Fun Fare: Trifles & Events Are Your Concern

Trifles & Events Are Your Concern is the sophomore album by German band Fun Fare on indie label Spati Palace. The 8 tracks are pst-punk masterpieces with elements of synthpop and a bit of Krautrock. The vocals of Julia Boehme have a riot grrrl feel, that coupled with the 80's new wave feel of guitarist/vocalist Friedrich Gunther, gives the album range from Joy Division darkness to thoroughly modern pop punk stylings. This is an album of depth, with interesting variety and an engaging demeanor. A must have. Watch the video for album track The Smile Song, then stream and buy Trifles & Events Are Your Concern at the link below.

Peter Barr: More As We Go

More As We Go is the new single from Brooklyn percussionist Peter Barr. The track has a nice reggae vibe, but the prominent steel drums feel out of place and thrown in because the artist can. The track as a whole seems to be lacking of direction. At it's best it lacks any real energy,. Stream and buy More As We Go at the link below.

Tallies: Mother

Toronto indie label Hand Drawn Dracula has released, Mother, a new single from similarly based pop band Tallies. The track is clean and catchy, with a poppy indie feel, reminiscent of Vivian Girls and Best Coast. Upbeat, reverby and fun. With an abundance of jangly guitars, the track is an indie radio ready romp that will appeal to the lighter side of the indie pop genre mavens. Stream and buy Mother at the link below.

For Esme: Doubtmouth

Toronto base synthpop artist For Esme, aka Martha Meredith, has released a new single Doubtmouth. The track is an advance of her album Righteous Woman that drops in May. The track is led by powerful synths, rather than the milky poppy variety that are so prevalent. This perfectly compliments Merideth's strong clear voice which is the defining characteristic of the track, along with the poignant lyrics describing a one sided relationship. This track is edgy, compelling and leaves one anticipating the album which is to come. Stream and buy Doubtmouth at the link below.

Digster Wednesday Playlists

This week's Digster Wednesday Playlists celebrates diversity and the tremendous cultural influences of Latin music with the Digster Latino Playlists. Here you'll find Caliente! Latin Vibes, the official Caliente festival playlist, with 72 songs to bring the heat all night long. Then try the Rock Latino playlist, 60 songs updated weekly to keep your ears rocking with all that's new and trendy. Fiesta Latina bring you almost six hours of best tracks from some of Latin music's top stars. Try these and the many more Latino playlists at the link below.

Digster Latino Playlists

Firetail: Nylon

After a three year wait, Italian artist/producer Firetail, aka Andrea Vascellari, has returned, with a new EP, Nylon. The three tracks are an original take on ambient music, having been performed entirely in one take and utilizing only a classical guitar. Eschewing the normal banks of synths, Vascellari creates a mesmerizing soundscape of varied sonic vibes. Lush and pleasing, he takes the classical guitar into otherworldly textures and soothing melodic structures, that at times suggest violin and cello. An altogether imaginative and welcome experience. Stream and buy Nylon at the link below.

Circus WorlD: The Deceiver

The Deceiver is the sophomore EP from Isle of Man altrock duo Circus WorlD. Released on indie label Small Bear Records and featuring FZB favorite Mikie Daugherty, with vocalist Mark Sayle, the five tracks are heavy, stylish rock statements. Circus WorlD continue their penchant for lyrical depth and musical supremacy. The EP has a dynamical movement and an ever changing palette of sonic textures. Regular readers of this bog are familiar with Daugherty's work under a variety of monikers and he never fails to deliver memorable music. This is a definite must have. Stream and download The Deceiver at the link below.

Young Jesus: Young Jesus

Los Angeles based Young Jesus have released  a S/T third album on Saddle Creek Records. The seven tracks carry one word titles that belie the emotional depth and lyrical prowess of the songs they label. This is a band that is musically adventurous, delivering original sounds and vibes that blend together a post-punk rawness, with an indie rock stylishness. On this third album one finds a band that cannot be contained by comparisons, defined by mere genre or underestimated by indie context. This is more than a good band. This is a band for the ages, like GBV, who transcend mere rock to rise to the level of  anthemic greatness. This album is an absolute must have. Watch the video for album track Feeling, then stream and buy Young Jesus at the link below.

