Honey & The 45s: Speak

Speak is the the new EP from FZB favorites and 2015 year end best of list topping, Honey & The 45s. The Chicago bands deliver five tracks of superlative rock and blues. This is a band that has it all together, excellent songwriting, abundant instrumental chops, engaging arrangements and one of the most stunning female vocalists around today. They move effortlessly from rock to blues to hip-hop, all the while serving up an EP that is again destined to find it's way to our year end best of list. This is an absolute must have. Stream and buy Speak at the link below.

Missiles Of October: Better Days

Betters Days is the new album from Belgian hard core band Missiles Of October. The ten tracks are brutal, demolishing hard core, played the only way that matters, by old Belgian guys. This is hard core, like you got drunk, stepped in glass and punched a cop hard core. Coward! Stream and buy Better Days at the link below.

May Roosevelt:Junea

Junea is the debut album from Greek artist/producer May Roosevelt, on Inner Ear Records. The eight tracks are expansive synthesizer works, with sparse atmospheric vocals. Featuring lush melodic lines and layers of pads that create interweaving textures, the album creates a sonic palette that inhabits the space between an instrumental and a vocal album. Complex, dark, orchestral and beautiful, this is an album that should be in everyone's collection. Stream and buy Junea at the link below.

Hanetration: Ancients EP

The Ancients EP is the 10th release from UK artist/producer Hanetration. The five tracks build on his previous work of ambient layering, but this time minimalist beats take a more prominent role to move the tracks along in a linear flow, rather than his usual enveloping soundscapes. There is still plenty of ethereal, atmospheric up welling, but having a bit of beat to hold onto makes for a more engaging experience. Stream and download the Ancients EP for free at the link below.

Digster Wednesday Playlists

Welcome to this week's edition of the Wednesday Digster Playlists. Today we invite you to discover what's hot down under, with Digster's Australia Playlists. Tune into Chilled Indie, 117 songs and over 7 hours of music from the country that brought us Courtney Barnett, Tame Impala and Cut Copy. Then there's the In Sound featuring EDM, House and electronic music, or the Road Trip playlist, where you can travel like an Aussie and finally there's The Drop with over 5 hours of the best Australian dance music. Check out everything Aussie at the link below.

Digster Australia Playlists

Jenn Vix: Unlocked

The Unlocked EP is the 15th release from New England based singer/songwriter Jenn Vix. The 4 tracks and one remix, bring St. Vincent to mind, but this artist's first release was 22 years ago, so safe to say any similarities are cosmetic. With heavily fuzzed guitars and 80's new wavish synths, the tracks are a nice juxtaposition of eras and styles. This is an album about an artist satisfying themselves, rather than creating a work that will resonate with very many. Unfortunately after repeated plays in the office, the consensus here is that the EP is a bit bland and could use a good helping of edge and energy. Stream and buy Unlocked at the link below.

Mcbaise: Windowsill

Windowsill is the sophmore album from London based, French slacker rocker Mcbaise. The thirteen tracks are light and airy, with loads of twang and interesting melodies. The songs tread somewhere between the dead serious pop of Steely Dan and the irreverent musings of Foxygen. At times the album is indulgent and then the next instant serves up supremely enjoyable indie pop. The record is very commercials in its arrangements and has very little real energy, but if you like your pop on the milk toasty side this is the album for you. Watch the video for album track Le Jardin, then stream and buy Windowsill at the link below.

Andy K. Leland: Happy Daze

Happy Daze is the debut EP from Italy based singer/songwriter Andy K. Leland. The six tracks are acoustic based with minimal instrumentation, instead being built around Leland's unique vocal style and songwriting. The songs are short and oh so sweet sounding, though at times they seem to just stop rather than ending and sounding unfinished. The album could also benefit from a bit more instrumentation and certainly from better production. That said, this is an intensely interesting record, by an artist with his own sound and direction. Stream and buy Happy Daze at the link below.

Nick Ferrio: Soothsayer

Soothsayer is the new album from Ontario based singer/songwriter Nick Ferrio. The ten tracks are solid indie power pop, with plenty of twang, catchy hooks and energy. Some of the tracks have a decidedly radio ready vibe, while others are quirky and ethereal, showing a songwriter unafraid to venture out of the box to find artistic satisfaction. The production is a bit flat with instruments coming off somewhat muddled and a professional mastering would improve the sound, but as a whole, a good record with lots to recommend it. Steam and buy Soothsayer at the link below.

Digster Wednesday Playlists

The Wednesday Digster Playlists serve up the Rock/Metal playlist category in this week's installment. Featuring playlists such as their Rock Icons, Pop Punk, Alternative Buzz, Guitar Legends and 2017 Songpick Best Songs, get all of Digster's Rock/Metal playlists at the link below.

Digster Rock/Metal Playlists

Existente: Theta Series - EPv1

Theta Series - EPv1 is the debut album from Porto Portugal based Existente on Arctic Dub Records. The six tracks deliver 40 minutes of  dark ambient drones, with melodic overtones and integral noise. Meant as music to represent a geometric mantra for meditative endeavors, the pieces envelop the senses, while not engulfing the mind. This is a solid record, but breaks no new ground and is not as adventurous as the work coming from others in the field. Stream and buy Theta Series - v1 at the link below.

Minor Birds: The Alchemist

The Alchemist is the new EP from Oaklasnd based Minor Birds, aka C. Wilde. The three tracks showcase an accomplished classically trained multi-instrumentalist, with a strong sense of fluidity and emotion. The vocals are reminiscent of EMA and Zola Jesus, with a dramatic flair and a dark intimacy. Instrumentally the EP glistens with strong arrangements and beautifully executed melodic lines. Discover one of the best works of the year and an absolute must have. Stream and buy The Alchemist at the link below.

