Stroon: Chosen Months

Slovakian experimental artist Stroon brings us a new EP on Exitab Records. The 3 tracks set the right mood for Halloween season partying, with a heavy blend of metal inspired guitars, unearthly synth pads and a dark pallor. The eleven minutes of intense melodic instrumental music is a departure for the artist, but shows that metal influence can transcend the formulaic regimes that have come to dominate the genre. Stream and buy Chosen Months at the link below.

 

Big Figment: Chimaerics

 

NYC Progressive rock/jazz fusion band Big Figment have released their debut full length, Chimaerics. Brought to us by our favorite Brooklyn collective, Mama Coco's Funky Kitchen, the album comprises 6 fascinatingly sprawling tracks, comprised of searing guitars, skittering and complex rhythms and even some war-trumpets on top, baying to an unfriendly moon. Originality abounds on this release with genre bending clarity. A must have. Stream and buy Chimaerics at the link below.

 



Lovely Socialite: Toxic Consonance

 

Lovely Socialite, Madison Wisconsin’s progressive jazz-rock sextet, releases their second full length studio album, Toxic Consonance. A two-year recording project has yielded the group’s darkest, most complex, and most mature album to date.  Since 2009, Lovely Socialite has performed long-form instrumental experiments on a diverse combination of string, brass, percussion, and traditional Chinese instruments. Stream and download Toxic Consonance at the link below.
]

Jared Rabin: Something Left To Say

 

Something Left To Say is the debut album from Chicago's Jared Rabin. The nine tracks see Rabin deliver a vibrant folk rock album that is colored with elements of alt-country, psychedelic, and indie rock. The album has great pacing and stylish music, all of which provide the perfect compliment to Rabin's smooth vocals and strong songwriting. Refined and inviting, this superlative debut is a must have. Stream and download Something Left To Say at the link below.

 



Manwomanchild: Return To Ithaca

 

Return To Ithaca is the new track from Philadelphia artist Manwomanchild, aka David Child. The track is melodic indie rock with twangy guitars and psychedelic influenced vocals.  The whole thing has a 60's English mod feel and a pop beat. Nice enough track, but not something that really grabs you. Needs to be part of an EP or album rather than trying to stand on its own. Stream and buy Return To Ithaca at the link below.

 







Rodney Cromwell: Black Dog

 

Black Dog is the new EP from UK artist/producer Rodney Cromwell. The four tracks are alternate cuts of album tracks, cranking the analogue synth disco knob up to eleven. Black Dog (Version)

presents a merciless edit that turns the lengthy epic album track into the tightest radio friendly ode to depression you will ever hear. You Will Struggle (Glitchy Disco Mix) was made for the dance floor, landing in uncharted territory between Rex the Dog and The Best of Divine. If you liked his Age of Anxiety EP, then this new EP gives you more. Stream and buy Black Dog at the link below.

 



Postcode: The Dandelion Radio Session

 

UK band Postcode are no strangers to readers of this blog. The Small Bear Records artists have just released a new five track EP recorded as a Dandelion Radio Session that was aired in September on Mark Whitby's show. The EP is the first release by the newest line-up of the band, comprised of drummer Jonny Peacock, bassist Steve Halsall, guitarist Kieran Ball and founding members Marie Reynolds and Mikie Daugherty. The EP features three new songs, alongside the first electric version of 'Donny' and a rendition of 'Reds' recorded specially for the session. Stream and download The Dandelion Radio Session at the link below.

 



Man Named Pearl: Quietus Make

 

NYC collective Mama Coco's Funky Kitchen gives us, Quietus Make,  the new album from Man Named Pearl, the experimental folk pop artist formerly known as Jesse Turits. This record exists in a timeless vacuum, powered by grinding harmonium, dusty banjo and caressed by psychedelic dub echoes. From "Blue Blue Sea," the warped lullaby that opens the album, to the fearsomely climactic "Coo" and the comfortingly easygoing album closer "Atlas," there is an embarrassment of riches here. Quietus Make marks Man Named Pearl's emergence as an artist to be reckoned with, one of depth, fearless risk-taking and unbridled insanity. Stream and download Quietus Make at the link below.

 

100%chevalier: EP-EE

 

French progressive group 100%chevalier are back with a new release, EP-EE. This new EP retains their frenetic energy and constant experimentation, while incorporating a rawer and broader palette of sounds. This trio blends many elements from math-rock to kraut-rock to electronic, to forge a sound that exemplifies modern progressive music. Stream and buy EP-EE at the link below.

