Rock

(Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Pink Floyd)

The Box Tiger: The Box Tiger

Upbeat, exciting and energetic. Those words best describe Toronto's The Box Tiger, an indie rock quartet first started back in 2009. Although fairly new in the game, they've managed to release more than just good debut and has garnered an impressive amount of listeners despite being only 2 years old. Led by founder and frontwoman Sonia Sturino, the band has an inherent maturity both in their sound and instrument playing. Many of the songs included in this self-titled EP are well-constructed, not to mention very catchy.

Punk’s Undead: Punk’s Undead Volume 1

Punk is not dead! For the many punk lovers out there, Punk's Undead Volume 1 might just be the album you've been looking for. This 28 track compilation features great tracks from various punk rockers in the Chicago area and neighboring cities. Released under Illinois indie netlabel, Sematary Records; the compilation is one big punk fest featuring songs that are energetic and quite raw in places. Described as the record label from the grave, Punk's Undead - Volume 1 is definitely an interesting compilation fit for any true blue punk rocker.

Various Artists: A People’s History of Bombed Out Records

A People's History of Bombed Out Records might seem like a mouthful but it's a fitting one as it chronicles the long and very diverse history of indie netlabel Bombed Out Records. The album puts together some of the best tracks released from their fences; making it an exciting fusion of rock, punk and indie that'll give you an idea what the label has to offer. All of the bands here have, at one time or another, been considered a band from Bombed Out. Some of them continue on while others have said their farewells.

The Juliets: Perfect Season

After the successful self-titled debut album, The Juliets are poised to take over the music scene. Formed in late 2008, the five-piece band of Jeremy Freer (piano/guitar/vocals), Sarah Myers (violin/vocals) and Kaylan Mitchell (cello) manages to seize new-age pop and classical music, applying their own twist with a violin and cello. Perfect Season is produced by the band along with Dave Feeney and was recorded during February and March this year. It introduces the addition of Ashton Hopkins (bass) and Jaclyn Phillips (drums) producing a 12-track record of raved up, string-heavy music.

Bloody Lovely Audrey: Animal EP

If you love the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and looking for an indie band alternative that comes close, Bloody Lovely Audrey should be first on your list. The band is made up of Sinead Curry - Vocals, Rob Cleary - Guitars, Andy Cavenagh - Bass and Seb Guajardo - Drums. In the words of their bassist, their sound would be the outcome "if Nirvana, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Queens of the Stone Age had a baby…and drank heavily during the pregnancy." This is quite accurate since their music is a great blend of stoner rock, slight hipster with female-led vocals. You'd imagine them as playing in some cool downtown club with plenty of rock lovin' from the crowd.

Kursed: Like a Coffee

The cover for Like a Coffee might look like one of those bossa nova records you see lying around in Starbucks, but the fact is, this compilation is far from anything bossa nova. The record is a tipsy, indie grunge rock affair from three guys from Montpellier, France. This is the band's second record. Their first album, Psychotic Lowland, was a success; obtaining great reviews from listeners in Jamendo. Like a Coffee is much like their first album, only a bit more tighter and incorporates more experimental sounds in the process. Kursed has been around since 2003. Thanks to their art rock/experimental sound they're easily winning listeners left and right.

Republic of Letters: Stories

A family business? Almost. Republic of Letters was originally created by two brothers, Chris Venti (vocals, guitar) and Nick Venti (drums) all the way back in 2005. Since than however, the band saw an addition of some great talent and eventually, with the help of Martin Niwinski (bass, guitar) and Adrian Thorstensen (guitar), developed it's own sonic experience. Combining the bits and pieces of Brit pop beats and alternative-rock sounds the band's latest album Stories makes for a great free release. So get it while it lasts!

Fan Fiction: The Redbirds

Seattle is home to a number of great performers and festivals (as Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival) worthy of an extended stay. And now Fan Fiction can be easily added to this long list of musical goodness. Released in July of 2011, The Redbirds, is a collection of five beautiful tracks filled with rock and roll guitars, spot on vocals, and the great laid back sound; a combination that surely makes this one an indie rock release not to be missed.