Walrus: Glam Returns

 

Glam Returns is the debut EP from Halifax band Walrus. The four tracks are a rollicking jog through some great psychedelic, shoegazy indie pop. With some interesting tempo changes, enough jangle to satisfy a set of spurs and atmospheric vocals ala Foxygen or Ariel Pink, this EP is a winner.  Available as a C-40 cassette or digital download, this EP is a must have. Stream and buy Glam Returns at the link below.

 

Action Camp: PA

 

With there 2nd full length album PA, FZB favorites Action Camp, mark their third time featured on this blog...and with good reason. The Pittsburg based duo of Maura Jacob and Bengt Alexsander deliver dark, sensual pop music that transcends into anthemic glory. Perfectly crafted mini-symphonies with immense instrumental walls mastered only by vocals that at times are so delicate as to crumble at the touch and then soar to such heights as to call out as subservient, the towering walls of sound. Action Camp continue to be some of the best there is in emerging music. Stream and buy PA at the link below.

 

Floorshime Zipper Boots' Third Birthday

 

Today marks FZB's 3rd Birthday. In our three years we have published over 900 reviews, interviews, streaming videos, special features and Op-Ed pieces. We will continue to bring you the best in emerging artists. Thank you for your support!

Mothers: Panamanian Times & Phonoscenes: The Relative

 

Last week saw the release of two new records from our friends at Brooklyn collective Mama Coco's Funky Kitchen.

The first is Panamanian Times, the debut full length from post-punk outfit Mothers. The trio of Ben Wallin, Burke Williams and Dylan Ettlinger. make no holds barred, in your face rock, that is not afraid to have melodic qualities and sensual noise. If you like Cloud Nothings, then check out Mothers. You will not be disappointed.

 

The second release is The Relative, the debut EP from Phonoscenes. The four tracks take a cleaner approach to indie rock that features strong vocals, nice riffy guitars and a very sold rhythm section. Nice dynamic changes and imaginative lyrics make for a thoroughly fine record. The band of Cameron Erdogan, Spencer Cunningham,  Daniel Girma, Jacob Sunshine and  Isaac Bunch show us that you can be polished while retaining your edge. Stream and download Panamanian Times and The Relative at the links below.

 

Cassie: Old Light

 

The end of February saw the release of Old Light, the new EP from Finish post-rock band Cassie. A long time FZB favorite (first featured here in June, 2011), Cassie are a bit of an enigma. A band capable of superlative beauty, splendid songwriting, crisp production and soaring vocals. At the same time the band has struggled with wider recognition. Their name, of course, is most commonly associated with the Billboard topping R&B/hip-hop artist and their recorded output is minimal. The band has managed to release only a meer 11 tracks, spread over three years and three different releases, making it difficult to build an international audience. Cassie is a great band, with great music, who seems destined to be a spark of light in the middle of a dense forest. Find the light. Watch the video for the title track and then stream and download Old Light at the link below.

 

Fixing Bayonets: Bloom.Sunset.Horizon

 

Today marks the release of Bloom.Sunset.Horizon, the debut EP from L.A. indie rockers Fixing Bayonets. The five tracks have a slight noise/lo-fi wash to them and feature heavy guitars, with reverb drenched vocals. The EP has a feel akin to Joy Division, heavy but laid back, driven but understated, yielding a nice post-punk vibe to the EP, though it also yields a subdued energy in the tracks.. This is a worthy debut that will make a good addition to anyone's record collection. Stream and download Bloom.Sunset.Horizon at the link below.



Teenage Exorcists: Teenage Exorcists

 

Teenage Exorcists is the self-titled debut EP from Riverside, CA indie rockers. The five tracks were produced by Mark Rains (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Neon Trees) and  are distinguished by the marriage of melodic vocals and tight harmonies, with a heavy SoCal garage, lo-fi feel.  This is an EP that is loaded with energy, well written pop songs and a great vibe. Stream and download Teenage Exorcists at the link below.

 

Nanaki: Afterlight

 

Afterlight is the new EP from experimental rock instrumentalist Nanaki. The solo project of Postcode guitarist Mikie Daugherty, the five tracks range from post-rock warmth to dynamic rock anthems. Like most instrumental rock, this EP suffers from the limitations of the medium. While the guitar work is masterful, by limiting the instrumentation to the traditional sounds of a rock band, the EP comes off as missing something. Much more musical ground could have been explored with the addition of synths and other instrumentation. This EP is a homage to a fine musician and his abilities, however it misses the mark as a work that will appeal to those outside of the realm of musicianship for its own sake. Watch the video for the track 'Regretfully, I Must Decline Your Invitation' and then stream and download Afterlight at the link below.

 

Work Drugs: Insurgents

FZB favorites Work Drugs are back with a new album, Insurgents. The Philadelphia indie band are the ultimate survivors with this their 14th release of masterful pop songs, while wide recognition still eludes them. Having a sound that is contemporary with artists like M83 and Chvrches, Work Drugs manage to surpass, with lush synths and melodic guitars that provide a bit more drive to the radio ready persona. Work Drugs continue to grow as artists and continue to be one of our favorite bands here at the blog. Stream and buy Insurgents at the link below.

 

Prettiest Eyes: Peep

 

L.A. trio Prettiest Eyes have released their sophomore EP, Peep. The three tracks showcase a band that defies simple description. Sure you can hear elements of garage and punk, but neither is an apt description of Prettiest Eyes. The three tracks stand on there own as a fine example of how the L.A. punk scene is expanding to spawn bands that transcend it stylistically to something much more, while retaining the rawness and energy that are the essence of their birth. This is another to mark as a must have. Watch the video of the band performing Untitled live and then stream and download Peep at the link below.

 

)