Saturday, November 21, 2015

[Bandcamp] Chalk Dinosaur - Fear Or Love [Psych Rock]

What Will It Be For You?
Artist: Chalk Dinosaur
Release Date: September 11th, 2015
Genre: Electronic, Rock, Psychedelia
For Fans Of: Tame Impala, The Beatles, Keane
Recommended Tracks: Perception, Fear or Love, Soul Divide

I feel like I need to formerly apologize to John O'Hallaron for completely skimping out on properly reviewing his Caves release for some shoddy, unfunny post about me being late to class. It actually was a pretty outstanding psych rock album and it's also one of the least viewed articles on this blog. So Mr. O'Hallaron? I'm sorry. To make it up for you, I wrote a nice review of your debut album that my buddies over on the site I wrote for enjoyed and I am going to probably rec more of your albums here because your music is dope.

Fear or Love is O'Hallaron's latest EP, and is probably the final step to the third-eye singularity that John has slowly been inching towards ever since his first release in 2009. I mean, damn son, this album just reeks of 60s psychedelia down with the parliament smoke weed everyday wake up sheeple revivalism that the world has never seen before. And I love you for that, Mr. O'Hallaron. It's only three tracks long, and what a three tracks those are. 

Perception, a song about uh... "finding self awareness and being able to step outside of your emotions to observe your true motives." What this means, I cannot tell you, for I am only a sheeple. What I can tell you though, is that this album is an excellent journey exploring the early day of O'Hallaron's indie rock work with simplistic acoustic strumming and cutesy vocals; to the current state of Chalk Dinosaur with electronica interludes, reggae riffs, fuzzy vocoders, thick and smooth basslines, and psychedelia atmosphere. Fear or Love contains some subdued vocal mixing and twinkly keys that lead to an explosive "jazzy" finale, and finally Soul Divide with some more electronic/dance inspired percussion and psychedelic interludes that finally conclude with something resemblant of a trip-hop arrangement. 

It's an interesting three track journey that sounds like an accumulation of every trick and sound that O'Hallaron has found and developed since his early days in 2009, and it makes for an outstanding EP worth your time. 

Stream/Download/Buy Here: Bandcamp

[NO LONGER FREE] Pinegrove - Everything So Far [Alt Rock]

You Never Expected Much...
Artist: Pinegrove
Release Date: November 20th, 2015
Genre: Alternative Rock
For Fans Of: Grizzly Bear, Band of Horses, Deerhoof, Funeral Suits, Bon Iver
Recommended Tracks: New Friends, Problems, Size of the Moon, &, Unison, Recycling, Sunday

Pinegrove are an alternative rock group who are pretty difficult to compare to other bands or even describe as a whole. Their debut album, Meridian, came out a few years back with absolutely zero fan-fare anywhere. Which is a mighty shame, because it happened to of been one of my favorite albums of 2012. Everything So Far, on the other hand, is a compilation of all of Pinegrove's currently released material. This includes their albums, singles, EPs, and mixtapes for a total of 21 tracks. 

Since this is a compilation, the album becomes a mix of quick indie-rock and some slower, rough around the edges acoustic tracks. Despite this, none of these tracks end up being bad. You get little instances of different genres here and there. Pop, math rock, indie, lo-fi, and punk among others. Yet none of the qualities of those genres ever end up having a large significant edge on the album's sounds as a whole. Thats why the best you can say about this band is "they're good, they're free, listen to them please." 

Stream/Download/Buy Here: Bandcamp

[Bandcamp] Moddi - Smoke [Folk]

You're Just Too hard To Find...
Artist: Moddi
Release Date: February 6th, 2010
Genre: Folk
For Fans Of: Bright Eyes, Sufjan Stevens, Einar Stray
Recommended Tracks: well there is only one track so...

Smoke is a nifty little song I found based off the recommendation of a fella I know. It's only a single mind you, but it's a great one, so uh yeah...

Anywho, this song features a dreary little set-up with the solemn plucking of an acoustic guitar before the sweeping of a violin serenades alongside the guitar. From there, the track progressively picks up with the introduction of bass, guitar, and finally the whispery vocals of Moddi. It's a sad, sad set-up for a song while Moddi himself continues the song with comparing love to that of the ashes of fire. 

While this all would typically seen as your generic, paint-by-numbers acoustic folk track the last half takes a sudden turn as Moddi begins yelling out under the sea of guitars and violins in a furious rage that makes the track stick with a sinister energy before finally concluding with a soft piano outro. It's a short little track that picks up a lot of interesting ideas, and is worth checking. Alongside their debut album Set The House On Fire which isn't free but is extremely good. 

Stream/Download/Buy Here: Bandcamp

[Bandcamp] The Oh Hellos - Through the Deep, Dark Valley [Folk]

So I'll Come Around, Someday
Artist: The Oh Hellos
Release Date: October 30th, 2012
Genres: Folk
For Fans Of: Lord Huron, Paper Kites, Avalanche City, Civil Wars
Recommended Tracks: The Valley, Eat You Alive, Wishing Well, The Lament, I Was Wrong, Truth Was A Cave

There's something incredibly enduring about The Oh See's Through The Deep, Dark Valley. It's a feeling that isn't common on many albums, especially those in the bluegrass/folk revival sound courtesy of groups like The Lumineers and Mumford and Sons. Maybe it's the dynamics of the female/male vocal duo, maybe it's maybelline.  Whatever it is, there's no denying that this album just has a contagiously easy-going and happy feeling going on in it's warm folksy pluckery. If that's even a word.

Through The Deep,  Dark Valley sounds exactly like it's title suggests. A journey through the darkness and into the light. With it's concept of the struggles of faith, that is to be expected though. Every track rushes forward with comforting energy delivered through the assistance of a female/male vocal duo (and a large group of background chanters) who, with the assistance of a fine arrangement of loud acoustic guitars and various other instruments to subtly boot, enrich the overall chemistry of the vocalists and the dreary songwriting of self-discovery. 

It's an enjoyable record, with songwriting and lyrics that are unforgettable in every instance of the word. This album is a definite one that you should pick up no questions asked. It's also suggested that you listen to it from start to finish for the best experience. 

Stream/Download/Buy Here: Bandcamp

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

[Bandcamp] Kauan - Sorni Nai [Black Metal/Post Rock]

An album of cinematic proportions...
Artist: Kauan
Release Date: October 20th, 2015
Genres: Black Metal, Post Rock, Cinematic Rock
For Fans Of: The Morning Side, We Lost the Sea, Two Steps From Hell, Agalloch
Recommended Tracks: All of it, tbh.
Dyatlov Pass.

