D4AM

Rudresh Mahanthappa - Gamak

2013-05-23T16:00:00.000-04:00

A well dominated saxophone is a beautiful thing. It can strike with force or subtlety, it can follow a melody or create one. My favorite use of the sax is a bit more sporadic, there's nothing like plain old Jazz for me.

Here we have Rudresh Mahanthappa, whom on his latest album has reached the far corners of what the instrument can do when handled professionally. I can only imagine the awe circling a room when his band plays live, so for now I'll settle on my own experiences with a studio production.

Grooveshark | Buy

To some, it might start a bit chaotic, repetitive, or just distracting. If that's ever the case, keep listening. It falls into a different kind of mess where disorder becomes crisp and tranquility becomes that odd place you're scared to go but have to anyway.

And then we've got the whole band turning this into one amazing piece. Just a hint of funk for this track, and diverse enough cultural influences to make an album's worth of anywhere-music.

Buy: CD | mp3

This is Jazz. Often fast, sometimes slow, and constantly tricking your mind to think one thing before it actually performs another. It's not the simple stuff with a few instruments lugging around performing solos, it's what you get when two or more people want to stand out at the same time and make it work.

Obviously sax fans should give this one a listen, but if you like to hear diverse subtleties in the background of a finely played Jazz album, you really shouldn't miss out. The talent is expressed so well here that it's impossible to appreciate it fully in a single listen.

Here's a free stream, give it a try.

Daft Punk - Random Access Memories

2013-05-22T16:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Daft Punk,

Wow. As a fan anticipating a new album for years, this was not what I was expecting. Where many artists and bands have rushed their work, you took your time. Where many have fallen into the pits of commercial monotony, you have prevailed. It was everything I could have wanted from you guys; you had fun. It shows.

Thank you.

— D4

Hesitant as I may be to write on such huge artists, I'll risk making Pitchfork's mistake and write about this one. Only because I heard it and got more out of it than expected. Give a track (that isn't Get Lucky) a listen and see if it fits for you too.

Grooveshark | Buy

Not my favorite track on the album, but I heard it and knew how catchy it could be after a few listens. Julian Casablancas is featured on this one, but with the occasional amazing artist popping through at random it's hard to do the album an injustice.

Daft Punk's production is slick quality all throughout. From miniature movie-score-epic intros the amazing endings, from Paul Williams to Giorgio Moroder, the duo have found ways to work their production around their biggest idols and influences. It's the kind of thing you can only wish you'd been around to have witnessed.

Buy: CD | mp3 | Vinyl

I don't know if this was made for everyone. I think RAM was made for them, and for the fans who've been kind enough to follow. I just don't think the average radio surfing listener would be okay with an 8 or 9 minute track, despite the amazing talents invested in it.

This all being said, it's an amazing Dance album. The finished product has influences dating at least back to the 60s. It's those details, Daft Punk's well defined style, and their eagerness to bring something new and fun to the table that this album relies on to move forward. It's no Discovery, but it's one great release and it definitely deserves a listen.

Arc in Round - Arc in Round

2013-05-21T16:00:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I've felt just fine with finding a gem late, and the only reason it's okay this time is because the gem has a few cloudy spots. For me, Arc in Round's Krautrock-Shoegaze combination is the kind of beautiful you have to admire from a distance.

It might be a bit noisy for some, but others might find that the relaxed vocals balance things out nice enough to continue the listen. Give it a try.

Bandcamp

It starts quick, maybe too quick. It maintains a harsh, monotonous, and overpowering sound for far too long. It's when you let it take over and let the details pass through that you realize the effort put into the piece. It's not easy to get into for many, but it's great work.

Just when it starts to be too much, it tones down a few notches and goes on it's way. It bombards you with synchronized sounds and pulls back right before putting you off your appetite. Or maybe it turned you off early on, suit yourself.

Buy/Stream @ Bandcamp

You see how the artwork is colorfully chaotic between two bars of plain old white? That's a damn good way to describe the album. It's confined to its own sound, but the sound goes all over the place. It'd be a fair assumption to think most of these tracks were made up in completely different moods and put together at random.

You can expect relaxed near-psychedelic vocals throughout the album, and you can expect constant noise and overshadowed talent to different degrees. The album has its fair share of good tracks, they just cater to a very specific selection of emotions.

I'd say it's worth the stream for a few cool free downloads and to submerge yourself in an ocean of Krautrock waves. If today's track wasn't appealing at all, it might be wise to just stay away.

Conte - Conte EP (Free Download)

2013-05-20T16:00:00.000-04:00

I've been a fan of Jack Conte for a while now, so when I saw hints and sneak peaks at Electronic genres I got excited. I hoped for the best and waited for the EP, which has been out for a while now so I kinda got here late.

