Blimp Rock: Sophomore Slump

 

Toronto indie band Blimp Rock has released their second album, Sophomore Slump. With an original sound, the ten tracks are described by the band as anti-folk. In a similar to Arcade Fire, the band provides us with melodic pop pieces, with interesting arrangements, strong vocals and towering harmonies.  This is one of the more interesting records to come across our desks this year. Watch the video for album track, My Mind Is A Shark and then stream and buy Sophomore Slump at the link below.

 

The Rebel Light: Strangers & Jukebox Dream

 

L.A. indie rockers The Rebel Light have released a couple of singles in advance of their upcoming EP, A Hundred Summer Days. The singles, Strangers and Jukebox Dream are melodic and full sounding, with a lo-fi tinge and reminiscent of The Shins. Definitely point to and EP that will be super strong. Watch for a review of the EP when it's released. In the mean time, stream and download Strangers and Jukebox Dream at the link below.

 



Cinemascope & Cyclorama: Twin Asteroid

 

Chez Kito Kat Records brings us the new album, Twin Asteroid, from electronic auteurs Cinemascope & Cyclorama. The five extended tracks are dense electronic affairs of layered synth pads, percussion and melodies. Crystal clear production and mastering make this album a sonic experience that will transform the music into a sensory experience. Stream and buy Twin Asteroid at the link below.

 

Something To Do With An Idiot: Bean Dip Billy

 

Bean dip Billy is the debut album from Melbourne band Something To Do With An Idiot. The ten tracks are genre bending affairs, with lots of 80's electronica, tongue in cheek vibes and huge amounts of theatrical performances. One of the weirdest albums to come out in a while. You just need to listen to understand the concept, but not for everyone. Stream and download Bean Dip Billy at the link below.

 



Zenith Myth: Eclipsed V

  

Eclipsed V is the sophomore album from L.A. electronic artist Zenith Myth, aka Mike Edwards. The ten tracks see the project shift into electronic experimentation mode.  With a metronomic pulse, the record manages to mesh mid tempo arpeggiated synths with intricate drum programming and real drums to bend genres and analog sounds. The guitars are all still in there (6 different guitarists played on the record), but they give way to drones and modulated synthesizers that capture a subtler, more nuanced instrumental dreamscapes this time out. Think eighties synth progressions with classic rock drum fills, alongside waved out guitar loops woven together just enough to bring you in, but disorient simultaneously. Stream and buy Eclipsed V at the link below.

  



Sister Wolf: Villians

 

Brooklyn band Sister Wolf have just self released their debut album, Villains. The twelve tracks are grungy and punky alt rock, with huge vocals female vocals. The trio puts out high energy from start to finish. Even in subdued passages, one knows that the explosion is about to come. This album is a must have. Stream and buy Villains at the link below.

 



My: Cruel Goro: My Cruel Goro

 

Icelandic trio, My Cruel Goro, have just released the self-titled debut EP. Featuring 3 tracks chalked full of early 70s energetic Brit rock with punk leanings, yet through the prism of a thick modern soundbed. It's no wonder they are getting so much attention from the national press in Italy and that bloggers have referenced such paramount artists as The Clash, The Stranglers, The Jam, Ash, The Fratellis, Arctic Monkeys and Weezer. Stream and download My Cruel Goro for free at the link below.

 



Mouca Records: MN 10

 

Our friends at European indie label Mouca Records have release another great compilation of their artists. MN10 features tracks by 13 artists that span post-punk and alt rock, with bits of psychelia and surf rock thrown in for good measure. A huge album that is sure to please with strong performances and a high degree of originality. Stream and download MN10 for free at the link below.

 



David Woodgett: Over The Ash Tree

 

UK indie label Small Bear Records brings us another fine debut EP, Over The Ash Tree, by singer-songwriter David Woodgett. The three songs are stripped dowen swampy magnificence, reminiscent of of early Black Keys, La Hell Gang, Other Lives or Ty Segall. In Dave's own words Over The Ash Tree is "the rocking waves and the deep ocean carrying a stranger who is searching for adventure and finds more." Stream and download Over The Ash Tree at the link below.

 

Copywrite: A Heart of Glass

 

Copywrite is a group from Australia and not to be confused with the well known recording artist by the same name. Their new album A Heart of Glass has just been released on X Amount Records. The twelve tracks have a distinctive sound that at times sounds bluesy, punky or alt-rock. The genre bending is well served as the record has a darkish overtone and shows a penchant for progressive rock. This album is big on originality and far from ordinary. Stream and download A Heart of Glass at the link below.

