Music

Las Canciones de Maru y Roman (Voy a Explotar Soundtrack)

Las Canciones de Maru y Roman is the soundtrack to the Mexican film Voy a Explotar; roughly translated as "I'm Gonna Explode!" The film tackles the story of Roman and Maru, two angry teens who decide to go on an adventure while making a pact to remain with each other at all times. The actual soundtrack which included music from the film, was initially geared for a commercial release, however, this didn't pan out. This current album is a compilation of 22 tracks handpicked by Carlos Reyes, the person behind Latin blog Club Fonograma. It is now the official soundtrack for the film and is offered absolutely free. Like the film, the record is an explosive combination of music genres, moods and instruments. Definitely a perfect accompaniment to this coming-of-age film.

Viola: Anything Can Stop Us

Viola is a Finnish electronic duo that knows how to create some fun, 80s infused dance pop electronica sound. On their website, they describe themselves as "Two guys influenced by beautiful heartfelt music, ass-shaking beats, sub-par humor and hidden messages." Indeed, they do create some fancy, danceable beats that make you want to gyrate your way down the dancefloor. There's also a nice blend of vocal work, instruments and electronic beats intertwined in this album. The record is the group's second album and the "first as an electronic duo." From the looks of things, it seems they might want to stick to this electronic sound for some time. Grab the download right now.

Sweet Mother Logic

Sweet Mother Logic is an experimental indie instrumental quartet hailing from Montreal. The crew is made up of Justin Wright, Eric Kaplin, Jack D. Kelly and Adrian Aitken. Their instrumental sound leaps across genres creating a rich combination of instruments and sounds. With this self-titled album they explore the fields generating, pop, rock, electronic, ambient (even a hint of dance) in the thick layers of their music. So far, the group has been around for four years, creating a sound that is unique, intriguing and certainly entertaining. Give their album a go and check out their previous EP as well.

The Arbiters: Wake Up Dragons

The Arbiters create cool indie alternative rock music with a touch of electronica. The recording is slightly raw but filled very intense energy that you could almost feel as if it's bouncing around the walls. The group sings songs in both English and Russian and they borrow elements from other genres other than indie rock. Wake Up Dragons is the first full length debut for the group. They did release a single titled 'Solo" and made it available for sale on both iTunes and Amazon. For this complete compilation, listeners have the option to buy it from the same iTunes, Amazon or simply download it for free right here or on Jamendo. Give this group a listen.

Phrenia

Phrenia is a Japanese pop singer that has recently made her debut EP available for free download on Jamendo. It's under a creative commons license and one of the few compilations from a Japanese artist straight pop lovers can enjoy. The album is filled with five electronic dance pop tracks that reminds me of those wonderful Japanese anime soundtracks. Phrenia has actually released a previous single on Jamendo as well, titled Yami No Conduct. Compared to her first release, this self-titled debut features tracks with a less prominent rock flair; instead it's mostly all pop. Nevertheless, it's still very enjoyable if you adore J-pop. Grab the download.

Rei Teytum: Viajeros

A wonderful fusion of rock, funk, folk, jazz, brass with some great sounding guitar, percussion, violin, viola, keyboards, trumpet, sax, bagpipes!?, and yes, even harmonica. It seems that Rei Teytum have it all, except of course for an English version of their bio anywhere on the Internet. So it is times like this that I wish I spoke more languages to bring you important information about the artists. But since that will simply not happen lets focus on their fantastic album, "Viajeros""Travelers", and the tiny bits of band history I was able to get (courtesy of my friend Google Translate).

The Brainstormers: The Brainstormers EP

Looking up to such great groups as the Wu-tang Clan, Task Force and Jurassic 5 just to name a few, The Brainstormers have got big shoes to fill if they're up for it. However, the five man crew seems set in making a mark of their own in the rap scene. Produced by DUB MD Promotions and Praverb The Wyze, this is the first EP for the group and so far it's gaining good ground in the indie hiphop scene. The record showcases and highlights the crew and delights the listeners with several prominent guests. Something you'll hardly see in a debut EP. If you're into underground hiphop, then feel free to check out this record.