Fiat: Returns Bundle

 

Ever so rarely, there comes around a goup of artists who's unique vision breaks with all previous bounds. Such is the Kansas City based band Fiat. Blending jazz, classical, electronic and rock, Fiat challenge the listener with truly original music. Their originality also extends to their concept of releasing their music, where they call their releases bundles, rather than albums. Returns is their debut bundle and is a raw, improvisational journey through experimental music that everyone should embark on. Stream and download returns at the link below.

 



City and The Sea: Strange Feeling Video

Two years after their last release, Ontario rockers City and The Sea will be releasing their next EP titled Action Figures "soon." We have a video for the first single Strange Feeling. Check it out below.

Low Man: Low Man EP

 

Pittsburgh based garage band Low Man have released a new sel-f'titled EP. The six tracks blend influences from classic rock and blues with a post-punk aesthetic to create an EP of raw rock n roll. Sparsly recorded, with a slight lo-fi production quality, Low Man deliver an authentic rock EP harkening back to the days of live recording and rock with one purpose...to shake your head.  Stream and buy Low Man at the link below.

 



Lowercase Noises: Passage

 

FZB favorite Lowercase Noises releases a new EP today titled Passage. Lowercase Noises is the moniker of Albuquerque artist Andrew Othling. Once again, Othling has crafted a stunning musical journey out of his unique vision, that blends instruments such as banjo and harmonium into a modern post-rock record. On Passage, Lowercase Noises builds lush ambient layers to cradle melodic phrases, forming a truly beautiful musical experience. Othling is one of the most creative and visionary artists making indie music right now and should be included in everone's collection. Stream and buy Passage at the link below.

 

Tjaere+Fjer: II

 

II is the new EP from Berlin based artist/producer Tjaere+Fjer, aka Jens Christian Madsen. The six tracks are dense, heavy synthpop that bring a serious musicality to a genre that has been dominated by lighter, trivial music in recent years. II has a sonic darkness that is compelling, like a tense novel. Melodically complex tracks are paired with virtuostic performances to deliver an EP that demonstrates the power to be found in electropop music. Stream and buy II at the link below.

 



Tours: Okay EP

 

Okay is the new EP from FZB favorite Tours, aka electronic artist/producer Dylan Sieh. The four tracks continue Sieh's penchant for chillwave leaning electronica. Tours' music is melodic and ethereal, with sonic layers that range from atmospheric synth pads to 8-bit influenced lines. Tours is an artist that consistently delivers on the promise of innovative music. Stream and download Okay at the link below.

  



The Faults: Patients EP

 

After over a year, FZB favorite Australian garage duo, The Faults are back with a new EP, Patients. The wait was well worth it. The five tracks are a tight blend of blues influences and post-punk aesthetics. In a format dominated by the Black Keys and Japandroids, The Faults manage to carve out a powerful unique sound, with a lo-fi edge. The Faults serve up a dazzling EP that needs to be part of everyone's collection. Stream and buy Patients at the link below.

 



Prevrat: For You Video (NSFW)

Besides the FZB blog, we also have a record label, Russina Winter Records. Here's a video (NSFW) for the track For You by our artist Prevrat. Adapted fromn the experimental film Palindrome ++. Produced and Directed by Jorge Castro, aka Fisternni. For You will appear on the Symbols album, scheduled for release in March 2013.

For You (NSFW) from Prevrat on Vimeo.

Pile: Dripping

 

Dripping is the new album from Boston indie rockers Pile. Blending aspects of post-hardcore and grunge, with just a dash of pop styling, the ten tracks drive forward with an intensity that brings to mind a band like The Used. With vocals that instantly go from melodic crooning to in your face screaming and packed with fine guitar work, Pile have crafted a real winner. This album is classic in the sense that it is timeless, representing excellent rock and roll and not a period or genre specifically. Stream and buy Dripping at the link below.

