Alternative Pop

(live, REM, Sheryl Crow)

Equals Conquest: Rummager

With such a big sound, you would think that Equals Conquest was at least a 3 or 4 man band. The fact is, there's only two of them hitting all the instruments, writing, singing and mixing the tracks. The band is made up of I.m.i.x. Shish and Mike Mollura both former members of the Reading, PA hardcore punk band, Afterglow. What initially started as a solo effort for I.m.i.x. Shish, the band quickly become a collaboration; resulting in a sonic soundscape of noise, rock and a whole hodge podge of sound. If you enjoy unusual music, ones that are a bit difficult to classify as belonging to any particular genre; then this might be the album for you. Give it a try.

Trench Town Oddities: Days & Nights

There are times when all you need is good old acoustic pop rock to help make your day right. Trench Town Oddities is a five piece crew than can provide you with some feel-good, relaxing folk pop music you'll enjoy. This 5 piece crew have been together since 2006; releasing several EPs so far, one of which is a Christmas EP. This Cornwall band not only record their own songs, they are also a party band. Playing cover songs from various artists like Jack Johnson, Sublime and even fellow Canadian, Alanis Morissette; the band is slowly gaining ground on their local hometown. Days & Nights is a 6-track EP of the band's own songs. The cuts are light and fun to listen to if you simply don't want to think about anything else other than having a good time.

Daniel Wyckoff: The Quadrature

The Quadrature by Daniel Wyckoff is an acoustic instrumental progressive haven. It's not everyday that we cover instrumentals here in Frostclick, so here's one to feast your ears on. Daniel Wyckoff is a guitar aficionado that has just released his second record of nothing but sweet acoustic guitar goodness for free. His second album, A Shift, is available as a free download on Jamendo. Before that though, he released The Quadrature which feature a lite-prog and math rock sound. The recording quality isn't perfect but you have to admire this guy's skill and what he can do with his guitar.

EllusBellus: Sticks, Stones & My Bones

Combining folk, acoustic and pop in a beautiful, melodic album takes a lot. However, EllusBellus manages to breeze through it without much trouble. The Chicago duo have been around for a couple of years; carefully crafting their brand of fun, folk pop music that brings to mind wonderful summertime afternoons. Sticks, Stones & My Bones is their latest offering. It features 6 tracks that range from slow, melodic goodness to upbeat and fun pop beats. It's one of those records you could play as a summer soundtrack as you frolic on the beach with friends, go biking around the neighborhood or simply relax in the park.

Audra Hardt: No Disguise

Audra Hardt is no stranger to the Frostclick blog. She's made her first appearance in our pages with her smashing record, Superficial Superstar way back in 2008! However, before she released that, she came out with another rockin' compilation titled, No Disguise. We never got to cover this on the blog before, so might as well make up for lost time. Even though it's a bit of an oldie, it's still a goodie. With her signature Morissette-like vocals, you can be sure Audra Hardt is a name worth checking out. The singer hails from the entertainment capital of the world, LA, and showcases her passion to pursue and achieve what some people are too timid to go after: a musical career.

Emerald Park: For Tomorrow (2010 Edition)

For Tomorrow is one of those records that you find online and you think to yourself, "is this really free?" Listening to the quality of the recording as well as the music might make you think twice but it is available as a free download so listeners can enjoy this amazing folk pop compilation from this Swedish group. Emerald Park is made up of Tobias Borelius, Martina Johansson, Frans af Schmidt, Mats Andreasson, and Mikael Eskilsson. The band formed back in 2001 and started off as a seven piece crew. Things didn't go according to plan and lineups were changed. Now, the group is back as a five piece along with a new netlabel, 23 Seconds. They re-released For Tomorrow; an album filled with lush melodies and catchy choruses that will certainly brighten up your day.

Mouth’s Cradle: The Next Big Thing

Electrifying mix of head-banging beats, video game tunes, 50s soul, garage rock, pop and a good dose of slammin white boy hip-hop - want even more? If you do than Mouth's Cradle is here to satisfy all your musical senses. You might already seen their name in the iTunes Store's "New and Noteworthy" and "Pop" pages or the countless blogs raving about their latest release. And if you still didn't here is your chance to get properly acquainted as the duo have selected seven amazing tracks from their album The Next Big Thing and with a tiny help of FrostWire decided to share them with the world.

Jumy: Every day is the First Day

This set is a collection of acoustic folk pop songs from Frenchman, jumy. Every Day is the First Day mixes masterful guitar strumming with southern harmonica and some peppy tune. It reminds me of a quiet summer getaway where you just sit down with friends, sing along and play guitar. Nice relaxing sounds. This the second release from the artist. His first album, de bric et de broc, is also a compilation of folk pop songs played in his beautifully embellished guitar and recorded in his makeshift home studio. The album is available as a free download on Jamendo and licensed under a creative commons license.

John Vanderslice: Green Grow The Rushes

John Vanderslice is an American singer/songwriter that has quite a repertoire. He's been in various bands starting from the 1990s. Ever since he decided to take the solo flight, he's released a great number of albums and singles. Some of which are available for free download, like this one. Green Grow The Rushes is a 6-track mini compilation that's packed with upbeat, whimsical folk pop songs. It's a beautiful record that's a bit more reflective and personal compared to his other works. Since his first solo debut, Mass Suicide Occult Figurines, where he gained some attention for one single, Bill Gates Must Die; the singer has moved on to other topics. He still has that spark though. His songs are infused with a certain enigma that most musicians simply cannot find. Take a listen.