Hailing from New Brunswick, New Jersey is the excellent ambient/indie rock band, gates. The band is able to present a sound that makes you forget that you have to take notice of the details. This leads to a listening experience that is seamless and captivating.
Anthemic bravado sampled with creative melodies define Major Major’s sound—a formula reminiscent of Muse’s lovably unlovable music and Radiohead’s self-loathing. Still, as an indie act that covers thumping beats and striking guitar riffs, it’s an album that will strike a chord with the pop/rock set, despite the minimal variation in terms of theme or mood with each song.
TW Walsh is not exactly a newbie. Aside from being the only other original member of the band < Pedro the Lion (the other being frontman David Bazan), he has also made a name for himself as a producer. He is known for being prolific, proven by mastering over 40 EPs and LPs in a single year. He is a producer to music stalwarts such as Sufjan Stevens, The Mynabirds, and Crystal Skulls. His album Songs of Pain and Leisure is his way of leaving the shadows and taking charge of his own musical career.
The Kaiser Chiefs has suffered a great change in their band line up when their drummer, Nick Hodgson, decided to call it quits via an unexpected exit. Shots were fired, explanations were given and now that the air has cleared, The Kaiser Chiefs can go back to the thing they do best – make good old rock ‘n roll music.
Seattle-based trio of Joel Schneider (guitar, vocals), Andy Lum (drums) and Cody Votolato (bass) aka My Goodness treats fans with Pyre, a four-track that spins alternative rock to the core.
My Goodness opens with a bang in Young Turks. Get energized with sharp-edged riifs and textured vocals as a jungle of bass and drums vibrates within your ears.
Press play and get to know one of Canada’s most acclaimed and successful rock bands, Arkells, with a free sampler released via Noisetrade. The collection consists of two tracks from each of the band’s studio albums, a cover of Stevie Wonder’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered, and an acoustic version of 11:11 from High Noon.
There is a certain kind frenzy to the sound of Wilderness, a band with a highly infectious sound from the Philippines. What started out as a three-piece band has now evolved into a “9 headed, hot-blooded explosion of groove and love.” The band makes it hard for anyone who listens to them to be still and remain unmoved.
For fans of shoegaze who are looking to add a new artist to your roster of playlist regulars, Hunters’ Drown can be a great addition. This three-track album composed of demos displays the fevered music of these Brooklyn natives. Composed of Isabel Almeidaon vocals, Derek Watsonon guitars, Thomas Martin on bass, and Gregg Giuffreon drums, the band has captured the attention of rock legend James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins, A Perfect Circle, Tinted Windows) who now works as the band’s producer.
A lot can be said about Caspian’s music. That it is immense – you realize how music can be as big as the universe and the listener, a mere speck in it. That it is powerful – that instruments can go beyond what it is supposed to sound and surprise even the musician. That it is moving – even without words. All of these are on full display at the Live at Old South Church album.
