free music

Shearer: Monument

The underrated pop-punk band, ‘Shearer’ have literally forged an album that is deserving of a Monumental status... Alright, this statement may be parabolic to an extent; nevertheless, ‘Monument’ is still exceedingly addictive and wholehearted. ‘Shearer’ have endowed this album with a sound comparable to that of pop-punk band, ‘The Lost Profits’ and this vibe is most observable in the similarities between vocalists and guitar tone. In saying this, ‘Monument’ demonstrates a happier mood and reflects the bands nature, in not taking themselves too seriously. This nature is further reinforced through their self-proclaimed influences of: ‘Jaegermeister, cheap polish cigarettes and table water’. Instrumentally, this band reminds me of ‘Millencolin’. Generally, this is due to a common use of cheeky, generic and ‘bouncy’ simplistic verses in which lead to texturally thick and climactic choruses. These are often fashioned through an extreme contrast in dynamics and an addition of harmonic and sometimes multiple backing vocals. Additionally, vocal lines in which intertwine with the dominant voiced melody are also regularly used to enhance this contrast.

The Wind Whistles: Animals Are People Too

The Wind Whistles is an amazing indie folk pop duo from Canada comes out with their sweet and dreamy second release, Animals are People Too, under indie netlabel, aaahh records. Known for catering to artists that create great acoustic folk pop, sure enough this duo falls under the same category. With their melodic acoustic guitar, poppy chants and harmonic vocals, this album is filled with luscious, soothing sounds that will take you away into some beautiful poppy field and leave you basking under the warm glow of the sun. Definitely an album you can't miss out if you love aaahh records' roster.

Alex Bailey: The Four Seasons

I could've sworn Alex Bailey was simply Damien Rice in disguise! Of course, I was wrong. This talented singer creates beautiful acoustic folk pop music that's meshed with a tinge of classical. If you ever enjoyed downtempo, moody music like Damien Rice's, then this album is definitely right up your alley. Sometimes the similarities are a little too uncanny, but there's no doubt it's still great music. Definitely an artist worth checking out as long as you appreciate acoustic folk pop.

Tyler Walker: Spacefaring Male

Spacefaring Male, an album produced and mixed by Tyler Walker, is the marriage in music by sophisticated jazz and funky geek sounds. There is undeniable harmony in this union although there are a few off (tolerable) moments every now and then. The image in the album cover says it all: a man with a glass of olive cocktail and suited up for the outer space. It’s not a mix that you see daily, but it’s interesting enough for you to take a look and check.

Dylan Rodrigue: Stars and Scars EP

Known for his vocal work on indie rock trio, The Shreds, Dylan Rodrigue tries his hand on solo work. Stars and Scars EP is a 4 track compilation filled with the characteristic sweet voice of Rodgue, coupled with indie folk guitar work and a slight rockish feel. The album showcases Rodigue's capability as a solo artist and features tracks ranging from indie rock to moody, quiet folk music. Perfect music for an afternoon escape.

Up To The Ground: White Noise

French folk indie pop rockers armed with acoustic guitars, snapping fingers and unison chanty vocals. Up To The Ground's White Noise is filled with 8 relaxing feel-good tracks that reminds you of The Shins in the New Slang intro, and if they had decidedly less high pitched vocals. This is quiet, moody, relaxing music at its best. Not too happy, not too melancholic, just the right touch from these simple French rockers.

Whalers

Fun indie pop rock that'll put a perfect cap to your summer. Chumming Around by Whalers is a feel good summer pop rock album that's definitely worth tripping to. Although the production quality is not that good, you can instantly tell just by listening to one track that these guys definitely have a gem up their sleeves. Hopefully, they'll take a cue and record a higher quality version and let us enjoy our last days of summer "chumming around."

Victori4: 21st Century Samurais

Swiss French rockers that don't sound European at all. Victori4 (can be read as Victoria or Victory Four) likes to describe their sound as cinematic indie rock. There's not much to disagree about that description since the band's songs definitely sound as if they belong in some indie rock film or TV show. It might be a stretch, but 21st Century Samurais have one of the best albums available for free in Jamendo. Their brand of indie alternative rock might not break boundaries but it is refreshing and awesome. Worth every penny if you buy the album on Itunes or Amazon too.

Andrew Lawrence Jackson: The Last Romantic

Andrew Lawrence Jackson’s "The Last Romantic" conveys quiet but subtly strong provocative emotions through the words and melody of each track. Not that Jackson has become predictable, but this album has all his usual overarching themes of life, love, and dreams. And then Jackson uses his own good vocals as a bonus element. The influence of the 80's electro beats is apparent in the album, as much as Jackson’s distinctive way of neatly expressing an otherwise messy pile up of thoughts and emotions in one’s over-analytical romantic head. Standouts in this album are “Your Dreams,” “Return To Love,” and “The Last Romantic” for its haunting melodies that linger in the air long after the song is over. That Jackson can put up a one-man show as singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist brings out the best in each track as he knows which instruments best highlight the subtle points of each song.