Escobar: The Biggest Sound

UK/US label Dirty Water Records brings us The Biggest Sound, the debut album from Lomoges, France based band Escobar. This blog features a wide array of musical genres, but our roots have always been in punk and post-punk. We love hearing great punk rock from around the world and Escobar are a real treat. Raw, inventive and dynamic, with sonic influences of The Undertones and Stiff Little Fingers, the twelve tracks will grab you by the arse and kick you to the curb. Go to work, turn this up loud and bang your head on the boss' door. Stream and buy The Biggest Sound at the link below.

The Fisherman & The Sea: Beggar Princess EP

Beggar Princess is the debut EP from Helsinki band The Fisherman & The Sea. The four tracks are tasty folkrock, that unfortunately marks another chapter in the Mumfordization of music, Like the Lumineers and a myriad of others, this work is derivative of the Mumfords and while enjoyable, does the world really need another clone grabbing at the coat tails. This is clearly a group that can write good songs and perform them with aplomb, so they should take that talent and find their own sound, rather than being another wannabe. Decide for yourself, stream and buy Beggar Princess at the link below.

Digster Wednesday Playlists

For this week's Digster Playlists we present something a little different, with Digster's Decades Playlists. Besides the expected 60's, 70's, etc., Digster gives us New Wave Hits of the 80's, Rock Icons, Def Jam Classics and many more. Listen to all the Decades playlists at the link below.

Digster Decades Playlists

Bonnie Doon: Dooner Nooner

Dooner Nooner is the new album from Toronto post-punk band Bonnie Doon. While comparisons to the inimitable Sleater-Kinney are unavoidable, Bonnie Doon reside in no none's shadow. The nine tracks are as edgy as a straight razor, with a nice dissonant flair and a rawness that drives home a bit of hardcore authenticity. The album has one of my favorite lines of all time: "Take me to the fucking beach!" Turn this one up load and upset the neighbors. Stream and buy Dooner Nooner at the link below.

Courtney Farren: Nothing Like It

Courtney Farren's debut EP, Nothing Like It, is a look at an artist the defines originality. Blending a minimalist approach with a Bohemian sensibility, the six tracks are intimate, beautiful and completely compelling. The New York City based Farren, brings the lineage of Suzanne Vega and Edie Brickell into a thoroughly modern  focus with songs that touch the fabric of one's life and a voice as delicate yet commanding as a fine dark chocolate. This is one of the best records this year and is an absolute must have. Watch the videos for EP tracks Nothing Like It and Hard To Tell, then stream and buy Nothing Like It at the link below.

The Lymbs: Neon

Neon is the new EP from Oakland based band The Lymbs. The five tracks are sensual indie blues, with an atmospheric vibe and an edgy sonic signature. Alternating between intimate and heavy in a way reminiscent of NIN, but without the glitch, this EP is both engaging and compelling. Full of incredibly tasteful instrumental passages and dark vocals that are haunting and beautiful. This is just a super strong EP and leaves the listener yearning for much more. It is a definite must have. Stream and download Neon at the link below.

The Whiskey Charmers: The Valley

The Valley is the sophomore album from Detroit band The Whisky Charmers. The eleven tracks flawlessly blend blues rock, alt-country and folk rock into a masterful album that is sultry, swinging, heavy when it should be and intimate at all times. This is a band unafraid to show their grasp of somewhat arcane styles, by dragging them into a modern interpretation that works from start to finish. Highlighted by strong vocals and musicianship, this album is a must have. Stream and buy The Valley at the link below.

Digster Wednesday Playlists

Today we start a new weekly feature Digster Playlists. We have partnered with the Digster Music Blog to feature their playlists every Wednesday.  Every week we will feature links to different playlists from Digster, representing a wide range of genres, as well as special playlists from major artists and playlists featuring music current in different countries. This weekly feature will give our readers access to a much wider selection of music and we think you'll be excited by the range and depth of the playlists we feature. Check out this week's inaugural playlists below. Enjoy!

Indie

This week's inaugural Digster playlists are everything indie. What you'll find are great playlists that include: Toe Tappin' Indie, Ultimate 2017 Festival Guide, Music You Should Know, Indie Covers, The In Sound and many more great indie playlists.  Get them all at the link below.

Digster Indie Playlists

Jamie 4 President: The Heartbreak Campaign

The Heartbreak Campaign, from Barcelona based BCore Disc Records, is the thrid album from Jamie 4 President, the side project of Wild Animals guitarist/vocalist Jamie Ruiz Gren. The ten tracks are catchy indie rock reminiscent of bands like Guided By Voices, Jimmy Eat World and The Cure. Featuring strong vocals and harmonies, tight arrangements and some tasty guitar licks, this is an album that shines from start to finish and will be welcome addition to everyone's music collection.It is a must have. Stream and buy The Heartbreak Campaign at the link below.

Ummagma: LCD

LCD is the new EP from the great Canadian/Ukranian duo Ummagma, aka Shauna McLarnon and Alexander Kretov. The EP is a 4 track masterwork that includes contributions from Cocteau Twins' Robin Guthrie and Curve's Dean Garcia. Few acts have demonstrated such a massive level of artistic growth across their releases, while continuing to innovate musically. Ummagma are a pair to follow and this EP is an absolute must have. Stream and buy the digital & CD versions of LCD at the first link or stream and buy the limited edition cassette release via Label Obscura at the second link.