free ep

Tussie-Mussie: From Rough to Calm Seas

Claiming to write songs about girls, this indie pop group only lists "Jon" (Jon Torres) as its member. I guess good music doesn't really require much names as the band seems to have a knack for creating catchy indie folk pop cuts. From Rough to Calm Seas is the artists' latest effort. It's a short 4-track EP that's filled with pop music with a hint of surfer sound. Weezer, Pavement and The Beach Boys are some of the bands that have influenced their sound. Indeed, you'll hear this feel-good, sometimes quirky sound that most of the bands mentioned above are known for.

Existance: Miles Apart EP

Greeting 2012 with a free release, Cut Music is offering a brand new mini EP. Injecting a slightly new feel compared to their usual releases, Miles Apart EP from Existance, slightly exudes a more R&B electronic dubstep feel. This short 3-track compilation features smooth rhythms and hypnotic vocal samples. Although it's short, the tracks in the record are easily likable, thanks to skillful mixing and just a knack for creating some fine, easy-listening beats.

Wise Children: Absence & Reunion EP

If you have a soft spot for quiet, acoustic indie folk, it'll be hard to pass up on Wise Children's second release, Absence & Reunion EP. It's about a year old but definitely worth checking out especially for fans of songs that exude a folkish, indie vibe. Wise Children is actually a one-man band led by Robin Warren-Adamson. Hailing from the South Coast of England; he plays dreamy, melodic indie folk that's reminiscent of Iron & Wine and a slightly less somber, Damien Rice.

Everybody Left: Everybody Left

If you miss the good old days of the 90s when you put on the radio and hear 311 or the Red Hot Chili Peppers creating some funky tracks; you'll probably enjoy listening to Everybody Left. Describing their sound as post ska, reluctant reggae and Funk-Hop; the band sure knows how to throw down catchy beats that don't require much thought. This British Columbia group is composed of Stephen Chatterton, Eric "The Red" Wickman, Steve "Shaggy" Fissel, "Ad-Mac" Adam McIntyre, Steve "Saxman" Cowie and Martin Milbo Schoeps.

Yetis: Lightmares EP

Armed with guitars, sweet vocals and melodic r-acoustic vibes, Lightmares EP by the Yetis makes for good company on a quiet afternoon. The band is made up of Cameron Smith - guitars & vocals, Curtis Smith - bass & vocals, David Muratore - guitars & vocals, Jenna Smith - violin, glockenspiel & vocals andThomas Brett - drums, percussion & vocals. Their sound resonates with pop rock along with a Christian rock tinge. This EP first came out in March 2011 and is available at a pay-what-you-want option over at their BandCamp page.

The Belle Game: Inventing Letters EP

Making a name for themselves in the indie folk pop world, The Belle Game's music is tough to resist. In fact, their sound resonates with a familiarity, much like getting that comforting hug from an old friend. This Canadian crew have known each other for a long time. In fact, two of the members have been friends since they were 5 years old. With fate & circumstances guiding them to each other, the crew officially formed and created their first debut EP, Inventing Letters. This mini EP is about two years old but time hasn't diminished the band's capacity to enthrall its audience thanks to the lovely melodies and catchy laid-back beat they create.

Freakish Atlantic: Siren Songs

German band, Freakish Atlantic, specializes in mellow and dreamy electro indie pop that wraps around you like a comfortable hug on a cold winter morning. Filled with a fusion of electronica and folkish new wave, you wouldn't think to imagine that the entire EP was actually recorded right inside a bedroom one "rainy summer in 2011." Standing behind-the-scenes for the band are Berlin musicians, Marius Gutowski and Florian Sekula. Siren Songs is a 5 track compilation that can easily pass for a night capper or something you leave playing as you drift off to dreamland.

The District Attorneys: Waiting on the Calm Down, The Basement Sessions EP

Laid-back and charming, these two words can best described the sound of The District Attorneys. Waiting on the Calm Down: The Basement Sessions EP is a short compilation meant to introduce and haul in fans as they wait for the guys to release a full record. Consisting of a six-piece crew from Athens, GA; they first started back in 2009 playing their form of classic rock. From melodic rock ballads to uptempo indie surf rock affairs, you get a good mix from this little compilation. These boys know their way around music. From creating catchy hooks, tight lyrics and great instrument work, there's plenty of fun up ahead with this record.

Keep Tidy: Basement Mold EP

Keep Tidy is a Vancouver band that will satisfy your craving for hardcore, balls-on rock. With female-led vocals, the band reminds me of a cross between The Distillers and a very loud and uninhibited, Yeah Yeah Yeahs. They are made up of Brett, Dustin, Kyle and Shmoo; most of the members aren't new in the scene. They actually belonged to various other bands in the local Vancouver rock scene before coming together to create this fast paced, loud record that seems to be made up of nothing but a whirlwind of sound.