Flat Ed: Clapped Out

 

May 1st marks the release of Clapped Out, the debut album from singer/songwriter Flat Ed. The ten tracks carve out a unique musical niche, being one part Phil Ochsian troubador, one part Human League-esque electropop and one part George Martin production vibes. This is an intimate album that begs for engaged listening, rather than casual attention. There are no currently trendy cliches to grab onto, but if one is willing to let the music propel them, rich rewards of originality will be reaped. Stream and buy Clapped Out at the link below.

 

 



Fuxa: Frequencies for Physical, Mental and Spiritual Healing

 

Frequencies for Physical, Mental and Spiritual Healing is the new album from Detroit electropop band Fuxa. The eleven tracks swirl and shimmer around vocals that evoke an undeerstated Handsome Furs or Depeche Mode. Minimal beats, striking synthpads and an airy vibe lend themselves perfectly to create an intimate musical experience. Fuxa have an originality missing in much of today's retread chillwave. Stream and buy Frequencies for Physical, Mental and Spiritual Healing at the link below.

 



Wildlife: ...On The Heart

 

Toronto indie rockers Wildlife are back with their new album, ...On The Heart. The twelve tracks are raw and emotional, with an epic rock anthem quality. The production is huge, with the tracks blending a post-punk aesthetic with alt rock musicality. Towering guitars and massive drums frame vocals that are stadium made. This is a band that has grown into a real force since their very promissing debut album two years ago. Stream and buy ...On The Heart at the link below.

 



M|O|O|N : Day/Night

 

Day/Night is the new EP from Boston electronic artist/producer and FZB favorite M|O|O|N. After two previous EP's, M|O|O|N has delivered three tracks that form a more cohesive record. The tracks have a deep ethereal vibe with a driving beat and imaginative synth pads. This is an artist that is all about growth and experimentation, while delivering fine music. Stream and buy Day/Night at the link below.

 

Yukari: Echo

 

Echo is the debut album from South Korean dreampop artist/producer Yukari. Making music in the vein of Neon Indean and Washed Out, Yukari finds her own voice, with lilting vocals, heavy reverb and a more lo-fi gloss. Waves of shimmering synth pads sweep over the listener, while understated beats keep the down tempo moving. Electropop has developed from its chillwave beginnings into a  musically mature genre. Yukari adds a new original voice to the genre with this stunning debut. Stream and buy Echo at the link below.

 



Twilight Empire: Falling/Kindred Spirits

 

Falling, backed with Kindred Spirits, is the new single from Swiss post-punk band Twilight Empire. If you look back to last week's review of Veil of Light, that artist, who we now know is Michael Hofstetter, is the guitarist and principal songwriter for Twighlight Empire. The two tracks are heavy post-punk anthems with nice stylistic range and flawless execution. Taken together the two projects are an exemplary body of work and we can't wait to here more from both. Stream and buy Falling/Kindred Spirits at the link below.



Urbantramper: Tomorrow We Leave Here

 

Tomorrow We Leave Here is the new EP from New Zealand electropop band and FZB favorites Urbantramper. The trio have delivered an EP with six powerful tracks. Featuring towering bass pads and melodic synth lines wedded to stylish vocals and crisp production, this EP is a winner. This is a band that we like more with every new track. A definate must have. Stream and buy Tomorrow We Leave Hear at the link below.

 



The Wooden Wolf: 14 Ballads Op. 1

 

14 Ballads Op. 1 is the debut album from singer/songwriter The Wooden Wolf. This person is a bit of an enigma. We don't know his name, where he is from, or any backstory. All we know is that we first learned about him from a French PR firm, so he is probably European. What we do know is that the music is exceptional. The songs are deep emotional journeys into the artist's psyche. The fourteen tracks are everything an album should be; expertly performed, beautifully sung and stunningly produced. This is simply one of the best albums we've heard in a long time.  Watch a video for the track Your Drinking Shoulder below and then stream and download 14 Ballads Op.1 at the link below.

 



Dr. Skinnybones: El Valtrex Video

Here's a choice little film from our friends at the Booklyn music collective Mama Coco's Funky Kitchen, for the duo Dr. Skinnybones' track El Valtrex. The film follows an outlaw couple through a post-apocalyptic wild west. Watch it below.

Veil Of Light: Veil Of Light

 

We're burried in snow and the sky is dark and overcast, so that calls for...darkwave of course. Veil Of Light is the self-titled debut EP from the Zurich based artist otherwise known by only the initial M. The five tracks are heavy and sullen, with vocals inhabiting the outer reaches of reverb. Post-punk sonics show through the gloom with melodic passages and an 80's vibe. Stream and buy Veil Of Light at the link below.