The Floorshime Zipper Boots Top 10 of 2017 So Far

Welcome to the Floorshime Zipper Boots Top 10 of 2017 So Far. The featured artists are the top 10 on the blog for the first 6 months this year. As always, our lists are based on our readers page views.

#10 The Pinkerton Raid



#9 Orations



#8 Scotch Hollow



#7 Black Fjords



#6 Phil Reynolds and the Uncertain Future



#5 The Bordellos



#4 The Masonics



#3 Olive & The Pitz



#2 The Variety Hour


#1 Wes John Cichosz 

Vs.: Reality?

Reality? is the debut EP from Leeds, UK grunge band Vs. With a slow, dark groan, the three tracks recall the original Seattle sounds. Heavy, dense and foreboding, with a feel of melancholy, this album is the real deal and could be the most authentic grunge sound since the 90's. While the album is strong, the production is disappointing, with a sound that is muddled and lacks punch. That aside, this is a band to take notice of and hopefully they will re-emerge with a professionally produced full length, so we can really hear what they can achieve. Stream and buy Reality? at the link below.

Old City Revival: In Waves

In Waves is the new EP from New Jersey band, Old City Revival. The six tracks are pretty straight formulaic alt-rock. Radio ready and familiar, the band deliver solid performances on a polished and well produced record. If alt-rock is your thing you'll love it. This is mainstream music that neither innovates nor challenges. Everything here has been done before, ad infinatum. If you like the rut, stream and buy In Waves at the link below.

Evacuate The Earth: Evacuate The Earth

Milwaukee/Chicago trio Evacuate The Earth are back with their S/T sophomore album. The eight tracks are a terse blend of styles ranging through jazz, electronic and post-rock. What emerges is most aptly defined as free jazz with some experimental glitchyness. The album challenges the listener as its stylistic diversity requires contemplation and immersion. Not an album for everyone; it will appeal to those who like their music avant garde and edgy. Stream and buy Evacuate The Earth at the link below.

Secret Shine: There Is Only Now

Bristol, UK band Secret Shine are back with a new album, There Is Only Now, on Texas indie label Saint Marie Records. Formed in 1991 as one of the first wave of shoegaze bands, Secret Shine delivers an album with ten tracks of atmospheric dreampop anthems. Deep, dense and haunting, the album is an intimate listening experience and shows a band that is still at the top of their game after a quarter century. Stream and buy There Is Only Now at the link below.

Pattern Language: Total Squaresville

Total Squaresville is the new album from artist producer Pattern Language, aka Chris Frain. Released on UK label Happy Robot Records, the six tracks are a melodic journey through a true synthesizer album. Unlike most electronic music, where the synths are used for cliche genre sounds, this album is an exploration of the synthesizer as a bonafide orchestral instrument. The album marries sweeping melodic passages, with adventurous synth pads to deliver a sonic experience of depth and beauty. Watch the video for album track, By Time We Get There, then stream and buy Total Squaresville at the link below.

Sluka: Colorful Radiation

Colorful Radiation is the eleventh studio album from San Diego experimental rocker Sluka. The ten tracks are adventurous affairs, with a Bowiesque sheen that sees a stylistic blend of everything from The Flaming Lips to Keane. With that pop pedigree, one also gets plenty of edge, swagger and depth. This album is a must have. Watch the video for album track Number one, then stream and buy Colorful Radiation at the link below.

Broken Muse: Broken Muse

Montreal based Broken Muse, have just released their S/T debut album. Largely the work of singer/songwriter Mark Goodwin, the ten tracks are a slick take on Americana and alt-country, with superlative vocals from Mariana Gianelli. Upbeat, rock driven country, pulses with excitement, as the band takes itself through an essentially live recorded studio album. The performances are inspired and the resulting record is tight and totally compelling. This is an absolute must have. Stream and buy Broken Muse at the link below.

Moodring: Cottage Mess

North Carolina's Silber Records brings us Cottage Mess, the new album from Moodring. The eight tracks are atmospheric experimental music that pushes song structure boundaries where melodic and dissonant passages interplay with unique textures. This is an album about musical exploration  with a near classical feel. A must have. Stream and buy Cottage Mess at the link below.

Dark Continent: Songs About Love and Depression

Songs About Love and Depression is the new album from Swedish band Dark Continent. After releasing two albums from 1989 - 1993, the band reunited in 2013. The 10 tracks here showcase a band that is in touch with current music, with a sound that incorporates elements of post-punk and altrock. The songs have a radio ready feel, a familiar vibe, strong hooks and lyrics that deliver a message. Watch the video for album track Love Hate ADHD, then stream and buy Songs About Love and Depression at the link below.