Alternative

The United93: The United93

The United93 is a rock band from the Korea. In a country where rock music is a minority and pretty much pop music reigns supreme, it's amazing and a real treat to find groups that rock out as much as these guys. Although it's a bit tough to find info about them, it does seem that they're quite popular in the Korean rock scene. They were named as Band of the Month in a prestigious music magazine in Korea. This self-titled EP was released back in 2010 and available as a free download under a Creative Commons license. The compilation is an uncharacteristic marriage of prog, punk and industrial elements.

The Susan Constant: Rayonnement

The boys of The Susan Constant dub themselves as a band who are "committed to writing hooky and insightful indie rock for local consumption, we write radio songs for people who don't listen to the radio." True enough, the five-piece stay true to their commitment and create songs that are radio-friendly and easy to listen to. Their sound is filled with indie rock goodness along with a touch of pop. This is a debut album for the band. It's released under Tour de Stade Records but you can grab the free digital download over at BandCamp.

Pat Parra: Lowered

One of my favorite indie album find of late, Pat Parra's Lowered is a beautiful and convincing debut record from the San Jose native. Released on BandCamp last June 2011, the album plays host to a multitude of genres and moods. You'll get a bit of 90s alternative, R&B, soul, anti-folk and even a few heavier indie rock pieces. All of which float around before successfully coalescing into sweeping guitars, moody electronics and intriguing vocals. The album was mastered at Different Fur by Patrick Brown and shortly after the release, Pat debuted a music video for the single, Forget Your Love.

Euro-Trash Girl: Afterhours

Euro-Trash Girl's latest EP Afterhours sounds like a big-time pop rock album. The band composed of Judit Casado, Luis Martínez, Jorge Álvarez, Endika Martín and Tino Nocedal, places their roots from Valencia, Spain. The three songs offered in this set takes on an American rock sensibility. Afterhours kicks off with raw energy and fuzzy guitars. The superb female vocals make a stark contrast to the rock-sounding melodies. It also adds a softer spot making it more listenable.

Farkus: Naked Eye Astronomy

Appearing for the second time here in Frostclick is the Illinois alternative melodic rock band, Farkus. They first graced the pages of the blog with their debut album, Thought You Should Know. After receiving solid feedback and polishing their sound even further, the quartet is back with a fresh set of tracks that they're offering for free download right here on Frosclick. Naked Eye Astronomy is a set of 8 tracks that echo the band's characteristic melodic altrock sound. Their sound is more polished compared to their debut record but it still resonates with that hardcore rock and roll feel along with some well-put together lyrics. Expect prolonged guitar riffs, heavy drumming and some melodic rhythm to grace your ears as you listen to this one.

Beware Wolf: Tales

Tales is a short 4-track EP from a trio of lads from West Yorkshire, England. Creating a flurry of indie math rock in a span of more or less 15 minutes, the band's debut is laden with some fun and catchy tunes worth taking note of. Made up of Tom, Liam and Sean; Beware Wolf strays away from hiding underneath instruments and instead cleverly mixes varying tempo, beats and smart lyrics to round up their cuts. It's this eclectic side coupled with the bands pop sensibilities that make each song in this record quite enjoyable.

Armen at the Bazaar: Noor

When I first heard Armen at the Bazaar's Drive With Me, the first thing that came to my mind was that it was equal parts weird and awesome. Indeed the album is an eclectic combination of sounds. From pop rock, to indie, to sometimes random bits, the record gives these things a fresh take. Listening to the artist feels as if you're globe trotting and exploring different regions all over the world. Armen at the Bazaar is described as a one-man-band making music from Montreal. He started out young, playing in the Toronto Children's Chorus and fronting for various bands later on. His music is honestly tough to classify although he cites that it's a mix of alternative, indie and pop.

Tha Boogie: Love Tha Boogie Vol.1 (Steal This Sh*t) [Extended Version]

Love Tha Boogie creates their new album with such confidence it seems no more of a shock than a new haircut. Hailing from Rancho Cucamonga, the urban pop trio of Korus, Lejin and NuSchool offers Love Tha Boogie Vol.1 (Steal This Sh*t) Extended Version - a collection of twelve upbeat songs that exude pure undeniable talent. The album comes as a free download over at Bandcamp, with some lovely bonus tracks so be sure to check it out!

Revolution, I Love You: We Choose to Go to the Moon

Philly based duo, Revolution, I Love You (R,ILY) comes out with their debut compilation We Choose to Go to the Moon. Despite being newcomers, they've been making quite the impression with their indie-electronic rock sound; motivating listeners to find out more about them after just one listen. Their 10-track album is filled with beautiful layers of synths, pianos and vocals. It's hard to believe sometimes that there's just two of them in the group instead of a full-on 3 or 5 piece. We Choose to Go to the Moon is essentially a hodge podge of pop, electronica, pop music and dance rolled into one lovely package.