 



Jacob Faurholt: Geek Love is the Best Love

 

Berlin based Jacob Faurholt is one of FZB favorite artists in the world. Whether it be his solo singer songwriter stuff, his persona as Crystal Shipsss, or the artists he produces on his Raw Onion Records, Faurholt is a prolific and gifted individual. His latest EP, Geek Love is the Best Love, is another fine example of a talent that cannot be contained. The six tracks showcase Faurholt as a troubador delivering folk influenced songs with classic messages of life. This is another must have for everyone's collection. Stream and download Geek Love is the Best Love for free at the link below.

 



The Sea Life: In Basements

 

In Basements is the debut full length from FZB favorites The Sea Life. Fuzzy and introspective, The Sea Life follow two EP's with 10 tracks of dream pop that isn't afraid to have some edge. With an atmospheric sonic overlay, In Basements sees the band stretching more musically than on their previous EP's. This musical growth manifests itself in an album of superlative style. Stream and download In Basements at the link below.

 



Prince Moondog: Green Walls

 



Green Walls b/w Telephone Song is the debut single from Bloomington, IN garage band Prince Moondog. The two tracks are reminiscent of early Ariel Pink, with a more pop driven Jay Reatard thrown in for good measure. Lo-fi and raw, these two pop songs exist in a place more California than Indiana. Prince Moondog has a full on retro vibe and psychedelic aesthetic. This is a solid debut and we look forward to their debut full length expected in early 2013. Stream and download Green Walls b/w Telephone Song at the link below.

 



Geronimo!: Exanimate

 

Exanimate is the sophomore full length from Chicago psych rockers Geronimo! The eight tracks are a heady blend of grunge, psychedelic and alt rock influences. What results is an album full of energy and raw exuberance. Exanimate has an appeal that transcends genres with sonic vibes that range from  the Police to Boston to Nirvana. This is not your everyday hard rock, but rather is an indication of how an alt rock band can meld styles to be relevant in today's world of pop, punk and synth dominated indie music. Stream and buy Exanimate at the link below.

 

Lambs Become Lions: Someone Else's Dream Video

Here is the cool new video for the track Someone Else's Dream from Lambs Become Lions latest EP Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose. The EP is reviewed below.

Lambs Become Lions: Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose

 

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose is the new EP from Canadian indie rock band  Lambs Become Lions. Featuring members from Alexisonfire andf Journey to Aspen, the band delivers six tracks of polished, radio ready indie rock. I've always felt that Canadian bands have a distinct musical identity that differs from bands hailing from other areas. That musical identity is evident on this EP. Diverse influences come together in a unique blend of pop rock that has epic moments. This is a band to watch. Stream Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose at the link below.

 

FZB Seeking Contributors

FZB is looking for contributors to help the blog continue to expand. Contributors needed for concert reviews, artist interviews, album reviews and commentary pieces. For consideration contact Ric at russianwinterrecords(at)gmail(dot)com.

Motel Beds: Dumb Gold

 

Today marks the release of Dumb Gold, the new album from FZB favorites Motel Beds. On the ten tracks Motel Beds serve up retro influenced lo-fi that has energy to spare. Their eigth release since 2009 is also Motel Beds best. Solid pop songs, with a decidedly garage feel, that at once grab your attention and don't let go. Stream and download Dumb Gold for free at the link below.

 



Four Visions: You & Me

 

You & Me is the debut EP from Brooklyn DIY artist/producer Four Visions, aka Daniel Abary. Darkish and atmospheric, the seven tracks occupy a space where happiness and melancholy exist in an uneasy balance. Lo-fi production and heavy reverb enhance the sonic mood, while understated beats establish a chill feel. Stream and download You & Me at the link below.




Branes: Perfection Condition

 

Perfection Condition is the debut full length from Los Angeles electropop duo Branes. The eight tracks channel influences from Human League, to Devo, to Kraftwerk. What emerges is upbeat electronic music with a decidedly retro vibe. Catchy and glitchy, the tracks come at you at breaknet speed, daring one to keep up with them as they meld darkish synth pads and inventive vocals into tracks that resemble short stories more than songs. This is just a cool album through and through. Stream and buy Perfection Condition at the link below.

