Cestine: Other Half/Bright Encounter

 

Other Half/Bright Encounter is the new album from Cestine. The Ann Arbor, MI duo of Dominic Coppola and Theodore Schafer make minimalist ambient music. The two tracks, totaling 15 minutes of music each, flow through ambient soundscapes with a very natural type of progression, seemingly spawning an organic feeling, rather than one of manufactured music. The layers build and fall like a day passing across one's observation, leaving a unique impression with each listener. This is mature music for those who can appreciate sound as aural art, rather than sound as entertainment. Stream and buy Other Half/Bright Encounter on limited edition cassette at the link below.

 





Sufferiing Astrid: The Winds Are Raging Outside Again

 

FZB favorite Suffering Astrid is back with a new EP, The Winds Are Raging Outside Again. The work of Polish artist/producer Bruno Janiszewski, the three tracks are enormous walls of ambient post-metal mastery. Laden with heavy noise and dense orchestral cloisters, Janiszewski creates a completely engulfing dark sonic experience, while yielding a melodic undertow that pulls one along through each piece. Turn this one up loud.......LOUD! Stream and download The Winds Are Raging Outside Again at the link below
 

Bread Club: Alive/Well

 

Alive/Well is the new album from San Jose band Bread Club. The band of Jeff Wilson, Taylor Bortner, Cole Calvo and David Lechuga have a classic emo sound that is a cross between bands like Sunny Day Real Estate and Panic at the Disco, with a little Used thrown in for good measure. The eleven tracks are musically heavy, driving and loud. Both of the lead vocalists are a little ragged throughout and unfortunately hold back the overall effect of the record a bit, but the songs are strong, arrangements are solid and there's enough rockin for anyone. Stream, download and buy Alive/Well on limited edition CD or cassette at the link below.

 

Work Drugs: Runaways Advance Tracks

 

Philadelphia dream pop mavens Work Drugs release their new album Runaways on Oct 7th. The duo of Ben Louisiana and Thomas Crystal have released three advance tracks on Bandcamp and the whole album is up for pre-order. The three tracks are slickly produced pop songs that build on all the current clichés in indie pop music. Fitting in with the likes of Hot Chip, MGMT and Phoenix, the album is sure to raise Work Drugs' profile even more. Stream and buy Runaways at the link below.

 



Westwood: Revolver

 

Revolver is the debut full length from Warsaw, Poland rockers, Westwood. The trio of Jacek Krzeszewski, Piotr Franiek and Piotr Zabiełło make straight up rock n roll. No pretense, nothing trendy and a total absence of hipster. With this album, pure rock and nothing but rock is served up. The eleven tracks are there to turn up and enjoy what has become a rare commodity, an unadulterated rock band that brings back all the classic traits. Stream and buy Revolver at the link below.

 

Morning Mesh: age[v.]

 

age[v.] is the debut EP from shoegaze band Morning Mesh. Released on Michigan label Tape Hiss Music, the three tracks are sprawling affairs totaling 24 minutes of music. With distinctly lo-fi production, minimalist arrangements and recurring themes, the EP is a post-punk cacophony of brilliance manifest. Exploiting industrial synth stylings to create ambience and tension, with vocal passages that carry their own agenda, echoing musical themes, but yet maintaining independent identity. This is an EP to get lost in for awhile. Stream and buy age[v.] at the link below.

 

EXEK: EXEK

 

Today marks the release of the S/T debut EP by Australian band EXEK. The four tracks are dark affairs that blend the influences of bands like The Doors and Velvet Underground with modern ideas of noise and punk stylings. The result is an EP that is full of stark energy, sparse arrangements and  sinister guitar riffs. This is an EP that is best placed in a late night headphone rendezvous. Stream and buy EXEK at the link below.





Black City Lights: Not Enough Video

Stars & Letters Records artists Black City Lights have a dazzling new video for their track Not Enough. In the video a  tortured artist attempts to recreate a perfect piece of art, however he
never achieves this and forces himself into alienation. He comes to realise his work will never be enough, and destroys his artwork to break his unhealthy obsession. Watch it below.

Softly Dear: Softly Dear

 

 Eau Claire, WI indie rockers Softly Dear have a new S/T album that is one of those rare instances in life of finding something perfect. The ten tracks reveal expertly crafted songs, with strong hooks and a radio ready patina. Add to this some of the strongest vocals and instrumental performances of the year and you have a glimpse of a band that is destined to reach a wide audience. This is one to turn all your friends on to. This album is simply perfection. Stream and buy Softly Dear at the link below.

 



Twin Brother: Swallow The Anchor

 

Milwaukee's Twin Brother have released their sophomore album, Swallow The Anchor. The nine tracks are powerful indie rock, with prominent folk influences, creating an original sound that at once sounds familiar. The trio of vocalist/guitarist Sean Raasch, drummer Tyler Nelson and Lodewijk ("Lodi") Broekhuizen on bass and violin, have crafted a sound that is melodic and dynamic, with superb vocals and stunning musicianship.  This another must have album. Stream and buy Swallow The Anchor at the link below.