The Beach Boys

St Ranger: Life Coach

After joining several bands on their own, former highschool mates Andy Phipps, Jake Ashton, Bruce Kimura, Jakeob Ewell and Jeff Taylor met up again and decided to create their own band, St Ranger. Echoing a beach rock vibe with beautiful harmonies, the band first got together back in 2010. Since then, they've released a two track compilation, Ohnowoe, and this short but charming EP, Life Coach.

Tussie-Mussie: From Rough to Calm Seas

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.

Dolphins: Galaxy Train

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.

The Miracals: Hermosa (EP)

If you miss the days of surfer rock music, rest assured, you'll be able to relive the nostalgia as you listen to The Miracals. (Yes, their name spelling is a bit weird but their music is quite pleasant.) All four members are college students from Southern California. They initially called themselves, "The Smiles" but for some reason changed it to The Miracals. They like to describe their music as "beach rock" or the more quirky "tropical grunge," gathering influence from one of the bands that shaped the genre, The Beach Boys. Hermosa EP is a nice compilation that screams of summer fun. Even in the dead of winter, it's perfect for bringing some sunshine to dreary mornings.

The Very Sexuals: Post Apocalyptic Love

The Very Sexuals have generated quite a buzz in the indie music scene by releasing their awesome melodic, folk pop infused albums. Along with their sexy name, this Dutch group creates some of the most sensual and interesting cuts around.

Post Apocalyptic Love contains some of the most interesting indie pop tracks around. Certainly an album worth playing in your iPod for a good long while.