The British Invasion is back! Or at least it seems to be with the sampling of music that came our way in August. London must be a non-stop dance party with the volume of new releases hitting the internet and airwaves. We still received our fair share of music from all over the world, so be sure to check out all of the tracks and albums starting with our own staff picks for August.

Staff Picks

Single(s) of the Month:

“Good Morning” - Terracotta Blue

Kendrick

A lot of solo electronica artists either bore you with minimalism or assault you with too much noise. Thankfully, Terracotta Blue, of Maryland, lives in a market space called 'chillwave' and exercises careful restraint and learned curation. "Good Morning", the last single from his incremental Purple Summer releases, builds a deliberate groove not unlike the best symphonic themes. The song is exactly like a summer romance, getting your attention, winning your heart, and then breaking it because the summer's over and you just want more. How can this wordless courtship be only two minutes long? Listen over and over again above.

“I’ll Be Your” – Tallest Tree

Lux

Canadian music-makers (and July's pick of the month) The Tallest Tree have recently unveiled their second single, "I'll Be Your", a rollicking folk-rock track peppered with ukelele and just the right amount of intimacy. While I think the single could've done without the kazoo-like trumpet solo, it's nice to see the duo taking risks and incorporating a few more layers into their soundscape. A definitive step-up from their first release, the track turns the spotlight on Dawn's vocal abilities, but the song still retains the same Noah and the Whale-quality present in "Boat". Give the home-spun music video for "I'll Be Your (For You)" a watch on Youtube or have a listen via Soundcloud.

“Seaside” – Duke Evers

Brandon

I had an agonizing time making my single pick this month, changing my mind no fewer than three times. Oh So Quiet and Tankus the Henge were both in the running, but in the end I went with relative newcomer Duke Evers. The Seattle-based indie rock duo recently released single "Seaside" off their upcoming album Handful of Pennies. The song is full of energy and soul and gave off a bit of a Paul Simon feel, though influences from newer bands like Kings of Leon or Arctic Monkeys can be found. In any case, it's made me eager for the full album release in late September. Might we see another staff pick then? Check back in a month or so to see.

Album(s) of the Month:

EP2 - Honeyrunners

Kendrick

Let's get this out of the way first: Yes, their bassist is really named Michael Bolton. The Honeyrunners, of Toronto, are peeking out at you from behind self-declared love for southern rock, affection for Motown and the energy of funk. What they completely fail to hide is the amount of craft and skill that goes into a nearly perfect set of songs on their second barely-titled EP. Seamless four-part harmonies make way only for Marcus Bucci's lyrical, conversational guitar, and everything is held together in a warm gospel embrace by Dan Dwoskin's earthy keyboards. I dare you not to listen to the track "Hold Me" without looking for someone to pull close. Search on the text string 'EP2' if you go looking for this record electronically, because mere language doesn't seem to handle the lazy labeling.

Lux

Toronto rockers The Honeyrunners have just released their second album, EP 2, which probably deserves a less generic title. The five-track pseudo-soul/blues rock EP, rife with radio-quality hooks and clean-shaven harmonies, harkens back to alternative rock predecessors like The Raconteurs or Jet, but with a little less attitude. Like most works of the genre, the soul comes off a little put-on to me, and I think the album would benefit from a little less twang and little more grit. That said, EP 2 certainly doesn't lack energy nor production value, and The Honeyrunners' EP 2 is a shining example of modern blues-influenced alternative rock. The full album can be streamed on Soundcloud or purchased on Amazon, iTunes, or Bandcamp.

From Now On - Azwel

Brandon

In what turned out to be another tough choice, Kye Alfred Hillig's wonderfully folksy and humorous album The Buddhist was barely edged out by From Now On from Azwel. Azwel is the project of home studio musician Jason Perillo, a veteran of 10+ years. The album is a delightful blending of pop and rock influences from the last few decades including a strong draw from the British pop scene. The tracks tend to alternate between an upbeat and low-key feel, and that push and pull helps keep the album entertaining from start to finish.

