THE FLOORSHIME ZIPPER BOOTS TOP 20 RELEASES OF 2015: #10 - #1

Today we finish the Floorshime Zipper Boots Top 20 Releases of 2015 with our #10 - #1 picks. These top release picks are based on readers page views. 

#10 Philip Polk Palmer: Here In The Deadlights

#9 Luka Fisher: Sleep Gallery

#8 Brooklyn Doran: There's A Light On

#7 Various Artists: Broken Hearts Broken Sounds

#6 Various Artists: Rock Back for Nepal Volume 3

#5 Damian Anache: Capturas Del Unico Camino

#4 Diamondwolf: Your Time Has Come

#3 Something To Do With An Idiot: Bean Dip Billy

#2 The Color Exchange: Cubed

#1 Honey & the 45s: Mad EP

THE FLOORSHIME ZIPPER BOOTS TOP 20 RELEASES OF 2015: #20 - #11

Today we start our countdown of the FZB Top 20 Releases of 2015, with #20 - #11. We'll have the top 10 tomorrow. As always, places are determined by our reader's page views.

#20 Nowfrago: Grandiosa EP



#19 Yellow6: No Memories, Only Photographs



#18 New Politicians: Remission



#17 Various Artists: Revolution The Shoegaze Revival



#16 Natural Magic: S/T



#15 Zenith Myth: Eclipsed V



#14 Vaudevileins: Transmission



#13 Chris Koza: In Real Time



#12 Cinemascope & Cyclorama: Twin Asteroid



#11 Malka: The Constant State

THE FLOORSHIME ZIPPER BOOTS TOP 10 VIDEOS OF 2015

Today we have the first of FZB's year end best of lists with our Top 10 Videos of 2015. As always, we base our best of lists on our readers individual page views. 

#10 VanDeRocker: Kissing Booth

#9 Killwave: Shake

#8 WindfallFound: Views

#7 UV Rays: Brothers

#6 We Are Temporary: You Can Now Let Go

#5 Blimp Rock: My Mind Is A Shark

#4 Yellow6: Seal Beach

#3 Brooklyn Doran: The Villain

#2 Brooklyn Doran: There's A Light On

#1: The Foreign Films: Girl By The River

FLOORSHIME ZIPPER BOOTS TOP RELEASES AND VIDEOS OF 2015 COMING DECEMBER 29TH

FLOORSHIME ZIPPER BOOTS TOP RELEASES & VIDEOS OF 2015

TOP 10 VIDEOS OF 2015

DECEMBER 29TH

TOP 20 RELEASES OF 2015

#20 - #11 DECEMBER 30TH

#10 - #1 DECEMBER 31ST

Chick Quest: Vs. Galore

 

Austrian band Chick Quest have released their debut full length, Vs. Galore. The eleven tracks are dancey "Spaghetti Western Post-Punk" àla Talking Heads, early B52's and Violent Femmes, all mixed with 60's Western soundtrack music, right out of a Clint Eastwood movie. Raw and edgy with a slight lofi quality, this is another band that has large doses of originality and uniqueness. This is a must have. Stream and buy Vs. Galore at the link below.

 



Ophiuco: Hybrid

 

Italian electronic artists Ophiuco have released their sophomore album Hybrid. The eleven tracks are a nice blend of electronic, drum & bass, soulful vocals and lots of originality. The album shows depth with its stylistic variability, has sterling production and the synths always sound fresh and new. This is a must have. Stream and buy Hybrid at the link below.

 



Boys Beach/Rigor Mortis/Go Ask Delphi: Best Boy

Austrian label Totally Wired Records brings us a huge work to pass the holiday family disasters with. The Best Off box set delivers 35 tracks from Boys Beach, Rigor Mortis and Go Ask Delphi, all of which are manifestations of Austrian artist/producer Donna Hayward Discoinferno. In this melange of personas, we are treated to punk, experimental musings that take the listener into uncharted territories of indie originality. Stream and buy Best Off at the link below.

Stringer: Dead Ass

 

Dead Ass is the debut EP from Brooklyn punk rockers Stringer, on Mama Coco's Funky Kitchen. Formed from the ashes of former Shea Stadium house band Heeney, the six tracks are powerful and compelling. Melodic like DIIV, but yet heavier like The Orwells, Stringer delivers a unique mix of raw energy, refined harmonies and strong songwriting. This is a must have. Stream and buy Dead Ass at the link below.

