Vaqrious Artists: Face The Beat Session 3

Electronic magazine Side-Line brings us the huge compilation Face The Beat Session 3. The 63 tracks by different artists, are a deep exploration of the latest in independent industrial, electronic and experimental music. The compilation benefits free meal charity O Allos Anthropos. This collection is a must have for all electronic aficionados. Stream and download face The Beat Session 3 at the link below.

Night Knight: God Is A Motherfucker

Greek Label Inner Ear Records bring us God Is A Motherfucker, the debut album from Athens rockers Night Knight. The eleven tracks take a classic rock stylistic approach with heavy, bassy tonality, some nice harmonized guitars and edgy vocals. The record is a trip through traditional rock cliches, with a good sound, but little in the way of originality. Stream and buy God Is A Motherfucker at the link below.

Wired Minds: Saudade

Saudade is the debut EP from Chicago band Wired Minds. Reverby and lo-fi, the three tracks serve up a myriad of influences from Interpol to The Jam. The EP is energized post-punk at its best. Building moods and textures, Wired Minds deliver a sound that is engaging and just gets better with every listen. Our only complaint is that the EP is just a mere three songs. We hope a full length is coming soon. Stream and download Saudade at the link below.

Happy Abandon: Heavy Lines

Heavy Lines is the debut EP from North Carolina band Happy Abandon. With traces of Mumford & Sons and Noah and the Whale, the five tracks blend orchestral touches and shoegaze influences into an EP that builds sonic goodness with each note. The band of Peter Vance, Jake Waits, Alex Thompson and Justin Ellis unleash strong songs, ethereal vibes and well crafted musical lines that mark a super strong debut. Steam and download Heavy Lines at the link below.

Ravary: Two Songs

Two Songs is the debut release from Ravary, the solo project of Justin Ellis, ex of FZB favorites The Color Exchange. The two tracks are airy dream pop, with nice folk-rock beds that build into compelling pop songs. Ellis is a singer/songwriter with great range and depth. Watch FZB for more from his other musical endeavors. In the mean time, stream and download Two Songs at the link below.

Crystal Soda Cream: Rationale Arbeitsschritte

FZB favorites Crystal Soda Cream have released a new single Rationale Arbeitsschritte. The two tracks continue the bands post-punk industrial mastery, with dark guitars, synths and vocals. Compelling melodies and an intimate feel add to the new wave vibe, reminiscent of 80's stalwarts. Along with the new music the band has released a wonderful animated video. Watch the video and then stream and download Rationale Arbeitsschritte at the link below.

Bay Kee: Wonder Wild

New Jersey based artist Bay Kee, aka Christine Spilka, has released her sophomore album via Mama Coco's Funky Kitchen and Human Sounds Records. The eight tracks are tasty indie pop in the vein of Beach House and Tame Impala. Filled with melodic riffs, stunning vocals and crystal production, Spilka delivers a record that will warm the coldest day this winter. Stream and download Wonder Wild at the link below.

Les Gruff and the Billy Goat: Les Gruff and the Billy Goat

St. Louis band Les Gruff and the Billy Goat have released their S/T sophomore album. The eleven tracks are a rowdy mix of alt-country, folk rock and Americana. The album is a nice diversion of authenticity, from the rock music with bad lyrics that passes as most commercial country music today. This is an album that is just fun to listen to, with great musicianship and little pretense. Stream and buy Les Gruff and the Billy Goats at the link below.

Larmheim: Cent Soleils

Cent Soleils is the new album from Swiss electronic artist Larmheim. The ten tracks are a journey through noise, dissonance, unexpected melodies and sonic depth. Unafraid to take an experimental approach, Larmheim assaults ones senses with textural diversity and song elements that challenge the listener to expand their concepts and their consciousness. Stream and buy Cent Soleils at the link below.

Andy Metz: Delusions

Chicago based singer/songwriter Andy Metz has released Delusions, his first full length album in seven years. Blending elements of pop and folk, with songs that are engaging stories, the album is an intimate look into Metz's artistic vision. Deep and personal, the album is expertly produced and creates moods that draw the listener deep into the music.Stream and buy Delusions at the link below.

