Reviews

Bi-Polar Bear – Today I Found Happy

Hip hop psychedelia with great rap vocals to match. With a witty name like Bi-Polar Bear featuring an apparently heartbroken blue bear on the disc, it's hard not to even try listening to this album. Self described as someone who sounds like Atmosphere, the duo, known before as "Strange Passengers" have renamed themselves as Bi-Polar Bear after their second reunion. All 11 tracks reflect a slight old school flavor with enough of a twist to make it their own. Of course, be warned there are explicit lyrics to this album, so if it's not your trip, then steer clear. Otherwise, feel free to indulge.

Pingus – open source Lemmings-like game

Ever got addicted to Lemmings when you were younger? Now, you can get the same game play only this time, you have Penguins to deal with. Pingus is a very entertaining open source game designed initially as a free Lemmings clone. However, throughout the years, the game has grown and now features over 22 levels, original artwork, new actions and multiplayer options. Basically, just like Lemmings, your main goal is to guide a group of Penguins from point A to point B. To make it challenging, there will be tons of obstacles preventing you from doing so. It's your job to reign the penguins in, so to speak, and make them follow your instructions.

NetLabel Coalition Volume 1 – Free Compilation Album

NetLabel Coalition Volume 1 is another compilation album that indie music enthusiasts should check out. The NetLabel Coalition (NLC) is composed of netlabels that are promoting and celebrating free music with enthusiasts around the world. They hang out in forums hosted by The Creative UnCommons. This album has some really good tracks for lovers of gutsy electronic music, as well as for those who enjoy quiet ambient sounds for introspection and relaxation.

Allison Crowe: Spiral

The songs in Allison Crowe’s Spiral will take you on a rough winding road through different emotions, joy and weariness, to name just two. Variety is the best feature of this album as it offers a little bit of country, a little bit of rock, and a little bit of pop. The best part, without a doubt, is the emotionally-packed, powerful big vocals of Allison Crowe. Allison Crowe has been known as a performer-songwriter who delivers great quality music and she does not disappoint in her latest album.

Mormor (Grandma) – short film about a surprising vacation at grandma’s

Mormor means “grandmother” in Norwegian. This short film is about a renewed bond that was formed between a granddaughter (Pia) and her mormor one fine summer. Pia’s parents are too busy with their lives to take care of her when the school’s on a break, so Pia takes a spontaneous vacation to her mormor’s home. Mormor is a widower, and so the young girl is such a delightful presence in her home. They have so much fun and so many adventures together. However, their adventures are cut short by those who do not get their idea of fun. Mormor is subsequently sent to the frightening “retirement” home, so Pia has to break in and enter the “prison” to save her mormor.

This Co. “This Co.” – free debut new wave/post-punk album

Who knew that the Chileans were such fans of the New Wave movement? This Co. describes itself as a "band that combines Post-Punk and New Wave into a hybrid between rock and electronic," which is, in itself, an apt description of many Indie Rock groups which are around today. The rock trio stamped their unique musical identity onto the scene in 2008 with their self-titled debut album. Not too long after, the group's first single "As You Know" was preselected as a Top 10 most requested song on MTV. Since then they've been writing more songs, and of course, touring and doing gigs, most notably in Barcelona, Weimar and Berlin in July 2009.

Cartel – The Lost Tracks

Presenting talented MC slash Producer...yep, here's one you missed. Seems like every MC out there has held this title, but few who make the jump from producer to MC actually have what it takes. But trust me, you'll be glad that Cartel's Lost Tracks didn't remain lost for good. One half of the duo making up Homegrown Records, this isn't Cartel's first foray into releasing an album. Prepare for Glory was his first release followed by this true underground hip hop gem, The Lost Tracks. Cartel certainly proves naysayers wrong, being a producer/MC is possible especially if you have talent like this guy.

Paul Lisak & After The Ice – It Happens All the Time

Mashing old school rock with today's synth pop rock, tied with engaging vocals to match. Paul Lisak and After the Ice is definitely a band that's worth waiting for. Channeling both mainstream and indie at the same time, they reach a niche that few ever make. Their mix of psychedelia and indie rock along with easily likable rhythms and beats makes them an easy band to like. It Happens All the Time is the band's debut EP and comprises 4 solid tracks that embody what the band is capable of.