Pop Rock

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Stuedabakerbrown: Strangers We’ll Become

Stuedabakerbrown is an odd name for a band but what others might see as a poor name choice, the band more than makes up for with their sound. Strangers We'll Become is the band's 2010 release. Containing 11 catchy tracks, the album has helped propel the band into the limelight. They've managed to tour with national touring acts like Say Anything and The Spill Canvas. Moreover, much of their catalogs are licensed for use on cable networks like MTV, ESPN etc. Thanks to their refreshing and smart alternative rock, it's hard to dismiss the band as just another altrock number.

The Velvet Chameleon: Clusterfunk

Promising to create several EP releases for 2011 and 2012, The Velvet Chameleon is holding its side of the bargain and delivers amazing EPs one after another. Clusterfunk was released late 2011 and features 5 tracks that echo influences from Radiohead and various other bands. Spearheaded by Adarsh Fernando, the band can easily impresses with their upbeat alternative pop. The EP is available as a free download and licensed under Creative Commons.

It Happened Here: 001 EP

Almost 4 years old, this Chester band first began their musical journey in August 2009. After all these years, 001 EP is the very first attempt at creating a compilation for the band. The four-track EP contains a fusion of alternative rock with a slight indie post punk vibe. Occasionally, they infuse their songs with a psychedelic feel for good measure. Even though this may seem a little too late in the game, It Happened Here wasn't exactly sitting idly throughout those four years. They, in fact, promoted themselves through live performances; playing and having regular gigs in various venues in and around Liverpool.

Talk To Angels: Enemies Closer EP

Talk To Angels may not be a household name but the four-piece crew have been steadily improving their craft and gaining a steady audience over the years. Made up of Craig Kaye - vocals/guitar, Mickey Dale - keyboards/guitar, Lee Waud - bass and Danny Cookson - Drums; the band formed after meeting at a house party and agreeing to clean out Mickey's garage in exchange for one-week use of his studio. Something sparked during the sessions and they eventually formed into a band. Enemies Closer EP is a first for them and it's filled with alternative pop rock goodies that might pique your interest.

Danny Stevenson: Under Open Skies

Sometimes all you need is simple, laid back pop music to keep you company through the day. If you're feeling that way right now, check out what Danny Stevenson has to offer. Under Open Skies is the first of a two part EP, featuring tracks created by Stevenson over a span of 2 years. He felt that the songs didn't go together well as a set of one compilation so he divided it into bite-sized pieces for listeners to enjoy. This first one, Side A, is composed of upbeat indie acoustic pop cuts that feature the singer in a more happy-go-lucky mood. The second part, Side B, has a more experimental, edgy mix of tracks according to the singer.

Granell: Granell

Filling in your cravings for smooth indie pop rock; Granell is an independent Brazilian rock band from Braza. The group is made up of brothers, Enio and Jesue Torres on vocals/guitars and bass, respectively, along with their friend, Lucas Medina, on drums. Creating a great balance of pop, acoustic and rock, the band introduces a soft guitar driven sound that swells with rockish melody and harmony.

Family Photos: Heavy Hearts EP

Family Photos seems to be a band that's all about capturing old-timey nostalgia, like when you're all grown up and looking through all of your old photos, cringing at the funky haircut and the odd clothes. Heavy Hearts is the band's first official release. Their sound combines indie and alternative rock but they seamlessly echo a retro vibe to their sound. Even though they're a fairly new band, they have a lot riding up their sleeve. Their songs are dreamy and has the capacity to make listeners want to listen to them over and over again.

Likely Lads: Melrose Yard Demos

Admitting to be fans of the Libertines, it's not difficult to see the bands' influence on the Likely Lads. This three piece crew first got into music after attending a Leeds festival. Inspired and motivated, the members: Ross McLeod - vocals/bass, Ashley Harding - lead guitar, Ben Porter - rhythm guitar and Jordan Maher - drums joined forces and started recording their songs. Tiptoeing between new wave, alternative and indie rock, Melrose Yard Demos is the band's foray into a compilation album. It has 15 tracks that are upbeat, indie rock affairs you can dance and sing along to if you need some perky music to keep you company.