Neon Lights: A Slice Of Life

A Slice Of Life is the sophomore album from Spanish band Neon Lights. The band is an FZB favorite and they continue to impress on this new album. The nine tracks are post-punk laced dreampop, with a heavy edge, smart arrangements and engaging songs. Crisp production presents the tracks in the best possible way and showcases a strong band coming of age as accomplished recording artists. The album shows a range of influences from Coldplay to the Verve and this range plays out in a recording that is deep with sonic goodness. A definite must have. Stream and buy A Slice Of Life at the link below.

Autumn: Chandelier

Chandelier is the third album from Minneapolis based trio Autumn, on Chicago indie label Sett Records. The fourteen tracks are a darkwave, post-punk blend, taking the best of both and serving them up with infectious precision. The synths recall the best of 80s new wave, while the atmospheric guitars shimmer and swirl around the breathtaking vocals of frontwoman Julie Plante. This is an album that shows a mature band in firm control of their sound and delivering that up with depth and panache. A must have album. Stream and buy Chandelier at the link below.

Basement Revolver: S/T and Audiotree Live

 

Today we give you two releases from a truly great indie rock band, Basement Revolver. First up, Label Obscura is doing a limited vinyl reissue of the band's S/T debut EP. These four tracks define a band with a post punk sound so important that it defies mere platitudes. This may well be the best pure band since Joy Division. These tracks are so compelling, so emotionally powerful and totally perfect that one cannot allow themselves to stop listening. Next, we have the rare treat of a release of the bands Audiotree live performance, where the perfection of their live sound has no equal. Both of these releases are absolute must haves, more than that, this is a band that you are required to spread to all you know. Watch the video for the Audiotree Live performance, then stream and buy both releases at the links below.

Eraldo BernocchI & Chihei Hatakeyama: Solitary Universe

New Jersey label Aagoo has released Solitary Universe, the new album from Eraldo BernocchI & Chihei Hatakeyama. The five extended compositional tracks deliver completely compelling ambient soundscapes. With a depth of form and sparseness of tonal components, the duo create a hauntingly beautiful sonic world, where ebb and flow swirls through the listeners consciousness, replacing the here and now with a delicate aural environment of vivid acoustic imagery. This is an absolute must have. Stream and buy Solitary Universe at the link below.

Philippe Petit & Friends: On Top

On Top is the new album from Japan based artist and producer Philippe Petit. The nine tracks are highly experimental excursions into the avant garde. You get theatrical vibes, a unique use of melody and totally original passages throughout. This is an album that completely defies the idea of genre, preferring to challenge the listener with simple components, presented in a complexity of form that is immersive and exciting. This is an artist who pushes the range of where music can go, all the while expertly executing the unexpected, while never failing to impress. Stream and buy On Top at the link below.

Randy Harris: Never Apart

Never Apart is the sophomore album from Pennsylvania based singer/songwriter Randy Harris. The eleven tracks are a throwback to the more placid days of pop, with a sixties AM radio vibe and a light adult contemporary style. This is music you'd expect to find in a Vegas casino lounge, nice arrangements, catchy enjoyable songs, but also no edge or real energy. Music for the Branson set or a family vacation with the grandparents. Stream and buy Never Apart at the link below.

Digster Wednesday Playlists

Today we have another installment of the Digster Wednesday Playlists, with their Sleep Playlists. Quell your insomniac nights with the Peaceful Sleep playlist, 72 songs guaranteed to get you drifting off to la la land. Then there's Digster Sleep, 8 hours of chill music to sooth your over active mind. Or try Wind Down Songs, where you'll find 100 tracks tracks to make even the most over active psyche slow down to a crawl. Try these and all the other Digster Sleep playlists at the link below.

Digster Sleep Playlists

Flesh Eating Foundation: We Are Fucked

UK based electro punks Flesh Eating Foundation are back with their new delicately titled album, We Are Fucked. The ten tracks are hard edged punk from an electronic rather than guitar basis. The album is in your face with a pair of brass knuckles lyrically and musically there is plenty of industrial and noise touches to slice through the dark synths. This is an extremely imaginative and original take on the punk ethos. Lock yourself in your room, turn this up to vegetative state and give your parents the worry they deserve. Stream and buy We Are Fucked at the link below.

