Electronica

(Aphex Twin, Massive Attack, Moby)

Black Mask: Us and Them

It's rare to find good quality music being offered for free online but when you do find them, you're rewarded with a new artist to love and great new music to enjoy. Us and Them is an indie hip hop album that's a good find. It was recorded and released by a group of friends who call themselves Black Mask. Originally made up of Maulskull, America Smith, B-Nuggs, INfluence, Noby One, Joe Kirschner, Dean Wakerlin, Dustin Thompkins and Milton Minasko; the crew has downsized to a six piece from a nine. Despite the dwindling number, they still churn out music that's worth grazing your ears.

Splitter: Lost At Sea

Releasing their latest effort, Lost at Sea; it seems Splitter has picked a rather appropriate title for their latest record. Fusing electronic and dance music, with a healthy dose of catchy beats; this is an album that's worthy as a soundtrack to a chill night out with friends or if you simply feel like peering out of the world's kaleidoscope and getting lost in it. This is the third record for the band. It was released in August 2011 and offered with a name-your-price option over at BandCamp.

Flashlights: So Close To Midnight EP

So Close to Midnight EP is an inspiring dance pop/rave EP that'll make a good soundtrack for when you want to shake off those chilly summer nights and just dance. Flashlights is the moniker for Denver duo, Ethan and Alex. Ever since they came out, they've been impressing tons of fans and listeners. Even managing to get themselves named as among NME's Buzzworthy Acts as well as featured in other prominent magazines. The band has been enjoying great exposure while performing high profile gigs and becoming staples to various festival venues. Listening to this, it's not hard to see why.

Superpoze: Lost Cosmonaut

Looking to try out some instrumental electronic rap hip hop? Give Lost Cosmonaut a listen and you'll find a whole new world of hip hop. This 12 track downtempo beat fest was created by Superpoze; a self described "beatmaker from Caen, France." He first debuted in the music scene with his EP record, Snowpixel and soon after, he went straight on to create this compilation. The artist mixes downtempo hip hop with catchy rhythms and great sampling. It's this skillful mixing and form that gives the tracks on Lost Cosmonaut that extra sense of personality. Definitely something that should be worth listening.

Sostanze Records: Don’t Believe The Hype Pt. 2

Back with a great collection of music in tow, Sostanze Records is releasing their big follow up to their successful compilation album, Don't Believe The Hype. Don't Believe The Hype Pt. 2 contains the same energy and great selection of tracks like its successful predecessor. Sostanze Records is an online netlabel that specializes in giving electro drum and bass/visual artists a chance to share their work. Everything they do is under a Creative Commons license and offered for free download.

DFRNT: Actaeon EP

Continuing on with their bevy of strong releases, Cut Music debuts their tenth compilation album. This time it's from Scottish producer DFRNT. Known for his minimalistic style, the artist has created a record that includes 3 originals and 2 remixes. Actaeon EP comes with a collection of 5 tracks that resonate with cryptic drum and bass that ebbs and flows beautifully. Coupled with the occasional vocal sample and ethnic instrumentation, the record is a moody compilation that crosses boundaries.

Maximus York: Freedomtown EP

Deep bass, wild party synths and smooth disco feel; this amazing compilation is courtesy of Los Angeles native, Santiago Calogero. Better known under the alias, Maximus York; Freedomtown EP is his latest release. It comes with four free tracks that you can download and check out. Combining a flurry of beats and some upbeat thumping bass, the songs seem perfectly destined for any hot nightspot where dancing is the main topic.

Iyadede: The Demo

Iyadede has the right ingredients to put up the perfect musical recipe. With twelve eclectic songs produced by Abdul and Bless, The Demo delivers a breath of fresh air to the music scene. Born by the name Sabrina Iyadede, the singer/songwriter was raised in Kigali, Rwanda but later moved to Belgium due to the genocide escalation. She then transfered to Brooklyn, New York where she's currently residing. These life experiences shaped the tracks in this set. The singer's soulful voice set the album in motion in Not the Same, a love song accompanied with a funky strum, eighties sounding synths and a bass groove.

Antoine Reverb: A Revolt of Sorts

If you ever want a record to keep you company while you're down in the low, then A Revolt of Sorts might just be your compilation. It's not so much that it will lift your spirits or maybe depress you even more, but it's more like a quiet companion that patiently waits for you to get over whatever it is you're morosing about. The songs they play are a mix of eclectic sounds that sort of float around you. Antoine Reverb is a five-piece crew from Guadalajara, Mexico. The band plays folk rock with a psychedelic and shoegaze touch. Although the band is still relatively unknown, their music has been slowly making the rounds. In fact, they're slated to play at SXSW 2012.