Pop

Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguilera, Destiny’s Child, Elton John

My Bubba & Mi: Wild & You

Back with another lovely and sweet compilation, My Bubba & Mi just recently released a 5-track EP, Wild & You. Coated with beautiful folk melodies that the girls are known for, this mini-EP is filled with delightful cuts perfect for quiet and relaxing afternoons. The group is actually a trio, formed by three ladies who have a knack for creating some of the most gorgeous folk lullabies to serenade your ears. Their first full length album, How It's Done in Italy, was featured here in Frostclick a couple of months back. Their sound has gained a positive response from the listeners who have taken a liking to the band's self-dubbed "lullabies from the countryside."

Bearstronaut: Satisfied Violence

Released last June 2011, Satisfied Violence would have served as the perfect summer album. Ideal for those hazy summer nights when all you want to do is throw a summer party at your backyard with friends. Unlike focusing on their indie rocker side like their previous releases, this time around the boys decided to step into the 80s new wave dance vibe. So far, it's proving that the clothes fit them better. The album is laced with great beats and lovely poppy vocals to get you groovin' and dancin' all night long.

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.

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.

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.

The Fumes: Unhandled Exception

Remember Blues Clues and that striped sweater wearing guy named, Steve? Well, this isn't him (although he's actually a musician too) but I imagine, The Fumes, could have easily played the part of the guitar wielding Steve in the show. One listen to Unhandled Exception and you'll probably see/hear it too. This guy churns out acoustic folk pop cuts that immediately made me picture children sitting around on a park with the singer at the center and singing along to his music. Now, this can either be good or bad depending on your taste, but personally some songs in this acoustic folk pop record are worth a listen.