Floorshime Zipper Boots Top 20 Artists Of 2013: #10 - #1

So here we are at the pointy end of our countdown with the Top 10 Artists 2013, as determined by our readers pageviews. These artists represent your favorites of the really great emerging music we have posted this year. Enjoy!

#10 Dead Soft - Teen Fiction



#9 Wildlife - ...On The Heart



#8 Balladur - Balladur




#7 Belgrado - Siglo XXI



#6 Mrs. Magician - B-Sides



#5 Mouca Records - Mouca Records Day on FZB



#4 Petty Victories - Wait It Out



#3 Candy Colors - Casus Belli



#2 Soft Kill - Circle Of Trees



#1 Beaver - EP 2013

Floorshime Zipper Boots Top 20 Artists Of 2013: #20 - #11

Today we start our look at the FZB Top 20 Artists of 2013, as picked by your pageviews. We present #20 - #11 today, with the Top 10 coming tomorrow.

#20 Old English - Prose & Kahns



#19 White Poppy - Drifters Gold



#18 Alert New London - Gold EP



#17 Jarrod Sterling - Affection



#16 Catholic Spray - Earth Slime



#15 Sol Cat - Sol Cat



#14 Anakin - Emergency Broadcast System



#13 Giant Drag - Waking Up Is Hard To Do



#12 Mirror Kisses - Heartbeats



#11 Polyan & The Johnson Sisters - June

Floorshime Zipper Boots Top 10 Videos of 2013

 

It's that time of year again, when all good blogs start pulling out their best of lists. Today we start with our Top 10 Videos of the year and next Monday and Tuesday we will feature the Top 20 Artists of the year. As always, our year end best of lists are determined by our readers page views. So, without further ado, here are the FZB Top 10 Videos of 2013:

 

#10 Los Dos Hermanos - The Buster



#9 Bogan Via - Kanye



#8 Marcel Kassiel - A Waltz For My Bones



#7 Oval - Dandara



#6 Garlands - A Sneak Peek



#5 The Wooden Wolf - Your Drinking Shoulder



#4 Misfit Mod - Cars



#3 Crystal Soda Cream - Shot By Both Sides



#2 Clockwork Noise - The Tourists



#1 Mirror Kisses - Kameron

Spati Palace: Collection #1

 

This is it, our last review for 2013. Tomorrow we start our FZB year end countdowns with the Top 10 videos of the year, followed Monday and Tuesday with the Top 20 artists of 2013. We decided to give you something a little different in place of a review of a single artist's release. Instead we present you with the debut collection from a brand new Berlin based record label, Spati Palace. The twelve tracks on Collection #1 showcase some of the best of the current crop of Berlin based DIY, garage  and pop bands. This is a wonderful collection of music to get you ready for what will surely be a new year full of great emerging artists. Stream and download Collection #1 for free at the link below.

 

Volage: Maddie EP

 

French band Volage have released their debut EP, Maddie, on Howlin Banana Records. Taking a page from artists like Ty Segall and Jay Reatard, Volage deliver six tracks of edgy, psych riddled garage rock, with bits of melodic pop undertones. The lo-fi production perfectly showcases the music, with the EP mixed to tape. A very nice touch in this overly perfect digital world. The EP is available digitally or as a limited edition 10" white vinyl record. Also a very nice touch. Stream and buy the Maddie EP at the link below.

 



Juleah: Entangled And Entwined

 

Austrian psych rocker Juleah, aka Julia Hummer is back with her third release, Entangled And Entwined. Without question this is our favorite release of the year. Juleah delivers five tracks so good, they could be considered a gateway drug.  This EP takes elements from Britpop, shoegaze and psychedelic and couples them with superlative songwriting, beautiful reverb drenched vocals and excellent guitar chops. The EP is a masterwork of DIY with Juleah doing everything herself. That just makes the quality of this EP all the more special and showcases Hummer's prowess as a producer. This EP (and all of her releases for that matter) is an absolute must have. Watch the video for the track The Verge and then stream and download Entangled And Entwined at the link below.

