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Big Big Plans: Everything You’re Hiding

Big Big Plans' debut album, Everything You're Hiding, reveals all the secrets and fears lurking in our closets. Independently released last April of 2011, this musical venture boasts 11 powerful tracks that are teeming with raw and youthful energy. Hailing from West Chester, PA, this three-piece band of Eric Reavey, Alex Miller and Collin Wash purveys a style and sound that's alternative and pop-rock driven.

Backbeat Soundsystem: One Step Forward

Backbeat Soundsystem's latest artistic venture, One Step Forward, is more than just music. It's a euphoria of the mind. Hailing from Cornish, St. Austell, this 8-piece band offers traditional reggae music splashed with a steady dose of party sounds. They have only been formed for a short time but have already made their spot on the Cornwall music scene and other festival circuits across the UK.

Chasing Mars: EP

There's a new comer in cool indie camp and it seems like their ready to stay for a while. Just like it's galactic-sounding name, Chasing Mars' new EP offers an out-of-this-world musical experience in rich proportions. Hailing from Chicago, the band is composed of Neven Armic, Sean Goes, Sam Brown and Justin Schmidt. Describing their sound as the bastard love child of The Flaming Lips, Radiohead and Coldplay, this independent group will conveniently fill any electro-rock void.

The Revelations feat. Tre Williams: It’s That Time Of Year

Today is the day of last minute free and amazing Christmas music that you can rock to this Holiday season and there is no better way than to hit it off with The Revelations feat. Tre Williams. Their holiday tribute, It's That Time Of Year, comes filled with four gorgeous tracks ready to put you in the right mood. Part R'n'B, part blues, with just a touch of soulful beats it is really a wonderful treat for anyone looking for something more than the holiday hits we have been hearing on the radio for the past month.

Singing In The Abbey: Winter Demos 2011

On their Facebook page, Chicago band Singing In The Abbey describe their sound as Thom Yorke meets Julie Andrews. I can see where they are coming from. On Winter Demos there is a dramatic theatrical flair that is balanced by the strings and indie pop structure. Annie Higgins plays piano and sings; she has put this band together centered around her piano and songs and is joined by Donna Milleron on cello and vocals, Katie Cooperon on violin and vocals and the lone guy, Jason Toth on percussion.

Cassis Orange – Cassis Orange EP

Cassis Orange is a one woman ectro-pop act by North Carolina native Autumn Ethinger. She lived in Japan for a while hence the name Cassies Orange which is an Japanese alcoholic drink. Cassis Orange EP is hook laden pop sung in a straight forward manner. She uses a plain synth and drum machine that may seem cheesy were it not for her strong vocals and songwriting. There's a certain charm to how it goes together. Casssis Orange is on North Carolina based label Grip Tapes that has quite a few acts worth checking out.

Mutts – The Tells Of Parallels

The Mutts play a unique version of the blues that centers around the bottom end of Bob Buckstaff on bass, Chris Faller on Drums and Mike Maimone on keys and rasping and roaring vocals. Tells Of Parallels is Mutts third EP and finds this very tight band stretching their brand of the blues to incorporate more experimental elements that takes them away from the blues and into their own musical territory. Mike's vocals are reminiscent of Tom Waits but louder and with a more aggressive delivery. This Chicago based trio deliver a unique EP.

Declan de Barra – Fragments, Footprints and the Forgotten

Have you ever wondered what you might get if you crossed Johnny Cash with Nick Cave? I bet the result would sound quite a bit like Declan de Barra. Not only does he tell his song narratives similar to Nick and Johnny, but he can sound similar to each one at different times on this brooding album that goes by the name Fragments, Footprint, and the Forgotten. Born and raised in Ireland, Declan has recently moved to Los Angeles. He record his first three albums in Ireland and it will be interesting to see how his move here affects his music.

Suns: The Howl and The Many

The most distinguishable thing about listening to The Howl and The Many is the thunderous rumble when the toms are played. It's actually two drummers, Clinton Weber and Chris Pagnani who use mallets through a good chunk of the songs. Mikey Russell sings lead vocals as a sing along at times. Nick Enderle's guitar is sometimes sparse and sometimes deafening. Matt Lemke is a jack of all trades playing rhodes, magnus, harmonium, synth, guitar. Kody Nixon plays bass and banjo. There is also mandolin, a violin bow on a guitar and clarinet to round out Suns orchestra.