Give Genko His Lights Back - Please Help

FZB favorite I Am Genko had his flat ripped off and lost all his equipment. Help him out by making a contribution at the link below.

FTHRSN: Hysteria

Hysteria is the latest EP from Ann Arbor's FTHRSN. The 6 tracks serve up a lightly lo-fi mix of dream pop songs with minimalist beats and instrumentals. There is a lushness to the layers that seem to fill the space with an ambience, while at the same time maintaining a minimalist structure. Heavy does of reverb abound and the vocals make me think of song forms from the bygonne era of the crooners, ala Bobby Darrin meets synth pop. FTHRSN do it with style. Stream and download Hysteria at the link below.

The Rest: Always On My Mind/The Last Day

Hamilton, Ontario shoegazers The Rest have dropped a new single in advance of their next album coming in 2012. Always On My Mind/The Last Day is everything good about shoegaze. It's poppy and heavy, reverby and distant, features two strong songs and has a lo-fi ish production. Beautiful vocals, wrapped in lush guitars, with solid drums anchoring a straight forward delivery that is at once an intimate experience with the music. Always On My Mind/The Last Day is a perfect foreshadowing of what can be expected to be a great album. Can't wait. Stream and download Always On My Mind/The Last Day for free at the link below.

A Plastic Rose:The Promise Notes

The Promise Notes is the debut album from Belfast's A Plastic Rose. The quartet are the next step in the line of fine bands that have come out of Ireland. The seven tracks on The Promise Notes span the rock landscape from alt rock to grunge, with powerful, melodic passages that draw one into the band's vision. Lush vocal harmonies, compelling lyrics and strong musicianship abound on this record. A Plastic Rose are a band bound for wide recognition. Make The Promise Notes part of you collection. Stream and buy the album at the link below.

The Funeral and the Twilight: Sullen Life///Blighted Death



Sullen Life///Blighted Death is the latest album from Minneapolis' The Funeral and the Twilight. As the title suggests this is dark sullen music. Imagine a bunch of death metal afficianados starting a post punk band. There are many elements of early punk esthetics to be found on this album and at times the vocals sound like early Joe Strummer. The music itself takes on a horror film like feel, that is hightened by sinister vocals and piercing reverb laden instrumentals. The album gives a unique take on the post hardcore arena and has many interesting elements. Stream and buy Sullen Life///Blighted Death at the link below.

Dios Trio: High On Bikes

High On Bikes is the latest full length from Westborough, MA instrumental rockers Dios Trio. The eight tracks feature guitar heavy, math rock, with a decidedly post-punk feel. Ranging from dream pop to alt rock influences, High On Bikes makes the most of the genre. Traditional rock format bands of guitar, bass and drums have always been marginalized by the limitations of an instrumental format. Lacking the sonic range of synthesizers and electronics, the format leaves a limited pallette to work with. Dios Trio overcome this with catchy, well constructed songs, quality musicianship, dynamic changes and style variations. High On Bikes is an albumn that stands on its own. Stream and buy High On Biukes at the link below. 

Phantom Vibration: Growing EP

FZB favorites Phantom Vibration return with a new EP titled Growing. This EP is the second part of a three part EP concept the band is releasing. (The first part, the Kids EP, was previously reviewed on FZB.) Growing serves up four catchy songs with layers of vocals and lush guitar parts which all tie together into dreamy pop melodies. Phantom Vibrations is a band that gets better with every listen. Can hardly wait for the final chapter of ths EP trilogy. Time for an indie label to wake up from its dream and sign these guys. Stream and download Growing for free at the link below.

pacificUV: Chrysalis

Chrysalis is the latest EP from Athens, GA shoegazers pacificUV. The five tracks range from powerful synths and beats giving the feeling of an immense experience, to intimate ambience and minimalist beats drawing the listener inward. The vocals are darkish but standout as a focal point when present. The production on Chrysalis is flawless and the musicality high. This is a serious band, with serious talent and clear vision for how to deliver their sonic message. Stream and download Chrysalis for free at the link below.

Lovely Bad Things: New Video for Icee Creeps

The Lovely Bad Things have a cool new video for their track Icee Creeps, featuring some bizarre party doings. Check it out below.


ICEE CREEPS! By Lovely Bad Things (OFFICIAL) from Lovely Bad Things on Vimeo.

Fungi Girls: Some Easy Magic

Take a trip back to 60's psychedelic with the Fungi Girls latest album, Some Easy Magic. The eleven tracks are some of the most authentic 60's psychedilic out there. The album is like watch the Dating Game episode featuring the Standells, while getting ready to attend a Be-In. This is definately one for every psych lover to have in their collection. Fungi Girls know how to do it and are a great garage band. Stream and buy Some Easy Magic at the link below.