 



Tape Deck Mountain: Sway

 

Sway is the latest album from Brooklyn based shoegaze auteurs Tape Deck Mountain. The album is dense, heavy and raw, while at the same time possessing much melodic beauty. That's no mean feat. The band of Travis Trevisan, John Momberg and Dan Alvarez create a presence so huge that mere mortals will not contain it. Rather than a wall of sound, Tape Deck Mountain launch a massive tsunami of sonic dynamics. This album is another absolute must have. Stream and buy Sway at the link below.

 



Australasia: Vertebra

 

Vertebra is the sophomore release from Italian post-rock artist Australasia. Every once in a while, there comes a record that is so imaginative in its scope and excellent in its execution, that it defies all the usual superlatives. Vertebra is just such a record. The album defines a new aesthetic for post-rock. Blending elements from metal, shoegaze and ambient, the record stretches the genre into new territory, while retaining all the lushness and beauty that had previously defined the genre.  This LP is an absolute must have. Stream four preview tracks of Vertebra at the link below.

 

The Arctic Flow: Sunbathing/Stargazing EP

 

FZB favorite The Arctic Flow, aka Brian Hancheck, is back with the Sunbathing/Stargazing EP. Breaking with the trend of his last two releases, Hancheck brings the guitar up front to deliver seven tracks of dreamy, atmospheric pop. The EP continues Arctic Flow's grasp of music that lifts the spirit while propelling one past the days trials. This is another solid release and Hancheck continues to impress. Stream and download Sunbathing/Stargazing at the link below.

 



Shocking Pinks: What's Up With That Girl & Not Gambling

 

Our friends at Brooklyn indie label Stars and Letters Records have made a major score, signing former DFA heavyweight Shocking Pinks, aka Nick Harte, after six years away. The release of Harte's triple album debut for the label, Guilt Mirrors, is scheduled for Feb. 18th. In the mean time, we have two killer singles to wet our appetites. Shocking Pinks has always been a master of noise pop and these two tracks show the artist is back in top form. It is great to see the return of Shocking Pinks and  hopefully this heralds the beginning of a new era  of success for the artist and the label. Stream and download What's Up With That Girl & Not Gambling at the link below.

 



Cochlear Kill: Blush

 



Australian band Cochlear Kill have released a new EP titled Blush. The four tracks range from driving noise rock to smooth dreampop. The product of DIY sessions, the EP has a lo-fi production aesthetic that perfectly frames the tracks. The band of Thomas Bullock, Lex Bowden, Thomas Madden and Simon Pearlman take us down a shoegazy path, with atmospheric vocals, hazy guitars and a tight rhythm section. This is a strong EP that was worth the two year wait since their last release. Stream and buy Blush at the link below.

 





Ishmael: Lotic

 

Our friends at Brooklyn recording collective Mama Coco's Funky Kitchen have released yet another exceptional album, Lotic, by math-rock wizards Ishmael. The band of Andy Werle, Aaron Silberstein and Nick Otte have produced one of the standout works of the year. This album has everything, virtuoso performances, sterling production and superlative songwriting. If you want to hear what can simply be described as post-rock perfection, stream and download Lotic at the link below.

 



Love Echo: The Scientist (Coldplay Cover)

 

FZB favorites Love Echo are releasing a new EP in January titled Next to the Night. They have given us an advance taste with their stunning cover of Coldplay's The Scientist. The duo of Vic Miranda and Vicki Glass just get better every time we hear them. It's no easy feat covering a song so entrenched with the persona of the original artist. Love Echo pull this off effortlessly, lending their own unique style and vibe to the track. If this track is any indication, the new EP will be a killer. Stream and download The Scientist at the link below.

