Clockwork Kids: Rememory

 

Rememory is the latest full length from North Carolina indie rockers Clockwork Kids. The 12 tracks have their own unique theatrical flair and trade influences among The National, Radiohead and The Smiths. Anthemic, with big production and wonderful instrumentation, the tracks unfold rather than run by. A bit too epic in parts, but yet a fine reminder that rock can be more ambitious than short missives and pithy hooks. Stream and download Rememory at the link below.

 



Hjortene: S/T

 

Copenhagen based punk/metal band Hjortene have released a new S/T album. When rock is stripped of all pretense, all sense of itself as something other than youthful disdain, rock becomes a primal exercise of the extremes of amplification and the pure power of will. Hear will win out, in perfect punk tabloids. This is a must have. Stream and buy Hjortene at the link below.

 

The Vickers: Ghosts

 

Ghosts is the debut full length from Italian psychedelic band The Vickers. Unlike other artists that have delved into retro themes, the band of Andrea Mastropietro, Federico Sereni, Francesco Marchi and Marco Biagiotti reinvent the sixties rather than relive them. The music reflects a transcendental melding with the era, generating ten tracks of masterful rock music, as big as any. Stream and buy The Vickers at the link below.

 

Awning: Two Against Me

 

Brooklyn dreampop duo Awning have released their debut full length, Two Against Me. Jon Sheldrick and Luke Smith  have crafted ten tracks with lush harmonies and a slight lo-fi production quality. The effect is a record full of melodic lines, yet that retains a sense of energy in the tracks. Similar in vein to artists like Real Estate and Antlers, Awning manage to keep all the beauty without sacrificing tracks that have enough power to be considered rock. This is truly a fine record. Stream and buy Two Against Me at the link below.

 

The Box: EP #1

 

Paris based duo The Box have released their debut EP aptly titled EP #1. The five tracks showcase the groups dark industrial brand of synthpop. Ripe with a myriad of influences from new wave and post-punk, the record shimmers in an electro haze that propels the entire work forward with an infectious sound that puts rhythm at the forefront, while sonically assaulting the ears with heavy moods and catchy riffs. This is a stunning EP that is a must have. Stream and buy EP #1 at the link below.

 

Tokyoidaho: Peculiar Shadows

 

Seattle fuzzpop provocateurs Tokyoidaho explode with their sophomore release, the dazzlingly huge Peculiar Shadows EP. Layers of sonic shadowing blend effortlessly with new wave eccentricities unleashing a polished and trippy, 80's vibe pop masterpiece. Released on Neon Sigh Records (Ringo Deathstarr, Dead Leaf Echo), a label that continues to stake the high ground in delivering quality music. Stream and buy Peculiar Shadows at the link below.

 

Billy Moon: Young Adult

 

Young Adult is the third EP from Hamilton, Ontario artist Billy Moon. The EP comes on strong with noisy guitars, solid vocals and lo-fi production. Rocking a grungy sound with blues overtones, Billy Moon delivers up enough raw energy to power a city. No pretense, no glitz, just good songwriting paired with power in the tracks. What more could one ask for. Stream and buy the Young Adult EP at the link below.

 

The Very Small: Zoomed Way Out

 

Zoomed Way Out is the sophomore album from D.C. based indie rockers The Very Small. The band of Robin Smith, Aaron Mann and Zack Berman serve up eleven dynamic, melodic tracks, that blend elements of alt rock and indie rock, with some post-punk flourishes to cap it off. The album has tight harmonies, nice jangle and gets heavy when needed. All together this is an album with more depth than standard fare. Stream and buy Zoomed Way Out at the link below.

 

Pyramids: Lado A

 

Lado A is the debut EP from Buenos Aires based post-punk band Pyramids. The six tracks take a covertly intimate Latin feel and infuse it into heavy, penetrating electro post-punk tracks. Very compelling stylistically and infectious rhythms. This is the kind of EP that just keeps us going,  finding cool music all over the world. Pyramids is a must have. Stream Lado A at the link below.

 



The Pocket Rockets: The Pocket Rockets

 

L.A. band The Pocket Rockets have released their self-titled sophomore EP.  Packed with five killer tracks, this dynamic band does raw and polished together in a tight mix of expertly crafted indie rock radio gems. The stand out single MDNGHT has everything a track should, a huge sound, rollicking instrumental work and pristine vocals. Just a matter of time before this band gets picked up. Perfect tracks for Sirius XMU, Julia, Jenny, Jake, anybody listening. (Why do all their people's names start with J?) Stream and buy The Pocket Rockets at the link below.

 



Leer: SPRINGBREAKNOPARENTS

 

We have expressed it here before on the blog, that when it comes to punk, sometimes the planets just align. Such is the case today on FZB, as we give you Leer, with by itself, punk band name perfection. Next there is the title of  their third EP, SPRINGBREAKNOPARENTS. I mean come on, you have to like an EP titled SPRINGBREAKNOPARENTS before you even f**king hear it, right. Next there's the music on the EP itself. Varied, melodic, hard edged, doomsday heavy to sweet and silky, all the while possessed by cut throat vocals and shredding guitar. Post-punk perfection. Stream and download SPRINGBREAKNOPARENTS at the link below.

 



SKIING / CLASSIC MUSCLE: SPLIT 7"

 

Berlin based label Spati Palace has become the showcase for some fine emerging Berlin bands. Now with the label's first ever vinyl release, we are treated to a couple of the best. Skiing and Classic Muscle serve up two stand out singles. Skiing making lush, dreamy, melodic indie rock, with crisp harmonies and lush guitar lines, contrasting Classic Muscle's lo-fi, garage inspired use of all the same elements. Great record! Stream and buy the digital 7" or better yet the vinyl at the link below.