He managed to put together a number of sounds and influences that on paper, I wouldn't have liked. However, his skilled ear allowed him to pull off a vintage inclination on a very modern Electro-House sound. My favorite track on the EP is a bit different than the rest, but I think it's also easier to swallow. Give it a try.

Youtube

Almost before the 8-bit, you get a blast of what he wants to say. "I'm a real DJ and no one's gonna stop me." This is followed by a sweet transition and the kind of drop that doesn't overpower the track but does start groovin' the booties of those who can appreciate it.

The track continues to evolve with beautiful transitions and great use of electronically enhanced instruments. Add some absurdly squeaky vocals and you'll be singing along to a well sung chipmunk for the rest of the day.

Soundcloud Stream | Patreon Download

The 4 track EP isn't perfect, but it's different and it's full of talent. The first two tracks are a little stiff for my liking, focusing on House percussion, but it makes for an odd on-and-off sound that goes on while still being sweet dance tracks. The third, Pedals, has a music video worth checking out, and the sound really starts smoothing out at that point.

You'll notice he has a thing for autotuned vocals, which you can understand in his homage to Daft Punk and Skrillex, but when it comes to his sound you just can't help but notice he does something a little different. It's nice.

The best part for many of us; it's free. It's a good EP full of attitude and sweet vibes in a short time. All he asks in return is that you watch the video at the link, and if you feel so inclined, help him out through his new website. You're not forced to watch it, you don't need to provide your email or like him on Facebook. He's relying solely on your gratitude to give him a listen. Here's the link. Enjoy.

Circa Vitae - Lovers

2013-05-09T16:00:00.000-04:00

I've known about Circa Vitae's Lovers EP since the last time I wrote about them. It wasn't easily streamed, though, and I'd just enjoyed their previous album a little too much to try too hard for this one. It's been a few years since the release, and I've just found out they're giving it away. Needless to say, I found a stream.

Today's track contains everything an Indie track should have. Smooth vocals, a catchy guitar, and enough progression throughout to prove they want to be heard. Give Wage War a listen.

wage war by Circa Vitae on Grooveshark

Stream/Download @ Jamendo

It's not the completely different ensemble we've never heard before, but it's a well made Indie track that deserved a little more attention than it's gotten. They know how to carry a melody and how to make something as good, or better, than many another Indie success.

By no means perfect. Maybe if I heard it play in a movie, a game, or anywhere where I'd likely hear the track repeating, it'd grow on me enough to want to keep it. Maybe you'll think different, it's a free download after all.

Free Download/Stream @ Jamendo

I'm not sure if Jamendo's got a messed up track list, or if my sources were just loopy, but I had to make a playlist the way I believe the album's supposed to play out. I could be wrong, but the shoe fits. Give it a try. It basically starts real strong with Wage War, loses a bit of tempo in the middle, but works its way back up by the end of the album.

The middle chunk, say two or three tracks, aren't filler as much as background music. It's those sounds you let play while you do something else, zone into it at random and say "Hey, that's good music" right before going on with whatever you were doing.

After giving it a few listens, I think it's a bit unfair they're giving the whole thing away for free. If you feel they're worth a little more you can buy their work at iTunes. Otherwise, enjoy the free music. Share them with friends, like them on Facebook. You know how to support.

Gap Dream - Gap Dream

2013-05-08T16:00:00.000-04:00

Psychedelic Garage Rock today, as I've just found Gap Dream and have been flowing in his mood's general direction for the past few hours. It's got that relaxed feel while not being too slow. Think of a productive day off.

What you'll get is that spacious 60's rock vibe combined with the slightly rough made-at-home sound. The first track is just too good of an introduction to the rest of the album to not feature, so give that one a listen.

Stream/Buy @ Bandcamp

It jumps you right into it and right off the bat you might like the subtle bass over the mountains of instruments, the delicate guitar riffs repeating a Beach Rock-ish tune, or the wave of chillax overcoming you in the form of a gentle tsunami.

You also might not like the fact that there's mountains worth of looped instruments, the monotone vocals, the mumbled lyrics, or the sensory overload. How much you really like it depends what your ears focus on, and what you make it out to be from there.

Stream/Buy @ Bandcamp

Lyrically, it's rich in detail and odd stories that go really well with the psychedelic vibes, but lyrics are never my priority. I enjoy it most for its catchy guitar, and well used electronic sounds. The album reminds me of an eventful trip to the beach. You start somewhere, and as you arrive somewhere else, things get better.

But that's just me, and the opinion might be biased because I love how it ends. I think the last track ties up any loose ends the rest of the album might leave, and leaves you satisfied enough to continue on your day. Or just replay the album.

Definitely worth a listen if the monotone vocals didn't get to you. The mountains of combined sounds might not be to everyone's liking, but the entire album isn't made up of it. Once you leave the album playing in the background for a while you'll realize just how well it creates an atmosphere.