 



The Clydes: Generator

 

Generator is the latest EP from New Jersey indie rock band The Clydes. The EP blends together diverse influences, from The Smiths to Roxy Music to The Jam, into six pop tinged tracks. With flourishes of heaviness and hints of driving dynamics, the EP is a solid work, but lacks the kind of energy that could push it over the top. Everything is there mind you, it just feels held back. Like a really hot car that's had a governor added to it. This is not a problem with the band, rather it is the sanitized production of producer Barry Knob. The Clydes show a lot of promise. We only hope that their next record is produced by someone who will let their true raw energy emerge. Stream and buy Generator at the link below.
 

The Blind Shake: Key to a False Door

 

Key to a False Door is the latest album from Minneapolis noise rockers The Blind Shake. Right from note one, this album gets it. Dense, heavy, noisey, lo-fi and perfect, the thirteen tracks come at you like a rabid dog. The sonic assault is in your face demanding your complete attention and rewarding with some of the best noise rock we have heard in ages. It literally picks you up by the scruff of the neck and shakes you like a piece of meat. (OK, not literally but you get the point.) This is simply the best noise rock record currently. Don't be a milk toast blob, stream and buy Key to a False Door at the link below.

 



King of Foxes: King of Foxes

 



November 5th saw the release of the self-titled debut EP from Canadian band King of Foxes. The four tracks are a powerful blend of garage rawness and alt rock influences, capped off by a lo-fi production aesthetic. The band of Olivia Street, Tony Bao, Greg Kolodychuk and Len Kitsco have crafted a compelling EP that takes the listener deep into the music, with radio ready tracks that are not afraid to retain their edgy persona. This sterling debut from the band is the way rock is meant to sound. We can't wait to hear more. Stream and download King of Foxes at the link below.

 



Idoleyes: Come With Me

 

As a rule this blog does not do negative reviews. If we don't like it, we don't write about it. Every once in a while though, we come across a record that we like, but alas, cannot be completely positive about. Such is the case with Come With Me, the debut EP from L.A. garage band Idoleyes. The five tracks are a testament to everything good about garage music. The EP is raw, heavy, driving, has some nice dynamic changes, etc. Everything good so far. The problem is that Idoleyes sound like The Strokes. Not in the influenced by sense, but in the completely authentic looking Chinese copy sense. It's unfortunate as this is a really, really good band and record. So if you like knock off clothing and wear a fake Rolex, then Idoleyes are the band for you. Stream and download Come With Me at the link below.

 



Rachel Thomasin: The Gravitate EP

The Gravitate EP is the latest release from Boston singer/songwriter Rachel Thomasin. The seven tracks show Thomasin's atmospheric, emotive vocals taking center stage. The album is masterfully produced, with delicate instrumentation that wraps each track like a nice warm blanket. There's an element of troubadour in these tracks and a dreampop undercurrent running through the whole EP. What there is most of though is beauty, lots and lots of beauty. This EP is a must have. Stream and download The Gravitate EP at the link below.

 

Surf Curse: Sad Boys EP

 

I love it that the traditional band lineup of two guitars, bass and drums no longer dominates the music scene. Solo artists and duos are putting out so much great music. This brings us to  Sad Boys, the new EP from Reno, NV artists Surf Curse. The duo of Jacob Rubeck and Nicholas Rattigan have crafted an EP that is six tracks of straight up pop punk. No pretense, no samples, no fantastical arrangements, just two guys playing simple, lo-fi, surf powered rock. Taking the best elements of dreampop, post-punk and beach music, Surf Curse have put together an EP that works on every level.  Stream and buy Sad Boys at the link below.

 

Hemendex: Solution To Reality

 

Zagreb, Croatia new wave band Hemendex have released their new album, Solution To Reality. The ten tracks take an 80's retro synth powered new wave foundation and blend that with glistening pop song stylings and alternative rock leaning vocals. The result is an album that has a commercial radio sheen, an experimental vibe and some Rick Wakeman era grandiosity thrown in for good measure. Stream and buy Solution To Reality at the link below.

