Russian Winter Media Day on FZB

Here at FZB we sometimes present special features on Friday and this is one of those Fridays. It is Russian Winter Media Day on FZB. Russian Winter media is the PR part of the same company that publishes this blog. Being a boutique PR firm gives them a chance to work with some great emerging artists and so today, we present the latest crop of talent to our readers. You'll find some great music from electronic to pop to post-punk and psychedelic for stream and download at the links below.

Anda Volley - Inside The Ghost Machine

Aviators - Mirrors

crashfaster - further

Juleah - Entangled and Entwined

Tideland - Lull

Empire Years: Come Alive

 

Come Alive is the sophomore EP from German post-punk band Empire Years. The band have a sound that is reminiscent of Joy Division and Interpol. Heavy and dark, but with a solid pop songwriting style and production sensibility. The five tracks showcase some fine melodic guitar chops and deep intimate vocals. This is a strong EP that will be a good addition to anyone's post-punk collection. Stream and download Come Alive at the link below.

 

·Y·: The Dance of the Illusion

 

The Dance of the Illusion is the latest EP from Barcelona industrial synthpop duo ·Y·. The four tracks are a dark blend of 80's new wave, minimalist influences and post-punk sensibilities.  Drawing from deep personal themes and leaving a dissonant feeling throughout the music, ·Y· builds a record that is engaging in its simplicity and for its inhabitance of the cracks in the wall. Let this one sneak in the room with you. Stream and download The Dance of the Illusion at the link below.

 

Jacob Faurholt: Corners

 

February 3 marks the release of Corners, the return of one of FZB favorite artists Jacob Faurholt. Singer/songwriter, Crystal Shipsss captain and Raw Onion Records impresario, Faurholt makes dark, introspective music that is presented with a quirky inviting style. One can imagine each of the ten songs as a perfect Michael Cera movie. If you don't know this artist by now you should. Stream, download and buy a limited edition numbered CD at the link below.

 

Soviet Soviet: Fate

 

Fate is the latest album from post-punk outfit Soviet Soviet. With a sound that draws heavily  from 80's new wave, like Ultravox or XTC, a bit on the epic scale in song structrure, but  with the edginess of Joy Division. A wall of reverb drenches alt/punk guitars and heavy production touches everywhere. You can't help liking something that sounds this huge. Stream and buy Fate at the link below.

 



Christopher Reilly: A Little Bit Of Everything

 

A Little Bit Of Everything is the debut album from New Jersey artist Christopher Reilly. Conjuring influences Bright Eyes to Jeff Mangum, the eight tracks are a strong showcase of a talented signer/songwriter. The tracks range from raw to sublime, with sterling vocals and guitar work. The production is also better than the usual DIY fair, adding a nice touch to the overall effect of the record. This is an artist to get in on the ground floor with, as this album is a definite must have. Stream and buy A Little Bit Of Everything at the link below.

 



Insightful: Elsewhere

 

Elsewehere is the latest full length from San Francisco synthpop producer Insightful. The artist delivers and album of trippy electronic vibes, similar in terrain to Bay Area classmates Giraffage and Blackbird Blackbird. Blending chill R&B grooves with shimmering synths and samples, the twelve tracks show that the stellar SF synthpop scene is as strong as ever. This ia another must have. Stream and buy Elsewhere at the link below.



Conheartist: Surrounded by Drones

 

Surrounded by Drones is the debut album from SoCal shoegaze auteurs Conheartist. The duo of Nathan Najera and Cody Andrews produce dense, atmospheric music with a heavy soul and pop decadence. The six tracks weave influences from Joy Division to MBV, to deliver a compelling EP that stands on its own, as worthy as any.  Tight, crisp production seals the deal. Stream and buy Surrounded by Drones at the link below.
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Sativa Cult: Test It On Your Friends EP

 

Since the beginning, Punk has been about more than just the music. At its heart, it is a personal catharsis with life. Punk is about more than whether a band is good in the technical sense. Punk is about authenticity. Sativa Cult is an authentic punk band, that possesses one of the best band name, album title combinations in history. Listen to them, test them on your friends. Stream and download Test It On Your Friends at the link below.

 



Lost Woods: Lost Woods EP

 

Lost Woods is the self -titled debut EP from Australian indie band Lost Woods. As debuts go, this one is an absolutely perfectly crafted masterpiece that shows how its done in every category.  The three tracks are all indie radio ready singles in their own right. Beautiful flow, vocals and execution, all we can do is now wait for more. No comparisons, on this one. Just jump in and enjoy perfection. This is the must have of the year so far. Stream and buy the Lost Woods EP at the link below.

 



Anda Volley: Inside The Ghost Machine

 

Inside the Ghost Machine is the debut album from Boston avant-rock chanteuse Anda Volley. The album marks the emergence of a truly original talent. The nine tracks are an edgy journey into great songwriting. Blending styles as diverse as the Velvet Underground and Mazzy Star, Volley delivers a simply stunning album. Don't look too deep at influences though, as Volley's unique style is the real gem to be found on this album. The single, Laura Inside the Ghost Machine, ranked #1 on Soundcloud's rock category the week of the January 5th. This album is a definite must have. Stream and download Inside The Ghost Machine at the link below.

 

J. Francis: Tired

 

Tired is the sophomore album from Australian dreampop artist J. Francis, aka Julian Pierce. There is much to like about this album, but there are also a couple of misses that hold it back. The eight tracks feature some beautiful songs and stylings, with atmospheric vocals. This though is the first miss, as the vocals are so far back as to be unintelligible on most of the tracks. One can tell the voice is nice and it would be good to actually hear it. The music is minimalist and shines on a couple tracks, but this is the second miss, with the drum machine sounding like an afterthought and, with the vocals so far back, the music is just not interesting enough to carry the record. This is a good album, well worth a listen, but the artist could greatly benefit from a producer and enough confidence to let the vocals be heard. Stream and download Tired at the link below.