Inspired and the Sleep: Eyelid Kid

Eyelid Kid is the new EP from California dream pop band Inspired and the Sleep. The album glistens with catchy songs, crystal production and unexpected instrumental touches. We also have a stunning video for the track Die Slow by Australian director Robert Crispe. The stop motion video was created in a year long process, utilizing over 3,700 frames with no post work applied. Watch the video, then steam and download Eyelid Kid at the link below.

Mechanimal: Delta Pi Delta

Delta Pi Delta is the new album from Mechanimal, on Greek label Inner Ear Records. Blending post-punk and electronic elements with a huge sound and exceptional vocals, the ten tracks see the band exploring new musical territories and maturing as songwriters. With notable dance elements and techno flourishes, this album represents the band's most cohesive work yet. Stream and buy Delta Pi Delta at the link below.

Schizo Fun Addict/The Bordellos Split: Kassette

Small Bear Records brings us another ambitious project in Kassette, the split album from The Bordellos and Schizo Fun Addict. All proceeds from the sale of this album go to Save The Children, a worldwide charity focused on helping the world's impoverished, neglected and strife ridden children. Need more be said. Well yes, the music is great, some of the best shoegaze one could ask for. Stream and buy Kassette at the link below.

Hanetration: Coiled Fire EP

FZB favorites Hanetration give us a great start to 2016 with their new EP, Coiled Fire. The nine tracks continue the band's mastery of noise, glitch and field recordings. Blending a myriad of textures, this EP is a world journey through ambient soundscapes rich in diversity, color and dynamics.  Discover why we think this UK band is one of the best ambient purveyors around. Stream and download Coiled Fire for free at the link below.

Electric Bird Noise: Follow The Star

Our friends at Silber Records have released another electronic gem to brighten the dark winter skies. Follow The Star, is the new album from Myrtle Beach electronic artist Electric Bird Noise. With a firm experimental base and a penchant of originality and uniqueness, the nine tracks explore the synthesis of melody and dissonance. The tracks go from spritely to haunting, all the while providing a an immensely satisfying sonic experience. Stream and buy Follow The Star at the link below.

The Longwalls: Live at The Bridge

Boston indie stalwarts, The Longwalls, have released a fine live album, recorded at their March performance at Boston club, The Bridge. The ten tracks are culled from the bands extensive catalog and showcase the band's immense depth and originality. Live albums are, at best, difficult affairs that try to recreate the precision of recorded tracks, coupled with the spontaneity and energy of a live performance. This album does this with aplomb, transporting the listener to the front row of a great experience. Watch the video of the concert, then stream and download Live at The Bridge at the link below.

Jack Lite: Cold Cuts

Cold Cuts is the debut album from Colorado artist Jack Lite, aka Jack Sweeney. The thirteen tracks are well crafted pop songs in the same vein as Mac Demarco and Tame Impala. With reverb drenched guitars and some nice jazz flourishes, the tracks transcend the obvious indie cliches. The songs are short and catchy, hinting at a superb artist. However, much of what this artist has to offer is lost due to the very poor production quality and mastering, which greatly detract from what would otherwise be a stellar debut. The mix is a mish mash of unbalanced instruments and the mastering only serves to muddy the sonic experience. Stream and download Cold Cuts at the link below.

Bad Reed: Bad Reed EP

Ontario indie rockers Bad Reed have released their debut S/T EP. The three tracks channel diverse influences ranging from Mars Volta to Esperanza Spalding. With dark elements, huge vocals and instrumental parts that go from melodic indie to heavy metal, this EP has depth that holds one's attention, coupled with stunning performances. This is a band we want to hear more from. Stream and download the Bad Reed EP for free at the link below.

This Heel: III

We start the new year with III, a new album from Swedish artist This Heel, aka Martin Mansson Sjostrand, frontman of FZB favorites Dog, Paper Submarine. The eight tracks are an eclectic mix of influences from GBV to Sebadoh. Raw and energetic without sacrificing melodic content, this album stands as the best thing we've heard in quite a while. It is just a perfectly wonderful listening experience from start to finish. Great songs, great performances and sterling production make this a must have. Stream and download III at the link below