FBGM: High

High is the new single from Boston Duo FGBM. The track is a poppy piece of indie rock, with a nice beat and catchy hook. The lyrics are pure pop pablum for the masses, as is the track itself. This is music best suited for adult contemporary audiences longing for the days of bubble gum beats, simple melodies and sappy radio drive time DJs. A nice track that ultimately will engage at first, but will not stand the test of repeated plays. Stream and buy High at the link below.

Go Fever: Daydream Hawker

Daydream hawker is the sophomore release from Austin based Go Fever. The 5 tracks are superlative indie rock, with the huge vocals of Australian transplant Acey Monaro out front. The band is as tight as a conservative evangelist at a porn convention, with every part in its perfect place, yielding a sound as compelling as anything we've heard. This is one of those extremely rare records that is just perfect in every way from start to finish. Go Fever could well be the best new band we've heard in a long, long time. This is an EP that belongs on repeat till your batteries are dead and is an absolute must have. Stream and buy Daydream Hawker at the link below.

Opollo: Heatwaves

FZB favorites Opollo are back with their new album Heatwaves. The five tracks are a rich collection of ambient/drone soundscapes that span a wide range of stylistic nuance. With deep textures and dense layers of sound yielding to a simple melodic consciousness, the album weaves a smart tapestry of aural experiences and imagery. Opollo continue to deliver masterful sonic landscapes that fully engage the senses. Stream and buy Heatwaves at the link below.

Drive-In Music Club: Drive In Music Club

Dublin band Drive-In Music Club have released their S/T debut album. The eleven tracks are sterling bluesy, soulful indie rock. With a sultry swagger and a sensual beat, this is an album as good as sitting alone in a dark room and eating a box of chocolate. This record has everything, from great vocals to instrumental work that would put the best Memphis has to offer to shame. Rarely does a debut record of such depth of musician ship and pure chops come along. This is an absolute must have that everyone needs to be aware of. Watch the video for album opener Trouble, then stream and by Drive-In Music Club at the link below.

A. Harlana: Ada Belle

Ada Belle is the new EP from A. Harlana. The three tracks have a heavy Bon Iver vibe. That said the comparison in no way takes away from the lush beauty in these three tracks, where the the same overly compelling music one would expect from Bon Iver can be found on this EP also. Packed with simple sounding complexity, supple arrangements and a totally engaging sonic presence, this EP is a rare example where imitation can be just what is needed, with this being a fine record that absolutely stands on its own. Watch the video for EP track Faces, then stream and buy Ada Belle at the link below.

The Fisherman & The Sea: The Hurt & The Humour

The Hurt & The Humour is the debut full length from Helsinki based The Fisherman & The Sea, aka the project of singer/songwriter Jon Eden. The eleven tracks are highly original takes on styles ranging from folk to indie rock. Eden shows an accomplishment as both a songwriter and musician well past what could reasonably be expected on a debut record. This record surprises at every turn, with compelling songs, vocals, instrumental arrangements and just plain sonic goodness. Whether it be the stylistic range covered or the pure energy injected into every track, this is an album that is totally engaging and will stand as one of our favorites for the year. An absolute must have. Stream and buy The Hurt & The Humour at the link below.

Om Wahs: Death Western

Death Western is the debut EP from Austin band Om Wahs. The six tracks tread a fine line between post-punk and prog rock. What results is an interesting, if uneven, amalgam that at times sounds like inspired pop punk aesthetics and at other times like jam band pretentiousness. One wants to like this album, but the uneven tenor makes engagement difficult. What your left with is moments of excellence, interspersed with moments where the lack of discipline and direction make you want to hit the stop button. Overall a good example of why successful recordings have a producer, because what this record is missing is someone who had a cohesive vision. Stream and buy Death Western at the link below.

Chemist: Reflect

Reflect is the debut album from Denver based band Chemist. The eight tracks are stylish altrock, that are heavy, moody and angsty. Like the preponderance of heavy altrock, this album stays close to the formula, never venturing into anything unique or original. With influences from Tool to My Chemical Romance, the band delivers a solid album that hits the mark for hard rock/EMO aficionados, but does little to try and lift the genre out of its tired doldrums of formulaic music. Stream and buy Reflect at the link below.

Bob Mould: Sunshine Rock

If indie and punk had royalty, former Husker Du and Sugar frontman Bob Mould would be seated on the throne. Mould is back with a new album, Sunshine Rock on Merge Records. The twelve tracks deliver everything one would expect from a great artist. The songs are raw, edgy, catchy and expertly crafted. Mould delivers up superlative vocals, lyrical depth and a sound as compelling as sex. Needless to say, the album is an absolute must have. Watch the Sunshine Rock Studio Session, then stream and buy Sunshine Rock at the link below.

Anda Volley: Spirited

Spirited is yet another new release from FZB favorite synthesizer auter Anda Volley. This track was composed for the short film Transmission 1: lady L. by filmmaker Alexis Karl. As is usual with Volley's work, we are once again privileged with her mastery of everything synth, and with her skill as a producer in full flower. Needless to say this is an absolute must have. Watch the film, then stream and buy Spirited at the link below.