 



Nowfrago: Grandiosa EP

 

The Grandiosa EP is the debut from Swiss artist Nowfrago, aka singer-songwriter Mathias Gunsch. The three tracks are a dreamy mix of folk-rock, with ambient textures, atmospheric vocals and crisp production. The songwriting is strong and the arrangements show an imaginative side to the artist and are a good vehicle for his originality. This is a must have debut. Stream and buy Grandiosa at the link below.
 







The Regrets: Ex-Boyfriend EP

 

NYC band The Regrets have released their debut Ex-Boyfriend EP. The four tracks run a scant 10 minutes, but perfectly showcase a band that is short, sweet and to the point. The Regrets sound is bracingly anthemic twee punk, at times angry, triumphant, anti-romantic wry, cool, seedy, anti-cool and romantic. Stream and buy the Ex-Boyfriend EP at the link below.

 

UV Rays: Brothers EP

 

Brothers is the debut EP from Brooklyn group UV Rays. The four tracks are a blend of elements from psychedelic, punk and shoegaze into an EP that is unique and original. Dense, heavy and energetic, with a penchant for interesting rhythms, UV Rays explore a fertile creativity to give us a debut that stands out from the bunch. Watch the video for the title tracks Brothers, then stream and download the Brothers EP for free at the link below.

 



Slow Coda: You Again

 

After an almost two year wait, L.A.'s Slow Coda is back with a new EP, You Again. The band of Tavis Balkin, Nicholas Morford, Johnny Skwirut, Andrew Harris and Lauren Lakis, return with an album of lush dream pop that's as smooth and tasty as a nice sorbet. As we have come to expect from the band, the seven tracks are a lesson in strong songs, interesting arrangements and sterling production. This EP is a definite must have. Stream and download You Again at the link below.
 

Pulsar Wolf: Maiden Voyage

 

Boston singer-songwriter Paul Peters, of FZB favorites Mode Gun, has a new solo project Pulsar Wolf. He just released his aptly titled debut EP Maiden Voyage. The three tracks are tight atmospheric, psychedelic affairs with plenty of interesting layers. Rooted with acoustic guitars, featuring huge electric flourishes and a strong rhythm section. The EP makes a fine debut from an artist stretching his wings. Stream and buy Maiden Voyage at the link below.

 



Grenades: Lou Diamond Phillips

 

Lou Diamond Phillips is the new EP from Seattle hardcore purveyors Grenades. The three tracks deliver the expected in your face, take no prisoners, screamo vocals, full on distortion and head banging. While this blog does not typically feature hardcore/metal music, sometimes the urge strikes us to embrace the inner anarchy that lurks beneath. Given the idiotic rhetoric in last night's republican debate, this EP seems an appropriate response. Stream and buy Lou Diamond Phillips at the link below.

 



Anda Volley: Are You Armed Video

FZB favorite Anda Volley has released a new video for the title track of her recently reviewed album, Are you Armed. Look at the July archives for our review of the album and check out the video below. Are You Armed is one of the stand out albums of the year.

Ben Hughes: A Week in the Life of Someone, Somewhere

 

New Jersey singer-songwriter Ben Hughes has been on a mission to release an album every month for 2015. July's installment is A Week in the Life of Someone, Somewhere. The 13 tracks chronicle being in an unfulfilling job and the emotions that entail. The songwriting performance and production are all strong, something that is surprising on it's own given the scope of the project. Few artists would have the means to pull of this kind of year long quest, much less execute it so well. This is a project to get behind. Stream and download A Week in the Life of Someone, Somewhere at the link below.

 



Pure Phase Ensemble: Live At Spacefest!

 

So we have something a bit different today on FZB. Live At Spacefest! by Pure Phase Ensemble is an album born from an international music collective, created especially for the SpaceFest festival in Gdansk, Poland. The project involves Mark Gardener of RIDE and Ray Dickaty (ex Spiritualized), along with a series of very talented musicians from Poland's top indie groups. This release is the result of intensive week-long collaboration between these artists surrounding SpaceFest. Pure Phase Ensemble has previously featured Laetitia Sadier (Stereolab), Chris Olley (Six By Seven), Steve Hewitt (ex Placebo), and Jaime Harding (Marion). Stream and buy Live At Spacefest! at the link below.

   

Eiyn Sof: The Chthonic Tongue

 

The Chthonic Tongue is the new experimental album from Eiyn Sof, aka Melissa Boraski, on UR Audio-Visual Records. Taking dark elements from folk, post rock and minimalism, the nine tracks were made using only autoharp and voices. Inspiration for many of the tracks were drawn from mythical female characters. This is an album marked by depth, grace and quality. Watch the video for album track Falcon Bone, then stream and buy The Chthonic Tongue at the link below.