Saturn Batteries: Real Far East

 

Real Far East is the sophomore EP from Ohio indie rock group Saturn Batteries. The band of Brad Gibson, Justin Sheldon, Brad Rutledge and Archie Niebuhr make rich indie rock, with the same stylistic vibe as Of Montreal, Woods and Real Estate. The five tracks, take a more laid back approach to their music, utilizing melody rather than distortion as the driving force in the songs. Sterling instrumental work, nice dynamics, thought provoking lyrics and everything in fine balance is the mark of this EP.  This is a band to get to know. Stream and download Real Far East at the link below.

 

Nouns: Still

Still is the debut album from Little Rock, Arkansas band Nouns. The twelve tracks are a trip down that old emo lane. Nouns are retro pop-punk band in the classic sense of Fall Out Boy or Panic At The Disco. The album has a lo-fi production feel, but sticks to pretty much formula sounding, alt rock infused commercial radio music. If you like that old emo sound then Nouns is the band for you. Stream and download Still at the link below.





Phooey!: Hello Doubt

 

Eastern Europe has been the haven of real punk music in recent years, with FZB finding great punk bands in Poland the Czech Republic and Russia among others. Now comes Phooey!, the punk project of a Ukraine DIY artist named Nikita O. All we know about Phooey is what exists on record. The prolific artist marks his 10th release with the Hello, Doubt EP. The six tracks share the sonic ground with the likes of Jay Reatard and Public Image Ltd, taking a more melodically constructed, but no less  raw approach to the punk idiom.  The EP has a compelling sound that definitely needs to be heard. Stream and download Hello, Doubt at the link below.

 

Postcode: Zebratronic

 

Isle of Man duo Postcode return with their third album Zebratronic. Marie Reynolds and Mikie Daugherty  make music that rolls through moods like the seasons. This album is haunting post-punk with some spritely electronic touches.  The 14 tracks have a darker vibe, with the only comparison that comes to mind being How To Destroy Angels meets Patty Smith. Postcode has a heavier raw edge to their tracks. This is an album with its own character that needs to be experienced and gets better every time one hears it. Stream and download Zebratronic at the link below.

 

Mr. Kito: Where Are The Lizards?

 

Here at FZB we present emerging music from all over the world. Every region has it's own character and influences. The depth of the music we find is stunning. Today, we have South Africa based French artist/producer Mr Kito, aka Eric Michot. His new EP, Where Are The Lizards, sees release today. The six tracks represent some of the most original music out there. Mr Kito channels new wave influences, with both rock and pop shadings, ranging from heavy guitar to ethereal synths, framing crisp vocals and intricate harmonies. The songs themselves have a quirky character that can be both sweet and enticing, as well as sinister. Stylistically, Mr Kito is equally hard to pin down. Our best take is think early Talking Heads and Television paired with Serge Gainsberg. A definite must have. Stream and buy Where Are The Lizards at the link below.

 

Girl Band: Lawman 7"

The Lawman 7" is the latest 2 track offering from Ireland based punkers Girl Band. The tracks Lawman and Heckle the Frames, are stark, assaultive and perfect. We are consumed by live and raucous bricks, leaving no place to run, fulfilling the promise of any truly great punk record not to allow the listener respite.  The 7" vinyl limited edition of 300 is sold out, but you can stream and download the virtual 7" for free at the link below.

 



Work Drugs: The Good In Goodbye Video

Here's the latest version of a lyric video from FZB favorites Work Drugs. The track is The Good In Goodbye from their upcoming album Insurgents. Watch it at the link below.

Sport: Bon Voyage

 

Bon Voyage is the sophomore album from Lyon, France based rockers Sport. The 11 tracks grab you with a heavy emo/altrock/punk hybrid that is full of energy. The album gets much of that energy from the instruments being recorded live in the studio. What this yielded is an album that is a force to be reckoned with. In the same vein as The Used and My Chemical Romance, Sport serve up a powerful album of angst and radio ready pop-punk. Stream and buy Bon Voyage at the link below.

 

Goodman: Isn't It Sad

 

FZB favorite Goodman is back with his sophomore LP Isn't It Sad. Produced by Oliver Ignatius at the Mama Coco's Funky Kitchen collective in NYC, Imagine the album as done by a young hip Todd Rundgren loose in NYC now, doing a post-punk grand vision while channeling everything ever written in the 60's. Stylistically varied and a masterpiece of class, Goodman continues to mature as a writer and performer. This is a must have. Stream and buy Isn't It Sad at the link below.

  



Shocking Pinks: Guilt Mirrors

 

February, 18 will go down as a special day musically for our friends at Stars and Letters Records in Brooklyn. Today sees the release of Guilt Mirrors and the return of Shocking Pinks, aka Nick Harte. Harte is an enigmatic artist showing flashes of brilliance over his career. Guilt Mirrors is his triptych dreampop masterpiece. Dark, poppy, minimal, dense, contradictions that wander beautifully through the album. This is an important piece for one's collection. Stream three tracks and buy the complete 33 track digital album at the link below, with the a limited edition 12" vinyl available as well, but act fast as only 63 of the 500 to be pressed are still available.