Alternative Pop

(live, REM, Sheryl Crow)

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.

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.

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.

Sweatshirt Weather: With High Hopes EP

Indianapolis natives, Sweatshirt Weather, is more or less a young band, but this doesn't mean they can't hold their own when it comes to beautiful and fun summer pop rock songs. With High Hopes EP was released in BandCamp back in January 2010 but it wasn't until 2011 when the band officially solidified as a group. They were joined by bassist , Chad Kulaga, by this time and faithfully started their journey in the indie music world. Their brand of summer power pop has helped propel them into the spotlight and has allowed them to share the stage with the likes of The Fold and The Bigger Lights.

Monarchs: ft. Celeste – a Monarchs Mixtape

Monarchs is a surprising band that people who enjoy hip hop, alternative and soul should take note of. The group is led by the sultry and sexy Southern belle, Celeste Griffin. Currently based in Austin, Texas; the singer has several backing musicians that help complete her crew. Together, they combine to create a powerful and soulful sound complete with catchy beats and samples. Ft. Celeste is their latest record. They've released previous ones too, particularly The Rise and Fall; Those Words, Those Frames and The Oak EP. All of which are up for purchase over at BandCamp.

Adam Stern: Music Mondays

Adam Stern packages his goods in a tight, fresh set. Released last February 2011, Music Mondays offers nine pop-infused tracks that'll surely melt your ears with delight. Commonly referred as "The Dreamer Child", Adam is a popular Los Angeles based singer/songwriter that muses on love, heartbreak, war, peace and coexistence. Stern's music was greatly influenced by his childhood in Berkeley, CA , while devouring to the albums of The Beatles, Bob Marley and Michael Jackson. Since 2009, he had independently released 40 tracks including two full-length albums.

Love Story in Blood Red: Hot Cha

Love Story in Blood Red is spearheaded by former Means frontman, Jason Frederick. Working together with producer and friend, Kris Poulin; the duo created this 4-track compilation of indie rock goodness. Although it took years for the actual songs to be fleshed out as circumstances and life got in the way; the final recordings were presented by Kris to Jason after 9 years since he left him with it. They finally managed to release the short compilation last March 2011 over at indie netlabel, RockProper.com. The EP also hosts several musician friends who were enlisted to help complete the EP by Kris during all those years.

First Things First: The Brighter Side

If you enjoy power pop bands like The Click Five, Fountains of Wayne or even, The Ataris; First Things First could be your next favorite band. This three-piece Pennsylvania natives have been busting their behinds slowly climbing their way to the top. By promoting themselves and making sure they create the right contacts in the industry, they've managed to become one of the most fastest rising local acts in the pop punk Pennsylavania scene. The Brighter Side is the band's debut EP and comes with 5 great singles. These guys definitely know their strengths and how to play on it, jumping from one seriously catchy track to another.

The Susan Constant: Rayonnement

The boys of The Susan Constant dub themselves as a band who are "committed to writing hooky and insightful indie rock for local consumption, we write radio songs for people who don't listen to the radio." True enough, the five-piece stay true to their commitment and create songs that are radio-friendly and easy to listen to. Their sound is filled with indie rock goodness along with a touch of pop. This is a debut album for the band. It's released under Tour de Stade Records but you can grab the free digital download over at BandCamp.