indie

I Am The Agent: Volume One

'I Am The Agent’ is an alternative rock band from Newcastle/Central Coast of NSW, Australia. In their EP, ‘Volume I’, this band conveys a hauntingly beautiful and delicate sound which is achieved through a soft, clean and crisp guitar style and simple, emotional and gentle vocal melodies. Keeping this in mind, the band does not shy from taking things up a notch from time-to-time. All of these elements make it difficult to dismiss I Am The Agent into a specific and accurate category within the alternative rock genre. Furthermore, There is definitely a grunge element to this music and in some songs, this band reminds me of Nirvana. Specifically, the song ‘Leave’ reminds me of Nirvana’s song ‘Polly’ from their album ‘Nevermind’.

Derek Clegg: Here Comes Your Fate, Quick Duck

Derek Clegg serenades our ears once again with his distinctive brand of Indie-Folk in his new album, ‘Here Comes Your Fate, Quick Duck’. This album is tremendously good for easy-listening and regardless of what you normally listen to, prepare to be temporarily converted. Indie Folk seems to be the foundation of Clegg’s music, although, at times he intertwines genres such as country and rock. His music is never predictable; each track change also comes with a new surprise. This can be partly attributed to Clegg’s impressive repertoire of multi-instrumental abilities. Clegg’s vocals are also extremely versatile, he modifies himself as a vocalist to suit the style of each song.

Pulse by Elle Lefant – Indiefolk Pop with Wicked Vocals

Catchy indie folk pop with solid vocals. With the artsy name, you can almost swear that this band hails from New York and no other place. Well, they are from New York, but that's Poughkeepsie NOT Brooklyn. This mini album from Elle Lefant is a gem and showcases how this band needs to be taken seriously even if they don't really take themselves too seriously. Pulse has four tracks that are catchy and builds great melodies with powerful vocals. A concoction of strings, synth beats, and various knick knacks makes this EP worth a listen.

Earthman Embassy “Demonstrations” – laid-back rock from New Jersey

Another great band is slowly making their way to create a name in the industry. During the summer heat of 2007, Earthman Embassy, a band from New Jersey, USA, started creating demo songs in a well-known school called, “Anthony Vitale’s Original Music School.” Slowly, from one song, their compositions developed to two, then to three, until they have written and composed nine great songs that comprised their soft, but rocking, first album, “Demonstrations.”

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.

The Dada Weatherman “EarthQuakes and Failed Mutations” – a blues and country album licensed under Creative Commons

Delicious acoustic and piano ballads characterize The Dada Weatherman’s second offering, “EarthQuakes and Failed Mutations”. The album is an interesting mix of blues, folk, and pop rock with soothing melodies. It’s perfect for easy, laid-back listening on gloomy days when you just don’t want to think about the rest of the world. Influences range from Bob Dylan, Arthur Rimbault, Leonard Cohen, Jimi Hendrix, Robert Johnson, Nick Drake, Django Reinhardt, and newer artists like like Devendra Banhart, Conor Oberst and Elliott Smith.

Josh Woodward: Only Whispering

This is an oldie-but-goody release from Josh Woodward. Praised for his melodic voice & witty lyrics Josh definitely delivers on this one. "Only Whispering" is probably the most acoustic of all seven of his albums and as he himself admits, the one most focused on storytelling. My favorite songs include "I'll Be Right Behind You, Josephine" for sweet lyrics & "East Side Bar" for its swing-like happy feeling. If you need a nice relaxing album to listen to on a quiet day - here is a perfect one for you.

Mobius Band: Empire of Love

Last year this indie-rock trio presented their fans with the same gift - a Free Valentine's Day covers EP. This year the Mobius Band is keeping up with what might become a great tradition! Check out their 2009 free covers EP entitled "Empire of Love".