Synthseer: Two

Two is the latest track from Synthseer, the electronic moniker of artist/producer and Russian Winter Records head Ric Gordon. The track is an orchestral inspired synth piece, that sees two separate melodic themes and sets of beats build throughout the work. Deep and personal, Gordon shows more smooth textures on this track. This track is a must have. Stream and buy Two at the link below.

Body English: Stories of Earth

Stories of Earth is the debut album from Boston band Body English. The 8 tracks are a collection of stylistic differences ranging fro prog rock to folk. With vocals reminiscent of Donovan, the album comes off as an experiment in storytelling in the way Rush did it. Nothing here is overtly commercial, nor is it terribly user friendly. relying instead on reaching an audience that appreciates the complexity and experience, rather than catchy phrases. Try this for yourself, stream and buy Stories of Earth at the link below.

SheLoom: The Baron Of The Fjord

International collaboration, SheLoom, have released their debut full length, The Baron Of The Fjord. The twelve tracks span musical genres from prog rock to dreampop, with high quality as the overriding theme. Few albums serve up strength across all aspects of their being, from musical performance, vocals, songwriting, pace and production, but strength is what you'll find here with every note. This is simply a great record. Watch the video for track America On Fire, then stream and buy The Baron Of The Fjord at the link below.

Heaven Falls Hard: The Mercy-Go-Round

FZB favorites, Silber Records, brings us, The Mercy-Go-Round, a new release from minimalist darkwave purveyors Heaven Falls Hard. The eight tracks grip you with powerful, haunting vocals, desperate guitars, deep sighs from synths and drums out of a dark battlefield. Ethereal, atmospheric and completely compelling, this album is super strong from start to finish. Silber never fails to bring us great music and this release is one of their best yet. Stream and buy The Mercy-Go-Round at the link below. Better yet, stick a crowbar in your wallet and buy the whole silber catalog at 40% off, you'll be supporting on of the most creative indie labels out there.

We Are Temporary: Crossing Over

Last Friday marked the release of Crossing Over, the much anticipated debut full length from artist/producer We Are Temporary, aka Stars & Letters Records head Mark Roberts. Regular readers of this blog should be well aware of both this artist and his label, which has given us the return of Shocking Pinks and music from Misfit Mod, Empathy Test, GPSYMTH and many others. As an artist, Roberts makes dark, personal and engaging synthpop, that tears at the emotions and stuns with its beauty. To say that this is our favorite album of the year so far would be an understatement. Roberts has a superlative artistic vision and flawless execution. Revisit the video for album track, You Can Now Let Go, then do something wonderful for yourself and stream and buy Crossing Over at the link below.

Tehnoloogiline Paike: Technological Sun

Technological Sun is the third album from Estonian band Tehnoloogiline Paike. The seven tracks are enigmatic synthpop, that has a slight retro feel. While the tracks are enjoyable, there is not much to hold on to. The music is lackluster, missing the drive of EDM, the originality of experimental, or the musicality and lyrical prowess of the best synthpop, like Neon Indian and Grimes. Given the abundance of electronic artists out there, this album has little to offer. Stream and buy Technological Sun at the link below.

Space Sweeper: Alien Oceans

Silber Records has just released, Alien Oceans, the debut album from Space Sweeper, a collaboration between Brian McKenzie of Electric Bird Noise, Ted Johnson of Tesla Recoils and Brian John Mitchell of Remora, all of whom have been featured on FZB. The two tracks offer an expansive journey through experimental guitar based ambient soundscapes. With about an hour of music, the two tracks allow the group to fully explore the freedom that only expanded compositions allow. The result is a record with great depth and texture. A must have. Stream and buy Alien Oceans at the link below.

Mike Benecke: Call The Waves

Call The Waves is the debut album from Los Angeles singer/songwriter Mike Benecke. The nine tracks are intimate acoustic musings from a folk-rock singer, with a penchant for delicate guitars and perfectly placed instrumental parts, that cradle smooth, yet intricate vocals. This is an album that brings beauty through the sonic experience. Watch the video for album track Astral Line and then stream and download Call The Waves at the link below.

Mind The Journey: Color In The Gray Machine

Color In The Gray Machine is the debut full length from Mind The Journey, aka producer/artist Spencer Sabo. The twelve tracks are electronic explorations,. that weave a sonic tapestry from psychedelic to techno. The album evokes the best images of artists like Grizzly Bear and Animal Collective as it takes the listener through catchy songs, intimate vocals and some innovative synth pads. Watch the video for Rose Colored Glasses, then stream and buy Color In The Gray machin at the link below.

Domonic Coppola: Beloved

Electronic artist/producer Dominic Coppola has released Beloved, an ambient collection of 14 loops themed as a Valentines Day based tonal poems series, on Chicago's Sequel Records. Exploring feel and texture rather than traditional melody and counterpoint, Coppola, uses deep rich tonality within a noise laden sonic framework to convey intimacy and passion. Stream and buy Beloved at the link below.