Music

Flyafter: Today I’m With You

Flyafter is a Jakarta based band specializing in producing "beautiful pop melodies carving their way through a dreamlike foggy electronic soundscape." Part of 23 Seconds Netlabel, Today I'm With You is the band's (Rully Fahrezzyf, Hannan Jaya Mahardika, and Rully Luandri) second release after the more acoustic sounds of the self-titled EP. In their music, Flyafter combines various elements beginning from electronic, acoustic, to techno, shoegaze, indietronic, and pop. Although the band has been performing around Jakarta for quite some time now it was not until 2010, with the release of their first EP, that their music crossed continents for the very first time.

Eva & Manu: Still Traveling EP

There are times when all you need to make you happy is a van, musical instruments, the wonderful English countryside and a sense of adventure. Still Traveling EP by Eva & Manu is a beautiful example of what happens when you drop everything and go on a road trip across Europe, helping people on the way while creating wonderful music. This amazing duo is currently criss-crossing Europe, spreading and playing their music for small villages and anyone who is willing to listen. Their sound is a blend of hypnotic folk with beautiful melodies that suits the tranquil countryside. This is the first EP from the twosome and they're using their experiences during travel to create songs and compile a full album.

Helicopters: The Honey and the Hiss

Helicopters is a band that might just be your next big favorite, that is, if you're into electronic pop, crisp sounding guitars and some trippy airy vocals. Made up of Jason Caldeira, Brian Fifield and Dave Moran, the band is proud to admit that everything about them and their process is completely indie; from the songwriting, recording, producing and promoting their records, it's all just the three of them. Honey and the Hiss is the group's 5th full length album and released under the boys own label, FlyCasual Records.

Finding Fiction: Try This At Home

Finding Fiction is one of those bands that just sprung out of nowhere to fascinate, impress and titillate listeners everywhere. Their brand of indie pop is energetic and fun, with tons of quirky instrument use in between. With the help of Craigslist, the band first got together back in 2008. Things went by really quickly and within one year they already started touring and managed to release their debut compilation. Now a couple of years old, the guys are gaining better foothold than ever; dropping their latest EP, Try This At Home just last August 2011.

Coast Jumper: Grand Opening

Moody and hypnotic, those two words best describe this debut album from San Francisco based band, Coast Jumper. The record is a haven of lush sounds, interesting vocals, and slightly electronic alternative vibe. This is the group's first album ever and yet they're exuding confidence like seasoned veterans of the music scene. Although there's not much about the band online, it's enough to know that these guys play hauntingly beautiful music. Their sound is reminiscent of a mellow Vampire Weekend complete with injections of fun and energetic moments here and there.

Low Voltage Rangers: Spirographology

Low-Voltage Rangers might sound like a band but the fact is, there's only one man standing at the helm; Jeremy Toltzman. Taking up the moniker Low-Voltage Rangers, the artist sings, plays the instruments, and writes the songs. Spirographology takes 34 tracks recorded by the artist between 2004- 2011. This includes two of his latest singles. Despite having no label or any professional studio equipment at his disposal, the music he creates is filled with beautiful melodies and great indie lo-fi quality. It's something you'd love to listen to on a quiet evening, slowly lulling you to mellow out and relax after a long, hard day.

Idbs: It Has To Be Done

Normally, most artists would be excited to share their thoughts, ideas, influences etc. about their music, but not Idbs. In fact, he makes sure to let the people know this by tacking a polite but straightforward note on his Jamendo page stating: This text is useless as the music speaks better of the artist than itself. True enough, the music does communicate itself very well. The album is a beautiful mix of acoustic, folk, pop and even rock & roll. It's a gorgeous album beaming with soulful guitar driven love songs with the occasional and unexpected touch of alternative grunge.

Soto: Soto EP

Soto is an experimental Japanese pop group that create lovely folk pop music. Listening to this band is like being transported to a place where forest spirits dwell and lovely music is created at every instance. Two members of the band originally formed the duo, "Oto." This initial band produced music that focused more on sounds and its tapestry. However, as the group turned into a quartet; they focused more on creating music with proper song structures. Together, they christened themselves as "Soto" and create amazing acoustic, folk pop that is transcendent as well as emotional.