Alvin Purple: Huh Her

Alvin Purple is a shoegaze band from Leeds, UK and they have just released their second single Huh Her b/w Please Please. To date, the total recorded output for the band is four tracks spread over two releases. What they lack in output though, they make up for in quality. The two tracks are driving, bluesy, post-punk with lo-fi textures, great instrumentals and the superlative voice of Carly Humphries. This is a band that shows much promise for the future. Here's hoping we get a full length release soon. Much more music is needed from Alvin Purple. Stream and download Huh Her for free at the link below.

NanosauR: Afterglow

Afterglow is the latest album from FZB favorite NanosauR, aka Michael Solorzano. The 16 tracks continue Nanosaur's rise as a leader in the purveyance of chill music. The album is silky smooth, but with quirky samples showing Nanosaur's continued growth as a producer.  Minimalist beats, airy synths and an abundance of textures layer together to make a compelling listening experience. Stream and download Afterglow for free at the link below.

Mirrors: This Year, Next Year, Sometime...?



This Year, Next Year, Sometime...? is the debut from Brighton, UK electrorockers Mirrors. The seven tracks bathe in a myriad of influences from New Order to Human League, but what is most striking is the originality. Darkish, hooky and with a decidedly post-punk vibe. This Year, Next Year, Sometime...? is a debut that is seriously deserving of attention. I just like everything about this album. The songs are expertly crafted and the production is flawless. This is a must listen and a must have. Stream and buy This, Year, Next Year, Sometime...? at the link below.

Happy Particles: Under Sleeping Waves

Under Sleeping Waves is the debut album from Glasgow band Happy Particles. Upon first listen, one would make the inevitable comparison to Bon Iver or even Sigus Ros, however there is much more to Under Sleeping Waves. The ten tracks showcase a beautifully produced album, with rich vocals and superlative instrumentals. The ambient textures and flowing guitar lines carry the listener up to meet the vocals in a sensual marriage. This is an album that stands on its own and should be appreciated for its own strengths. Stream and buy Under Sleeping Waves at the link below.

Mood Rings: Sweater Weather Forever

Sweater Weather Forever is the debut EP from Atlanta indie band Mood Rings. Released last year, the four tracks shimmer with a retro dream pop feel. Jangly guitars, reverby vocals and an overall lo-fi vibe abounds, as one expects from the genre. While many bands have released records of this ilk, there is still room for new good ones and that is what we have with Mood Rings. They are very good at what they do and every track on the EP is solid and enjoyable. We understand that a full album is in the works and the band has posted a demo for that album to their Bandcamp site. The demo shows a darker, heavier side of the band and I look forward to hearing the full album. For now, stream and buy Sweater Weather Forever at the link below.

Evenings: Lately//LP

Charlottesville shoegazer Evenings, aka Nathan Broaddus, has released his debut full length, Lately//LP. Continuing his use of minimal beats and synths, Lately//LP is a collection of ten chill tracks. Imaginative, darkish at times, light and airy at others, Evenings makes chillwave that draws you in and satifies your ears. Lately//LP is a great way to start the day.  Stream and buy the Lately//LP at the link below.

Hollow Pigeons: Birthdays EP

Birthdays is the sophomore EP from toronto synthpop artist Hollow Pigeons, aka 16 year old (yes you read that right) Ryan Dela Cruz. The music produced by Hollow Pigeon is well beyond his years. This is chill, synthpop at its finest. Airy, shimmering and beautiful, Hollow Pigeons weaves a tapestry of laid back bliss, with minimalist beats, lush synth pads and haunting tonality. Stream and download the Birthdays EP for free at the link below.



Glass Kites: Glass Kites

Glass Kites is the self-titled debut album from this Vancouver quintet. Wielding  diverse influences ranging from Jazz to Radiohead to Yes, Glass Kites showcases a broad approach to the post-rock landscape. The album is filled with complex lines, ambient textures and songs that soar high above the mundane. This is progressive rock at its best. At once, heavy and dreamy, intricate yet accessible. Stream and download Glass Kites at the link below:

 

Tours: Stay

Stay is the debut EP from Philadelphia artist Tours. The four tracks on the EP are shoegazey and chill, with a slight lo-fi dance aesthetic. These predominately instrumental tracks have an open, atmospheric texture and the beats accent more than they drive. Minimal vocals are layered into the background as another instument rather than being a focus of the music.This is a promising debut and it will be interesting to see where this artist goes in the future and what a full length album will deliver. Stream and buy Stay athe link below.

The KVB: Always Then

Always Then, the latest album from UK post punk band The KVB, will be released on January 30th. Dark and foreboding, the advance track Captives leaps at you like a shadowy figure in an alley. Captives suggests influences of Human League and Gary Numan. Listen to the track Captives and pre-order Always Then at the link below.

 

M|O|O|N: Moon EP

The Moon EP is the debut from Boston based electronic artist M|O|O|N. The four tracks are sparse affairs, with prominent bass and beat, showing a maturity beyond M|O|O|N's teenage reality. The synth sounds are inventive invoking both retro and new textures. The Moon EP is guaranteed to transport you beyond your current winter environment. Stream and download the Moon EP at the link below.

