Other Genre

Adveniat Hiems’ “Loki” – a free metal EP

Adveniat Hiems is an ambient black metal band that dishes out short concept albums inspired by northern mythology and folktales. “Loki,” Adveniat Hiems’ new EP, is named after a shapeshifter in Norse myths. The group is with the net label Ekleipsi. They are not as loud and “noisy” as other metal groups, and they do not blow off my eardrums. I think they are quite merciful despite an anagram of their name, invade atheism. I actually like the fiery combination of their drums and guitars. What I really like about Adveniat Hiems, though, is their choice to stick to concepts that are close to me – myths and legends.

Paris-Chicago by NO [Olivier Nataf] – a Frenchman with a Heart for American Blues

American blues jazz with a French aftertaste. An almost fool-proof formula for creating pop funk music for this French singer includes a "few notes of Blues, a zest of Funk, a tear of Soul." Bizarrely calling himself, NO, French musician Olivier Nataf creates his own brand of blues jazz inspired tracks that are laced with French lyrics. Paris - Chicago compiles 10 tracks that serve as a bridge connecting the American landscapes to that of the French. If you wonder what the blues sounds like with an international flair, NO, would be one act worth checking out.

Amongst the People by KILLO KILLO banda – Reggae rap with a Matisyahu flair

Reggae rap with a Matisyahu flair. I must admit, ever since I got a chance to live on an island where reggae was considered mainstream music, I have been on the lookout for good reggae bands. Luckily, I found KILLO KILLO banda. Although he is easily comparable to mainstream reggae guru, Matisyahu, KILLO KILLO banda makes sure to create his own mark. VOJISLAV Malešev sings under the nick KILLO KILLO and sings "roots-reggae or ragga riddims" using his poetry. Amongst the People is an engaging compilation of 11 tracks that not only showcases fresh ragga music, but also gives a nod to the roots of reggae.

Robinson, Freitag And The Lonely Trumpet present Shaking Hands – relax, island style

At just about every moment during this 10-track album, you'll be waiting for the musicians to break into laughter, and they actually do at some points. But Shaking Hands is not just a joke, it's an infectious combination of calypso beats and lo-fi magic. Either you'll get it or you won't, but if you do, it'll leave you wanting to go out and buy every island-themed album ever made.

TRIBUMAN & Jammin’ Orchestra – New Style ina New Vibe

Great ragga riddims with a French flair. TRIBUMAN & Jammin' Orchestra is all about reggae rap riddim beats that will get you bobbing your head and maybe breaking a step or two on the dancefloor. They even add a touch of jazz in there which makes for a very good listen for this album. If you like hip hop and reggae, then this is the right one for you. Even if you might not like to listen to bands whose language you don't understand, TRIBUMAN & Jammin' Orchestra's New Style ina New Vibe is an album you might like to make an exception.

Sever “Coma Circle” LP – hardcore scream metal

With a great mix of hardcore metal and rock that will knock your socks off, Sever is a band worth listening to. With the traditional line-up change expected from a band that's more than a decade old, Sever's current lineup is as perfect as can be. Coma Circle features 10 tracks filled with energy and rawness that's hard to find nowadays. Perhaps the fact that they are relatively unknown (as of yet) adds to the appeal, but this German band certainly deserves a chance to be heard.

Kadohadacho – free compilation release from Exponential Records & Friends

2010 SXSW might be over already, but you can still get some good free music from many labels. Exponential Records, Ninja Tune, Stones Throw, Daly City, Creaked, Innovative Leisure, and Fake Four have put together a 19-track compilation for you enjoyment and made is available as a free download to everyone. With tracks from all over the world and across many different genres everyone is destined to find something they will like.

Pull My Daisy (Ex Lillian Gish) – Yellow Cake & Velvet Crash

A touch of dark, industrial, melancholic and straight up rock music with a French twist. Pull My Daisy rose up from the remains of French band Lillian Gish and came to create a soundscape filled with rockish guitars, a 90s flair and easily likable tunes. Yellow Cake & Velvet Crash is filled with dark noise rock, instrumental beats that makes you to listen from one track to the next without putting up much of a fight. It's easily likable especially if you still dream of the days when great angry 90s rock music filled the radio.

L’autre endroit – A Golden Sound of Silence

Heavy guitar trip-hop all to the sound of Silence. Native Belgian, Vincent Gires, dubs himself as a Silence and creates music infused with trip-hop, industrial and ambient. Although some might argue about labeling his music as trip-hop when its leaning more towards straightforward industrial sound, there is no doubt that certain tracks on this album centers on thought provocation which is the core of trip-hop. Stop!, for instance, features a woman on the verge of being a victim to a crime. L'autre endroit compiles heavy guitars and synthetic beats that takes you for a ride into the unknown.