Reviews, videos and more on emerging bands & music from around the world to enlighten past the lamestream masses. Published by Russian Winter Records, Kansas City based Indie Record Label, PR Firm & BMI Affiliated Music Publisher.
Welcome to the top 10 in our countdown of the Floorshime Zipper Boots Top 20 Artists of 2016. Today's list represents the artists that got the most reader pageviews on the blog for the year.
Today we start the Floorshime Zipper Boots Top 20 Artists of 2016 with #20 through # 11. As always the Top 20 Artists are determined by our reader's page views. The artists coming in at #10 - #1 will be published on the blog tomorrow.
Today we bring you the Floorshime Zipper Boots Top 10 Videos of 2016. As always with our best of lists, picks and places are determined by our readers page views. Tomorrow we start our Top 20 Artists of 2016 with # 20 - #11 and Friday we'll share #10 - #1. For now though, enjoy the Top 10 videos of the year on FZB
Our last offering before our year end best of lists start next Wednesday, is A Trilogy/Lucky & Finnegan, the new animated collaboration between eclectic pop artists Ronley Teper's Lipliners and animator/director Davide Di Saro. The three tracks are towering pieces that seemlessly blend folk-pop and modern jug band music, with the fanciful images created by Di Saro. One of the most imaginative works to emerge in a long time, the music is highly original and takes on new life and meaning in the context of the visual paring. Watch the feature video, then stream and buy A Trilogy at the link below.
North Carolina singer/songwriter Matt Townsend has released The Drifter and the Dream (Part 1), the first of a two part EP series. With five tracks of troubadour inspired stories that tread the melding of folk, Americana and alt-country, Townsend showcases his songwriting to great effect. The EP is intimate and unpretentious, with understated instrumentation, that focuses the listener on the vocals and lyrics. Stream and buy The Drifter and the Dream (Part 1) at the link below.
Composer and bassist Joan Torres is back with his jazz ensemble All Is Fused, for their third album, Of The Musical. The eight tracks are a virtuosic blend of modern jazz, Latin influences and sublime musicianship. The stylish arrangements highlight individual performances that will stir the heart of any jazz lover. With compelling time and dynamic changes, sterling production and strong musicality, this album is a must have. Stream and buy Of The Musical at the link below.
Australian synthpop duo, Winter Witches have released their S/T debut EP. With a sound reminiscent of Roxy Music and Depeche Mode, the three tracks pair a strong retro feel with imaginative synth pads, strongs vocals and an astute melodic sense. New, yet familiar, the duo have created an EP that will linger on one's playlist. Stream and buy Winter Witches at the link below.
Phoenix based garage rock powerhouse, The Darts, have released the S/T debut album on UK label Dirty Water records. This all female band delivers thirteen tracks with enough energy to power a large city. With the edge of Sleater-Kinney, the psychedelic sense of Kathleen Hanna and their own original take on music, The Darts are the real deal. This album is an absolute must have. Stream and buy The darts at the link below.
The live album, Songs for Her, by singer/songwriter and Russian Winter Records head Ric Gordon, was released and reviewed by FZB last June. Leading independent radio station NBTMusicRadio has just named the album #120 on their Top 230 Albums of 2016 and the track You Always Stayed #142 on their Top 240 Tracks of 2016. To celebrate this, the label is making the album available for free download through New Years Day. Stream and download Songs for Her at the link below.
Seminal Kansas City garage punk artist Braggers, released his latest single Be My Friend, back in March on Russian Winter Records. Stalwart of independent radio NBTMusicRadio has named the track #140 on the Top 245 Tracks of 2016. To celebrate this, the label has made the track available for free download through New Years day. Stream and download Be My Friend at the link below.
London band Lucy and the Rats have released their debut single Girl B/W Lose My Mind. Taking its place in a long line of twangy pop-rock records, the band put forward an energetic release that hearkens back to all that is enjoyable and endearing about simple pop music. What more needs be said. This kind of music always works and always brings a smile to one's face. Stream and buy Girl B/W Lose my mind at the link below.
