Llarks: Cloudwires

Cloudwires is the new EP from artist/producer Llarks, aka Christopher Llarks. The three extended tracks are an exploration of ambient drones, textural synths and well placed noise. More of a tonal wall than a melodic stroll, Llarks, blends a dark vibe with intricate layers of sound to convey an emotional experience rather than just a sonic one. Explore space and time, stream and buy Cloudwires at the link below.

Synthseer: Two

Two is the latest track from Synthseer, the electronic moniker of artist/producer and Russian Winter Records head Ric Gordon. The track is an orchestral inspired synth piece, that sees two separate melodic themes and sets of beats build throughout the work. Deep and personal, Gordon shows more smooth textures on this track. This track is a must have. Stream and buy Two at the link below.

Body English: Stories of Earth

Stories of Earth is the debut album from Boston band Body English. The 8 tracks are a collection of stylistic differences ranging fro prog rock to folk. With vocals reminiscent of Donovan, the album comes off as an experiment in storytelling in the way Rush did it. Nothing here is overtly commercial, nor is it terribly user friendly. relying instead on reaching an audience that appreciates the complexity and experience, rather than catchy phrases. Try this for yourself, stream and buy Stories of Earth at the link below.

SheLoom: The Baron Of The Fjord

International collaboration, SheLoom, have released their debut full length, The Baron Of The Fjord. The twelve tracks span musical genres from prog rock to dreampop, with high quality as the overriding theme. Few albums serve up strength across all aspects of their being, from musical performance, vocals, songwriting, pace and production, but strength is what you'll find here with every note. This is simply a great record. Watch the video for track America On Fire, then stream and buy The Baron Of The Fjord at the link below.

Heaven Falls Hard: The Mercy-Go-Round

FZB favorites, Silber Records, brings us, The Mercy-Go-Round, a new release from minimalist darkwave purveyors Heaven Falls Hard. The eight tracks grip you with powerful, haunting vocals, desperate guitars, deep sighs from synths and drums out of a dark battlefield. Ethereal, atmospheric and completely compelling, this album is super strong from start to finish. Silber never fails to bring us great music and this release is one of their best yet. Stream and buy The Mercy-Go-Round at the link below. Better yet, stick a crowbar in your wallet and buy the whole silber catalog at 40% off, you'll be supporting on of the most creative indie labels out there.

We Are Temporary: Crossing Over

Last Friday marked the release of Crossing Over, the much anticipated debut full length from artist/producer We Are Temporary, aka Stars & Letters Records head Mark Roberts. Regular readers of this blog should be well aware of both this artist and his label, which has given us the return of Shocking Pinks and music from Misfit Mod, Empathy Test, GPSYMTH and many others. As an artist, Roberts makes dark, personal and engaging synthpop, that tears at the emotions and stuns with its beauty. To say that this is our favorite album of the year so far would be an understatement. Roberts has a superlative artistic vision and flawless execution. Revisit the video for album track, You Can Now Let Go, then do something wonderful for yourself and stream and buy Crossing Over at the link below.

Tehnoloogiline Paike: Technological Sun

Technological Sun is the third album from Estonian band Tehnoloogiline Paike. The seven tracks are enigmatic synthpop, that has a slight retro feel. While the tracks are enjoyable, there is not much to hold on to. The music is lackluster, missing the drive of EDM, the originality of experimental, or the musicality and lyrical prowess of the best synthpop, like Neon Indian and Grimes. Given the abundance of electronic artists out there, this album has little to offer. Stream and buy Technological Sun at the link below.

Space Sweeper: Alien Oceans

Silber Records has just released, Alien Oceans, the debut album from Space Sweeper, a collaboration between Brian McKenzie of Electric Bird Noise, Ted Johnson of Tesla Recoils and Brian John Mitchell of Remora, all of whom have been featured on FZB. The two tracks offer an expansive journey through experimental guitar based ambient soundscapes. With about an hour of music, the two tracks allow the group to fully explore the freedom that only expanded compositions allow. The result is a record with great depth and texture. A must have. Stream and buy Alien Oceans at the link below.

Mike Benecke: Call The Waves

Call The Waves is the debut album from Los Angeles singer/songwriter Mike Benecke. The nine tracks are intimate acoustic musings from a folk-rock singer, with a penchant for delicate guitars and perfectly placed instrumental parts, that cradle smooth, yet intricate vocals. This is an album that brings beauty through the sonic experience. Watch the video for album track Astral Line and then stream and download Call The Waves at the link below.

Mind The Journey: Color In The Gray Machine

Color In The Gray Machine is the debut full length from Mind The Journey, aka producer/artist Spencer Sabo. The twelve tracks are electronic explorations,. that weave a sonic tapestry from psychedelic to techno. The album evokes the best images of artists like Grizzly Bear and Animal Collective as it takes the listener through catchy songs, intimate vocals and some innovative synth pads. Watch the video for Rose Colored Glasses, then stream and buy Color In The Gray machin at the link below.