ELYXR: The Last Day of Summer

The Last Day of Summer is the sixth single in the last year from Seattle pop auter ELYXR, aka Kasson Crooker (Freezepop, Symbion Project). The track is a super catchy synthpop gem with a nice radio ready vibe. More mainstream than indie, Crooker takes an uptempo approach on the track that grabs the listener and doesn't let go. Think on repeat till a giant icy brain freeze sets in. This song is the opioid fix to the more mundane Purity Ring/Beach House vibes that are so prevalent. Stream and buy The last Day of Summer at the link below.

Wild Evel & The Trashbones: Digging My Grave

Digging My Grave is the latest album from Austrian band Wild Evel & The Trashbones. The thirteen tracks see the band giving a raw punk edge to 60's music ala The Standells, Question Mark and the Mysterions and The Seeds. Psychedlic, twangy, lofi and brash, this album sees punk reinvented as a full on 1960's emulation, with a noisey live vibe and tongue firmly in cheek. This is music to groove to, music to turn up till your ears bleed and the neighbors call the cops. Oh yes, and an absolute must have. Stream and buy Digging My Grave at the link below.

Wallack: White Noise

Poitiers, France based band Wallack have released their new album, White Noise, on French indie label Pogo Records. The twelve tracks are heavy, with a decided grunge influence. This is a band that could be back in the mid-80s  Pacific Northwest rubbing shoulders with Soundgarden, Mudhoney and Stone Temple Pilots. The album is dark, dense and exceptional. The guitars are omnipresent, with driving drums and a bass that never lets up. Like punk, grunge is now making it's way around the world as a new art form and we'll have many good bands to discover. Wallack is certainly one to watch. Stream and buy White Noise at the link below.

Falcon Jane: Go With The Flow

Go With The Flow is the new single from Ontario artist, Falcon Jane, in advance of her third full length coming out this summer. The tracks is a steamy, intimate ballad, with stunning breathy vocals and a nice dreamy pop sheen. Featuring some finely crafted guitar playing and an understated production sense, that lends a very personal feel to this overall beautifully done track. Watch the video for the track, then stream Go With The Flow at the link below.

Alison Ferrier: What She Knows

What She Knows is the third full length album from Melbourne based singer/songwriter Alison Ferrier. The ten tracks take their roots from early blues and rock influences, but deliver them back up in a thoroughly modern format. At different times in the album, one can hear echos of PJ Harvey and Natasha Khan, but echos are all they are as this is an artist with her own style and her own voice...and what a voice it is. Clear, warm, powerful and intimate. The songs have depth and quality, while the musical performances are right on with sultry lines and tight arrangements. The album is a definite must have. Watch the videos for album tracks Waiting For The Rain and The Cuckoo, then stream and buy What She Knows at the link below.

Digster Wednesday Playlists

This week's Digster Wednesday Playlists is brought to you from Music City, Nashville, with the Digster Country Playlists. Start off with what's new and hot with the Weekly Top Country Hits playlist. Here you'll find 66 songs that are making feet move and beers pour all over country radio. Next, step outside the usual line dance with the Americana & Alt-Country Best of Playlist. You'll get almost 2 days worth of music, 615 songs to keep you down and dirty till the bottle is empty and the eyes are bloodshot. Then there's the All Time Greatest Country Hits Playlist, where you can dig into the songs that defined country music over the years with 70 songs from Patsy Kline to Glen Campbell and everything in between. Get these and all of the Digster Country Playlists at the link below.

Digster Country Playlists

Josh Mover & The Shakers: Into A Ghost

Into A Ghost is the debut EP from Toronto indie band Josh Mover & The Shakers. The five tracks are jangly, reverby and catchy. The vocals are reminiscent of an updated Jay & The Americans. You can almost here this band covering Cara Mia in a Weezerish groove of indie rock goodness. This is a strong debut, with plenty of originality in the songwriting and plenty of range in the performances. There's much in the tracks to keep this on repeat for a while. Stream and buy Into A Ghost at the link below.

Blurred City Lights: Volker

Volker is the sophomore album from the experimental soundscaping duo Blurred City Lights, aka Dean Garcia (SPC ECO, Curve) and Jarek Leskiewicz (Sunset Wrecks, Opollo). The ten tracks are powerful orchestral rock, with the duo creating a sound so large the mere universe cannot contain it. This is experimental music at its best, genre defying, instrumentally complex yet melodically accessible. What you'll find are huge guitars, tight rhythm sections, industrial touches, inspired synths and a level of musicianship that is rarely attained in what is fundamentally rock music. This is an absolute must have. Stream and buy Volker at the link below.