This name may sound familiar to those who live and breathe the supernatural and paranormal;' or to those who read Cracked.com articles before it's decline. For those uninitiated though, Dyatlov Pass is a northern plane in the Ural Mountains of Russia and Kazakhastan that became a centerpiece of mystery and intrigue when nine of ten in a group of hikers perished under disturbing circumstances. On the night of Feburary 2nd, 1959, nine of the ten hikers suddenly fled from their camp site and into the dark snowy night where they met their deaths. The mystery of it all, however, were the circumstances the hikers were found in. Some were found barely nude, while others were found with fractured skulls and even missing eyes and tongues.

To this day, it's unknown what happened to the group entirely. Some suggest they were attacked by indigenous tribes, aliens, or the Yeti. While others suggest that accidental military involvement led to their death. It's a tragedy that has fascinated many for decades on end for it's random and disturbing circumstances. Kauan, the Russian black metal duo for example, were so incredibly wound up with the incident that they created an entire concept album built around filling in the blanks of what happened that odd night. Sorni Nai tells the story with a melancholy holiness that crushes down into despair as it progresses track-by-track. The sound landscapes feature a vast array of operating string and orchestral sections with calming angelic vocals occupying them in the beginning.

As the album progresses, darker arrangements and harsh growling vocals began to paint the narrative as the intimate drag of death looms over. It's all executed in such a perfectly smooth manner that one can sit back and take the album in as something as a movie (granted that you can understand the lyrics) with it's combination of cinematic post-rock arrangements and punishing black metal climaxes. While the hikes deaths may of been a mystery, what isn't is that Soni Nai is a concept album that charts an interesting territory and in result of the experimentation creates a clear stand-out in post rock and black metal.

Stream/Download/Buy: Here

Don't forget, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way <3

[Bandcamp] George Clanton - 100% Electronica [Electronic]

I wan't to buy a new life...
Artist: George Clanton
Release Date: September 25th, 2015
Genre: Electronic, Chillwave, Synthpop, Vaporwave

For Fans Of: Depeche Mode along with other 80/90s new-wave electronica
Recommended Tracks: Never Late Again, Did I Flounder, Bleed, It Makes the Babies Want To Cry, Innocence

100% Electronica is an oddity of an album. It's part of the ever declining vaporwave movement, a genre nauseatingly stuffed with half-heartedly slapped together projects for the Bandcamp masses. Yet somehow, George Clanton naturally manages to transcend all boundaries and expectations of the genre with a record that sticks out boldly and proudly with a dreamy, dark, and refreshing clash of 80s/90s electronica and the modern day trends of the internet in what is truly a head-scratching post-modernist wet dream.

Or in other words... this album is dope. Yo. You can hear little bits of influences pop here and there from the slow, "sample" friendly percussion, smooth glossy synths, and Clanton's deep and droning vocals. All is fun and all is unique on this record, as Clanton delivers an ample amount of variety with his various styles of vaporwave and electronica in his composition. It's a full on joy-ride with a little something more for just about anyone and it's what makes 100% Electronica one of the best releases of 2015.

Stream/Download/Buy on Bandcamp: Here

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

[Bandcamp] Moderator - The World Within [Trip-Hop/Electronic]

The World Within cover art
A new kind of poetry...
Artist: Moderator
Release Date: February 18th , 2015
Genre: Trip-Hop, Hip-Hop, Electronic
 
For Fans of: Esbe, DJ Shadow, ProleteR
Recommended Tracks: Blind You To My Spell, Harlem River, Words Remain, I'm Sorry I'm Lost, Vasai-Virar
 
Moderator is a 22 year old Greek producer who is quite a delight to listen to. His style, which is rooted in Greek heritage, blends a soulful mixture of funk, hip-hop, trip-hop, and jazz. The World Within displays a beautiful presentation of Moderator's skills with an array of styles that are pleasing and captivating. Moderator's skill in his manipulation of organic instruments and synthetic samples is unmatched. The seductive vocals of Blind You To My Spell, the trippy atmosphere of Harlem River, or the middle-eastern string arrangement dominant in Vasai-Virar all keep The World Within a fresh album that much like the intro track, blind you in a spell through it's duration. If instrumental hip-hop is something you fancy then by all means check this out.
 
Stream/Download/Buy: Bandcamp
 
Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way. If you like what you hear consider supporting Moderator by throwing a few coins his way or by sharing his work with family and friends! Free music makes the word go round and stuff!

[Other] ??? - The Catcher of the Fade [Rap]

 
Artists: Busdriver, milo, VerBS, Open Mike Eagle, William Thedford
Release Date: July 24th, 2015
Genre: Rap
 
For Fans of: The rappers I listed above, go listen to them scrubs
Recommended Tracks: One of Mine, Dash, Lyp
 
The Catcher of the Fade is a hip-hop collaboration album between former Hellfyre member milo and current Hellfyre members Busdriver, milo, VerBS, Open Mike, and William Thedford. While details of the project aren't fully known, in terms of who was in charge of it and what it's association is, what is known is that this is a pretty kick ass EP.
 
As normal, each of the featured rappers do an excellent job delivering their signature brands of quirk and power over smooth production. I should probably type more, but I need to pay attention to class. So just go download it.
 
Download [Downloads Instantly]: Mediafire

Sunday, September 6, 2015

Kill Bill - RESIN [Rap]

I'm worthless...
Artist: Kill Bill
Release Date: August 2nd, 2015
Genre: Rap

For Fans of: Video games, anime, and being depressed?
Recommended Tracks: RESIN, CERULEAN, RPG, GHOST, LOST IN U, VIBE KILLERS

I've been following Kill Bill since the release of his debut mixtape Ramona about a year ago. While I found myself not being able to get behind Kill Bill's ballads and reference heavy lyricism, there was a strong sense of genuine heart and output being backed into his work. Thankfully, about a year later, Kill Bill released a follow-up mixtape by the name of RESIN

This mixtape is noticeably darker. There isn't that much safe warmness that was present in Ramona. Instead, the production of the mixtape sees darker tones with glitchy beats and harsh noise. Meanwhile, Kill Bill himself seems to have taken a far more negative perspective in his songwriting as many of the tracks on here feel somewhat self-defeatists. It's an interesting perspective, and the vulnerability that Kill Bill places himself in create moment of sincerity that makes RESIN engaging. If you like dark production, quirky samples, and harsh song-writing then this album is for you.