Domonic Coppola: Beloved

Electronic artist/producer Dominic Coppola has released Beloved, an ambient collection of 14 loops themed as a Valentines Day based tonal poems series, on Chicago's Sequel Records. Exploring feel and texture rather than traditional melody and counterpoint, Coppola, uses deep rich tonality within a noise laden sonic framework to convey intimacy and passion. Stream and buy Beloved at the link below.

Draemhouse: Only Friends

Blind Blind Tiger Records has released Only Friends, the debut EP from dreampop band Draemhouse. The four tracks are twangy, psychedelic affairs with hints of surf music and folk-rock. Laid back and dreamy, with a chill vibe throughout, the EP is understated and while enjoyable as a whole, it lacks any clear standout tracks and the final impression is unremarkable. Check it out for yourself. Stream and buy Only Friends at the link below.

Freaks For Geeks: TIN

TIN is the third EP from Chicago band Freaks For Geeks. Heavy and melodic with a strong dynamic sense, the four tracks evoke comparisons to Linkin Park and Rage Against The Machine. Their blistering brand of hip-hop laced rock has an infectious beat and edgy vibe. The album does suffer from a poor mix and a lack of mastering, which leaves it sounding muddy, amateurish and a shadow of what it could be, but yet still deserving of attention. Stream and download TIN at the link below.

Various Artists: Full Circle

Static Motor Recordings brings us a great new compilation album. Full Circle delivers ten tracks by different Boston artists that are all female fronted, and was born out of a Boston Soundcloud group. The album, which spans folk, indie rock and pop is flawlessly performed, expertly curated and features compelling music from start to finish. It's a great way to sample the best of Boston's female driven indie scene. Stream and download Full Circle for free at the link below.

Von Zimmer: Freddie's Extra Teeth

Freddie's Extra Teeth is the debut album from South Dakota artist Von Zimmer. The ten tracks are raw, lo-fi and catchy. Sounding like an unmastered home recording, the album is a stark look at the artist's vision in it barest sense. The songs are a bit simplistic, though pleasing none the less. Of course, the lack of a professional mix and mastering leaves the sonic experience disappointing, but the goodness in the tracks manages to leak through. Stream and download Freddie's Extra Teeth at the link below.

Evan^Patrick: Dusk Will Burn The Palms

Brooklyn artist Evan^Patrick has released his sophomore EP, Dusk Will Burn The Palms. The six tracks are a mix of 80's inspired synthpop and the same era inspired alt-rock guitar riffs, woven together into a record long on cliche sounds. The music is flawlessly performed and the songs have interesting themes. On the whole, the album is a worthy work, that will surely find an audience. All that is lacking is more originality in the artistic content, rather than relying on such a derivative sonic vibe. Stream and buy Dusk Will Burn The Palms at the link below.

We Are Temporary: Who's Going To Love Me Now

Who's Going To Love Me Now is the new single from FZB favorite We Are Temporary, aka producer and Stars & Letters Records head Mark Roberts. The single is from Crossing Over, his debut album due out on February 19th. The track is a poignant testament to love, loss and despair. This second single from  the album shows that its going to be a killer. Stream and buy Who's Going To Love Me Now at the link below and watch the blog for a review of Crossing Over  later in the month.

Boolean Knife: Astrid and the Killer Penguin

Astrid and the Killer Penguin is the debut EP from Chicago band Boolean Knife. With a nice post-punk sheen, the  three tracks evoke comparisons to Weezer. Stories and hipster imaging color the tracks, while simple melodic instrumentation propels things forward. Not a great EP, but a worthy effort. Stream and buy Astrid and the Killer Peguin at the link below.

Jacob Faurholt: Super Glue

FZB favorite Jacob Faurholt is back with a new album, Super Glue. Whether it be with his band Crystal Shipsss or under his solo moniker, Faurholt is a remarkable, talent with a superlative post-punk vision. The ten tracks are a stylish ensemble of intimate thoughts, engaging melodies and raw experimentation. This is an album of depth, artistic maturity and beauty. Watch the video  for the track, Floating In Space, then stream, download or better yet, buy the limited edition vinyl of Super Glue at the link below.

Vukovar: The Blood Garden

Small Bear Records have released The Blood Garden, a new three track single from UK band Vukovar. Post-punk intricasies dominate tracks that play like a mini opera. Raw, dynamic and completely compelling, Vukovar blend a myriad of competing melodic parts to yield works of depth and quality. This record is a perfect showcase for a band that puts artistic expression ahead of commercialism. A must have. Watch a video for the title track and then stream and download The Blood Garden at the link below.

Nice Motor: Seminary St.

NoVo Management brings us another fine Chicago band, Nice Motor. Their debut EP Seminary St, is a polished stroll down an indie rock lane. The four tracks are solid pop pieces, with a sharp, trendy indie sound that channels influences from folk to soul. Crystal production, nice dynamic changes and stylistic depth mark a strong debut that leaves the listener wanting more. Stream and download Seminary St. at the link below.