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Corinna Rose - self-titled country acoustic folk from Montreal native

Valerie — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:01:26 +0000

Folk songs always make me smile. There's something about that slight honky tonk banjo sound that makes me think of life as a piece of cake.

This self-titled debut from Corinna Rose is no exception. It comes with that feel-good sound that you can play over and over again without getting tired. This is the first compilation for the singer, although she's released several singles before this one.

This time around, she's armed with an acoustic guitar, a banjo along with her beautiful voice; ready to showcase a short EP that is both enjoyable and worthy of a listen.

Corinna Rose is actually the moniker of Corey Gulkin; a Montreal based singer that admits to being influenced by artists as diverse as Weezer and Regina Spektor. It's this love for folk, pop and rock that has helped shape the tracks in this record. The album brilliantly captures a warmth and a certain joy sometimes the lyrics are also quite thought provoking.

Opening with Belle Guitare, Rose sings about getting her guitar as well as the many things about life. From wishing to have "a less simple life" to talking about losing grip on their partners. It's an upbeat song that sticks for a good long while after a few listens. It's followed by a melodic track titled, Hymn for the Hearbreaker, where the artist shows off her banjo playing skills. Moreover, Amanda is also another quiet track which showcases Corinna's skillful banjoy playing and knack for creating dreamy folk cuts.

The EP is capped off with Born On a Mountain, which ends the record in an upbeat tempo. It also makes you think of lush countrysides where you can run around and simply feel good about everyday life.

Overall, you get an exciting compilation that's perfect for folk lovers everywhere. It's a bit too short and ends rather abruptly just when you're starting to fall in love with the songs but nevertheless, it serves as a great introduction to the artist and what we can expect in the future. Take a listen.

Spanish Prisoners: Gold Fools- eclectic dream pop tracks

Mona — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:01:33 +0000

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Spanish Prisoners' latest release Gold Fools will bind your ears in a psychedelic magic spell.

Hailing from Brooklyn, the quartet is composed of Leo Maymind, Amberly Hungerford, Mike DiSanto and James Higgs. They met in the winter of 2009 and started to create great music together.

Two years in the making, their LP Gold Fools offers nine dream pop tracks that'll surely take you on a kaleidoscopic ride.

Boasting with all the sonically pleasant fixings, the band's love for contemporary melodies and rich vibes has consistently been at the center of this collection.

Los Angeles Guitar Dream draws dreamy electric guitar tunes with a fingertip. With an almost ghostly vocal, this opening track is a perfect soundtrack for an indie movie.

Rich Blood invites a degree of captivating lucidness. Its well-written verses paints vivid images of the dark and messy side of wealthy people and how they are not contended with all the luxuries they have.

Slithering like a deceitful snake, Lipstick Under the Table talks about pretentions and lies. This track will give a steady does of sexiness with its slow but catchy rhythm and sultry vibe.

The album closes up with Dowtown Chicago —a reflection of the eroded self, questioning what he has become. I must commend the band's quality of writing, they play in the middle of being poetic yet still accessible to the listeners.

Gold Fools marks Spanish Prisoners' spot on the music scene. This album shows great visual and musical aesthetic that will vibrantly fill up the senses.

Julio y Agosto - charming self-titled Spanish acoustic folk

Valerie — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:01:25 +0000

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One of my favorite BandCamp finds as of late, Julio y Agosto, is a quaint Spanish group who create lovely acoustic folk music. They first started back in 2006, creating beautiful and soothing music that makes you think of woodland forests or some faraway land where fairies and all sorts of wonderful creatures exist.

This self-titled record was released last October 2011 and it definitely has the capacity to mesmerize audiences with its simple yet melodic cuts. They combine quirkiness and humor in their songs, which are accompanied by a host of instruments like the violin, trombone, bass, guitars, percussions and voice.

This five piece crew started off as a trio, with Santi, Migue and Marce. Later on, Guido on violin and Anaclara on flute joined in on the fun. Julio y Agosto is definitely a band that I would recommend if you love your acoustic folk. Regardless of whether you understand the language or not, their sound and instruments alone is enchanting enough.

Some of my favorite compositions out of the record include the quirky track, Heracio Enriquez, which has this hokey vibe that makes me think of western shows or old school silent films. Another one of my favorites is the quiet acoustic single, Espejo or mirror in English. The lovely mix of violins, beautiful guitars and the harmonic vocal work definitely works for me.

Overall, if you have a soft spot for acoustic folk music with a little quirkiness to it, then you should be listening to this. Even though I can only understand phrases and words from the lyrics, that didn't stop me from loving the record. Worth checking out if you ask me. The album is available as a free download over at the band's BandCamp page.

Here's their first music video titled "Caja Ninja" released December 15th of 2011 on Vimeo.

Tussie-Mussie: From Rough to Calm Seas - feel good indie surfer rock

Valerie — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:01:25 +0000

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Claiming to write songs about girls, this indie pop group only lists "Jon" (Jon Torres) as its member. I guess good music doesn't really require much names as the band seems to have a knack for creating catchy indie folk pop cuts.

