Alternative

Snowstar Records Compilation

ValerieMarch 10, 2011

Snowstar Records is a Dutch indie label that has been releasing some of the best new bands in their part of the globe since 2003. Several bands that belong in the label's lineup include I am Oak , The Subhuman, The Secret Love Parade and Grapes of Grain, just to name a few. To celebrate their 15th release, the label decided to compile some of the best tracks from their roster into one great thank-you album for their fans and supporters. The Snowstar Records Compilation features 10 cool tracks that hint at indie, folk, rock and even instrumental music.

AcousticAlternative PopFolkMusicPop Rock0 views 0

Sleeping Sky: Remind the Past

ValerieMarch 9, 2011

Acoustic folk pop duo that makes you want to grab your pillow or cuddle up to the nearest couch. Sleeping Sky is a German based folk duo comprised of Desiree on vocals and Corinna on guitars. The duo creates dreamy and relaxing acoustic pop that will surely make you melt. Remind the Past is the duo's third release.

AcousticAlternative PopAmbientFolkMusicPop0 views 0

Cloud: Elephant Era

ValerieMarch 8, 2011

There's not much you can find about Cloud online. The thing is, Cloud is actually the artist name for New Yorker, Tyler Taormina. He's an up and coming musician that creates wonderful and enchanting music simply by singing and playing drums & piano simultaneously. This talented, young singer may not be a big name yet, but just by listening to his debut record; he's definitely got something up his sleeve. The compilation is composed of 11 tracks that incorporate indie pop rock and a hint of 80s synth sound. The record easily captures raw emotions and fleeting circumstances.�Perfect for quiet moments or times when you just want to take a breather from everything around you. This is a nice album that's worth looking into. Go ahead, take a listen and fall in love with this artists' sound.

AcousticAlternative PopElectronicMusicPopPop Rock0 views 0

Big Blood: Dark Country Magic

ValerieMarch 7, 2011

Big Blood has had a rich history. They have released a total of 9 full albums in their career as a group. Their latest record, Dark Country Magic, compiles 12 amazing tracks that exude that wonderfully psychedelic yet vibrant atmosphere. The raw and DIY quality of the tracks are lovely and very engaging. It's certainly worth checking out. Big Blood is made up of Colleen Kinsella and Caleb Mulkerin, which are also from Cerberus Shoal and Fire on Fire. The duo perfectly creates tracks that exude a hauntingly folkish and ethereal vibe. It's certainly an album worthy of a place in your everyday playlist. Go ahead and help out the band by purchasing their album. It's available in CD and Vinyl formats. Alternatively, it's also offered as a free download here and FMA. Give it a go.

Alternative PopAmbientFolkMusicRock0 views 0

Then: Happy Cloud

ValerieMarch 5, 2011

Then is a Macedonia duo that's heavily influenced by shoegaze rock greats, My Bloody Valentine, The Telescopes and The Jesus and the Mary Chain to name a few. The duo has so far, released two short compilations, 2008's Dreams, Tapes, Hopes & Razorblades and Happy Cloud. Both records are available for free download. This unique group's sound focuses on a lot of spacey sounding tracks mixed in with plenty of reverb, feedback as well as quiet, almost whispered, vocals. Happy Cloud contains 5 cuts that range from alternative rock to uptempo, almost dancy pop cuts.

Alternative PopMusicPop RockRock0 views 1

Poppy No Good and the Phantom Band: Poppy No Good

ValerieMarch 3, 2011

Finding out more about this group is tough. For one, most of their descriptions are in French and I don't speak the language, but nevertheless, their music is interesting enough to merit a listen. Poppy No Good is an eclectic 5 piece crew that love to blend unusual instruments, vocal work and an overall weird alternative, pop rock vibe. This is the group's latest release and it's filled with psychedelic good vibes. The group's name was actually derived from a song by Terry Riley. This record was released back in 2008 yet it still sounds up to date, much like any current Brit indie rock group floating in Wonderland. Give these a listen.

Alternative RockElectronicMusicRock0 views 0

Lohm�: I Love Disco Disco

ValerieMarch 3, 2011

Lohm�'s I Love Disco Disco, is a cool pop rock French affair. When it comes to international bands, my gauge has always been; if it's sung in a language that I don't understand and it still sounds great, then it's worth listening to. I Love Disco Disco is the first full length record from the artist and it comes equipped with 11 tracks that surprisingly are more pop rock than disco. All of the songs are sung in French with the occasional English phrases. All of the songs are upbeat and easy to listen or head bob to, pretty cool French band to watch out for. Grab their album by clicking Download Album.

Alternative PopDanceInternationalMusicPop Rock0 views 0

Cecada: Fog at Midnight

ValerieMarch 1, 2011

Cecada's debut EP, Fog at Midnight, resonates romance with their moody indie tracks. It's a mixture of quiet solitude and mystery that makes you want to relax yet be on your guard. Cecada hails from Tulsa, Oklahoma and was formed back in 2007. This six track EP is filled with evocative sound that combines dark folk, indie pop and even silent dreamy shoegaze rock. Fog at Midnight successfully mixes a variety of musical genres without really losing the album's identity. The band is made up of Brian Rawson, Dougal Hansen, Micah Clopton, David Council, Andrew Bones and Mark Kuykendall.

Alternative PopAmbientFolkMusicPop Rock0 views 0

Music That Matters: KEXP

NatalieFebruary 23, 2011

I fell in love with the series nearly two years ago during one of my lovely commutes to work for one simple reason - it brings you the most amazing variety of music just in time when you can no longer listen to the same songs you had on your iPod since 2000. Each podcast comes with a theme and a selection of sounds (from nearly every genre imaginable, with a slightly greater love for alternative and indie rock) put together by some of the greatest DJs from Northwest.