The Heroic Enthusiasts: The Second Three

New York band Heroic Enthusiasts have released their sophomore EP, The Second Three. The three tracks are huge indie rock affairs, that evoke unavoidable comparisons to The Smiths. That derivative aspect aside, the tracks stand on their own as powerful rock statements. With strong post-punk guitars and a solid rhythm section, the band blasts its way through mid-tempo rock anthems that are both compelling and enjoyable. Stream and buy The Second Three at the link below.

Senji Niban/The Moth Poets: Live At The River Lounge

Live At The River Lounge is the new split album from Senji Niban and The Moth Poets, on UK label Bearsuit Records. Featuring inventive electronic music that spans the range from video game inspired to lush orchestral synth pads, the ten tracks give us a look at artists of talent and promise. Melodic, original and fun, the split serves up complimentary, but dissimilar sonic visions, yielding and album that is surprising and interesting from start to finish. This is a must have. Stream and buy Live At The River Lounge at the link below.

Earth Heart: Homesick

Homesick is the debut album from Boston indie rockers, Earth Heart.The ten tracks have enough edge to shave with and a compelling lo-fi sheen, with tons of energy and a great punk vibe. In the same vane as Beaches and The Julie Ruin, but heavier, This is a great record from start to finish. A testament to where punk should be 40 years on from its start. Everything about this record screams, hey fucker listen to me now. A definite must have. Stream and buy Homesick at the link below.

Introflirt: Temporary Heaven

Temporary Heaven is the sophomore album from Oakland synthpop duo Introflirt. Whith a sound the recalls the best of 80's new wave, Introflirt bring imaginative and original panache to the genre. Featuring imaginative synths and a mix that manages to give those synths center stage, while honoring the strong compelling of the vocals. This is an album of stunning depth, accomplished musicianship and songs that never surrender an intimate patina. Watch the live video for album track Precious Thread, then stream and buy Temporary Heaven at the link below.

Electric Bird Noise: Nighttime Tides

Nighttime Tides is the new album from Electric Bird Noise, on innovative indie label Silber Records. Consisting of a single piece of music spanning nearly 33 minutes, Nighttime Tides is an ambient soundscape meant to evoke visions of the ocean. With flowing guitar drones, diverse textures and implied melodies, the piece exudes complexity, while retaining a simple listening experience. Like the sea, the music washes over you effortlessly, yet hints at a deeper artistic level that can only be enjoyed through active mental decomposition of the sounds on offer. Stream and buy Nighttime Tides at the link below.

Manwomanchild: Awkward Island

Awkward island is the new album from Philadelphia band Manwomanchild. The ten tracks are light airy pop songs, in the vein of Matt and Kim, Peter, Bjorn and John, etc. Crisp production and lo-fi touches embellish nice catchy songs, with some interesting changes. No boundary pushing  or grand artistic statements here, just a nice album that is easy on the ears. Stream and buy Awkward Island at the link below.

Steve Nash: World Outside My Window

UK label Small Bear Records has released, World Outside My Window, the debut album from Isle of Man singer/songwriter Steve Nash. The ten tracks, produced and engineered by Small Bear Records maven Phil Reynolds, are smooth, stylish and catchy. Mellow arrangements, blended with intimate vocals, highlight an album of folk based indie rock. Nash makes a strong artistic statement with songs about life and an album that is tight and compelling. Stream and download World Outside My Window at the link below.

Dead Professional: You and Me Both

Virginia's Dead Professional, aka singer/songwriter John Harouff, has released a two track EP, You and Me Both. Channeling influences from Tom Petty to Rockpile, the tracks have a nice country rock feel, that recalls LA much more than Virginia. The songs are catchy, the performances memorable and the EP leaves one wanting more, much more. The release is out digitally, but will also be available in a very limited edition lathe cut square vinyl package. Stream and buy You and Me both at the link below.

7faz: Faza C

Faza C is the third EP in the series from Polish drone specialists 7faz. The almost 29 minute work continues the series' focus of melodic and inventive drone pieces, which highlight varied instrumentation and techniques. As always, 7faz gives us music that is both pleasant to listen to and intellectually interesting as artistic works. This series continues to deliver some of the best drone art that we have heard. A definite must have. Stream and buy Faza C at the link below.

Limestone Chorus: Deer Friends

Canadian band Limestone Chorus have released their debut full length, Deer Friends. The ten tracks are a sublime blend of folk and dream pop. With similarities to Real Estate and Local Natives, the band delivers an album of stylish pop songs with a smooth sheen, nice harmonies and a varied feel, that keeps things fresh and interesting. Tight musicianship, catchy arrangements and strong vocals abound. Watch the video for album track Woods and Water, then stream and buy Deer Friends at the link below.