Gathering influences from bands like Isis, Tool, Mogwai, Mastodon and Caspian, they create a hypnotic layer of sound in each cut.

Drawing a Future is the band’s debut compilation and was released last September 2012 at a name-your-price download at BandCamp.

Renaissance kicks open the doors of the compilation as it balances between post rock and metal. The soft opening riff plays on for about a minute before giving way to a richer, not to mention, louder barrage of guitar riffs and cymbals.

One of the best cuts on the record, Colossus Collapse, is as big as its title sounds. The song provides layers of sound in epic proportions. It highlights the contrast between strong and soft while creating drama and mystique as it goes.

Stepping out of character, Red Dawn sees the band exploring their quieter side for a tad bit before introducing distortion. There’s an air of victory and triumph enveloping the track; making for an inspiring listen.

Drawing a Future underneath it all, provides a good ray of hope with a promise of victory. Sort of like a light at the end of a tunnel, each track has its way of beckoning listeners to head towards the light. It’s a beautiful compilation that should satisfy any prog metalheads out there.

Track List:
1. Renaissance 06:47
2. Stampede 05:03
3. Colossus Collapse 05:12
4. Tidal Waves 08:34
5. Skissa 01:32
6. Drawing a Future 06:04
7. The Day After the End of the World 03:58
8. Red Dawn 03:33
9. Framtíð 01:16
10. Ära 03:46

Related Links:
Syberia Official Website
Syberia on Facebook
Syberia on BandCamp
Syberia on Internet Archive

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

The Blackfires – Live at The Cutting Room captures the essence of the band’s sound. From wild riffs, impressive wailing vocals and crashing cymbals, the tracks from this mini session will resonate deep and hard for many fans of 70s rock and roll.

This New York outfit are fairly new in the scene but they’re already cooking up quite a storm in various underground rock/metal circuits. And once you hear them, it’s pretty easy to understand why people are buzzing.

It’s rare to see a rock band so expertly showcase their various influences without losing their own voice or sound in the process. However, The Black Fires make this feat look quite easy. Their music, for the most part, is a throwback to the era of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple etc., but yet they manage to retain their modern voice amidst the concoction.

There’s only 5 tracks on here but it’s enough to give you a good picture of what you’re in for, in case you get to see the band live.

Energetic opener, Rocker Child, plays with traditional rock riffs and would certainly kickstart a good concert. Thanks to his powerful voice, frontman Cheggi, easily sways listeners while still keeping up with the instruments.

Livewire Babies is perhaps one of the most solid tracks on the record. Although almost all the cuts are likable, this one has great potential as a single. The guitar work is beautiful on this one so make sure to check it out.

The Blackfires is certainly a band to watch out for. Essentially, there are bands who cover 70s rock faithfully and then there’s this band. They take it a step further by using their love for the decade while ensuring their personality still stands out. As a result, they create a great balance between old school and modern that’s hard to pull off.

Track List:
1. Rocker Child 04:16
2. Gambit 05:16
3. Livewire Babies 06:31
4. Just a Thrill 04:58
5. Primal Love 07:26

Related Links:
The Blackfires Official Website
The Blackfires on Facebook
Tha Blackfires on BandCamp

The company is described as a label created by musicians for fellow musicians. Specializing in a variety of indie rock, punk, emo and summer rock bands, the label is the perfect haven for new artists.

This is the third compilation from them and it’s a nice venue to discover brand new groups to add to your regular playlist.

Either/Or and More Vol. 3 is  one hefty compilation. It’s composed of about 30 tracks from the independent label, Eitheror Records.

The compilation is made up of bands that were part of their roster since they formed back in 2009. It’s a big list to go through but luckily there are plenty of great picks on here.

For instance, opening single from Turnover, is pretty good. It’s a standard pop punk track from the Virginia-based band. Fast, chanty vocals, distorted guitars and overall, fun beat; it’s a perky start for the record. There’s also a nice Beach Boys cover from Michigan band, Citizen. They did a pretty good job creating a slightly updated version of Barbara Ann.

A few other tracks worth the mention include Alison Weiss’ Fingers Crossed, Beast Makes Bomb’s 1,2,3,4 and final track from His Day Has Come, Where I Belong. You’ll find a ton of other great tracks on here. It’s a great album to sort through so take a listen and enjoy!

Related Links:
Eitheror Records on BandCamp
Either/Or Records on Facebook
Either/Or Records on Twitter

Although Camden’s sound can simply be thrown into a the indie alternative rock genre, there’s something that sets Camden aside. Perhaps it’s their ability to blend everything just right, I can almost see the sound waves dancing away together as if it were their high school prom.

