Contrastream

Japanther - Skuffed Up My Huffy

dMix — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:35:24 GMT

When Japanther began five years ago we knew we were on the verge of something new. 1000 shows later, the band enters into legendary territory, naturally combining catchy hooks, heart pounding beats and frenetic energy with DIY aesthetics.
Audio Preview: Japanther - Challenge

Blu & Exile - Below The Heavens

hdub111 — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 04:18:01 GMT

The 22-year old west coast MC has one of the smoothest flows you will ever hear. He documents his struggle over soulfull beats by Exile. It's a must listen. Check out the album reviews below.
Audio Preview: Blu & Exile -

Vampire Weekend - Blue CD-R (Demo)

dMix — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 17:46:55 GMT

This is the first DIY release from Vampire Weekend that features catchy indie-pop gems. Their influences range from African bands to the Talking Heads.
Audio Preview: Vampire Weekend - Mansard Roof

White Williams - Smoke

dMix — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 20:26:27 GMT

Smoke, White Williams first album, is nostalgic colorful art pop, often loose, imperfect, and ambiguous. The album title describes the lyrics, which fade in and out of logic the same way that smoke diffuses into the air.
Audio Preview: White Williams - Headlines

The Paper Cranes - Halcyon Days

dMix — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 20:17:17 GMT

One year after the release of their self-titled EP, Victoria’s the Paper Cranes are certainly ushering in a golden age. Having toured and landed favourably in towns and cities all across Canada, the ripple effect can be seen in their growing fan base.
Audio Preview: The Paper Cranes - LoveYouUntilMyVeinsExplode

Yeasayer - All Hour Cymbals

dMix — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:49:07 GMT

Their debut rides off the release of the single, "2080/Sunrise" that garnered stacks of nice press quotes. The album is a mesmerizing journey, and quite overwhelming for a premiere release. Live, this group brings out the boogie, radiating heat waves and rhythms.
Audio Preview: Yeasayer - 2080

Black Kids - Wizard of Ahhhs EP

intrudah — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:39:32 GMT

They have been collecting rave reviews for their live performances, and have now dropped their debut 4 track EP Wizard Of Ahhhs which they have kindly made available to download for free on myspace.
Audio Preview: Black Kids - Im not going to teach your boyfriend

Little Brother - Getback

dMix — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 23:58:52 GMT

It will be the group's third studio album, following 2005's The Minstrel Show. As of October 12, Phonte himself leaked the album to the internet.
Audio Preview: Little Brother - Can't Win for Losing

Atmosphere - Sad Clown Bad Fall 10

intrudah — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 21:15:56 GMT

Riding on the heels of their Sad Clown Bad Summer Number 9 release, Atmosphere marks the transition from Summer into Winter. Volume 10 of the group's rare and limited Sad Clown series is all about those shorter days and colder nights that make up the Autumn season.
Audio Preview: Atmosphere - Lyndale Avenue Users Manual

Flying Lotus - Reset EP

dMix — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 20:23:41 GMT

This is Flying Lotus' great six track debut for Warp, which shows off the breadth, depth and sheer versatility of this artist's talent over six tracks and some myspace favorites. On vinyl and cd.
Audio Preview: Flying Lotus - Tea Leaf Dancers

The Deadly Syndrome - The Ortolan

analogTDM — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 20:37:10 GMT

. An upbeat pop-tinged album with larger than life percussion, jangling guitars, and heart wrenching vocals that still maintains the crucial darkness that so often taints the west coast folk and rock sound. Upbeat tales of longing, loving, suicide, and loss.
Audio Preview: Flying Lotus - Tea Leaf Dancers

Jack Penate - Matinee

dMix — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:15:49 GMT

'Matinee' is the debut album from London-based ska-popper Jack Penate. Fusing elements of early Madness and The Housemartins with rockabilly and pure pop, the album is a brilliant debut that is sure to appeal to fans of bands such as The Kooks and Kate Nash.
Audio Preview: Jack Penate - Torn on the Platform

Spank Rock / Benny Blanco - Bangers & Cash

dMix — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 01:27:56 GMT

This is an ep coming out from the group Bangers & Cash. Created by Spank Rock this is an EP he's been working on with producer Benny Blanco that takes freak nasty Miami bass pioneers 2 Live Crew as its inspiration.
Audio Preview: Spank Rock / Benny Blanco - Loose Feat Amanda Blank

Super Furry Animals - Hey Venus!

