Patrick Grant: A Sequence Of Waves

A Sequence Of Waves is the new album from New York artist/producer Patrick Grant. Fusion music has always been an art form that is hard to pin down and this album is no different. Technical proficiency abounds, with tight, complex arrangements and interesting instrumental interplay. The album has flashes of King Crimsonesque rock, theatrical style passages and nods to jazz and classical forms. It is also an album that stands as an artistic endevour for its own sake, rather than one that will find any kind of wide audience. If your tastes tend to the progressive side, this is an album that will fulfill your needs. Stream and buy A Sequence Of Waves at the link below.

The Search: Echo

Echo is the new album from Swedish band The Search. Echo will appeal to those who like stylish music in the vein of Depeche Mode and New Order. The ten tracks are atmopheric and haunting, with plenty of synths and guitars, minimalist beats and nice ambient layering. Like much of Swedish music, this is an album for those that like their music to flow rather than careen. Music that is smooth, tasteful and ethereal. Stream and download Echo at the link below.

Dan Rico: Flesh & Bone

Flesh & Bone is the new EP from Chicago musician Dan Rico on France's Shit In Cans Records. The three tracks are retro pop-punk goodness with touches of rockabilly and R&B. These are the kind of tracks that never go out of fashion. What you have here is a singer/songwriter giving you no pretense, no gimmick rock as it has been done since the beginning, straight from the heart. Stream and buy Flesh & Bone at the link below.

Ponytails: Ponytails

Vancouver band Ponytails have released their S/T debut EP. The six tracks share sonic space with bands like Real Estate, Beach Fossils and Ducktails. With a smooth sheen, abundant nice guitar licks and crisp vocals. As a whole the EP is highly enjoyable and carries a bit more edge than the aforementioned bands. Not any new ground here, just good solid indie rock. Stream and download Ponytails at the link below.

Steve Azar & The Kings Men: Down At The Liquor Store

Down At The Liquor Store is the new album from Mississippi artist Steve Azar & The Kings Men. The thirteen tracks are a stylish and polished take on Americana music that effortlessly blends country, blues and rock. What results is a tasty album full of radio ready tracks. Tight arrangements and crisp musicianship frame Azar's vocals that glisten with feeling and authenticity. This is a strong album throughout, with the only negative being a decidedly studio musician feel, rather than real edge or energy. Stream Down At The Liquor Store at the link below.

Oh! Gunquit: Lightning Likes Me

Lightning Like Me is the new album from London rockers Oh! Gunquit. The ten tracks have a retro rock-a-billy feel, with a nice lo-fi edge and more rawness than a piece of meat on a black eye. Energy abounds as the album unfolds into a punk dance party that will raise the roof and annoy the neighbors. This is a perfect slice of the very trendy retro pie and is an absolute must have. Stream and buy Lightning Likes Me at the link below.

Lotte Kestner: Off White

Off White is the new album from former Trespassers William member and Chemical Brothers collaborator Lotte Kestner. The twelve tracks are a testament to a transcendent artist, who has created an album of sublime beauty. The songs weave an intimate simplicity into the perfect vehicle for Kestner's mesmerizing vocals and redefine the universality of indie folk as an art form. This is one of the best albums we have heard this year and it is an absolute must have. Stream and buy Off White at the link below.

The Blue Hour: Always

Always is the new album from Seattle's The Blue Hour. The eleven tracks overflow with a delicate, yet powerful beauty that is at once compelling. The songs have an engaging complexity of textures that play out as an atmospheric excursion of the senses, creating both imagery and aural excitement. Combining the best elements of folk and dreampop, with a touch of Bohemian passion, the album transforms the sonic space it occupies into an intimate cocoon of sound. A definite must have. Stream and buy Always at the link below.

Ocean Forest: Ocean Forest

Ocean Forest is the S/T debut album from the Myrtle Beach band on North Carolina's Silber Records. The nine tracks make a definiative statement as one of the best albums we've heard this year. Produced by Brian McKenzie of FZB regulars Electric Bird Noise, this album is a testament to all that's good in shoegaze and psychedelic music. We can always count on getting fine music from Silber Records and this album is an absolute must have. Stream and buy Ocean Forest at the link below.

Local Motive: Grams

Grams is the debut full length from Chicago band Local Motive. The nine tracks have a retro R&B feel complete with standout brass and guitar parts, as well as tasteful changes in dynamics. Unfortunately, the album seems to miss the mark in terms of somewhat muddled mix and lack of real edge or excitement. Repeated listens failed to generate any sense of engagement with the tracks and the album as a whole seemed to plod along between dynamic highs and lackluster off tempo parts. The vocals added little to any sense of excitement, and served more to tie together the instrumental parts rather than propel the tracks forward. A album of good musicianship, but yet one that is overall forgettable rather than memorable. Try it for yourself, stream and buy Grams at the link below.