Blues

(Stevie Ray Vaughan, Muddy Waters, BB King)

Unhappy Free Orc: Broken People EP

With a name like Unhappy Free Orc, you can expect something eclectic and different from this compilation. The band is the brainchild of Marlon Moilanen & Miro Palokallio, they are joined by a group of talented musicians that help create their distinct sound. Broken People EP is a 7-track compilation consisting of songs that didn't make it the group's previous releases. According to the band, they might be "leftovers" but they consider them as among some of their best work.

Phototaxis: Pretty Ugly

Phototaxis is a special band that's made primarily of Yael Feldinger (lead vocalist and singer;) as well as Itay Tsuk (composer, arranger and pianist.) They're joined together by the talented crew of Nir Blum, Roy Cheled, Yael Geva and Neta Cohen Shani. The band is only a couple of years old, but they seem poised for success; having their debut record come out to critical praise in their home country of Israel. Fusing a lush set of tracks that echo jazz, blues and a trip hop atmosphere; Pretty Ugly is a strong record that aims to please its listeners and does it successfully.

Eric and the Blues Band

Eric and the Blues Band isn't really as straight up as you would want them to be. For one, there is no one in the band named Eric and the group rarely plays straight blues. On their Facebook page, they mention that "Eric" is a fictitious persona created by Nick to "hide behind to protect himself from his mounds of tax troubles, and paternity suits. By naming the rest of the guys "The Blues Band", Nick created an environment where he can fire anyone at any time, for no reason at all, and still keep the same name!" It's cheeky story but nonetheless, doesn't interfere with the fact that the band features some seriously catchy blues pop rock in this record.

Danny Sherwood: When My Ship Comes

With his melodic baritone voice and sweet piano playing, Danny Sherwood echoes the sultry and often somber mood of Morissey. Even the EP title sounds off a bit of melancholia from The Smiths. When My Ship Comes In is a lot like an afternoon lull after the heavy rain has passed. The short album only contains 5-tracks but the depth is beautiful and often mesmerizing. Already a songwriter at a young age, Sherwood shares intimate moments of self-reflection through his carefully written lyrics and catchy melodies.

Nine Stories: Nine Stories LP

Nine Stories LP embraces pop acoustic music far more than most have ever dared. Being the brainchild of 80's born musician/composer Nacho Ruiz, the musical project is rooted in a pop acoustic sentimentality, but is certainly not limited by the form. By incorporating a plethora of instrumentations, Ruiz stretches his music in some very interesting directions.

Jay Fraser: Sketches of a Renegade

Leaving Australia to learn how to play and staying in London to learn how to survive, Jay Fraser surely has a lot of cultural diversity that makes his alternative country music appealing to all. As a modern day travelling troubadour, Fraser can match his snappy guitar work with his cultured vocals which propelled him enough air time and gave him three albums and Sketches of a Renegade, a four-track compilation of Fraser’s solo performance in Doncaster, UK.

Cypria: Infinite Loop Vol. 1 (Indescribable Sounds)

Music and hip hop with a purpose; Infinite Loop Vol. 1 is an intense collection that's filled with crafty beats and interesting mixes. From the instrumentals to the R&B tinged tracks down to the occasional hip hop rhymes, the record is a great collection of random beats that's worth playing over and over again. The album is spearheaded by 19-year old UK producer, Cypria.

Jay Fraser: Buildings of Dreams

After packing his bags and leaving his hometown (Launceston in Australia), Jay Fraser carved a path where music takes center stage. He left for Europe and pursued his musical career, recording this delightful acoustic folk pop compilation. Getting help from Richard Campbell of Orpheus Studio as well as long time friend, Tim Downey; he was able to turn the highs and lows of his experience into 10 solid tracks. The album took four months to record and gave the singer a chance to showcase his blues inspired, acoustic folk cuts and share it with his listeners.

Poor Remy: Still Sleeping EP

When it comes to Poor Remy, you can expect to hear a lot of two things, harmonicas as well as harmonies. The trio of Adrian, Andrew and Kenneth fuse together a collection of folky instruments and gang vocals to create a frenetic yet surprisingly soothing energy in their music. Harnessing a beautiful folk and bluegrass sound, you'll get plenty of fun and unexpected rhythms on this short EP.