Kate Fagan: I Don't Wanna Be T0o Cool

Manufactured Records has reissued the 1980 EP release, I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool, by Chicago  cult new wave artist Kate Fagan. The four tracks are heady classic new wave, that are in the same vein as Laurie Anderson and Lydia Lunch. This EP is cool, nostalgic, but more importantly still has a contemporary feel. This is a wonderful chance to discover an artist of the past and reconnect with the future. Stream and buy I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool at the link below.

Brooklyn Doran: The Villain Video

We have a new video from FZB favorite Brooklyn Doran for her track The Villain. Watch it below.

Red Robe: Aware With You All

Aware With You All is the debut full length from Ann Arbor band Red Robe. The eleven tracks are varied affairs, both in dynamics and content, ranging from psychedelic and almost dreampop to heavy indie rock. This range give the band an original sound, which defies outright comparisons. Strong instrumentation and vocals drive a record that is unafraid to challenge the listener with experimental and noise floursishes. The one week spot is the production which leaves the whole album sounding flat and lacking edge. Stream and buy Aware With You All at the link below.

Mississippi Jones: Continuum II

Seattle duo, Mississippi Jones, have released Continuum II, the second installment of there 4 track EP series. The EP blends indie rock with orchestral and synthpop flourishes. Stunning vocals and flawless production, frame four strong songs with a radio ready flair and a compelling sonic vibe. This is a duo who have a polished sound that is both original and familiar. Stream and buy Continuum II at the link below.

The Good Library: Trails

Psychedelic band, The Good Library, have released their new album Trails, on Austrian label Konkord. The eight tracks are trippy affairs, with a soaring sonic vibe that immediately engages ones imagination. The songs are catchy, but this belies a depth and complexity that is compelling, but yet still feels understated. The band has carefully crafted an album that takes the genre into heady territory with skillful musicianship, production and arrangements. This album is a must have. Watch the video for album track Fight 19, then stream and buy Trails at the link below.

Drugcharge: S/T Flexi

North Carolina label Sorry State Records today releases the S/T EP from hardcore band Drugcharge. This is a band that stands out, with brutal intensity. A nonstop onslaught of fierce guitars, a drummer that takes no prisoners and vocals so raw and edgy that they drag you into an alley and pummel you. This album is hardcore at its best, no compromise, no pretense and no caring about your safety. Available from the label as a limited edition flexi, this EP is a must have. Stream and buy Drugcharge at the link below.

AWAS: Vibey AF

Vibey AF is the debut album from Nashville synthpop duo AWAS. The eight tracks are a nice original diversion from what has become a very formulaic genre. Eschewing the glitz of Grimes, the glitchiness of Neon Indian and the forced depth of Chvrches, all artists we greatly admire, AWAS take a different path, with strong pop songs, and jazz and R&B influences. The album accomplishes originality while never looses relevance to the synthpop genre. This album is catchy, simply complex, and vocally stunning. Stream and buy Vibey AF at the link below.

The Heroic Enthusiasts: The Second Three

New York band Heroic Enthusiasts have released their sophomore EP, The Second Three. The three tracks are huge indie rock affairs, that evoke unavoidable comparisons to The Smiths. That derivative aspect aside, the tracks stand on their own as powerful rock statements. With strong post-punk guitars and a solid rhythm section, the band blasts its way through mid-tempo rock anthems that are both compelling and enjoyable. Stream and buy The Second Three at the link below.

Senji Niban/The Moth Poets: Live At The River Lounge

Live At The River Lounge is the new split album from Senji Niban and The Moth Poets, on UK label Bearsuit Records. Featuring inventive electronic music that spans the range from video game inspired to lush orchestral synth pads, the ten tracks give us a look at artists of talent and promise. Melodic, original and fun, the split serves up complimentary, but dissimilar sonic visions, yielding and album that is surprising and interesting from start to finish. This is a must have. Stream and buy Live At The River Lounge at the link below.

Earth Heart: Homesick

Homesick is the debut album from Boston indie rockers, Earth Heart.The ten tracks have enough edge to shave with and a compelling lo-fi sheen, with tons of energy and a great punk vibe. In the same vane as Beaches and The Julie Ruin, but heavier, This is a great record from start to finish. A testament to where punk should be 40 years on from its start. Everything about this record screams, hey fucker listen to me now. A definite must have. Stream and buy Homesick at the link below.

Introflirt: Temporary Heaven

Temporary Heaven is the sophomore album from Oakland synthpop duo Introflirt. Whith a sound the recalls the best of 80's new wave, Introflirt bring imaginative and original panache to the genre. Featuring imaginative synths and a mix that manages to give those synths center stage, while honoring the strong compelling of the vocals. This is an album of stunning depth, accomplished musicianship and songs that never surrender an intimate patina. Watch the live video for album track Precious Thread, then stream and buy Temporary Heaven at the link below.

Electric Bird Noise: Nighttime Tides

Nighttime Tides is the new album from Electric Bird Noise, on innovative indie label Silber Records. Consisting of a single piece of music spanning nearly 33 minutes, Nighttime Tides is an ambient soundscape meant to evoke visions of the ocean. With flowing guitar drones, diverse textures and implied melodies, the piece exudes complexity, while retaining a simple listening experience. Like the sea, the music washes over you effortlessly, yet hints at a deeper artistic level that can only be enjoyed through active mental decomposition of the sounds on offer. Stream and buy Nighttime Tides at the link below.

Manwomanchild: Awkward Island

Awkward island is the new album from Philadelphia band Manwomanchild. The ten tracks are light airy pop songs, in the vein of Matt and Kim, Peter, Bjorn and John, etc. Crisp production and lo-fi touches embellish nice catchy songs, with some interesting changes. No boundary pushing  or grand artistic statements here, just a nice album that is easy on the ears. Stream and buy Awkward Island at the link below.

Steve Nash: World Outside My Window

UK label Small Bear Records has released, World Outside My Window, the debut album from Isle of Man singer/songwriter Steve Nash. The ten tracks, produced and engineered by Small Bear Records maven Phil Reynolds, are smooth, stylish and catchy. Mellow arrangements, blended with intimate vocals, highlight an album of folk based indie rock. Nash makes a strong artistic statement with songs about life and an album that is tight and compelling. Stream and download World Outside My Window at the link below.

Dead Professional: You and Me Both

Virginia's Dead Professional, aka singer/songwriter John Harouff, has released a two track EP, You and Me Both. Channeling influences from Tom Petty to Rockpile, the tracks have a nice country rock feel, that recalls LA much more than Virginia. The songs are catchy, the performances memorable and the EP leaves one wanting more, much more. The release is out digitally, but will also be available in a very limited edition lathe cut square vinyl package. Stream and buy You and Me both at the link below.

7faz: Faza C

Faza C is the third EP in the series from Polish drone specialists 7faz. The almost 29 minute work continues the series' focus of melodic and inventive drone pieces, which highlight varied instrumentation and techniques. As always, 7faz gives us music that is both pleasant to listen to and intellectually interesting as artistic works. This series continues to deliver some of the best drone art that we have heard. A definite must have. Stream and buy Faza C at the link below.

Limestone Chorus: Deer Friends

Canadian band Limestone Chorus have released their debut full length, Deer Friends. The ten tracks are a sublime blend of folk and dream pop. With similarities to Real Estate and Local Natives, the band delivers an album of stylish pop songs with a smooth sheen, nice harmonies and a varied feel, that keeps things fresh and interesting. Tight musicianship, catchy arrangements and strong vocals abound. Watch the video for album track Woods and Water, then stream and buy Deer Friends at the link below.