Month: October 2011

Idbs: It Has To Be Done

Normally, most artists would be excited to share their thoughts, ideas, influences etc. about their music, but not Idbs. In fact, he makes sure to let the people know this by tacking a polite but straightforward note on his Jamendo page stating: This text is useless as the music speaks better of the artist than itself. True enough, the music does communicate itself very well. The album is a beautiful mix of acoustic, folk, pop and even rock & roll. It's a gorgeous album beaming with soulful guitar driven love songs with the occasional and unexpected touch of alternative grunge.

Image Tricks Lite

There are already countless image editing software available for free download online but like many things, there's always room for one more. Image Tricks is one of the new kids on the block. Like the new kid, it comes with tons of bling that he's eager to show around. The program was created by Belight Software, which also offers plenty of cool, free software that users can download. It uses the Mac OSX Core Image as well as the Quartz Composition for editing. This nifty program is packed with cool features that most image editors and beginners will find useful. Best of all, the program is offered absolutely free. Give it a try.

Soto: Soto EP

Soto is an experimental Japanese pop group that create lovely folk pop music. Listening to this band is like being transported to a place where forest spirits dwell and lovely music is created at every instance. Two members of the band originally formed the duo, "Oto." This initial band produced music that focused more on sounds and its tapestry. However, as the group turned into a quartet; they focused more on creating music with proper song structures. Together, they christened themselves as "Soto" and create amazing acoustic, folk pop that is transcendent as well as emotional.

Stratus (Richard Edwards)

Another entry into what's now become a mecca of indie gaming goodness: Stratus is one of the hundreds of entries to the Ludum Dare game competition. Created by Richard Edwards, the game features interesting pixel style artwork and a pretty cool gameplay. For the uninitiated, Ludum Dare Competition has been around for years now. It's an event where independent gamers create an entire game in as little as 48 hours. Each game revolves around a certain theme that's announced before the start of the competition. For this one, more than 500+ entries have already been submitted, among them this cool puzzler from Edwards.

The Fumes: Unhandled Exception

Remember Blues Clues and that striped sweater wearing guy named, Steve? Well, this isn't him (although he's actually a musician too) but I imagine, The Fumes, could have easily played the part of the guitar wielding Steve in the show. One listen to Unhandled Exception and you'll probably see/hear it too. This guy churns out acoustic folk pop cuts that immediately made me picture children sitting around on a park with the singer at the center and singing along to his music. Now, this can either be good or bad depending on your taste, but personally some songs in this acoustic folk pop record are worth a listen.

Ichi (Jay Van Hutten)

Single button games should be easy, right? Besides, pressing one button to play and defeat the entire game can't be that hard. However, Ichi might just prove this theory wrong. The game is a one-button puzzler from Jay Van Hutten and it's main premise is simple. All you have to do is collect the different yellow colored circles or balls inside a maze. This might seem like a no-brainer and it is, until you get to the higher levels and realize just how complicated it can get. Ichi comes with a sketch-like graphics reminiscent of Crayon Physics as well as a nice soundtrack provided by Michiel Nijhof.

Derek Clegg: Across Town

Making his 5th appearance here at the Frostclick blog, Derek Clegg is back with his sixth official release. Across Town is a 12-track record from the master of acoustic folk pop. Like most of his previous albums, it resonates with a cozy feel that makes you think of heartfelt folk pop songs you can easily play on your guitar on a lazy afternoon. With several great quality compilations in tow, it's hard to believe that Derek remains independent. A one-man band manning the songwriting, recording, and producing of his records; the guy is one tough act to follow. Some of his previous releases include It Seems As Though, Beautiful World, Here Comes Your Fate, Quick Duck and KJC.

Candy Train

If you were into PopCap games back then, then you must have remembered Candy Train at some point. This simple but entertaining game was a staple on the PopCap roster. In fact, it was even available as a flash game on their website. Fast forward to now and this addictive game is available as a free download for the iPhone and iPad. The game was released under PopCap's "indie label," 4th & Battery where they promised to deliver edgier and experimental games. I'm not so sure if you can call Candy Train edgy or experimental but one thing's for sure, it definitely has the charm of a PopCap title: making you want to do nothing but keep playing.