Discolor Blind: Long Vivid Dream

Long Vivid Dream is the debut EP from Montreal duo Discolor Blind. The five tracks are dark synthpop tinged rock, with an understated noise and lo-fi sonic patina. The tracks feature some nice original sounds, interesting arrangements and unexpected heavy passages, all the while keeping an overall atmospheric sound. Complex but yet engaging, this is a debut to be reckoned with and is a definite must have. Watch the video for EP track Bland and Grey, then stream and buy Long Vivid Dream at the link below.

The Obleeks: The Obleeks

Milwaukee indie label Good Land Records brings us the debut S/T album from Chicago power pop band The Obleeks. The ten tracks have a radio ready sheen with crisp production and solid songwriting. The vocals are reminiscent of Tom Petty, but comparisons stop there, with the varied and extremely interesting instrumental performances standing on there own. A vary solid debut album that showcases a band we should expect much more good music from. Stream and buy The Obleeks at the link below.

Martin Månsson Sjöstrand: Wonderland Wins

Wonderland Wins is the new album from Swedish artist/producer Martin Månsson Sjöstrand. Regular readers of this blog will be familiar with his work in Dog Paper Submarine and This Heel. The ten tracks on this new album showcase an artist that is at the height of his powers, with superb songwriting and arrangements. The album delivers a wondefully original take on post-punk, lo-fi and indie rock, with some glitchy elements thrown in for good measure. A fine album all around and a definite must have. Stream and buy Wonderland Wins at the link below.

Goodbye Honolulu: No Honey

No Honey is the new EP from Toronto indie rock band Goodbye Honolulu. The 5 tracks blend elements from grunge, garage and post punk into a solid EP, with a strong college radio feel. Nice varied dynamics propel the songs along and help keep the interest high. This is an extremely well crafted album, that marks a band that is fully developed in their songwriting, arrangement and production skills. A definite must have. Stream and buy No Honey at the link below.

Ryan Herrick: Sagitta

Sagitta is the new EP from Chicago singer/songwriter Ryan Herrick. The six tracks are alt-folk pieces that channel elements of blues, folkrock and Americana. What immediately strikes one, is just how heavy this album is. Though based on acoustic instruments, the sheer power that is transmitted through the tracks is staggering. Herrick's voice is strong and compelling, the songwriting inspired and the musicianship is at a very high level. Taken together, this is one of the best albums we have heard this year. An absolute must have. Stream and buy Sagitta at the link below.

Kabinett Dod: Kathiztan

Swedish indie label Peter Out records always sends cool stuff and this time they sent something really special. Kabinet Dod was a band in the first wave of Swedish punk being active from 1979-1991. In that time the band never released any records, insisting that their music must be experienced live. However, they did record their live shows and now Peter Out brings us Kathiztan, a compilation of live recordings by the band from 1979-1981. Almost 40 years later these recordings have a rawness and intensity that showcases a unique punk rock band that is still relevant and needs to be part of everyone's collection. A definite must have. Stream and download Kathiztan at the link below.

Hayato Takeuchi: EP

EP is the aptly titled Bearsuit Records debut from Japanese artist Hayato Takeuchi. The 5 tracks are original instrumental music that melds electronic, synthpop and guitar elements into a unique sound, that is both engaging and compelling. In many ways this EP could be viewed as a new form of classical music for a world removed to the far future. Only rarely do we have a chance to listen to music so original, that it defies existing genres, while at the same time embracing them. This is a work that should be in everyone's collection. Stream and buy EP at the link below.

Chip Ratliff: Resilient

Resilient is the new album from Chicago's Chip Ratliff. The eight tracks are a master class in everything funky. The album channels all the best influences from the likes of Sly Stone and George Clinton, with doses of Prince's rock sense. This was a very difficult review to write...because how the fuck could anyone possibly sit still listening to this album. Multiple dancing induced typos later, all we can say is, absolutely get this album or call 911, because you must be dead. Stream and buy Resilient at the link below.

My Favorite Things: Fly I Will, Because I Can

Fly I Will, Because I Can is the new album from Brooklyn dreampop band My Favorite Things. Though ostensibly a quintet, the band is mainly an artistic vehicle for singer/songwriter Dorothea Tachler. The twelve tracks are lilting dreampop, with requisite doses of reverb, healthy amounts of atmospheric instruments and vocals, but also well placed elements of folk and bohemian influences. An altogether nice album, though the mix does leave things a bit muddy in spots. Stream and buy Fly I Will, Because I Can at the link below.

Ric Gordon: Standing Here

Standing Here is the new EP from artist, producer and indie label honcho Ric Gordon. Gordon calls the EP the best recording of his career. A strong statement from an artist who has released 16 albums and EPs under various monikers and produced another 26 for other artists. The EP is a superlative work of indie/folkrock and alt-country, that with five "A" tracks and no filler, will stand as one of the best singer/songwriter records of the year. A definite must have. Stream and buy Standing Here at the link below.