 



Camilla Sparksss: For You The Wild

 

Longtime FZB favorite Camilla Sparksss is back with a stunning new album, For You The Wild. Camilla Sparksss is the alter ego of Barbara Lehnhoff and whether in this guise, or as a member of longtime FZB favorite Peter Kernel, Lehnhoff makes adventurous electropop that draws from the genre's full heritage while still exploring new sonic ground. Raw, industrial, minimal, huge, in you face, oh yeah. Just clearly one of the best artists in the genre. As always with Camilla Sparkss a complete must have. Stream and buy For You The Wild at the link below.

  

Adelaida: Monolito

 

Monolito is the debut album from Chilean band Adelaida. The 10 tracks are a shoegaze soundfest, filled with darkish overtones and nice post-punk flourishes. The trio have crafted cool guitar sounds, atmospheric vocals and strong dynamic range. This album has a sound that seems to draw one in and never wants for a means to hold ones attention. It's like discovering GBV for the first time all over again. This is a must have. Stream and Monolito at the link below.

 



Narrow Head: Far Removed

 

Far Removed is the debut EP from Dallas based alt rock band, Narrow Head. The five tracks take alt rock formula song styles and marries them with metal instrumentation and lonesome vocals. The effect is an EP that is strong on cliché sounds, but lacking in originality. The EP works everywhere, with nice dynamic swings, interesting guitar lines and solid vocal performances. The one problem is that we've heard it all before, many, many times before. The state of alt rock is one of stagnation, where bands stay firmly in formula and have forgotten that art is about taking chances. Stream and buy Far Removed at the link below.

 



Neon Lights: Late

 

Late is the new album from Spanish dreampop band Neon Lights. The nine tracks show influences from Joy Division to The Cure. Dark, introspective and brooding, Late takes us into the night where something is lurking just out of the corner of one's eye. The band of Javi Nieto, Diego Monreal, Edu Méndez, Manuel Villalba and Dani Nieto explore musical specters that enlighten with shades of grey that brings the music to the forefront of one's consciousness. Stream and download Late at the link below.

 

WHOOP-Szo: Pt. 1 Qallunaat & Pt.2 Odemin

 

Canadian band Whoop-Szo have released a two album concept work that features the band's collaboration with Inuit youth from the Northern Village of Salluit Quebec, The concept found the band bringing the recording process to just below the artic circle, where even  a broken string presents unique challenges to the recording process. Whoop-Szo have crafted two LP's that defy description, stand on their own musically and at the same time present a band that goes above an beyond for their art. Stream and buy Qallunaat and Odemin at the links below.

 



Creepoid: Creepoid

 

FZB favorite, Philadelphia based Creepoid are back with their self-titled third release. The album delivers eleven tracks of dark, powerful shoegaze anthems. In the four years since their first release, Creepoid have grown and matured as a band. This new album sees them fully developed into a songwriting powerhouse, that crafts tracks into showcases for the instrumental and vocal depth the band possesses. Creepoid are a band that is on the verge of breaking out to wider recognition. Get on the bandwagon now. Stream and buy Creepoid at the link below.

 

Kristy and the Kranks: Kristy and the Kranks

 

Vienna based Totally Wired Records brings us the self-titled debut EP from Kristy and the Kranks. Available as a limited edition 7" as well as a digital download, the 4 tracks are a Le Tigre/Julie Ruin inspired set of minimalist art punk. Raw, pouty and fun, this is the type of 60's retro girl punk that always works. Stream and buy Kristy and the Kranks at the link below.

 



Bad Blocks: Weekday EP

 

Our friends at Stars & Letters Records in Brooklyn have become the go to U.S. label for great overlooked and under supported New Zealand artists. Label chief Mark Roberts made valuable connections during university there and we are all the recipients of a stunning selection of artists. Now we have Bad Blocks and their debut EP Weekday. Stars & Letters are re-releasing Bad Blocks' debut EP eighteen months after the fact, giving the band the kind of PR support and label backing that builds an audience and a career. Originally, the EP was self-released by the band on Bandcamp late in 2012 (when Bad Blocks were still called South City Sushi Cop).  The music is great, the concept is great and Stars & Letters continue to show how a small indie label can make a difference. Stream and buy the Weekday EP at the link below.

 

Wrong Body: Big

 

Big is the debut album from Boston post-punk outfit Wrong Body. The ten tracks share stylistic ground with bands like Nada Surf and Casket Lottery. Raw and intense, the album retains an urgency to the music all the way through and never fails to propel one to new heights of rock ecstasy. The band of Andy Szymcik, Bryan Mastergreorge, More Crooning, Steve Delany and Jonathan Hislop have taken the 90's DC post-punk sound and pulled it into the future with a masterful album. Stream and buy Big at the link below.

 

The Feel Bad Hit Of The Winter: The Feel Bad Hit Of The Wiinter

 

Today marks the release of the self-titled debut EP from Kansas City garage rockers, The Feel Bad Hit Of The Winter. The 6 tracks are marked by a penchant for compelling guitar sounds, masterful bass lines and dynamic drums. The songs are poignant post-punk tales featuring lonesome vocals and intimate themes. The trio of Ryan Leip, Richard Stone and Freddy Aquirre have crafted an EP brimming with organic noise, lo-fi cred and tight, well blended yet individually distinct musicianship. Stream and buy The Feel Bad Hit Of The Winter at the link below.