For regular readers of this blog, North Carolina indie label, Sibler Records, is a familiar entity. So to would be the experimental band Remora, led by Silber founder and guru Brian John Mitchel. The album is a massive 98 tracks, 6.5 hours of music, that document 20 years of creative exploration and that have not appeared on any of the band's 12 albums or 13 Eps. What you get is some of the finest ambient, drone and melodic pieces that one could ask for. An absolutely majestic, must have album. Stream and download Scraps and Scrapes at the link below.
Side-Line Magazine is back with Face The Beat Session 4, the fourth volume in their charity based underground compilation series. Featuring 92 tracks of industrial electronica from a worldwide palette of artists, the compilation proceeds go to support the building of a sanitary installation at a public hospital in Veracruz, Mexico. Learn all about the cause and stream and download, Face The Beat Session 4 at the link below.
Visual artist, Juliana LaChance has created a whole artistic world around her new release, Thunder Dragon. With cover art, videos, merchandise and music, LaChance bring us fourteen tracks spanning dream pop to freak folk. Her imaginative instrumentation, bohemian vocals and a unique penchant for songwriting, delivers an album that is a highly original, all encompassing work that is a testament to creativity. One of the best albums we've heard this year. Watch the video for the title track, then stream and buy Thunder Dragon at the link below.
Barcelona based indie label BCore Disc has released, Escuchas the third album from Catalan quartet Aldrin y Collins. The six tracks bristle with melodic indie rock, with a nice partial lo-fi edge. The catchy songs team with a great feel for arrangement, some very tasty guitar licks and a sublime dynamic sense. This is an album that is strong from the first note to the last. More than just a good band, these are gifted individual musicians, that rise to the occasion as a tight, inspired ensemble. Stream and buy Escuchas at the link below.
Berlin artist Sissi Rada has released her sophomore album, Pragma, on Greek label Inner Ear Records. The ten tracks present an artist with a profoundly compelling set of vocal chops and a huge vocal delivery. The songwriting also showcases great artistic depth and melodic sophistication. Taken together, one has an album of groundbreaking originality and uniqueness, that is as deserving of acclaim as any release this year. A definite must have. Watch the video for album track Sunday, then stream and buy Pragma at the link below.
Mountains is the sophomore EP from L.A. post-hardcore band The World Over. The band is fronted by Tiaday Ball, granddaughter of Ernie Ball, the legendary founder of Music Man Guitar and Slinky Strings. The EP delivers five tracks of in your face, take no prisoners rock. With guitars that are heavier than the mountains inspiring the EP's name, the band struts its stuff with towering vocals, deep rawness and the kind of sound rock was created for.
Wyatt At The Coyote Palace is the new double album from legendary singer/songwriter Kristin Hersh. Over 25 years after forming seminal indie band Thowing Muses and then recently fronting 50Footwave, Hersh steps out on her own with a massive and largely acoustic work of superlative songs, with a deep edge and authenticity that transcends genres and time. The 24 tracks showcase an artist that continues to innovate and deliver works that elevate the craft beyond the usual. This is a definite must have. Stream and buy Wyatt At The Coyote Palace at the link below.
Tampa Bay band Four Star Riot are back with their new album Waves. Hot off the heels of having a track on the box office hit Deadpool, the band deliver ten tracks of tight, catchy indie rock, Featuring masterful songwriting, arrangements and performances, this is a band poised on the edge of finding a wide audience. The album is a tasty treat for the ears from start to finish. Watch the videos for album tracks Empty Space and So Far, then stream and buy Waves at the link below.
One of our favorite indie labels, North Carolina's Silber Records, brings us Loss Molecules, an inspired new album by Minnesota band Magnetic Ghost. The 6 tracks are a dark journey through shoegaze and post-punk stylings, with elements of drone, freak folk and psychedelic thrown in for good measure. What results is a highly original album that is strong in melodic content, with imaginative performances and depth in its songwriting. This is a superlative artistic work and a definite must have. Stream and buy Loss Molecules at the link below.
