They Called Him Zone: Crow Swan Wolf

UK duo They Called Him Zone are back with their sophomore EP, Crow Swan Wolf. Mik Davis and Steve Maloney deliver six tracks of dark synthpop/post-punk hybrid that evoke New Order and similar sounds. With atmospheric vocals, minimal beats and understated production, the tracks have a haunting sonic vibe and an edgy feel. A very solid journeyman type of record. Stream and buy Crow Swan Wolf at the link below.

The Man From Managra: Half A Century Sun

Inner Ear Records has released, Half A Century Sun, the debut album from Athens based singer/songwriter The man From Managra. With a Sound somewhere between indie rock and psych folk, the eleven tracks showcase a songwriter of depth and quality. The album is a masterful work with guest appearances by such luminaries as Blaine L. Reininger (Tuxedomoon) and Jim R. White (Dirty Three, Peaches). Warm feeling, with a soft edge and unique production qualities, this album is a definite must have. Stream and buy Half A Century Sun at the link below.

Monkey Warhol: EP 4

Minneapolis based artist/producer Monkey Warhol has been on a mission. Every 4 or so months for the past year, he has released a five track EP, each of which is a different genre. He has gone through techno, metal, indie and now comes EP for, his look at pop. Don't be fooled though, this is not the lamestream drivel that the majors feed ya. No, this is a supremely heavy interpretation of teen angst, simple beats and melodies, served up as epic rock collections, with tongue firmly in cheek. This EP is adventurous, catchy and accomplished. This is an artist that is making an important and comelling statement that you need to get behind. Stream and download EP 4 at the link below.

Super Snake: Leap of Love

Leap of Love is the latest album from New Jersey rockers Super Snake. This is an album that is hard and heavy, nothing more nothing less. Sometimes rock just needs to be brutal and Super Snake are just that, brutal. Heavy guitars, heavy bass, heavy drums and heavy vocals. Just the thing for walking up to a wall and banging your head against it as hard as you can. If you can't appreciate the totally devastating rock that is embodied on this album than we're sorry, you're just to wimpy to deserve consideration. Stream and buy Leap of Love at the link below.

Scotch Hollow: Little Tortuga

Little Tortuga is the latest album from Kansas City based band Scotch Hollow. The eleven tracks are a stunning displays of vocal prowess and instrumental virtuosity. Taking roots and blues, keeping it simple, while delivering depth of performance that would rival Challenger Deep, this is a band for which the term formidable is a gross understatement. Put this music on, sit back in a nice comfortable chair, get a beer and some food, then proceed to get your ass kicked. Oh yes, hold on brother, you're goin down. To call this a must have is to say breathing is underrated. Stream and buy Little Tortuga at the link below.

The Routes: In This Perfect Hell

Over the six years we have been publishing FZB, UK indie label Dirty Water Records have grown to be a world class purveyor of tight, edgy records. Their latest release, In This Perfect Hell, the new album by Japan based punk rockers The Routes, continues there fine curatorial tradition. The ten tracks are twangy, hard edged and perfect. We love this record and it has been on continual play in the blog office since we first heard it. This is everything rock needs to be, nuff said. Buy it or be damned. Stream and buy In this Perfect Hell at the link below.

Red Gaze: Red Gaze

It's no secret that we love punk here at the blog and label. We love the simplicity, we love the authenticity, we love that punk keeps rock alive in its truest and most vibrant form, and we love that the debut s/t EP from Red Gaze embodies all of those qualities. Stark, raw and edgy, with grinding yet melodic guitars, no prisoners rhythm section and anthemic vocals, this is as perfect a debut as one could imagine.This is a must have. Stream and buy Red Gaze at the link below.

Four Star Riot: Beautiful Soul Video

Back in December, we reviewed the new album from FZB favorites Four Star Riot. Today, we have a new video for the stunning album track Beautiful Soul. Watch it below and go to the blog archives for the album review and link to get their music.

Someday: This Doesn't Exist

This Doesn't Exist is the debut album from Italian Indie rock band Someday. The ten tracks are dark post-punk, with a bit of an atmospheric edge. Channeling influences from Sparklehorse, Joy Division and Plecebo, the band delivers a thoroughly contemporary album with a sonic presence that grabs the listener and never lets go. Sublime dynamic changes, artful performances, tasteful production and nimble imagination abound on this winner of an album. Watch the video for album track Last Lesson, then stream and buy This Doesn't Exist at the link below.

The William Shakes: How Goes The Night

How Goes The Night is the debut EP from The William Shakes. A concept project of artist/producer Mark McGettrick, the 5 tracks see lines from Shakespeare characters isolated and taken out of context, then paired with catchy indie rock, in a new and original treatment of the bard's work that we feel he would dig. McGettrick has done a masterful job of bringing classic prose to a new depth of performance and deserves immense credit for the sheer quality of this undertaking. This EP is an absolute must have. Stream and buy How Goes The Night at the link below.