robbygb — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 01:17:51 GMT

After a short run of albums that found Super Furry Animals exploring their slower, more ponderous side, Hey Venus! sees Wales’ heady psychedelic explorers revisit the bright melodies and glammy bounce that powered earlier albums like 1999’s Guerilla and their fondly remembered debut, Fuzzy Logic.
Audio Preview: Super Furry Animals - Run Away

Les Savy Fav - Lets Stay Friends

dMix — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 20:25:57 GMT

Since forming in 1994, Les Savy Fav has grown into a band considered among the godfathers of the independent rock music scene, releasing three albums and a singles compilation that resulted in sales of over 1000,000 copies worldwide.
Audio Preview: Les Savy Fav - The Equestrian

Black Lips - Good Bad Not Evil

Inflex — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 20:07:55 GMT

This debut succinctly epitomizes all that's special about Atlanta's favorite flower punk sons: the uncontained energy, undeniable songcraft, and unrivaled showmanship are all on full display, as is a newfound sense of the world around them.
Audio Preview: Black Lips - Cold Hands

Iron and Wine - Shepards Dog

dMix — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 20:28:43 GMT

ollowing a one-record hiatus to collaborate with Tucson collective Calexico on 2005's In The Reins, Iron & Wine (Sam Beam, that is) recoils to the earnestness and intimacy that embodied his first two records, his cerebral words and phrases tunneled beneath an orchestra of guitar, banjo, keyboards.
Audio Preview: Iron and Wine - Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car

Band of Horses - Cease to Begin

dMix — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 20:03:01 GMT

Cease to Begin, which made the magazine’s annual Hot List. Due out October 9th on Sub Pop Records, the follow-up to Everything All The Time, its critically acclaimed debut, finds the band at the height of its considerable powers, as the soaring, anthemic lead single “Is There a Ghost” attests.
Audio Preview: Band of Horses - Is There a Ghost?

The Passive Resistance - Eternal Flame of Global Warming

CounterSound — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 09:59:25 GMT

The Debut Album of one of electronic music's most up-and-coming acts, The Passive Resistance. Check this album for a totally new sonic experience - electro house meets punk dirt ! We love it.
Audio Preview: Band of Horses - Is There a Ghost?

Blonde Redhead - 23

GatoAzul — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 19:56:41 GMT

As rich and densely layered as their last album, "Misery Is A Butterfly", but the overall mood of wistfulness, melancholy, and regret has been replaced by one of mystical wonder and renewed energy.
Audio Preview: Band of Horses - Is There a Ghost?

Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam

jakee — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:20:13 GMT

Strawberry Jam is the eighth full-length album by New York-based band Animal Collective. It will be released in September of 2007, and will be the band's first release for Domino Records.
Audio Preview: Band of Horses - Is There a Ghost?

Aesop Rock - None Shall Pass

DJCompe — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 16:25:00 GMT

Created over a 2 year period following his last release, None Shall Pass documents not only a vast amount of personal change that Aesop experienced over this time, but also deftly depicts scenes and stories relative to all ages of life. The majority of production duties have been handled by Aesop's longtime partner Blockhead.
Audio Preview: Band of Horses - Is There a Ghost?

Liars - Liars

dMix — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 23:21:35 GMT

Fourth album, following 2006's 'Drum's Not Dead', from experimental Aussie-American art-rock quartet. Largely eschewing the screes of fractured noise and dense, tribal percussion that characterized that album. Critics have drawn comparisons with Oneida, Pavement, Guided By Voices.
Audio Preview: Band of Horses - Is There a Ghost?

Fog - Ditherer

robbygb — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 17:11:07 GMT

Ditherer is eleven songs of hard edged leftfield rock and roll featuring collaborations with Alan and Mimi from Low, Mount Eerie, Andrew Bird and Why? The trio of Andrew Broder, Mark Erickson & Tim Glenn have spent the last two years touring as a rock combo.
Audio Preview: Band of Horses - Is There a Ghost?