Stream/Download/Buy: Bandcamp

Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! Don't forget to share this album with your friends and family along with supporting the artist! Free music makes the world go round. Not gravity.

Friday, August 28, 2015

The Appleseed Cast - Low Level Owl, Vol 1+2 [Post-Rock]

We could believe...
Artist: The Appleseed Cast
Release Date: October 23rd, 2011
Genre: Post-Rock, Emo
 
For Fans of: Explosions in the Sky, Moving Mountains, American Football
 
It hadn't occurred to me until now that I may of had responses on my "suggest an album" form that I had running on the side of my blog for a couple of months, so upon checking it out I had discovered there were over 30 suggestions which I hadn't responded to. Sorry guys.
 
Low Level Owl is a two part album by American post-rock group The Appleseed Cast. This album saw a heavy change in The Appleseed Cast's sound, where their looser emo sound was swapped out for more cinematic post-rock arrangements in the style of American Football and Explosions in the Sky. Low Level Owl isn't entirely an album that can be listened to at random, many of the tracks rely on fading cues from other tracks to carry itself as a singular experience, as trying to listen to many of these tracks in an isolated run can make them feel a little boring or empty.
 
This doesn't make it a bad album by any means, but it IS an album meant to be listened as a single experience. The aesthetic of the album focuses heavy on subtle melodies interlaced with loud and bold landscapes that give the album a beautiful feeling. The vocals on the album are very sparse, only used sparingly every few tracks in short passages. These instances give depth to the music in general as a heavy force in genuine intimacy. The album is worth listening to in a single sitting, as it is a beautiful and memorable one.
 
Stream/Download/Buy: Bandcamp
 
Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! Don't forget to share this album with your friends and family and to support the artist! A free album a day keeps the doctor away or something like that.

katie dey - asdfasdf [Electronic/Folk]

You're on your own...
Artist: katie dey
Release Date: April 28th, 2015
Genre: Folk, Electronic, Noise

Recommended Tracks: don't be scared, fear o the dark, h o e, y o y o, you gotta get up to get up
For Fans of:  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Do you like folk music? Do you like odd and quirky electronic noise shoved in-between? If you said yes, then Katie Dey's debut album is for you! If you said no, then get the hell out of here you loser. Asdfasdf  is a warm feeling electronic album that glitches and beep boops about through a heavy distorted folk filter. The choppy vocal cuts and clips that serenade the fuzzy melodies give way to an expansive soundscape that gives asdfasdf a unique feeling in... whatever kind of music Katie dey makes.

Stream/Download/Buy: Bandcamp

Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! If you like what you hear then make sure to support the artist and share their work with friends and family! A little free music keeps the world spinning! <3

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Grandview - Everything Between Paint and a Wall [Emo]

Just let me know you're there...
Artist: Grandview
Release Date: December 17th, 2013
Genre: Emo/Post-Hardcore/Alternative

Recommended Tracks: Seeking Out Gold, The Only Constant, To The Sun, 7, Saw the Sky, Shaper, Sitting on Gold
For Fans of: Brand New, The Wonder Years

Grandview were a special band in my eyes, not many other bands or artists had a sound similar to them and their songwriting was on point. Everything Between Paint and a Wall, what I refer to as their final album since the group is more or less inactive, is a beautiful album full and through. The lyricism dances around self-defeatism through a fine string of metaphors and uplifting grooves that gives the album an enriching backbone. The songwriting also incorporates a large number of lush melodies and subtle effects that help boost the power of the lyrics and keep the tracks original and fresh. I don't know if this band has anything new in the pipeline, but if they do then consider me stoked!

Stream/Download/Buy: Bandcamp

Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! Make sure to share this album with friends and family because free music helps make the world go round! <3

Sonic4ever - Sonic Adventure 2 Greatest Hits Revisited [Musical Perfection]

SUPER SONIC RACING
Artist: Sonic4ever
Release Date: October 19th, 2014
Genre: UR2SLOWCORE

Recommended Tracks: Live and Learn, City Escape, Pumpkin Hill, Tails and Dr Eggman Fight but Dr Eggman dies in an explosion, Super Sonic Racing
For Fans of: True patrician music

This blog is officially shutting down as no other album will be able to ever top the quality of Sonic Adventure 2 Greatest Hits Revisited. Sorry guys.

Stream/Download/Buy: Bandcamp

Native America - Get Well Soon [Garage/Psych-Pop]

I know it had to be this way...
Artist Name: Native America
Release Date: January 21st, 2013
Genre: Garage Rock, Psychedelia, Pop

For Fans of: The Arctic Monkeys, Cage the Elephant, Tame Impala, The Districts
Recommended Tracks: Reminded, Personal Space, Living Room, Pictures, Bird's Eye, Earth Chattering

Probably the best way to describe Native America's sound would be if the vocalist of Cage the Elephant and the guitarists from Tame Impala made a band together and then cranked up the distortion to 11. For those who don't listen to either of those bands (go look em' up) basically this is an album with bright and poppy vocals with a heavy distorted and psychedelia backbone. On top of this, the album explores plentiful landscapes whether bright or dark (as seen in songs like Hush) which helps keep the variety high. It's a fun album and a well constructed one at that, worth the spin.

Stream/Download/Buy: Bandcamp

Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! Make sure to share this album with friends and family because free music helps the world go 'round! <3

Saturday, August 15, 2015

[NO LONGER FREE] death's dynamic shroud.wmv - I'll Try Living Like This [Vaporwave]

#Aesthetics
Artist: death's dynamic shroud.wmv
Release Date: May 15th, 2015
Genre: Vaporwave

For Fans Of: I don't know, I don't listen to vaporwave.
Recommended Tracks: Loving is Easy, CD Factory, 시원한 파도소리 좋아요, 내 마음은 떨고, Good Bye

Y'know. It's not everyday you run into a vaporwave release that surprisingly isn't tepid and inept bullshit riding off the coattails of a trend that should've died with Anthony Fantano's Macintosh Plus review. You see, I'll Try Living Like This is a pretty good album. Hell, it's an outstanding album and a far superior one in the vaporwave genre. What makes it's so great is how unique and vast it is in ideas and scope, something that is commonly absent from it's peers.

Now i'll stop knocking on vaporwave and just talk about whats so damn good about I'll Try Living Like This. This album, much like the artist's name implies, is dynamic. You find brief instances of pop, synthwave, electro, vaporwave, and plenty of other sounds within the dark and sinister buzz of crooked and choppy electronic melodies. It's a sound that intrigues and keeps attention through it's 12 track entirety while staying consistent despite it's usually inconsistent nature in association to it's genre. 