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Boy From The Crowd: Where The Bees Come To Die

 

Where The Bees Come To Die is the debut EP from UK band Boy From The Crowd. The five tracks blend punk and blues to deliver an edgy mix a rock. The EP reminds a bit of Wolf Parade and is as tight, energetic and compelling a record as we've heard all year. Just gets better with every listen. Watch the video for All I Need and the stream and buy Where The Bees Come To Die at the link below.

 



Vaudevileins: Transmission

 

Transmission is the third EP from Chicago band Vaudevileins. The five tracks are straight rock in the classic sense that the music is not formulated into any contemporary sub genre. The EP is just good rock music, that is equal parts melody and fuzz. The influences seem to range from Cheep Trick to AC/DC, but sans any hint of metal or formula alt rock. These are good traits as it gives us an EP that sounds both familiar and new. Good rock music for the ages. Stream and buy Transmissions at the link below.



Rough Year: Mongrel

 

Rough Year is a Philadelphia based artist and musician. Through sonic experimentations within dance and future abstract bass music his debut 4-track EP, Mongrel, on UK indie label Dagger Forrest, focuses heavily on and is inspired by current social and political issues, the civil rights movement and the meaning of identity. With a dark sheen to its dance beats, the EP is long on electronic music clichés and short on originality. Stream and buy Mongrel at the link below.



We Are Temporary: You Can Now Let Go

 

Stars & Letters Records is a familiar label to our readers, having brought us wonderful releases from Shocking Pinks, Misfit Mod and many others. The label's founder, Mark Roberts, has been stretching out as an artist in his own right the last couple of years, under his We Are Temporary moniker, with stunning tracks that you have heard here on the blog. Now we have the first look at his much anticipated debut full length, to be titled Crossing Over, which comes out in February. The single You Can Now Let Go is a masterful, dark synthpop piece, with an infectious beat, rich textures and intimate vocal. Watch a video for the track and then stream You Can Now Let Go and pre-order the album at the link below.

 



Gatsby: Floods + Fires Turbo Edition

 

Gatsby is the original Static Motor Records band. Released in May 2005 to significant pre-blog era praise, Floods + Fires was Gatsby's only full-length (the band broke up shortly after its release). 10 years on, with the benefit of a little hindsight, there was a desire to approach the material with fresh, unencumbered ears. Featuring streamlined track sequencing and two previously unreleased songs, Floods + Fires Turbo Edition is a clangy wave a classic American indie rock; an album that captures the spirit of the early aughts Boston music scene like few others. Stream and download Floods + Fires at the link below.

 



Kinbom & Kessner: Lieder Von Liebe Und Krieg

 

Lieder Von Liebe Und Krieg is the debut album from Kinborn & Kessner, a collaboration between Swedish lap steel guitarist and songwriter Fredrik Kinbom (Sarah Blasko, Gemma Ray, Gurrumul) and German theatre writer/dramaturgist Sonja Kessner. Both live and work in Berlin. The four tracks are a collection of stories and refections about the causes and consequences of human destructivity – sometimes poetic, sometimes political. The album features guests such as James Williamson of Iggy & The Stooges, Hannah Miller of Moulettes and Augie March's Glenn Richards. Stream and buy Lieder Von Liebe Und Krieg at the link below.

 



The Cave Children: Pelorian Video

Greek band The Cave Children have released a live performance video for the track Pelorian, from their fine album Quasiland, reviewed here back in April. Watch it below.

James Clark Hangover: Volume Three

 

Volume Three is the debut album from James Clark Hangover, the solo project of Canadian artist David Clark. The 10 tracks are rooted in classic rock with unmistakable Who influences and elements ranging from the Clash to Mott The Hoople. Emphasizing straight forward rock, with little pretense, the tracks are well produced and well performed. The biggest drawback is that the music does not sound contemporary. This will be welcomed by some and derided by others. For us, the consensus was it all just sounded like something we've heard before and have moved on from. A worthy effort that deserves a listen. You might love it. Stream and buy Volume Three at the link below.

