Reviews

Overkill

Out of the countless iPhone games available, it's often tough to find the ones that are actually worth checking out. Well, Overkill is one game that's definitely worth downloading. Developed by seven man-developing studio, Craneball Studios, LLC; the game is fast gaining steam. In fact, as of March 20th this year, it has become one of the most downloaded free game on iTunes. Some of its biggest draw include fantastic graphics, awesome gameplay, and best of all, it's offered absolutely free. The game is perfect if you need some stress buster in between breaks or simply if you want to inject some fun and chaos into a boring afternoon.

Manipulator Alligator – We Raised Them

The straight forward way that Matthew Hoppock (Manipulator Alligator) tells his folk stories are unflinching, funny and very poignant.  He makes lo-fi music with his guitar and keyboard, and has an ear for infectious hooks.  We Raised Them is his first full length and has the tightest production of any of his releases.  His whole goal with these songs is to show us  these vignettes from various times in his life.  These off kilter folk songs make you tap your feet and smile at the same time. There is an energy to them because you can tell that Matthew believes what he is saying. That these aren't just words to him.

Terragen Classic

If you are on the lookout for a free scene or landscape generator, look no further than Terragen. This amazing program allows users to create photorealistic imagery and landscapes. It's perfect for rendering and animating landscapes or seascapes. Although there's also a paid version, this free download is perfect for creating fantastic landscape images for non-commercial purposes. The program was created by Planetside Software and works perfectly on a Mac or Windows computer. Grab the download and check out this neat program for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

Motorama: Alps

Russian fivesome, Motorama, has been steadily building a solid fanbase with their post-punk, Joy Division-inspired sound. The group has been around since 2005 but they only released their first full length album last year entitled, Alps. The sound is unmistakably a clash of new wave, 80s sound with slightly danceable beats and monotone vocals. Inspired by some of the more prominent bands in the past decades, they also cite The Strokes and The Coral as bands that they grew up listening to.

Paper Planes

Paper Planes is a simple game where you are placed in control of a, well, paper plane. You use this to fly through a drab landscape as you explore and unlock various puzzles. Every time you unlock something, you slowly change the drab landscape around you. By flying close to certain "sparkling"objects, you alter something in the fabric of land and give life to various items once again. The game was created by ENJMIN from France. It won the IGF 2011 Student Showcase Prize thanks to its amazing graphics and interesting gameplay. Give it a go and prepare yourself for a bit of a challenge and a trip back to your own childhood memories. It's a fun game to try out.

Nude: Love

Nude is a progressive rock band that's not ashamed to play with their tempo, instruments, vocals and mood. Working together for less than a decade, the group is made up of four musicians who are heavily influenced by such prominent alternative, indie and progressive rock bands like  Sonic Youth, Radiohead and Genesis. These four Frenchmen create a mix of moody prog and alternative rock with an overall moody and pensive vibe. This one is certainly worth a listen especially if you adore Tool and the other bands mentioned above.

Balloon Diaspora

Balloon Diaspora is a short but really fun point and click game made by, Jake Elliot, creator of Kentucky Route Zero. The game exudes a Myst-like vibe, cool graphics and awesome music, courtesy of Oliver Blank. The game is simple short but there's still some fun to be had despite the almost 15 minutes of gameplay only. In Balloon Diaspora, you play a stranded chap in an unknown and mysterious place. You're going to have to fix the balloon to get out. Fixing your ride means you need to talk to the locals and have them help you find patches of cloth to repair the balloon. This game is short and simple, perfect game to squeeze in your mini break.

Learining Music: An End Like This

Learning Music Monthly came to life three years ago as a collaboration between LA based musician John Wood and a CC-friendly label Vosotros. The premise of the project was simple, yet unlike anything else that was done previously; each month John Wood would write, record, and master an album which would be than released as a part of a subscription service, a free digital download, or a $60 package that included the handmade album (including everything from bonus albums, stickers, and personalized birthday songs) to be delivered to your door. And now, after 36 albums and the amazing third season that marked the end of the project, Vosotros released equally great and free compilation featuring some of the best songs of those past 3 years.

Virtual DJ (Home Version)

Becoming a DJ has now been made easier thanks to a variety of digital deejaying software in the market. Virtual DJ (Home Edition) is one of these much touted software. Now, you might have heard of Virtual DJ Pro and its hefty price tag but if you're still starting out, this home edition might be best. Besides, it's offered absolutely free. Like the infamous software, this one has all the basic features you would need when you're still trying to familiarize yourself with the digital turntable setup. The program helps wannabe deejays or simple bedroom musicians to play and mess around with various digital samples. It is available for free for non-commercial purposes only so it's a bit restrictive when it comes to use. Nevertheless, beginners and those who are simply curious can give this a download.