 



Corridor: Un Magicien En Toi

 

Montreal post-punk band Corridor have released their debut EP, Un Magicien En Toi. Taking a queue from bands like Real Estate and Local Natives, the six tracks are a jangly mix of melodic guitars and slightly lo-fi production. The band of Jo Robin, Dom Bertha, Julian Perro and Marc Chapeau make a good first effort at this EP, but the whole thing comes a bit undone by the vocals and song arrangements. Not that either are bad. Rather, the arrangements seem a bit pushed, complexity for the sake of complexity and could have more room to get a life of their own. The vocals are over processed and one wonders what they'd sound like if they just sang them straight with a little reverb. All in all, a good debut EP but not a great one, with much promise that growth by the band will bring out all their best qualities. Stream and download Un Magicien En Toi at the link below.

 

Mardou: Kirby Sessions

 

I am thankful for...PUNK! Which brings us to Kirby Sessions the latest EP from Cincinnati punkers Mardou. The three track EP channels artists from The Undertones to Richard Hell. In a mere seven minutes the band of Dylan McCartney, Eric Lindsay, Eric Dietrich and Aaron Watkins show all the cred of decades of the genre. End your week with the rawness that rock should be. Stream and download Kirby Sessions at the link below.

 

Future History: Lungs

 

FZB favorites Future History are back with their third album, Lungs. Hailing from Toronto, the band of Kevin Ker, Justin Dillon and Chris Dawe recorded the album in an old decrepit cabin in the backwoods of Ontario.  Assembling a myriad of old recording equipment and utilizing old furniture discovered in the cabin, the band spent months in solitude writing, summoning and capturing. What results is an astonishing folk rock album with tracks that are novellas to the changing seasons in wind and rain, the shifting of the cabin walls and creaking of surrounding trees. The band captures faint ghostly whispers and strange ominous noises, all of which create the sonic foundation upon which the songs were recorded.  Future History continue to deliver albums that capture the imagination and fuel the spirit. Watch the video for the album track Without You and then stream and buy Lungs at the link below.



crashfaster: furthur

 

Bay Area synthpop masters crashfaster are back with their new album further.  Sharing a heritage with bands like Human League, crashfaster continue forward from new wave influences to their own signature synthpop aesthetic.  For all the sheen though, there is an underlying post-punk current that adds a nice heavy counterpoint to the waves of synths. further defines its own sonic terrain with a dance  pop vibe that seduces the head rush. Watch the video for non-album track beacon and then stream and buy further at the link below.

 

 

ERAAS: Initiation

 

Initiation is the new album from Brooklyn synthpop artists ERAAS. Initiation is many things musically, but cool seems to be the best descriptor. The album shimmers like a back ally streetlight, with massive reverb vocals wrapped in lush synthpads, coupled to some nice field recording touches. ERAAS have a theatrical flair, delivering a stunning work that bring new originality and depth to the genre. Stream and buy Initiation in digital CD or Vinyl at the link below.

 



Clockwork Noise: Weathermachines

 

Very few bands nowadays dare to tread in the realm called progressive rock. Decades of both excellence and excess have made the bar for admittance high. Weathermachines, the debut album from Irish rockers Clockwork Noise confronts this challenge as a mere nuisance. The band of Robert Maguire,  Blathnaid Healy,  Dylan Nolan,  Chris O’Connor and  Michael Fenton flawlessly perform and produce music, phrased with surgical precision. The nine tracks stand as a new watermark for progressive albums. This is another must have. Watch the video for the track The Tourists and then stream and download Weathermachines at the link below.

 

Crystal Shipsss: I Had A Friend Video

FZB favorite Crystal Shipsss and our friends at Mouca Records bring you a new video for the track I Had a Friend from Crystal Shipsss' stellar album Dirty Dancer, Watch it below.

Monozid: A Splinter for the Pure

 

Leipzig post-punk band Monozid last released an LP in December 2012. That album is A Splinter for the Pure. The ten tracks are transcendent punk anthems that have a hypnotic groove and edgy power, that channels great bands from The Clash to Television to Devo. This record has stood its ground for a year now as a seminal DIY work that needs to be discovered by a wider audience.  Watch the original album trailer video below and  then stream and download A Splinter for the Pure at the link below.