Other Music

Singles:

Londoners Tankus the Henge release multi-genre-inspired single “Recurring Dream”

Punk/grunge band The Dirty Nil continue a prolific 2014 with new single “Cinnamon”

London-based, indie rock sextet Oh So Quiet follow up debut album with new single “Collided” and B-side “Inure”

English alt rock band The Mcooleys release single “What Happened Tonight” off album Empty Blue Skies

Singer-songwriter Scarlet Baxter unveils new single “Backsliding” from upcoming EP Stuck

Indie rock act Vagabond Flag release lo-fi, politically-motivated single “Not Afraid”

Dance single “Music With You” featuring O-Dog released by Tech Warriors

Pop act Oxford Style returns with stylish single “Halcyon Days”

The Emsee releases new hip hop single “Rap Squared”

Debut single “Blue Tempest” released by dream-folk duo AERS

Leo and the Tolstoys release single “Casablanca” off upcoming “vintage rock” album

New York-based The Cabana Kids release retro-filled new single “Just Let Me Know”

Albums/EPs:

Juicebox releases Assorted Flavors EP blending neurofunk soundscapes and techstep drum work

Electronic musician Chris Kaz releases self-titled, debut album

Post-hardcore/alt rock band Pavilions release new album The Futures Mine to Make

Pop/rock artist Lettie partners with Dave Barbarossa to create new 3-track EP Crossroads

Former Indie Mine staff pick and folk musician Kye Alfred Hillig releases 2nd album of 2014, The Buddhist

Baltimore Club musician Might Mark releases first official EP Mighty

Scranton, PA indie rock band A Social State release second full length record How to Get to Heaven

Russian Winter Records announce release of 10-artist compilation The Alternative

Experimental pop artist Jessica Chase releases debut EP Coming Down

Alt rock/soul artists Black Lady Soul release self-titled debut album

Debut, self-titled album released by London acoustic duo Fireflies

80s-influenced act DigitalNativeDance releases full-length 4-track EP Los Canerreos

Acoustic singer-songwriter Liam McClair releases EP Honey

© 2014, The Indie Mine. All rights reserved.

After the inbox-breaking month that was June, July almost seemed bereft of music by comparison. Thankfully, that wasn’t actually the case. Although we didn’t see the same diversity of musical genres that we’re accustomed to, there was still a bunch of great music to catch our attention. Staff editor Kendrick and staff music writer Lux join me in making our single and album picks this month. Agree or disagree with our selections? Leave a comment and let us know which releases tickled your earholes. Be sure to check them all out below.

Staff Picks

Single(s) of the Month:

“Venture” - City and The Sea

Kendrick

We like City and the Sea here at the Indie Mine, and this Hamilton, Ontario group last got our attention in February 2013. Their new single, the summer anthem "Venture", answers the bizarre question of what a super group would sound like if Neil Young and Bob Seger got together with all the members of Weezer. City and The Sea acknowledge their many inspirations and influences openly and proudly, which is weird because nothing they record actually seems stale or derivative. Their sound is a direct reflection of each member's individual contribution across decades of experience. Like a trusted auto repair shop (or a successful porn studio) their appeal is intergenerational, speaking to both the young and the not-so-young. "Venture" is one of those songs that you'll hear again after a few years that will strike you with a new realization you wouldn't have had as a younger listener.

“Boat” – Tallest Tree

Lux

Canadian indie rockers and married couple The Tallest Tree have recently released their debut single, “Boat”, an upbeat, grungy romp of a folk-rock tune. The track has a lazy, Noah and the Whale quality to it, with harmonic flourishes and production value that convey a sense of maturity unusual for a first release. “Boat” is solid in its simplicity, and, although I think the song begs for more complexity and a greater dynamic arc, it definitely shows promise.

“Bible John” – The Sea Kings

Brandon

"Bible John" is the debut single from Glasgow artists The Sea Kings. The catchy track combines elements of pop, new wave, and smatterings of a few other genres. The single is part of the band's album Woke in the Devil's Arms which released in early August (just a little late for July's Roundup). Have a listen to the track above and then head on over to SoundCloud to hear the rest of the album.

Album(s) of the Month:

High Noon – Arkells

Lux

Indie Mine veterans Arkells are set to release their third full-length album, High Noon, on August 5th, and I think it's safe to say they're on track to be making plenty of so-called “Fake Money", as the leading track deems it. Teetering in between the Canadian indie scene and pop stardom, Arkells are a capital P Product, and their newest release is, at its core, pop with flair. Tracks like “11:11”. with somewhat cut-and-dry pop hooks and Katy Perry quality bass riffs are accented by wispy 80's synthesizer and fuzz filter, and Kerman's drawly, sometimes talky vocals are always energetic. Repeated themes lend the nostalgic, romantic lyrics some believability, although it still comes off a little trite. High Noon is high-quality, radio-friendly pop-rock (a la Imagine Dragons), and it's certainly worth a listen if you're into the genre. The album is available for purchase on iTunes or directly through the band's website, and you can listen to the tracks “11:11”, “Come to Light”, and “Never Thought That This Would Happen” via Soundcloud or Youtube.