The only instances where the album begins to feel like a drag are in tracks where the primary vaporwave aesthetics take over and drag tracks on. Thankfully, the constant variety and curveballs of the core production helps keep this problem at a bare minimum. Despite my cynicism towards the vaporwave genre, make no mistake when I say that this album is an outstanding release and you shouldn't be afraid to check it out what so ever. Go ahead. Do it. I'm not judging you, ya filthy pig. 

Download/Stream/Buy: Bandcamp
Remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes along way! Share this album with friends and family, free music helps the world go round! <3

[Non Bandcamp] Antarctigo Vespucci - Leavin' La Vida Loca [Pop Rock]

Is there a heaven in the sky for you and me?
Release Date: July 27th, 2015
Genre: Pop Rock, Surf Rock, Punk

For Fans Of: Fake Problems, Jeff Rosenstock, The Gaslight Anthem, Weezer, Greenday
Recommended Tracks: Impossible to Place, Living in Hell, Crashing Waves, I See Failure

Antarctigo Vespucci is something of a supergroup in my eyes. It's composed of Chris Farren (Fake Problems), Jeff Rosenstock (Bomb the Music Industry!), Benny Horowitz (The Gaslight Anthem), and sometimes Laura Stevenson. All horrible band names aside (seriously look up how they came up with the name) though, what Antarctigo Vespucci achieves is an insanely catchy and fun pop rock album with a depressing enough backbone to make it more intelligent and worthwhile than it's contemporaries. 

Chris Farren's depressing songwriting and his plucky, upbeat vocals blend in well with Jeff Rosenstock's morbidly cheery instrumentation. The two create a dynamic combination of energy and passion that makes each and every one of their tracks unforgettable. I would say more, but I think the record should just speak for itself. That, and because it's late as hell here and I can't be assed to write something semi-professional for once. 

Download Here: Instant Download
Stream Here: YouTube
Purchase Here: Vinyl only 

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Rising Appalachia and The Human Experience - Soul Visions [Trip-Hop/Americana]

Walk with me.. 
Release Date: June 17th, 2013
Genre: Trip-Hop, Soul, Americana

For Fans Of: Massive Attack, UNKLE, Red Giant
Recommended Tracks: Mississippi, Pretty Little Foot, Downtown, Sunu

Soul Visions is a collaboration between electronic artist The Human Experience and soul/americana duo Rising Appalachia. The end product of these two polar opposites is an exhilarating electronic album with a fine flair of southern americana soul to give the entire album a fresh spin in it's genre.

You can stream, download, or buy Soul Visions here. If you like what you hear consider supporting Rising Appalachia and The Human Experience by throwing a few coins their way or by purchasing their solo work located here and here. You can also share this album with your friends! They like americana trip-hop, right? Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

[Sorta Non-Bandcamp] Jeff Rosenstock - We Cool? [Folk/Punk]

I'm gonna die and you're gonna forget my name...
Release Date: February 25, 2015
Genre: Folk, Punk

For Fans Of: Joey Cape, Bomb the Music Industry!, Andrew Jackson Jihad
Recommended Tracks: Get Old Forever, Nausea, Beers Again Alone, Polar Bear Or Africa, Hall of Fame, The Lows, Darkness Records

Jeff Rosenstock is quite the achieved musician if I do say so myself. A member of cult classic ska-punk group The Arrogant Sons of Bitches, DIY collective Bomb The Music Industry, and various other bands such as Kudrow, Antarctigo Vespucci, and The Bruce Lee Band; Jeff has displayed a large variety of song writing and musicianship without ever failing to impress. We Cool?, the debut studio album from Jeff Rosenstock following the break-up of Bomb The Music Industry.

We Cool? shows Jeff at an absolute apex with songwriting and musicianship. Jeff's combination of downright depressing themes such as growing up a failure, dying alone, and having everyone out to get you with quick and up-beat instrumentals create a little morbid atmosphere for all the songs on the album. The writing itself blends a nice level of venerability with sarcasm that makes each song catchy and fun to listen to. This album is just an overall joy to listen to, and with all the different styles of folk, punk, country, and weezercore throughout the album there is a little something for everyone. 

You can stream or buy We Cool? here. You can download the album here. If you like what you hear, consider supporting Jeff Rosenstock by purchasing a copy of the album as located on his bandcamp page. You can also share this album with your friends! They love really depressing and quirky music, right? Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

Friday, July 10, 2015

The Sky Life - Caves [Folk/Post-Rock]

I knew it all along...
Artist: The Sky Life
Release Date: October 17th, 2012
Genre: Folk, Post-Rock

For Fans Of: Bon Iver, Wilco, Ben Howard, Sparklehorse
Recommended Tracks: Stop Thinking, Granville, Feel the Same, Son to the Seed, Freeman

The Sky Life are a folk band who incorporate a small amount of post-rock for flavoring through a large scope of various styles that call back to early Wilco, Bon Iver, and Sparklehorse. Caves, the debut album from The Sky Life, demonstrates The Sky Life's ability to craft a rich and original sound while keeping their influences at bay. On top of that, is songwriting that goes through the motions of the hardest times in life with hyperbole that allows for the work to be interpreted however by the listener. Making for a beautiful and engaging listen. If you like folk music with a niche, and a damn good one at that, and you're a fan of the previously aforementioned influences; then Caves is a must listen. 

You can stream, download, or buy Caves here. If you like what you hear, consider supporting The Sky Life by throwing a few coins their way or by purchasing their previous work as located on their bandpage linked above. You can also share this album with your friends! They like... meh, can't think of anything. Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

A City Sorrow Built - Ai [Post-Hardcore]

May your happiness last...
Artist: Ai
Release Date: June 12th, 2015
Genre: Post-Hardcore

For Fans Of: Lome Prieta, Envy
Recommended tracks: Hati/Saiju, Suaramu, Hitam/Putih, Duka/Cita

A City Sorrow Built are a post-hardcore screamo band from Indonesia. They are a group who blend post-rock, post-hardcore, and screamo elements together with a mixture of english and Indonesian to give themselves a unique sound and identity. Ai showcases their dynamic blend with beautiful and blissful arrangements that is only amplified in power by the screams that intertwine with the melodies of the album. It's an incredibly beautiful and technically sound album, if you are a fan of albums about heartbreak then this album is a must listen!