Amapola Dry - Amapola Dry

2013-05-07T16:00:00.000-04:00

It's through a stream of potentially calculated chance that I've found Amapola Dry. An Electro-Tango group with a few twists and spins in directions our ears can easily come to enjoy. Giving them an upper hand in North America is the frequent switch from Spanish to English vocals.

They're fluent, bilingual, and depending on what track you're hearing they range from Jazz to Electro oriented Tangos. Today's track, the first of the album, probably has the strongest Tango feel. Give that one a listen.

Drifting Alone by Amapola Dry

I find the beginning of the track a little ironic. We have the great Carlos Gardel giving a small speech dedicating his current work to Spain and Latin America. Then the rest of the track follows in English. It starts making more sense when you realize he's working from New York, as are Amapola Dry.

We have Sofia Juan's luscious voice seeping out of the track and into our ears. Though sometimes she may overdo it a bit, the result ends in a smooth, sensual, 007-ish feel. It goes real well with the Tango base and the amplified bass lines.

Buy: CD | mp3

The rest of the release switches up in musical direction quite a bit. It's almost as if it takes the beginning to take flight into another genre entirely. The Tango influences are always there, but they're subtle enough to get lost in the process. It'll allow many a wandering ear to feel as if they've flown from Buenos Aires to New York.

The main duo, Sofia and Martin, show promise in production quality, in vocal talents, and in ease of genre alterations. At a mere 5 tracks in length; that's impressive. Such varying sounds means it also might not be suitable for everyone, so be sure to give it a listen with an open mind.

Giraffes? Giraffes!/Goddard - 10"

2013-05-06T16:00:00.000-04:00

Math Rock has been keeping me happy lately. You can mix and match it with so many other genres and still have something nice at the end of the day, it's bliss. So when I saw Giraffes? Giraffes! made a release just recently, I dove head fist and gave it a listen.

Now, I really did enjoy G?G!s side of things, but it was Goddard's half of the album that threw me around a bit. I enjoyed it, so give it a shot if Math genres are to your liking.

Midwest 95 by Goddard

Its first few seconds incline towards generic, and then it just shifts over into something else. Not a completely unheard sound, but together with its transitions and time changes, it completes itself into a talented piece of work.

I just love how it sounds Indie one second, but pure and raw the next. The change of vocalists anchors each feeling separately, and allows the song to go on much longer than one would initially hope for.

Buy @ Giraffes? Giraffes! or Goddard's Bandcamp

But Goddard is just one side of this precious release. They do have another track to offer, but Giraffes? Giraffes! has one whopping 10 minute track, appropriately titled In The Middle Of The Night Someone Tore Off The Ceiling And Sucked Me Into The Sky / Before My Eyes Began To Boil I Saw Billions Of Tiny Webs Connecting Everything. Be sure to give that one a listen if you don't mind a 10 minute track.

G?G!s side is much more Prog oriented, or just more Math dominant than Goddard's two tracks. But together in the same release the bands compliment themselves perfectly. It's this kind of team work that makes me think maybe a two-band compilation album wouldn't be such a bad thing. At least for these guys.

Until that happens, if it ever does, be sure to grab this release in its limited edition vinyl. There's only 500 made, and I don't know if that's per band, tallying to 1000, or in general. If you enjoy it, don't take your chances.

Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines and the 70's Touch

2013-05-03T16:00:00.000-04:00

I've been hearing a lot of talk, and a lot of praise in Pharrell's general direction. It started with Daft Punk's latest Get Lucky, and after a week or so has turned to Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines. The single isn't bad, and it won't hurt to give it a quick listen if you haven't already.

Grooveshark | Buy

My problem isn't with the music. I'm actually happy Pharrell's taking a liking to that era, and I really do hope he continues to bring just a spark of talent from the past to the future. I like him as a producer; there's definitely a lot worse out there.

But I digress. My real problem is with the people hearing all this modern music, saying they enjoy the sound, and not taking a moment to look back at why it exists. This upsets me because there's no way Thicke's Blurred Lines is better than Marvin Gaye's Got to Give it Up, which just happens to be the song Pharrell sampled.

Grooveshark | Buy

And let me just make it perfectly clear that I have nothing against Robin Thicke's single or Pharell's production. I don't think the song got ripped off, and I don't think any quarreling should be in play. That "modern" track is one very small step in a very positive direction.

Not what I'm aiming for.

I'm just saying, you know, if you like that booty bouncing bass so much, why not take a look at actual 70's music? I know, I know, how could I say such a thing? That would be too simple. All that amazing music is already documented and finding the good stuff is just so easy. Most of us are so used to weeding through all the garbage on the radio that it's not even an idea to begin with.

Try it anyway. If Pharrell has it in him to listen to something old and make something out of it, maybe the rest of us can too. Worst case scenario you start saying groovy a lot more often. Sure beats YOLO though, doesn't it?

