Baron Von Luxxury: The Last Seduction

The Last Seduction is the latest album from L.A. artist/producer Baron Von Luxxury. The ten tracks are synthpop at its best. Hooky, melodic and danceable. The synth sounds are immaginatve, and the beats keep it moving, while the vocals bring it all together. One can hear influences that range from Electric Light Orchestra, to Human League, to New Order. This album is strong on every tracks and is tailor made for indie radio. Stream and download The Last Seduction at the link below.

Germany Germany: Departure/Disconnect

After a several month hiatus, Canadian synthpop artist Germany Germany, aka Drew Harris, is back with two new tracks Departure/Disconnect. These are advance tracks for his new album, Blank Mind Empty Heart, that is due sometime in early summer. The two tracks continue Germany Germany's use of beautiful melodic lines, lush synth pads and atmospheric vocals. If these two tracks are any indication, the album should be terrific. Stream and download Departure/Disconnect for free at the link below.



Yalls: Fantasy 7"

The Fantasy 7" is the latest release from Berkeley ambient pop artist Yalls, aka Dan Casey. The EP features three original tracks plus 3 remixes of two of those tracks. The tracks are poppy, hooky and fun. With energetic synth and keyboard lines tied to stirring beats. A somewhat lo-fi aesthetic frames the tracks.  This is not your usual chill music, but is more a blending of freak folk with electronic instuments and a dose steroids. Cool stuff. Stream and download the Fantasy 7" at the link below.



Boy Friend: Egyptian Wrinkle

Egyptian Wrinkle is the new album from Austin based Boy Friend, aka Christa Palazzolo & Sarah Brown. The duo have made two tracks, Bad Dreams and the title track Egyptian Wrinkle,  available for preview from the 10 track album. This strategy is, at best, out of step with today's world of streaming and download. Far fewer people will order a complete album when they have heard only two tracks, but I digress. The tracks themselves are darkish, lo-fi, reverby dreampop. The melodies are haunting and draw the listener into a web of beautiful airy vocals. Minimal instrumentation and beats give more of an ambience than an actual accompaniment. It's the vocals that are the focus. The two tracks certainly leave one wanting more. Stream the two tracks and order Egyptian Wrinkle at the link below.

The All-About: Winterpop

Winterpop is the sophomore album from The All-About, otherwise know as Fairfield, CT artist Zac Coe. The 11 tracks are catchy and hooky indie pop. There is a familiar feel to the tracks, but at the same time I can't really point to a particuler band that The All-About sounds like. This is a cool quality and says, to me, that the tracks have tapped into a place that is comfortable for me. Think that listeners will also find this nice place from the music. On his Facebook site Coe says this is "dance music written and recorded by people who can't dance for people who can't dance." Gotta love it. Stream and download Winterpop for free at the link below.

[Physics]: Love Electrical

Love Electrical is the latest EP from synthpop artist [Physics]. In the spirit of full disclosure, I should say my day job is a physicist, so there is an immediate attraction to this artist. That said, the seven tracks serve up lush, atmospheric synths, with minimalist beats and ethereal textures. The music is complex yet accessible and catchy but not trite. The production if flawless and the musicality superb. Stream and buy Love Electrical at the link below.

 

Shimmering Stars: Violent Hearts

Violent Hearts is the latest EP from Vancouver garage rockers Shimmering Stars. The eight tracks have a retro feel and a lo-fi aesthetic. Twangy and catchy, with abundent hooks, Violent Hearts hits the mark with lush harmonies and 60's arrangements worthy of an appearance on Shindig! Retro rock doesn't get much better than this. Stream and buy Violent Hearts at the link below.

Sky Flying By: What's The Farthest You Can See

What's The Farthest You Can See is the latest album from Boston artist Sky Flying By. The eight instrumental tracks showcase this artist's great musical depth and virtuosity. Driving, ambient, orchestral and heavy are all apt descriptions of what is found on this album. The tracks feature expansive arrangements and crisp production. This is not the usual instrumental synthpop, but rather, one will find post-rock tracks that could be the very definition of the genre. Stream and buy What's The Farthest You Can See at the link below.

Summer Twins: The Good Things

The Good Things is the debut EP from California duo Summer Twins. Sisters Chelsea and Justine Brown create 6 tracks of lo-fi, garage tinged, dream pop. Twangy and at times heavy guitars frame delicate vocals and harmonies. The tracks are catchy and thoroughly enjoyable. The EP escapes the sameness of some dreampop with the garage influences and retro vibe. This is a very solid debut that holds promise for the future of Summer Twins. Stream and download The Good Things for free at the link below.

Twin Cabins: I'm Sure

I'm Sure is the new EP from San Diego shoegazers Twin Cabin. The EP is dreamy, twangy and catchy. The five tracks are slightly lo-fi, with nice reverby vocals and an overall fun feel.  Upbeat, with clean guitars and good hooks, I'm Sure is solid dream pop worthy of indie radio attention. The only complaint is that there is no info about how to either buy or download the EP. Twin Cabin, give your fans a way to add your music to their collections. Stream I'm Sure at the link below.

