Bombproof The Horses: The Ground The Sky

 

 

It seems we've hit a Canadian groove this week on FZB. So stand up and give us a verse of Oh Canada, because here's another. The Ground The Sky is the debut EP from Edmonton indie band Bombproof The Horses. The band delivers strong vocals, tight harmonies and solid instrumental chops. The one weak link is that this is pretty standard fare. The four tracks are proficient, but lack imagination and real raw energy. A good band, a competent EP, but here's wishing that they stretch their legs musically and take some chances on their next release. Stream and buy The Ground The Sky at the link below.

 



The Coppertone: The Bakery

 

The Bakery is the new EP from Ontario artist The Coppertone, aka Amanda Zelina. To say that Zelina is a vocal powerhouse would be an understatement. Her voice is absolutely huge. The four tracks showcase her perfectly, moving effortlessly from heavy blues to driving alt rock. The production and instrumentation are flawless, but it is the vocals that are the whole story here. This is a vocalist that one dare not overlook. Stream and buy The Bakery at the link below.

 

Poncho Records: Compilation Vol.1

 

Halifax, Nova Scotia based indie label Poncho Records have released their first compilation. The compilation features  tracks from 19 bands, 12 of which represent the local Halifax psych-rock scene. Compilations like this are a great way to expand one's musical horizons and tap into otherwise overlooked bands and scenes. This compilation is solid from start to finish. Stream and buy Compilation Vol. 1, either digital or limited edition cassette, at the link below.

 

Champion Lover: Champion Lover EP

 

Toronto punkers Champion Lover have just released their S/T debut EP...and what is it like you may ask? Like base jumping off a double stack of Marshalls. Pure, unadulterated, lustful, scathing power. Oh yes, WTF else ever need be said. Get this this or stand in front of the mirror and say woos. Stream and buy Champion Lover at the link below.

 





Peter Out Records: Let's Peter Out Compilation

 

Our friends at Deathrock Radio have a record label, Peter Out Records and today we have the label's sophomore compilation release, Let's Peter Out. The album is a post-punk garden of 13 bands from 9 different countries. The compilation is released on white vinyl including a download code, and it's limited to 500 copies. It has been put together by Sir Henrik, DJ on Deathrock Radio and founder of Peter Out Records.  Stream and buy Let's Peter Out at the link below:

 



Ivory Hours: Two Keys

 

London, Ontario indie group Ivory Hours is back with their sophomore EP, Two Keys. The band features brother and sister Luke Roes and Annie Roes, with Chris Levesque and Thom Perquin. It is the vocal interplay between the two siblings that defines the band's sound. Lush, wonderful and perfectly matched harmonies and counterpoint, paired with melodic instrumental arrangements that creates a fertile and original pallet of songs. This is another must have. Stream and download Two Keys at the link below.

 

Fredrik Kinbom: Oil

 

One thing we love here at FZB is originality, and originality is what you get in spades from the new Capstan Records release Oil, from Berlin based artist Fredrik Kinbom. Playing lap steel guitar, the tracks have a haunting, mystical vibe, that is enhanced by Kinbom's darkish vocal styling. The ten tracks transcend folk, pop and other genres to define an artist that has found a sound so unique and contemporary, that it belies comparison to stand on its own as a testament of Kinbom's artistic creativity. This is a must have. Stream and buy Oil at the link below.

 

Gran: Chair

 

May 27th marks the release of another gem on Austrian label Totally Wired Records. "Chair" is the debut album from artist/producer Gran. The ten tracks are a dark journey into post-punk stylings. With a sinister lo-fi sheen, foreboding musical shading and a spoken word vibe to the vocals, Gran gives us the simulated experience of walking down a barely lit alley late at night. This is an interesting album, that will not be everyone's cup of tea, but is well worth checking out. Stream and buy Chair at the link below.

 



Riot Nrrd: Settle

 

June 6th marks the debut album release from Canadian artist/producer Riot Nrrd, aka Conrad Sichler. Drawing from the rich heritage of artists like The Weakerthans, Decemberists and Billy Bragg, the 14 tracks deliver fine troubadour tales. The album is laced with vocals that sound familiar and welcoming, together with instrumental work that is always there with the right part at the right time. A strong debut that everyone should spend some time with. Stream and buy Settle at the link below.

 

Savage Sister: Wild Sleep EP

 

Chicago dreampop group Savage Sister is back with their new EP, Wild Sleep. The five tracks continue the band's penchant for atmospheric, ambient songs, that are more about mood than melody. The ethereal tracks float and glisten, while the instruments and voices blend into a swirling patters and textures. This is music to be enjoyed as a mindfulness exercise or in a place that sees one melt into their subconscious. Let Michael Tenzer, Chloe Lundgren and Caitlin Klask take you beyond your daily cares to a place of art and beauty. Stream and download the Wild Sleep EP at the link below.

 

Homebody: EP 01

 

Denver post-punk band Homebody have just released their debut S/T EP. The 6 tracks are lo-fi gems that feature unique song structures, cool guitar sounds and an all together original take on the genre. The EP is jangly, reverby and a fine showcase for a band that pushes the creative limits to deliver a sound that is fresh and exciting. Stream and buy Homebody EP 01 at the link below.

 

The Feel Bad Hit Of The Winter: Mind The Monsters Video

Kansas City garage rockers The Feel Bad Hit Of The Winter have released the first video to support their killer S/T debut EP. "Mind The Monsters" is a lighthearted video take on a track with serious dark themes. Check it out at the link below.

