Outdoor Velour: Don't Panic EP

Don't Panic is the latest EP by Bloomington, IN duo Outdoor Velour, otherwise known as Cara Kinnally and Greg Simpson. The six tracks have a retro feel and abundant hooks. Trace influences can be found of many similar setups from Matt and Kim to the Vaselines. The tracks move effortlessly from light jangly pop, to fuzzy lo-fi, to a heavier post-punk feel. Get to know Outdoor Velour. Stream and download Don't Panic at the link below.

Prevrat: Manic Diversions

Besides writing this blog, I also operate an indie record label, Russian Winter Records, and am part of a couple of music projects. My band, Prevrat, released our latest album, Manic Diversions, yesterday. You can stream and download it at the link below. To download for free, just click buy and enter 0. Please check out the album and hit the "Like" icon for us.

Zorch: Cosmic Gloss/E.M.F.

The Cosmic Gloss/E.M.F. single from Austin's Zorth is their first new music in two years. The two tracks were worth the wait. Todd Rundgren era vocal layers are teamed with cutting edge techno to create a funky electonic party with just a tease of the psychedlic. Both tracks are spacey overtures to the high art of electronic music. Noisy, ambient, driving and melodic, these two tracks cover all the moods. Hopefully it won't again be two years before we have more music from Zorch. Stream and deownload Cosmic Gloss/E.M.F. at the link below.

Knesset: Coming of Age

Coming of Age is the debut album from Phoenix quartet Knesset. With this debut the band does just that, comes of age. The 10 tracks feature rich shoegaze layers, abundent pop hooks, hints of lo-fi and some heavy post punk guitars. This album has it all and is a powerful and vibrant debut from a band that will surely deliver more in the future. Can't wait. Stream and downlaod Coming of Age at the link below.

Okinawa Lifestyle: Underwater

Underwater is the second EP from Tbilisi, Georgia duo Okinawa Lifestyle. David Datunashvili and Gigi Jikia make electronic music that is moody, expressive and engaging. Minimalist beats, ambient overtones and chillwave freshness all meld together in seven tracks that transport the listener away from the here and now. Lush textures and atmospheric synths abound on the EP, with vocals occupying a back space where the add yet another layer to the ambient melange. This is electronic music at its best. Stream and download Underwater at the link below.

Cassie: Something You Always Wanted To Hear

Something You Always Wanted To Hear is the aptly titled debut EP from Finnish quintet Cassie. Simply stated, the EP is definately something you want to hear. The three expertly crafted tracks showcase diverse influences ranging from Evanescence to Robyn. This EP is a must have, shoegaze virtuoso offering, led by the beautiful vocals of Sofia Thuren. It doesn't stop there though. Cassie's debut is great music, great performances and a great band. Much, much more is needed from Cassie. Stream and download Something You Always Wanted To Hear at the link below.

Teens: Teens

Last October, I was lucky enough to attend the Scion Garage Fest in Lawrence, KS and experience eight hours of pure garage band heaven. Appearing were bands such as the Cloud Nothings, Hunx and his Punx, Times New Viking, Tyvek, Thee Oh Sees and many more. One band that was missing and should have been there was Teens. Their self-titled debut album is a garage band masterpiece of hard-edged driving music, out back vocals and energy, energy, energy. It just doesn't get any better than this. It's only a matter of time before Teens reach the mass audience they deserve. Stream and download Teens at the link below.

 

Elevator Fight: Post Empire

Elevator Fight is a Philadelpia quartet making lo-fi music the way it should be made, with strong songs, melodic instrumentation and great vocals. They have posted 5 advance tracks to Bandcamp for their debut album, which is being released later this year. The vocals of Zoe Kravitz deserve special mention. They are pouty, emotional and all together wonderful. Also standing out is the hard edged guitar of Dominic Angelella, which provides great music to frame the songs and Kravitz’ vocals. Also rock solid and driving are the drums of Joe Baldacci and the bass of  Khari Mateen. Taken together, what you have is one great band that is showcased perfectly on Post Empire. This is a band to be reckoned with. Stream their tracks at the link below.

mindthings: Consequences of Unseen Effects

Consequences of Unseen Effects is latest single from Bordeaux, France artist mindthings, aka Clement Peres. The two tracks and a remix take one on a journey through shimmering landscapes, dreamy vocals and minimalist electronics. With these tracks the artist once again draws the listener into his vision of a world populated by chilled out synths with just a hint of a lo-fi esthetic. The included remix is a nice variation of the title track from a more House perspective. mindthings delivers dreampop that lightens the soul and elevates the head. Stream and download Consequences of Unseen Effects at the link below.

Waines: STO

STO is the sophomore album from the Italian trio Waines. The album, which was recorded in Sicily, mixed in New York City and mastered in California, is a tour de force of industrial tinged garage rock. The heavy, driving tracks are familiar sounding, but have there own unique feel. This album can be described very simply... great rock and roll. Thoroughly modern, but with influences ranging from Led Zepplin to Jay Reatard. This is a band that we will hopefully see touring the states soon. Great musicianship, great songs and great rock abound on STO. Stream and download Waines STO at the link below.