From Rough to Calm Seas is the artists' latest effort. It's a short 4-track EP that's filled with pop music with a hint of surfer sound.

Weezer, Pavement and The Beach Boys are some of the bands that have influenced their sound. Indeed, you'll hear this feel-good, sometimes quirky sound that most of the bands mentioned above are known for.

The EP was released last December 2011 over at BandCamp. This short compilation opens up with a 4 minute single titled, Buggin' You. Combining a nice Pavement-like surfer sound, the song sandwiches dirty guitars with a catchy melody. Perfect for a morning trip down the beach in sunny California weather.

It's followed by Think Happy Thoughts, which resounds with handclaps and some harmonic Beach-Boys singing. Meanwhile, third track, Love is Patient, Love is Kind, continues with the melodic number. It's simple but relatively easy to adore. You can put it on and have it serenade you to sleep. On the other hand, Old Photographs, easily caps the album.

Tussie-Mussie is a Jacksonville, Florida band that records their sound using Garageband. You can grab a copy of this EP for free over at BandCamp and while you're at it, also check out their other releases and enjoy.

Dolphins: Galaxy Train - fresh tracks crafted from timeless music

Mona — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:01:54 +0000

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Prepare for an eargasmic experience with Dolphins' Galaxy Train. Released under Hipbones Records last March 14, 2011, the four-track album is filled with a bit of everything, from country, surf pop to punk.

Zach, Joel and Jesse, better known as the Dolphins have so much raw energy and talent. With influences such as Rocky Erickson, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Clash, and The Beach Boys, you could only expect exceptional music from these guys.

Girl opens up with a pure vintage vibe and charming pop hooks. I can just imagine this as the perfect opening track to a sunny 70's movie.

Wasted follows up with a more aggressive approach. The Dolphins mainly used fuzzy electric guitars and rapid drumbeats while slowing down to a hypnotic chorus.

Fronting the same instrumentation as that of the previous track, Lessons flutters down with a heavy punk sensibility. The loud yet perfectly blended instrumentation would surely make you lose yourself like a teenager in a rock concert.

The title track, Galaxy Train, tones down like a glass of cold water after dancing. Soothing tribal beats are mixed with an almost-ethereal vocal producing an electrifying soundscape.

All in all, Galaxy Train buzzes with a youthful and fresh vibe. The Dolphins surely did a great job with offering a new approach to timeless favorites producing revitalizing tracks that are worth repeating.

Literature: Arab Spring - edgy power pop tunes

Mona — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:01:36 +0000

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Slowly but surely, Literature blooms a garden full of good music in their new release entitled Arab Spring.

Kevin Adickes, Nathaniel Gardaci, Seth Whaland and Mike Yaklin, better known as Literature have crafted ten power pop tracks that appeals to the senses. It was recorded during the summer of 2011 and was released on new year's day of this year.

14 Seconds opens up with an uplifting vibe. It mixes the right amount of guitar strings and melodies making this the perfect companion for a long trip to work or school.
With a pure pop sensibility, Lily follows up with upbeat drum beats. This track sheds off a 90's vibe, the only difference is its faster rhythm.

The title track Arab Spring pops in the middle of the album. A personal favorite, I loved how the instrumentation transports you to earlier days of cassette tapes and headbangs.

With a similar vibe like that of the previous tracks, O.J. starts with thick bass guitars slowly building into a panoramic soundscape.

I Am Right Here closes the album with a healthy dose of happiness. This track seals the whole set, establishing the band's own brand of music. What I like about Literature is the tremendous amount of energy and free-spirit which are reflected into their songs.

Arab Spring is perfect for those seeking the right amount of fresh beat to start the day.

Martina Matwiejczuk: Extended Play

Valerie — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:01:39 +0000

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You won't find much about Martina Matwiejczuk online. Save for the few links on her Facebook Page, there's hardly any info about the singer herself.

Even though she remains a mysterious figure in the music scene, her sound might just pluck her out of this obscurity soon enough.

This Polish singer has a knack for creating catchy pop and R&B laced tracks that seems destined to receive good airplay. Her EP, Extended Play is a first for her. It comes with 5 feel-good cuts ready to make you a convert to her music.

Starting her short but gorgeous EP with a single that shows off her strong vocals, Give Me a Reason is essentially a smooth pop song that you can easily chill with. Within minutes of the track, it becomes apparent that Martina is an artist that has the capacity to command a listen. The song is catchy. Even though it is a bit typical, it's this same familiarity that makes it a great cut to enjoy.

Second track, Kilimanjaro is an upbeat single that serves as a nice club dance track. It has the right amount of groove that you can pop on for house parties or if you want something to perk up your mood. It's also easy to imagine this one playing over the radio. Martina takes a slower pace with Searcher, showcasing that she can belt R&B infused tracks if she wants to. This one cut sounds like it belongs to a Beyonce album. Vocals are great and the replay value of the single is quite high. Meanwhile, Black is White, ends the album the same way it opens it; with a single that will stay stuck in your head after just a listen or two.