The Claudettes: Dance Scandal At The Gymnasium

Chicago band The Claudettes have released their new album Dance Scandal At The Gymnasium. The twelve tracks deliver a rocking version of urban blues, that is stylish and sultry. Frontwoman Berit Ulseth wows with vocals as smooth as a chocolate shake, backed by classy piano work from Johnny Iguana (Junior Wells, Otis Rush) and the tight rhythm section of Zach Verdoorn on bass and Matt Torre on drums. The band colors it's sound with some heavy rock and jazzy touches, to create an album as strong as the Chicago winter. This is a must have. Watch the video for album track Don't Stay With me, then stream and buy Dance Scandal At The Gymnasium at the link below.

Palm Ghosts: Love In Winter

Love In Winter is the new single from Nashville based Palm Ghosts. The track is stylish dream pop, with plenty of twangy guitar lines, interesting synth pads and a nice doubled male/female vocal. The song has a Duran Duran type of instrumental vibe and the whole thing makes you move. Good individual tracks are nice for what they are, but always leave us wanting to hear a proper EP or album and we'd surely like to have more from Palm Ghosts. Stream and buy Love In Winter at the link below.

The Bordellos: Debt Sounds

Regular readers of this blog know that The Bordellos are never out of mind for very long. Their new album Debt Sounds sees them teaming up with one of our favorite UK indie labels, Small Bear records. The seventeen tracks, originally recorded in 2008 but not released by their label, see the band getting back to basics, recording on 4 tracks with no overdubs. What you get then is classic Bordellos edginess, stripped to its bare essence of smart, catchy songs, that recall an era where simple UK music ruled and pretense was nonexistent. This is an absolute must have for everyone's Bordellos collection. Stream and buy Debt Sounds at the link below.

Moonshine Booze: Desert Road

Desert Road is the debut album from Italian band Moonshine Booze on Seahorse Recordings. The fourteen tracks rock, the way rock is supposed to, wrapping itself around all the influences that made what we call rock. On this album you'll get a diverse record that incorporates, blues, rockabilly, 50's, 60's, 70's, R&B and is also thoroughly modern and adventurous. With every turn, the album is unexpected and infectious, with loads of twang, heavy rhythm sections and catchy licks, both vocally and instrumentally. Calling this record a must have would be an understatement; this is a record to listen to over and over, till you start to understand just how complex and imaginative it really is. Watch the video for album track The Place, then stream and buy Desert Road at the link below.

System Corporation: Apathy Is Easy

Apathy Is Easy is the new single from New Zealand band System Corporation. This track is a ravishing look at how great contemporary indie rock can be. With a vibe that expertly recalls the heady days of Ultravox, the band delivers a single track that is as alluring as modern music gets. However, therein lies the rub. The track is aptly titled, with an unintentional nod to the band's own musical identity, where they released one single track in April 2017 and now a year later, we have another single track. Given that this is a side project for some of the band, the lack of more than two singles a year apart could be explained away, but for the fact the music is unimaginably good. This then does a disservice to listeners, who should rightly want more, but have to live with a meager output from the band for which apathy is easy. Stream and buy Apathy Is Easy at the link below.

T.C. Crosser: The Book of Arius

NYC based composer/producer T.C. Crosser has released his new album, The Book of Arius. The former San Fancisco punk band producer, takes a stunning new direction with a four movement concept piece for stringed quartet. The album is weaves a musical narrative about three distinct points in Crosser's life: an abusive rural Iowa childhood; coming out as gay while in the Navy; and finally leaving an abusive relationship in the bay area and moving to New York. The four pieces are accomplished, sensitive and sublimely beautiful. The crisp production saw the recorded string quartet processed through a range of guitar amps and pedals. This is a highly original, superlatively imaginative and totally engrossing work that is an absolute must have. Stream and buy The Book of Arius at the link below.

