Alternative

Kleinfelter: Kleinfelter

As Kleinfelter, the group released this 6 track record. It's filled with intelligent math rock cuts that are filled with awesome rock swells and faded vocals. These Chicago natives certainly know how to create music that sticks. Filled with noise, progressive elements and calculated rock, the album takes you on a trip to the unknown and back. Musically, the guys incorporate different elements into their sound. From hard rock, prog and even punk, the sound merges into a coherent sound that satiates any alternative indie rocker out there.

Ornery Little Darlings: Ooh La la

Ornery Little Darlings create sexy indie rock that they describe as "“a highly improbable ornery-as-hell-love-child between Billie Holiday and Lou Reed." Although in places, it does sound like this, there are more elements to their songs than this. Made up of mainly Emmi Chen, Jason Ewers, and Paul Puschautz; the group's sound is characteristic of acoustic guitars, sultry female vocals and a 50/60s dirty rock vibe happening all over. It's one of those albums that make an impression after you hear the first track.

To Leave A Trace: Fight Your Evil Side

Just after a year of playing music together, this four piece rock band from the Ukraine decided to release their debut LP, Fight Your Evil Side. Leave A Trace certainly knows how to bring a fusion of rock, metal and even melodic screamo to their fans. Their album is packed with 10 powerful tracks that comes with Oksana's hard rock growling. By the way, yes, Oksana is a girl.

Oh My!: 21

Maybe it's The Strokes upcoming album that's getting me into the new wave/hipster mood again; hence, couldn't help but review Oh My! and their new wave flair. This Swedish band was formed in the small town of Sundsvall back in 2008. To say they "sound like" The Strokes is an understatement.  21 is filled with catchy and polished indie pop rock beats that mostly clocks in at 4 minutes or less. Giving you enough time to love it but not too much to make you tired of it. The upbeat sound and energy characterizes Oh My!'s sound. Currently, the group is busy playing gigs in their area and looking forward to making a mark in 2011. The group is made up of Johan Åkerström, Martin Huss, Emil Källman, Adrian Karlman, and Adam Lodin. Enjoy 30 minutes or so of new wave madness from these fine Swedes.

Exceptional Edward: Lost at Sea

It's not Ben Gibbard! Exceptional Edward's vocalist does sound a lot like him though. And even though their first debut album, Lost at Sea, may not be released under Deathcab's name, it certainly sounds promising. Lost at Sea from Exceptional Edward was released some time in 2008. Serving as their full length debut, after releasing, The Exceptional EP. The album is filled with swelling acoustic rhythms infused with poppy, sweet vocals.

Nicolas Falcon: Nicolas Falcon

This acoustic, indie folk number from Nicolas Falcon is perfect for a dreamy escapade. Filled with beautiful acoustic swells and laid back vocals, this self titled debut from this Florida musician is a definite keeper. From whistle solos, quirky lyrics to simple upbeat guitar strumming, it's hard not to enjoy this record. It might not break into the Top 40s but it's a beautiful compilation worth listening to.

Social Square: It vs. You

Three piece indie rock band, Social Square, likes to call themselves the "Benjamin Button of indie rock." According to the band, they like to work backwards. When other bands simply mellow down as they age, it seems the band likes to get loud as they grow old. It vs. You is the bands latest mini three song release and features punchy and loud indie rock tracks with a 90s to early 2000 vibe.

Stave The Grave: Dead End

Dead End from Stave the Grave is a fast-paced, rocking 4 track compilation, that comes loud and proud. With elements of rockabilly, metal and even a hint of progressive rock in there; the band throws punchy, rhythmic tracks that's enough to get your gears going. For fans of horror rock and that 70s rock sound, Stave the Grave is definitely one band to watch out for.