Valerie

Earwig: Under My Skin I Am Laughing

Earwig is a three piece band, led by the chanteuse, Kirsty Yates, Sergei Tardo, and Dimitri Voulis. This lineup only lasted for one record though, the experimental and hauntingly melodic, Under My Skin I Am Laughing. This compilation was originally released back in 1992 under La Di Da. This compilation is the only full length release from the electronic, experimental outfit. Afterwards, Sergei and Kirsty pursued on as the Insides. They released their record Euphoria to great acclaim and this also helped solidify their jazzy, trippy, and transient sound. Currently, the group are on hiatus. Their last effort as Insides was a full length record released back on 2000, Sweet Tips. Nevertheless, you can take a listen to this Earwig record and see how it all started.

suteF

SuteF is a complicated and challenging puzzle platformer that will truly delight your senses. It's a cool game where you will need to shove around boxes, avoid laser beams, scale walls and activate switches. Your main goal for doing this would be escape from the "Abyss." This game is actually an updated version of an eerie, but interesting game called Fetus. Of course, suteF is more advanced and fleshed out. It contains new mechanics that will intrigue and challenge both old and new gamers alike. Each puzzle is creatively done, plus the entire game resonates with a semi dark atmosphere without going overboard. This one easily takes the cake as among the best puzzle games of 2010.

Manors: Demo EP

This 3 song (aptly titled) Demo from Manors is a lo-fi bedroom recording of tracks from this cool girl band. Each track is raw and showcases a beautiful indie pop sound that you can only imagine as being more awesome if it had been professionally recorded and mastered. Even though the tracks have sub-par recording, it does contain a beautiful feel to it. The scratchy recording captures the spontaneity and the beauty of each instrument. Moreover, the experience is heightened by the 70s style vocal unison which is very pretty in places. Give this short a demo a run over and see whether you'll like it or not. One thing's for sure, this sweet compilation is destined as background music for plenty of summer fun.

Sombreros

Sombreros is a remake of an old Action 52 game. It's given new life, better gameplay, not to mention, great graphics by Dustin Gunn. In this game, you play a Mexican packing a big gun and an even bigger sombrero. Your main objective is to collect more of these giant hats from your enemies. Go on a shootout or simply duel with them one by one. The game is pretty interesting. It's a bit on the short side but definitely worth your while. Created as an Action 52 remake, this arcade shooter features top down shooting. You can sense the many inspirations from western movies and games as well as in the original game.

Chaser

Chaser is a simple art game that has a straightforward gameplay. All you have to do is chase a blue figure man and keep him in the screen for as long as you can. The longer you can do this, the higher the score you'll get. It's really this basic. The blue dude will constantly run away from you so you have to keep chasing him. You'll start slow but eventually you'll be able to increase your speed while collecting various things as you go along. Even though the game has a simple premise, it's fairly addicting especially once you start off. It can easily consume hours and hours of your time without you noticing. If you're up for this, then give this one a go.

MazeFinger

MazeFinger certainly knows how to make your fingers work for you. It's a pretty cool game that ensures your fingers get a good workout trying to figure out more than 1000 mazes while beating the clock. The game was created by then up-and-coming-developer-to-watch-out-for Ngmoco. Most developers might get pressured with this tag but instead, ngmoco actually stepped up and delivered. MazeFinger is an amazing, highly addictive game. The best part is that it is offered absolutely free! It works great on both the iPhone and iPod Touch; taking advantage of the amazing graphics that's offered in these devices. Download this amazing game right now.

Clones Of The Queen: The Gate EP

Clones of the Queen is a Hawaii based band that creates some sultry, techno, trip hop, rock sound. The trio is made up of frontwoman, Ara Laylo, guitarist Paul Bajcar and electronics by Matt McVickar. The Gate is their first EP and comes with 7 endearingly haunting tracks that's definitely worth your while. The album is filled with the band's signature brooding feel with a touch of spacey sounding indie rock. Laylo's voice is cold yet soothing when mixed with the synth soundscapes that often surround it. Ever since their beginning years, jamming together in a bank vault situation atop a coffee shop; the band has come quite a long way. Although they're still at the beginning stages, you can tell that this band has a bright future ahead. Take a listen.

Hazard: The Journey of Life

Hazard: The Journey of Life is a dreamlike new game that takes you on a journey through life. It's a first person game where you don't fire any guns or even have any enemies. Instead, it focuses on taking you to a trip down the many facets and complexities of life. The game was among the Grand Prize Winner in the Make Something Unreal as well as awarded Best Game in Game Connect Asia Pacific. The game features a unique and mindblowing graphic design that places a visual form in the abstract concepts of life. It's an interesting 3D adventure game that requires patience and an open mind in trying to figure out what life wants you to do. Definitely a must-try if you are into challenging experimental games.