Alternative Rock

9Lies “Behind It All” – Creative Commons licensed upbeat rock demo album

Calling out all rockers! Relive the era of 90's rock by listening to this modern day Indie Rock band called 9Lies – a great band with an interesting name. Their album, "Behind It All," was made available for digital download on July 23, 2007 and is licensed under Creative Commons. The album contains 3 demo songs that will surely make listeners rock like they never did before. The combination of strong 90’s beat and modern rock guitar riffs made this band stand out among the others. The familiarity of their sound is going to be their key to reach out to the old and new generation of rock lovers.

J.E.L.L.i. EP – A diverse indie/hardrock EP fused with a playfull twist

Sometimes, you find yourself thinking that most Rock-inspired artists are humorless, noisy, and full of grudge. Well, true, but it’s very comforting to find out that there are few artists that may have attached their music to Hard Rock, but still knows how to be playful and witty. J.E.L.L.i. released his self-titled EP last September 9, 2009. This album is packed with 5 tracks that will blow your world. Featured tracks in this EP may be inspired of Rock origins. Licensed under Creative Commons, this EP is one amazing project that can either push or pull your emotions.

Hello Citizen: Hello Citizen

Another powerful Alternative Rock band is going to shake your players. Hello Citizen generously released their 1st album for digital download on January 20, 2009. This self-titled album is filled with massive guitar riffs and superb, melodic reverberation. If ever you found yourself in a situation that you're desperately needing for a new Rock album, then this one is really worth the download. And undeniably, the tracks will soon be seen and listed in your iPod's "Top 25" playlist.

Slim “Interstate Medicine” – pop/altrock album with great vocals & captivating lyrics

There are times that you just want to listen to some kind of noisy music, but not exactly loud; something that would lift up your mood, but not exactly to dance; something that lets you pump up some blood through your veins but not exactly to make you filled with adrenaline. Filled with 12 tracks that will sure to keep your head bobbing, Interstate Medicine will let you relate to its song's lyrics by the band leader's Michael Baker. Let his voice be stuck in your head! We couldn't exactly put how they sound into words, but here's what Michael wrote: I crank my amps louder than Tom Petty, but not as loud as Cannibal Corpse. I'm wordier than Jane's Addiction, but not as yappy as e.e. cummings. I'm taller than Prince, but not as tall as Krist Novoseli.

Kupek “Tries Again” – great alternative songs to chill out to

Not all songs are meant to be heard while you chill out. Others might be too noisy, and others might make you too sleepy. But Kupek does it differently - they make it just right. For those who like the sounds of John Mayer and Jason Mraz, then Kupek is a great alternative. Think of him as an open-source (read: free) alternative to alternative, relaxed rock styles out there in the market.

Spheriot “Bekennerschreiben” – techno and hard rock mashed up with indie pop, in English and German

Behind Spheriot is one man who literally does everything—from the composition of music to the recording of all his songs. The result? A provocative album entitled Bekennerschreiben. According to the singer and writer himself, all of the songs in the fourteen-track album is a result of music from the heart and head. They were all produced in Spheriot’s living room. For someone who just toys around with his Mac, Spheriot was able to impress with his surprisingly refreshing take on music.

Confusion is Next “The Generation of this Order” – band’s third release under Creative Commons License

Confusion is Next is a four-person alternative rock band. The band, which takes its name from a lyric by Sonic Youth, was established in Monza, Italy in 2004, and has since created and released three albums. Their first album, "Spread the Spirit," was released in 2005, while their second album, "Lost in Dark Days" was released in 2008. Their latest release is "The Generation of This Order," which contains five new songs (in English). The album is now available for free download on the Spanish netlabel Trastienda.

Bam Bam: Bam Bam

The self-titled 26 minute EP by Bam Bam is a bit of a thrill to listen to. It sounds like they went into the studio with every trick they had and spared nothing. While Brian Wilson need not worry about losing his throne, this collection of power pop ditties turns how to be immensely creative and listenable. The lyrics are in Spanish yet it is not a problem since it is the infectious spirit and likability of this band that carry the session. “Oro Flash” is the highlight of the set with its slightly psychedelic leanings mixed with enthusiastic vocals but I also enjoyed the Animal Collective sounding “Hi-Q” and the lively “Sin Las Patas Traseras”. No, it’s not Pet Sounds (what is?) but it’s Bam Bam and that’s good enough for a party.

Panicphobia: When Eggs Burst

Panicphobia a rock-quintett from Aarhus, Denmark. They play what they like to call playfull rock, which is a mix between progressive and alternative. "When Eggs Burst" is a free teaser mini-album available for download under a Creative Commons license.