Music

Robinson, Freitag And The Lonely Trumpet present Shaking Hands – relax, island style

At just about every moment during this 10-track album, you'll be waiting for the musicians to break into laughter, and they actually do at some points. But Shaking Hands is not just a joke, it's an infectious combination of calypso beats and lo-fi magic. Either you'll get it or you won't, but if you do, it'll leave you wanting to go out and buy every island-themed album ever made.

The Liquid Kitchen “2 Days A Night” – It’s the 70s All Over Again

60s/70s sounding rock with Neil Young soundalike vocals. People will love The Liquid Kitchen for the same reason that they love old rock and roll music. 2 Days A Night compiles one catchy track after another, tie it together with enjoyable lyrics, clean guitar licks and you have yourself a great rock and roll band. This is all on top of the Neil Young sounding vocals which is an obvious attraction in itself. Like their hometown of Texas, The Liquid Kitchen is a big act to watch out for. With their brand of simple, chanty lyrics and melodic rhythms fused with 60s and 70s rock, this band is surely no horse with no name.

TRIBUMAN & Jammin’ Orchestra – New Style ina New Vibe

Great ragga riddims with a French flair. TRIBUMAN & Jammin' Orchestra is all about reggae rap riddim beats that will get you bobbing your head and maybe breaking a step or two on the dancefloor. They even add a touch of jazz in there which makes for a very good listen for this album. If you like hip hop and reggae, then this is the right one for you. Even if you might not like to listen to bands whose language you don't understand, TRIBUMAN & Jammin' Orchestra's New Style ina New Vibe is an album you might like to make an exception.

The Silent Ballet Volume XV – compilation album from The Lost Children netlabel

Just a short time ago The Lost Children netlabel and The Silent Ballet released their XIV installment of the compilation series. Now they are ready with number XV and they don't disappoint again. The compilation contains 12 strong electronic, ambient, post-rock tracks - some even with a hint of metal. It's not really a relaxing album, but you will get a nice variety of moods - anything from laud drum filled Hiérophante to calm and airy Turn Tail.

The Singletons by The Singletons – British Mod Influenced Spanish Scenesters

No nonsense garage rock with a surfer's flair. When hearing The Singletons for the first time, you would automatically think it was an updated version of the Kinks. A mix of surfer music, brit pop rock garage combined with slightly offbeat enunciation. However, The Singletons are in fact from Barcelona and released their brand of music only about 2-3 years ago. Although this type of music has been played and re-played by various other bands, there's no doubt that it sill holds its appeal under the hands of this band. Check out their 11 tracks and judge for yourself.
Stanley Ross

MN-EP by Stanley Ross – Free Rock Album from Rock Proper

Get carried away as Nicholas Meiers aka Stanley Ross (vox/guitars) takes you on one journey after another in his transition themed release for netlabel Rock Proper titled MN-EP. MN-EP has something for the old rocker soul (Have It All, Bicycle) and the younger ones (Dream On). “Have It All” will remind you of the sound of yesteryears' rock, which is not necessarily a bad thing if you're into it. “Bicycle” is for those who love the blues, and know what it's like to wait for someone to “come home.” It will pull up all your misery and make you sing out all the pain for a much needed catharsis. I played Bicycle two more times after hearing it for the first time.

Be Shareful – Cologne Commons 3rd Compilation

There is "sharefulness" in the music biz again as Cologne Commons has released "Be Shareful," its third compilation of ambient music featuring electro-folk chillout sounds. The first and second Cologne Commons music compilations were well-received by music enthusiasts around the world, which makes this third issue a much awaited follow up. As in the past editions, this compilation is named after Cologne City in Germany, where a festival for free music is held every year.

Paper Navy – All Grown Up

Paper Navy’s style of indie pop mixed with a slight alt. country accent is impossible to resist. Much of it has to do with the Shawn Anfinson’s boyish vocals but the entire band sounds like it is having fun. The album All Grown Up is a delightful blend of folk rock and innocent sounding pop tunes. For instance, The title tune and “Tongue Tied” reminds me of the 70s anthems by Supertramp and 10CC. But when they visit their Nashville roots on “I Can’t Read The Stars” and “Make Time”, which is my favorite track , they show a country rock style that screams of early Poco. Whatever you hear in this music, it quickly become evident that this music hold up on its own and is all Paper Navy.

Pondlife Fiasco by Heifervescent – Indie Pop Rock with Shimmering Guitars

Jangly mixed up pop rock music from Andy Doran's head. Heifervescent is essentially Andy Doran creating beautiful, sullen, sometimes dark but often melodramatic songs for his own and everybody else's pleasure. Doran echoes a Britpop flair in almost all his compositions and creates a nice synth orchestra background. Pondlife Fiasco is filled with 10 tracks that deal with various topics and subjects. It might not be an album that sends cupids arrow straight on like love at first sight, but it definitely gets to you after a couple of listens.