Arturo Sandoval - Dear Diz (Every Day I Think of You)

2013-05-02T16:00:00.000-04:00

I've been meaning to give this one a listen for a long time now, but only recently found a decent stream. The wait was long enough, and the Cuban trumpeter does not disappoint. On the contrary, he represents Dizzy quite well.

The album is an homage to his mentor, and hence, should be full of talent and raw emotion. If you enjoy Bebop, a finely played trumpet, or if you already know you're a Dizzy fan, give today's track a listen.

Things to Come by Arturo Sandoval on Grooveshark

Youtube | Buy

Just beautiful; a brilliant display of Bebop as could only be written by Diz himself. And to hear Arturo's version is a treat. Taken under the wing of the great, he has a lot to offer and he shows it off. Modernizing slightly, and keeping the overall freshness of the original.

It's not difficult to make a great album made up almost entirely of Dizzy Gillespie tunes, and yet here I am, appreciating the fact that it exists. Smiling from the moment I hit play, to the moment it ends in a satisfying farewell.

Buy: CD | mp3

The oddest thing for me is the fact that a Cuban professional didn't include a more Afro-Cuban sound to an album with plenty of room for it, in an homage to a person who loved the sound himself. This doesn't take anything from the album, the release was probably better off without it!

At the beginning of the album we hear Dizzy introduce Arturo, and at the end we hear Arturo's own Every Day I Think of You. It's a letter to Dizzy, from Arturo, and it's probably the most heartfelt piece on the album. It's not the best written, or the most talented, but it shows why the album was made.

I'd definitely recommend the stream if today's track was to your liking, or if it's been a while since you've properly enjoyed classic Jazz. Give it a listen at Myspace.

Gloom - Subliminal Fortress

2013-05-01T16:00:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I've stumbled onto something electronic on my own, but yesterday was my lucky day. I found Gloom and a series of recent releases. The most recent is a bit easier to stick to. There's varying genres, and little details that are meant to hook onto you.

My favorite of the bunch has a strong bass line to it, a mythical transcending sound, and just enough layering to bring something new after every listen. Give it a try.

Strong Alone by Gloom

I was unaware what Post-Dubstep was until reading this song's tags. More apparent to me was the IDM and Future Garage, but it's nice to know we owe that chill overpowering sound to some wobs.

That same overpowering wob can be found throughout the album, but there's so many other influences keeping this piece fresh that it's easy to get lost in any of the other influences. He just pulled off a sweet blend of genres for your ear's palette.

Stream/Download @ Bandcamp

Not all tracks are as bass heavy as today's feature. There's a lot more Chillwave and some great, near meditative samples that are great for just sitting back and relaxing with.

I wouldn't listen to it twice in a row, but every other listen you end up giving it is full of surprises. Details you didn't realize before, or hidden melodies you end up singing later on. If you enjoy it but it strikes you a little rough, I found his previous release makes for a good appetizer.

Subliminal Fortress is a name-your-price release, so if you're low on funds go ahead and grab it for free, but otherwise pay what it's worth to you. I'm sure every little bit counts.

Cours D'Math - La Gran Frutástrofe

2013-04-30T16:00:00.000-04:00

Tagged with Math Pop, I was curious to give these guys a listen. I've heard some amazing Pop influenced music before, and I usually really enjoy Math tendencies, so they can't be too bad, right?

What we have is that same release you get when straining your ear for details, coupled with the refreshing tendencies of their Pop side. A complicated overall sound with a simplistic base. It's a little hard to visualize, so if the Spanish lyrics don't bother you, give 'em a listen.

la-lo-la by Cours D'Math

Right away you hear enough talent to keep you hooked. It might be the track that best displays their capabilities, and that's fine. At least it's the first and it allows us to appreciate what's to be heard.

To the downside, if you don't like the rest of the album you're kinda screwed. Individual tracks are not for sale. But if you do feel like supporting them, the album is only $2.

Stream/Buy @ Bandcamp

Translated to The Great Fruitastrophe, the album's title and artwork resonates what they're about perfectly. Refreshingly off, or just a kick in a normally unexpected direction.

All I have against it is the vocals. The lyrics are fine, the music is quality as far as I'm concerned, but I didn't feel any attachment to the voice behind the story. I felt little emotion, and even less character. By the time I realized that was what I didn't like; I would've been happy with a rapper stepping in on the action.

If the vocals didn't bother you and the music was sweet (it should be), it's definitely worth a listen. It's at a great price and it's not your every day jam.

Vijay Iyer Trio - Accelerando

2013-04-29T16:00:00.000-04:00

As I heard this one, scribbled on my notepad and wrote "Beautifully discordant Jazz". It's that flow of sounds that don't match up and yet still belong to the same body of energy.

