Draemhouse: Only Friends

Blind Blind Tiger Records has released Only Friends, the debut EP from dreampop band Draemhouse. The four tracks are twangy, psychedelic affairs with hints of surf music and folk-rock. Laid back and dreamy, with a chill vibe throughout, the EP is understated and while enjoyable as a whole, it lacks any clear standout tracks and the final impression is unremarkable. Check it out for yourself. Stream and buy Only Friends at the link below.

Freaks For Geeks: TIN

TIN is the third EP from Chicago band Freaks For Geeks. Heavy and melodic with a strong dynamic sense, the four tracks evoke comparisons to Linkin Park and Rage Against The Machine. Their blistering brand of hip-hop laced rock has an infectious beat and edgy vibe. The album does suffer from a poor mix and a lack of mastering, which leaves it sounding muddy, amateurish and a shadow of what it could be, but yet still deserving of attention. Stream and download TIN at the link below.

Various Artists: Full Circle

Static Motor Recordings brings us a great new compilation album. Full Circle delivers ten tracks by different Boston artists that are all female fronted, and was born out of a Boston Soundcloud group. The album, which spans folk, indie rock and pop is flawlessly performed, expertly curated and features compelling music from start to finish. It's a great way to sample the best of Boston's female driven indie scene. Stream and download Full Circle for free at the link below.

Von Zimmer: Freddie's Extra Teeth

Freddie's Extra Teeth is the debut album from South Dakota artist Von Zimmer. The ten tracks are raw, lo-fi and catchy. Sounding like an unmastered home recording, the album is a stark look at the artist's vision in it barest sense. The songs are a bit simplistic, though pleasing none the less. Of course, the lack of a professional mix and mastering leaves the sonic experience disappointing, but the goodness in the tracks manages to leak through. Stream and download Freddie's Extra Teeth at the link below.

Evan^Patrick: Dusk Will Burn The Palms

Brooklyn artist Evan^Patrick has released his sophomore EP, Dusk Will Burn The Palms. The six tracks are a mix of 80's inspired synthpop and the same era inspired alt-rock guitar riffs, woven together into a record long on cliche sounds. The music is flawlessly performed and the songs have interesting themes. On the whole, the album is a worthy work, that will surely find an audience. All that is lacking is more originality in the artistic content, rather than relying on such a derivative sonic vibe. Stream and buy Dusk Will Burn The Palms at the link below.

We Are Temporary: Who's Going To Love Me Now

Who's Going To Love Me Now is the new single from FZB favorite We Are Temporary, aka producer and Stars & Letters Records head Mark Roberts. The single is from Crossing Over, his debut album due out on February 19th. The track is a poignant testament to love, loss and despair. This second single from  the album shows that its going to be a killer. Stream and buy Who's Going To Love Me Now at the link below and watch the blog for a review of Crossing Over  later in the month.

Boolean Knife: Astrid and the Killer Penguin

Astrid and the Killer Penguin is the debut EP from Chicago band Boolean Knife. With a nice post-punk sheen, the  three tracks evoke comparisons to Weezer. Stories and hipster imaging color the tracks, while simple melodic instrumentation propels things forward. Not a great EP, but a worthy effort. Stream and buy Astrid and the Killer Peguin at the link below.

Jacob Faurholt: Super Glue

FZB favorite Jacob Faurholt is back with a new album, Super Glue. Whether it be with his band Crystal Shipsss or under his solo moniker, Faurholt is a remarkable, talent with a superlative post-punk vision. The ten tracks are a stylish ensemble of intimate thoughts, engaging melodies and raw experimentation. This is an album of depth, artistic maturity and beauty. Watch the video  for the track, Floating In Space, then stream, download or better yet, buy the limited edition vinyl of Super Glue at the link below.

Vukovar: The Blood Garden

Small Bear Records have released The Blood Garden, a new three track single from UK band Vukovar. Post-punk intricasies dominate tracks that play like a mini opera. Raw, dynamic and completely compelling, Vukovar blend a myriad of competing melodic parts to yield works of depth and quality. This record is a perfect showcase for a band that puts artistic expression ahead of commercialism. A must have. Watch a video for the title track and then stream and download The Blood Garden at the link below.

Nice Motor: Seminary St.

NoVo Management brings us another fine Chicago band, Nice Motor. Their debut EP Seminary St, is a polished stroll down an indie rock lane. The four tracks are solid pop pieces, with a sharp, trendy indie sound that channels influences from folk to soul. Crystal production, nice dynamic changes and stylistic depth mark a strong debut that leaves the listener wanting more. Stream and download Seminary St. at the link below.