Music

Tsui’s Wreckage

This cool indie pop affair is Tsui's second compilation after the endearing Half Man Army was released back in 2007. This record is available in both physical CD formats and free download on the group's main website. It features 8 tracks that showcases beautiful indie pop with hints of acoustic guitars and melodic sequences. Formerly a member of indie folk group, Jr. Corduroy; Mark Kraus began to create music on his own. Writing and recording in bedrooms and various recording studios here and there. He creates pleasantly melodic cuts that are filled with catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics. Even though it's filled with simple songs, the album is easy to listen to and love.

Shearer: Monument

The underrated pop-punk band, ‘Shearer’ have literally forged an album that is deserving of a Monumental status... Alright, this statement may be parabolic to an extent; nevertheless, ‘Monument’ is still exceedingly addictive and wholehearted. ‘Shearer’ have endowed this album with a sound comparable to that of pop-punk band, ‘The Lost Profits’ and this vibe is most observable in the similarities between vocalists and guitar tone. In saying this, ‘Monument’ demonstrates a happier mood and reflects the bands nature, in not taking themselves too seriously. This nature is further reinforced through their self-proclaimed influences of: ‘Jaegermeister, cheap polish cigarettes and table water’. Instrumentally, this band reminds me of ‘Millencolin’. Generally, this is due to a common use of cheeky, generic and ‘bouncy’ simplistic verses in which lead to texturally thick and climactic choruses. These are often fashioned through an extreme contrast in dynamics and an addition of harmonic and sometimes multiple backing vocals. Additionally, vocal lines in which intertwine with the dominant voiced melody are also regularly used to enhance this contrast.

The Beehive Spirit: The Beehive Spirit EP

If you're looking for a new garage band to love, then you might want to check out The Beehive Spirit. This cool and short EP is filled with jangly guitars, half wailing vocals and boppy beats that border on garage pop and indie hipster rock. This San Francisco band likes to play sunshine rock that's infused with psychedelic rock. Their self-titled EP includes 4 tracks that would surely please indie music fans everywhere. The EP took about a year in the making and the band collaborated with several artists in the process; most notably, Jeremy Black and Cochrane Miller.

Ellephare: The Best Defense

Ellphare is a indie rock band made up of Kyle Mathis - vocals, Luke Pigott - guitars, Charley Tynes - guitars and Josh Myrs on drums. The Best Defense is a self-released EP that's filled with 7 indie alternative rock tracks. The album contains a nice combination of fast upbeat alternative tracks and more indie, laid back cuts. The band creates songs that contain a spiritual element to it. For a debut EP, the group has successfully created a compilation that is both interesting and engaging. The Best Defense is a self-released EP from the group that's filled with 7 indie alternative rock tracks. The album contains a nice combination of fast upbeat alternative tracks and more indie, laid back cuts. The band creates songs that contain a spiritual element to it. For a debut EP, the group has successfully created a compilation that is both interesting and engaging. In their early career, they've already been hailed as one of the top 10 bands in the Cornerstone Festival New Band Showcase. Take a listen to these catchy and inspiring tracks.

Volumina: This is Our Home, Please Come In!

Volumina is essentially Benjamin Z. A native of Mexico, this dude definitely knows how to incorporate whimsical sounds, instrumental reveries and sweet vocals into his music. The album is an eclectic mix of instruments and sounds that makes you feel as if you were living in an cool, romantic 8-bit, children's program. This is Our Home, Please Come In! is equipped with 8 beautiful tracks that can make you reflect; wish you were a musician and even do the robot dance. This experimental indie pop album is a fun and spirited effort from this artist. Essentially, you get that warm fuzzy feeling when listening to album, just like someone important is giving you that big long hug once you've gotten home from a long hard day at work. This album is available for free download on Canadian netlabel, Peppermill Records. Check it out and give yourself a cozy warm hug just by listening to it.

I Am The Agent: Volume One

'I Am The Agent’ is an alternative rock band from Newcastle/Central Coast of NSW, Australia. In their EP, ‘Volume I’, this band conveys a hauntingly beautiful and delicate sound which is achieved through a soft, clean and crisp guitar style and simple, emotional and gentle vocal melodies. Keeping this in mind, the band does not shy from taking things up a notch from time-to-time. All of these elements make it difficult to dismiss I Am The Agent into a specific and accurate category within the alternative rock genre. Furthermore, There is definitely a grunge element to this music and in some songs, this band reminds me of Nirvana. Specifically, the song ‘Leave’ reminds me of Nirvana’s song ‘Polly’ from their album ‘Nevermind’.

Reviewsic Anniversary Compilation Vol.1

To celebrate Reviewsic's first anniversary, they have compiled 17 awesome tracks as a thank-you record of sorts. The record takes the works of some of the best up-and-coming music acts, and sandwiching them into one eclectic and powerful album. Every single one of these acts are featured in Reviewsic's Anniversary shows. The site adds that these are "bands playing our shows in the downstairs "Dirtroom" at Double Door and Schubas Tavern all throughout the month of January." Reviewsic is the brainchild of Sam Gordon and is a haven for music lovers everywhere. The blog faithfully reviews new bands, artists, music, albums, live shows and even provides up-to-date music news. You can bet this compilation is among the best you'll find out there.

Lonely Planet Boy 1969: No Dream Is Good Dream

This Chinese rocker creates awesome music inspired by rock greats Neil Young, Syd Barrett, Tom Waits and Nick Cave, to name a few. Lonely Planet Boy 1969 creates melodic tracks that transcend time and space. No Dream Is Good Dream runs like a 1970s rock album, filled with moody atmosphere, shady, almost whispery, vocals and an awesome indie progressive feel. If there's anything this guy has learned from his influences, it's collating the good and ditching the bad. Each of the 9 tracks exhibit their own personalities; the good, the bad, the quirky and the plain eccentric. Clearly, if you love most of those artists mentioned above, chances are this compilation will become a surprising favorite.