It's also that more technical Jazz side that I only really started understanding a few years ago. Today's track is a bit softer. Still very technical, just easier to digest and make sense of. Give the trio a listen, and enjoy the progressions.

Grooveshark | Buy

If you think you can handle something more Math inclined, here. Otherwise, wait for this one to speed up. It takes its time, sucks you in, and bends into something we can't expect. Let it grow on you.

The whole album has a core that's rooted directly to pure Jazz. My only real problem with it is that Vijay (piano) likes to hog up the spotlight. I usually prefer a bit more sharing. Considering the overall production exceeds my standards though, I let this one slide.

Buy: CD | mp3

To top it all off, it's one of those all-in-one albums where it's better heard in its entirety and ends up becoming one really long song. The mood fluctuates, the talent captivates, and the piece as a whole begs to be heard and understood.

If you need any more incentive to give it a try, they even rack up the courage to cover Michael Jackson. Of course it's much easier to cover him when you're not actually singing, but it's still impressive that they took Human Nature and turned it into a near 10 minute Jazz epic. Or at least I loved it, try it yourself.

Definitely worth a listen to anyone who enjoys fine displays of technical ability or top notch Jazz. Not the easiest to get into if you're just exposing your ear to the genre, but still worth trying if you liked today's track.

Ondatrópica - Ondatrópica

2013-04-25T16:00:00.000-04:00

This was a refreshing find. Ondatrópica is a fusion of the tropical beauty found in Colombian Cumbia, and the crisp digital production from the English scene. The end result isn't always perfect, but is generally easy to get along with. Fun to dance, hum, and work to.

Most of the album's contents are instrumental, so I figured I'd show off one of my favorites. It's lively, energetic, and just spontaneous enough to keep you on your toes as the song progresses.

Grooveshark | Buy

It might be a bit too fun and upbeat for some, but the rest of you will enjoy quality percussion, classic Cumbia bass, and enough horns to make your musical demons jealous. Some vocals or a few trimmed seconds wouldn't be much to ask for, but I think it works out well regardless.

The great part is this track's preceded and followed by tracks of completely different standards. A vocal base, a slow paced melancholy piece, and even a Ska side can be found on the diverse yet dead-set album.

Buy: CD | mp3

As a first effort it stands strong. You might notice some repetition, or maybe some unnatural sounds meshing together. Just remember that that's the idea. The whole point is to bring a modern twist on a classic sound, and that means things are gonna get awkward.

The good news is that's easy to get used to. The bad news is it might just grip at your nerves until you do, and I can't imagine someone sticking around after half an hour of annoyingly awkward loops.

If today's track sparked some interest, it'll be worth checking out. The overall album shows a nice bright side to a classic Colombian genre that will help younger generations, as well as old, get into the foreign groove. Give the first few tracks a listen, you should know if you'll like it or not by the Iron Man cover.

Croosh - Don't Squeal

2013-04-24T16:00:00.000-04:00

Stumbled onto this thanks to social mediums and their sharing methods. A friend of a friend likes some good Hip-Hop, and Croosh (AKA CruciaL Chaotic) came to view.

Initially I was digging it. What I found were sweet chillaxed beats underlying a talented rhymes-man. One of those rappers that sound like they've studied a thesaurus and learned to mix and match words to make them more pleasing to the ear. Some might say that's all you need.

After Dusk by Croosh

It's tracks like those that make me want to just sit back and enjoy the rhyme flow. He keeps his rhythm with a persistent touch that sounds great against The Doppelgangaz relaxed production. The contrast is something many rappers should aspire for.

The problem is he doesn't say much. A lot of words, big and small, but no goal. Nothing to really say other than I'm here and I know how to rhyme. It's okay at first, but this is a complete album of the stuff.

Stream/Buy @ Bandcamp

To its favor, it's a name your price album, as are the individual tracks. You can grab a track for free, for 25 cents, or for $500 if you think it's worth it. I admit the guy has talent, I just like them to massage my brain and make me think about the story being told.

All this aside, there gets a point where after you've heard enough rhyme magic, you realize he raps like a white guy. And I don't mean Eminem or Asher Roth (props for the mention, Croosh) but more like Beastie Boys or Vanilla Ice. It's not too easy to spot, but after a few listens you can tell he could iron out some wrinkles in his style.

For the price it can be, it's worth a listen. I can't deny the talent and that my head was bobbing back and forth for the majority of the album. Just make sure to open your ears, or maybe read the lyrics on the page.

Marnie Stern - The Chronicles of Marnia

2013-04-23T16:00:00.000-04:00

After apologizing to myself for not knowing about Marnie sooner, I went ahead and gave her latest album a second listen. It's good enough the first time but like most great artwork, it takes multiple visits to digest everything.

