works just fine as their music is capable of communicating and reaching out to its audience.
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Various Artists: A People’s History of Bombed Out Records

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A People's History of Bombed Out Records might seem like a mouthful but it's a fitting one as it chronicles the long and very diverse history of indie netlabel Bombed Out Records. The album puts together some of the best tracks released from their fences; making it an exciting fusion of rock, punk and indie that'll give you an idea what the label has to offer. All of the bands here have, at one time or another, been considered a band from Bombed Out. Some of them continue on while others have said their farewells.
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Vernon Lenoir: The Rites of Sausage

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For times when all you need is a funky and quirky party album, pop over Vernon Lenoir's The Rites of Sausage and you should be good to go. This crazy party album mixes loud beats, 8-bit pixel goodness and a dose of remade pop culture. The super talented composer/ sampling-genius has released several compilations from various netlabels like UpItUp, VM Recordings, and Ego Twister. This time around, he ventures over to Chinstrap Records and unloads his genius samples via The Rites of Sausage. From the Macarena to Inspector Gadget, the record is a sure mix of funky goodness.
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Rachel Ries: Without a Bird

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Hailing from South Dakota, classically trained singer, pianist, violinist and violist, Rachel Ries astonishes with her brand of music. Although this album is a couple of years old, it's still worth listening to. Without a Bird is Rachel's second album and composed of a folk jazzy sound with beautiful lyrics. It first came out back in 2007 under Rachel's own So Dak Records. Her first album, For You Only, was initially released back in 2005 and was completely recorded in a vintage analog system. This second album was also done in analog, thus exuding a beautiful vintage feel. It's the type of songs you'll want to play at home on a laid back evening, relaxing and just taking in the moment.
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