Indie

Julio y Agosto: Julio y Agosto

One of my favorite BandCamp finds as of late, Julio y Agosto, is a quaint Spanish group who create lovely acoustic folk music. They first started back in 2006; creating beautiful and soothing music that makes you think of woodland forests or some faraway land where fairies and all sorts of wonderful creatures exist. This self-titled record was released last October 2011 and it definitely has the capacity to mesmerize audiences with its simple yet melodic cuts. They combine quirkiness and humor in their songs, which are accompanied by a host of instruments like the violin, trombone, bass, guitars, percussions and voice.

Tussie-Mussie: From Rough to Calm Seas

Claiming to write songs about girls, this indie pop group only lists "Jon" (Jon Torres) as its member. I guess good music doesn't really require much names as the band seems to have a knack for creating catchy indie folk pop cuts. From Rough to Calm Seas is the artists' latest effort. It's a short 4-track EP that's filled with pop music with a hint of surfer sound. Weezer, Pavement and The Beach Boys are some of the bands that have influenced their sound. Indeed, you'll hear this feel-good, sometimes quirky sound that most of the bands mentioned above are known for.

Chloë Sunshine: Indian Summer

Listed as one of Boston�s band to watch for 2012, Chlo� Sunshine traffics between surf pop and whimsical avenue. The up-comers fronted by Kendall Chlo� Eagan offers Indian Summer, a collection of seven vibrant tracks that captures slices of love in a non-conventional way. Sugar-filled piano keys spread in Love, Love, Love. This song plays on the realm of child-like wonder while exploring the subject of a new found love. Chlo��s voice is really captivating; it blends well with the piano and the catchy lines. A playlist must-have, this is the perfect soundtrack for a weekend road trip.

Flights: Anywhere But Where I Am

If you're expecting some alternative punk duo to greet you when you listen to this record, then think again. What you'll find instead is a gorgeous blend of ethereal, folky indie pop sound that, well, sounds great as in-flight music. The band is actually made up of duo Eric Hillman and Brian Holl. Gathering influences from bands like Broken Social Scene, Radiohead, Bon Iver, Bjork and Aqualung; the duo echoes off the same laid-back, melodic and sometimes eclectic indie folk as their influences. Anywhere But Where I Am comes with 13 tracks and was released over at BandCamp on New Years Day 2012.

Wise Children: Absence & Reunion EP

If you have a soft spot for quiet, acoustic indie folk, it'll be hard to pass up on Wise Children's second release, Absence & Reunion EP. It's about a year old but definitely worth checking out especially for fans of songs that exude a folkish, indie vibe. Wise Children is actually a one-man band led by Robin Warren-Adamson. Hailing from the South Coast of England; he plays dreamy, melodic indie folk that's reminiscent of Iron & Wine and a slightly less somber, Damien Rice.

Grand Child: My Head Is In The Clouds

My Head Is In The Clouds is the second release from Texas native, Grand Child. Composed of one man behind the scenes, namely Andy Lane; the album is a gorgeous mix of folk, psychedelia and acoustic indie pop. Lane originally played for punk/ska band, Driver F. This is his solo project and it's nowhere near the music he plays with his band. His sound instead focuses on acoustic folk while incorporating psychedelia, and some catchy pop tunes here and there. It's a nice little record worth exploring if you want an album that's laid-back yet a little different to keep you company.

Emily Baker: House of Cards

Emily Baker might just be the next acoustic country folk singer to watch out for. After winning the 2009 Arts Foundation Fellowship in Songwriting award, Emily's star has been shining more than ever. House of Cards is the debut album for the singer and with the amount of attention it has received, there's bound to be plenty more to follow. The album itself is simple in delivery yet it comes armed with solid songwriting. Emily plays much of the instruments as well including the acoustic guitar, ukulele, glockenspiel, percussion and of course, her melodic vocals.

Night Reports: You’re All Out

Another band that you wouldn't think is composed of only two people at the helm; Night Reports create beautiful indie rock music with a touch of soul. Long time friends, Derrick Brown and Beau Jennings, have both collaborated in various projects before. However, they've never tackled anything similar to Night Reports. Although the collaboration started out slowly, with both of them passing MP3s and recorded files via email and voice message; they eventually compiled what has become You're All Out. The record is a concept album of sorts, as it revolves around an athlete who is down in the dumps and living (and reliving) his life in his glory days.

Awake! Awake!: We’ve Been Strangers

Even though this debut record from the band is a few years old; We've Been Strangers is still a great album to check out. It's a fast paced record that's packed with plenty of indie pop rock goodness. Made up of David Johnson on lead vocals; Andrew Goodwin on guitar; Taylor Powell on drums; and Chad Turner on bass; Awake! Awake! hails from Murfreesboro, TN. Inspired by bands like Jimmy Eat World, Switchfoot, MuteMath and classic artists like U2 and The Police; their sound is a nice compilation of feel-good indie rock and melodic power pop.