Go Run Donkey Hot!: Summereth

Croatian band Go Run Donkey Hot! have released their debut album, Summerth. The six tracks take elements from ambient and post-rock genres to render an album of broader musicality than the former and with a more defined song sense than the latter. Light and atmospheric, the tracks slide over you like clean sheets on a freshly made bed. The tracks are comfortable, with the only complaint being the drums, which most of the time, sound like plodding afterthoughts. This is an album for listening and being one with the moment. Stream and download Summerth at the link below.

Delta Will: Weathering

Toronto band Delta Will have released their new album, Weathering. Produced by Chris Stringer ( Elliott Brood, The Wooden Sky, Timber Timbre) the eleven tracks have a soulful vocal vibe melded with very Radiohead like instrumentals. The result is a record of warmth and depth, being more varied than their influences and having an edge that is usually lost in albums with such a polished exterior. This record is a must have. Stream and buy Weathering at the link below.

Antony Milton: The North

The North is the new album from New Zealand based experimental artist Antony Milton. With over 100 releases to his credit, Milton creates music that is focused on the sense of space and presence. The nine tracks blend field recordings and improvisation to deliver an album of sublime beauty and personal connection. With an ambient like continuity, the tracks flow past carrying the listener along as a participant in the journey, rather than a passive observer. Stream and buy The North at the link below.

The Washboard Abs: Have U Scanned Ur Club Card?

Have U Scanned Ur Club Card? is the debut full length from FZB favorite The Washboard Abs, on Portland indie label Antiquated Future Records. The project of singer/songwriter Clarke Sondermann, the twelve tracks continue the folk rock stylings that have marked his earlier releases. Sondermann writes personal songs, that engage the listener in the narrative with an intimate exchange of themes and emotions. The tracks range from straight up folk to indie rock, with some lo-fi thrown in for good measure. Stream and buy Have U Scanned Ur Club Card? at the link below.

My Cruel Goro: Stuff EP

Our favorite Italy/Reykjavik based punk band, My Cruel Goro are back with a new EP, Stuff. These are five tracks of tight, sophisticated, brutal punk rock. We're talking inheritors to the Undertones legacy stuff with this band. Just one of the best bands in the world at the genre.  This is an absolutely essential EP and band to have in one's collection. Stream and download Stuff for free at the link below.

Twin Haus: Nothing Lasvish

Brisbane indie band Twin Haus is back with a new EP, Nothing Lavish. In deference to the title though, lavish is actually the best way to describe the four tracks. With an almost too obvious similarity of style and sound to Radiohead, the band brings complex rock stylings to life in a way that makes that comparison somewhat moot. This is an EP that stands on it own strengths, while at the same time, it shows a band that should move from the shadows of imitation and find their own sound to embrace. Lush, atmospheric and moving, Twin Haus deliver us a must have EP. Stream and buy Nothing Lavish at the link below.

Laura and Greg: GREYSHARKCANYON

GREYSHARKCANYON is the sophomore release from Brooklyn duo Laura and Greg. The four tracks are dynamic indie rock, in the vein of La Sera and Best Coast, but with a heavier edge. The EP has a timeless inde rock sound, blending elements of garage and post-punk into catchy songs, with varied rhythms and strong vocals. The EP has sterling production and is, overall, a very solid record. Stream and buy GREYSHARKCANYON at the link below.

Mark Martyre: Bluebird

Toronto singer/songwriter Mark Martyre has released his fourth album, Bluebird. With a sound reminiscent of Tom Waits and songs with enough strength to do justice to that comparison, Martyre is a troubadour of rare talent and authenticity. The eight tracks take the listener on an intimate journey through Martyre's world of love, loss, searching and redemption. This is an artist who just gets better with every release. This is a definate must have. Stream and buy Bluebird at the link below.

Halfloves: Halfloves

Iowa City based band, Halfloves, have release their new S/T album. The eleven tracks are produced by Brandon Darner (Imagine Dragons) and are darkish, radio ready indie rock gems. Heavy, yet with a strong pop vibe, Halfloves is musically strong and dynamically varied. This album accomplishes the difficult task of being both commercially viable and musically compelling. delivering intense instrumental passages, tight vocals and harmonies, and engaging songs, this album has it all. Watch the video for album track Not Too Keen, then stream Halfloves at the link below.

Thorn1: The Leave of Leaves

Our friends at North Carolina's Silber Records have released The Leave of Leaves, the new album from Siberian artist Thorn1, aka Evgeny Zheyda. This is a record where the isolation of western Siberia is transformed into dark, compelling post-punk songs. The seven tracks are anthemic sojourns juxtaposed with melodic pop passages. Musically varied, starkly beautiful and sonically compelling, Zheyda is an artist whose music is a testament to the creativity to be found in the most unlikely of places. This EP is a definate must have. Stream and buy The leave of leaves at the link below.

The Bordellos: Underground Vol. 4

UK garage punk outfit, The Bordellos, have released Vol. 4 of their Underground Tape Series. Stark and edgy, with influences ranging from punk to folk, the four track EP is a swift kick in the pants to the sterile formula indie music that so dominates the blogosphere now. The tracks explore sounds as smooth as dreampop and as raw as full on punk. The Bordellos have always been a band of intensity and originality, and Vol. 4 continues their penchent for life on the ragged edge. Stream and download Vol. 4 for free at the link below.

A Nighthawk: Ice in the Belly, Fire in the Mind

Swedish synthpop group A Nighthawk have released their debut full length, Ice in the Belly, Fire in the Mind, on their own imprint, Dead Dandelion Collective. Sweden has a legacy of fine music and this places an unnatural burden on any artists coming from this creative land. The duo of Sarah Snavely and Ted Malmros rise to this challenge with an album encompassing a deep musical identity, superlative performances and arrangements, and production that engages the listener intensely with every note. Beautiful, atmospheric and lush, A Nighthawk have given us an album that is a definite must have. Watch the video for album track, Coming For You, then stream and buy Ice in the Belly, Fire in the Mind at the link below.

