free album

15 Minutes

If you're a big fan of Jack Bauer and his exploits, then you might want to try out 15 Minutes. This cool game is a humorous take on the hit action TV show, 24. The game was created by Tim Hengeveld, an animator, storyteller, game developer and artist all in one. It was created especially for the MAGS monthly AGS competition. The competition is open to all amateur game developers. Participants have to create a game under one month and following the rules set by the previous winner of the competition. Even though the game is a bit short, it's certainly entertaining and lots of fun. Check it out.

Lenin/McCarthy: ART

If the name didn't capture your attention first, then maybe their music will make a better impression. Lenin/McCarthy and their latest record, titled ART; combine amusing song titles with equally entertaining sounds. Listening to the band is like a form of release. There's the hardcore guitar licks, the loud drumming, the slightly low key, yet growly vocals and the overall catchiness of the tracks. It's like partying and rocking out with your favorite band while they play one feet away from you in a cramped room. These OZ natives are sure to give you enough of a good time that you'll be wondering when again will you be stuck in a tight, cramped room with a rock band.

Frozen Geese: The Starseed

Frozen Geese is made up of instrumentalists, Dave Lazonby and Graham Baily. Hailing from Leeds, UK, the duo is bent in energizing their listeners with their brand of psychedelic electronic rock. Their sound is both rough and smooth at the same time; providing listeners with a real treat for their senses. The Starseed is their first full record and was released in cassette only back in 2010. It might be weird and unusual to release their compilation in a format that's considered obsolete by many. Luckily, the duo couldn't stop the buzz around their music. They've finally made the record available as a digital download giving plenty of online music lovers a chance to hear this amazing album.

My Foolish Heart: Sootiness, Sonsy Girl

My Foolish Heart is a beautiful acoustic, alternative pop rock duo that was initially formed back in 2007. They started out doing covers of anything from Buddy Holly to Britney's Toxic and now they've finally branched out to release their own tracks. Sootiness, Sonsy Girl is their latest compilation. It's a beautiful mixture of melodies, acoustic guitars, vocal harmonies that's intertwined with a reflective, laid-back mood. Most of the songs were recorded with as minimal use of technology as possible. Opting instead for a cleaner, more raw performance by playing instruments that resound with an orchestra feel rather than electronics. Certainly, a nice album to retreat to.

Clownage: Premiers Maux

Clownage is a four piece high energy indie rock band from Paris, France. Their sound touches on Muse's arena rock formula but creates it's own identity with their incorporation of the melody into every song. Lead singer/guitarist Jérôme Litré-Froment has a strong voice that has a good amount of range and an impassioned delivery in both French and English lyrics. Guitarist Louis Teran, bassist Olivier Crescence, and drummer Jérôme Ceva all make a concerted attempt to change up the sounds and timing that make for an album of memorable and hummable songs.

Dust River: Permanent Crisis

Listening to Dust River is like suffering through a 90s de'javu. If you didn't know better, you could easily mistake this French band for a popular, now-defunct grunge genius band named, Nirvana. The only real giveaway is the French sounding vocals as opposed to the garbled words of Cobain. Nevertheless, Permanent Crisis reflects a moody, grunge sound that's reminiscent of the movement when it first came out. The songs feature prominent jangly guitars, a rockin' vibe and plenty of attitude. This is the first EP from the group and so far, they're still trying to shape their sound. It's a pretty good effort though. One that certainly deserves to be heard. Give it a listen.

Jumy: Every day is the First Day

This set is a collection of acoustic folk pop songs from Frenchman, jumy. Every Day is the First Day mixes masterful guitar strumming with southern harmonica and some peppy tune. It reminds me of a quiet summer getaway where you just sit down with friends, sing along and play guitar. Nice relaxing sounds. This the second release from the artist. His first album, de bric et de broc, is also a compilation of folk pop songs played in his beautifully embellished guitar and recorded in his makeshift home studio. The album is available as a free download on Jamendo and licensed under a creative commons license.

John Vanderslice: Green Grow The Rushes

John Vanderslice is an American singer/songwriter that has quite a repertoire. He's been in various bands starting from the 1990s. Ever since he decided to take the solo flight, he's released a great number of albums and singles. Some of which are available for free download, like this one. Green Grow The Rushes is a 6-track mini compilation that's packed with upbeat, whimsical folk pop songs. It's a beautiful record that's a bit more reflective and personal compared to his other works. Since his first solo debut, Mass Suicide Occult Figurines, where he gained some attention for one single, Bill Gates Must Die; the singer has moved on to other topics. He still has that spark though. His songs are infused with a certain enigma that most musicians simply cannot find. Take a listen.

Weed Hounds: Demo

Weed Hounds is a four piece crew that create beautiful shoegaze, indie alternative, surfer rock music. Led by the sweet-voiced female lead, Laura Catalano; the group creates upbeat cuts that make you want to sit back in a cozy afternoon riding your bike around your neighborhood. She's joined by equally talented bandmates, Nicholas Rice, Patrick Stankard, and Keith Pilson. Containing four upbeat and lively songs, this demo was immediately followed up with the release of a  single as well as a split 7" with the band Dude Japan. This New York four piece is certainly worth watching out for.