 

A Shoreline Dream: Time Is A Machine Gun

 

Time Is A Machine Gun is the new single from Denver's A Shoreline Dream. With inspiration coming from a phrase stuck in frontman Ryan Policky’s head since childhood, the song focuses on the fact that time and life itself moves faster than we can ever fully grasp. Using space exploration as a backdrop to the layers of ambient dream tones, the message is that, all our lives, we are driven to explore, trying desperately to find a meaning to it all, much like the early space explorers of Apollo. Stream Time Is A Machine Gun at the link below.

 



Real Experts: The Trade Off

 

The Trade Off is the sophomore album from London synthpop band Real Experts. The band, headed by Andrew Maley, features a stellar cast of guest vocalists on this album, including Daniel Angelus, Eden, Mike Burnett and Mimisinga. The thirteen tracks blend elements of EDM, electropop and indie into a smooth, radio ready album, with shimmering production and a polished vibe. Stream and buy The Trade Off at the link below.

 



Torso: Sono Pronta a Morire

 

Sono Pronta a Morire is the new album from California punk/hardcore band Torso. Stark, heavy and in your face, with pile of feedback and vocals so edgy they'll cut you. This is hardcore at its best. No pretense, no commercialism, just no compromise shredding. Watch for a vinyl release on Sorry State Records, and stream Sono Pronta a Morire and buy the digital at the link below.

 



Rabe: Mein Kippenberger Poster

 

Mein Kippenberger Poster is the new EP from Rabe. Almost six years after their disbanding, Totally Wired Records has released an EP containing 3 early, previously undisclosed recordings and «Kippenberger Poster», that modern classic, "all NME-hypes wish they had penned themselves at the time" (posthum club). Leap for joy, you collectors' hearts, since «Mein Kippenberger Poster» EP is coming in a limited edition of 300 copies only, wearing a unique screen print sleeve which is holding a 5-part postcard set in addition. Stream and buy Mein Kippenberger Poster at the link below:



Carly Jasmison: The Devil's Trying To Bring Us Down

 

The Devil's Trying To Bring Us Down is the new track from NYC based artist Carly Jamison. The song takes traditional folk song type storytelling, combines it with a bluezy  subject matter, and presents it in a style that is a unique combination of punk rock energy, pop sensibility, and Southern soul. The result is a unique genre-defying sound that is perfect for Halloween. Stream and buy The Devil's Trying To Bring Us Down at the link below.

 



Rebecca Everett: Seven Shades

Seven Shades is the debut EP from Toronto singer-songwriter Rebecca Everett. The five tracks are twangy, with a blues based feel and a Chris Isaak vibe. All is propelled forward by Everett's towering vocals. Strong arrangements frame vocals, whose power grabs you by the scruff of the neck and demands your attention. Stream and buy Seven Shades at the link below.

 

Phil Reynolds and the Indigo Children: The End Of Affection

 

UK label Small Bear Records mark their 43rd release with an EP from one of their founders, Phil Reynolds and the Indigo Children. The new EP, The End Of Affection, finds the label returning to its roots with this second release from Reynolds, former frontman of John Peel favourites Colon. Containing four new tracks (including a cover of a song by underground heroes Prolapse) and a new mix of 2013's very un-festive Christmas song 'Next Year Won't Be Long Enough', the five-track EP is another great example of Reynold's trademark shoegaze-tinged indie-rock. Stream and download The End Of Affection at the link below.

 



Ageing Children: Strummin'

 

Scottish indie label Bearsuit Records brings us Strummin', the sophomore album from Glasgow no-fi-electro-rock-n-ambient-noise-pop makers, Ageing Children; two Glasgow based musicians who beat, prod, tickle and occasionally attempt to play all the instruments you hear on the album. The twelve tracks explore the fringes of modern music, a place where most artists would not dare to follow. This album is about experimentation and not about crafting another set of mundane pop songs. Stream and buy Strummin' at the link below.

 



Exploding Clouds: Exploding Clouds

 

Exploding Clouds is the S/T sophomore EP from Miami based producer Michael Barksdale. The nine tracks are synthpop musings that evoke comparisons to Neon Indian, Washed Out and Caribou. The tracks are solid pop songs with the requisite vibe and atmospheric vocals. A very solid record, if not highly original, that will appeal to any synthpop aficionado. Stream Exploding Clouds at the link below.

 



Nac/Hut Report: Schism No Symmetry

 

Polish/Italian experimental duo Nac/Hut Report have released a new album, Schism No Symmetry, on underground label Double Hallucinative Records. The eight tracks are dark affairs with biting synths, heavy guitar and atmospheric vocals. Blending elements of industrial, post-punk and noise, the duo brings to life a highly original and dynamic sound, with dense layers of sonic nails riveting the listener to the record. A must have. Stream and buy Schism No Symmetry at the link below.