Stringer: Dead Ass

 

Dead Ass is the debut EP from Brooklyn punk rockers Stringer, on Mama Coco's Funky Kitchen. Formed from the ashes of former Shea Stadium house band Heeney, the six tracks are powerful and compelling. Melodic like DIIV, but yet heavier like The Orwells, Stringer delivers a unique mix of raw energy, refined harmonies and strong songwriting. This is a must have. Stream and buy Dead Ass at the link below.

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Boy From The Crowd: Where The Bees Come To Die

 

Where The Bees Come To Die is the debut EP from UK band Boy From The Crowd. The five tracks blend punk and blues to deliver an edgy mix a rock. The EP reminds a bit of Wolf Parade and is as tight, energetic and compelling a record as we've heard all year. Just gets better with every listen. Watch the video for All I Need and the stream and buy Where The Bees Come To Die at the link below.

 



Vaudevileins: Transmission

 

Transmission is the third EP from Chicago band Vaudevileins. The five tracks are straight rock in the classic sense that the music is not formulated into any contemporary sub genre. The EP is just good rock music, that is equal parts melody and fuzz. The influences seem to range from Cheep Trick to AC/DC, but sans any hint of metal or formula alt rock. These are good traits as it gives us an EP that sounds both familiar and new. Good rock music for the ages. Stream and buy Transmissions at the link below.



Rough Year: Mongrel

 

Rough Year is a Philadelphia based artist and musician. Through sonic experimentations within dance and future abstract bass music his debut 4-track EP, Mongrel, on UK indie label Dagger Forrest, focuses heavily on and is inspired by current social and political issues, the civil rights movement and the meaning of identity. With a dark sheen to its dance beats, the EP is long on electronic music clichés and short on originality. Stream and buy Mongrel at the link below.



We Are Temporary: You Can Now Let Go

 

Stars & Letters Records is a familiar label to our readers, having brought us wonderful releases from Shocking Pinks, Misfit Mod and many others. The label's founder, Mark Roberts, has been stretching out as an artist in his own right the last couple of years, under his We Are Temporary moniker, with stunning tracks that you have heard here on the blog. Now we have the first look at his much anticipated debut full length, to be titled Crossing Over, which comes out in February. The single You Can Now Let Go is a masterful, dark synthpop piece, with an infectious beat, rich textures and intimate vocal. Watch a video for the track and then stream You Can Now Let Go and pre-order the album at the link below.

 



Gatsby: Floods + Fires Turbo Edition

 

Gatsby is the original Static Motor Records band. Released in May 2005 to significant pre-blog era praise, Floods + Fires was Gatsby's only full-length (the band broke up shortly after its release). 10 years on, with the benefit of a little hindsight, there was a desire to approach the material with fresh, unencumbered ears. Featuring streamlined track sequencing and two previously unreleased songs, Floods + Fires Turbo Edition is a clangy wave a classic American indie rock; an album that captures the spirit of the early aughts Boston music scene like few others. Stream and download Floods + Fires at the link below.

 



Kinbom & Kessner: Lieder Von Liebe Und Krieg

 

Lieder Von Liebe Und Krieg is the debut album from Kinborn & Kessner, a collaboration between Swedish lap steel guitarist and songwriter Fredrik Kinbom (Sarah Blasko, Gemma Ray, Gurrumul) and German theatre writer/dramaturgist Sonja Kessner. Both live and work in Berlin. The four tracks are a collection of stories and refections about the causes and consequences of human destructivity – sometimes poetic, sometimes political. The album features guests such as James Williamson of Iggy & The Stooges, Hannah Miller of Moulettes and Augie March's Glenn Richards. Stream and buy Lieder Von Liebe Und Krieg at the link below.

 



The Cave Children: Pelorian Video

Greek band The Cave Children have released a live performance video for the track Pelorian, from their fine album Quasiland, reviewed here back in April. Watch it below.

James Clark Hangover: Volume Three

 

Volume Three is the debut album from James Clark Hangover, the solo project of Canadian artist David Clark. The 10 tracks are rooted in classic rock with unmistakable Who influences and elements ranging from the Clash to Mott The Hoople. Emphasizing straight forward rock, with little pretense, the tracks are well produced and well performed. The biggest drawback is that the music does not sound contemporary. This will be welcomed by some and derided by others. For us, the consensus was it all just sounded like something we've heard before and have moved on from. A worthy effort that deserves a listen. You might love it. Stream and buy Volume Three at the link below.

 



Stella Diana: Athena

 

Stella Diana are a band to watch, as one of Italy's most popular shoegaze postpunk bands. Their latest 'Alhena' EP is being released by Vipchoyo Sound Factory in Italy and Raphalite Records in the UK. The five tracks have a lo-fi sheen that gives a bit of edge, but unfortunately also creates a bit of a muddied sound. The EP is an indie radio ready work of melodic, polished performances and interesting tracks. Stream and buy Athena at the link below.