Alternative Pop

(live, REM, Sheryl Crow)

Roar – I Can’t Handle Change

I Can't Handle Change is a beautiful indie rock compilation from ROAR, an Arizona band spearheaded by Owen Evans, formerly of Asleep in the Sea. Evans is joined by a couple of mates in creating a band that sounds like the lovechild of Rivers Cuomo and his "wide-spread power-pop influence" or maybe "Brian Wilson playing his piano in the middle of a sandbox filled with dog turds." I partly agree with the first description but for sure, the band sounds like they are happy making music that's making other people (aka people like me) quite happy. They mix a good dose of pop, indie rock and sweet melodies to make you want to hit playback over and over again. Grab this download or help out the group by purchasing their record over at iTunes. Definitely worth it.

Bryyn- Pink Noise

Changing names is quite common in the music business. Hence, it's no surprise that indie folk pop guru, Pinkle, decided to adopt his real name and drop the "Pinkle" moniker in full. He's known simply now as, Brynn. Taking up his real name as a moniker doesn't mean he's no longer creating lovely indie pop music. In fact, the artist still manages to churn out lovely and relaxing music that induces a surge of endorphins down your brain. Pink Noise is actually an older album. It was released back in the summer of 2008. Despite its age, it's still a wonderful compilation to check out.

The Laureates: No Kontrol

Looking for a good, retro indie rock group these days is like playing a game of hit or miss. Sometimes, you stumble upon a really cool band whose music becomes an instant favorite the first time you hear it. On the other hand, there are instances when you find a band that simply sticks to you for all the wrong reasons. Luckily, The Laureates is NOT part of the latter. The group has been around since 2005 and No Kontrol is the third release from these lo-fi rockers. The album is filled with a mix of punk, indie, alternative, lo-fi 80s/90s inspired rock that calls to mind The Replacements, Pixies and most 90s underground rockers. Definitely an awesome album worth every bit of space on your drive. Check it out.

Frontregen: Frontregen

Frontregen is an indie Austrian band that create an eclectic pop punk indie rock sound. Their sound is characteristic of female sweet sounding vocals, a mix of alternative rock/pop beats and indie sensibilities. This self-titled album is a first for the group. It was released back in December 2010 and so far it's showcasing a lot of promise for this 5 piece crew. The entire album resonates with passion and energy; skillfully balancing a hard rock punk edge with that of sweet, pop folkish vocals. It's certainly worth checking out if you are a fan of these genres on their own.

Pawky Maven: Pruning Hooks

Swelling with gorgeous harmonies and lovely instrument work, Pawky Maven creates a beautiful indie folk music that's perfect for a quiet reverie. Pruning Hooks is composed of 12 dreamy, soulful indie goodness. Garnering influences from such greats as Elliot Smith, Sufjan Stevens, Fleetwood Mac and Simon and Garfunkel; this North Carolina native certainly reflects his musical taste. The album is a mix of acoustic pop mixed with an indie folk sound giving it that unique touch. Give the album a download. You're in for a nice treat.

The Wild: The Wild EP

This is the second time this group of Atlanta young'ins who call themselves, The Wild, have made an appearance here in Frostclick. You'll find their other album, Set Yourselves Free, right here. Before that album came out though, the group released this 5-track self-titled EP. Their bright and sunshiny folk country sound still resonates though. The album is still a bit raw compared to their succeeding release yet is imbued with a fun, happy-go-lucky vibe that makes you think of frolicking around the countryside with friends. The album is released and available for free download on Quote Unquote Records. Take a listen and download this entertaining record.

Lungs For Gills: One Man & Thousand Ghosts

Listening to Lungs for Gills feels like you are walking on a frost filled morning with nothing but the beautiful sound of nature and silence to accompany you. That may sound weird, but this four piece group certainly knows how to create an ethereal mood. The band hails from Quebec City and formed during the winter of 2010. Maybe it was the cold weather, but these guys definitely got something to be proud of. One Man & Thousand Ghosts feature songs that contain sweet lyrics, emotional vocals and lovely melodies. There are some that border on the rock edge but still has a sweet touch to it. Of course, the recording isn't as crisp as you'd expect from pros, nevertheless it adds a delicate rawness that makes the band even more endearing. Check out their tracks.

Laura Stevenson and the Cans: A Record

Listening to Laura Stevenson and the Cans is like lying in a hammock under the shade and drifting away to dreamland. This amazing indie folk/rock artist beautifully mixes relaxing rhythms and melodies beautifully, making it look effortless. This album came about after Laura took several years steering clear from creating a compilation. Hence, when she finally decided to drop the sabbatical, "A Record," was born. In this one, you'll find a great variety of textures, instruments and simply gorgeous vocals from the singer and her crew. Most of her albums are available for purchase, but these are definitely worth it. However, for this record you can enjoy this one free. It's certainly worth the download and so much more.