Certainty is the debut album from Seattle based singer songwriter Sloucher, aka Jay Clancy. The drummer for two well known indie bands, Cayucas and Hibou, Clancy has stretched out to showcase himself as a talented artist in his own right. The seven tracks are polished indie rock, with imaginative songs, lush vocal and instrumental melodies and pristine production. Taken together, the album is one of the best of 2016 and is a definite must have. Stream and buy Certainty at the link below.
Hamilton, Ontario based artist Billy Moon is back with a boiling hot new EP, That Which You Can't Throw Away. Moon has a penchant for making tasty garage punk tracks that are infectious. Drawn from the same mold as artists like Ty Segall and Jay Reatard, the five tracks are melodically and dynamically diverse, while holding true to a punk aesthetic and authenticity. This is just a simple EP full of great music.Watch the video for EP track, Different Song, then stream and buy That Which You Can't Throw Away at the link below.
Miami based rockers, Dorothy's Surrender, have released their debut album, Late Bloomer. Featuring the vocals of Megan Morrison and blistering guitar of Ian Michael, the 6 tracks are hard rock anthems in the vein of Garbage and The Pretty Reckless. Polished and altrock radio ready, this album is deep on tried and true rock formulas, rather than charting any new ground or original sounds. The album is solid, competent, enjoyable rock, but unexciting. Stream and buy Late Bloomer at the link below.
Chicago band Vaudevileins are back with their sophomore album release Magician. While the band has released a couple of EP's, it has been five years since their debut S/T full length. The ten tracks on Magician represent a multi year songwriting and recording effort, that comes through on the album as refined indie rock with a decidedly progressive rock bent. Where a lot of prog rock can come off as pretentious, Vaudevileins instead deliver raw, edgy tracks that are melodically interesting, yet still accessible. Stream and buy Magician at the link below.
Germany based independent internet radio station NBTMusicRadio is a stalwart of the independent broadcast medium. In its years of operation, NBT has gifted the world with finding and airing some of the finest emerging talent on the planet. They now bring us a wonderful compilation album with tracks from 25 artists including the talents of Ummagma, Stella Diana, Visual Poetics and Rodney Cromwell. This is one of the finest collections of emerging music that you will find and is a definite must have. Stream and buy A Swell Swoon at the link below.
Avant garde punk artist, Ana Threat has released her debut album, Cold Lve, on Vienna indie label Cut Surface Records. The ten tracks are dark affairs, with a strong 60's vibe, lo-fi sheen and an edgy attitude. Channeling influences of Lydia Lunch and Lizzy Mercier Descloux, Threat moves through a stylistically diverse jungle of rhythms and musical textures, all the while balancing on a razor's edge. Black arts for a black Friday. Stream and buy Cold Lve at the link below.
Hindsight is the new album from L.A. singer/songwriter Patrick Joseph. The ten tracks are polished indie rock that showcases Joseph's gritty voice, superlative songwriting and tight delivery, honed for countless touring. The songs are both intimate and instantly familiar sounding, striking a chord with personal feelings and shared experiences. Flawless production and arrangements tie a bow on an album that is a gift from start to finish. Stream and buy Hindsight at the link below.
Canadian post-rock duo, In Light Of, have released their debut EP, Little Treasures. True to its name, the five tracks are instrumental gems, with wonderful melodies, crisp musicianship and clean production. Every part has a place and the aural experience is sublime. To our ears the tracks beg for vocals to be fully realized, but the duo's artistic choices stand on their own. While the instrumental take will greatly limit the audience, those that do open themselves to this work will be greatly rewarded. Stream and buy Little Treasures at the link below.
Something very different today from Chicago band Gramps The Vamp. Their sophomore album, The Cave of 10,000 Eyes is as unique a record as you will likely find. Mashing together jazz, afro-funk and horror movie soundtracks, the ten tracks offer highly original music that gives a completely unexpected and enjoyable listening experience. Step outside the box and give yourself an early holiday present with this album. Stream and buy The Cave of 10,000 Eyes at the link below.
