Alternative Pop

(live, REM, Sheryl Crow)

It Leaves, It Leaves: It leaves, It leaves

It Leaves, It Leaves is a Belgian indie band that certainly knows how to create lovely folk pop that in places can sound like it was taken from the Elliot Smith rulebook. There's not much information about this band or this guy online, except that he's from Belgium. Released under PERKuNowA label, this self-titled album is the 5th release for the label so far since its inception. Compiling 10 melodramatic cuts; the album is a melancholic, slightly haunting indie affair. It is a moody record that reminds you of heartbreak, dark rainy morning skies and a love lost forever. If you are up for a record that brings you good feelings of sadness, then this should be right up your alley. The album is available as a free download under the PERKuNowA site or right here on Frostclick.

Tsui’s Wreckage

This cool indie pop affair is Tsui's second compilation after the endearing Half Man Army was released back in 2007. This record is available in both physical CD formats and free download on the group's main website. It features 8 tracks that showcases beautiful indie pop with hints of acoustic guitars and melodic sequences. Formerly a member of indie folk group, Jr. Corduroy; Mark Kraus began to create music on his own. Writing and recording in bedrooms and various recording studios here and there. He creates pleasantly melodic cuts that are filled with catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics. Even though it's filled with simple songs, the album is easy to listen to and love.

Shearer: Monument

The underrated pop-punk band, ‘Shearer’ have literally forged an album that is deserving of a Monumental status... Alright, this statement may be parabolic to an extent; nevertheless, ‘Monument’ is still exceedingly addictive and wholehearted. ‘Shearer’ have endowed this album with a sound comparable to that of pop-punk band, ‘The Lost Profits’ and this vibe is most observable in the similarities between vocalists and guitar tone. In saying this, ‘Monument’ demonstrates a happier mood and reflects the bands nature, in not taking themselves too seriously. This nature is further reinforced through their self-proclaimed influences of: ‘Jaegermeister, cheap polish cigarettes and table water’. Instrumentally, this band reminds me of ‘Millencolin’. Generally, this is due to a common use of cheeky, generic and ‘bouncy’ simplistic verses in which lead to texturally thick and climactic choruses. These are often fashioned through an extreme contrast in dynamics and an addition of harmonic and sometimes multiple backing vocals. Additionally, vocal lines in which intertwine with the dominant voiced melody are also regularly used to enhance this contrast.

Ellephare: The Best Defense

Ellphare is a indie rock band made up of Kyle Mathis - vocals, Luke Pigott - guitars, Charley Tynes - guitars and Josh Myrs on drums. The Best Defense is a self-released EP that's filled with 7 indie alternative rock tracks. The album contains a nice combination of fast upbeat alternative tracks and more indie, laid back cuts. The band creates songs that contain a spiritual element to it. For a debut EP, the group has successfully created a compilation that is both interesting and engaging. The Best Defense is a self-released EP from the group that's filled with 7 indie alternative rock tracks. The album contains a nice combination of fast upbeat alternative tracks and more indie, laid back cuts. The band creates songs that contain a spiritual element to it. For a debut EP, the group has successfully created a compilation that is both interesting and engaging. In their early career, they've already been hailed as one of the top 10 bands in the Cornerstone Festival New Band Showcase. Take a listen to these catchy and inspiring tracks.

Volumina: This is Our Home, Please Come In!

Volumina is essentially Benjamin Z. A native of Mexico, this dude definitely knows how to incorporate whimsical sounds, instrumental reveries and sweet vocals into his music. The album is an eclectic mix of instruments and sounds that makes you feel as if you were living in an cool, romantic 8-bit, children's program. This is Our Home, Please Come In! is equipped with 8 beautiful tracks that can make you reflect; wish you were a musician and even do the robot dance. This experimental indie pop album is a fun and spirited effort from this artist. Essentially, you get that warm fuzzy feeling when listening to album, just like someone important is giving you that big long hug once you've gotten home from a long hard day at work. This album is available for free download on Canadian netlabel, Peppermill Records. Check it out and give yourself a cozy warm hug just by listening to it.

Reviewsic Anniversary Compilation Vol.1

To celebrate Reviewsic's first anniversary, they have compiled 17 awesome tracks as a thank-you record of sorts. The record takes the works of some of the best up-and-coming music acts, and sandwiching them into one eclectic and powerful album. Every single one of these acts are featured in Reviewsic's Anniversary shows. The site adds that these are "bands playing our shows in the downstairs "Dirtroom" at Double Door and Schubas Tavern all throughout the month of January." Reviewsic is the brainchild of Sam Gordon and is a haven for music lovers everywhere. The blog faithfully reviews new bands, artists, music, albums, live shows and even provides up-to-date music news. You can bet this compilation is among the best you'll find out there.

Lonely Planet Boy 1969: No Dream Is Good Dream

This Chinese rocker creates awesome music inspired by rock greats Neil Young, Syd Barrett, Tom Waits and Nick Cave, to name a few. Lonely Planet Boy 1969 creates melodic tracks that transcend time and space. No Dream Is Good Dream runs like a 1970s rock album, filled with moody atmosphere, shady, almost whispery, vocals and an awesome indie progressive feel. If there's anything this guy has learned from his influences, it's collating the good and ditching the bad. Each of the 9 tracks exhibit their own personalities; the good, the bad, the quirky and the plain eccentric. Clearly, if you love most of those artists mentioned above, chances are this compilation will become a surprising favorite.

City Breathing: Look How It’s Snowing Upwards, Look How They Move Towards Heaven

Ethereal instrumentalists City Breathing easily captivates with nostalgic tracks. If you think that 9 minutes for a song is just too long, think again. This New York based trio have cultivated a new meaning for nostalgia by creating tracks that capture your attention even if they go way pass your regular attention span. Made up of Arun Antonyraj, Marwan Kanafani and Ron Tucker; the band creates epic post rock crescendos, hypnotic atmosphere and ethereal sound that sweeps you off your feet. Look How It's Snowing Upwards, Look How They Move Towards Heaven (yes, that's the entire title) was recorded some time in 2008. A beautiful album that any post-rock lover will enjoy.

Monoh: Porno EP

Monoh is a quiet, trippy and sweet sounding band from Spain. Although it's hard to gather up information about these guys, their debut EP is quite interesting. It's full of melodic trip-hop pop sounds that makes you think of a happier Sneaker Pimps. Their collection of 5 tracks in their EP showcase very sweet vocals, all playing against a diversity of weird instruments. The compilation is filled with a range of sounds from happy, slightly danceable music to somber and dark atmospheres. If you like trip hop with a touch of sweetness, then take a listen to this EP. Porno EP is under a creative commons license and is available for download in Jamendo, right here on Frostclick or from the group's Myspace Page.