Shape of Broad Minds - Craft of the Lost Art

dMix — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:57:26 GMT

Retro/futuristic debut album from hip hop super-group fronted by rapper / producer Jneiro Jarel. From the label that brought you Danger Mouse & Jemini. Shape Of Broad Minds is a new Hip Hop supergroup. Album features star guests MF Doom, Count Bass D, Lil’ Sci and Stacy Epps.
Audio Preview: Shape of Broad Minds - Budda Fly Away

DJ Mehdi + Chromeo - I Am Somebody

hUDsOn — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:39:43 GMT

This one is for everyone who's been in line at a club or a party and had some dude push past them like "Yo I'm on the list… yeah, I know the DJ…" Montreal's Chromeo hooks up with Parisian phenom DJ Mehdi on the Ed Banger label for this track about trying to get on the other side of that velvet rope.
Audio Preview: Shape of Broad Minds - Budda Fly Away

Atmosphere - Sad Clown Bad Summer Number 9

dMix — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 23:16:55 GMT

Atmosphere sells more albums than any other Indie rap artist. On top of that, they've been giving their fans the "Sad Clown Bad Summer" series, usually only available on tour. This time, they've decided to put a limited number of them in stores.
Audio Preview: Atmosphere - Sunshine

Caribou - Andorra

ian_calder — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 23:09:23 GMT

Andorra is the 4th full length from Dan Snaith recording under his Caribou moniker (formerly Manitoba). Andorra has more of a full band feel than some of Caribou's earlier studio efforts. It's still just Dan in the studio creating his singular magic, but the extensive touring that Caribou did for th
Audio Preview: Atmosphere - Sunshine

Earlimart - Mentor Tormentor

robbygb — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 22:56:36 GMT

Mentor Tormentor is the follow-up to Los Angeles based indie rock band's critically acclaimed 2004 release Treble & Tremble, which garnered praise from Rolling Stone, The New York Times and Los Angeles Times, among others, while the band went on to play sold-out shows across the U.S.
Audio Preview: Atmosphere - Sunshine

The New Pornographers - Challengers

dMix — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 22:43:03 GMT

Released by Matador, The New Pornographers are back with their fourth release. The Vancouver indie "supergroup" continue with their infectiousness pop sound packaged in an album cover that takes DIY to new heights.
Audio Preview: Atmosphere - Sunshine

Dinosaur Jr. - Beyond

ian_calder — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 17:11:07 GMT

After 10 long years Mascis finally brings back the band that influence so many of the albums today. I was convinced by "Almost Ready" that they haven't lost their sound that made their early work so popular.
Audio Preview: Dinosaur Jr. - Almost Ready

Okkervil River - The Stage Names

analogTDM — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 01:56:44 GMT

This is Okkervil's latest release after 2005's "Black Sheep Boy" was successful. They've redefined their sound and filled an album with clever lyrics mixed with intricate stories. Will Sheff has also treads new ground tightly weaving through the cinematic touch of the band.
Audio Preview: Okkervil River - A Girl in Port

Justice - Cross

Breakz — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 01:31:52 GMT

After raising enough attention with the disco pop single D.A.N.C.E., Justice is finally releasing the full length effort. Backed by UK's label of the moment Ed Banger their set out to break from the remixing past and bring some energy back to the dance floor.
Audio Preview: Okkervil River - A Girl in Port

1990s - Cookies

dMix — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 19:10:24 GMT

Fronted by John McKeown who's well known from the band Yummy Furs (whos other members went on to Franz Ferdinand). Already gaining ground in Scotland their looking to take over the US. With a sound reminiscent of Primal Scream its being tagged as the perfect summer music.
Audio Preview: 1990s - Arcade Precinct

Madlib - Beat Konducta Vol. 3-4: In India

dMix — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 19:08:57 GMT

After the critical praise from v1-2 "Movie Scenes" this album plans to do what Dilla's Donuts did with Soul but with Indian music. Madlibs extensive crate digging brings the next instrumental album in the Beat Konducta series. Continuing the mix of obscure samples and genius of the Badkid.
Audio Preview: 1990s - Arcade Precinct

Ill Bill - Black Metal

dMix — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 19:12:02 GMT

The most anticipated new group of the decade, La Coka Nostra, breathes new life into an industry stale and dying. With their guerilla style marketing and merchandising and raw forceful music, LCN provides an outlet for fans who have been deprived of hardcore Hip Hop music.
Audio Preview: 1990s - Arcade Precinct

C-Rayz Walz - Chorus Rhyme

dMix — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 19:10:17 GMT

C-Rayz Walz has been a fixture in the New York hip-hop scene for years. He hosts tons of shows and events, and has more charisma and energy than most rappers can dream of. He has had video rotation on BET and started his own label, SunCycle Entertainment.
Audio Preview: 1990s - Arcade Precinct

The Thrills - Teenager

dMix — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 19:02:14 GMT

With their third album The Thrills aren't breaking much new ground a those familiar with their style should expect the same breezy sound with lyrics reaching a new personal level. For those new to the Irish/American you should expect a tight pop sound and an *always* optimistic delivery.
Audio Preview: The Thrills - Teenager