Citizen's Ban(ne)d Radio is the new album from FZB Favorites, WHOOP Szo. Released on Canadian label Out Of Sound records, the seven tracks are a collection of experiments and demos done throughout the band's rigorous touring schedule. Ranging from very heavy rock to acoustic pop and everything in between, the album is an intimate look at a fine band's creative process, while finding a collective voice. Stream and buy Citizen's Ban(ne)d Radio at the link below.
Scotish indie label Bearsuit Records, brings us Bingo Halls, the new album from Annie and The Station Orchestra.The band of former Pep Boys member Chas "Annie" Kinnis and singer/songwriter Jean Sibelius Ramsay, deliver eleven tracks of mostly instrumental music, with a nice experimental edge. Innovative uses of guitar, synths, melodies and drones, create an album that is both accessible and challenging. This is a masterful work that will satisfy discerning musical pallets. Stream and buy Bingo Halls at the link below.
Canadian post-punk band Port Juvee are back with their third studio release, Crimewave. The seven tracks move through tasty punk and garage anthems and 80's inspired new wave to deliver and album that is strong on melodic content, musical chops and catchy songs. Production ranges from dark vibes and lo-fi feel to crisp power pop. This album is a must have. Stream and buy Crimewave at the link below.
Scene Missing is the third album from Greek artist/producer, Sundayman, released by Inner Ear Records. The ten tracks are original and creative synthpop music, that shows both depth as an artist and prowess as a composer and producer. The album is crisp, dark and atmospheric, with compelling melodic structure and imaginative synth pads. This album is a must have. Stream and buy Scene Missing at the link below.
Scotish electro duo, Boobs Of Doom, have released their latest album, Wow Is Dead. With over an hour of music, the seven tracks are dark, glitchy and imaginative. Delivering an amalgam of styles and textures, with a sinister vibe, the album is dynamic, surprising and all together enjoyable. A perfect piece for stirring the imagination and unsettling the status quo. Stream and download Wow Is Dead at the link below.
Blau Sang, Vermell Cel is the new album by Spanish hardcore band Crim, on BCore Disc Records. Heavy, driving and in your face, the band delivers a worthy followup to their last record, which was dubbed the best punk album in Spain. This release shares elements of metal and alternative and shows a band that is at the forefront of Spanish rock music. A stellar release. Stream and buy Blau Sang, Vermell Cel at the link below.
Today marks the release of Golden Tongue, the debut EP from Brooklyn artist Magana on Audio Antihero Records. The four tracks are lo-fi-tinged folk rock, with a nice New York bohemian feel. Sparse instrumentation and breathy vocals, married with the production, give the EP a nice edgy feel. The songs are deep and emotional and the whole EP is a beautiful listening experience. Stream and by Golden Tongue at the link below.
L.A. based singer/songwriter Dia has released her debut EP, Tiny Ocean. The six tracks were produced by Joey Waronker (Beck, Atoms For Peace) and are stunning folk rock excursions. Dia's strong but delicate vocals soar and entice, while melodic instruments swirl around in a beautiful choreography of sound. The EP is one of the strongest debuts this year and is a must have. Stream and buy Tiny Ocean at the link below.
Cut Surface Records has released Lost Home Recordings (1999-2009) by seminal Austrian producer, DJ and garage punk Al Bird Dirt. The twenty tracks are glitchy gems of genre bending DIY that shows the artist as a raw, edgy auteur, making music to challenge the senses and break convention. These works define a punk aesthetic like few have been able to accomplish. Stream and buy Lost Home Recordings at the link below.
Hoover is a seminal Washington DC post punk/hardcore band and their self titled album is resurrected by DC label Discord and Barcelona BCore Disc. Originally released by Slowdime Records in 1998, the five tracks are an archaeological look at one of the best post punk punk scenes of that time. Raw, always on the edge and authentic, Hoover slam their music into the establishment with unrelenting energy. This is a classic that should be part of everyone's collection. Stream and buy Hoover at the link below.
Isolation Culture is the new album from post-punk band His Clancyness on Toronto indie label Hand Drawn Dracula. Recorded at Portishead's Invada Studios, the twelve tracks are tight, dark indie rock masterpieces. Reverby vocals with up front melodic guitars, the songs weave naratives that will satisfy the most discriminating listener. This album is super strong from start to finish and is a must have. Stream and buy Isolation Culture at the link below.
