Alternative Rock

(Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam)

Attention: Through the Wire

Attention is a four piece crew from Minneapolis, MN. They describe their sound as "honest rock" and write "music about life-love-hope-dreams and what happens next..." Through the Wire is the group's recently released record. Even though it's two years old, the album is still exciting and great to listen to for any modern alternative powerpop fan. This is the third one for them, their first EP Stand Strong was released on winter 2007 and was followed up by Everything Takes Forever, in 2009.

Sweet Empire: This Season Needs Torches

Sweet Empire is a group that hasn't forgotten their punk rock roots. The band sounds like it would have felt comfortable during the 90s punk rock revival when the genre actually became popular again thanks to bands like The Offspring and Green Day. This Season Needs Torches is a 12-track album offered by the band at a name-your-price option. Packed with what is essentially all out punk, the record breezes through one loud, energetic track after another. A purely handmade, DIY record; the album has that freshly plucked punk sound that's both nostalgic and easily enjoyable.

Pretty Guts: PG002

Formed back in May 2010, Pretty Guts is a London-based progressive rock band. Made up of "Word-smith Michael Triponel, Child guitar prodigy Tyrone Flavell, Ex-fashion model Richard Yong on Drums and Matthew Barton on Bass." Despite the hodge-podge background, together, the band creates their brand of indie progressive punk rock with some gusto. They take their influence from various genres of music, be it from soul, jazz, rock, hip hop and even the blues. It's this diversity in taste and influence that allows the band to create a familiar yet distinct sound that easily pleases their listeners.

Kit Oh Nein!: KON!

Feel-good psych punk with a touch of indie rock is one way to describe Kit Oh Nein!'s music. The three piece band hails from Detroit/NYC and seems to know their way around the sound. Led by frontman Ryan Milligan from The Hotwalls, KON! (an acronym of the band's name) is the group's debut record. The album contains 10 tracks that run circles around punk, pop, and psychedelic indie rock. Enveloped in raw energy as well as a hazy indie rock club vibe, it's hard to believe the entire set of tracks were recorded in only 3 days. This is one of those debut albums worth checking out if you like dirty, cerebral indie punk rock.

Ending Satellites: 7 Billion Passengers Only One Flight Left

Cinematic is one of the words that best describe Ending Satellites' new album 7 Billion Passengers|Only One Flight Left. Hints of rock, alternative and electronica litter across the album; making it an intriguing record to have. According to their site, the album is "both musical and photographic." The goal is to provide listeners a chance to explore the melodies along with images (which you can find on their site.) The album has a beautiful concept and it also features collaborations from several talented artists.

Love Story in Blood Red: Hot Cha

Love Story in Blood Red is spearheaded by former Means frontman, Jason Frederick. Working together with producer and friend, Kris Poulin; the duo created this 4-track compilation of indie rock goodness. Although it took years for the actual songs to be fleshed out as circumstances and life got in the way; the final recordings were presented by Kris to Jason after 9 years since he left him with it. They finally managed to release the short compilation last March 2011 over at indie netlabel, RockProper.com. The EP also hosts several musician friends who were enlisted to help complete the EP by Kris during all those years.

Big Big Plans: Everything You’re Hiding

Big Big Plans' debut album, Everything You're Hiding, reveals all the secrets and fears lurking in our closets. Independently released last April of 2011, this musical venture boasts 11 powerful tracks that are teeming with raw and youthful energy. Hailing from West Chester, PA, this three-piece band of Eric Reavey, Alex Miller and Collin Wash purveys a style and sound that's alternative and pop-rock driven.

The United93: The United93

The United93 is a rock band from the Korea. In a country where rock music is a minority and pretty much pop music reigns supreme, it's amazing and a real treat to find groups that rock out as much as these guys. Although it's a bit tough to find info about them, it does seem that they're quite popular in the Korean rock scene. They were named as Band of the Month in a prestigious music magazine in Korea. This self-titled EP was released back in 2010 and available as a free download under a Creative Commons license. The compilation is an uncharacteristic marriage of prog, punk and industrial elements.

Pat Parra: Lowered

One of my favorite indie album find of late, Pat Parra's Lowered is a beautiful and convincing debut record from the San Jose native. Released on BandCamp last June 2011, the album plays host to a multitude of genres and moods. You'll get a bit of 90s alternative, R&B, soul, anti-folk and even a few heavier indie rock pieces. All of which float around before successfully coalescing into sweeping guitars, moody electronics and intriguing vocals. The album was mastered at Different Fur by Patrick Brown and shortly after the release, Pat debuted a music video for the single, Forget Your Love.