Ambient

(Brian Eno, Vangelis, Tangerine Dream)

Disen Gage: The Screw Loose Entertainment (Promo Version)

Progressive rock like no other from the Russian Federation. Bio chemists by day to prog rock minor gods at night, Disen Gage creates a fusion of jazz, rock and ethnic sound that doesn't shy away from complexities. Disen Gage creates music that incorporates highly intelligent/methodical rock and an experimental yet fun ethnic sound. The Screw Loose Entertainment easily passes off as a fourth King Crimson album.

all2gethernow Creative Commons Compilation 2010

Compiling together some of the best German indie label acts under a creative commons license, all2gethernow Creative Commons Compilation 2010 is one kick-ass compilation. Apart from the awesome fact that it's available for free, the record lumps together a diverse set of bands that will satisfy any fanboy or fangirl's musical cravings. From electronic to indie rock, to hip-hop and even folk music, you'll definitely find what you want in this record.

Cologne Commons Compilation 04

Cologne Commons Compilation 04 is a mix of some of the best pop, techno, electronic and dub tracks you'll find among Cologne's netlabel industry. It has become somewhat tradition during The Cologne Commons Festival to release accompanying records that help exhibit some of the best free and legal music in their part of town. The festival serves as an avenue to educate and promote free, legal music under creative commons license.

trustno1: Unless…

Expressive progressive rock that lulls you to 80s dreamland. Okay, if you are like me and you speak nada French, then you might have trouble looking for and understanding information about this band. One thing is for sure though, Trustno1 makes bands like The Cure proud. Unless...is the groups 31st album release in Jamendo. It comes equipped with seven 80s inspired pop rock which extends to progressive mode once in awhile. It may not be the best there is on the genre, but it's certainly worth a listen.

Victori4: 21st Century Samurais

Swiss French rockers that don't sound European at all. Victori4 (can be read as Victoria or Victory Four) likes to describe their sound as cinematic indie rock. There's not much to disagree about that description since the band's songs definitely sound as if they belong in some indie rock film or TV show. It might be a stretch, but 21st Century Samurais have one of the best albums available for free in Jamendo. Their brand of indie alternative rock might not break boundaries but it is refreshing and awesome. Worth every penny if you buy the album on Itunes or Amazon too.

HARVEST: Underground Community

Indie alternative group that mashes girly vocals with prog-like instrumentals. Harvest's music might seem like girly indie alternative pop at first listen, but if you pay closer attention, you'll hear that there are hints of prog rock here and there. Underground Community is the latest album from Barcelona based band, Harvest. The album features 13 cleanly done and pretty likable tracks. With pretty vocals and a progressive sound, it's definitely an album worth looking into and trying out.

Sébastien Gramond: It’s A Beautiful Death [2009]

Beautiful 70s style pop psychedelic jazz rock that your parents can relate to. It's A Beautiful Death is a compilation of 16 beautifully crafted tracks that echo the psychedelic 70s, and yes, it does somewhat trigger the same effect as how you would imagine it to be if you were on some illicit substance. Sebastien Gramond is a French multi-instrumentalist that certainly takes things to a higher level. His music is fun, enjoyable and easy to listen to no matter what type of music you're into.

Screenatorium: Blue Morning EP

Acoustic downtempo beats that makes you wish trip hop reigns supreme once again. Screenatorium is like the long lost trip hop band that should have come out of the 90s; back when it was still the heyday of trip hop music. Not to say that their style is outdated, but it certainly brings back a lot of 90s trippy bands to mind. Screenatorium is a French band primarily headed by composer and musician Djeh. He enlists the help of Nawelle Saidi and Nelly Burn on vocals as well as Niet who serves as official graphist. Their mellow music definitely sparks interest and is perfect for a relaxing afternoon filled with mood music.

Part Rocket: Sparks and Beams

The closest to an instrumental "summer pop" record you will ever get. Part Rocket makes you wish it was summer all the time. Sparks and Beams is a four track EP that creates the perfect compliment to beautiful summer days at the beach and those interesting summer nights. Comprised of a lot of band members, Part Rocket has had rave reviews for their work, including being described by Quench Magazine as "impressively diverse... combines industrial, emo and prog influences to great effect, creating something entirely of their own."