Beat Culture: Tokyo Dreamer

Beat Culture, aka Sunik Kim (#17 on the FZB Top 20 of 2011), is back with his sophomore release, Tokyo Dreamer. Prolific and extremely talented, Tokyo Dreamer is a masterful work that dispatches any notion of a sophomore curse with its opening notes. Beat Culture is developing into a truly great synthpop artist and he is still only 18 years old. Tokyo Dreamer is a must have for any record collection and is another step in the development of what will likely be an artist of lasting impact. Stream and download Tokyo Dreamer for free at the link below.

Video: Beat Culture - Before You Go

Here's a video for the new Beat Culture track Before You Go, from his album Tokyo Dreamer being released Jan. 15. Watch for a review of the album on Monday.

Princesse: The City/Sunrise

The City/Sunrise is the debut work from French pop duo Princesse. Dedicated to all the girls that loved them and broke their hearts, the two tracks are beautiful and airy. Clean guitars, minimal synths and stylish vocals make these tracks come alive. Genre crossing and original, Princesse is the real deal and I am looking forward to a full album. Stream and download The City/Sunrise for free at the link below.



Blackbird Blackbird: New Leaf

It has been a couple of months since we had the new track Tear from San Francisco synthpop master Blackbird Blackbird, aka Mikey Maramag. Now we have another lone new track titled New Leaf. Maramag makes unparalled synthpop. Chill lines, imaginative melodies, sterling production, minimalist beats, all with space to breath. Blackbird Blackbird continues to be one of the best in the world. Let's hope for a full album soon. Stream and buy New Leaf at the link below.

Galway: Mria

Mria is the debut album from Moscow based dream pop quartet Galway. The 12 tracks weave an ethereal landscape of traditional guitar, bass and drums, with dense atmospheric vocals into a unique blend of chillwave, post-punk and dream pop. Eschewing the synth/beat based music that has defined chillwave, Galway gives us a record that transcends the space between genres, with more sonic depth and variety. This is a fine debut effort and leaves one wanting to see where this band will go in the future. Stream and download Mria at the link below.

Video: Blonds - Kite (Acoustic)

Here's a cute new video of Blonds featuring an acoustic version of their track Kite. Shot & Directed by Adam Badlotto with additional footage shot by Elise Raffa.

Among Millions: Circles to Squares

Josh Doherty of FZB Top 20 of 2011, #2 rated Dress Rehearsal is back with yet another great band, Among Millions. Their debut EP Circles to Squares is a testament to just how good indie folk can be. Canada has given us many great acoustic acts and Among Millions can be counted (pun intended) among them. The five tracks are musically and vocally compelling, feature first class songwriting and the production is crisp and clear. Debuts don't get much better than this. Stream and buy Circles to Squares at the link below.

Video: Pinemarten - Here It Is

Here's a video for the Pinemarten track Here It Is to go with the review of his new EP by the same name below.

Pinemarten: Here It Is

Here It Is is the new EP from UK electronic musician Pinemarten. The EP features three tracks of dreamy, chill, synthpop. Pinemarten has a light, airy feel to his music, strong at times but never overpowering. Lush pads blend effortlessly with understated beats and layers of vocals. The track I'm Trying is a standout and would make a strong single. Pinemarten continues to impress with every release. Stream and download Here It Is for free at the link below.

God Bows To Math: God Bows To Math

Sometimes you just want to turn the music up real loud and upset the neighbors. There is no better band for this than God Bows To Math. This New Zealand post-hardcore band takes noise rock to new levels. Harsh, in your face and edgy, yet with melodic passages showing through. I just like everything about this band, nuff said. Get up off your arses and listen to God Bows To Math. Stream and buy their self-titled album at the link below.

Napo: Noelleon

Discovering music off the beaten path is always fun and Lithuania is pretty far off the path. Napo is Lithuanian artist Leonas Rėčkus and his latest EP Noelleon is three tracks of dense, atmospheric electronic art. Masterful synths, minimalist beats, chill influences and touches of noise build to tracks that rush through you like a train missing a station.  Napo makes music that is unique yet familiar, but not falling to convention. Discover Noelleon for yourself, good music is out there everywhere. Stream and download Noelleon for free at the link below.

Similar Objects: Jung

A new year means new music from prolific Manila based artist and master beat maker Similar Objects. Jung is a present for Similar Objects' fans by way of being a Bandcamp exclusive for free download. Jung features old beats, new ideas and more of Similar Objects terrific instrumental electronic music. Ambient and chill, with flourishes of trip hop and IDM, Jung continues Similar Objects' run of eminently listenable and enjoyable albums. Stream and download Jung for free at the link below.

Grandpa Was A Lion: Mona Lisa Apple

Mona Lisa Apple is the new EP from Brooklyn artist Grandpa Was A Lion. On the EP Justin D'Onofrio continues his use of stylish layers of acoustic guitars and poignant electric flourishes, all augmented by lush synths. Dreamy and dark with otherworldly vocals, Mona Lisa Apple is a study in restraint. Rather than minimalist, this EP effectively showcases how the use of relatively few parts can create a whole that is transcendent in its beauty. Stream and download Mona Lisa Aplle at the link below.

The Burning Leaves: Calling EP

The Calling EP is the latest release from UK  folk duo The Burning Leaves, othewise known as Indie Mae & Craig Lee-Williams. The five tracks are hauntuing acoustic ballads that go just right with a grey January day. Lee-Williams' guitar is the perfect frame for Indie Mae's light and airy vocals, accented with beautiful harmonic touches. Calling is a wonderful listening experience to start the new year with. Stream and buy the Calling EP at the link below.