Catalina BellizziL Corra

 

Corra is the debut EP from Chicago singer/songwriter Catalina Bellizzi. The six tracks have a sublime quality drawn from Bellizzi's expressive vocals, which are sonically reminiscent of Lykke Li. It is those vocals that take center stage on this release. Bellizzi uses tone and texture to weave intricate harmonies and stylings, that are backed perfectly by the sparse instrumentation. Above all, this EP is about beauty, simple stunning beauty. Turn the lights down, put on the headphones and let the beauty wash over you. Stream and buy Corra at the link below.

 



Marcel Kassiel: Footlights EP

 

Italian singer/songwriter/actor Marcel Kassiel has released his debut EP, Footlights. We have commented before how rare true originality is these days. Kassiel is the manifestation of all that is unique and original. The four tracks enlighten with a theatrical, European flair and mark the emergence of a singular talent. Quirky, engaging and enjoyable, Kassiel reminds us that indie music does not have to be based on some tired pop formula. This EP is a must have. Watch the imaginative videos for the tracks Brazilian Gasoline and A Waltz For My Bones at the links below and then follow the Bandcamp link to stream and by Footlights.

 



Crying: Get Olde

 

Get Olde is the debut album from New York band Crying. The trio of Elaiza Santos, Ryan Galloway and Nick Corbo have one of the freshest and most innovative sounds we have heard in a long time. The seven tracks are a combination of synthpop and punk, with some chiptune glitchyness thrown in for good measure. Everything about this album is cool. Bands with this level or originality are a very rare occurrence. You just need to hear this one or be lost in a world of lameness. Stream and download Get Olde at the link below.

 



Big Bill & Basketball Shorts: Split Album (Double EP's)

 

Music city Austin, TX marks a triple debut on Oct. 29th. The debut of a new label, Fleeting Youth Records, and the debut EP's of two bands, Big Bill and Basketball Shorts, with the two EP's delivered as a split full length. Both bands deliver a nice take on semi-traditional punk, reminiscent of The Undertones or Sex Pistols. The album has all the recorded live feel, raw edge and quirky songwriting one would expect. Good straight ahead punk always works and these two bands have it down pat. Stream and buy the Big Bill Basketball Shorts split album at the link below.

 

Slow Bird: Chrysalis

 

Seattle indie rock band Slow Bird have released their debut album, Chrysalis. The trio of Matt Street,

Jennae Quisenberry and  Joshua Dore have crafted eight tracks of superlative quality. Featuring dynamic vocals that are perfectly framed by the powerful music, the album also shows a songwriting strength that is quite uncommon. Few bands can deliver a debut of such undeniable beauty and emotion. In a year where there have been so many fine releases, Slow Bird stands out from the crowd. Stream and buy Chrysalis at the link below.

 



Ex Wife: New Colors

 

New Colors is the latest album from New Jersey based post-punk band Ex Wife. The trio of Nick Bolton, Phil Connor and Matt Harvey have released ten tracks that are heavy and sonically dense, with influences ranging from Joy Division to Cloud Nothings to Grizzly Bear. Making expert use of dynamic range and instrumental shading, Ex Wife have a sound that engages one's senses and doesn't let go. We liked this album from the first listen and it just keeps getting better. Stream and buy New Colors at the link below.

 

Soft Shadows: Reverb Is For Lovers

 

Reverb Is For Lovers is the debut album from Portland, OR psych rockers Soft Shadows. The trio deliver nine powerful, lo-fi tinged tracks that blend elements of surf, psychedelic and dreampop. Tightly performed, strikingly produced and expertly written, the album shows the emergence of a band that is destined to make their mark on indie music. This debut is a must have. Stream and buy Reverb Is For Lovers at the link below.

 



Clues + Codes: Kin

 

Kin is the debut album from Los Angeles dreampop group Clues + Codes. The duo of Alex Aleco and Natalie White break out with eight tracks of intimate goodness. Featuring shimmering, corporeal vocals melded to minimalist instrumentation, that serves as the perfect bed for the union. Clues + Codes give us a debut album of singular beauty with an understated edginess, like a late night walk through an empty urban landscape. This album is a must have. Stream and buy Kin at the link below.

 

Hermetic Delight: To The Grave To The Rave!!!

 

French post-punk band Hermetic Delight have released a new three track EP, To The Grave To The Rave!!! The EP is a raucous affair that has a totally compelling vibe. Lo-fi, dynamic and edgy, with sensuous vocals that pull one to the rocks like a Siren's song. This EP works in every way a record should and definitely leaves the listener wanting much more. Hermetic Delight have crafted one of our favorite releases so far this year. Stream and download To The Grave To The Rave!!! at the link below.

 



Similarobjects: Beginner's Dose

 

Beginner's Dose is the latest album from longtime FZB favorite Similarobjects, aka Philippines based producer Jorge Juan B. Wieneke V. The ten tracks are a collection of beats influenced by the music of old videogame consoles. Don't be deceived by this though. This is no mere collection of 8-bit glitches. Similarobjects has served up his typically masterful collection of synths, samples and drum machines, emulating chiptune but at the same time making a thoroughly modern collection of electronica. Wieneke is a producer of superlative skill and this album is another must have to add to his discography. Stream and download Beginner's Dose at the link below.