Steve Nash: You're On My Mind

You're On My Mind is the new single from Small Bear Records recording artist Steve Nash. The track is a nice smooth pop song. It has a solid hook, engaging melody and is just a good pretty song, which is sometimes enough. This is music without pretense or ego, it's simple, with lyrics that are personal and universal. Stream and buy You're On My Mind at the link below.

Lucy Morris: Swimming In Broad Waters

Swimming In Broad Waters is the debut EP from Isle of Man band Lucy Morris, a collaboration of Postcode members Marie Reynolds and Kieran Ball, with contributions from Martyn Cain and Steve Leach, released by Small Bear Records. The 3 tracks are a stylish and engaging take on progressive folk melded to a bit of a post-punk aesthetic. There is a compelling vibe to the vocals which pair perfectly to the deep lyrics. Instrumental arrangements have nice melodic passages, the drums deliver that perfect drum sound that only comes with a hard hitting drummer and the guitar alternates between a darkish twang and moody subtle tonality. Overall a very strong EP that will likely find its way on repeat. Watch the video for EP track Five Days, then stream and buy Swimming In Broad Waters at the link below.

Liz Hogg: Liz Hogg

Brooklyn based singer/songwriter Liz Hogg has released her S/T debut album. The ten tracks are an amalgam of experimental, avant garde song stylings. Hogg eschews any vestiges of song form and song craft, to deliver an album that is pure art for arts sake. There is an ample display of instrumental chops, and some hints at pleasing vocals, but as a whole the album is disjointed and lacking of a musical center to which the listener can engage. We appreciate the artistic expression resident in this album, but it will appeal to a very small segment of listeners who like their music way out in left field. Stream and buy Liz Hogg at the link below.

Pacer: Bangers

Bangers is the sophomore single from Toronto band Pacer. The track is in the vein of heavier Weezer stuff, with a good beat, fuzzed out guitars and reverby vocals. The song is engaging, but the instrumental parts are a bit repetitious and lackluster. This is a good band that needs to find their legs as recording artists and mature a bit with their offerings. Definitely worth a listen, but not likely to be a heavy repeat song. Stream and buy Bangers at the link below.

Aeges: Drifter

L.A. band Aeges is back with a new single, Drifter. The track, plus a bonus acoustic version, is an EMO emulating piece reminiscent of The Used and Panic at the Disco. Hard, dark, noisy and edgy, with plenty of teenage angst, pounding guitars and heaviness. The acoustic version loses none of the edge and is an enjoyable counterpoint to the full band version. Stream and buy Drifter at the link below.

Liya: Listen

Listen is the new EP from Israeli artist Liya on Australian label Blind Mice Productions. The four tracks are dark synthpop, with influences from Bjork to Polica. Deep, engaging synthpads, with a slight noise laden production, atmospheric vocals and towering harmonies abound. There is a bit of a retro feel to the synths, but not in a derivative way, the music is fresh and smart, drawing the listener into the songs. This is a solid EP that should find its way onto repeat for a while. Stream and buy Listen at the link below.

George Crotty Trio: Four String Nomad

Four String Nomad is the latest album from the George Crotty Trio. The seven tracks are not your usual fair, but rather are an imaginative and original take on the classic jazz trio with a cellist, bass and drums. The music and arrangements show depth and virtuosity, with engaging counterpoint, nice improvisational passages and complex, yet accessible stylings. This is some of the most original jazz we've heard in a long time and the cello makes a great lead instrument for this format. This album is darkish, exciting and totally compelling; an absolute must have. Stream and buy Four String Nomad at the link below.

Pas Musique: Electronic Brain and A Finnish Bedtime Story

Brooklyn based electronic outfit Pas Musique have released Electronic Brain and A Finnish Bedtime Story as advance tracks for their album The Phoenix, due in March on indie label Alrealon Musique. The two tracks are different in sonic vibe and character. Both are avant garde electronic, with the former being very free form and glitchy, while the latter is more melodic and noisey. Both tracks are more to the experimental side of electronic music and will appeal to those who like their electronic adventurous, unique and original. Stream and buy Electronic Brain and A Finnish Bedtime Story At the link below.

Macintop: C i d a d e D o V í c i o け陰ン

Brazilian electronic group Macintop brings us their debut album C i d a d e  Do  V í c i o  け陰ン. The nine tracks are electronic bedroom pop with a bit of a chill vibe, some edgyness and nice stylistic range. This is music that is anti-genre, residing in a no mans land where elements of pop, electronica, ambient and chill wave are merged into a unique aural offering. Retro synth pads abound, as does an energetic vibe. Not sure if this is a release that will find its way to repeat as there is a lack of engaging character, but it is a nice listen. Stream and buy C i d a d e  D o  vVí c i o  け陰ン at the link below. 

Norman Salant: Always All Around You

Always All Around You is the latest album from NYC singer/songwriter Norman Salant. The ten tracks are nice, stylish folkrock and Americana, with lyrical depth, imaginative arrangements and crisp production from the likes of JP Bowersock (Ryan Adams and The Strokes). The album is engaging in its totality and has a sonic vibe that will keep the listener fixated and the album on repeat. Over the course of 21 releases spanning seven years, Salant has shown both creative prowess and staying power. This is an artist who should be in everyone's collection and is an absolute must have. Stream and buy Always All Around You at the link below.