You can stream, download, or buy Ai here. If you like what you hear, consider supporting A City Sorrow Built by throwing a few coins their way! You can also share this album with your friends, they like 9 minute screamo ballads... right? Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

bansheebeat - Lumine [Electronic]

Nothing is left for me now...
Artist: bansheebeat
Release Date: July 7th, 2015
Genre: Electronic, Chiptune, IDM

For Fans Of: Aivi & Surasshu, Porter Robinson, Slime Girls, Steven Universe
Recommended Tracks: Shinsekai, Sea of Lights, Rainy Love, Cultural Festival Arc, Lumine, Polestar

So I'm listening to the Lumine for the first time considering it was just released earlier today. Only about 7 tracks in, but I have to say this is one hell of an album. I linked banshee's last album, Spiral Power, a while back if anyone remembers. While that album was great with it's "N64 throwback" atmosphere, mainly because of it's use of Nintendo game samples, this album expands it's horizon and scope to include a wide variety of extravagant melodies in an incredible and spacious landscape. 

Every track on Lumine bursts with energy, twisting and turning through layer after layer of soundscapes and atmosphere with the assistance of various instruments and samples that adds levels of depth to the core work of the album. The tracks themselves vary from progressive, to straight forwards dance music, to more somber ballads and all feel unique and ultimately beautiful. If there was anything more I could say about this album, it would be that bansheebeat has given me an AOTY contender without a doubt. If you like this kind of music, or even if you don't, give it a spin ASAP!

You san stream, download, or buy Lumine here. If you like what you hear, consider supporting bansheebeat by throwing a few coins his way. You can also share this album with your friends! They all like beautiful electronic-chiptune landscapes, right? Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

Monday, July 6, 2015

Lost Salt Blood Purges - The Voids We All Long For [Drone/Folk]

I guess that's what he loved about me...
Lost Salt Blood Purges is a bloke I know. Well, more like a bloke I argue about the ethics of music streaming with. Anyways, Lost Salt Blood Purges is a dude who is pretty passionate about his work, and for good reason too. The Voids We All Long For is an interesting little album. It blurs the line of folk, drone, and ambient sound (among other unmentioned genres) and in the process it creates an atmosphere that is as intriguing as it is dark. 

Whether it be the vague lyrics or the sputtering of glitch noise, suffocating ambience, and reclusive guitar arrangements; what The Voids We All Long For presents is an album with a lot to show and tell with it's darkness. And it succeeds in doing so with an excellent showcase of production and presentation. Whether you like multi-part concepts, ambient buzz, covers, or spoken word passages; there is a little bit of everything to be found in The Voids We All Long For, and to a further extent, it all mixes in together brilliantly. 

You can stream, download, or buy The Voids We All Long For here. If you like what you hear, consider supporting Lost Salt Blood Purges by throwing a few coins his way. You can also share this album with your friends! They like ambient drone folk stuff, right? Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

Thursday, June 25, 2015

♡kitty♡ - FROSTBITE [Synth Pop/Rap/Jailbait]

I won't even miss you...

Frostbite is a simply adorable EP from the equally adorable synth pop/rapper Kitty. The strong points of Frostbite come from the over abundance of sugar coated beats and Kitty's signature whispery-sass that put her on the map in synthpop.

You can stream, download, or buy FROSTBITE here. If you like what you hear, consider supporting Kitty by throwing a few coins her way. You can also share this with your friends, they won't think you're weird... right? Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

Thursday, June 18, 2015

The Named - The Named [Industrial/Metal]

Not enough life...
The Named, formerly known as industrial group The Shizit, have re-mastered their previously unreleased record Seeing Is Destroying under Glitch Mode Recordings.  This album is a political power bomb of insane energy. With heavy riffs, catchy melodies, energetic leads, brutal yelling, unforgiving darkness, and any other adjectives you can find! The Named's self titled debut is one that is worth checking out.

You can stream, download, or buy The Named here. If you like what you hear, consider supporting The Named by throwing a few coins their way, purchasing a physical bundle, or by purchasing official products from Rabbit Junk and The Shizit. You can also share this album with your friends! They like heavy industrial metal, right? Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3 

Sunday, June 14, 2015

bansheebeat - Spiral Power [Electronic]

Spiral Power cover art


Look at that album art, isn't it really aesthetic? If you are a top music curator like me then you know that aesthetics are all that matter in music. As they are the future of music. Now listen to this album, tell me, doesn't it sound aestheticy? bansheebeat is an electronic artist who takes his love for NES video games, Toonami, dystopian futures, and magic and places them all in a unique and beautiful atmosphere. 

The album oozes with dark atmospheres, with every heavy texture and feathery synth interlacing into heavenly melodies. The drumming itself is also well composed, every drum line dances in skittery unison to craft a firm foundation for the aforementioned synth work. Not to mention every drum sample sounds completely unique from the ones on previous tracks, making this album even more special in it's execution. If you need something to relax to, this is your go to.

You can stream, download, or buy Spiral Power here. If you like what you hear, consider supporting bansheebeat by throwing a few coins his way. You can also share this album with your friends! They like dark electronic albums, right? Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3  

[Non-Bandcamp] Bomb the Music Industry! - Vacation [Ska Punk]

Nothing's forever, dude...
Bomb the Music Industry! We're the living epitome of fun. Something of a supergroup with 6 members (and 20 assistant artists) from various bands in the punk scene Bomb the Music Industry spent the 8 years that they were active creating one amazing record after the other of pure unadulterated fun with song writing that far surpassed other bands in the "maturity" department. Vacation, the final album from Bomb the Music Industry, saw the group slowing things down a bit. The songwriting, while still shining with the sarcastic and depressing wit of previous records, starts to get more introspective with it's subject matter. 

Despite it's overall fun sounding nature, nothing's forever, dude is the perfect line to describe this album. Despite Jeff yelling the line out loud with a quick melodic hook, the line itself is sad in it's own special way. And as each subsequent track passes, you feel the sadness of seeing the group going grow ever stronger. It's a perfect closing album with highlight after highlight and rare of any drags. Whether you like hardcore screaming, bouncy ska, jittery electronics, or solemn ballads, this album has it all and does it with a special signature fun that no other band will ever be able to replicate. Have a great vacation guys.