Azalia Snail: Neon Resistance

Neon Resistance is the new album from indie pop chanteuse Azalia Snail, on our favorite North Carolina label Silber Records. The twelve tracks have crisp beats, noisy flourishes and intoxicating headiness. Lyrically smart, with sleek arrangements and experimental touches, this is not your usual banal pop music, but rather is restless, enticing and imaginative. Everything we expect from Silber releases. This is an album that takes retro influences and serves them up in a thoroughly modern package. This is a must have. Watch the video for album track Field Rep, then stream and buy Neon Resistance at the link below.

Digster Wednesday Playlists

This week's Digster Wednesday Playlists features their Rock/Metal Playlists. Start of with the History of J-Rock, 47 songs that are rocking the Budokan. Then try the Pop Punk playlists for 3 hours of everything that's emo and edgy on the radio. There's the Greatest Bass Players, 50 tracks that put your subwoofer to the test, or check out Rock Run Down, three hours of the latest hits to keep you up on what's setting the pace. Try these and all the Digster Rock/Metal Playlists at the link below.

Digster Rock/Metal Playlists

Kini: A Room Of One's Own

A Room Of One's Own is the debut album from London based experimental artist Kini. The ten tracks a melodic masterpieces inhabiting a space of their own originality. Kini has a sound that recalls artists like Imogen Heap, Bjork and The Knife, while still possessing a uniqueness that is almost nonexistent in modern music. The album is bursting with inventive musicality and adventurous production, yet is completely accessible and melodically engaging. Kini's voice is ethereal and taken together with the complex sonic vibe, she delivers an album as compelling as a fine dark chocolate. This is an absolute must have. Stream and buy A Room Of One's Own at the link below.

Cloud: Plays With Fire

Plays With Fire is the new album from Clouds, the project of LA singer/songwriter Tyler Taormina. The nine tracks blaze forward so brightly, that all before it pales in comparison. Musically complex, melodically accessible, with lyrical intimacy and a production aesthetic so perfect as to set a new bar for all of indie to reach for. This is an album so good it is transcendent, with all encompassing variety of vibes and touching many genres without actually being part any. Simply the best album you are likely to hear this year and an absolute must have. Watch the video for album track Wildfire, then stream and buy Plays With Fire at the link below.

Superalma Project: Dystopian Children

Porto, Portugal based Superalma Project have released their new album Dystopian Children. The twelve tracks are industrial leaning electronica, with ample noise, a dark and at times sinister vibe and droning overtones. The album is deep and engrossing, using  melodic components as embellishment rather than prime mover. With an overriding ambient vibe that is rough and sinuous, the album unfolds as an unexpected theatrical journey, that surprises the listener from beginning to end. Stream and buy Dystopian Children at the link below.

Stonerpop: Physical Business

Physical Business is the sophomore EP from Louisiana based Stonerpop. The duo of Michelle Maudie and Jimmie Masneuva deliver seven tracks of trendy synthpop with smoldering vocals, tight, shimmering arrangements, a healthy dose of originality and crisp production. The EP has nice edgy guitar bits here and there that engage with more energy than your run of the mill pop duo. This is an EP of depth and style, that engages and compells. An absolute must have. Stream and buy Physical Business ast the link below.

Stina Stjern: Kap Herschell

Kap Herschell is the new album from singer/songwriter Stina Stjern on Oslo, Norway indie label Sellout! Music. The eight tracks a glistening pop with Stjern's vocals that fall somewhere between Tennis' Alaina Moore and Kristin Welchez (Dum Dum Girls, Kristin Control).  The album delivers nice variety moving between psychedelic coloring and rock rhythms, with the production giving a bit of a lofi sheen. make no mistake though, it is Stjern's vocals that are the real treat, with a sultry timber, alluring phrasing and enviable range. Stream and buy Kap Herschell at the link below.

Manwomanchild: Memory Leak

Memory Leak is the new single from Philadelphia band Manwomanchild. The project of frontman David Child, the band makes superlative indie rock and new single Memory Leak continues this. The song has a Beatle-esque theatrical vibe, with an alluring lyric, an unexpected depth of arrangement, a bit of a lo-fi feel and sparse production. All this brings the tracks together in a completely compelling listening experience. Stream and buy Memory Leak at the link below.

