Alternative Rock

(Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam)

Hard Girls: Hello

Hard Girls' Hello is a wonderful indie pop rock compilation that'll put you in a good mood. Its mix of alternative indie rock with super catchy pop beats makes this a winner. Fronted by former Shinobu vocalist, Mike Huguenor; the album brings a sound that's reminiscent of the California Bay band along with a touch of something fresh and new. Packed with 7 upbeat, rockish tracks; the record features one catchy song after another. With members coming from two prominent indie rock bands in the area, Shinobu and Pteradon, the record doesn't disappoint in hauling plenty of rock spunk . Download the album for free on Quote Unquote Records by hitting the download album link on top left.

Studebaker’s Blacksmith Shop: Nebula

Studebaker's Blacksmith Shop is a rock, indie alternative band that packs a lot of punch. This German band has a nice raspy voiced female for a vocalist and an equally intriguing set of musicians backing her up. Nebula is the group's first full length debut and was recorded some time in 2008. Apart from this compilation, they also have a three track self titled EP which is also available for free download under a creative commons license.

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.

The Arbiters: Wake Up Dragons

The Arbiters create cool indie alternative rock music with a touch of electronica. The recording is slightly raw but filled very intense energy that you could almost feel as if it's bouncing around the walls. The group sings songs in both English and Russian and they borrow elements from other genres other than indie rock. Wake Up Dragons is the first full length debut for the group. They did release a single titled 'Solo" and made it available for sale on both iTunes and Amazon. For this complete compilation, listeners have the option to buy it from the same iTunes, Amazon or simply download it for free right here or on Jamendo. Give this group a listen.

Rei Teytum: Viajeros

A wonderful fusion of rock, funk, folk, jazz, brass with some great sounding guitar, percussion, violin, viola, keyboards, trumpet, sax, bagpipes!?, and yes, even harmonica. It seems that Rei Teytum have it all, except of course for an English version of their bio anywhere on the Internet. So it is times like this that I wish I spoke more languages to bring you important information about the artists. But since that will simply not happen lets focus on their fantastic album, "Viajeros""Travelers", and the tiny bits of band history I was able to get (courtesy of my friend Google Translate).

Singleton: The High Seas

This catchy indie rock alternative crew from Kiev, Ukraine is certainly one to watch out for. Singleton first entered the music scene back in 2004. As they started out, they promoted their music by doing an extensive tour all over the Ukraine. However, it wasn't until 2009, when the band released their debut EP, Storms (get it here.) By 2010, the group pushed further and put together this 12 track compilation, The High Seas.

The Eclectic: Breathe EP

The Eclectic is a Dublin five piece crew that create an alt rock infused electronica sound. This EP, Breathe, has garnered comparison to top Brit band, Muse. Even though the group isn't exactly thrilled with this comparison, there's no denying that they do sound like the Matt Bellamy-led group. From the voice to the synth rock sound, it's hard not to compare. Nevertheless, The Eclectic does sound quite good. Their sound is a beautiful mix of laid back cuts to menacing synth alternative. One thing's for sure, whether they really sound like Muse or not; this five track EP is worth checking out. Give it a download.

TenPenny Joke: Ambush On All Sides

‘TenPenny Joke’ are a Pop Rock band from Australia and prior to their current hiatus, the band had been playing and writing for over ten years. On top of this achievement, the band has been played regularly on Australian radio and has even appeared on television a number of times. The album ‘Ambush on All Sides’ brings a quality that can be expected from 10 years of experience and its mainstream style reveals an attempt to connect with a larger audience. In regards to this album, ‘TenPenny Joke’ have promised ‘15 original, killer tracks with diverse shades and roaring guitars’ and its success on both internet polls and radio shows suggests that this is a fair call.

Blacanova – Madre EP

From Seville Spain, Blacanova plays an indie rock that is equal parts ambient and shoe gaze on their Madre EP.  The mark of indelible music is that it transforms boundaries.  The Spanish language vocals on this EP could be an impediment for those who don't understand Spanish, but the composition and beauty of the vocals make a common spoken language unnecessary. The guitars are both shimmering and haunting as they lay a groundwork for an album that reveals more with each play.  Manuel Begines, Pepe Fernández, José A. Pérez, Inés Olalla, Armando Jiménez y Paco Arenas make up the band.