 



The Bee's Knees: Explode

 

Explode is the debut EP from Brisbane, Australia garage rockers The Bee's Knees. The five tracks are an interesting mix of influences. Explode is fronted by raw vocals ala John Lydon, with the guitar having an unmistakable Cream influence and the bass right out of Krist Novoselic's play book. Together these influences serve up a compelling, dynamic and tight EP of bluesy rock and roll. Explode is a fine debut effort with a unique feel that is retro yet modern. Stream and buy Explode at the link below.



Love and Radiation: Ganymede

 

FZB favorites and #5 artists on our mid-year Top 20 of 2012 So Far, Love and Radiation are back with the new track Ganymede. The Chicago synthpop duo of Lakshmi Ramgopal and Adele Nicholas continue their impressive mastery of haunting and beautiful dance pop. Ganymede, an advance track from their coming full length, soars with atmospheric vocals and signature synth pads that sets a high standard for the music. Love and Radiation are one of our favorite artists and our pick for much wider recognition. Stream and download Ganymede for free at the link below.
 

Drunk Mums: Drunk Mums

 

Drunk Mums is the self-titled debut full length from the Melbourne garage band. With a sound that shows influences from the The Sex Pistols to Ty Segall, Drunk Mums channels a vibe that is both raw and polished through eleven tracks. This is not your usual semi-competent punk band. Drunk Mums bring sterling musicianship, song styling and production to deliver a thorougly authentic punk record. This is a band that has all the earmarks of making a big impact on the genre and is a must have for any music collection. Stream and buy Drunk Mums at the link below.

 

Concert Review: Lindsey Buckingham Solo

 

Last night at the Performing Arts Center at Johnson County Community College, I had the privalege to witness An Intimate Evening With Lindsey Buckingham. This was just as the tour title implied, Lindsey Buckingham performing solo in a small thousand seat theater. Of course Buckingham is known for his important contributions as part of Fleetwood Mac. There is another side of him though that is sometimes overlooked, he is probably the greatest finger style guitarist to ever grace pop music. This virtuosity was never showcased better than in seeing him solo, ripping up a myriad of different guitars, creating a huge sound around his powerful vocals. After four decades in pop music, Buckingham has lost none of his prowess. More than that, he has stayed vital as an artist. The concert drew heavily from his most recent solo album, with Buckingham throwing in just enough Fleetwood Mac songs to satify the urge for old favorites. The chance to see this great artist in an intimate setting on this tour should not be missed if he comes to your town.

Gems: Void Moon

 

Void Moon is the debut track from Washington D.C. dreampop outfit Gems, aka the duo of Clifford John Usher and Lindsay Pitts. The track is perfectly crafted for indie radio. Dreamy female vocal, melodic guitar lines and flawless production, in a track that hits what has become a dream pop formula sound right on the head. With a single track this good, one really wants tyo hear more and hopefully an album is not far behind. This band could be the next big darlings of the indie blogosphere. Stream and download Void Moon at the link below.

 



Motel Beds: Dumb Gold Video

FZB favorites Motel Beds have released a video for the track Dumb Gold as an advance look at their forthcoming new album, scheduled for a Nov. 13th release.

The Smoking Trees: Acetates

 

November 27th marks the release date for Acetates, the debut album from L.A. psych-pop duo The Smoking Trees, aka Martin Nunez (Sir Psych) & Al Rivera (LA Al). Acetates is a massive work of 21 tracks and over 70 minutes of music. Encompassing elements from punk to dreampop, the album delivers abundant hooks, loads of reverb and a heavy 60's vibe. A very worthy debut at all levels. Stream and pre-order Acetates at the link below.
 

Surak: Space Invaders

 

Space Invaders is the debut album from Italian artist/producer Surak, aka  Danilo Fittipaldi. The thirteen tracks are a lush blend of orchestral textured electronic music. Fittipaldi channels a broad range of influences, from Brian Eno to Radiohead. What results is a post-rock listening experience where the sound is transcendent and one is transported to the inner space of the mind. Atmospheric, yet with a distinct rock vibe, the album is a stellar work of excellence. Stream and buy Space Invaders at the link below.