Extended Play might be a simple EP that has plays on the same formula of soulful dance pop with a hint of R&B, but it's still a record worth grabbing if you ask me. Martina Matwiejczuk has a certain charm while she sings her songs. It's hard not to fall for it and have her music on repeat for the rest of the day.

No Way Josie!: EP - fun electro dance pop worth grabbing

Valerie — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:08:46 +0000

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Upbeat and completely danceable; the debut EP from No Way Josie! will easily find its way into your Saturday nightclub playlist. With 6 tracks in tow, the album resounds in an 80s/90s dance pop vibe that will take you on a trip down memory lane filled with the amazing electro-dance pop goodness.

Vocals for the group are provided by personal trainer (and now a great vocalist) Kym Perfetto while the beats are spun by producer and music engineer, Andrew Toews.
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The EP fires off with one powerful track; Want It Back will make you dance around your room, speed up your morning run, and provide you with enough energy to start off any of the rainy days thrown in your way. The cut is also one of my personal favorites, so if you are a fan of spot on synths and masterfully put together beats, it could become one of your favorites as well.
Let Me Show U, on the other hand, takes the tempo a bit down. It shows off the gorgeous vocals by Kym and the same fun electro dance flavor we already fell in love with.

No Way Josie "Want It Back" Self Titled EP by FrostClick

Other cuts that should put you in a happy, feel-good mood include Around The World and Nothing To Spare. Both tracks are accompanied with good mixing and gorgeous steady vocals. The songs on the EP really showcase the perfection of dance electro pop and will surely get you up and dance in no time. Apart from the originals, the compilation also includes two remixes from Cosmo Luxx Arena and a Wintry Mix Dub.

You get a great musical package with this duo. If all you need is some great dance party music to throw on for your usual Friday night gatherings, then do check this one out. So grab the download, take a peak at the band's BandCamp page and head over to their Twitter to check out where they'll be playing next.

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Austin Bucholtz: Fairytale Shadowland - tasteful pop and soft rock tracks

Mona — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:01:58 +0000

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Sincerity is clearly rooted in Fairytale Shadowland, the brain child of Austin Bucholtz and Michael Koch. The EP is composed of three heart-piercing tracks that wonders along pop and soft rock.

Raised in Saint Joseph, Michigan, Bucholtz is a truly talented artist inspired by musicians like Adele, P!nk, Natasha Bedingfield, KT Tunstall and more. He's currently settled in Charleston, South Carolina where he shares his own brand of amazing musical creations.

Jumping atop his piano, Fairytale Shadowland kicks off with playful keys and sparkles throughout. The title track's sing-along vibe is the perfect backdrop for a vibrant Sunday morning.

Room to Breathe, on the other hand, explores the moody territory of breaking up and letting go. Bucholtz's expresses himself through heart-felt verses and an earthly, stripped down delivery. What makes this track stand out from any other break-up song is the incorporation of electronic tunes after an almost-acapella beginning.

FiftyFirst completes the EP and finishes the emotional subject matter that has been spread throughout the album. It contains well-written lyrics and piano keys flawlessly played to perfection.

Fairytale Shadowland is an intricate collection backed-up with accessible soundscapes. There is something beautiful in its piano solos drawing you in with so much passion. It's only a matter of time until Austin Bucholtz finds his place in the music scene.

Chloë Sunshine: Indian Summer - whimsical tunes for a chill-out weekend

Mona — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:01:51 +0000

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Listed as one of Boston’s band to watch for 2012, Chloë Sunshine traffics between surf pop and whimsical avenue. The up-comers fronted by Kendall Chloë Eagan offers Indian Summer, a collection of seven vibrant tracks that captures slices of love in a non-conventional way.

Sugar-filled piano keys spread in Love, Love, Love. This song plays on the realm of child-like wonder while exploring the subject of a new found love. Chloë’s voice is really captivating; it blends well with the piano and the catchy lines. A playlist must-have, this is the perfect soundtrack for a weekend road trip.

I Try continues the pop-art sensibility set by the opening track. The incorporation of subtle wave sounds in the background transports the listener to a summer fling by the beach. Modern House, on the other hand, sheds off a 60’s disco rock tune that relies heavily on thick guitar and upbeat drum beats.

Without You makes use of pure strings and a folk vibe. I personally like the toned down instrumentation. A layered vocal lends itself so well to Chloë’s voice sending it to ethereal heights.

Closing up with a heavenly finale is We Are Free. Accompanied with glowing piano keys and soothing violin solos, this ballad produces a sweet melancholy. But the artist surprises us in the middle when fuzzy guitars steps onto the scene creating a great contrast within one piece.

Indian Summer is that kind of album that progresses from country pop to epic soundscapes without compromising its folk charm. Chloë Sunshine’s quirky and soft offerings craft a tasteful musical treat that will surely ignite the ears.