Bulbs of Held - Bulbs of Held

Kendrick

While it's not true across the whole genre, a disturbing amount of electronica is made by annoying meatheads. Almost any idiot can drop a beat armed with a Macintosh and a sense of privilege, ending the night with the sole worry that the groupie in passenger seat isn't entitled to a voter registration card. That's why the debut EP from Bulbs of Held is such a breath of fresh air, because it's legitimately cool. This educated Manchester duo doesn't crave your praise or your devotion, not when they're making tracks in 7/4 time and playing guitar harmonics with the edges of a pinky finger. The opening track is also the stand-out, a breathy vamp called "Soulenalle" that the group gleefully identifies as disco without feeling any need to be constrained by the label. It's worth your time to check out this risk-taking, boundary-pushing music.

The Lost Weekend - Sean Flinn & The Royal We

Brandon

I agonized over my album pick for a few days, flipping back and forth between two worthy contenders. While I thought that Jeen O'brien's Tourist hit higher highs, I felt that The Lost Weekend was more solid from start to finish. Sean Finn & The Royal We's indie rock album is a showcase for Flinn's singer/songwriter talents, and the 3-piece backup band lulls the listener in with each easygoing track. Highlights for me included "City Lights", "The Ravine", and title track "The Lost Weekend".

Other Music

Singles:

London-based electronica band Ooberfuse release “Different Drum”

One-man band Feexer releases debut single “Diamonds and Defects” off upcoming album of the same name

In advance of second new album this year, Zebracore band Postcode releases music video for single “This Day Will Come”

Split single “BRIDGEBURNER” includes surf-punk thrasher “Liar Liar” and classic rock track “Gold Star”

Derbyshire rockers The Four Fours release double A-side with tracks “Count to Ten” and “Messing With History”

Dave Rave and Heads Up Lincoln release holiday-inspired track “4th of July”

Indie Mine veterans Illitry release black and white short-film for latest single “Runaways”

Mother Leads release second single, “It’s a Feeling“, off upcoming debut album Myriad

Indie pop artist Pale Green Things releases upbeat single “Pink Flamingo”

Albums/EPs:

Blues rock artist Jeff Bell releases album Songs From No One in Particular

St. Helens trio The Bordello follow up 2013 release with new albums Will.I.Am, You’re Really Nothing and Extra Smooth

DJ and producer Headman/Robi Insinna releases 4-track set 6 E.P.1

Minimalist punk duo Ed Schrader’s Music Beat generating buzz with new album Party Jail

Debut album Simple Things released by UK pop/rock group Felt Tip

San Francisco shoegaze duo My Red Dress release album Out There/Cave

Canadian musician Jeen O’Brien releases solo, indie pop rock album Tourist

Toronto rock group Jay Pollock self-produce and release 11-song album Sunflower

Another Man’s Poison release self-titled album full of 60s rock and 70s punk inspiration

Gimme Some Lovin’ is a mix of live and studio cuts and marks the latest album from musician Marcus Singletary

House/techno musician and producer Jeton Gjidoda creates new EP Possum

Mike Cykoski and A is for Atom release latest indie rock EP Song For You

Texan indie rock band Young Ones release new EP A to B

Folk singer/songwriter Matthew Oomen records album Where the Valley is Long

Indie dance / nu disco artist Mikael Fas releases EP Mesosphere under new label

© 2014, The Indie Mine. All rights reserved.

There’s a special joy in pulling together this monthly feature and going over all of the emails and music submissions. One of the best parts is seeing up-and-coming musicians continue to produce music month after month and year after year. June’s Music Roundup includes a number of musicians that have been featured here before. For some, it’s their third or fourth trip back. That being said, there’s also a number of great new artists making their debut appearance on The Indie Mine.

In all, this was our biggest month ever for music. We hope you’ll take the time to check out our Staff Picks and all of the other deserving bands included a little further down. Let us know what your Song of Summer is by leaving a comment. Happy listening!

Staff Picks

Single(s) of the Month:

“Help Yourself” – Go Life

Jennifer

Go Life has returned with a brand new single just in time for the summer. \“Help Yourself\” is a relaxing, down-tempo track that features mellow electronic drum beats and dreamy vocals. In just a few months, Rhys Viney’s presence as a solo artist has grown exponentially, delivering a rich listening experiencing for fans of chillwave and dream pop..

