Ambient

(Brian Eno, Vangelis, Tangerine Dream)

Sleepmakeswaves and Tangled Thoughts of Leaving: Split LP

Quiet and surreal instrumental post rock from the land down under. With a quirky name like Sleepmakeswaves, you might think that the band plays shoegazer, indie rock. There's no denying that their music does bear a resemblance to this type of sound. The only difference is that they are on mute. Weaving metallic rock along with electronic textures, the band successfully creates a post rock instrumental opera. On the other hand, Tangled Thoughts of Leaving is a prominent prog-rock, jazz, noise band from Perth, Australia. Split LP is a result of the collaboration between these two bands; creating a sonic fusion of sound that can only be achieved when two different bands are in total, almost complete equilibrium with each other's sound.

Kemuzik: Kemuzik One

Kemuzik One is a beautiful collection filled with tracks that are perfect for any type of listener out there. All of the songs are being offered for free by their respective artists and compiled into this 13- song collection by Przemek Bobins. The album is filled with quiet, folk indie tracks that seem to serve as a perfect background album for your moody Saturday afternoon. Bobins promises that this won't be the first and the last compilation, so while waiting for the upcoming good stuff; sink your teeth into this one for now.

Andrew Lawrence Jackson: The Last Romantic

Andrew Lawrence Jackson’s "The Last Romantic" conveys quiet but subtly strong provocative emotions through the words and melody of each track. Not that Jackson has become predictable, but this album has all his usual overarching themes of life, love, and dreams. And then Jackson uses his own good vocals as a bonus element. The influence of the 80's electro beats is apparent in the album, as much as Jackson’s distinctive way of neatly expressing an otherwise messy pile up of thoughts and emotions in one’s over-analytical romantic head. Standouts in this album are “Your Dreams,” “Return To Love,” and “The Last Romantic” for its haunting melodies that linger in the air long after the song is over. That Jackson can put up a one-man show as singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist brings out the best in each track as he knows which instruments best highlight the subtle points of each song.

This Is My Normal State: Angel Falls ++

Rock, ambient band that seeks to impress through a dreamy bassline and hauntingly sweet vocals. Hailing from Bristol, South West England, This Is My Normal State released their first recorded EP, Angel Falls ++ in 2009. This three song EP is filled with ambient rock sounds that comes with sweet, almost angelic, if you will, vocals from Yuka Kurihara. This album is the remastered version of their Angel Falls EP which the band recorded back in 2008. It is a quiet and slightly haunting trip down melodic soundscapes, much like walking into a colorful, beautiful but lifeless painting.

Can’t Stop The Daggers: ep one

Alternative indie rock band that brings to mind Radiohead only less weirder and poppier. Can't Stop the Daggers is a four piece group from Phoenix, Arizona. Their demo, EP one, contains four hypnotic indie alternative tracks filled with swelling synths and melodramatic drums. Capitalizing on their catchy and soothing sound, the group instantly captures their listeners attention. Can't Stop the Daggers is composed of guitarist Chris Chattom, Jon Partelow on vocals, Emily Schalick on bass and Lionel Luchessi on drums and percussion. Ep one is definitely a breakthrough Ep that contains great tracks suited for a quiet "me" time.

Tab: The Freakout Tent

One producer/multi-instrumentalits plus one vocalist/lyricist equals one atmospheric and diverse album. The Freakout Tent is the third compilation from talented producer Anitek and rap lyricist/vocalist, Tab. These two go together like butter and bread. Anitek is known as a top trip hop producer, creating varied and interesting mixes to compliment any samples and vocals overlaid on a track. On the other hand, Tab is a rapper known for his solid verses. He hardly pulls witty one liners like most MCs like to do but instead relies on the structure of his lyrics to go against or flow with Anitek's sound.

MixGalaxy Records: Music For The Weird Clerkfish

Music for the Weird Clerkfish is a diverse collection of generally light and funky lounge music from various international artists. Mixgalaxy Records brought together brilliant acts for this compilation: IMDB listed old-school hip-hop artist Brandon K. Montoya aka Coruscate, Bear & Lampshade, Brazilian pop-singer Yokandesh, vocalist Gizella from the UK and Spanish multi-instrumentalist Raul Diaz Palomar aka Taker 51. This compilation is a well-balanced mix of ambient, hip-hop, lounge, smooth jazz, electronica, and upbeat danceable music that is perfect for a casual laid back mood.

Nic Bommarito: Harp Fragments

Quiet and dreamy; makes you think of floating on a piece of cloud. When it comes to sweet and relaxing stringed music, then Nic Bommarito definitely is a must consider. Even though he might look like a college boy, he is actually a very accomplished artist, professional and of course, musician. His first release, Taciturn, has gained a huge following and has become an instant favorite among folk and post rock music lovers. For his recent release, Harp Fragments, there are subtle differences but the sweet melody as well as the beautiful melancholy is still ever present.

Robin Grey: I Love Leonard Cohen

Simple folk pop with a penchant for name dropping. Robin Grey creates lovely folk music, no doubt about that. I Love Leonard Cohen, is a 4 track EP released after his first full length debut, Only the Missile. His latest album is Strangers with Shoes and contains 8 folk acoustic rock tracks. Grey has a gift for creating a calm and pleasant atmosphere with his music. Influences from Leonard Cohen, Ani DiFranco and Bob Dylan reign supreme in his work. So if you love music from those artists, chances are, you'd appreciate this EP.