The Floorshime Zipper Boots Top 10 of 2016 So Far

2016 has seen much great music come across the FZB desk. It has been a very creative year for emerging artists. So, we are happy to present The Floorshime Zipper Boots Top 10 of 2016 So Far. As always, our best of lists are based on reader's pageviews. We must apologize that Blogger is not letting us include links for each list member as we always do. It seems that multiple Bandcamp links are crashing. Not sure why this is happening. We've been doing these lists for 5 years. Please use the blog search function to take you to the feature for each artist, where you'll find the link to their music.

10. The Longwalls: Live at the Bridge

9. Wilder Gonzalez Agreda: Scala Mega Hertz

8. Wood Lake: Hell

7. Anda Volley: Paper Moon

6. Rats Rest:On The East Side

5. Sciencevision: States Of Vividity

4. Matt Kelly: The Matt Kelly Half  Hour

3. Electrik Orange: Trevor's Kid

2. The Heroic Enthusiasts:Memory Wheel

1. The Red Hill Valleys: The Red Hill Valleys

Harpooner: Rose Park

Rose Park is the debut album from Nashville band Harpooner. The ten tracks are a journey through retro psychedelic influences, sonic visions of the Beatles, and a sound that brings these influences together in a cohesive and original album where energy abounds. Crisp production and tight instrumentals are the hallmark, with synth accents adding a nice contemporary counterpoint to the retro theme. This is a stellar debut and a must have. Stream and buy Rose Park at the link below.

The Hairs: While I Hated Life, Barbarian

While I Hated Life, Barbarian, is the new album from Brooklyn band The Hairs. Brooklyn has an incredibly vibrant and creative indie music scene and we have featured countless artists from this scene. What makes The Hairs new release stand out is its mediocrity. We found this release a disappointment from start to finish. The vocals are week, the songs simplistic and the production, while was likely meant to be lo-fi, is just a mess of muddled frequencies with no separation of instruments across the spectrum. Decide for yourself, stream and buy While I hated Life, Barbarians at the link below.

Buh Records: Signs of Synthesis 1991-2000

Signs of Synthesis is another collection of Peruvian avant garde music from Buh Records, this time from 1991-2000. The nine tracks totally over an hour, features electro acoustic music in a range of styles. Soothing tones, passages that simulate field recordings, inventive melodies and sterling musicianship about. The tracks give several interesting perspectives on how guitars can be used to create what would normally be done on the synthesizer. A fine and interesting album. Stream and buy Signs of Synthesis at the link below.

Novanta: Hello We're Not Enemies

Hello We're Not Enemies is the new album from Milan based artist Novanta, aka Manfredi Lamartina. Released on Seashell Records, the seven tracks are expertly crafted post-punk, with an intimate feel and compelling sound. While the album bristles with a myriad of post-punk influences and well used instrumental cliches, Novanta transcends this to deliver an album that sounds fresh and original. This is a must have. Stream and buy Hello We're Not Enemies at the link below.

M is We: Feels Like Five Days

Feels Like Five Days, by M is WE, is the latest release in the Silber Records 5 songs in 5 minutes series. The tracks are dark, heavy, post punk and definitely leave the listener wanting more. With influences from The Clash to The Ramones, the tracks are pure post punk goodness. The 5 in 5 series has been one of the more interesting label series in recent years, with a myriad of exciting content. Stream and buy Feels Like Five Day at the link below.

7faz: Faza B

A month ago we brought you Faza A, the debut release from Polish drone ensemble 7faz. Today we have their followup, Faza B. The three tracks span over 30 minutes and feature many conventional instruments such as guitar, sax and drums, along with the obligatory synths. This yields an ambient sound that is richer and more familiar to the ear, while conjuring a more melodic vibe. There is a great a great backstory to this album about being inspired by notes from a submarine captain, which you can read on the Bandcamp page. 7faz has become one of our favorite ambient groups. Stream and buy Faza B at the link below.

Derive: Full Body Awareness

Full Body Aawareness is the new EP from Amherst, MA punk band Derive. The five tracks blend elements of  of classic punk, harcore and rap-rock, with a theatrical vibe, resulting in an inventive and original EP. The EP is raw and in your face, with each track having a sense of uncontrolled urgency, like the whole thing is going to explode at any moment. This is a great EP and shows that punk can still be vital and unexpected. Stream and download Full Body Awareness at the link below.

Ric Gordon: Songs for Her

Singer/songwriter and Russian Winter Records head, Ric Gordon is back with, Songs for Her, his first live album and most personal work to date. Featuring only acoustic guitar and vocals, the seven tracks are a testament to love and loss, delivered in the stark, intimate setting of a solo live acoustic performance. Recorded with three mics set up to capture the ambient aspect of vocals and guitar, Gordon delivers an album that recreates the live experience, with all elements bare for the listener to hear. No retakes, no pitch correction, just an artist at his most basic. A definite must have. Stream and buy Songs for Her at the link below.

Buh Records: Visiones de la catástrofe

Ok, we have something very different for you today. Peruvian label Buh Records has just released Visiones de la catástrofe, an exploration of Peruvian noise music fro 1990 - 1995. The eleven tracks are an avante garde exploration of noise. with a varied and interesting sonic spectrum, the record is a fascinating look at noise music in a place unlikely for those of us in North America or Europe would be unlikely to discover. This album is admittedly not for everyone, but afficianados of noise, will find it an interesting addition to their collection. Stream and buy Visiones de la catástrofe at the link below.'