Still Blue Still Turning: Hurricanes

Hurricanes is the latest album from New York shoegazers Still Blue Still Turning, aka Ryan Brady & Ray Duer. The 12 tracks feature ambient textures, with lush atmospheric components that soar above the ordinary. Hurricanes is an immersive listening experience that takes one deep into the music, as the best tonal poems do. Sonic art is the true descripter of this immaginative and beautiful album. Stream and download Hurricanes for free at the link below.

Anakin: Random Accessed Memories

Random Accessed Memories is the debut album from Kansas alt rockers Anakin. Delivering everything one would expect from a Weezer influenced band, Random Accessed Memories serves up ten tracks of heavy, guitar driven pop songs, with light melodic vocals. Catchy and hooky, the album makes for good listening and has the commercial appeal to be very alt radio friendly. If, like me, it's been awhile since you gave some alt rock a listen, Anakin is a good place to start. Stream and buy Random Accessed Memories at the lnik below.

Silver Swans: Forever

Forever is the latest release from San Francisco shoegaze duo Silver Swans, aka Ann Yu & Jon Waters. The 11 tracks have a lo-fi aesthetic, with dreamy vocals and tasteful instrumentation. Dark and haunting, with an atmospheric feel, the synths and guitars perfectly frame the airy vocals. The songs are catchy, without lesseening the impact of their lush delivery. Stream and buy Forever at the link below.

Observer Drift: Colored My Heart Red EP

Colored My Heart Red is the debut EP from Minneapolis dreampop artist Observer Drift, aka Collin Ward. There have been a long line of bedroom DIY artists and yet the genre still manages to deliver new goodness at every turn. The Colored My Heart Red EP may well be my favorite debut since Youth Lagoon burst on the scene early last year. The seven tracks are lush and dreamy, with wonderful textures and vocals that channel many influences. This is an artist to watch. Stream and download the Colored My Heart Red EP at the link below.

Walk: Icebreaker

Icebreaker is the debut album from L.A. indie rockers Walk. Icebreaker is heavy, garage tinged alternative rock and so much more. The 10 tracks range from straight up rockers to synthy, acoustic ballads. Flawless production and stylistic vocals are framed by instrumental parts that are always enough and are never too much. Icebreaker is polished and mature, showing the class the band has acquired from their time together before making this record. Stream and download Icebreaker for free at the link below.

You And Others Around You: YAOAY EP

The YAOAY EP is the debut from London dreampop band You And Others Around You. The six tracks are catchy, driving, danceable and fun. YAOAY serves up twangy guitar riffs, minimalist synths and beats that make you want to move. The band ranges on YAOAY from synthpop to full on post-punk, never once failing to impress. This is just a great record, period. Stream and buy the YAOAY EP at the link below.

Young Jesus: Home

Home is the debut full length from Chicago, post-punk band Young Jesus. Right off, people will make a comparison to The National, both for vocalist John Rossiter's range and also stylistically for the band. OK then, there are similarities to The National, but there is also much more depth to Young Jesus than that. This band deserves to be taken on their own identity. The songs on Home are powerful, eloguent and moving. the bands plays every note like they mean it and the album makes a compelling statement for just how good a post-band can really be. Young Jesus are the real deal. Stream and download Home at the link below.

Gordon Withers: The Joy Formidable On Cello

OK, how about something completely different, The Joy Formidable On Cello. This is the latest album from master cellist Gordon Withers. Withers' interpretation of the Joy Formidable's material is a testament to his virtuosity. The album showcases suberb musicality, flawless arrangement and crisp production. The shear power of the performances will move the listener well beyond merely listening and into a true emotional experience with the music. This is a must have album for everyone. Stream and buy The Joy Formidable On Cello at the link below.

Nightlife: Radio EP

Radio is the latest EP from Ann Arbor synthpop duo Nightlife. Darin Rajabian and Caroline Myrick craft retro infused dream pop into thoroughly modern and enjoyable tracks. The production is sterling, with Caroline's lush voice framed by classy synth sounds and minimalist beats. The six tracks on this EP shine bright and showcase a duo that is destined to go far. Stream and buy Nightlife at the link below.

The Swerve: Wonder

Wonder is the debut EP from San Francisco electronic band The Swerve. This is one of the strongest debuts I've heard yet. Heavy, brooding and dark, with beautifully flowing passages and vocals that grab your soul. The musicianship is compelling and the whole of the four tracks point to a band that could become great. Get in on the ground floor with this one or be left out in the cold. Stream and buy the Wonder EP at the link below.

Papier Tigre: Afternoons, Live Video

Here's a nicely done video of Papier Tigre in a live performance of the track Afternoons which will appear on their album Recreation to be released March 1st.

Principe Valiente: Principe Valiente

Originality is not an easy thing to find in post-punk music, but original is the way to describe Principe Valiente. The self-titled debut album from these Stockholm based shoegazers is rich with imagery and energy. Darkish, haunting, beautiful and complex is what the listener will find. The shadings and textures are lush, the production distinct and the songs draw you into their being. This is a must have for your collection. Stream and buy Principe Valiente at the link below.