Alternative

Single Bullet Theory: SBT: 1977-1980

Single Bullet Theory is the punk band that should have made it big. Initially founded by Frank Daniel, Dennis Madigan and Michael Maurice Garrett; the trio have been playing music together since 1971. After a couple of years and several members later, they settled with the name, Single Bullet Theory. They play anything from fast paced, chanty songs to melodic beautiful rock ballads but their sound is mostly characterized by pop punk beats. They got as far as opening for Patti Smith and signing a deal under CBS Records. They also managed to release singles and were received quite good by the people. Unfortunately, CBS pulled the plug for promoting the group and most of the material they had never saw the light of day. Thankfully for us, it gets a second chance as a free download under a creative commons license. Pure genius art rock if you ask me.

Dumbo Gets Mad: Elephants At The Door

To master the sound of a certain era is not an easy task to do, but Dumbo Gets Mad, a one man (with a occasional help of a girlfriend's amazing voice) psychedelia project straight from Italy, is definitely on the right track. Experimenting with old-fashioned tape machines and analog synthesizers, this solo act brings its unmatched psychedelic melodies and noises to keep you daydream of a sunny coast of California even on the worst of North's winter days.

Shinobu: Strange Spring Air

Shinobu's Strange Spring Air is filled with tracks infused with a beautiful 90s feel. The alternative pop flavor of the album is refreshing especially for someone who grew up listening to 90s music. These California natives offer beautiful surf rock music that's intertwined with catchy hooks. All four members, "Matt Keegan: trombone, guitar, vocals, keyboards, aux percussion; Mike Huguenor: vocals, guitar, aux percussion; Bob Vielma: bass, vocals, probably aux percussion and Jon Fu: drums, wisdom, aux percussion, aux wisdom contributed to the making of the album."

Lying in States: The Bewildered Herd

After breaking out into the scene in 1999, Lying in States found themselves touring alongside other American indie bands like Hot Hot Heat, Rye Coalition and Denali to name a few. These Chicago natives initially released this EP, The Bewildered Herd, back in 2002. Followed by a full-length album in 2004, Most Every Night, and a second album in 2006 titled, Wildfire on the Lake. These two albums were released under local label, Flameshovel. The band is made up of Justin Trombly -bass, Fergus Kaiser - guitar, Ben Clarke - vocals, guitar, Mark Benson - drums and Jeremy Ohmes - keyboards. Not quite sure whether the group is still alive and kicking after 2006. Couldn't find anything pointing otherwise either. Oh well, one thing's for sure. If you love shoegazer indie rock, then this is a record worth checking out.

Shindig Records: Shindig 001

Shindig 001 is a 6 track collection from UK based indie netlabel, Shindig Records. This cool 6 track mini album runs for a little over 20 minutes and showcases the label's artists. Established just over a year ago, the label launched their roster on April 30th 2009. Their current lineup includes WeRunRiot, Neil Ward, and the Shakinouts. As expected, most of the tracks from this record revolve around indie Brit rock. Typical of the Kaiser Chiefs and even a touch of the Arctic Monkeys with acoustic pop influences. It's definitely easy listening music that borders on indie new wave. Something that you'd want to check out if you're planning to go ahead and celebrate a cool Saturday night hosting a cool little shindig at your place.

It Leaves, It Leaves: It leaves, It leaves

It Leaves, It Leaves is a Belgian indie band that certainly knows how to create lovely folk pop that in places can sound like it was taken from the Elliot Smith rulebook. There's not much information about this band or this guy online, except that he's from Belgium. Released under PERKuNowA label, this self-titled album is the 5th release for the label so far since its inception. Compiling 10 melodramatic cuts; the album is a melancholic, slightly haunting indie affair. It is a moody record that reminds you of heartbreak, dark rainy morning skies and a love lost forever. If you are up for a record that brings you good feelings of sadness, then this should be right up your alley. The album is available as a free download under the PERKuNowA site or right here on Frostclick.

Tsui’s Wreckage

This cool indie pop affair is Tsui's second compilation after the endearing Half Man Army was released back in 2007. This record is available in both physical CD formats and free download on the group's main website. It features 8 tracks that showcases beautiful indie pop with hints of acoustic guitars and melodic sequences. Formerly a member of indie folk group, Jr. Corduroy; Mark Kraus began to create music on his own. Writing and recording in bedrooms and various recording studios here and there. He creates pleasantly melodic cuts that are filled with catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics. Even though it's filled with simple songs, the album is easy to listen to and love.

Shearer: Monument

The underrated pop-punk band, ‘Shearer’ have literally forged an album that is deserving of a Monumental status... Alright, this statement may be parabolic to an extent; nevertheless, ‘Monument’ is still exceedingly addictive and wholehearted. ‘Shearer’ have endowed this album with a sound comparable to that of pop-punk band, ‘The Lost Profits’ and this vibe is most observable in the similarities between vocalists and guitar tone. In saying this, ‘Monument’ demonstrates a happier mood and reflects the bands nature, in not taking themselves too seriously. This nature is further reinforced through their self-proclaimed influences of: ‘Jaegermeister, cheap polish cigarettes and table water’. Instrumentally, this band reminds me of ‘Millencolin’. Generally, this is due to a common use of cheeky, generic and ‘bouncy’ simplistic verses in which lead to texturally thick and climactic choruses. These are often fashioned through an extreme contrast in dynamics and an addition of harmonic and sometimes multiple backing vocals. Additionally, vocal lines in which intertwine with the dominant voiced melody are also regularly used to enhance this contrast.

The Beehive Spirit: The Beehive Spirit EP

If you're looking for a new garage band to love, then you might want to check out The Beehive Spirit. This cool and short EP is filled with jangly guitars, half wailing vocals and boppy beats that border on garage pop and indie hipster rock. This San Francisco band likes to play sunshine rock that's infused with psychedelic rock. Their self-titled EP includes 4 tracks that would surely please indie music fans everywhere. The EP took about a year in the making and the band collaborated with several artists in the process; most notably, Jeremy Black and Cochrane Miller.