Heroin Chic: We Live In Clouds

 

We're still in single territory with a good new track "We Live In Clouds" from Chicago post-punk band Heroin Chic. For the second day this week we also have a guitar/drum duo, featuring Michael Heringhaus and Aaron Joseph . Heroin Chic, stay closer to a Black Keysian sound, albeit with less blues and more post-punk influences shining through. This is a worthy track and we look forward to hearing more from the group. Stream and download We Live In Clouds at the link below.
 

The Bynars: Time VS Money

 

What seems to be turning into a singles week at FZB continues with the latest release from The Bynars, aka the Boston based duo of Mike Champ and Matt Jatkola. The release, Time VS Money b/w Dancing On A Dream, takes the sound of a guitar and drum duo to new heights. Eschewing the obvious Black Keys or Japandroids vibe, The Bynars forge new ground with a wonderful mix of rock and pop stylings, that manage to deliver real energy. This  single is a nice dose of originality. Stream and download Time VS Money b/w Dancing On A Dream at the link below.

 



Pinebocks: Lena

 

Lena b/w Love Don't Come Around Here is the rollicking new virtual 7" from Chicago new wavers Pinebocks. The band of  Cory Clifford, Devin Nolan, Mike Santana, Jonathan Mondragon and Jake Karlson jangle and bang there way through two straight up rock and roll gems. Nothing fancy and no holds bared, with just a touch of theatrical flair. Stream and download Lena for free, if you're clever, at the link below.

 

Shamrock Justice: Nothing

 

Buenos Aires based indie rock band Shamrock Justice have just come with their sophomore release, the digital single Nothing b/w Sunday.  The two tracks have a sound that is reminiscent of Dinosaur Jr. and Sonic Youth. Lo-fi and angsty, the tracks are filled with energy, while feeling restrained to keep the whole thing from boiling over. Just the sort of balancing act that makes for compelling rock music. We can wait for the bands full album coming soon. Stream and download Nothing at the link below.

 



Mama CoCo's Funky Kitchen: Section 5

 

Our friends at Brooklyn label/music collective Mama Coco's Funky Kitchen are back with their latest compilation, Section Five. The album is a massive 29 tracks, each from a different artist. MCFK have cultivated a vibrant music scene around their studio and with their supporting monthly live showcases. This album is a great way to tap into the creativity and energy generated by the collective. Great music is to be found for all. Stream and Download Section 5 for free at the link below.

 



Repeat After Me: Mapmaker

Bay Area band Repeat After Me are back with their sophomore album, Mapmaker. Finding incredible new music has always been our raison d'etre at FZB and  this quest could not be fulfilled better than by this album. The band of Rob Kassees, Aaron Levin, Tom Monaghan and Eric Murriguez have done something particularly noteworthy on this record. Namely, they have taken all the best elements of 70's rock, stripped away the pretense and overindulgence, and remade it stylistically into a stunning contemporary album. What results is an album full of compelling instrumental work, tight vocals and a production feel with real depth thanks to recording the album analogue on two inch tape. This album is an absolute must have. Stream and buy Mapmaker in various formats at the link below. 

 

Mike Willie: Sad Slugs & Fat Chubs

 

SoCal artist/producer Mike Willie has dropped his debut album Sad Slugs & Fat Chubs. The album is a bit of a concept piece, with two virtual sides designated as, you guessed it Sad Slugs for side one and Fat Chubs for side two. The collection of tracks are lo-fi affairs taking darkish elements of punk, folk and some retro vibes, melding those influences into tales of angst and longing. Stay up late, alone in your room with pizza and beer, and get lost in these tracks. Stream and download Sad Slugs & Fat Chubs at the link below.

 

Teen Men: Apartment In The City

 

Delaware based dreampop band Teen Men have released their debut EP, Apartment In The City. Taking a cue from bands like Hot Chip and Phoenix, the four tracks are completely wonderful affairs of melodic pop music. Featuring tight, radio ready arrangements, this EP has everything going for it, great songs, great vocals and thoroughly enjoyable vibes from start to finish. One of the best debuts we've heard this year (or any year for that matter). This EP is a must have. Stream and download Apartment In The City at the link below.

 



The Invisible World: Welcome to The Invisible World

 

Welcome to The Invisible World is the debut EP from Kansas City based indie rockers The Invisible World. The band of Jesse Collins, Bryce Veazey, Jon Gibbens and Brandon Woodall have delivered 6 tracks that take diverse elements from alt rock, alt country and folk rock. What results is an EP full of tight instrumentals, strong vocals and songs packed with imagery. The tracks are radio ready affairs that are reminiscent of bands like Neutral Milk Hotel and Band of Horses. This is a must have. Stream and buy Welcome to The Invisible World at the link below.

 

Semi Femme: Cotillion

 

Cotillion is the debut EP from Brooklyn post-punk group Semi Femme. Eschewing the usual rock band lineup, Semi Femme consists of 2 bass guitars, drums and vocalist. This gives the band a unique minimal and dark sound. With a vibe that recalls The Doors and also Joy Division, Semmi Femme have delivered three tracks of engaging and compelling rock music. Find some welcome originality in the sea of same old indie. Watch a video for EP track Concealed and then stream and download Cotillion at the link below.

 

Magik Spells: Taking Up Space

 

Vancouver BC shoegazers Magik Spells are back with a new 3 track EP Taking Up Space. Taking tight, jam infused, pop songs and then laying it down with a live production feel that imparts plenty of energy.  Just a good power trio working its craft as well as any. Grab it and bang away, yeah that's it, turn it up till you offend the neighbors. Stream Taking Up Space at the link below.