“What the French Call ‘Les Incompétents’” - Waterbodies

Lux

Ontario garage rock trio Waterbodies put out a fresh track this month, \“What the French Call 'Les Incompétents'", whose name is a homage to the 90's classic Home Alone. Despite the somewhat trite lyricism, the single has a great balance of pumping bass and distortion, reminiscent of Favourite Worst Nightmare-era Arctic Monkeys, and The Wombats-style \“woo woos\”. Give it a listen on Soundcloud or Bandcamp.

“Hades” – Fitness Club Fiasco

Brandon

Picking a favorite single this month was an arduous task. A number of musicians made return trips to the Music Roundup with worthy releases. Honorable mentions go out to Jonny Debt and Kings of Lowertown, but my pick this month is "Hades" by Toronto-based Fitness Club Fiasco. Last June, the band produced one of my favorite tracks of 2013 in "Goldmine", and "Hades" marks the 2nd release from their upcoming album. While the new song employs the underlying synthpop sound and generous use of harmonies that have become the band's signature style, "Hades" marks a departure in tone, moving from a high energy arrangement to a low-key feel. I'm eager to hear what FCF has up their sleeve next.

Album(s) of the Month:

Rocky - Wonder Villains

Lux

Derry City party-pop quartet Wonder Villains released their first full-length record, Rocky, on the 23rd, whose track list features my pick for single of the month back in February, \“Marshall\”, along with an almost definitive catalog of their previously released hits, including \“TV\”, \“33\”, and \“Zola\”. The central part of the album encompasses the extent of their new material, which is unfortunately weak, but passable, in comparison. The new songs, including \“Fiction\”, a sad, sparkling, Imogen Heap-like slow jam, diverge from their typically energetic, upbeat fare and take a turn towards melancholy. Despite the piecemeal nature of the album, Rocky is standout for June and certainly deserves a listen or two (or twelve), particularly if you're unfamiliar with Wonder Villains' previous releases. Rocky is available for purchase on iTunes or Amazon.

EP 1 – Gdansk

Jennifer

Gdansk’s EP 1 is a polished mix of the ethereal and deep. The Toronto quartet blends dark and brooding elements with beautiful melodies that create a haunting atmosphere. The opening track, \“Mariner’s Cross\” sets the tone with a slow and deliberate drum beat, balanced by the gentle melodies and soothing vocals. As the EP progresses, there is a noticeable increase in intensity, particularly with \“Babel\”. EP 1 closes with \“Live Away\” which is both heartfelt and uplifting, bringing the entire EP full circle..

Mary – Ivory Hours

Brandon

Ivory Hours' 6-track EP Mary is a bit of a strange animal. By and large, the alt pop group maintains a catchy, upbeat sound throughout the setlist.  However, many of the songs include themes of loss and sadness. It's an interesting juxtaposition and just one reason I selected the EP as my staff pick for the month. Lovely harmonies featuring vocalists Luke and Annie Roes pervade each of the tracks. The instrumental work shines as well. I particularly enjoyed the bass line on "Young Blood" and the opening guitar licks of "The Attic". It all spells a successful release for the talented musicians from London, Ontario.

Other Music

Singles:

By Definition releases rock/metal single “Warrior” off album The Concerns of Moral Man

Single “Salo” marks the debut of Paul Nicholson’s new pop, piano-led act Oxford Style

2-piece grunge/punk band MAD ONES release “Leather Rug“, lead single off upcoming LP Sanciety

Soulful indie pop act Wayne William releases new single “Don’t Fade Away” from upcoming album The Parade

Canadian rocker Jonny Debt releases “Purple Heart“, s single seven years in the making

Kings of Lowertown record gritty new single “Blues Haul” in an Ottawa Valley farmhouse

Metal bands Wolvhammer and Krieg release 7″ split

Kye Alfred Hillig creates “Licorice the Dog” demo during sprint tour

Seattle-based troubadour Daniel G. Harmann records live version of single “Foreverever”

With a music video banned in Turkey, The Shanks release single “German Heavy Metal Girl”

Terracotta Blue continues his series of Purple Summer singles with “Last Night”

Albums/EPs:

Indie pop duo Six Years readies release of new album Rivers

Four-piece, all girl, blues rock band Rouge releases four-track EP Edge of the Bed