Jamison Isaak: EP1

Stepping outside his Teen Daze project, artist/producer Jasmison Issak releases, EP1, his first foray under his own name. The four tracks are compelling pop pieces built around piano, synth and steel guitar. With lush soundscapes meant to relax the soul and engage the senses, the tracks unfold in a breathtakingly beautiful interplay between melodic piano passages and haunting steel guitar lines. Deep and uplifting, yet with darkish shadowing, this EP shows Jamison's versatility as an artist and is a must have. Stream and buy EP1 at the link below.

Kira May: Muscle Memory

Muscle Memory is the new single from Toronto artist Kira May. The track is a trendy indie pop interlude, with May's stylish and engaging vocals, reminiscent of Florence Welch. Big, powerful and towering, with a nice dynamic range, the song is the perfect introduction to the singer. This is a track you'll want to have on repeat. Stream and buy Muscle Memory at the link below.

The Crowleys: Colours Change Their Tone

Hamilton, Ontario band, The Crowleys, have released their new album Colours Change Their Tone. The six tracks are imaginative indie rock, that move effortlessly through a genre defying bag of tricks, bringing the listener an unexpectedly rich experience. Imagine the artistry of a band like Yes, coupled with the song stylings of Jimmy Eats World, all produced by Daft Punk and you start to get a feel for the uniqueness of this record. This is an album that will keep your ears in the game and is a definite must have. Stream and buy Colours Change Their Tone at the link below.

Broads: Field Theory

Shameless Promotion PR bring us Field Theory, the new album from UK based Broads. The eleven tracks are wonderfully varied carrying the listener from atmospheric dream pop to synthy freak folk, to full on ambient soundscapes, all the while showing a depth of originality missing in much of indie music. The music delights with such a varied textural palette that one becomes engrossed in the aural experience, shutting out lesser cries for attention. This is a definite must have. Stream and buy Field Theory at the link below.

Twilight Fields: Our Time Is Now

Our Time Is Now is the third album from Ontario based Twilight Fields. The eleven tracks harken back to the days of bands like Big Country, The Waterboys and The Church, where the music was a medium for grand philosophical statements. On Our Time Is Now, the band uses the lyrics as a testament to the need for unconditional love in an ever darkening world of loss, sorrow and chaos. With a dreampop feel, some noise accents, crisp production and lush arrangements, the album delivers intimate pleadings of need, in a beautiful sonic context. Stream and buy Twilight Fields at the link below.

FBGM: Lullaby

Boston based duo FBGM have come with their sophomore release, the single and short film Lullaby. The song is a dreampop influenced ballad with catchy lyrics, sophisticated vocals and fluid reverby guitar lines, with some nice industrial sonic coloring. The tracks is so completely engaging it feels over before one is ready and leaves an immediate sense of no, there must be more. Your being longs for more, so you play it again and again, the same feelings pervade, so one's only hope is to be lost in a world where this track plays over and over, unrelenting, until there finally comes a times, as yet not reached, where one might be sated. Watch the video for Lullaby, then buy the track at the link below.

Digster Wednesday Playlists

Welcome to another edition of the Digster Wednesday Playlists. Today we take you to the land of Gypsies and Vampires with the Digster Romania Playlists. Step outside the box with Okapi Tati, 20 songs to let you discover the best of Romanian Rap and Hip-Hop. Then there's Get Urock Music, seven hours of what's loud an heavy in the dives of Bucharest. You can get down with Top Romanian Music, 54 of the biggest hits by Romanian artists. Lock up your wallet and put on your best garlic necklace to discover these and all the Romanian playlists at the link below.

Digster Romania Playlists

Japan Suicide: Santa Sangre

Italian post-punk band Japan Suicide have released Santa Sange, their new album on Spanish indie Unknown Pleasures Records. The eleven tracks will recall a number of post-punk bands, but comparisons are unfair, as this is a band that inhabits the very rocky edge unencumbered by homage to anyone. This album is dark, tense and perfect. The guitars cut like a depressive razor, enticing pleasure from the noise and flaying at any false pretense of happiness. This album glorifies a rawness that permeates its sublime beauty, delivering a post-punk portrait as authentic as a late night Soho walk. This is a definite must have. Watch the video for album track Circle, then stream and buy Santa Sangre at the link below.

