Alternative

TenPenny Joke: Ambush On All Sides

Gav
‘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.
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KAMP!: Thales One

Natalie
KAMP!, an electronic pop trio formed in 2007 in Lodz, Poland (although the paths of its members crossed years earlier) brings us an amazing mix of melodic synth-pop with influences ranging from 80s new wave to 90s french house and musicians such as David Bowie, Daft Punk, Royksopp, etc. In 2009 the band released their first EP titled "Thales One" through netlabel Brennnssel, and only a year later came another great addition of "Breaking a Ghost's Heart" (which includes one of my favorite songs). Since both of the releases are too good to miss (for all of you who love vintage disco, synth + electronic pop with an addition of some great vocals).
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Superhumanoids: Urgency

Natalie
I don't know if it was the band's name or ... well in matter of fact it was only the name that made me take the couple of minutes out of my daily routine and check out the band's official website - and what a well spent couple of minutes it was!! Superhumanoids make a truly amazing sounding dreamy pop (with quality comparable to some of the top chart performers); so go and lift your spirits with music that "shouts summery '60s harmonies, garage rock's raw tonality, slick new-wave electronics, and the adventurous dissonance of '90s indie rock." The Los Angeles based foursome, Sarah Chernoff, Cameron Parkins, Max St. John and Evan Weinerman, already appeared in Nylon Magazine and MTV Music Meter, been featured as a New Band of the Day in Guardian's Culture section, and one of my favorites websites, Cool Hunting (just to name a few from a long list of all the other magazines and blogs that got to the band - sadly - before me).
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Blacanova – Madre EP

Dedicated Ears
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.
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Continental Breakfast: Seasons

Valerie
Seasons by Continental Breakfast jangles on with catchy beats, a dirty New York post-hipster sound and lovely vocals. This compilation comes with 6, mostly upbeat, tracks. It was released back in December 16 2010 and features a strictly Brooklyn indie rock sound. Although the record feels like it was recorded in a basement or garage somewhere, this does add to the appeal of the album. It's like being in an underground rock club where all the cool people hang out. Infusing rock, alternative, garage and a bit of punk, these Brooklyn natives certainly have something up their sleeve. Grab their record by hitting the Download link.
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The Taxpayers: To Risk So Much For One Meal

Valerie
Listening to The Taxpayers, means undergoing plenty of mixed emotions. From anger, to confusion, to doubt, relief, happiness, joy, and everything in between; it's like a rollercoaster of sound that makes you sick, but in a good kind of way. Mixing punk, ska, country, folk and so much more in between, To Risk So Much For One Meal, is filled with plenty of exciting cuts to check out. This is a follow-up record for this Portland, Oregon group and it seems they're still continually evolving their sound. Compared to their previous record, this one adds a little more punk rock to the mix; resulting in a louder, "angstier" but definitely more enjoyable record. Grab it right now and have a great time bouncing around to this one.
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Very Okay: Small Loud

Valerie
Very Okay is one of the latest bands hosted by indie donation based netlabel, Quote Unquote Records. This Brooklyn based group is made up of members coming from several prominent indie rock bands in the area. Together, they create upbeat indie pop rock with hints of punk. Small Loud is a short compilation that rushes through 6 punchy fast pop tracks. The record is a burst of upbeat instruments, sweet lyrics, great vocal work, as well as fast rhythms. It's a short but excellent record that's filled with fun times. Give the album a download and don't forget to give a little something for the band if you like it.
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Icon Girl Pistols: Crushed Beneath The Wheels

Valerie
Icon Girl Pistols is actually a four piece band based in Japan. They sing rock, indie and alternative songs and release about one track per month for free download. If you are not a fan of Japanese rock bands or simply can't appreciate it, then you best stay away. and check the other posts. However, if like me, you've grown up fascinated with almost anything Japanese, including Dragonball and Pokémon, then this record is quite a treat. Each track is fun to listen to and definitely worth checking out and downloading. All of their records so far, including this one, Crushed Beneath the Wheels, are available for free download on their website or Jamendo.
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Greg Houwer: Sauna Planet

Valerie
Pop rock indie artist, Greg Houwer, has recently released his 12 track full length album entitled, Sauna Planet. The album is a mix of pop rock with a slightly trippy, almost psychedelic vibe. It's released and made available online by WM Recordings. Most of the songs are accompanied with simple acoustic guitars, percussions and melodic low-pitch vocals. I won't recommend this record if you dislike anything that could potentially lull you to sleep. The entire feel of the album is that of a laid back compilation that you might want to play as background music if you are drifting off to sleep in your hammock. So if this is what you are looking for, then look no further than this compilation.
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