Camilla Sparksss: For You The Wild

 

Longtime FZB favorite Camilla Sparksss is back with a stunning new album, For You The Wild. Camilla Sparksss is the alter ego of Barbara Lehnhoff and whether in this guise, or as a member of longtime FZB favorite Peter Kernel, Lehnhoff makes adventurous electropop that draws from the genre's full heritage while still exploring new sonic ground. Raw, industrial, minimal, huge, in you face, oh yeah. Just clearly one of the best artists in the genre. As always with Camilla Sparkss a complete must have. Stream and buy For You The Wild at the link below.

  

Adelaida: Monolito

 

Monolito is the debut album from Chilean band Adelaida. The 10 tracks are a shoegaze soundfest, filled with darkish overtones and nice post-punk flourishes. The trio have crafted cool guitar sounds, atmospheric vocals and strong dynamic range. This album has a sound that seems to draw one in and never wants for a means to hold ones attention. It's like discovering GBV for the first time all over again. This is a must have. Stream and Monolito at the link below.

 



Narrow Head: Far Removed

 

Far Removed is the debut EP from Dallas based alt rock band, Narrow Head. The five tracks take alt rock formula song styles and marries them with metal instrumentation and lonesome vocals. The effect is an EP that is strong on cliché sounds, but lacking in originality. The EP works everywhere, with nice dynamic swings, interesting guitar lines and solid vocal performances. The one problem is that we've heard it all before, many, many times before. The state of alt rock is one of stagnation, where bands stay firmly in formula and have forgotten that art is about taking chances. Stream and buy Far Removed at the link below.

 



Neon Lights: Late

 

Late is the new album from Spanish dreampop band Neon Lights. The nine tracks show influences from Joy Division to The Cure. Dark, introspective and brooding, Late takes us into the night where something is lurking just out of the corner of one's eye. The band of Javi Nieto, Diego Monreal, Edu Méndez, Manuel Villalba and Dani Nieto explore musical specters that enlighten with shades of grey that brings the music to the forefront of one's consciousness. Stream and download Late at the link below.

 

WHOOP-Szo: Pt. 1 Qallunaat & Pt.2 Odemin

 

Canadian band Whoop-Szo have released a two album concept work that features the band's collaboration with Inuit youth from the Northern Village of Salluit Quebec, The concept found the band bringing the recording process to just below the artic circle, where even  a broken string presents unique challenges to the recording process. Whoop-Szo have crafted two LP's that defy description, stand on their own musically and at the same time present a band that goes above an beyond for their art. Stream and buy Qallunaat and Odemin at the links below.

 



Creepoid: Creepoid

 

FZB favorite, Philadelphia based Creepoid are back with their self-titled third release. The album delivers eleven tracks of dark, powerful shoegaze anthems. In the four years since their first release, Creepoid have grown and matured as a band. This new album sees them fully developed into a songwriting powerhouse, that crafts tracks into showcases for the instrumental and vocal depth the band possesses. Creepoid are a band that is on the verge of breaking out to wider recognition. Get on the bandwagon now. Stream and buy Creepoid at the link below.

 

Kristy and the Kranks: Kristy and the Kranks

 

Vienna based Totally Wired Records brings us the self-titled debut EP from Kristy and the Kranks. Available as a limited edition 7" as well as a digital download, the 4 tracks are a Le Tigre/Julie Ruin inspired set of minimalist art punk. Raw, pouty and fun, this is the type of 60's retro girl punk that always works. Stream and buy Kristy and the Kranks at the link below.

 



Bad Blocks: Weekday EP

 

Our friends at Stars & Letters Records in Brooklyn have become the go to U.S. label for great overlooked and under supported New Zealand artists. Label chief Mark Roberts made valuable connections during university there and we are all the recipients of a stunning selection of artists. Now we have Bad Blocks and their debut EP Weekday. Stars & Letters are re-releasing Bad Blocks' debut EP eighteen months after the fact, giving the band the kind of PR support and label backing that builds an audience and a career. Originally, the EP was self-released by the band on Bandcamp late in 2012 (when Bad Blocks were still called South City Sushi Cop).  The music is great, the concept is great and Stars & Letters continue to show how a small indie label can make a difference. Stream and buy the Weekday EP at the link below.

 

Wrong Body: Big

 

Big is the debut album from Boston post-punk outfit Wrong Body. The ten tracks share stylistic ground with bands like Nada Surf and Casket Lottery. Raw and intense, the album retains an urgency to the music all the way through and never fails to propel one to new heights of rock ecstasy. The band of Andy Szymcik, Bryan Mastergreorge, More Crooning, Steve Delany and Jonathan Hislop have taken the 90's DC post-punk sound and pulled it into the future with a masterful album. Stream and buy Big at the link below.

 

The Feel Bad Hit Of The Winter: The Feel Bad Hit Of The Wiinter

 

Today marks the release of the self-titled debut EP from Kansas City garage rockers, The Feel Bad Hit Of The Winter. The 6 tracks are marked by a penchant for compelling guitar sounds, masterful bass lines and dynamic drums. The songs are poignant post-punk tales featuring lonesome vocals and intimate themes. The trio of Ryan Leip, Richard Stone and Freddy Aquirre have crafted an EP brimming with organic noise, lo-fi cred and tight, well blended yet individually distinct musicianship. Stream and buy The Feel Bad Hit Of The Winter at the link below.