James Chatburn: Damen

Damen is the sophomore EP from Sydney vocalist/producer James Chatburn. The five tracks are an original, unique take on neo-soul. With a chic, jazzy vibe, the EP showcases a vocalist in total control of his immense chops. The songs swing, the arrangements entice and the EP delivers a sonic experience so coercive, that free will falls away, replaced by an addictive need to hit repeat till the circuits burn. This is an absolute must have. Watch the charismatic solo live video for EP track Fire, then stream and buy Damen at the link below.

Birds of Chicago: American Flowers

American Flowers is the debut EP from Nashville based duo Birds of Chicago, aka Allison Russel and JT Nero. The six tracks feature tight harmonies, smart arrangements and a feel for the range of Americana rarely heard. The EP shows an abundance of pizzaz as it moves effortlessly through influences from blues to ragtime and from city to country. Noteworthy songwriting, compelling production and altogether captivating performances deliver up an EP that is an absolute must have. Stream and buy American Flowers at the link below.

Digster Wednesday Playlists

Welcome to this week's Digster Wednesday Playlists. This week we feature the Digster Hip Hop Playlists. Hit the streets with Postys Playlist, over five hours of the latest hip hop hits, or get down to Hip Hop Classics 117 songs that defined the genre. There's Straight Off The Porch, 3 hours of the newest hip hop artists that are poised to take to the next level. Stream these and all the Digster Hip Hop Playlists at the link below.

Digster Hip Hop Playlists

Heath Church: The Things I've Tried

The Things I've Tried is the debut EP from Kansas City based singer/songwriter Heath Church. The five tracks are sublime Americana, set in a DIY recording of mainly minimalist acoustic guitar and vocals. The songs have a lyrical bent that showcases themes from Church's Kansas City base and his life experiences. The universal nature of the songs make them instantly accessible and endearing. With a decidedly troubadour vibe, the EP is a dapper introduction to this artist and a worthy debut. Stream and buy The Things I've Tried at the link below.

Opollo: Secret Towers

Secret Towers is the new album from Opollo, a drone/ambient project of prolific artist/producer Jarek Leskiewicz. Recorded over 2015-2017, with an array of guest contributors, Leskiewicz utilizes a myriad of guitars, modular synths, sound generators and field recordings to build a lush forest of ambient soundscapes, each with its own unique personality, emotional texture and sonic depth. Good ambient music requires vision and experimentation to bring melodic structure to life rather than just creating endless drones. This is a hallmark of Leskiewicz' music. Stream and buy Secret Towers at the link below.

Period Rooms: Double Echo

Swedish indie label, Peter Out Records, bring us Double Echo, the third album from Liverpool, UK based Period Rooms. The band melds darkwave with an 80's new wave vibe to deliver a nice retro album. The ten tracks feature a prominent bass player which gives the music focus, surrounded buy solid drums, understated synths and stylish melodic guitars, all of which frame atmospheric vocals that are laid well back in the mix. A thoroughly enjoyable record, that comes up a bit short on energy and originality. Stream and buy Double Echo at the link below.

Xentrifuge: Desensitized Parallels

Desensitized Parallels is the first new album in nine years from NYC underground aggrotech duo Xentrifuge. The ten tracks are brutal experimental industrial music. With layers of noise, insidious vocals and starkly raw synth pads, the album weaves a dark tapestry of foreboding late night alleys, post-apocalyptic madness and the aftermath of the Trump presidency. This is an album of unique vision, post-industrial electronica and death metal themes, that is unafraid to challenge the listener with dense soundscapes of dissonant complexity. Watch the video for album track Circles of Dust, then stream and buy Desensitized Parallels at the link below.

Vowws: Under The World

Under The World is the new album from LA based Vowws. The duo make a dense, stylish form of of guitar driven synth embellished pop, heavier than the usual fare and distinctly original. The eleven tracks showcase a diverse set of influences from folk to post-punk, with touches of poppy California music hidden in the ether. The stark darkness and beauty of this album is totally compelling and one cannot help but become totally engaged in its theatrical spell. This album will appeal to a broad base from post-punk to post-metal to synthpop. Just a damn fine record and an absolute must have. Watch the video for Under The World: Masking The Album, then stream and buy Under The world at the link below.