Lead by the strong vocals of Jason Sibilia, Boston four piece Camden release their best work to date. Along with the new rockier sound, lyrical charms set this to top shelve status. ‘Could you cut it California?’ sends Diamonds In Bloom straight into the fun sing-along you’ve been waiting for during that long commute to happiness.

Camden stays active by playing shows throughout the states, recently enjoying the Bushwick Walkabout Festival in NY with many other talents. A simple ‘like’ on their facebook will keep you posted on when they might be playing near you.

Related Links:
Camden Website
Camden on Bandcamp
Camden on Facebook

Hailing from Sacramento, California; the pair first met in 2002 but it wasn’t until 2009 when they got together to start playing music. After unsuccessfully looking for possible bassists and vocalists, they’ve decided to retain their status as a duo.

That decision might be the best thing they’ve made music-wise, The Downhill Dive contains solid rock tracks that will make The White Stripes step up the game a bit.

Sharing vocal duties, the duo beautifully harmonizes and blends with their instruments. Their sound can be generalized as “rock” but there are layers of other genres that crop up in their music.

Portions of trip hop, alternative pop and indie rock make up parts of compilation. Without You, I’m Useless, presents the duo’s indie rock side with Jess dominantly and confidently singing for much of the track. In parts, this brings in memories of Karen O but with more mystery and confidence.

I Will is louder, grittier and overall a great noise fest that should be cranked up when played. It’s a short 2 minute interlude featuring shouty vocals, epic dirty guitars and just tons of energy. Punky Bruiser, treads on the group’s punk/alternative side while Can’t Get It, explores their Radiohead influence. Zac offers up great vocals on this track too, something that shouldn’t be missed.

Closing single, Spit, starts off quiet, slow and dark before bursting out as an epic prog-rock affair filled with massive drums, sweeping guitars and awesome energy.

The Downhill Dive is a highly recommended record. Personally, it’s one of my favorites for the year. They were right in continuing as a duo because from the sound of things, they already have everything they need. It’ll be exciting to see their future projects though.

Related Links:
I’m Dirty Too on BandCamp
I’m Dirty Too on Facebook

Pastel Agressive from talented electronic maven, Bitch Brigade is one of these albums left behind. Consisting of experimental synth pop with added girly rock and pop vocals, the album is the perfect soundtrack to a laid back dance club night out.

Bitch Brigade started back in 2006 and comes from the Land Down Under. They are made up of Agr1ppa (Agrippa Cryoflesh,) Zero_ (keyboards) and Ping! (drums). 

Little is known about the band themselves so let’s just delve into what makes this album quite special: the music.

Pastel Aggressive is actually a remix album so expect different versions of the two primary tracks on here. Kickstarting the dance compilation is Licky the Carnivorous Pony remixed by Polluted Axis and the Magical Glue Factory (yes, you can expect more quirky titles from the album). The track is a synth/strobe-light feel, sexy track. Bitch Brigade knows how to keep their audience entranced, making you want to listen from start to finish.

The other track on here is Bubblegum Cyber, it’s a single that sees the artist proclaiming how she has a fetish for “pink and cute, and PVC…” It’s a great cut and each remix adds a different feel to it.

Overall, even if you only occasionally like dance music, it’s hard not to find this album intriguing. Personally, I ended up liking it after one listen. Bitch Brigade brings in a new layer to the sound they create, ensuring that they’re not just repeating formulas so familiar in today’s dance scenes. Go check it out. It’s a name-your-price-download.

Related Links:
Bitch Brigade on BandCamp
Botch Brigade on Facebook
Bitch Brigade on Twitter
Bitch Brigade on Last FM

Obviously, he has a very special affinity for punk rock. The State of Mind on the Violent Side is, according to him, still under the mixing and mastering process. However, for those who love the gritty sound of DIY music, he’s put it up for free download.

The album is a 10-track compilation that should be considered one of the best punk rock finds for the year. It’s raw, dirty, traditional and absolutely awesome!

The album itself was released on Bandcamp last November 2012. It opens on a high note with Goldilocks and the 5C’s. True to form, it’s an unforgiving barrage of repetitive guitar riffs, slight shouting and rolling fast drums which is at the core of punk. It definitely starts the album right and gets you up on your feet while also offering a unique touch.

Clarke Quay and The Ballroom Mayhem showcase more of the loud madness. Although it’s not exactly his forte (my personal opinion) he does offer quieter tracks on here like the title track, The State of Mind on the Violent Side.