Llarks: Metallic Summer

FZB favorite Llarks is back with his 9th release, Metallic Summer. The five track EP gives us more of Llarks signature ambient soundscapes of melodic textures, imaginative guitar drones and artistic noise. Llarks employs what can only be described as complex minimalism. While one is never inundated by a cacophony of parts, the depth of sound and interplay between components is totally immersive. Llarks continues to be one of our favorite ambient artists. Stream and buy Metallic Summer at the link below.

ISS: ISS

ISS is the band's S/T debut EP on North Carolina indie label Sorry State Records. The four tracks are an ingenious cross between the Beastie Boys, Ramones and Circle Jerks. With mainly sampled music and tongue in cheek lyrics, the band balances on an edge so razor thin it would slice through an atom. This is music that goes to the very heart of the punk ethos...loud, fast and snotty. This is punk at it's most authentic, guaranteed to upset the neighbors, your teachers and your parents. Get thrown out of the house, turn this up to liquefy and enjoy. Stream and buy ISS at the link below.

Jon Lindsay: Zebulon

North Carolina singer/songwriter Jon Lindsay is back with a new single, Zebulon. The track is crisp, clean indie rock, with a nod to more traditional song styles. The song has some very nice changes, with an unexpected and stylish sax interlude. Flawless production, a nice lyrical story and inspired musical performances are the highlights of this single. It's been a couple years since Lindsay has had a full album release and we hope this track is a foreshadowing of a longer format work to come. Stream and buy Zebulon at the link below.

Dominic Coppala: Honeymoon Phase

FZB favorite Dominic Coppola is back with a new album, Honeymoon Phase. The six tracks continue his guitar driven ambient excursions, with ample demonstration of his mastery of the medium. Coppola deliver rich textured phrasing, that swirls and cascades across the sonic spectrum, creating sound fields of spatial beauty. The deceptive complexity of the aural components, gives way to a unified simplicity of the final musical pieces that unfold in harmonious waves of sound. Stream and buy Honeymoon Phase at the link below.

Sturqen/vAaristyma: Atonia

New Porto, Portugal based label Nervu, bring us their first release, Atonia, a split album from Portugese duo Sturqen and Finnish artists vAaristyma. The two track from the former and five from the latter are quite different. Sturqen brings us a half hour of dark looming electronica, encompassing sinister overtones and lighter melodic lines, whereas vAaristyma opts for shorter glicthy pieces with a more ambient and done feel, Both sets are highly textured and sonicaly diverse and this is a good interesting first release for the label. Stream and buy Atonia at the link below.

The Number Ones: Another Side of The Number Ones

North Carolina indie label Sorry State Records always delivers great music and they've brought us another winner. Dublin band The Number Ones' sophomore EP, Another Side of The Number Ones is packed with energy from start to finish. With one foot in indie rock and the other in punk, they gift us with four tracks of twangy, driving rock that is completely compelling. This is a record that manages to get a Beatles type of commercialism without sacrificing any edge. Destined to be one of the best records of the year, this is a band you need to know and have in your collection. This is an absolute must have. Stream and buy Another Side of The Number Ones at the link below.

Lusterlit: List of Equipment

Brooklyn duo Lusterlit, aka Susan Hwang and Charlie Nieland have released their imaginatively titled new EP List of Equipment. The six tracks were all written for Bushwick Book Club events in New York and Seattle. The songs have literary themes and a sound reminiscent of The Kills, embracing post-punk and indie rock stlyings, with a touch of Bohemian flare. This is a record that has a compelling sonic vibe and enough interesting changes to keep it on repeat for a long time, and is a must have. Watch the video for EP track Flight, then stream and buy List of Equipment at the link below.

Digster Wednesday Playlists

Your invited to a journey of discovery with this week's Digster Peru Playlists. Start with the Exitos Peru playlists, 62 songs from the artists that are shaping the music scene in this part of South America. Then there's Acustico, eight hours of the best acoustic music for romantic Latin nights or relaxing on a Pacific beach. You can try Se Habla En Espanol, 61 of the best Spanish language songs. Try these and the other Peru Playlists at the link below.