At first there were some ifs and buts. I'm not a huge fan of her vocals, but they grow on you quick. And some tracks seem a lot more simple than they really are, again, multiple listens necessary. Give one of my favorites a listen or two and see for yourself.

Proof of Life by Marnie Stern

A tinge of Indie and a lot of talent is what makes up the general sound. Add a dash of well written lyrics and a lack of commercial molding, and you're left with the sheer beauty of The Chronicles of Marnia.

Or in this case, just Proof of Life. But really, the whole album latches onto you the same way. It's not all full of the same level of talent, but the production quality is just as good all throughout.

Stream/Buy @ Bandcamp

The album as a whole ranks high for me. It's catchy but not Pop-y, it's got originality overflowing everywhere, and it's got Marnie's sweet guitar skills displayed perfectly for our ears. Adding to all that, the percussion is so good while often being so subtle, it's literally like topping it with a cherry.

The sundae of an album doesn't disappoint me at all; from start to finish it's a piece of beauty in raw forms. While that may not be to everyone's liking, lovers of finger-tapped guitars or Indie-Punk influences should be happy with the end result.

Definitely worth checking out if today's track was to your liking. If the vocals weren't, overlook it and try it anyway. Between the lyrics, the strings, and the percussion, this is an album worthy of at least a streamed listen.

T-Mule - As It Is

2013-04-22T16:00:00.000-04:00

Italy's Metal scene has left me impressed. A short while ago I was contacted and shown what T-Mule was. A rising Thrash Metal band that's swerved and changed up since its conception, but should now allow a stable view at what they're doing.

What we've got is dark and a little twisted; some might say it's full of angst. If you can take the Metal growls, give them a listen yourself.

Grooveshark Link

This isn't my favorite track, but I do love it. It starts strong, it transcends to something more than just heavy riffs and growls, and it's a clear enough listen. This really shows off why I'm digging these guys.

There's solos, light progression, just to make sure nothing's monotonous. What I love is the clear goal to make you face-bang your face off, and after a couple of songs, the album is just infectious enough to get you there.

Grooveshark Stream

The cover might seem like a generic Metal band trying to shove through the masses, and maybe to some they are, but I don't think it does them justice. From start to finish, the album is a worthwhile listen that does its best to pull you into it.

The first track, How to Cook a Goat, was their first release, and a great way to start the album. What's great is you can tell they've evolved with each track that comes after it. It's not even a bad track, they've just gotten better.

It's not the perfect awe-inspiring Thrash album that you have to listen to over and over, but it's more than decent with just as many amazing tracks as average ones. It's definitely worth checking out, just be ready to hear some average tracks after the great ones.

Need more? Like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter. Contact them through those very means if you want to purchase their work.

Debo Band - Flamingoh (Pink Bird Dawn)

2013-04-18T16:00:00.000-04:00

Looking this band up I stumbled onto a Bandcamp with an old EP. I liked what I heard, and was just ecstatic when I found a full album stream for their debut on Youtube. And then I heard it and something was missing.

I turned back to the Bandcamp, gave Flaimingoh an honest listen, and realized I just like these guys better live. Check a track out.

Belomi Benna by Debo Band

This is their version of Mahmoud Ahmed's Belomi Benna, as performed live in Club Alize and recorded for our listening pleasure.

If the vocals and inclinations are a little weird to you, that's because Debo Band's lead is Ethio-American. The blend strikes quick and leaves its impression thanks to a healthy dose of Funk and Jazz swirled into the African genre.

Stream/Buy @ Bandcamp

Contrary to their studio stuff, this I like a lot. They're good otherwise, sure, but I can't get over the difference. They're much more loose and vibrant when they're performing, and that makes all the difference for me.

It can still get a little monotonous at times; part of the genre. I'm sure if I understood the lyrics I'd get a little more out of it, but since I don't and I'm left with nothing but the music, there's dull moments while I listen.

They're not that many, and the vocals are definitely interesting to Western trained ears. I recommend the listen anyway. It's just 4 tracks, a simple EP, and it's varied enough to keep you occupied. Give it a try, and if you really like it, go ahead and look into their debut too. It'll be worth it.

The Flaming Lips - The Terror

2013-04-17T16:00:00.000-04:00

My mistake was expecting anything in particular from a Flaming Lips album. I'd have been better off blocking their name from my mind and going "this is interesting" for the better half of an hour. But no, I was expecting a raw, gritty boom of sound.

Instead I got depressed. And not because the album is bad, but because they provoke the mood so well. Melancholy, the sadness of nostalgia, the ache of a lost love is what the overall sound achieved for me. Maybe I misinterpreted it, so give a track a shot yourself.

Soundcloud | Buy

It's not my favorite track on the album, but it's not my favorite album either so it's a good start. You can almost hear desperation in the song, over the transitions and the electronic loops and whirls. If you can hear the talent in the music, it's hard to pull away from the feeling.

