Vandal?Vandal!: Demos

 

Demos is the debut EP from Missouri post-punk trio Vandal?Vandal! The three tracks are a testament to the enduring nature of garage music. Edgy, in your face and with raw production, Demos shows influences from Jay Reatard to DIIV. Vandal?Vandal! have delivered an EP that is everything one could want from the genre. This is a strong debut and makes one yearn for more. Stream and download Demos at the link below.

 



The Watermark High: In Flux EP

 

In Flux is the new EP from FZB favorite The Watermark High, aka South African producer/artist Paul van der Walt. The four tracks feature nice piano lines framed with glitchy synths and ambient textures. The beats favor a more dubstep like vibe and the whole EP is an upbeat enjoyable foray into IDM. The EP shows continued growth by the artist since the Slow Motion Clarity EP reviewed earlier this year. Stream and download In Flux at the link below.

 

Good Weather For An Airstrike: Lights

 

As we hinted at in his EP review a couple weeks ago, today marks the release of Lights, the new album from Good Weather For An Airstrike, aka post-rock artist Tom Honey. The eight tracks flow through an ambient landscape of atmosheric synths and melodic guitars. The lush passages swell and diminish like waves of emotion across the psyche. Orchestral in feel, yet intimate in nature, Lights is a beautiful work that will touch the listener in a personal way. Stream and buy Lights at the link below.

 



Cosmic Birds: Chronicles Of The Windwar

 

This week marked the release of Chronicles Of The Windwar, the new album from Spanish dreampop band Cosmic Birds. Long a FZB favorite, Cosmic Birds continue to deliver stirring and intimate records. The thirteen tracks have an epic quality to them, while still being very personal in both arrangement and lyrics. Sterling production and flawless performance brings it all together. This is one of our favorite albums of the year. Stream and buy Chronicles Of The Windwar at the link below.

 

Stalagmites: Be An Animal

 

After two singles, UK shoegazers Stalagmites have released their debut EP, Be An Animal. Drawing from the rich post-punk influences of bands ranging from Echo and the Bunnymen to Interpol, Stalagmites craft a sound that is both melodic and edgy. The four tracks leap out at you with dynamic arrangments, visceral guitar lines, perfectly placed vocals and engaging lyrics. This is a band that is growing with every release. Stream and download Be An Animal at the link below.

 



Concert Review: araabMUZIK & Sleigh Bells, The Granada Theater, Lawrence KS

Last night the powerhouse tour featuring araabMUZIK and Sleigh Bells blasted the roof right off of the Granada Theater.  First up was AraabMuzik, aka Abraham Orellana. AraabMUZIK is the premier beat maker in Hip Hop right now and may well be the best ever. Seeing his mastery of the MPC 2500 live is an un paralleled experience.  One is immediately struck by the intence focus he maintains to deliver his performance. So much so, that he relys on a sidekick MC to extol the crowd and provide personal interaction with it. To say he is a man possessed of virtuoso manual dexterity would be a gross understatement. The music arabMUZIK produces through the physical manipulation of the MPC pads is breathtaking. If you ever have a chance to see this artist live take it.

Headlining the show was Sleigh Bells, the duo of Alexis Krauss and Derek Miller. Now expanded to a trio with the addition of a second guitarist for live shows, Sleigh Bells is one of the most original bands ever to grace rock n roll. Defying genres, they mix pop vocals, hardcore guitars and hip hop beats into a compelling lo-fi musical mix. Live, they make the energy of a full on punk concert pale in comparison. Krauss takes complete command of the stage with her physical presence, while bombastic guitars explode all around her. Since first hearing the demo of Ring Ring (what became Rill Rill on their debut Treats) this is a band that I have wanted to see live. They did not disappoint, running through a set that included all of their many now instantly recognizable songs. They took the crowd by the throat and never let go.  The pairing of araabMUZIK and Sleigh Bells together on tour was surprising when first announced, but seeing how well the two acts complimented each other, it is now obvious why this choice was made. This is a tour that is a must see if you get the chance.

Xambuca: カムィ

 

カムィ is the new album from experimental group Xambuca. Conjuring a heavy avant garde classical aesthetic, Xambuca mine unique sounds and textures to create music that is true to the tonal poem ethos. Emotions interplay as the layers of sound rise and fall through the course of thirteen tracks. Atmospheric, lush, dark, light, gutteral, embracing are all apt descripters for the music that lies within this masterful work. Stream and download カムィ for free at the link below.