Edinburgh’s Wozniak releases shoegaze/post-punk EP Pikes Peak

Manufactured Consent marks third release from London-based septet State of Play

Disco visionary Rayko releases 10-track album Rebirth

High energy pop rock band Tokyo Taboo release new EP Porno Star

Canadian musician riot nrrd releases 14-track song-cycle settle

Shoegaze/rock/pop artists Ceremony release new EP Birds

New England brother duo The Cautious Arc release self-titled debut album

Dance music veteran Bobmo releases club/acid techno album New Dawn

After multiple single releases in 2014, 5j Barrow releases From the Dim, Sweet Light

Psychedelic rock band The Eye Jabs release new modern garage rock album Songs From the Fourth Dimension

House music specialist Tunnelvision follows up first EP of 2014 with first full album, Sky Swallower

Brooklyn-based, multi-instrumentalist Jon Autry releases full length album Beautifully Broken

KLANGLIEBE veteran Klangschwester releases new EP Keep Loving Me as part of duo Go Astray

West Palm Beach alt rock band The Drip Effect releases album Dinosaur

Music veterans combine to form Royal Tusk and release new six-song EP Mountain

Canadian grunge/punk band CHAMPION LOVER release self-titled LP

Electric dance artist Airsouth releases EP Deep Space Bird featuring vocalist Elegy Parks

Blurred City Lights follows up 2013′s EP Neon Glow with full length album Anamorphic

Indie pop artists The Mothers are set to release their debut, self-titled album

Singer-songwriter solo artist Jacob Caporali releases indie alt rock album Running From My Shadow

© 2014, The Indie Mine. All rights reserved.

May proved to be an interesting few weeks in the world of indie music. A number of bands that had previously released singles this year are finally starting to release the remainder of their scheduled albums. What this means is that there was a lot more music to sort through and enjoy. Competition was fierce, but below you’ll find what we consider the cream of the crop in our Staff Picks. Be sure to have a listen, but don’t forget to check out the lists further down of all bands making news this month. You don’t want to miss out on some great new tunes.

Staff Picks

Single(s) of the Month:

“Come to Light” – The Arkells

Kendrick

The Arkells, of Ontario, have been around a little bit too long to be wearing their indie musician badges still, but all is forgiven because they teeter on the edge of worldwide fame without any pretense. With some stereotypical Canadian restraint and humility, the thoroughly modern single "Come to Light" hit irregular electronic music distribution in the middle of May as a preview of their third full album. Original alt-rock composition and Max Kerman's powerfully emotional vocals tower high over a firm and evident foundation of soul and Motown roots, but this is no singular auteur effort. This group is a unit, a team, a real band in an indie music scene cluttered with mavericks and lone wolves. Like their R&B heroes, the Arkells show lesser performers what happens when you take excellent talents and point them all in the same direction in pursuit of the same artistic goal. The new album High Noon will sneak up on us in August.

“Relied on Luck” – Magic Carpet Factory

Lux

"Relied on Luck" is one of two new songs released in the May by four piece indie group Magic Carpet Factory. With a distinct bass-driven, bluesy aesthetic, the track is very much reminiscent of Arctic Monkeys' "Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?" in both style and theme. Have a listen to "Relied on Luck" and accompanying track "Midnight Kiss" on Soundcloud. Their debut EP, Feel the Magic, can also be streamed on Soundcloud or purchased through iTunes, Amazon, or the band's website.

“2AM Drunk” – Ben Everyman (NSFW)

Brandon

It was a tough call for the best single this month. Magic Carpet Factory's "Relied on Luck" was an early favorite along with Go Life's "19". In the end, though, I chose a song with a completely different style and tone. Ben Everyman's "2AM Drunk" is a rockabilly romp in the form of a drunken tale. The repeated retelling of a night full of misfortune was just too entertaining to pass on. The track is slated to be part of the artist's album Subourbon due out this September. WARNING: The track above is NSFW.

Album(s) of the Month:

Young Lungs - Instead of Sleeping

Lux

Multi-instrumental indie rockers Instead of Sleeping recently released Young Lungs, their fourth studio effort and follow up to The Reds, The Blacks, The Grays. Funded in part by a successful Kickstarter campaign, the Pittsburgh-based quartet teamed up with Marc McClusky (Weezer, Bad Religion, Ludo, William Beckett) to create this short but sweet eight song LP, which deviates slightly from the typical mellow, melodic indie rock fare, but just enough that it's still plenty accessible. With clear, unaggressive vocals and a touch of modern electronic distortion, the album resembles releases from the likes of The Postal Service or Ra Ra Riot. Young Lungs is available for purchase on iTunes and Bandcamp, and you can give it a listen for free on Bandcamp, Allmusic, or the band's Facebook page.

