Alternative

Various Artists: These Shaky Isles

There’s both a sense of well-known comfort and exploring foreign territories in These Shakey Isles, a mixtape by various artists released by Lil’ Chief Records. Lil’ Chief Records is a New Zealand independent record label that aims to achieve a specific aesthetic to pop music. Since their first release in 2002 (Hold Hands Feeding Ducks by The Brunettes), the record’s dream of a pop collective has already taken shape with numerous releases from their growing numbers of artists, and a two-page article on the London’s Sunday Times.

Talk To Angels: Enemies Closer EP

Talk To Angels may not be a household name but the four-piece crew have been steadily improving their craft and gaining a steady audience over the years. Made up of Craig Kaye - vocals/guitar, Mickey Dale - keyboards/guitar, Lee Waud - bass and Danny Cookson - Drums; the band formed after meeting at a house party and agreeing to clean out Mickey's garage in exchange for one-week use of his studio. Something sparked during the sessions and they eventually formed into a band. Enemies Closer EP is a first for them and it's filled with alternative pop rock goodies that might pique your interest.

Brit Laurén: Autoportraits II

Equally eclectic and catchy, Brit Laurén’s new album Autportraits II is a flavourful gem with some salt and pepper on the side. Hailing from Los Angeles, Brit Laurén is a vocalist, performing artist, and actor rolled into one. Released last October 11, 2011, Autoportraits II offers six tracks of undeniably good pop and r&b. Autoportraits II opens the album with a sneak peak of the artist’s musical brand. It also serves as an intro for the whole album.

Cold Blue Kid: Mimic

Six-piece group, Cold Blue Kid is back with a whole new release. Mimic delivers 6 tracks bobbing between indie folk to alternative. Occasionally, they create a cloud of shoegaze over their tracks which makes for an interesting and unconventional indie pop sound. The Chicago crew is made up of Alex Longoria, Evan Holmes, Andrew Sole, Sarah Gallagher, Aaron Apter, and Bryna. The group have been playing shows in the Chicago area since January 2011 and so far they've released two compilations apart from this, Cold Blue Kid Demo and 05.06. 12 @Subterranean.

Shaking Through: Selected Tracks Vol 1 & 2

When emerging indie artists collaborate into a pristine musical project, you can only expect nothing but the best. Produced by Weathervane Music and WXPN in Philadephia, Shaking Through: Selected Tracks Volumes 1 & 2 is part of a documentary series that shows the birth song of 10 indie bands each year. This particular album is a selection from well loved tracks from the first two installments.

Danny Stevenson: Under Open Skies

Sometimes all you need is simple, laid back pop music to keep you company through the day. If you're feeling that way right now, check out what Danny Stevenson has to offer. Under Open Skies is the first of a two part EP, featuring tracks created by Stevenson over a span of 2 years. He felt that the songs didn't go together well as a set of one compilation so he divided it into bite-sized pieces for listeners to enjoy. This first one, Side A, is composed of upbeat indie acoustic pop cuts that feature the singer in a more happy-go-lucky mood. The second part, Side B, has a more experimental, edgy mix of tracks according to the singer.

Dr. Frankenstein: The Cursed Tapes

If you've ever wondered what rockabilly music was like from a country like Portugal, then Dr. Frankenstein can give you a pretty good idea. The Cursed Tapes is a collection of tracks inspired by the sun and sand. Of course, coming from someone who calls themselves Dr. Frankenstein, you can expect a hint of darkness enveloping the tracks as well. The album itself is about two years old and was first released under netlabel, You Are Not Stealing Records back in 2010.

Granell: Granell

Filling in your cravings for smooth indie pop rock; Granell is an independent Brazilian rock band from Braza. The group is made up of brothers, Enio and Jesue Torres on vocals/guitars and bass, respectively, along with their friend, Lucas Medina, on drums. Creating a great balance of pop, acoustic and rock, the band introduces a soft guitar driven sound that swells with rockish melody and harmony.

Family Photos: Heavy Hearts EP

Family Photos seems to be a band that's all about capturing old-timey nostalgia, like when you're all grown up and looking through all of your old photos, cringing at the funky haircut and the odd clothes. Heavy Hearts is the band's first official release. Their sound combines indie and alternative rock but they seamlessly echo a retro vibe to their sound. Even though they're a fairly new band, they have a lot riding up their sleeve. Their songs are dreamy and has the capacity to make listeners want to listen to them over and over again.