A NIGHTHAWK - COMING FOR YOU from Ted Malmros on Vimeo.

Guy Grogan: Dynamite Bouquet

Santa Fe based singer/songwriter Guy Grogan has released his new album, Dynamite Bouquet. The award wining songwriter serves up ten indie rock tracks that draw comparisons to the likes of Dinosaur JR and Guided By Voices. This is an album of two personalities. The first, of deep lyrical prowess, while the second, sees an album that lacks connection with contemporary indie music, having a sound firmly ensconced in the past. The production, unfortunately, seems to take all the edge out of the record. You know it's there, however the sonic experience is flat and lacks the rawness or power that defines truly compelling indie rock. Stream and buy Dynamite Bouquet at the link below.

Dominic Coppola: Ladylike

Michigan based artist/producer Dominic Coppola is back with Ladylike, his new two track EP. Spanning 22 minutes of music, Coppola utilizes soothing tonal drones to paint an ambient mindscape of love restored. Dense, yet unencumbered, the tracks float along in an atmospheric ballet of waxing and waning sounds. Seemingly free, but yet distinctly structured, the EP is appealing on many levels. The EP is available as a cassette from Bent Crayon Records. Stream and buy Ladylike at the link below.

Ric Gordon: Walk Away & Braggers: Be My Friend

To mark FZB's 5th birthday, we have a two single releases from our parent label Russian Winter Records. The first is Walk Away, by artist/producer Ric Gordon. The raw post-punk track is an edgy protest song that paints a stark picture of where America finds itself now, as a country of corporate greed, elitism, blatant racism, discrimination of LGBT and older people, and an out of control police. The second, Be My Friend is the new single from garage punk artist Braggers. Lo-fi and more pop than previous releases, this track sees Braggers exploring realms that meld together influences from Roxy Music to Wavves. Both tracks are must haves. Stream and buy Walk Away and Be My Friend at the links below.

Hemmingbirds: Half A Second

Half A Second is the new EP from Chicago band Hemmingbirds. The four tracks are rollicking indie rock affairs that recall influences as diverse as the Undertones, The Jam and Coldplay. Energetic and hard edged, this EP will have you moving your arse and wanting more...much more. This is great music from a band that knows how to do it right. Nuff said. Stream and buy Half A Second at the link below.

Electrik Orange: Trevor's Kid

Trevor's Kid is the self released debut EP from Electrik Orange. Hailing from a sleepy little suburb of Kansas City, this group of high school students make music way beyond their years. The first thing that will strike the listener is the surprising originality on offer. Where most young artists are busy copying other's licks, this group is writing and recording compelling music that has its own identity. The six tracks have catchy melodies, a nice pop vibe and show real musical chops. This EP is strong from start to finish and a definite must have. Stream and download Trevor's Kid at the link below.

Various Artists: Krafftmalerei Plagiat

Austrian label Totally Wired Records always brings us unique music, and today we feature their massive compilation album Krafftmalerei Plagiat. The 23 tracks feature various artists covering the songs of Austrian artist group Krafftmalerei. Ranging from electronic to punk, this compilation has something for everyone. It is a great look into the vibrant underground music scene swirling around Europe. This album is a must have. Stream and download Krafftmalerei Plagiat at the link below.

Stay: The Mean Solar Times

The Mean Solar Times is the Picture In My Ear Records debut album from Barcelona based psych rockers Stay. Produced by Owen Morris (Oasis, The Verve) and with guitar contributions from Andy Bell (Ride, Oasis, Beady Eye), the eleven tracks are powerful radio ready gems that will satisfy the most discerning palette. This album is a must have. Watch the video for the album track Smiling Faces, then stream and buy The Mean Solar Times at the link below.

Gulls: Internal Rhythm

Portland, OR based experimental label Boomarm Nation has released Internal Rhythm, the new album by Gulls. The twelve tracks are glitchy affairs, with ample supplies of noise and imaginative synths. Utilizing a plethora of hardware dubs, catchy beats, sweeping frequency range and overlapping melodies the album creates a listening experience that is engaging. Stream and buy Internal Rhythm at the link below.

The Foreign Films: Side 4

More advance tracks from FZB favorite Foreign Films, aka Bill Majoros and his triple vinyl release, The Record Collector, due next September. Side 4 features six pop tracks that are smoother than a baby's butt. Majoros doesn't make your standard fare. He serves up cinematic music that spans genres and instrumentation to deliver a diverse, yet cohesive collection of music that will satisfy even the most jaded listener. This is rock, er I mean R&B, uh no jazz, damn soundtrack music at its best. Get behind this highly original and expansive release, stream and download Side 4 at the link below.

Wood Lake: Easy Love

Ontario based band, Wood Lake, have released the single, Easy Love, as an advance track from their upcoming album Hell, due out April 5th. The track is a smooth indie rock ballad, with some dreamy elements, nice horn parts and lots of synths. Melodic, atmospheric and intimate, the track has a lush sonic vibe. Stream Easy Love and pre-order the album at the link below.

The Heroic Enthusiasts: Memory Wheel

Memory Wheel is the debut EP from Rochester, NY duo The Heroic Enthusiasts, aka James Tabbi and Tom Ferrara. The four tracks build on the band's sound first introduced on two previous singles. With roots firmly in post punk, the band uses a polished indie rock sound that ranges from The Smiths to Kurt Vile, to deliver an EP with depth of melody, a hard edge and catchy songs. This one is a must have. Stream and buy Memory Wheel at the link below.