The Floorshime Zipper Boots Top 10 of 2016 So Far

2016 has seen much great music come across the FZB desk. It has been a very creative year for emerging artists. So, we are happy to present The Floorshime Zipper Boots Top 10 of 2016 So Far. As always, our best of lists are based on reader's pageviews. We must apologize that Blogger is not letting us include links for each list member as we always do. It seems that multiple Bandcamp links are crashing. Not sure why this is happening. We've been doing these lists for 5 years. Please use the blog search function to take you to the feature for each artist, where you'll find the link to their music.

10. The Longwalls: Live at the Bridge

9. Wilder Gonzalez Agreda: Scala Mega Hertz

8. Wood Lake: Hell

7. Anda Volley: Paper Moon

6. Rats Rest:On The East Side

5. Sciencevision: States Of Vividity

4. Matt Kelly: The Matt Kelly Half  Hour

3. Electrik Orange: Trevor's Kid

2. The Heroic Enthusiasts:Memory Wheel

1. The Red Hill Valleys: The Red Hill Valleys

Harpooner: Rose Park

Rose Park is the debut album from Nashville band Harpooner. The ten tracks are a journey through retro psychedelic influences, sonic visions of the Beatles, and a sound that brings these influences together in a cohesive and original album where energy abounds. Crisp production and tight instrumentals are the hallmark, with synth accents adding a nice contemporary counterpoint to the retro theme. This is a stellar debut and a must have. Stream and buy Rose Park at the link below.

The Hairs: While I Hated Life, Barbarian

While I Hated Life, Barbarian, is the new album from Brooklyn band The Hairs. Brooklyn has an incredibly vibrant and creative indie music scene and we have featured countless artists from this scene. What makes The Hairs new release stand out is its mediocrity. We found this release a disappointment from start to finish. The vocals are week, the songs simplistic and the production, while was likely meant to be lo-fi, is just a mess of muddled frequencies with no separation of instruments across the spectrum. Decide for yourself, stream and buy While I hated Life, Barbarians at the link below.

Buh Records: Signs of Synthesis 1991-2000

Signs of Synthesis is another collection of Peruvian avant garde music from Buh Records, this time from 1991-2000. The nine tracks totally over an hour, features electro acoustic music in a range of styles. Soothing tones, passages that simulate field recordings, inventive melodies and sterling musicianship about. The tracks give several interesting perspectives on how guitars can be used to create what would normally be done on the synthesizer. A fine and interesting album. Stream and buy Signs of Synthesis at the link below.

Novanta: Hello We're Not Enemies

Hello We're Not Enemies is the new album from Milan based artist Novanta, aka Manfredi Lamartina. Released on Seashell Records, the seven tracks are expertly crafted post-punk, with an intimate feel and compelling sound. While the album bristles with a myriad of post-punk influences and well used instrumental cliches, Novanta transcends this to deliver an album that sounds fresh and original. This is a must have. Stream and buy Hello We're Not Enemies at the link below.

M is We: Feels Like Five Days

Feels Like Five Days, by M is WE, is the latest release in the Silber Records 5 songs in 5 minutes series. The tracks are dark, heavy, post punk and definitely leave the listener wanting more. With influences from The Clash to The Ramones, the tracks are pure post punk goodness. The 5 in 5 series has been one of the more interesting label series in recent years, with a myriad of exciting content. Stream and buy Feels Like Five Day at the link below.

7faz: Faza B

A month ago we brought you Faza A, the debut release from Polish drone ensemble 7faz. Today we have their followup, Faza B. The three tracks span over 30 minutes and feature many conventional instruments such as guitar, sax and drums, along with the obligatory synths. This yields an ambient sound that is richer and more familiar to the ear, while conjuring a more melodic vibe. There is a great a great backstory to this album about being inspired by notes from a submarine captain, which you can read on the Bandcamp page. 7faz has become one of our favorite ambient groups. Stream and buy Faza B at the link below.

Derive: Full Body Awareness

Full Body Aawareness is the new EP from Amherst, MA punk band Derive. The five tracks blend elements of  of classic punk, harcore and rap-rock, with a theatrical vibe, resulting in an inventive and original EP. The EP is raw and in your face, with each track having a sense of uncontrolled urgency, like the whole thing is going to explode at any moment. This is a great EP and shows that punk can still be vital and unexpected. Stream and download Full Body Awareness at the link below.

Ric Gordon: Songs for Her

Singer/songwriter and Russian Winter Records head, Ric Gordon is back with, Songs for Her, his first live album and most personal work to date. Featuring only acoustic guitar and vocals, the seven tracks are a testament to love and loss, delivered in the stark, intimate setting of a solo live acoustic performance. Recorded with three mics set up to capture the ambient aspect of vocals and guitar, Gordon delivers an album that recreates the live experience, with all elements bare for the listener to hear. No retakes, no pitch correction, just an artist at his most basic. A definite must have. Stream and buy Songs for Her at the link below.

Buh Records: Visiones de la catástrofe

Ok, we have something very different for you today. Peruvian label Buh Records has just released Visiones de la catástrofe, an exploration of Peruvian noise music fro 1990 - 1995. The eleven tracks are an avante garde exploration of noise. with a varied and interesting sonic spectrum, the record is a fascinating look at noise music in a place unlikely for those of us in North America or Europe would be unlikely to discover. This album is admittedly not for everyone, but afficianados of noise, will find it an interesting addition to their collection. Stream and buy Visiones de la catástrofe at the link below.'

