Alvin Purple: Huh Her

Alvin Purple is a shoegaze band from Leeds, UK and they have just released their second single Huh Her b/w Please Please. To date, the total recorded output for the band is four tracks spread over two releases. What they lack in output though, they make up for in quality. The two tracks are driving, bluesy, post-punk with lo-fi textures, great instrumentals and the superlative voice of Carly Humphries. This is a band that shows much promise for the future. Here's hoping we get a full length release soon. Much more music is needed from Alvin Purple. Stream and download Huh Her for free at the link below.

NanosauR: Afterglow

Afterglow is the latest album from FZB favorite NanosauR, aka Michael Solorzano. The 16 tracks continue Nanosaur's rise as a leader in the purveyance of chill music. The album is silky smooth, but with quirky samples showing Nanosaur's continued growth as a producer.  Minimalist beats, airy synths and an abundance of textures layer together to make a compelling listening experience. Stream and download Afterglow for free at the link below.

Mirrors: This Year, Next Year, Sometime...?



This Year, Next Year, Sometime...? is the debut from Brighton, UK electrorockers Mirrors. The seven tracks bathe in a myriad of influences from New Order to Human League, but what is most striking is the originality. Darkish, hooky and with a decidedly post-punk vibe. This Year, Next Year, Sometime...? is a debut that is seriously deserving of attention. I just like everything about this album. The songs are expertly crafted and the production is flawless. This is a must listen and a must have. Stream and buy This, Year, Next Year, Sometime...? at the link below.

Happy Particles: Under Sleeping Waves

Under Sleeping Waves is the debut album from Glasgow band Happy Particles. Upon first listen, one would make the inevitable comparison to Bon Iver or even Sigus Ros, however there is much more to Under Sleeping Waves. The ten tracks showcase a beautifully produced album, with rich vocals and superlative instrumentals. The ambient textures and flowing guitar lines carry the listener up to meet the vocals in a sensual marriage. This is an album that stands on its own and should be appreciated for its own strengths. Stream and buy Under Sleeping Waves at the link below.

Mood Rings: Sweater Weather Forever

Sweater Weather Forever is the debut EP from Atlanta indie band Mood Rings. Released last year, the four tracks shimmer with a retro dream pop feel. Jangly guitars, reverby vocals and an overall lo-fi vibe abounds, as one expects from the genre. While many bands have released records of this ilk, there is still room for new good ones and that is what we have with Mood Rings. They are very good at what they do and every track on the EP is solid and enjoyable. We understand that a full album is in the works and the band has posted a demo for that album to their Bandcamp site. The demo shows a darker, heavier side of the band and I look forward to hearing the full album. For now, stream and buy Sweater Weather Forever at the link below.

Evenings: Lately//LP

Charlottesville shoegazer Evenings, aka Nathan Broaddus, has released his debut full length, Lately//LP. Continuing his use of minimal beats and synths, Lately//LP is a collection of ten chill tracks. Imaginative, darkish at times, light and airy at others, Evenings makes chillwave that draws you in and satifies your ears. Lately//LP is a great way to start the day.  Stream and buy the Lately//LP at the link below.

Hollow Pigeons: Birthdays EP

Birthdays is the sophomore EP from toronto synthpop artist Hollow Pigeons, aka 16 year old (yes you read that right) Ryan Dela Cruz. The music produced by Hollow Pigeon is well beyond his years. This is chill, synthpop at its finest. Airy, shimmering and beautiful, Hollow Pigeons weaves a tapestry of laid back bliss, with minimalist beats, lush synth pads and haunting tonality. Stream and download the Birthdays EP for free at the link below.



Glass Kites: Glass Kites

Glass Kites is the self-titled debut album from this Vancouver quintet. Wielding  diverse influences ranging from Jazz to Radiohead to Yes, Glass Kites showcases a broad approach to the post-rock landscape. The album is filled with complex lines, ambient textures and songs that soar high above the mundane. This is progressive rock at its best. At once, heavy and dreamy, intricate yet accessible. Stream and download Glass Kites at the link below:

 

Tours: Stay

Stay is the debut EP from Philadelphia artist Tours. The four tracks on the EP are shoegazey and chill, with a slight lo-fi dance aesthetic. These predominately instrumental tracks have an open, atmospheric texture and the beats accent more than they drive. Minimal vocals are layered into the background as another instument rather than being a focus of the music.This is a promising debut and it will be interesting to see where this artist goes in the future and what a full length album will deliver. Stream and buy Stay athe link below.

The KVB: Always Then

Always Then, the latest album from UK post punk band The KVB, will be released on January 30th. Dark and foreboding, the advance track Captives leaps at you like a shadowy figure in an alley. Captives suggests influences of Human League and Gary Numan. Listen to the track Captives and pre-order Always Then at the link below.