Clockwork Kids: Rememory

 

Rememory is the latest full length from North Carolina indie rockers Clockwork Kids. The 12 tracks have their own unique theatrical flair and trade influences among The National, Radiohead and The Smiths. Anthemic, with big production and wonderful instrumentation, the tracks unfold rather than run by. A bit too epic in parts, but yet a fine reminder that rock can be more ambitious than short missives and pithy hooks. Stream and download Rememory at the link below.

 



Hjortene: S/T

 

Copenhagen based punk/metal band Hjortene have released a new S/T album. When rock is stripped of all pretense, all sense of itself as something other than youthful disdain, rock becomes a primal exercise of the extremes of amplification and the pure power of will. Hear will win out, in perfect punk tabloids. This is a must have. Stream and buy Hjortene at the link below.

 

The Vickers: Ghosts

 

Ghosts is the debut full length from Italian psychedelic band The Vickers. Unlike other artists that have delved into retro themes, the band of Andrea Mastropietro, Federico Sereni, Francesco Marchi and Marco Biagiotti reinvent the sixties rather than relive them. The music reflects a transcendental melding with the era, generating ten tracks of masterful rock music, as big as any. Stream and buy The Vickers at the link below.

 

Awning: Two Against Me

 

Brooklyn dreampop duo Awning have released their debut full length, Two Against Me. Jon Sheldrick and Luke Smith  have crafted ten tracks with lush harmonies and a slight lo-fi production quality. The effect is a record full of melodic lines, yet that retains a sense of energy in the tracks. Similar in vein to artists like Real Estate and Antlers, Awning manage to keep all the beauty without sacrificing tracks that have enough power to be considered rock. This is truly a fine record. Stream and buy Two Against Me at the link below.

 

The Box: EP #1

 

Paris based duo The Box have released their debut EP aptly titled EP #1. The five tracks showcase the groups dark industrial brand of synthpop. Ripe with a myriad of influences from new wave and post-punk, the record shimmers in an electro haze that propels the entire work forward with an infectious sound that puts rhythm at the forefront, while sonically assaulting the ears with heavy moods and catchy riffs. This is a stunning EP that is a must have. Stream and buy EP #1 at the link below.

 

Tokyoidaho: Peculiar Shadows

 

Seattle fuzzpop provocateurs Tokyoidaho explode with their sophomore release, the dazzlingly huge Peculiar Shadows EP. Layers of sonic shadowing blend effortlessly with new wave eccentricities unleashing a polished and trippy, 80's vibe pop masterpiece. Released on Neon Sigh Records (Ringo Deathstarr, Dead Leaf Echo), a label that continues to stake the high ground in delivering quality music. Stream and buy Peculiar Shadows at the link below.

 

Billy Moon: Young Adult

 

Young Adult is the third EP from Hamilton, Ontario artist Billy Moon. The EP comes on strong with noisy guitars, solid vocals and lo-fi production. Rocking a grungy sound with blues overtones, Billy Moon delivers up enough raw energy to power a city. No pretense, no glitz, just good songwriting paired with power in the tracks. What more could one ask for. Stream and buy the Young Adult EP at the link below.

 

The Very Small: Zoomed Way Out

 

Zoomed Way Out is the sophomore album from D.C. based indie rockers The Very Small. The band of Robin Smith, Aaron Mann and Zack Berman serve up eleven dynamic, melodic tracks, that blend elements of alt rock and indie rock, with some post-punk flourishes to cap it off. The album has tight harmonies, nice jangle and gets heavy when needed. All together this is an album with more depth than standard fare. Stream and buy Zoomed Way Out at the link below.

 

Pyramids: Lado A

 

Lado A is the debut EP from Buenos Aires based post-punk band Pyramids. The six tracks take a covertly intimate Latin feel and infuse it into heavy, penetrating electro post-punk tracks. Very compelling stylistically and infectious rhythms. This is the kind of EP that just keeps us going,  finding cool music all over the world. Pyramids is a must have. Stream Lado A at the link below.

 



The Pocket Rockets: The Pocket Rockets

 

L.A. band The Pocket Rockets have released their self-titled sophomore EP.  Packed with five killer tracks, this dynamic band does raw and polished together in a tight mix of expertly crafted indie rock radio gems. The stand out single MDNGHT has everything a track should, a huge sound, rollicking instrumental work and pristine vocals. Just a matter of time before this band gets picked up. Perfect tracks for Sirius XMU, Julia, Jenny, Jake, anybody listening. (Why do all their people's names start with J?) Stream and buy The Pocket Rockets at the link below.