Digster Peru Playlists

Nova Flares: Gut Splinter

Gut Splinter is the debut single from Kentucky artist Nova Flares, aka Jason Wagers. The track, from a soon to be released EP, is twangy, shoegazy, rock, with a touch of psychedelia. Unfortunately the track is instrumental, as we assume the EP will be. Instrumental releases work well in the expansive mediums of electronic music, however in the confines of guitar driven rock, they have failed to flourish. For us there is always a simple reason, the recordings sound unfinished. We listen, waiting for the vocals to come in, only to get more jangle or roar. This recording shares the same fate. With a limited melodic palette and instrumental range, one wonders why the artist chose the instrumental format, rather than finding a lyricist and singer? The track is fun for a listen, but has no lasting appeal. Stream and buy Gut Splinter at the link below.

Broads: Climbs +1

Climbs +1 is the new two track single from UK synthpop band Broads. What immediately strikes you about these two tracks is the lack of the cliched, synthpop sound so prevalent in indie today. These tracks utilize guitar, violin and cello, as well as stunning harmonies, to defy the the status quo and deliver a recording where originality is party of the DNA. Darkish and intimate, the music awakens emotions in a sonic environment that envelopes the listener both aurally and intellectually. Combine these traits with crisp production and imaginative synth pads, and you get a definite must have. The group has an album coming soon, so in the mean time, stream and buy Climbs +1 at the link below.

Croatia: Make Circles

Victoria, BC band Croatia have released a new single Make Circles. With a shimmering synthpop music bed, a nice slight R&B feel and a bit of disco swagger, the single makes for a fine introduction to the band, who have already released an EP, debut album and couple of other singles. You'll like this if you're into The Weekend, and similar artists. This is stylish, albeit very mainstream leaning, so don't expect any edge or innovation. What you get is a good solid pop song that will keep you circling back. Stream and buy Make Circles at the link below.

Ricky Hamilton and the Void Boys: Hell Is Real

UK label Dirty Water Records has always been the purveyor of all things good in punk, so there was bound to be one misstep and this record is it. Hell Is Real, by Ricky Hamilton and the Void Boys, is the worst kind of quasi-punk out there; a complete rip off of the genre. The album is derivative to the point caricature. The phony guitar feedback at the start of every track, fuels the lack of authenticity, as does the poor production, which feels manufactured rather than a real part of the recording. This band's final insult was, until this album, to have the name Ricky Hell and The Void Boys, thus shamelessly appropriating a name and a legacy of which they are not deserving. There is tons of great punk music being made around the world right now, skip this junk band and go find some legitimate punk. Stream Hell is Real at the link below.

Leoprrrds: Hot Like Lava

Berlin based Leoprrrds have released their new EP Hot Like Lava on indie label Spati Plalace. The four tracks have a nice original sound and unique feel, which is best described as post-punk Bohemian folk, and is a simply stunning work. The songs are completely compelling, as are the vocals. The simple beauty of this record will draw the listener deep into the tracks, where the punk aesthetic coupled with the other influences becomes a transcendent musical experience. This EP is an absolute must have. Watch the video for EP track Out Of Practice, then stream and buy Hot Like Lava at the link below.

Saccadic Eye Motion: Silver Soul

Israeli label Schwarz Neon Licht Records, bring us Silver Soul, the tenth album from artist/producer Saccadic Eye Motion. The sprawling 21 track album of instrumental pop, blends guitar based shoegaze soundscapes, with dreamy electronic ambiance. The album is melodically and emotionally diverse, but not really innovative or original. It has nice patches, while at the same time never managing to find an engaging groove. While an ambitious work, it comes off as guitar pop elevator music. Good for background to another activity, but not something to sit and listen to as a whole or for a party or club. Stream and buy Silver Soul at the link below.

Marva Von Theo: Dream Within A Dream

Greek duo Marva Von Theo, aka Marva Voulgari and Theo Foinidis, have released their debut album, Dream Within A Dream. The twelve tracks are glistening dream pop, but make no mistake, this is an album about a great vocalist. Sure the music is good; nice beats, catchy synths, well worn cliches and plenty of atmosphere, but it is the vocals of Marva Voulgari that sets this record apart. Here clean, powerful voice is a rare phenomenon, with its soulful character, stylistic mastery and inescapable presence. Stream and buy Dream Within A Dream at ther link below.

Nanaki: Epilogue

Epilogue is the new album from FZB favorite Nanaki, on Small Bear Records. The brainchild of artist/producer Mikie Daugherty, the six tracks are post-rock guitar explorations of melodic structures superimposed on shoegaze and post-punk sonic landscapes. Edgy and a bit dark, with enticing intimacy and unbridled emotional passion. Atmospheric, haunting and enthralling, this is a definite must have. Stream and download Epilogue at the link below.