 

Jesse Turits: Rumble Strips

 

NYC collective Mama Coco's Funky Kitchen have released another winner with Jesse Turits' new album, Rumble Strips. Produced by Oliver Ignatius, singer/songwriter Turits delivers twelve tracks of folk laden pop that could have been born of riding the rails. The album harkens back to a time when Colin Meloy, Jeff Mangum and Ben Gibbard were cutting their chops. The album shows a troubadour with a Dylanesque heritage, that eschews pretense and just grabs a guitar and knocks one out on an east Village street. Stream and download Rumble Strips at the link below.



 



Kurt von Stetten: Broken, But Not Undone

 

Broken, But Not Undone is the eighth full length from Boston garage savant Kurt von Steffen. With many great releases this year from the likes of genre champion Ty Segall, it is hard to think of the mantle passing. Yet, Kurt von Steffen clearly assumes the throne with this altogether perfect record. With every element perfectly placed, but retaining enough edge for a Soho street, Broken, But Not Undone is the singular must have of the fall. The release is out today on Static Motor Recordings. Stream and buy Broken, But Not Undone at the link below.

 



FZB Top Artists of 2013

Appendixes: Neon Green Fear 7"

 

Portland dreampop band Appendixes have released a new 7", Neon Green Fear. The band of Beth Morgan,  Eric Sabatino and  Devin Welch serve up two reverb drenched  tracks, with melodic guitars a lo-fi aesthetic and overtones of late night loneliness.  With an all pervading edgy vibe and some darkish use of noise, these two tracks showcase a band with huge creative potential. We can't wait to hear a full length. Watch the video for the title track and then stream and buy Neon Green Fear on limited edition vinyl or as a digital download at the links below.

  



Closet Nerd: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder EP

 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is the debut EP from Northern California band Closet Nerd. This is one of those rare debuts that instantly make one sit up and take notice. The eight tracks are tight, expertly produced and radio ready pop punk anthems. Fronted by the totally engaging vocals of Genesis Helena, with superb musicianship from Colton Young,  Jesse Fioren Quintero and  Matthew "Helmet" Enriquez, Closet Nerd are destined to find a large audience. Get in on the ground floor of this one. Stream and download the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder EP at the link below.



Black Is Bright: Dust

 

Dust is the debut EP from Portland shoegaze outfit Black is Bright. The five tracks are a noise laden, lo-fi acid trip. Dense shadings, darkish textures and reverb laden vocals set way back are the hallmark of the EP. An ambient sonic aesthetic pervades the EP, with the overall effect being a cohesive rock work that engages one's imagination. Stream and buy Dust at the link below.

 



The Almighty Rhombus: Lucid Living

 

FZB favorites The Almighty Rhombus are back with their debut full length, Lucid Living. Hailing from Greater Sudbury, Canada, the band of Mike Kenny, Clayton Drake, Neil Bednis, Carter Drake and Cameron Drake, embrace a more garage rock persona for this release, without loosing their pop sensibility. The eleven tracks have a fuzzier, heavy sound, with lo-fi touches and more sophisticated production. The band has grown on this release and continue to impress. Stream and buy Lucid Living at the link below.

 



The Aquadolls: Stoked On You

 

SoCal garage band The Aquadolls have released their highly anticipated debut full length, Stoked On You. The band of Melissa Brooks, Ryan Frailich, Christian Karapetian and Kailee Westwood continue the SoCal tradition established by bands such as Bleached, Vivian Girls and Best Coast for good time, surf drenched, sun loving rock. Fronted by Brooks' vocals and featuring enough jangly guitar to satisfy even Jake Fogelnest, The Aquadolls live up to the anticipation with a sterling debut that is a must have. Stream and buy Stoked On You at the link below.