Monkey Warhol: EP6

FZB favorite Monkey Warhol is back with EP6, another blast of his own brand of inimitable  synthpop. The five tracks continue Warhol's trademark style of catchy songs with plenty of variety, lots of tongue in cheek and a bit of swagger. He shows us that any musical genre and period can be reimagined as synthpop. We love this artist's inventiveness and originality and think everyone should get hip with his music. A definite must have. Stream and buy EP6 at the link below.

Rodney Cromwell: Comrades

Comrades is the new single from FZB favorite Rodney Cromwelll, the master of 80's era sythnpop. Using old authentic era synths as well as less common appendages, makes music that recalls the era without copying it. Bright, imaginative and catchy, this single makes you want to get your best Flock of Seagulls hairdo going and hit a disco for a frenetic night of bumping and grinding. You know you want to. Watch for a full new EP in May, in the mean time, stream and buy Comrades at the link below.

Viqueen: Spill Your Guts

The riot grrrl movement is alive and well with the release of Spill Your Guts, the debut album from San Francisco band Viqueen. The eight tracks are heavy with a driving alt-rock feel coupled with a punky edge. The vocals have a authentic rawness to them which recalls bands like Sleater-Kinney. You can just feel the energy in the tracks and envision a band that would kick you arse live, because they kick it on this record. One of the strongest debuts of the year and an absolute must have. Watch the video for album track Party Animal, then stream and buy Spill Your Guts at the link below.

Digster Wednesday Playlists

Welcome to another addition of the Digster Wednesday Playlists. This week we offer you something a bit different, with the Digster Kids and Family Playlists. Start off with the Disney Junior playlist, where 81 songs will help keep your little ones happy, singing and engaged. Next, step out with the Digster Soundtracks Playlist, four and a half hours of music from the best movies past and present. Or there's Sing Your Hearts Out, 58 songs to keep thew family singing together, whether on a road trip or just sitting around a fire. Light up your little girl's dream with the Disney Princess playlist, 45 of the most unforgettable songs from what Disney does best, make children believe in fairytales. Listen to these and all the other Digster Kids and Family Playlists at the link below.

Digster Kids and Family Playlists

Phil Reynolds and the Big Day Out: When It Hits

When It Hits is the new EP from Phil Reynolds and the Big Day Out. Reynolds should be familiar to any of our regular readers, as the Small Bear Records head is a prolific artist in his own right. On this EP, we see him deliver three tracks of superlative shoegaze. With an atmospheric vibe, some very tasty guitar work and vocals soaring above the fray, Reynolds once again displays his chops with a lofi edge. Reynolds is an artist that is never encumbered by genre restrictions and continues to deliver original music with a unique character. Stream and download When It Hits at the link below.

Carry Illinois: Runaway

Austin based indie band Carry Illinois are back with a stunning new single Runaway. The track is a poignant lyrical statement about facing one's fears. With the superb, powerful vocals of frontperson Lizzy Lehman, framed by exciting musical arrangements that gush with originality, strength and edde, this is a track that is more than just compelling. Turn on to your next new favorite band. Stream and buy Runaway at the link below.

Noise Figures: Telepath

Athens based guitar duo Noise Figures, aka George Nikas and Stamos Bamparis, have released their third album, Telepath, on our favorite Greek Isles indie label, Inner Ear Records. The ten tracks are heavy, compelling works of imaginative arrangements and unbridled energy. With some touches of eastern rhythms, a dark sheen, plenty of fuzz and a pounding beat, as well as nice melodic licks and vocals, this albums totally satisfies. Inner ear Records consistently delivers great music and they have another winner with Noise Figures. Stream and buy Telepath ath the link below.

This Way North: Vol. 2

Vol. 2 is the aptly titled sophomore EP from Melbourne based This Way North. The duo of Leisha Jungalwalla and Cat Leahy deliver six tracks of stylish indie rock, where totally compelling arrangements, engaging lead vocals and lush harmonies rule. This record is sooo good is is destined to be discovered by the world and be the next big thing to come this way north from down under. If you like Haim, strip away their pretentiousness, add in a bit more edge and you'll love This Way North. Watch the video for EP track Pressure, then stream and buy Vol. 2 at the link below.