Floorshime Zipper Boots Top 20 Artists/Bands of 2011: #10 - #1

As promised, here are #10 - #1 on the FZB Top 20 Artists/Bands of 2011. These were both my favorite and your favorite artists to appear in the blog this year. These terrific artists make me look forward to 2012 and all the great new music that will be coming. The top 10 are:

#10 - Teens

#9 - Oh No It's POk


#8 - I Am Genko


#7- Erica Buettner


#6 - Cosmonauts


#5 - Through A Glass, Darkly


#4 - Cassie


#3 - Arrange


#2 - Dress Rehearsal


#1 - Can Can

Floorshime Zipper Boots Top 20 Artists/Bands of 2011: #20 - #11

So here it is, the FZB top 20 bands/artists of 2011. The last year has seen many terrific artists featured on this blog. All of them deserve attention, but alas, we live in a land of year end lists, so here are the top 20 arrived at through a combination of my choice, your email suggestions and page view numbers. Today we countdown #20 - #11 and tomorrow we will feature the #10 - #1 artists/bands for 2011:

#20 - Francisco The Man

#19 - Burning Buildings


#18 - Stone Darling


#17 - Beat Culture


#16 - Esque


#15 - Bad Lamps


#14 - Sun Glitters


#13 - Creepoid


#12 - Little Scout


#11 - Crystal Shipsss

Winter Severity Index: Winter Severity Index

Winter Severity Index is the self-titled debut EP from the Italian post-punk band. This female quartet delivers four tracks of deep atmospheric rock with strong vocals and musicianship. The tracks are crisp; clean and catchy. This is a debut full of promise and wets the appetite for more. Stream and buy Winter Severity Index at the link below.

Zombie Girlfriend: Music For Porn



Music For Porn is the latest release from Hungarian garage band Zombie Girlfriend. Fast, heavy, in your face rock is what Music For Porn delivers. The ten tracks are lo-fi, noise laden affairs with an interesting muffled quality. It's hard to find a niche of originality in garage music, but Zombie Girlfriend offer their own unique take on the genre and are not overtly derivative. The album is a fine example of the great music that can be found off the beaten path. Stream and download Music For Porn for free at the link below.

Vortex Rikers: Oceanic EP

German electronic group Vortex Rikers have released their latest work the Oceanic EP. The seven instrumental tracks weave dark ambient, down tempo themes with minimalist beats to make a sensory experience that is rich in imagery. Melodic, with repetitious passages, Oceanic EP would make a beautiful compliment to a grey winter's day or  the dark twilight beofre nightfall. This EP is intimate yet open, inviting the listener to be an active participant. Stream and download the Oceanic EP at the link below.

Blonds: Dark Roots EP

The Dark Roots EP is the debut from Miami duo Blonds. Featuring lead vocals from Cari Rae and music from Jordy Asher, Blonds make distinctive dream pop that possesses the ground between the milkyness of Tennis and Cults, and the hardcore of Sleigh Bells. The Dark Roots EP is five tracks of edgy, melodic and all together terrific indie pop. Blonds have delivered a debut that's about as strong as they come. Stream and download the Dark Roots EP for free at the link below.

Fiveng: Solstice

San Francisco electronic artist Fiveng, aka Nicholas Ng, is back with a new single in time for the holidays, Solstice b/w Savior. The two tracks showcase minimalist beats, nice synth work and up tempo holiday influenced treaments. The songs are hooky synthpop, with the very dreamy Aurora shot above as the cover art. Stream and download Solstice at the link below.

Floorshime Zipper Boots Top 20 Artists/Bands of 2011 - Submit Your Picks Now!

The FZB Top 20 Artists/Bands of 2011 is coming next week. We count down #20 - #11 on Thursday December 29 and then #10 - #1 on Friday December 30. Check in to see who were the most impressive artists to appear on the blog for 2011. Let me have your opinion. Send me your favorites and help pick the top 20. Your choices need to have been reviewed on this blog to be eligible. Send your picks to prevratmusic (at) gmail (dot) com.

Triobelisk: Path Of The Setting Suns

Swedish artist Triobelisk has released his latest album Path Of The Setting Suns. This instrumental electronic album ranges from darkish looming soundscapes to video game inspired themes. The ten tracks are trippy and expertly produced. Prominent beats and layers of innovative sounds abound. The album features a futuristic theme to the music bordering on a fusion of electronica and techno. Stream and download Path Of The Setting Suns at the link below.

Daniel Waples/Hang In Balance: MMXI

MMXI is the latest work from Daniel Waples, otherwise known as Hang in Balance. Waples work is truly original, taking downtempo and blending it with tribal elements and roots/jazz fusions. MMXI takes the listener on a journey that brings peace to the soul and opens the sonic landscape to visions of worlds yet experienced. Stream and buy MMXI at the link below.