Are you ready... for a new hip-hop treat?
Poet Tree is a self-released, cross-the-oceans-long collaboration between one of America's best selling emcees Elemin... Read More
Elements of ambient, shoe gaze, post rock, and indie pop music make We Became Your Family When You Diedby Chicago based dream pop/shoe gaze collective Bullets In Madison, one of the most ambitious albums your are likely to listen to. These songs are 4 to 7 minutes long but the indie pop narratives make them seem to go by much quicker. In post rock and ambient music the emotion as all important, and this album has that in spades with a shimmering wave of strings, percussion and guitar accents that sound wistful.
This catchy indie rock alternative crew from Kiev, Ukraine is certainly one to watch out for. Singleton first entered the music scene back in 2004. As they started out, they promoted their music by doing an extensive tour all over the Ukraine. However, it wasn't until 2009, when the band released their debut EP, Storms (get it here.)
By 2010, the group pushed further and put together this 12 track compilation, The High Seas.
The Eclectic is a Dublin five piece crew that create an alt rock infused electronica sound. This EP, Breathe, has garnered comparison to top Brit band, Muse. Even though the group isn't exactly thrilled with this comparison, there's no denying that they do sound like the Matt Bellamy-led group.
From the voice to the synth rock sound, it's hard not to compare. Nevertheless, The Eclectic does sound quite good. Their sound is a beautiful mix of laid back cuts to menacing synth alternative.
One thing's for sure, whether they really sound like Muse or not; this five track EP is worth checking out. Give it a download.
Rusalka might seem like an odd name for a band, but their name is quite appropriate for the type of weird yet soothing music they make. This short EP was released back in August 2010 and contains 4 instrumental tracks.
It's easy to trace hints of progressive, alternative, indie rock on the songs. With sweeping guitar work, heavy drums and occasional chants, the tracks remind me of an instrumental, Rise Against.
Accent is offered at a pay-what-you-want option. You can donate to the band or you can simply hit zero on the donation option. It should give you the download option. Definitely a record worth checking out.
Hailing from Detroit, Michigan is Sunlight Ascending, who play a brand of instrumental ambient/experimental rock that relies most heavily on the guitars to builder somber feelings as well as elation when they soar and reverberate. Their first album All The Memories, All The Time has a full range of sounds that deliver powerful emotions to the listener. The band formed as high school freshmen and this album is the result of three years of playing together. The impressive learning curve that finds a three year old band making such an accomplished and fully wrought album is a testament to Sunlight Ascending.
Lovely vocal work, amazing guitar skills and a very beautiful, calming melodic sound; Mckenzie Toma pretty much knows how to make listeners want more of her music. This Chicago native is currently offering her latest release as a free digital download over BandCamp. It's a six track compilation that is filled with gorgeous indie folk and country songs that'll make any folk lover melt or smile silly.
Blessed with a heartwarming and endearing voice, McKenzie captivates her listeners track after track. The record is a first for the singer and with so much obvious talent up her sleeve, it certainly won't be her last. It's a compilation that certainly deserves plenty of exposure. Give this album a download. It won't disappoint.
‘TenPenny Joke’ are a Pop Rock band from Australia and prior to their current hiatus, the band had been playing and writing for over ten years. On top of this achievement, the band has been played regularly on Australian radio and has even appeared on television a number of times. The album ‘Ambush on All Sides’ brings a quality that can be expected from 10 years of experience and its mainstream style reveals an attempt to connect with a larger audience. In regards to this album, ‘TenPenny Joke’ have promised ‘15 original, killer tracks with diverse shades and roaring guitars’ and its success on both internet polls and radio shows suggests that this is a fair call.
KAMP!, an electronic pop trio formed in 2007 in Lodz, Poland (although the paths of its members crossed years earlier) brings us an amazing mix of melodic synth-pop with influences ranging from 80s new wave to 90s french house and musicians such as David Bowie, Daft Punk, Royksopp, etc.
In 2009 the band released their first EP titled "Thales One" through netlabel Brennnssel, and only a year later came another great addition of "Breaking a Ghost's Heart" (which includes one of my favorite songs). Since both of the releases are too good to miss (for all of you who love vintage disco, synth + electronic pop with an addition of some great vocals).
