Ambient

(Brian Eno, Vangelis, Tangerine Dream)

while they were sleeping: Pre-EP

Post instrumental Singaporean band quietly showcases their thoughts and ideals. Pre-EP by While They Are Sleeping is a short but melodically sweet sounding EP that touches your senses. Each single is entirely raw and some of the edges are a bit rough but the sound is dreamy and worth every minute. While They Were Sleeping entices you and sucks you into their blissful sound. So why not let it take you away, even for just an instant?

Ralph Buckley: Morning Star

Drunk, quirky and full of good old freak folk, indie, pop rock music. Morning Star by Ralph Buckley is one album you'll want to brace yourselves for. If you think that the cover art is a bit odd, it's actually quite fitting. The record is filled with weird and unexpected lyrics coupled with acoustic guitars and enchanting atmospheres. Just one, out of several albums released for free under creative commons; this is truly one compilation worth checking out.

Cologne Commons 05: Compilation

Here's another cool compilation from Cologne Commons that you can sink your teeth into. Cologne Commons Compilation 05 is a mix of indie pop, electronic ambient sounds that carefully showcases some of the best netlabel acts Germany has to offer. This awesome festival is a great place where businesses, artists, musicians and netlabels gather to celebrate everything and anything creative commons represents.

Fauna: Have u ever talked to angels?

Have u Ever Talked to Angels? is Fauna's third and highly anticipated release. It's been long overdue (four years to be exact) and features gorgeous triphop darkwave sounds that's coupled with enigmatic vocals on several tracks. The album is filled with 10 tracks that embody different emotions and soundscapes; conjuring up an interesting dream sequence and a whole range of emotions ranging from fear to anxiety, uncertainty and self-assurance. Perfect for a moody afternoon.

Aaahh Records: Remix is Love

Charming indie netlabel Aaahh Records is currently revamping their site. The good news is that before going off the net for a bit, they left us with this awesome compilation called Remix is Love. It's made up of some of the best tracks from their artists and if you're familiar with aaahh records, they dish out nothing but the best folk/ indie pop artists out there. Their current roster includes Entertainment for the Braindead, Uniform Motion, Emilie Lund, Keyboard Rebel, and The Wind Whistles. Of course, since it's a remix, most of the tracks sound nowhere from the original; making it interesting and fresh. If you are used to the sweet, folk pop sound of these bands' original sound, this is a refreshing way to hear or see them in a new light.

MixGalaxy Records: Downtempo Hits

MixGalaxy Records celebrates their birthday bash by releasing some of the best ambient, downtempo and chillout tracks in their roster. Formed back in 2009, this cool Russian net-label took their name after being local residents of MixGalaxy.ru forums. Now turning 1, this awesome netlabel gathers together 20 of the best dub, ambient & downtempo cuts into one relaxing album. Have a listen and enjoy a pleasant trip to a surreal musical landscape.

Power und Beauty: The Gnome EP

Power und Beauty is an all-female dreamy folk pop act that plays with weird instruments. The Gnome EP is the group's first EP. It's filled with beautiful vocal harmonies and even lovelier melodies. These four very talented ladies joined forces to showcase this wonderful 4 track EP. Expect a fair share of whimsy, angelic vocal harmonies and a whole lot of accordion playing on this one. It's definitely something to enjoy as you pass the afternoon away.

Up To The Ground: White Noise

French folk indie pop rockers armed with acoustic guitars, snapping fingers and unison chanty vocals. Up To The Ground's White Noise is filled with 8 relaxing feel-good tracks that reminds you of The Shins in the New Slang intro, and if they had decidedly less high pitched vocals. This is quiet, moody, relaxing music at its best. Not too happy, not too melancholic, just the right touch from these simple French rockers.

Grünemusik: Time Machine

Time Machine by Grunemusik might strike you as a bit "weird" at first, especially if you are completely clueless when it comes to J-pop, anime type of music. However, if you feel right at home in the genre, then this will fit perfectly in your playlist. The album is actually a set of tracks done by 6 different Japanese artists. Each of the songs are filled with electronic, atmospheric poppy beats with vocaloid tracks; definitely perfect as an anime soundtrack.