Alternative Rock

(Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam)

Arkells: Get To Know Arkells

Press play and get to know one of Canada’s most acclaimed and successful rock bands, Arkells, with a free sampler released via Noisetrade. The collection consists of two tracks from each of the band’s studio albums, a cover of Stevie Wonder’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered, and an acoustic version of 11:11 from High Noon.

Dan Mayes: Lemonade & Cigarettes

Dan Mayes is an Aussie singer/songwriter that has a great way with indie folk pop songs. Lemonade & Cigarettes is the artists' latest offering since his initial debut solo record, Press Random, back in 2006. This new album was released early this year (2012) and features 11 singles available at a name-your-price option at BandCamp. Combining his love for slower, folkish pop and indie rock music, the album echoes with beautiful melodies and charming pop sounds. It's hard to imagine Mayes as a bassist for a full-on rock band after listening to this.

Futurelight: EP

Starting off with a song that will surely leave you stomping your feet, Futurelight’s EP is the type of musical package that keeps it short and sweet yet satisfying. With the band’s music being described as a mix between The Who, Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand, it is not hard to imagine the band playing in big arenas with the kind of sound they are carrying.

The Graveyard Kids: My Only Company

Much of My Only Company was meant to be a lo-fi acoustic compilation by Chadbourne Oliver, however, life had other plans. Joined by musician friends, they re-recorded the bulk of the album; added a rock touch to create a set of gauzy Brooklyn indie rock. Their initial recording, as luck would have it, suffered a setback when the computer that had all the files, crashed. They ended up recording it one more time at Mama Coco's Funky Kitchen in Brooklyn. Third time seems to be a charm for the guys as they're set to impress with their debut record.

The Sorry Shop: Bloody, Fuzzy, Cozy

Don't be fooled by The Sorry Shop, the band really doesn't have anything to be sorry about. Bloody, Fuzzy, Cozy is a brilliant record that showers listeners with fuzzy guitars, hazy vocals and a catchiness you'll only find in most 90s college rock bands. The band is the perfect filler if you've been craving for that sweet noise rock sound where all you hear are warbled lyrics and distorted guitars. Of course, this also means some awesome, catchy rhythm to accompany it. The band delivers all this and a bit more. This is the first full length debut for the group. Their initial release was a short 5-track EP titled, Thank You Come Again.

filial: filial

Are you filial when it comes to good music? One-act filial is definitely feeling the same. However, aside from the literal connotation of the word, C.J. Bergmen‘s new alias pertains to his devotion to the Being above us. In his best form here, the budding musician has mastered crafting contemplative Christian tunes for the modern times — a bag of songs so irresistibly appealing, even to a cynic or a skeptic.