Nevertheless, the album is perfect for anyone who appreciates the genre. It’s expertly done like any other great punk rock album of the yesteryears. Plus, when you think about the fact that only one guy recorded the vocals, plays both guitars and writes the songs; well, it’s kind of mindblowing.

Grab the download if you like this one. It should be worth it.

Related Links:
PunkANation on BandCamp
PunkANation on Facebook
PunkANation on Twitter

Having played for the last seven years in Madison, Wisconsin, listen as this five-piece band reinvent their sound in the buzzing Boston music scene. The Shone’s consists of Fransiscus Pobar Lay (Lead Vocals), Alex Leeds (Bass/ Backup Vocals), Paul Arbaje (Guitar), Henry Stoehr (Guitar), and Teddy Matthews (Drums/ Backup Vocals).

Dirty Feeling sets the stage as it offers three essential elements for the band’s musical brand—rock, blues, and garage. This opening track solidifies what The Shones can offer to their listeners.

Following with a steady guitar and drum hook, Wendy bites the ears with an edgy surf rock aesthetic. The band’s high energy in making recording the song is evident that it can be easily translated and absorbed to the listeners.

Using a bit more surf rock, Hold Up features chill vocals and steady instrumentation. While closing track Bolero wraps up the album in a slow escalating piece that’s condensed with tightly woven acoustic rock tunes.

In The Shones EP, the band has successfully placed their self in the game as someone to watch out for. With a new face lift and fresh tunes, this EP screams that the band is officially separating itself from the pack.

Track list:
1. Dirty Feeling
2. Wendy
3. No More
4. Hold Up
5. Moon
6. Bolero

Related Links:
The Shones on Facebook
The Shones on Bandcamp
The Shones on Twitter

The band started as a monthly song writing project of Ponny Kosmas in 2011, which later evolved into a full-pledged band under the name Mars Water—a combination of Kosmas’ interest and fear in both astronomy and the ocean.

Packed with a hefty set of 11 songs, Mars, Je T’aime is a concept album about a long distance love between a woman in France and a man in Mars. The songs in the album are letters between the lovers.

Spacey vocals and acoustic strings set the overall mood in Wait For Me. While Somewhere Nice follows with an upbeat, summer vibe. The sudden shift between these two songs paints a stark contrast between the distance of the two characters.

When I Saw You is a love child of the first two tracks as it perfectly combines the ambient sound of the first track and sunshine charm of the latter.

Tracks such as Penser à Toi, Philippe, and Attente features the effortlessly soothing vocals of Eva Kosmas. The arrangement of each tracks bursts with French appeal that will easily transport the listeners to the place.

Getting Married and The Wind concludes a happy ending for the distant lovers as they finally walk down the aisle.

In Mars, Je T’aime, Mars Water has succeeded in transforming a love story into exquisite pieces of music that are easily digestible.

Related Links:
Mars Water on Facebook
Mars Water on Twitter
Mars Water on Tumblr

The album is a straightforward modern rock record with alternative tracks thrown in for good measure. Coming in with 10 bangin’ tracks, expect something loud and deafening. You get a reprieve on the volume in certain songs but those are few in between.

This is the first album for the band and so far they’re showcasing a pretty good set of sounds worthy of a listen.

Kicking the record is a dark, guitar-driven Intro. It runs a little over a minute showcasing an atmospheric rock track. It’s almost an extension of the first cut, The Escapist. Speaking of, the first track starts blasting heavy guitars, steady drums and gang vocals right from the onset. Although it’s not exactly perfect, it’s a coherent piece that maintains the energy built up by the band from the start.

End of Days is another loud track that combines a bit of that metal sound to it. Maybe it’s the melody and the way the guitars are played but I can imagine hearing and seeing the video on 80s/90s MTV.

Apart from the louder tracks, the guys do know how to step on the brakes if there’s a need. One of the best slower tracks include the acoustic number, Cold & Frozen, which strips down Scotty Doo’s vocals and exposes it for its raw sound.

The album has its shining moments and for a rock album, there’s plenty of beautiful harmonies embedded within the songs. Guitars and instruments are well done and the recording quality is pretty good as well. Overall, it’s a polished record that should please any modern/alternative rocker. Take a listen and grab it if you like what you hear.

Track list:
1. Intro
2. The Escapist
3. Walk Away
4. Falling Down
5. Turns to Dust
6. Cold and Frozen
7. End Of Days
8. Conflict Within
9. Know Your Place
10. Will The Peace Remain?

Related Links:
Silver Grenade on BandCamp
Silver Grenade Official Website
Silver Grenade on Facebook