 



Alpha Male Tea Party: Real Ale and Model Rail: The Lonely Man's Guide To Not Committing Suicide

 

So we have some nice hard rock and roll to get your Monday off to a good start. Real Ale and Model Rail: The Lonely Man's Guide To Not Committing Suicide is the new EP from Liverpool band Alpha Male Tea Party. The trio of Vladimir Gluten,  Urethra Franklin,  Jacques Shiraz take the hard road (OK, pun intended) making raucous math rock. Whether you're into hard rock or not, there is always reason to allow the good stuff in, and this EP is the good stuff. This is definitely a band to get behind. Stream and buy Real Ale and Model Rail: The Lonely Man's Guide To Not Committing Suicide at the link below.

 



Anna Aaron: Stellarling

FZB favorite Anna Aaron has a new album Neuro coming out in February, 2014. We get an early taste of what looks to be a fine record with the release of the video for the track Stellarling. The video was directed by Aaron's brother Alain Meyer. Watch it below.

Decibelles: Vol De Nuit Video

Tomorrow, French outfit and FZB favorites Decibelles release the video for their new track Vol De Nuit. Darkish and engaging, the video was funded by their fans through ULULE. Watch it below.

Tender Age: Tender Age EP

 

Portland based dreampop band Tender Age have released their debut self-titled EP. Lo-fi and fuzzy, the mere three tracks give us just a glimpse of a band that holds much promise. With reverb drenched atmospheric vocals and melodic jangly guitars, Tender Age deliver an EP that is an intimate and compelling statement of arrival. We look forward to hearing much more from this band. Stream and buy the Tender Age EP at the link below.

 

Casino Sunday: Retrograde

 

Completing a stellar week of new releases we present Retrograde, the debut album from New Jersey post-punk band Casino Sunday. Brian Stabile, John Zermeno, Kim Blackbourn and Bobby Artale sound like they have played together forever. There is always something about a really tight band that transcends all others. Casino Sunday have crafted an album where everything just works, perfectly. Do yourself a favor and get this one. Stream and buy Retrograde at the link below.

 



Silver Swans: Touch

 

This week of great releases continues with Touch, the new album from FZB favorites Silver Swans. The duo of Ann Yu & Jon Waters give us ten tracks of their signature synthpop mastery. Full of sensual imagery and lush synths, the album continues Silver Swans' ascension as a truly great artistic alliance. This album ranks as one of our favorites of the year and a definite must have. Stream and buy Touch at the link below.



Absent Hours: Elsewhere

 

Today finds the release of Elsewhere, the debut EP from Australian band Absent Hours. The post-punk quartet of Alec Mallia, Jack McFarlane, Kyle Richards and Jesse Williams have a sound reminiscent of Joy Division and The National. Understated and sublime, with darkish embellishment, the five tracks feel like a lonely street late at night. Absent Hours have crafted a sound that draws one into their music in a personal and intimate way. Stream and download Elsewhere at the link below.



Tideland: Lull

 

Nov. 5th marks the release of the new full length from Virginia based post-punk band Tideland. The eight tracks are a heavy shoegaze journey into a band that isn't afraid to let power be the focus of their music. With influences from Dinosaur Jr. to Sonic Youth,  one expects superlative songwriting and music that walks the edge. Tideland delivers in droves. This is a sterling album and a must have. Check out the video below of the band doing their track Desolate live and then stream and buy Lull at the link below.

 

Made In Japan: Tame All Those Thoughts

 

Today marks the release of Tame All Those Thoughts, the new album from Australian band Made In Japan. Blending heavy elements of alt rock, with phrasing from dreampop, the nine tracks form a rich radio ready tapestry. Polished with shades of emo, Made In Japan still manage to find an edge with their music. Crisp production abound on this LP and every piece fits perfectly to create a huge sonic presence. Made in Japan is a band poised on the brink of wider success. Stream and buy Tame All Those Thoughts at the link below.