The Dead South: Good Company

Good Company is the debut full length from Canadian acoustic band The Dead South. The thirteen track romp through Americana, bluegrass, and traditional folk with style a flair. With prominent banjo and cello, this ensemble has towering harmonies, a nice raw edge and sterling songwriting. With all the Mumford and Sons clones out there, it's good to see a band that has originality and their own vision on what an acoustic ensemble can be. This is a must have. Stream and buy Good Company at the link below.

50FOOTWAVE: Bath White

Bath White is the new EP from L.A. band 50FOOTWAVE. Featuring two members of Throwing Muses, the power trio delivers a six track EP with all the post-punk goodness anyone could ask for. Kristin Hersh's vocals are compelling, delivering the songs with edgy emotional performances. The whole EP has a nice raw vibe, with plenty of energy and dynamic changes. This is a must have. Stream and buy Bath White at the link below.

L-Spex: Saddiva

Saddiva is the new EP from Canadian artist L-Spex. The four tracks are a genre bending exploration of experimental, post-punk and minimalist vibe. This is music that is hard to put a tag on. There are many influences here, but yet there is an original feel to the whole EP. With vocals reminiscent of King Krule and lo-fi'ish production, this is an interesting look at an artist pushing the boundaries. Watch the video for the title track below, then stream and download Saddiva at the link below.

Rats Rest: On the Eastside

On the Eastside, the debut release by Rats Rest on Sweden's Peter Out Records, represents the label's first foray into straight up punk rock. The four tracks do not disappoint, with loud, fast, in your face punk rock, ala Circle Jerks and Black Flag. The EP has enough edge to shave with and enough energy to power your house. This is punk the way it is meant to be played. Jump into the mosh pit, stream and download On the Eastside at the link below.

Candy Plague: Beam

Beam is the debut EP from Swedish duo Candy Plague, on Shallow Shit Records. Featuring a stark and edgy lo-fi sound, the four tracks range through melodic pop to hard noise rock. The EP showcases great songwriting, imaginative arrangements and a compelling sound that is strong on originality, while maintaining a vibe that is easy to listen to and is thoroughly enjoyable. One of the best EP's this year and a definite must have. Stream and download Beam at the link below.

Yishay: Trinity Tapes I

Trinity Tapes I is the debut EP from North Dakota. Artist Yishay. The three tracks have an M83 vibe to them, with their crisp production, tight arrangements and strong dramatic quality. The songs are poignant, with a huge sound and compelling vocals. This EP is polished and radio ready, though this also means one won't find much edge or rawness here. Stream and download Trinity Tapes I at the link below.

Brooklyn Doran: Paper Wings

FZB favorite Brooklyn Doran is back with a new single, Paper Wings. The track is an advance listen to her upcoming new album. The song is a take on the story of Icarus, but from the perspective of the sun. Stylish and beautiful, Doran never fails to impress. Stream and buy Paper Wings at the link below.

Chvad SB: Phenomenalism Cartesian Doubt and Bomb #20

One of our favorite indie labels, and also one of the most forward thinking musically, is Silber Records. Readers of this blog will note that their releases appear here regularly. Today we have another fine, envelope pushing release from them. Phenomenalism Cartesian Doubt and Bomb #20 is the new album from Chvad SB. The 1 hour plus piece of music is and innovative electronic work using the synth as an orchestral tool, to construct a tonal poem that conveys depth and originality, through a compelling series of musical expressions and moods. This massive work is a must have. Stream and buy Phenomenalism Cartesian Doubt and Bomb #20 at the link below.

Alyawm: Chasing Trouble

Chasing Trouble is the debut track from London artist/producer Alyawm. Originally a digital artist, Alyawm moved into music to broaden his perspectives and have a more immediate release for his emotions. This single is the first in a series about anxiety and mental health issues. With a refined sound, intimate instrumentation, and haunting vocals, the track conveys the deep sense of despair associated with the anxiety of life. Stream and buy Chasing Trouble at the link below.

Mat Kelly: The Matt Kelly Half Hour

UK indie label Small Bear Records marks their 50th release with the album, The Matt Kelly Half Hour, by singer/songwriter Matt Kelly. With eleven tracks of superlative folk-rock music, Kelly has made an album that is uplifting and stirring. With just acoustic guitar and vocals, Kelly lays himself bare to create music that is authentic, pure, without pretense and utterly wonderful. The production is crystal clear, the musicianship compelling and the album is a must have. Watch the video for album track, Ralph Lauren Loves Karen Millen and then stream, buy or download The Matt Kelly Half Hour at the link below.

Godmouth: Siren

Siren is the sophomore EP from Godmouth, another superlative work from Boston based artist/producer Anda Volley. Volley is prolific, creative and supremely talented. On the three tracks we find her experimenting with deep synth pads, ambient textures and non standard vocal stylings, all in an improvisational framework. Complex, compelling and beautiful, Godmouth stand as a signpost to originality in an indie world that is too much stuck within sameness. Stream and download Siren at the link below.