Music

American Thread: Killing Days

Creating gorgeous alt-country melodies with its own style and pace, Killing Days by American Thread is like a good old friend ready to pour you a drink. Killing Days is the debut album of the Boston-based band. Released last March 2013, the four-piece band presents us with 11 alternative americana with a kick of rock. The album was recorded with multi-instrumentalist/producer Steve Mayone.

Rachel Platten: Noisetrade Sampler

Never mind the hipsters. There is a compelling reason why pop’s still everyone’s guilty pleasure: it’s that darn infectious. Take the case of Rachel Platten, for example. She edges out Vanessa Carlton by a margin on the singer-songwriter genre by upping the tempo and feel of her offerings, most of them landing her on the soundtracks of various movies and TV series. Nevertheless, the songstress has earned that revered indie cred while keeping her musicality intact.

The White Panda: Bambooyah!

Indulge yourselves on The White Panda’s 50-minute continuous mash-up album. Jam-packed with crazy ecstatic beats, Bambooyah! will definitely blow the steam off the night. Though the tracks may be brief snippets, every single one of them is a highlight. These are accentuated by the exciting diversions into psychedelic space.

Poison IV: Fly Society

In this day and age where the feminine figure is starting to establish its roots on various branches of this male-fueled world, it’s refreshing to hear them flip conventions too; that, as beautifully executed by Poison IV. Megan Hamilton, who prefers to be called ‘Poison IV’, is not to one to get stuck on one genre. Despite a predominantly “hip-hop-ish” packaging, she transitions from one style to another as she pleases, not minding that she’s dipping into alternative pop, rap, and R&B as well.

Leading Armies: Let’s Get Serious

‘Tis the season of giving, so we’re sharing one of our guilty pleasures for the moment: Leading Armies! The guys from Limerick, Island are celebrating their second year as musicians — they formed on Christmas Day 2011 — by releasing their second EP, Let’s Get Serious.

Noelle Ricci: In The Tapestry

In the Tapestry is the debut album of Noelle Ricci. According to Ricci’s Bandcamp post, this album is “about all constant emotions of fear, anxiety, and love that we face through our lives.” And this collection did not disappoint. The first few minutes of this track is addictively insane. Clutter will surprise you because it so unlike the usual pop tunes. Ricci’s voice is soulful but with a sharp edge that makes the track more powerful.

The Suits: Navy

Better get your “suits” on, because we’re in for a lot of good tunes! Electro-rock acts are in so much abundance nowadays, you can’t really tell which is which. Luckily, for The Suits, their sound is distinct and sonic enough to stand up among their peers.

Delaca: Delaca

Fusion is the game, and Delaca plays it smoothly [even literally]. Skirting along the neo-soul genre, the quartet — composed of Austin Antoine (vocals), Devon Taylor (bass), Justin Jackson (vocals and keys), and Amir Oosman (production) — is bringing a more laid-back brand of R&B to the table, kind of like the loungey type that dominated the 90′s.