 



The Callas: Am I Vertical

 

Am I Vertical is the sophomore album from The Callas on Greek indie label, Inner Ear Records. Produced by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Grinderman stalwart Jim Sclavunos, the 10 tracks carry an intensity and edge that transcends mere rock platitudes. Blending elements of noise, minimalism , kraut rock and pop-punk, The Callas have found a highly unique sound. Dark, brooding lyrics and an authentic instrumental rawness pervade the tracks. This is one of those albums one must experience, as no written description can adequately describe the originality and quality of the band's music. Watch the video for the album track Disaster and then stream and buy Am I Vertical at the link below.

 



The Noise Figures: The Noise Figures

 

Here at FZB, a guiding ethos has always been to present emerging music from all over the world. Today and tomorrow we are presenting a couple bands from Greek indie label Inner Ear Records. Today we have the self-titled debut release from The Noise Figures. This garage duo have delivered ten tracks that show the duo band format has not become mundane. The album is some great rock, with a myriad of influences. Closer in style to the Black keys, than to a band like Japandroids, The Noise Figures are able to find an original sounding niche, where they show some serious chops. This is another must have album. Watch the video for the track Out Of Your Mind and then stream and buy The Noise Figures at the link below.
 

Human Toys: Excuse My French

 

Excuse My French is the latest album from L.A. electro-punk group Human Toys. Following in the footsteps of bands like Le Tigre and Bikini Kill, the eleven tracks are a raucous mix of punk aesthetics and theatrical sensibilities. The band of Emma Amaretto, Mademoiselle Poupée and Stephan Kida have a totally compelling sound that is not afraid to challenge the listener, while at the same time grabbing them by the balls and not letting go. This is a must have. Stream and buy Excuse My French at the link below.

 



Stereo Sons: We're All Friends Here

 

We're All Friends Here is the debut album from Seattle band Stereo Sons. It's not easy being a band from Seattle. There is that monstrous past scene that all bands are invariably compared to. Then comes along Stereo Sons. The band of Chris Klepac, Mike O'Doherty and Carlos Tulloss don't need any comparisons. They kick ass all on their own. They have an original sound, that yet captures all the history of that scene, without being overly influenced by it. The eight tracks are masterfully performed, expertly produced and the whole album is just highly compelling. The year is very new, but this is definitely the best thing we've heard yet. Stream and buy, We're All Friends Here at the link below.
 

Flashes: Flashes

 

UK based indie rock band Flashes have released their self-titled sophomore album. The eleven tracks, take elements from grunge, noise rock and shoegaze, to deliver a darkish album full of reverby delights. The atmospheric instrumental work perfectly compliments the understated vocals.  For the most part, the overall production on the album, particularly guitars and vocals, is good . However, the production comes completely undone on the album with one of the worst drums sounds we've heard. Unfortunately the drums are important and it's a shame to have that production flaw make a mess of an otherwise fine release. Stream and download Flashes at the link below.

 



Clearance: Greensleeve EP

 



Chicago garage rock duo Clearance, aka Mike Bellis and Arthur Velez, have released their sophomore EP, Greensleeve. With a sound somewhere between Stephen Malkmus and Japandroids, the EP is more edgy and raw sounding than the former and less produced than the latter. Clearance have a nice recorded live feel to the record, that picks up on their energy, but also leaves a bit of an empty vibe on a the tracks. The sound is true to the rock ethos, but bare bones live feel recordings are starting to become a bit thin for this reviewer. Stream and buy Greensleeve as a 7" at the link below.

 

Cairoglyphs: The Veil

Today marks the release of The Veil, the debut EP from artist/producer Cairoglyphs, on Russian Winter Records. The seven tracks stamp an original mark on hip-hop with Cairoglyphs, aka Ryan Forest, finding the elusive perfect blend of hip-hop prose, with a synthpop aesthetic and dance oriented beats. Showing influences from Run The Jewels, Earl Sweatshirt, Busdriver, and, Kendrick Lamar the EP is strong on technical hip-hop chops, with a flawless production sense, leaving plenty of space to appreciate the music. Stream and buy The Veil at the link below.

Sidewave: Big Time

Big Time is the latest EP from San Francisco space rock band Sidewave, the brainchild of Phil Golyshko.  The seven tracks tower above the musical landscape, with cliffs of heavy guitars, swirling with anthemic vocals. With influences ranging from Smashing Pumpkins to Muse, the music has a theatrical flair, touches of metal and a fair amount of pretense. This is an album that goes straight for a stadium rock aesthetic and for better or worse, takes itself very seriously.  Stream and buy Big Time at the link below.

Zero Absolu: Kusse aus Berlin

 

Mainz, Germany based post-hardcore noise artist Zero Absolu has a new album Kusse aus Berlin. It lends an interesting mental perspective to listen to German metal on the first Friday of the New Year. Don't analyze it, just turn it the fuck up an listen. Stream and download Kusse aus Berlin at the link below.

 



Wild Moth: Over Again

 

Over Again is the debut full length from San Francisco post-punk band Wild Moth. Dense and epic, with touches of Joy Division and Cloud Nothings, the eleven tracks are magnetic in their vibe, grabbing the listener and refusing to let go. Expertly crafted in its shoegaze persona, this album is a rock masterpiece that is a perfect way to start the new year. Discover Wild Moth and make 2014 your year of emerging music. Stream and buy Over Again at the link below.