Dances: Whiter Sands

 

Brooklyn garage rockers Dances have released their debut EP, Whiter Sands. The band of Trevor Vaz, Sam Stoeltje and David Su deliver four tracks of hard, edgy punk music, with a nice dynamic range and tempo changes. Showing a musical maturity rarely heard on debuts, Dances crafts songs that are compelling in their feel and demanding of attention.  Strong songwriting and solid musicianship cap a truly fine debut EP. Stream and buy Whiter Sands at the link below.

 



Lykanthea: Migration

 

Lykanthea is the moniker for the new solo project from Lakshmi Ramgopal, one half of FZB favorites Love and Radiation. The Chicagoan has just released her debut EP, Migration in both digital and limited edition cassette formats. The five tracks represent a unique vision inspired by the 4,000-year-old Sumerian tale of the goddess Inanna, with the Migration EP being the first in a series of releases devoted to this concept. Musically, Ramgopal continues her prowess of delivering imaginative synths, delicate and intricate vocals and atmospheric production. This is another must have from this multi-talented artist. Stream and buy Migration at the link below.

 



Les Deuluxes: Traitement Deuluxe

 

Traitement Deuxluxe is the debut EP from Montreal duo Les Deuxluxes. This is an EP that can be described in one word...GREAT! The vocals are as big as the sky, with a wonderful Wanda Jackson quality. The guitar channels Dick Dale, the songs are catchy and the whole thing is as rollicking as a 50's sock hop. This EP is what rock n roll is all about, brash, gritty and sensual. If you don't like this one, you must sit in the corner with a dunce cap on. Stream and buy Traitement Deuxluxe at the link below.



Lowtide: Lowtide

 

Australian dreampop band Lowtide have released their S/T debut full length. The nine tracks are haunting, atmospheric gems. Giles Simon, Lucy Buckeridge, Gabriel Lewis and Anton Jakovljevic wrap us in lush production, compelling songs and beautiful vocals. The quest for stunning shoegaze takes one down many paths. Do yourself a favor and follow the path out to Lowtide. Stream and buy their S/T album at the link below.

 

Japan Soul: Plastic Utopia

 

Plastic Utopia is the debut album from Brooklyn pop upstarts Japan Soul. The band of Jason Paul, DaVe Lipp, Matt McMurry and Tyler Graham have managed to pull off the unlikely pairing of political topics with slick, danceable pop music. The album is full of production mastery, funky influences, lively synths and even heavy guitars. This album proves that dance music can have balls and still be club worthy. Get your groove on. Stream and buy Plastic Utopia at the link below.
 

The Violent Hearts: The Penalty EP

 

The Penalty EP is the debut from Las Vegas post-punk band The Violent Hearts. The two tracks really make this a single rather than an EP, but regardless, what one finds is perfectly crafted songs, performed with style and class. As debuts go, this one shows a band that has already perfected a compelling sound, with strong vocals, cool guitar parts and crisp production. The band of James Mattock,  Frankie Picasso and Brian James are the real deal. The only drawback is 6 minutes of music is not enough for a band this good. We want more and you will too. Stream and buy The Penalty EP at the link below.

 



Peter Kernel: The New Singles

 

FZB favorites Peter Kernel have a new album due out in January, but to hold us over, they have released two tracks designated The New Singles. The tracks High Fever and It's Gonna Be Great don't disappoint. The duo of Aris Bassetti and Barbara Lehnhoff (Camila Sparksss) give us all we could want, with Lehnhoff's Kathleen Hanna inspired musings and Bassetti's sophisticated post-punk styling. Peter Kernel continue to be one of our favorite groups. Stream and download The New Singles for free at the link below.

 

Weary Heads: Live at The Earl/Cringe Double EP

 

People in the know in Atlanta will tell you the best place for live music is The Earl. So it is fitting that Atlanta post-punk dynamo Weary Heads have used this great venue to record a live EP that serves up all the rawness and power one could ask for. Combined with an earlier studio EP, Cringe, into a double EP release, what you have is the perfect vehicle to discover a band that makes no compromises and takes no prisoners. Go out and kick some arse. Stream, download and buy Live at The Earl/Cringe Double EP in a 50 CD hand numbered limited edition at the link below.

 



The Alternative with Chris Atwood Compilation

 

Russian Winter Records has released “The Alternative” compilation, curated by syndicated radio personality Chris Atwood who hosts the show of the same name.  The Alternative features a dynamic mix of 10 rock artists on the cutting edge. The album... kicks off with a new solo track from legendary post-punk guitarist James Stevenson (Gene Love Jezebel, The Cult, Gen X) and also includes Boston heavyweight James Straight and The Wide Stance, UK breakout Suzi Blu, garage power trio The Feel Bad Hit Of The Winter, indie virtuoso Kevin Nolan and  5 more.  The compilation is available in a 500 CD Hand Numbered Limited Edition and as a digital download on Bandcamp. Stream and buy The Alternative at the link below.

 

City and The Sea: Venture

 

It has been over a year since we've had any new music from Ontario rockers City and The Sea. So the new single, Venture, is a welcome surprise. Catchy riffs, heavy guitars, tight harmonies and an in your face attitude are what this track eagerly offers. The band hints at this being the first of a double A-sided single and leaves us high with anticipation for what's next. Stream and download Venture at the link below.