You can stream, download, or buy Vacation here. If you like what you hear, consider supporting Bomb the Music Industry! by throwing a few coins their way through their donation button or by purchasing a physical copy. All links are located right under the album art! They suggest 5 dollars, I suggest 10 dollars. You can also share this album with your friends! They like hardcore ska punk acoustic folk chiptune core, right? Just remember a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

Archivist - ARCHIVIST [Post Metal/Black Metal]

Please, take a seat
The black metal scene has seen a rise in "acoustic/emotional" melodies being mixed in with the principal foundation of the genre... Ghost Bath has done it with large controversy due to the mystery of where and what the group exactly is and Dreamheaven did it with an album that was hailed by countless publications as the best album of 2013. Now we have Archivist, a brand new band that has been a little quiet in the scene (considering this album is only ten days old) but has released what is undoubtedly a candidate for album of the year. 

Archivist play in a similar fashion to both Ghost Bath and Deafheaven with their debut ARCHIVIST, but they separate themselves with an ambitious concept and stellar songwriting and performance to boot. This is an album about a woman, a women who is the last living human on earth as everyone else has died off from an ecological disaster. This album follows her inner monologue along with her journal entries tracking the events of her leaving earth and her thoughts on society for how messed up it was. Odd concept, indeed. How it's executed though is beyond stellar. Spoken word passages play through certain tracks to serve as "journal entrees" while the music itself takes emotion to the next level. This album makes you feel sad, not in the normal black metal style though, but more with just the music itself being the barren atmosphere you'd imagine if you were alone with everyone around you being gone. 

This is a hard album for me to actively discuss, since I'm not the most well-versed with metal (something I mentioned on an older post) but do take my word when I say that Archivist are a group you must keep on your radar for the following years. There is something beautiful going on here, and Archivist a group worthy of your attention.  

You can stream, download, or buy ARCHIVIST here. If you like what you hear then show your support to Archivist by throwing a few coins their way. You can also share this album with your friends! They all like really sad doom metal, right? Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

The All Seeing Hand - Fog & Debris [Mongolian Throat Singing/Electronic]


Just a quick update as to why I've been absent forever. I've been caught up in school work and moving into a new house. Also I just didn't feel like updating for a while. Yeah. here is a free album that is really cool and really weird. Enjoy.

More updates coming soon.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Frodus - And We Washed Our Weapons In The Sea [Post-Hardcore]

Reject it all...
Does anyone remember Frodus? They had a pretty decent run in the 90s before falling off the radar in the 2000s. I think. I was a little kid when that happened and I would be getting into music for years to come. Regardless, Frodus' final album And We Washed Our Weapons In The Sea is one of the best post-hardcore albums to come out. And We Washed Our Weapons keeps your attention from the first burst of Shelby's screams and keeps it in a tight lock until the last few strums of a quiet and solemn guitar via Title Track. You never know what to expect from the gloomy guitar riffs and string arrangements. At times they are jumpy and all over the place; and at others they keep a slow pace. If you like hardcore music with heavy instrumental backbones and dark atmosphere then this album is for you.

You can stream or download And We Washed Our Weapons here. If you like what you hear then download the album... because it's a free download. You can't buy it unless you use iTunes but that store sucks. I guess you could share this album with your friends, that's like buying it through exposure. Now I sound like a monster who hustles graphic designers out of a paid job by claiming they'll get "exposure" or something. Why are you still reading this. Go listen to the album or something, gosh.

Five Eight - The Good Nurse [Emo/Post Rock]

I hope you can still hear what's underneath...
I've neglected to share this album for far too long. Why I have had this album sitting in my drafts tab for so long (Since I started this blog and then abandoned in September) is beyond me. I'll say this though: Not everyone will like this album. That reason being Five Eight's vocalist. His vocals are flawed, a lot. He often goes flat and he is awfully nasally. Despite what I've just said, I think this is one of the most beautiful albums to ever be released.

Mike Mantione's dark obsession with disease, sickness, and death goes ablaze. Sitting on the precipice of what was Mike's own critical sickness. The hell he went through, while forgotten in time, clearly shines through the sound and writing of this album. The Good Nurse starts off with the calming sweep of trumpets as the story begins it's course. As it counties it dives in and out of solemn melodies and loud; powerful hard rock leads. Never does the album tire and it always impresses with it's raw power courtesy of a vocalist who puts emotion over refinery and a band with plenty of talent to carry it. I could go on and on about this album, even more in a constructive matter, but honestly you must take my word when I say that this album is one of the most captivating beautiful records that fell under the radar. 

You can stream, download, or buy The Good Nurse here. If you like what you hear, consider supporting Five Eight by throwing a few coins their way. You can even share this album with your friends! They like sad and gloomy albums about death... right? Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Ştiu Nu Ştiu - ULTRA SILVAM [Post-Rock/Shoegaze]

ULTRA SILVAM cover art



Well here is a little "le indie gem" as the cool kids now and days call it. I'm actually shocked that this flew under the radar because this is without a doubt one of the most stunning albums to come out of 2014. It carries a violent punch with the embrace of a soft hand in it's melodies. Glitchy guitars, pounding drums, thick walls of sound that hit like a brick wall... they're all here. At the same time though, you get the embrace of a softly sung vocalist who brings a calm to the madness... well, when one of their vocalists aren't screaming. This album is strong in it's melodies, mixing everything from sludge, post-rock, shoegaze, punk, and other genres; and while slightly inconsistent, it is unquestionably awe-invoking.

You can stream, download, or buy ULTRA SILVAM here. If you like what you hear, consider supporting Stiu Nu Stiu by throwing a few coins their way. You can also share this album with your friends! Becuase your friends adore shoegaze sludge post rock punk metal, right? Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

Menteur - Compile [Experimental/Rock/Binaural/Ect.]

HNNNNNNNG
Calling Menteur a "band" isn't entirely accurate. No, Menteur is an experiment. Composed of over 30 artists and bands Menteur is a project that creates quirky and weird binaural music. What is binaural music you ask? Or maybe you didn't ask. Anyways, it's a form of audio mixing and recording that specifically makes the overall sound of the music sound like you're in the exact same room of where it's being performed. And for the most part, that is exactly how this album sounds. Unless you have some garbage wal-mart checkout line ear buds or Beats or whatever it actually does sound like you're in the same room.

As for the actual music, you get a good mix of weird, quirky, avant garde, fun, and beautiful all thrown in together. While the quality of the work varies by artist, the majority of it is very relaxing and enjoyable if you're looking for something to just flip on and relax to. The project also has a lot of other albums released under it's name for free so you should totally give them a look at. 