I can't remember a love album that's managed to make me so depressed. I've witnessed songs about love with different feeling music, or "love" songs that shed different light on the subject. Here though, it seems they focus on the lack thereof.

Buy: CD | mp3

I can't imagine why I'd listen to this album again, but I'm also really glad I heard it the whole way through. At first it seems like something odd; like some alien life form being recorded through the eyes of Rock and Roll. It takes a while to mature, and once it does it's not too disappointing.

For example, my favorite track is 13 minutes long, You Lust as performed with Phantogram. At first it was annoying, it was just a loop of sounds and it just went on adding details and twists and talented whiffs of fresh air and all kinds of other magic. By the time it finished it had evolved, all while maintaining the very same sound.

A similar illusion is kept throughout the album. It's the light at the end of the tunnel, or the happy ending to the sad story. Maybe I just couldn't see it, but I never felt it get there. And that's not bad, it's just not to my liking

Natural Heights - Wake Me Up

2013-04-16T16:00:00.000-04:00

I've overdosed on American Reggae recently, and wasn't expecting to find something good when I stumbled onto this California based band. I was expecting the same vocals, the same defined but monotonous melodies, and the same talented-but-not-talented-enough overall band.

Luckily, these guys want to stand out, and I think they're pulling it off nicely. What they're aiming for is a nice fuse of Rock and Reggae without turning all out Ska. I've heard it before, but they do it different. Check it out yourself.

Soundcloud | Buy

This isn't my favorite track, but it's the first on the album, it's the title track, and it shows pretty well what they're about. It shows the Rock side clear enough with a light solo and progression at the bass. The percussion isn't at it's finest, but overall it's more than decent.

It's also catchy, and we owe that to a slight commercial inclination. It'll move in the direction that too many bands also aim for, but it's done while being at least a little bit original. It just barely shows on this track, but throughout the album it leaves its mark.

Buy: mp3

Sometimes the Rock overpowers the Reggae base a little too much for my liking, I just think the sound becomes overwhelming at times. It all could have been avoided with a little track list re-positioning.

I like the release, I like what they're doing. I would've loved to have them tone down the commercial tendencies down. But between keeping it Reggae and not Pop based, and even showing off a Ska track, they're fine on my book.

I'm just really happy they're not trying to imitate every other American Reggae band. They're doing what they like. Their influences are fine, their tendencies aren't my favorite, but they work well. They sound better. That should be all that matters.

Give the album stream a try.

Pretty Heart - Blood / Body

2013-04-15T16:00:00.000-04:00

I don't know why it struck me when I heard her voice, but as soon as I did I was glad I found Pretty Heart's Dark-Electronic material on Bandcamp. The simple production and brooding vocals make for a delightfully depressing track; when done correctly.

The first track I heard was the first song from her first release. It takes a particular mindset to fully appreciate this one, but if you like simplistic music and decent female vocals it's worth its listen.

Afraid of the Dark by Pretty Heart

Soundcloud

It left a good impression right away, and I thought that if half her music were as good, the album would be alright.

I ended up jinxing myself, as literally half the album was as good. After that point; I was kinda disappointed. It's still a noteworthy first effort, but then I went through with everything else she had. She's not bad, but I'd recommend starting at the beginning and working your way up if you're curious.

Buy/Stream @ Bandcamp

It's the first three tracks I fell deeply in like with, and it was the three that followed that let me down. It's to be noted that I was only let down because I really enjoyed the first few and wasn't expecting a slide back down to average. It's worth checking out.

And frankly, the album (and it's singles) are available for whatever price you want to pay. So if you just liked the track you heard, give it a download and let it grow on you. When you admire what's being done, leave a donation.

If you like what you hear, and don't mind an inclination towards an 80s-ish sound, check the rest of her Bandcamp out. There's more music, free singles, and the quality is not bad. Definitely worth checking out if today's track was to your liking. I just personally prefer this album.

Cheers Elephant - Like Wind Blows Fire

2013-04-12T16:00:00.000-04:00

Lost in a sea of year old promotional emails, I found this. Intrigued by the fact that they were dubbed 'Chew it up, Spit it out, Rock and Roll' I gave them a complete listen. I wasn't convinced at first, but I listened through.

While I'm not sure I'd agree it's a chew and spit sound, I do agree with the Psychedelic Pop Rock. All the influences are obvious, but they pull through with something difficult to achieve. A unique sound.

Stream/Buy @ Bandcamp

This was the first track that really showed promise for me. Yeah, a little too happy for my liking, but it grew on me. It's catchy, and yet if I heard them on the radio I'd know it's them and not a stream of other bands all imitating this new, edgy Indie sound.

Plus it has a guitar solo. A sweet, but not amazing guitar solo, that doesn't respect the vocals enough to stop when the chorus comes back up. It's not the best song in the world, but it's got my respect tucked into a tiny appreciative ball of thank yous.

