Soft Kill: Circle of Trees

 

Circle of Trees is the new album from Portland post-punk band Soft Kill. The eight tracks are a heavy blend of  influences from Joy Division to Interpol. The reverb laden vocals and powerful instrumentals are the perfect vehicle for songs that reach out and grab you. This album has a vibe and sound that is intimate and compelling. This is one to have in heavy rotation. Stream and buy Circle of Trees at the link below.
 

Televided: Robot Hearts EP

 

Robot Hearts is the debut EP from Washington State based Televided, aka Mark Shoemaker. The EP is a sci-fi themed concept from Shoemaker, who by day is a video game designer. The six tracks are a journey through space and time with imaginative synths, some heavy guitars and a compelling story of a scientist, an android and an overwhelming desire to be alone.  Masterfully performed and produced, this EP should be your day's novella. Stream and download Robot Hearts at the link below.

 



Grandpa Was A Lion: Dark Art EP

 

FZB favorites Grandpa Was A Lion are back with a new EP, Dark Art. The Brooklyn duo of  Justin D'Onofrio and  Kyle Hale serve up four tracks of melodic dreampop. Weaving their way through atmospheric vocals, with touches of heavy fuzzed guitars playing off acoustic passages and minimal synth pads, this EP is a pleasant interlude for any mood. Stream and download the Dark Art EP for free at the link below.

 



Petty Victories: Wait It Out

 

Wait It Out is the new album from Toronto dreampop duo Petty Victories, aka Colleen Dauncey and Zoe Sky Jordon. This album can be summed up in one word...stunning. The vocals and especially the harmonies these two deliver are breathtaking. Musically the album is a strong as anything we've heard of late and the production is flawless. Finally one has the songs, which are riveting, expertly crafted works. Yes, stunning is the word for this album. Stream and buy Wait It Out at the link below.

 

Travel Check: Tripping Waves Video

Travel Check had the number 1 video on our Top 10 Videos of 2012 on FZB. The band is back with another fine video for their track Tripping Waves. Check it out below.

White Blush: Juice Of My Heart Video

Watch a waitress take revenge in this cool video from FZB favorite White Blush, aka Carol Rhyu, for the track Juice Of My Heart.

There There: Like Love EP

 

Like Love is the debut EP from Phoenix, Arizona band There There. The five tracks are a deep, ethereal take on a musical journey started by the likes of Cocteau Twins and Radiohead. Now that is pretty heavy company to be in, but There There pick up the challenge and deliver a wonderful EP with tracks that completely engage one in the listening experience. Featuring the haunting vocals of Alisha Way, the EP is masterfully executed musically, with crisp production. Stream and buy Like Love at the link below.

 

Stereostar Sixty Nine:: Make Out The Target

 

 

Make Out The Target is the new EP from Metz, France electro rockers Stereostar Sixty Nine. The four tracks are a heavy mix of alt  rock and synthpop, with a theatrical stadiumesque vibe. One can't help but feel they are listening to a band poised for mega success. This is a polished and professional record, but at the same time the EP exudes spontaneity and freshness. Get in on the ground floor with this one. Stream and buy Make Out The Target at the link below.

 

Sol Cat: Sol Cat

 

Sol Cat is the self-titled debut from this Nashville indie rock band. When one thinks of Nashville, country music and monolithic major labels is what comes to mind. However, there has always been a pretty strong rock and indie scene there. Sol Cat are a product of that scene. The nine tracks are straight ahead rock n roll, with a healthy dose of "good time" rock influence. No pseudo-intellectualism, no genre bending and no pretense. Sol Cat just make good solid rock music and that should be enough for anyone. Stream and buy Sol Cat at the link below.

 

Misfit Mod: Islands & Islands

 

Islands & Islands is the debut album from Misfit Mod, aka Sarah Ann Kelleher, on Brooklyn based Stars and Letters Records. The interesting back story to this release is that Stars and Letters founder, Mark Roberts, has known the artist for years and has long appreciated the music she made, but only shared with a close circle of friends. It was his love of Misfit Mod's music and the desire to see her reach a wider audience that inspired him to start the label. Very high praise for any artist. The eleven tracks on Islands & Islands do not disappoint, delivering breathtaking vocals backed by masterfully executed minimalist synthpop. This is an artist you need to discover for yourself. Check out the video for the track, Queen Love Zero and then stream and buy Islands & Islands at the link below.