If I Can Keep It Together is the debut EP from Toronto based indie rock band Native Other. The four tracks are well crafted, with nice jazzy touches, a hard rock edge and imaginative vocal stylings. Crisp production and plenty of dynamic changes show a band with depth and quality. The whole EP just speaks to the listener and its diversity should please all. Stream and buy If I Can Keep It Together at the link below.
Barcelona indie label BCore Disc has released Fake Gold & Broken Teeth, the new album from punk band Penny Cocks. The fourteen tracks are, raw, edgy, short and in your face as good punk should be, With strong songs and melodies the album is an imaginative romp through classic punk stylings. The album has a wonderful live feel, with slight lo-fi production and a party atmosphere. Stream and buy Fake Gold & Broken Teeth at the link below.
Perlite is the new EP from Minneapolis band The Miami Dolphins. The five tracks are spritely punk pieces that feature lo-fi production and a mix that make this more of a novelty record, than something recognizable as punk. While there are many good features to this EP the mix and production also make it somewhat unaccessable. While we can see the bent to craft an original sound, the result is more a cacophony of disjointed sounds that leave little to hold on to. Stream and buy Perlite at the link below.
Primitive Smile is the new album from Brooklyn indie rock band Emanuel and the Fear. The ten tracks are polished and engaging rock songs that deliver without pretense. Solid arrangements, a bit of Beatles influence and a nice hard edge about; all the while keeping in a radio ready pocket. Mood changes and varied dynamics, show depth and keep the interest throughout the album. A very strong work. Stream and buy Primitive Smile at the link below.
Canadian singer/songwriter and FZB favorite Brooklyn Doran is back with her stunning debut full length, These Paper Wings. Doran is a master of the contemporary folk scene and delivers seven intimate tracks featuring wonderfully delicate vocals, songs that touch the soul and flawless musicianship. The album, with crisp harmonies and tasteful arrangements, is the kind of record that just gets better with each play. Doran is teaming with fellow artist Rory Taillon for a month long Canadian tour starting next week, so if you're up north, watch for them to come to your area. Stream and buy These Paper Wings at the link below.
NYC band Slothrust have released a new two track EP, Of Course You Do. The songs are vibrant garage rock, with lo-fi production and recall bands like Nirvana. Edgy, sexy and raw, the band make no holds bared rock that will appeal to a wide range of listeners. Stream Of Course You Do at the link below.
Radio Starslide Forever is the new double album from Alabama based Llarks, aka artist/producer Christopher Llarks. The sixteen tracks are explorations in texture and subtlety, weaving together ambient soundscapes, with noise shadings, with all being held together with beautifully flowing melodies.The album brings an intimate and engaging listening experience, which showcases an artist of depth and vision. Steam and buy Radio Starslide Forever at the link below.
Day Fevers is the debut album from Canadian artist Art d"Ecco. The nine tracks are a genre bending array of styles and emotions, with elements from many rock styles, R&B and electronic music. Stirring production, androgynous vocals and instrumental depth, highlight a strong album, that is one of the best debuts this year. Watch the video for album track I'll Never Give You Up, then stream and buy Day Fevers at the link below.
Tones and Shapes is the sophomore album from Barcelona based folk duo Calido Home. Released on indie label BCore Disc, the album was recorded live in the studio and expertly captures the delicate interplay between voice and guitar. With intricate melodic lines and a slight lo-fi production quality, the album spins its way through pastoral songs that are engaging on every level. This album is a must have. Stream and buy Tones and Shapes at the link below.
Trio is the new album from Boston Band Dyr Faser. The six tracks defy simple genres by taking elements from blues, synthpop, psychedelic and rock to deliver an album of surprising versatility and depth. With a bit of a Chris Isaak feel and a darkish sheen, Dyr Faser unleash a multitude of creativity in an album as compelling as they come. A definite must have. Watch the video for album track Den of Sables, then stream and buy Trio at the link below.
