Places Erupt: Breathe A Storm

Breathe A Storm is the debut album from Toronto band Places Erupt. The eight tracks are an original and inspired blend of rock, folk and classical influences into an album of depth and beauty. Strong melodic counterpoint, lush instrumental lines and deep, intimate vocals abound in this thoroughly enjoyable album. One of the strongest debuts this year. Stream and buy Breathe A Storm at the link below.

50FOOTWAVE: Bath White

Bath White is the sixth release from L.A. supergroup 50FOOTWAVE. The band, which features Kristin Hersh and Bernard Georges of Throwing Muses, with Rob Ahlers, delivers six track of tight, compelling post-punk music as edgy as a razor blade. With inspired songwriting, Hersh's haunting vocals, dense, heavy guitars and pristine production, this is one of the best EPs of the year. A definite must have for every music collection worth its weight. Stream and buy Bath White at the link below.

Kate Fagan: I Don't Wanna Be T0o Cool

Manufactured Records has reissued the 1980 EP release, I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool, by Chicago  cult new wave artist Kate Fagan. The four tracks are heady classic new wave, that are in the same vein as Laurie Anderson and Lydia Lunch. This EP is cool, nostalgic, but more importantly still has a contemporary feel. This is a wonderful chance to discover an artist of the past and reconnect with the future. Stream and buy I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool at the link below.

Brooklyn Doran: The Villain Video

We have a new video from FZB favorite Brooklyn Doran for her track The Villain. Watch it below.

Red Robe: Aware With You All

Aware With You All is the debut full length from Ann Arbor band Red Robe. The eleven tracks are varied affairs, both in dynamics and content, ranging from psychedelic and almost dreampop to heavy indie rock. This range give the band an original sound, which defies outright comparisons. Strong instrumentation and vocals drive a record that is unafraid to challenge the listener with experimental and noise floursishes. The one week spot is the production which leaves the whole album sounding flat and lacking edge. Stream and buy Aware With You All at the link below.

Mississippi Jones: Continuum II

Seattle duo, Mississippi Jones, have released Continuum II, the second installment of there 4 track EP series. The EP blends indie rock with orchestral and synthpop flourishes. Stunning vocals and flawless production, frame four strong songs with a radio ready flair and a compelling sonic vibe. This is a duo who have a polished sound that is both original and familiar. Stream and buy Continuum II at the link below.

The Good Library: Trails

Psychedelic band, The Good Library, have released their new album Trails, on Austrian label Konkord. The eight tracks are trippy affairs, with a soaring sonic vibe that immediately engages ones imagination. The songs are catchy, but this belies a depth and complexity that is compelling, but yet still feels understated. The band has carefully crafted an album that takes the genre into heady territory with skillful musicianship, production and arrangements. This album is a must have. Watch the video for album track Fight 19, then stream and buy Trails at the link below.

Drugcharge: S/T Flexi

North Carolina label Sorry State Records today releases the S/T EP from hardcore band Drugcharge. This is a band that stands out, with brutal intensity. A nonstop onslaught of fierce guitars, a drummer that takes no prisoners and vocals so raw and edgy that they drag you into an alley and pummel you. This album is hardcore at its best, no compromise, no pretense and no caring about your safety. Available from the label as a limited edition flexi, this EP is a must have. Stream and buy Drugcharge at the link below.

AWAS: Vibey AF

Vibey AF is the debut album from Nashville synthpop duo AWAS. The eight tracks are a nice original diversion from what has become a very formulaic genre. Eschewing the glitz of Grimes, the glitchiness of Neon Indian and the forced depth of Chvrches, all artists we greatly admire, AWAS take a different path, with strong pop songs, and jazz and R&B influences. The album accomplishes originality while never looses relevance to the synthpop genre. This album is catchy, simply complex, and vocally stunning. Stream and buy Vibey AF at the link below.

The Heroic Enthusiasts: The Second Three

New York band Heroic Enthusiasts have released their sophomore EP, The Second Three. The three tracks are huge indie rock affairs, that evoke unavoidable comparisons to The Smiths. That derivative aspect aside, the tracks stand on their own as powerful rock statements. With strong post-punk guitars and a solid rhythm section, the band blasts its way through mid-tempo rock anthems that are both compelling and enjoyable. Stream and buy The Second Three at the link below.