Cut Surface Records: Compilation B

One of our favorite indie labels is Vienna's Cut Surface, who have just released another great compilation, aptly titled Compilation B, to celebrate the label's second birthday. The album features tracks by 20 different artists spanning the label's broad and imaginative takes on genres from electronica to post-punk. Compilations are a great way to sample a label's creative output and this one has great music that will have you delving deeper into Cut Surface's releases. Stream and buy Compilation B at the link below.

Benjamin Shaw: Megadead

Megadead is the first new album from Melbourne based Benjamin Shaw since 2014, released on Audi Antihero Records. The nine tracks showcase an artist that is a bit of a rarity these days, one with a completely original sound. While there are influences there to be found, Sparklehorse, Casiotone For The Painfully Alone and Four Tet to name a few, Shaw has integrated these into a sound uniquely his own.  His music spans many indie sub genres from electro to post-punk. Shaw is glitchy, twangy, dark, heavy, ethereal and eclectic, and decidedly not commercial. Do something nice for yourself and listen to this album, you'll be very glad you did. Stream and by Megadead at the link below.

Mark Sultan: Coffin Nails

Coffin Nails is the first single from Let Me Out, the new album from NYC artist Mark Sultan, releasing October 12th on Dirty Water Records. The track has a nice retro vibe with guitar and organ parts right out of bands like The Standells, Question Mark and The Mysterians and The Seeds. The track will draw you in deep and then twang your brain into oblivion. In other words, a perfect flashback to an era of rock that has unfortunately been largely ignored. This is a great single and if the album is as good, this will be an absolute must have. Stream and buy Coffin Nails at the link below.

Lonely Me: Twisted Sad Machines

Rio De Janeiro based Lonely Me, aka Val Waxman, has released his debut album, Twisted Sad Machines. The eight tracks present a mixed bag to the listener. We can tell that the songs and performances are good, nice shoegazey stuff, with a lofi vibe and a bit of a raw edge. However, the whole package is spoiled by terrible production. The tracks are muddy with obviously no EQ notching to separate the different instruments and voice. The mix is uneven, parts that should be up in the mix aren't and parts that should be down in the mix are up and at times painfully loud. What results is an album that has obvious goodness, sounding like a lost amateurish mess. We  would love to hear a future release with good production to be able to enjoy the obvious talent of this artist. Stream and buy Twisted Sad Machines at the link below.

Sum: It's Alright To Be Me Video

We recently reviewed the excellent new album, It's Alright To Be Me, by Sum. Now we have a new video for the title track. Watch it below and look in the August archives for our album review.

The Hannah Barberas: GoGo Hannah Barberas!

GoGo Hannah Barberas! is the sophomore EP from UK based The Hannah Barberas. The three tracks are spirited indie pop, with a California feel and a UK vibe. Catchy tunes, witty lyrics and sterling production flows from the band's DIY ethos and the resultant three tracks are gems of twangy pop goodness. The perfect fit for summer ending, when a spritely pick me up is needed as the realities of the coming gloom sink in. This is a must have and we can't wait for a full length from this band. Stream and buy GoGo Hannah Barberas! at the link below.

Meresha: Game Of Video

Game Of Video is the new track from Florida based artist/producer Meresha. The track is a smart, catchy pop tune with all the radio ready sheen to take it mainstream. This is top 40 fare with all the requisite cliches in ample supply. Nothing adventurous or original here; this is tried and true formula music for the masses. With a strong hook and engaging beat, this is destined to find a wide audience. Watch the lyric video, then stream and buy Game Of Video at the link below.

Mary-Elaine Jenkins: Iggy

Iggy is the fourth single from, Hold Still, the soon to be released debut album from Mary-Elaine Jenkins. The song tells the story of Jenkins' crush on none other than punk provocateur Iggy Pop. The track has a nice country rock vibe and a great lyrical lament for the iconoclastic Mr. Pop. This is probably the perfect artist to sing about longing for Iggy, with her smooth twang and yearning desire for the man who will surely be bare six pack till he's 100 years old. This is a song that is just fun, pure and simple. We can't wait for the album. Stream and buy Iggy at the link below.

AlterRed: Trauma; Trauma Reinforcement

Trauma; Trauma Reinforcement is the new album from AlterRed on Louisville based indie WTII Records. The eleven tracks have a decidedly industrial feel, with heavy fuzzed guitar lines and plenty of imaginative synthpads. With a dark, foreboding vibe, sinister lyrics and a driving beat, the album comes at you like a heroine tied to railroad tracks. There's plenty of originality to satiate jaded musical palettes and enough raw edge to stay engaged for the long term. Stream and buy Trauma; Trauma Reinforcement at the link below.

Girl Friday: Decoration/Currency

Decoration/Currency is the new single from L.A. based band Girl Friday. With a sound that crosses sub-genres from surfpop to Riot Grrrl, the single plays out as an edgy, raucous, punk inclined epic that sounds huge and has the drive to match. This is a track that will empower the faint, mock the powerful, entice the lost and loose the entitled. L.A. has always been a breeding ground for the more pop adventurous side of the punk genres and this is a band that delivers a pop aesthetic, while remaining true to the punk ethos. A must have for your collection. Stream and buy Decoration/Currency at the link below.