Pop Rock

matchbox 20, U2, goo goo dolls

Cecada: Fog at Midnight

Cecada's debut EP, Fog at Midnight, resonates romance with their moody indie tracks. It's a mixture of quiet solitude and mystery that makes you want to relax yet be on your guard. Cecada hails from Tulsa, Oklahoma and was formed back in 2007. This six track EP is filled with evocative sound that combines dark folk, indie pop and even silent dreamy shoegaze rock. Fog at Midnight successfully mixes a variety of musical genres without really losing the album's identity. The band is made up of Brian Rawson, Dougal Hansen, Micah Clopton, David Council, Andrew Bones and Mark Kuykendall.

Tense Kids: Oh, Idaho!

Oh, Idaho! is a sweet and eclectic sounding compilation by three teens from Lexington, KY. Filled with 7 easy to listen and very diverse indie pop/rock, this debut compilation is a great listen. It features a great mix of indie pop vocals, quirky sounding vocals and pretty cool and catchy rhythm. Tense Kids is made up of Alex John and Joe Harbison. They're joined together by Eric Myers, Kyle Randall, Allen Shariaty, Dimitri Lozovoy and Aaron Graham. The group formed in late 2008 and spearheaded by Harbison, who also has several albums under his name. His songs are available for download here.

The Wild: Set Yourselves Free

These four Atlanta natives have a penchant for making complaining and criticism seem fun and positive. The Wild is a quartet made up of Kylee on drums, Dianna on vocals, Ben on bass and Steve on Banjo. Described by Asia Man Records as "four punks from Atlanta sing songs from the heart, à la Jason Anderson and Ghost Mice. Political, but not preachy. All members are quite active in their DIY community.." the group is not only making an impression in their own label, but also to a lot of indie music lovers online. Set Yourselves Free includes 8 tracks that contain a mix of indie folk and pop music. Each track seems like a blissful serenade at first impression but when you listen closely, it's actually filled with personal and relevant musings about life, people, relationships and politics. Cool album to check out.

Chris Skinner – Moscow Satellites

Moscow Satellites is a short 5-track compilation from Chris Skinner. This record is actually a concept album from the artist. It's the first set of tracks he's put together after his band 6point4 as well as Life Support ended in 2008. The record was initially released back in 2009. If you listen closely, you'll hear that John Mayer similarity. Of course, in my opinion, the tracks on this record have more of a personality to them. Besides, at least we won't have to swallow all of the unnecessary information about Mayer's love life. Anyway, Chris Skinner definitely knows how to create beautiful cuts that are not only filled with intriguing guitar work but also coupled with his heartfelt vocals. Give it a listen.

Farmertan: Brace for the Decline

These Connecticut natives are at it again. This time around, Farmertan, has brought their latest recording in tow, Brace for the Decline. Some of their previous albums include the alternative indie rock compilation, The Extended Play and the acoustic infused, The Softer Side, just to name a few. This 8 track compilation sees the boys doing what they do best; creating indie alternative rock tracks that feature upbeat tempos and nice beats. This record, like most of their releases, are available for free download under a creative commons license. Farmertan is made up of Paul Daddario on Vocals/Guitar; Mike Fitzgerald on Guitar/Vocals; Matt Galvin on Bass Guitar and Jim Plouffe on Drums.

Intercontinental Music Lab: IIML Goes to War

The Intercontinental Music Lab has finally come out with their latest effort. A compilation of 14 tracks that combine folk, pop, rock, alternative, jazz and everything in between. Intercontinental Music Lab Goes to War is the latest effort from this experimental group. Basically, the group/organization has been around since 2008 and has released five previous albums. Each record revolves around a theme or concept, which musicians or groups can pick a subject from and create music about. It's much more detailed than that of course, but the result is nevertheless, an epic collaboration between musicians and artists. This is one great record to have by your side whether you're heading out to war or not.

Sunday Chocolate Club: You Look Much Better Undressed

German trio, Sunday Chocolate Club, establishes their brand of punk, power pop and indie rock. You Look Much Better Undressed is the group's second EP. It contains four tracks that are filled with rolling drums, fast and danceable beats, slightly nasal Brit singing and just good fun. The group was formed back in 2005 as remnants of bands, The Purse and Twist got together. This EP only contain 4 tracks but they are enough to showcase where the band is good at: creating danceable punk pop

netBloc Volume 31: Goodbye, Hello

BlocSonic once again releases their infamous collection of lovely, free tracks that music lovers everywhere can enjoy. The label unleashes several compilations throughout the year. This includes, maxBlocs, which consist of promotional maxi singles; Originals; Extended Editions, Extras and netBlocs, like this one. This is the 31st netBloc from them so far. For compilations like these, they gather up about 10 or more indie artists from all over the world; offering a peek at the music they play in the album. It's definitely an awesome way of discovering potential new playlist staples. The record is available for free download under three formats, simply choose which one you most prefer and enjoy!

Single Bullet Theory: SBT: 1977-1980

Single Bullet Theory is the punk band that should have made it big. Initially founded by Frank Daniel, Dennis Madigan and Michael Maurice Garrett; the trio have been playing music together since 1971. After a couple of years and several members later, they settled with the name, Single Bullet Theory. They play anything from fast paced, chanty songs to melodic beautiful rock ballads but their sound is mostly characterized by pop punk beats. They got as far as opening for Patti Smith and signing a deal under CBS Records. They also managed to release singles and were received quite good by the people. Unfortunately, CBS pulled the plug for promoting the group and most of the material they had never saw the light of day. Thankfully for us, it gets a second chance as a free download under a creative commons license. Pure genius art rock if you ask me.