You can stream, download, or buy Compile here. If you like what you hear, consider supporting Menteur and any of their future projects by throwing a few coins their way. You can also share this album with your friends! They like artistic music where it sounds like you're in the same room as they are... right? Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Chalk Dinosaur - Follow Me [Alternative Rock]

To lazy to add lyrics, just listen to this

It's almost hard to believe Chalk Dinosaur isn't a full band produced in a studio. Chalk Dinosaur is a solo artist who makes really good music with a lot of electronic and rocky dreamy landscapes and I would be more descriptive but the bell for next period rang and im running out of time.

Friday, May 8, 2015

Bustre - El Psy Congroo [Electronic/DnB]

-Steins;Gate reference goes here-
Bustre is an electronic DnB producer who needs for more love than he currently gets. His often dark and energetic DnB melodies are admirable and arguably some of the best in the scene. You may be familiar with his releases on Monstercat which if you do, then you should check out his back catalogue of free releases before he joined their label.

As a fellow Steins;Gate fan myself, I approve of this EP. The title track has a really infectious horn selection that buzzes throughout the loud drum patterns in a fun track. The next two tracks Metamorphosis and The Drop are also both very good well made tracks. Go listen to it. Also, go watch Steins;Gate. It's one of the best shows ever.

You can stream, download, or buy El Psy Congroo here. If you like what you hear support Bustre by throwing a few coins his way or by purchasing his official Monstercat releases. You can also share this EP with your friends! Also make them watch Steins;Gate. It's so good. Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

And remember. Fear the Organization.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Weezer - Songs From the Black Hole [Pop Rock]

http://cdn.pastemagazine.com/www/blogs/lists/SongsfromtheBlackHole.jpg

Following the release of Weezer's debut The Blue Album Weezer were launched into the mainstream with their debut becoming a critical hit and a financially successful juggernaut. With the immense amount of popularity that came with Weezer had to follow it up... but how? While most of you will be familiar with the darker, more depressing sophomore release Pinkerton what you probably don't know about is their original sophomore effort Songs From the Black Hole which was scrapped near the end of it's production in favor of Pinkerton as Rivers dug even deeper into self loathing and depression upon entering college at Harvard University. 

So what was Songs From the Black Hole anyways? Well, Black Hole was going to be a rock opera surrounding a love triangle between the crew of a experimental space mission... while at the same time being an allegory for Rivers and the band's sudden popularity from The Blue Album. The members of the crew were to be voiced Rivers, Brian, and Matt of Weezer along with Rachel Haden (That Dog), Joan Wasser (Dambuilders), and Karl Koch who was one of Weezer's producers. Needless to say, this was an idea that would've taken a lot to pull off successfully and from what we've been given it seemed like Weezer were a little over their heads.

Not saying its bad... in fact there are quite a number of good tracks here and the concept is fun if a little lacking. Though when push comes to shove... it's probably better that Rivers trashed this idea for Pinkerton. Since he himself decided ultimately that the entire idea was too "whimsical" and we wouldn't of gotten a masterpiece of an album like Pinkerton if this was in it's place. You can download the album in it's entirety here. Keep in mind that there are some incomplete sections on this album due to it being unfinished. You can also share this album with your friends! Weezer is still cool, right?

Monday, May 4, 2015

KOAN Sound - Forgotten Myths [Glitch Hop]

DAAAAAAAAAMN
You know who are simply just the dopest mofos in the electronic game? KOAN Sound. That's who. This UK duo simply slay it with their abrasive groovy glitch synthlines that dance through the chaotic drumming and bleep bloops of tracks. They just released Forgotten Myths and it's just so damn good. Go give it a spin and groove out to this!

You can stream, download, or buy Forgotten Myths here. If you like what you hear consider supporting KOAN Sound by throwing a few coins their way. You can also share this album with your friends, because that album art is cool. Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

Gabriel Graves - 3366 [Lo-Fi/Bedroom Rock]

Flames...
Look at Mr. Gabriel Graves over here make music in his bedroom while all I make are blog posts... I'd love to play music but I cant stretch my hand on a guitar neck without there being intense pain in my joints because of my damn carpal tunnel. So like, 3366 is a really good bedroom rock/folk/lo-fi/core album thing that has a lot of good tunes and stuff and you can just go look at it because you're here for free music and not my output.

You can stream or download 3366 here. If you like what you hear, consider supporting Gabriel Graves by sharing this album with your friends because it's free download only! A little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

Monday, April 27, 2015

Shakey Graves - Roll The Bones [Folk/Country/Lo-Fi]

Shakey's fursona is a cow!
I've been suggested by someone in my really old survey to stop acting like I'm super small as it makes me look desperate. So yeah... gonna stop doing that. Anyways; Shakey Graves has made quite the name in the underground scene for packing an excellent voice, having incredible live performances, and making country music that doesn't suck. While I myself prefer his more cleaner sounding stuff (And The War Came) you can't diss his classic lo-fi work like Roll The Bones.

While it's hidden behind the layers of noise, Shakey Grave's vocal talent is a driving force on this album; Serving as a quiet, but powerful driving force that give each track on this album a small burst of life. Totally recommend checking it out! You can stream, download, or buy Roll The Bones here. If you like what you hear, consider supporting Shakey Graves by throwing a few coins his way or by purchasing his debut album And The War Came located on his bandcamp page. You can also share this album with your friends! They like country-ish stuff, right? Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

Main Attrakionz - 808s & Dark Grapes II [Cloud Rap]

The future is heeeeeereeee
You hear that? That's the sound of the future of hip hop. What is the future you may ask? Why, that's just the dankest trap shit you'll ever hear. Ever. Like, 2dank4you m8. You can't even handle this. Actually, scratch that... you can't EVEN right now. That's right, it's so mighty that you can't even. What does that even mean? I don't know! Like, I don't even do drugs, but I feel like blowing a thousand blunts, doing a thousand hoes, and raining all those stacks when I hear this blissful shit. Why are you still reading this? Why aren't you getting this dank ass tape? Seriously. What is wrong with you?

STELLAR YOUNG - VESSELS [Rock]

I don't wanna start again...
Stellar Young are one of those bands that you expect to hear on mainstream radio stations, but for some odd reason are hidden in the dark corners of the internet and unknown by many. Or at least, that's what I get from Stellar Young as I listen to their latest effort VESSELS. Which is an excellent romp through the fun side  of alternative rock music. Stellar Young have quite the ear for catchy music and carry quite a number of infectious sounds under their belts with fun poppy arrangements and infectious hooks. It's certainly an album worth sharing, because these guys deserve all the attention they get.