Buy/Stream @ Bandcamp

I don't know what it is I have against happiness, but that's probably the worst thing I can say about the album. It's just so damn happy. It kinda makes me want to plant flowers, make them grow, and play hide and seek in them.

Yes, it's got a strong repetitive Pop influence, but it's got some catchy originality. It's got the occasional blunt truth track, and more solos. I'm really happy about the solos.

If today's track was to your liking, give the album a shot. If you need some persuasion, the title track is really impressive. I think it's my favorite of the album, and that's even after listening to the whole thing a second time and realizing I liked it a lot more than I thought.

The Echocentrics - Sunshadows

2013-04-11T16:00:00.000-04:00

In what seems like a really short amount of time, The Echocentrics have made a significant amount of music. I may have gotten there a little late, so I started listening where one should. At the beginning.

They've got Funk and Electronic influences mated with a hint of classic Latin singing style whenever there's vocals. All of this is displayed quite nicely on the day's track, Esclavo y Amo.

Stream/Buy @ Bandcamp

We owe the beautiful vocals to Argentine Natalia Clavier, whose voice over the funked out bass and electronic details results in a captivating contrast. Though individually, all the pieces that make this sweet piece are of great quality.

Maybe for some the ending is a bit abrupt for such a delicate sounding track. With the rest of the album still peeking at you from behind the speakers, the mesmerizing effect will continue. There's nothing to worry about as far as this piece goes.

Buy/Stream @ Bandcamp

The rest of the album has a similar mood, though the music varies quite a bit. It flaunts an Electronic side while keeping a steady stream of sweet rhythm. It's a good combination, but it doesn't land perfectly throughout the album.

Still makes for a really good listen. The contrast of varied language lyrics on an album that isn't even completely lyric based is intriguing, and works as a grounding device for that moment just before you think you've gone too far into something too odd.

If you need some persuasion, have an instrumental track. It'll show some of the album's diversity, but if it seems to your liking you should hear the whole thing on the above Bandcamp link. You know; for full effect.

Ambrose Akinmusire - When the Heart Emerges Glistening

2013-04-10T16:00:00.000-04:00

Unaware of who this guy was, I dove into his second release. It took a little looking up, but I had heard him before. A few times on albums I almost wrote about right here. After the research, I had my expectations, and he raised the bar way higher than I was prepared for.

What we have here is a trumpeter making Jazz happen for the sake of Jazz. Be it smooth and sensual or wild and intensely progressive. To my delight, he's a big fan of those swift, dramatic progressions that make Jazz its own genre. Give him a listen and see.

Jaya by Ambrose Akinmusire on Grooveshark

Myspace | Buy

It starts simple, anyone can listen to those opening sounds. It's sticking around that won't be for everyone. If the hectic talent spilling out and into your ear drums is a bit much for you, I can't guarantee the album will be to your liking.

And this isn't to say every song is as crazy and overflowing in oddly timed and synchronized sound. There's tracks like What's New that are much smoother and seductive for the simpler aural needs.

Buy: CD | mp3

It's the type of album that brings me joy every time a track starts. Some might not like the all-over-the-place sound, but that's what makes it so amazing. It's not random, it's chemistry. It's quality in talent, and it's relatively new. Something I expect less and less as time goes on.

I wouldn't really say this is the best place to start if you're just getting into Jazz, but don't miss out if you love a fine trumpet or a great Jazz album. Give the stream a listen and hook yourself on, if you're curios.

Scott Dunbar One Man Band - Let It Rain

2013-04-08T16:00:00.000-04:00

It's been a couple of years since I mentioned this guy's talent, but my love for what he's done brought him back to me. Yesterday he released a new track, along with nonsense about being mostly retired and other such profanity.

The track is simple, and unlike a lot of his other material, it won't necessarily sound better live. This track was recorded a long time ago, and performed only once because of how difficult it is to capture. Check it out yourself.

Let It Rain by Scott Dunbar One Man Band

Just simple, somewhat Bluesy, Folk oriented sadness. Wrapped wonderfully in a triumphant come back that might just put you in a carpe diem mood for the next hour or so. Thank that wonderful harmonica.

It's reasonably priced, but if you really like it, he appreciates larger donations. Then again, if you really like it you might also want to consider some of his albums.

Buy/Stream @ Bandcamp

That one there is a sweet little gem full of well written lyrics and attitude. You might not agree with everything he has to say, but you have to show respect for the way he says it.

Maybe some of this would be much more impressive live, but the quality is sufficient for the purchase. Or you know, start small. Support his new stuff so he can release more. He wants to.

Keep your eye on him. Here's his Facebook, Bandcamp, and his potentially abandoned Twitter. These might all be useful for the heaps of new music I'm hoping he starts releasing.