Alternative Rock

(Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam)

I’m Dirty Too: The Downhill Dive

When you put on I’m Dirty Too, you wouldn’t think there’s only two people behind the music. Duo Zac Brown and drummer Jess Gowrie make up the whole band. Hailing from Sacramento, California; the pair first met in 2002 but it wasn’t until 2009 when they got together to start playing music. After unsuccessfully looking for possible bassists and vocalists, they’ve decided to retain their status as a duo. That decision might be the best thing they’ve made music-wise, The Downhill Dive contains solid rock tracks that will make The White Stripes step up the game a bit.

PunkANation: The State of Mind on the Violent Side

If you listen through this album, you'd be hard pressed to believe that PunkANation is simply a one-man project. Truth is that, it is. The man behind all that noise and punk rockin' goodness is Ashwin Rao. Obviously, he has a very special affinity for punk rock. The State of Mind on the Violent Side is, according to him, still under the mixing and mastering process. However, for those who love the gritty sound of DIY music, he's put it up for free download. The album is a 10-track compilation that should be considered one of the best punk rock finds for the year. It's raw, dirty, traditional and absolutely awesome!

Mars Water: Mars, Je T’aime

Mars Water‘s foliow-up album to its July release is a curious thing. The band started as a monthly song writing project of Ponny Kosmas in 2011, which later evolved into a full-pledged band under the name Mars Water—a combination of Kosmas’ interest and fear in both astronomy and the ocean.

Stellar Young: Everything at Once

For a debut record, Stellar Young definitely places their best foot forward in Everything at Once. This indie alternative rock record might have traces of a bedroom recording but it's more than enough to satisfy the senses. Stellar Young (known before as The City Never Sleeps) are based out of Albany, NY. These boys aren't exactly new in the business, in fact they've managed to share the stage with the likes of Paramore and Badfish to name a few. After years of playing together, Everything at Once marks the boys' first studio album. From the sound of it, there's plenty of promise up ahead for this five piece crew.

Joe Marson and the Satisfied Mind: Someday Soon

It's rare to meet an authentic and soulful alternative rock singer these days. However, if there ever was one that came closest to belonging in this little niche; you can bet Joe Marson is one of them. Armed with a guitar, beautiful melodies and a voice that's heartfelt and mesmerizing, Joe Marson and the Satisfied Mind has created a gem of a record. Currently based in Brooklyn, this is their latest release. Consisting of previous recordings as well as originals, it comes in the heels of their 2011 record, Post Cards From Siren City. The album enchants and provides a fresh take of the alternative scene. Perfect for lovers of musicians like Ben Harper and Jeff Buckley.

The Laureates: Spells

The Laureates began cultivating their sound as far back as 2005. Vocalist Chad Preston initially compiled a set of tracks for his lo-fi album but knew that it's more fun to have other people join him. By the time they released their self-titled EP, the now quartet have found a good sound. So far, they've released several singles and mini compilations while continuing to dazzle in their indie rock garage sound.

Glass Kites

Glass Kite‘s self-titled debut album rebels in it’s own alternative rock genre as it surprises the eager listeners with electronic, cinematic, and experimental musings. The beat drops in Terra, a hefty progressive dream piece with layers over layers of guitars and keys. The band’s unique brand of atmospheric music is encapsulated in this opening piece.

The Cosmos Kids: Volume One

Heavily influenced by the classics, expect to get some lo-fi psychedelic pop rock from this little compilation. Volume One comes complete with upbeat dirty strumming, fun singing and handclaps. The threepiece is made up of Mike Kmiec on guitar/vocals/bass; Matt Eisle on vocals; and Tim Fassnacht on drums. The Kinks, The Walkmen, Bob Dylan and John Lennon count as among their diverse influences.

Remington Beach Club: My Trivial Pursuit of Happiness

My Trivial Pursuit of Happiness might be a few years old but the years haven't robbed it from its unique sound. Delivered by Bremen based quintet, Remington Beach Club; it features a mix of old school, indie and even slightly surfer rock. The band is composed of "Pretty Gridschneider, Michael Meraklis, J.R. Rip-Off, Schmidtrock, and Vuk Voltage." My Trivial Pursuit of Happiness serves as the group's first official album after debuting with an EP titled "Welcome To..." back in 2007. It contains 10 available tracks that are absolutely free for download. However, if you like the band and feel like supporting them you can also purchase a copy of it over at Amazon.