Reviews

Bad Panda Records: Sampler 2010

To celebrate their 1st birthday as well as their 1 millionth (and counting) music download; Italian indie netlabel, Bad Panda Records has put together an exciting 18 track Bad Panda Records Sampler 2010, as a thank you gift to their fans and supporters. The compilation comprises of cuts from some of the most promising artists that the free music online movement has seen so far. From guitar instrumentals, electronic, folk pop and even indie new wave; this compilation puts together an eclectic mix of tracks that will satisfy any music lover's palette.

The Sovereigns: Pick It Up

During this day and age, I find it more and more difficult to find punk bands which sport the punk genre in a legitimate sense. However, recently, my ears have been rewarded with some of the scarce spoils in which rarely become available to a dedicated browser like myself. The album ‘Pick it up’ by ‘The Sovereigns’, resurrects the late 1980’s/early 1990’s version of ska-punk that many believe to have died long ago. Hysterical drum beats (with a tempo range between relatively fast to extremely rapid), catchy brass sections, walking bass lines and power chords strummed from a fanatically distorted guitar help to ensure that all of the desired boxes are ticked. These aspects then conglomerate to form a sound similar to that of Anti-flag, NOFX and Reel Big Fish. Additionally, the bands vocalist portals politically motivated and humerous lyrics through a rough and husky voice - while he also manages to stay in key. This deems the Sovereign’s music worthy of a wider audience and saves them from being restricted to only those of the traditional punk scene.

Lyle in Cube Sector

There is something about retro looking games that make them so much fun to look at. Moreover, if they incorporate a fun and addictive gameplay with it, then you certainly have a winner. Lyle in Cube Sector fits into this category easily. It combines the fun gameplay of Super Mario 2 along with lovable characters and solid storyline. Basically, the bad guy steals your cat and you would do anything to get your precious cat back.

Chasing Eidolon: Chasing Eidolon

Chasing Eidolon is a bunch of lads from Canada trying their hand on alternative pop rock. Although they sound like a more power pop (boy) band, they do incorporate alternative rock elements to their music. Initially formed in 2008, this is the group's first album. It's a combination of sweet, slightly emo vocals, beautiful melodies and a hint of rockish rude.

SudoCue

SudoCue is one of the many Sudoku-based games available for free download online. There's no doubt that Sudoku has become quite a staple for brain puzzler enthusiasts. It's easy to play, it's challenging and some even claim that it helps to improve your mathematical skills. I'm not too sure whether it does or it doesn't but you can definitely have some fun solving those Sudoku puzzles with SudoCue.

Welcome To Ashley: Beyond the Pale

When it comes to talent and unstoppable, riveting on-stage performance, Welcome to Ashley definitely deserves more than a pat on the back. These Chicago natives have compiled 9 powerpop indie rock tracks that's filled with hipster vocals and interesting hooks. Beyond the Pale is the group's follow-up to Absent Man, their first EP. With punchy, shorter and more catchy cuts in this full album, it's a definite crowd pleaser for any indie rock junkie.

Ataque de Pánico! (Panic Attack!) [2009]

It's amazing what you can do with $300, cool web and computer programs, and love for giant robots. Ataque de Panico! (Panic Attack!) is one potential result if you had all of the above, plus lots of talent. This short film is absolutely awesome, to say the least. Visually, it is arresting. Making even Optimus Prime a bit jealous for not getting this treatment. For a super short film, it packs in a lot of action; blown up buildings, people running around screaming, rockets launching, oh, and did I mention giant robots?

Davy Long: Babies (Side A)

Downtempo folk acoustic group, Davy Long, brings in sleepy lullabies in "Babies." This acoustic, folk pop album is filled with quiet, lofi tracks with a touch of psychedelia. For the band's first official album, it seems to be treading on the right path. Davy Long compiles music that's ambient, delicate and a bit eclectic. It serves as the perfect mood setter for a lazy, gloomy morning.

Escape from the Underworld

Ever wonder what it would be like if you were a heavenly being- all powerful and awesome- and you suddenly got thrown out of heaven to wallow in your misery in the underworld? Of course, you're first plan of action would be to build up your army and get revenge, right? Play Escape from the Underworld and you won't have to keep wondering anymore. This 30 minute platformer game has been getting quite the feedback in reviews. Not only does it feature a pretty cool storyline (Lucifer's biopic, is what I like to call it) but it does this with a kick-ass soundtrack and fun graphics. Created by Banov for a showdown in IndieKombat against fellow indie game developer Andrew Brophy. This is one short but amazingly cool game.