 



Stella Diana: Athena

 

Stella Diana are a band to watch, as one of Italy's most popular shoegaze postpunk bands. Their latest 'Alhena' EP is being released by Vipchoyo Sound Factory in Italy and Raphalite Records in the UK. The five tracks have a lo-fi sheen that gives a bit of edge, but unfortunately also creates a bit of a muddied sound. The EP is an indie radio ready work of melodic, polished performances and interesting tracks. Stream and buy Athena at the link below.

 

Double Echo: La Danza

 

Swedish label Peter Out Records brings us the sophomore album, La Danza,  from darkwave group Double Echo. The eight tracks continue the band's dreamy, atmospheric approach with a sound that draws heavily from 80's new wave. Sullen, melodic and sad, Double Echo have a refined sound that draws the listener in with nostalgic joy. Stream and buy La Danza at the link below.



Luka Fisher: Sleep Gallery

 

The 5in5 series, from Silber Records, has been one of our favorite musical adventures this year. With the series, Silber artists record an EP of 5 tracks that total about 5 minutes in length. The latest installment is the EP, Sleep Gallery, ambient goodness from Luka Fisher. Fisher is generally known for his visual art & music videos, so it's pretty cool to hear what he releases himself - a mix of ambient, experimental & primitive dance reminiscent of Psychic TV & Pigface.  Stream and buy Sleep Gallery at the link below.

 



Liskka: Liskka

 

Liskka is the S/T debut EP from the UK synthpop group. The five tracks take cues from glitch, electro pop and Modern R'n'B, whilst managing to sound absolutely nothing like any of them. Warm organic sounds of horn and piano litter the track, adding a beautiful respite to a fairly restless scene. Meanwhile, self-referential stop-start samples emphasise the glassy alien tone, all combined, it amounts to an interesting journey. Bright, fresh and imaginative, the Liskka EP is a must have. Stream and buy Liskka at the link below.

 

Hemgraven: Saudade

 

Saudade is the new two song EP from Swedish darkwave group Hemgraven. In a short period of time, Hemgraven has proved to be one of Sweden's most interesting and energetic bands of recent years, both live and on record, with their feet firmly rooted in the country's history of dark 80’s new wave, while at the same time constantly looking forward. Think an updated Flock of Seagulls or Depeche Mode. Stream and buy Saudade at the link below.

 



Reno McCarthy: Man of the City

Canadian dance-rock artist Reno McCarthy has a new video out for his single Man of the City. The video directed by Émile Vallée takes place in McCarthy’s hometown of Montreal and focuses on a simple concept of an everyday man in a city, hustling to work while making time for his life passion. Watch it below.

Ummagma: Frequency

 

Multi-cultural duo Ummagma are back with a stunning new album, Frequency. Drifting effortlessly through synthpop and dreampop, with shoegazey elements for depth, the eight tracks transport one into a sonic spectrum where musicianship and vocal prowess take center stage with crystalline  production. Fullfilling the ambitions of the anticipation and hype, the duo of Shauna McLarnon and Alexander Kretov have delivered a special album that is a must have. Stream and buy Frequency at the link below.

 

Andrew Johnston: Take The Highway

 

Canadian singer/songwriter Andrew Johnston is back with a new single, Take The Highway. Inspired by his impending tour, the track takes a straight forward rock approach to a troubadour story, with a powerful hook. Good production and a nice arrangement pull it all together on this piece. Stream and download Take The Highway at the link below.

 

Velcro Mary: Leave A Light On

 

After a four year wait, North Carolina artist Velcro Mary, aka Jason Erb, is back with Leave A Light On, his sophomore album. The ten tracks, stitch together shades of indie rock, post-punk and grunge to deliver an album with depth and authenticity. Erb's vocals draw a stark picture with the lyrics, all backed by heavy guitars, with melodic interludes and compelling arrangements. This album is strong from start to finish and is a must have. Stream and buy Leave A Light On at the link below.

 



The Obleeks: One In A Million

 

Chicago band, The Obleeks, have released a new EP, One In A Million. The four tracks are simple, straight forward pop-punk. The tracks all have a nice live, made at home feel, keeping the music lo-fi and immediate. No pretense here, just a power trio play rock music in its barest form. Lots of twang, lots of fuzz and lots of fun. Stream and download One In A Million at the link below.