 



Coming: FZB Top 20 of 2012, Your Page Views Determine Who Makes It

On December 27 & 28, we will unveil the Floorshime Zipper Boots Top 20 Albums of 2012. It is your page views that determine who makes our list. This year's list is shaping up to be a stellar group of artists, who have given us superlative music in 2012. Make sure you support your favorites and get your page views in over the next two months. Then check out the blog on Thursday, December 27th for #20 - # 11 and then on Friday, December 28th for #10 - #1.

Need A Name: What You Were, What I've become

 

What You Were, What I've Become is the new album from Italy's Need A Name, aka Dario Lupo. The ten tracks are electronic masterpieces with glitchy textures, ambient vibes and an IDM aesthetic. Crisp production and imaginative beats make this an album that transcends mere electronic mortality. Lupo is a producer of rare talent with an ear for moving electronic music beyond itself. Stream and buy What You Were, What I've Become at the link below.

 



Good Weather for an Airstrike: This Is As Good A Place As Any

 

This Is As Good A Place As Any is the latest release from UK post-rock artist Good Weather for an Airstrike, aka Tom Honey. The three track EP is a warm and sensual stroll through ambient fields. Lush with texture and orchestral in tone, the EP presents beautiful sonic imagery. Honey has a new album, Lights, coming our in a couple of weeks, so watch for a review here. Stream and download This Is As Good A Place As Any at the link below.

 



Christian Hansen: C'mon Arizona

 

C'mon Arizona is the latest album from Toronto indie rockers, Christian Hansen. The eleven tracks are the kind of polished indie rock that radio loves. Rather than be totally lamestream though, C'mon Arizona has an energetic pop feel that ranges from 80's synth vibes to post-punk aesthetics. Crisp production, tight performances and imaginative vocals cap an album that is better with every listen. This one is another must have. Stream and buy C'mon Arizona at the link below.

 



Flagfall: Flagfall

 

Sydney, Australia blues rockers Falgfall have released their debut self-titled EP. Originality is hard to find in indie rock, but this is exactly what you will find with the Flagfall EP. Imagine putting Alicia Keys, The Ben Folds Five and The Black Keys into a blender, then adding a dash of Kanye West and you will have some idea of the vibe delivered by Flagfall. This four track EP moves effortlessly through styles to deliver a tight, soulful and compelling first look at a band that is destined to make waves. Stream and buy the Flagfall EP ast the link below.

 



J. Francis: Almost

 

Almost is the debut EP from Brisbane, Australia artist J. Francis. The five tracks are an atmospheric journey into dreampop goodness. Ambient textures, understated beats and vocals pushed back with reverb give the EP an airy, distant feel. Like a nice sorbet cleanses the pallet, Francis cleanses the mind with peaceful vibes and lush instrumentals. Understated production perfectly complements the overall feel of the EP. Stream and download Almost for free at the link below.

 



Blackfeet Braves: Blackfeet Braves

 

Blackfeet Braves is the self-titled debut album from this LA based garage quartet. The twelve tracks are bathed in psychedelic lights, with a decidedly surf vibe. Twangy and reverby, Blackfeet Braves also have a great retro feel and their harmonies immediately recall the Everly Brothers. That's heady company. This is a thoroughly enjoyable and worthy debut. Stream and buy Blackfeet Braves at the link below.

 



Epithets: A New Tradition

 

A New Tradition is the latest EP from Australian post-punk band Epithets. The four tracks are rooted in strong pop song stylings and benefit from crisp production. Flowing guitar lines, a lead vocal that is immediately familiar and compelling, and overall arrangements that are thoroughly engaging mark this fine EP as a must have. Stream and download A New Tradition at the link below.

 



Post Human Era: Help, I Invented The Internet

 

Help, I Invented The Internet is the new EP from Los Angeles synthpop artist Post Human Era, aka producer Daniel Finfer. The seven tracks are stylistically similar to The Postal Service and Owl City, but stand on their own as a crisp, engaging work of synthpop. Expertly written, arranged and produced, Post Human Era shows that there is still compelling music to be made in the genre. This one is a must have. Stream and download Help, I Invented The Internet at the link below.

