Valerie

Die Pretty: Battle Over Brooklyn

Battle Over Brooklyn is the product of pop punk band, Die Pretty. The foursome only started about 2 years ago (2009) but they're definitely wasting no time getting their music together and spreading the word. They've already released a short EP titled, Bittersweet. This was released in Europe via Unconform Records and helped win the band a solid following overseas. With Battle Over Brooklyn, the band is looking to expand and maybe win over more people to their brand of upbeat pop punk. Soaring through the scene with a good mix of pop, punk, alternative and rock; Die Pretty seems to have what it takes to make more than an impression in the music world.

Paper Plane Pilots: Demo 2009

Thanks to a knack for incorporating a fun, energy-filled vibe to their songs, Paper Plane Pilots don't have much of a problem making their listeners enjoy their music. This Paris-based group bring together an upbeat indie punk alternative vibe to their songs; infuse it with catchy rhythms and really fun lyrics to win their audiences. Demo 2009 is obviously a few years old but it still deserves good exposure. Influenced mainly by the American alternative band scene, the guys take after their heroes to create an 8-track demo filled with punchy cuts worth bouncing around to.

William Nein: Homeless

Although he may not be a household name yet, William Nein has already managed to release six records under his belt. Every single one is available as a free download including this 2010 acoustic delight, Homeless. Nein is a London, UK based musician who likes to frequent upstate New York. His songs are evocative of fleeting emotions; beautifully capturing something that is slowly slipping away whether it's a person, thing, or emotion. Armed with an acoustic guitar and some crazy oft-melodic-yet-sometimes-high-pitched-singing; this is certainly an interesting record to check out.

Texas Poker

If you love poker, then this cool game should be right up your alley. Texas Poker- Pokerist is a free game that even poker novices can enjoy. The game involves playing a fast-paced and exciting game of Texas Hold'Em online. Unlike other poker games where you play against a computer, you actually play with other real, live players from across the globe. Don't fret if you've never played poker before since the game offers a great in-app tutorial on how you can learn to play the game. Created by Kamagames LTD, this is available for free download onto your iPad, iPhone or iTouch. Check it out.

ne:o – direkt (live)

Ne:o is a German band that mixes a whole lot of genres to create an essentially artistic piece of work. The group recently released a live performance compilation to cap off their German tour last 2009. It wasn't meant to be the last group performance but until today it remains to be seen whether the guys will be getting back together or not. The album is available at Aaahh Records as well as on Internet Archive. Ne:o played songs from previous albums, âne:omuzicâ, âmusikkritikâ and the critically acclaimed, âillojâ. Listening to this band is like taking a wonderful, psychedelic music trip where you encounter layers and layers of sound as well as instruments that beautifully harmonize or mingle with each other. Take a listen.

Pterodactyl: The Dark Side of the Moon

With the success of Weezer's 8-Bit Album version, there was bound to be a sequel. This time around, the boys of Pterodactyl have set their sights to cover one of the greatest bands ever, Pink Floyd. The Dark Side of the Moon has always been an iconic record ever since it was released in March 1973. Hence, it was the obvious choice for the next 8-bit rehash. The Pterodactyl Squad has gathered up some of the most prominent names in chiptune talent and made use of old game consoles to create a truly unique but true-to-the-original sound. This isn't just for those who love Floyd, it's pretty much for anybody who loves great music and good old videogames.

Greg Gibbs: The Lights

If you're looking for a relaxing electro indie pop album, you might enjoy The Lights by Greg Gibbs. Compiling 20 great tracks in one record, the singer/songwriter is definitely on a roll with his third release. The singer is currently based in Chicago. He has released two previous albums, 2007's Raincoat and 2009's Hemoglobin, which you can both get for sale at iTunes. This third compilation, The Lights, is filled with beautiful electro pop tracks that would make a lovely background to a quiet, relaxing afternoon. Check out the download by hitting the link towards the left.

Escape from NOM

Escape from Nom is a cheeky pinball type game from Glu. Initially sold, the game is now available as a free download from the App Store and it is among a long list of games released by Glu. The game was initially released back in 2010 and although there were initial mix ups with regards to its price; its been corrected ever since and is now offered absolutely free. Escape from NOM features colorful graphics and a fun gameplay that you can easily enjoy on your break time. There are about 30 levels to the game; providing you with enough entertainment as you please. Give the game a try.

The Appreciation Post: Work?/?Sleep EP

With a penchant for power pop and synth punk beats, The Appreciation Post is bringing in tons of energy with their upbeat sound. The Boston quartet has been around since 2005 and have shared the stage with awesome acts such as Smoking Popes, Mayday Parade, and Anberlin to name a few. Work/Sleep is the third release from the crew and hauls in power pop into play. Their previous records include, Brighter Sides (2006) and Leftovers (2010). The latter was produced by Marc McClusky who's worked with bands like Bad Religion and even indie favorite, Weezer. Armed with catchy beats and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, it's a compilation that can easily become a staple in any college punk rockers room.