The Moth Poets: Doll

Scottish indie label Bearsuit Records brings us Doll, the debut album from The Moth Poets, aka Billy Gilbert. The eight tracks are a nice original take on indie rock, with a cool post-punk vibe. Stylistically varied, with an abundance of instrumental chops and dark enticing vocals, the album places out like a theatrical production of musical ambition, discovery and accomplishment. This is an album that will serve up new aural nuances with each listen and will hold its appeal through repeated plays. A definite must have. Stream and buy Doll at the link below.

Kim Barlow: How To Let Go

How To Let Go is the new album from Nova Scotia singer/songwriter Kim Barlow. Long a fixture on the Canadian indie folk scene, the thirteen tracks show that Barlow has lost none of her creative prowess. The album rewards the listener with wonderfully diverse songs, that explore the intersection between traditional and progressive folk in a way that envelops the listener in a sonic landscape deep in aural influences, musical nuance and imagination. Barlow delivers an album that is a testament to the continual relevancy of folk as an artform. This album is a definite must have. Stream and buy How To let Go at the link below.

Polly Panic: Losing Form

Losing Form is the third album from North Carolina's Polly Panic, aka Jenette Mackie (Rasputina). The ten tracks feature Jenette's totally compelling rock cello work and dark enticing vocals. This is an album that is all about musical depth and originality. Jenette's vocals are edgy and packed with emotion, while her cello groans and cries, with a heavy and sultry vibe that tears at one's insides like a jilted lover. Taken together the listener will find themselves willingly crashing onto this siren's sonic rocks. This album is an absolute must have. Watch the video for the title track, then stream and buy Losing Form at the link below.

Alex Ebert: In Support Of 5ame Dude Vol. 3

In Support Of 5ame Dude Vol.3 is an EP in the series from artist Alex Ebert. Consisting of five tracks recorded in 2011, the EP is a shoegazy excursion into some smart music. featuring stylistic depth and highly interesting arrangements. The EP stands as an accomplished work both vocally and instrumentally. Which then begs the question, is this artist all about past accomplishments or is there new music coming to enjoy. This is no small question. As good as these tracks are, as statements on the past, they are destined to obscurity. This is an obviously gifted artist and one who should be delivering new music to build what would surely be a large fan base. Stream and buy In Support Of 5ame Dude Vol. 3 at the link below.

Rude Audio: Rude Redux

Rude Redux is the sophomore EP from London electronic maestros Rude Audio. the four original tracks and one remix bring a wonderful originality to the intersection of dub, house and EDM. With a sound inhabiting a lower BPM range that is coming into vogue in the London dance club scene, the EP offers up a wide original ensemble of sounds, moods and character. Engaging minimalist beats and compelling melodies are the order of the days on an EP that is a superlative example of how much room for innovation there can still be in electronic music. This is an absolute must have. Watch the video for EP track To The Sun, then stream and buy Rude Redux at the link below.

Sci-Fi Romance: Dreamers & Runaways

Dreamers & Runaways is the fourth album from Los Angeles band Sci-Fi Romance. The ten tracks are rich progressive folk, with vocals reminiscent of Crash Test Dummies. The album is sharp and stylish, with imaginative lyrical depth and engaging arrangements. Unlike much of current indie folk, the album is unpretentious, with an authenticity in its sonic vibe and a bit of a moody dark presence. As a whole the album is a compelling listen that will draw one back to delve into its variety and aesthetic. This record is strong from start to finish and a definite must have. Stream and buy Dreamers & Runaways at the link below.

Box Of Moxie: Irish Sea Lovers

Irish Sea Lovers is the new single from Virginia artists Box Of Moxie, aka Stephen Jacques and Alan Weatherhead. The track is a Dylanesque tale that inhabits a space between folk and pop. The piece is adult contemporary radio ready, with a smooth vibe, nice melody and an interesting theme. That said, the song would be better served as an album track rather than a single, as its overall vibe is low energy and it is a bit lackluster in terms of a compelling engagement with the listener. A nice track overall and definitely one to listen to, but also one not likely to find itself on repeat. Stream and buy Irish Sea Lovers at the link below.

The Cavemen: Burn Out For Love

Burn Out For For Love is the new 7" from UK harcore punk auters, The Cavemen, on Dirty Water Records. The two tracks are everything one has come to expect from this band, fast, in your face, take no prisoners punk rock. This is music for those that appreciate bands with a pure, authentic punk ethos. These two tracks are edgy enough to slash tires and as raw a crotch rash. Loud, live and meant to turn up and offend the old lady down the hall. Also, an absolute must have. Stream and buy Burn Out For Love at the link below.

Don Babylon: Foul

Foul is the sophomore album from Philadelphia band, Don Babylon. The ten tracks are stylish garage rock that stands with the best this genre has to offer. The band delivers an album that covers the rock bases from Cheap Trick, to The Clash, to Growlers, to Stray Cats. Yes that's a lot of ground, and Don Babylon serves it up effortlessly, never forgetting to rock the listeners arse off. In this age of themes, memes, one song attentions spans and an abundance of commercial drivel, this is an album that restores one's faith in rock as an artform. This album works on every level and is a definite must have.  Watch the video for album track, Really Fast Cars, then stream and buy Foul at the link below.

Baby Jey: Someday Cowboy

Someday Cowboy is the debut album from Edmonton group, Baby Jey. The nine tracks are smart pop music, with a radio ready sheen. The songs are catchy and show a bit of stylistic depth, with strong vocals and harmonies. Instrumentally, the piano and bass shine from the rest of the instrumentation, though the synths are mostly worn out cliched sounds. The album is highly polished which both adds to its sound, but also leaves it lacking of real energy. This is a well crafted record, with a pop sound that is tried and true, easy to listen to and thoroughly enjoyable. At the same time though, it lacks a sonic vibe that really engages the listener. Stream and buy Someday Cowboy at the link below.