 

The Caretakers: Love, War + Propaganda

 

Love, War + Propaganda is the sophomore release from Hamilton, Ontario due The Caretakers. Blending elements from indie, folk, blues and Americana, the 13 tracks are crisply produced and perfectly performed. The Caretakers envoke a heavy 70's aesthetic both musically and lyrically, with an ever present counter culture message of peace and love. Get back to the scene. Stream and buy Love, War + Propaganda at the link below.

 



LoOmis: A Beautiful Coincidence

 

San Francisco dreampop artist LoOmis, aka Patrick Bailey, is back with the stunning new album, A Beautiful Coincidence. Breathtaking and atmospheric, the ten tracks soar overhead transporting the listener to a transcendental musical space. Flawlessly written and performed, with sterling production, LoOmis delivers yet another masterful work. Stream and buy A Beautiful Coincidence at the link below.

 



Cosmonauts: Lazerbeam EP

 

FZB favorites and perennial Top 20 band Cosmonauts are back with a new EP, Lazerbeam. Packed with all the garage goodness one could ever hope for, the four tracks take you to the edge of the reverb abyss, and then pushes you off. This band consistently hits the mark with a sound that defines what garage music should be. Lazerbeam is an immaculate work edgy and sharp rock. The EP (as are all of Cosmonauts releases) is a must have. Stream and buy Lazerbeam at the link below.

 



Warm Speakers: Worry Not Lonely

 

Worry Not Lonely is the debut full length from Brooklyn synthpop artist Warm Speakers, aka Patrick Berlinquette. Lush, ambient and atmospheric, the eleven tracks weave their way through modern chillwave and dreampop influences, to 80's R&B stylings. Expertly written, performed and produced, the album shows Warm Speakers' continued growth as an artist and producer. This is a must have for everyone's electronic collection. Stream and download Worry Not Lonely at the link below.

 



The Dirty Nil: Little Metal Baby Fist

 

Little Metal Baby Fist is the latest release from Hamilton, Ontario grunge rockers The Dirty Nil. The EP features two original tracks and a cover of David Bowie's Moonage Daydream. The Dirty Nil are raw, in your face rock. They call to mind artists like Ty Segall and Jay Reatard. You know, bands that are no compromise and scare David Letterman. In other words, everything that is true and right in rock music. Get off your arse...stream and download Little Metal Baby Fist at the link below.

 



Flies On You: Nothing To Write Home About

 

Nothing To Write Home About is the debut album from Leeds, UK post-punk band Flies On You. Comprised of Doug Aikman and Andrew Watkins, Flies On You makes music that channels influences from the Hold Steady to The Clash. Dark and edgy, the eighteen tracks have a compelling vibe that engages one deep into the music and message. Flies On You turn their influences into a truly unique sound and succeed as one of the most interesting post-punk bands we've heard in a long time. Stream and buy Nothing To Write Home About at the link below.

 



The Kingston Springs: The Kingston Springs

 

Tennessee indie rockers The Kingston Springs have released their self-titled debut LP. Blending together a generous helping of blues with a post punk vibe, The Kingston Springs hits it right on the head. Edgy, exciting and heavy, the eleven tracks are the perfect fall diversion. Strong performances, strong vocals and crisp production make for a perfect presentation of great songs. Stream and buy The Kingston Springs at the link below.



Mod Gun: Clover

 

FZB favorite Mod Gun is back with a new track, Clover. This is a preview of their next album No Beaches, which is in the works. Clover is heavy, without losing Mod Gun's power pop sensibility. The track is well produced and has a bit of a rock anthem feel to it. Crisp vocals and fine musicicanship frame things nicely. Can't wait to hear the whole album. Stream Clover at the link below.

 



Lake Radio: Hypoxia

 

FZB favorite and 2012 Top 10 So Far artist Lake Radio, aka Caden Moore, is back with the huge, epic 49 track masterpiece Hypoxia. Stirring, ambitious and gripping, Lake Radio know exactly how to build a musical equivalent of the novel you can't put down. Hypoxia draws you in deep and then transports you to worlds unimagined. This is an important work that you need to have. Stream and Download Hypoxia at the link below.