 



Catalina BellizziL Corra

 

Corra is the debut EP from Chicago singer/songwriter Catalina Bellizzi. The six tracks have a sublime quality drawn from Bellizzi's expressive vocals, which are sonically reminiscent of Lykke Li. It is those vocals that take center stage on this release. Bellizzi uses tone and texture to weave intricate harmonies and stylings, that are backed perfectly by the sparse instrumentation. Above all, this EP is about beauty, simple stunning beauty. Turn the lights down, put on the headphones and let the beauty wash over you. Stream and buy Corra at the link below.

 



Marcel Kassiel: Footlights EP

 

Italian singer/songwriter/actor Marcel Kassiel has released his debut EP, Footlights. We have commented before how rare true originality is these days. Kassiel is the manifestation of all that is unique and original. The four tracks enlighten with a theatrical, European flair and mark the emergence of a singular talent. Quirky, engaging and enjoyable, Kassiel reminds us that indie music does not have to be based on some tired pop formula. This EP is a must have. Watch the imaginative videos for the tracks Brazilian Gasoline and A Waltz For My Bones at the links below and then follow the Bandcamp link to stream and by Footlights.

 



Crying: Get Olde

 

Get Olde is the debut album from New York band Crying. The trio of Elaiza Santos, Ryan Galloway and Nick Corbo have one of the freshest and most innovative sounds we have heard in a long time. The seven tracks are a combination of synthpop and punk, with some chiptune glitchyness thrown in for good measure. Everything about this album is cool. Bands with this level or originality are a very rare occurrence. You just need to hear this one or be lost in a world of lameness. Stream and download Get Olde at the link below.

 



Big Bill & Basketball Shorts: Split Album (Double EP's)

 

Music city Austin, TX marks a triple debut on Oct. 29th. The debut of a new label, Fleeting Youth Records, and the debut EP's of two bands, Big Bill and Basketball Shorts, with the two EP's delivered as a split full length. Both bands deliver a nice take on semi-traditional punk, reminiscent of The Undertones or Sex Pistols. The album has all the recorded live feel, raw edge and quirky songwriting one would expect. Good straight ahead punk always works and these two bands have it down pat. Stream and buy the Big Bill Basketball Shorts split album at the link below.

 

Slow Bird: Chrysalis

 

Seattle indie rock band Slow Bird have released their debut album, Chrysalis. The trio of Matt Street,

Jennae Quisenberry and  Joshua Dore have crafted eight tracks of superlative quality. Featuring dynamic vocals that are perfectly framed by the powerful music, the album also shows a songwriting strength that is quite uncommon. Few bands can deliver a debut of such undeniable beauty and emotion. In a year where there have been so many fine releases, Slow Bird stands out from the crowd. Stream and buy Chrysalis at the link below.

 



Ex Wife: New Colors

 

New Colors is the latest album from New Jersey based post-punk band Ex Wife. The trio of Nick Bolton, Phil Connor and Matt Harvey have released ten tracks that are heavy and sonically dense, with influences ranging from Joy Division to Cloud Nothings to Grizzly Bear. Making expert use of dynamic range and instrumental shading, Ex Wife have a sound that engages one's senses and doesn't let go. We liked this album from the first listen and it just keeps getting better. Stream and buy New Colors at the link below.

 

Soft Shadows: Reverb Is For Lovers

 

Reverb Is For Lovers is the debut album from Portland, OR psych rockers Soft Shadows. The trio deliver nine powerful, lo-fi tinged tracks that blend elements of surf, psychedelic and dreampop. Tightly performed, strikingly produced and expertly written, the album shows the emergence of a band that is destined to make their mark on indie music. This debut is a must have. Stream and buy Reverb Is For Lovers at the link below.

 



Clues + Codes: Kin

 

Kin is the debut album from Los Angeles dreampop group Clues + Codes. The duo of Alex Aleco and Natalie White break out with eight tracks of intimate goodness. Featuring shimmering, corporeal vocals melded to minimalist instrumentation, that serves as the perfect bed for the union. Clues + Codes give us a debut album of singular beauty with an understated edginess, like a late night walk through an empty urban landscape. This album is a must have. Stream and buy Kin at the link below.