 

Outdoor Velour: Face The Strange

 

After a three year wait we have, Face The Strange, a proper new album from husband and wife duo Outdoor Velour. The pair are masters at genre interpretation across styles and epochs. Quirky, original and unmistakably poppy, Outdoor Velour blend, pop-punk, rock and everything else you can think of, to twang, harmonize and have fun through all eleven tracks. Long an FZB favorite, the new album is a must have. Stream and buy Face The Strange at the link below.

 

The Burning Leaves: Sandbird

 

After a three year wait, FZB favorites The Burning Leaves are back with a stunning new EP, Sandbird. The UK based duo of Indie Mae and Craig Lee-Williams grace us with five tracks of beautifully melodic dream pop. Smooth as silk and as pleasurable as a warm embrace, the tracks envelop you with songs of love and longing. This is a must have. Stream and buy Sandbird at the link below.

 



Lazy Legs: Lipstick Prick

 

Wild Patterns Records brings us Lipstick Prick the debut shoegaze single from Lazy Legs. The track has all the reverb and soaring guitars that one would expect from the genre. What is missing is a track with anything to hold on to. Why this was released as essentially an instrumental, with only reverby vocalizations is beyond us. There is just nothing in the track to draw one in. At best the track feels unfinished; at worst it's just pretentious. Give it a listen and see what you think. Stream and download Lipstick Prick at the link below.

 



Cat Daiquiri: Cat Daiquiri

 

Chicago band Cat Daiquiri have released their S/T debut EP. The three tracks are enjoyable indie rock, with good depth and pacing, tight harmonies and nice melodies. All together a fine debut that could have been much better with better production and mastering, which unfortunately as is, leaves us with a shadow of what could have been. Stream and download Cat Daiquiri at the link below.

 



Goodman: Goodman

 

Brooklyn collective Mama Coco's Funky Kitchen are back with a new S/T EP release from Goodman. Taking in a kaleidoscopic vision of guitar pop music that incorporates elements of the baroque, the brash, and the blissfully bonkers, there's a huge amount packed into these 4 tracks. From the twisted Zombies-esque Lessons Learned in Love to the vintage garage snot of Telegram Girl to the tranced out glam stomp of Movies, it's all good stuff. Not only that, but Goodman is the sister EP to a new full length LP coming 2016. Stream and buy Goodman at the link below.
 

DB Cooper: The Road Video

FZB favorites, DB Cooper, are back with a new video for their sharp track, The Road, title track off their album from last spring. Watch it below.

The Dictaphone: Hazmat

 

Totally Wired Records brings us the new album Hazmat, from French psych garage experimental punk phenomenon Jérémie Morin, aka The Dictaphone. With his usual aplomb Morin succeeds in keeping the listeners fully engaged - this time by dragging them on board of his timeless rocket-ship for an imposing and unpredictable trip across highly toxicoid, reverb-soaked rock'n'roll territory. Manic drum thrash mixing with huskily distant, yet penetrating vocals, prancing guitars spitting venom over sizzling analog synths, all of it competing for space in between oscillating reverb spirals. Stream and buy Hazmat at the link below.

 



Kirchenkampf: Swimming Towards The Light

 

North Carolina label Silber Records, continual purveyors of inspired experimental music, bring us Swimming Towards The Light, the new release from Kirchenkampf, aka John Gore. On this release, full of dark ambient textures, sinister space and industrial grimaces, Gore explores the fear of drowning, with a tonal poem that is ripe for the season, and manifest with inventive sonic emotions. This is a must have. Stream and buy Swimming Towards The Light at the link below.

  



Eternals: Out Of Context

 

Massachusetts band, Eternals, give us an advance look at their next album, Isn't That Anyone, due in the spring of 2016, with their stunning new track Out Of Context. Drawing equally from contemporary greats such as Wilco, Spoon and Sparklehorse, and classic pop and rock experimentalists like Brian Eno and John Cale, the track is the perfect collusion of timeless sounds with an ambitious sonic language. Stream and download Out Of Context at the link below.



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.
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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.