You can stream, download, or buy VESSELS here. If you like what you hear consider supporting Stellar Young by throwing a few coins their way or by purchasing a physical copy of their album located on their Bandcamp page. You can also share this album with your friends! Yeah. Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

Kairon; IRSE! - Ujubasajuba [Shoegaze/Post Rock]

Brought to you by Kool-Aid, the drink of all demons everywhere!
How do you even pronounce this album? Ujubasajuba... yew-jah-ba-saw-jew-ba? Something like that? I don't know, but it doesn't matter that much because this is a blog for good music! Not album titles! At least, I hope the music on here is good. No one really tells me otherwise if it's good or not so I don't really know what the quality of some of the alb-ANYWHO.

Ujubasajubadabdabdb is an album that generated a lot of buzz in the underground music scene last year for being a very unique album in the post-rock/shoegaze scenes and eventually being met with an incredible amount of positive acclaim. This of course makes sense as this is an excellent contribution to the genres and is an all around outstanding album. With beautifully laid out melodies, barrages of vocal bliss, and other buzz words that come to mind; this is an album that is a must listen.

You can stream, download, or buy Already Including Bass (As according to a google translate) here. If you like what you hear, consider supporting Karion by throwing a few coins their way. You can also share this album with your friends! They like long, beautifully made post-rock songs... right? Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

Saturday, April 25, 2015

The Jeffries - The Demon of Frenchman Street [Baroque Pop/Beatles Worship]

Now I feel alive
Have you ever wondered what it would sound like if The Beatles and The Beach Boys solved spooky murder mysteries together? No, I am not high. This is the basis of The Jerffries concept album The Demon of Frenchman Street. In which we get  story of a retired detective taking on the case of catching the serial killer known as The Demon. I won't give any spoilers to the story though, since you can just listen to it yourself.

What really sells such an odd concept is the production of the album, brimming in throwback Beatles and Beach Boys sound; the poppy and upbeat instrumentals of this album are infectious, which makes each track simply enjoyable. Even if the narrative itself is a little short in it's own right. You can stream, download, or buy The Demon of Frenchman Street here. If you like what you hear, consider supporting The Jeffries by throwing a few coins their way. You can also share this album with your friends, they'll probably think you're high if you bring up "the beatles and beach boys solver murder" though. Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

Little Kid - River of Blood [Folk/Alternative]

I'll only love you 'til it hurts...
I'm curious as to what the story of River of Blood is. The second album from lo-fi folk artist Little Kid (even though there is an incredible lack of lo-fi in this record) is filled with dark and mysterious religious metaphors. Occurring themes of this record. Needless to say, the songwriting on this album captivates and makes me curious as to what the purpose of them are. The atmosphere here is top notch too, the performances from Little Kid create a world of pain rather it's the pain filled vocals that broom on each track or the slower and darker instrumental work. It's an album with a lot to say and if you're willing to listen, you won't regret it.

You can stream, download, or buy River of Blood here. If you like what you hear, consider supporting Little Kid by purchasing a physical copy of the album or by throwing a few coins his way. You can also share this album with your friends! They like religious themed music, right? Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

Monster Machismo - Aye Aye Porcupine [Math Rock]

Going back to the drawing board...
Someone once described Monster Machismo's sound as "an acid trip serenade from an angel with a throat infection" and "a schizophrenic masterpiece," and I'm inclined to agree that Monster Machismo is indeed both of these things, but please do not make the mistake that this band isn't good and that these are bad things. On the contrary, its these very things that make Monster Machismo a one-of-a-kind band that would be a shining beacon in the math rock world if they would release more material.

While the vocals may be hard to get into on a first listen because again, Dan Drake is like an angel with a throat infection, once you begin to get used to his rough, unwelcoming strains you begin to see he is quite the formidable vocalist with excellent power behind his tight strains. Backing him are a band with amazing technical skills such as complex , capable drumming and guitar work throwing out beautiful melodies and catchy hooks that find their way through the madness from time to time. Only five tracks and only 18 minutes in length, this is an EP with breathtaking performance and an essential in the math rock genre.

You can stream, download, or buy Aye Aye Porcupine here. If you like what you hear, consider supporting Monster Machismo by throwing a few coins their way. You can also share this album with your friends, because they will totally dig that album cover. Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

Cloudkicker - Little Histories [Instrumental/Metal]

A humble addition to Ben Sharp's stellar discography...
Cloudkicker is the monkier of multi-instrumentalist Ben Sharp, an outstanding musician who's growth over the years since beginning the Cloudkicker project is matched by his eye for stellar composition incorporating the best of modern metal and post rock. Little Histories, Sharp's latest, only continues to showcase his outstanding talent in a solid and diverse collection of tracks filled with the catchy riffs and hooks of metal and the dramatic scores and sweeping atmospheric melodies of post-rock. 

Chameleon and Digital Lighting come forth as the shining light in Little Histories; Chameleons calm and slow melodies that lead into an earth-shaking outro is a satisfying and captivating track and Digital Lightning's hard hitting energetic grooves and textures are awe-inspiring to say the least. The rest of the tracks, while shorter, do provide some good atmosphere building and are calming to listen to, which overall makes Little Histories an excellent addition to Sharp's already versatile and impressive discography.

You can stream, download, or buy Little Histories here. If you like what you hear, consider supporting Ben Sharp by purchasing a physical copy of Little Histories (which comes with a few bonus tracks) or by throwing a few coins his way. You can also share this album with your friends, because they need some sweet, sweet instrumental rock in their library. Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3

Friday, April 24, 2015

German Error Message - The Lifting [Lo-Fi/Folk]

Keep listening...
German Error Message is an excellent artist. While he is a new discovery for me, I'm nonetheless impressed by the stunning atmosphere and melodies that he can create, I  mean, just look at that album artwork; Even that in itself is intriguing! The Lifting has a lot of emphasis on subtle warm and soft arrangements hiding around in loud, sorta sloppy sounds. But that doesn't slow the album down in the slightest, German Error Message pulls the album forward with energy and emotion with his hurt-filled vocals and piano leads that occupy the majority of tracks. It's a great album to spin late at night when you just want to kick back and feel a little down.

You can stream, download, or buy The Lifting here. If you like what you hear consider supporting German Error Message and his projects by throwing a few coins his way or by purchasing physical copies of his work located on his merch page. You can also share this with your friends! They like slow, piano filled music, right? Just remember, a little support and a little word of mouth goes a long way! <3