Dies Irae - Josephine and the Artizans

Kendrick

Kid Rock showed the world that he could freestyle over classic rock, and Us3 brought us sophisticated rap on top of the jazz of Blue Note. Now Josephine and the Artizans puts an emcee in front of a chamber music ensemble to see if you can rap over classical music. The result is supremely weird, and bizarrely satisfying, like winter truffles in Carolina barbecue sauce. This London combo's debut EP Dies Irae rhymes over compositions borrowed from Mozart's Requiem and Clementi's Four Seasons, but the three or four minute running length of each song is a strictly modern presentation. They call the result 'Hip-Hopera' but it's nothing like the concept albums of The Roots or R. Kelly. The talent on display here raises the music above the status of a novelty gimmick, especially if you have any music education with which to discern. Is cellist Laura Seddon doing some sort of cadenza-style improvisation around those familiar melodies? The EP gets an official release date of June 2. Hear some sample tracks and a whole pile of singles here.

Mapmaker - Repeat After Me 

Brandon

Although The Golden Sounds and 9yrs both had worthy entries this month, my pick is Mapmaker from San Francisco band Repeat After Me. The album is a nine-track, eclectic mix of sounds from different eras of pop and rock. The Chicago-like brass accompaniment in "The Volcano" is equally as entertaining as the laid back sound of "Carve Out a Name". Harmonies and interesting instrumental mixes are the strengths of the album, and the four-member band also receive a number of assists from a handful of outside performers. Mapmaker is the sophomore album from the group, and I'm already curious to hear what amount of variety their next offering will include.

Other Music

Singles:

Go Life releases new chillwave single “19”

Pretty Girls release their debut single “Waiting On You, We’re Baats”

Daniel Harmann creates latest single “Anna” as part of Fastback Sessions #4

Dark rock goddess Characula releases new single “Headstone”

Electronic rock band High Horses release “Hours” with b-side track “A Thousand Eyes”

Terracotta Blue releases second single in the Purple Summer series, “My Time” featuring Emmy of White Life

Electronic pop group Insignificant Others release single “Sentimental” along with various remixes

Albums/EPs:

Toronto noise/doom quartet Godstopper release 4-track EP Children Are Our Future

German trio KLANGLIEBE release EP containing “Lost In You” and various remixes

Brooklyn-based band  Dead Leaf Echo release EP true.deep.sleeper

Swiss post-punk musician Borderline Symphony releases debut album EP1

Mr. Beard releases funk/disco/hip hop album The Reasons

Mountaineer! returns with indie folk rock album Caribou Lou

Manx singer-songwriter Clara Barker releases sophomore album Fine Arts & The Breslins

Nashville-based folk/alt rock band The Golden Sounds release new album Waiting On The Birds along with illustrated short story

Pop duo Roses & Revolutions release self-titled sophomore album

Germany’s Ruins and Portland’s Usnea release split album Halo of Flies

9yrs releases first official album This is 9 Years, a mix of pop and other styles

French multi-instrumentalist MR KITO releases new indie rock EP Where Are the Lizards?

WHOOP-Szo releases seven-track experimental folk album Niizhwaaswo

Shintaro Haioka samples various everyday objects to create new EP Rei Row

The Coppertone releases rock/blues EP The Bakery, her first new album since leaving her old label

© 2014, The Indie Mine. All rights reserved.

Apparently the music industry has shaken off the winter cold and gotten back into their studios. We had an absolute deluge of music hit our inbox, the majority of which was far and away whole EPs and albums. We also saw a number of returning artists as well as many, many bands releasing their debut albums and singles. What all of that means is that there was stiff competition for our staff picks this month. Have a look at our choices for best single and album of April below, and be sure to check out all of the other music news a little further down. There was quite an eclectic mix, and certainly a bit of something for everyone.

Staff Picks

Single(s) of the Month:

“Wildwood” – 5j Barrow

Jennifer

5j Barrow, a six-piece band from New York, have just released their first single from their upcoming full length album, From the Dim, Sweet Light. Wildwood is a gorgeous track with emotive vocals, sweet harmonies, and also features some lovely string arrangements throughout. Fans of The Civil Wars and Of Mice and Men will love their upbeat, folk rock sound and down to earth feel.

“Robber Barons” – Cloud Person

Lux

On the tails of the release of their second album, Monochrome Places, Seattle psych-folk act Cloud Person have recently published a music video for the track "Robber Barons". A decidedly folk tune, the track has a heavy Irish folk influence in the vein of The Swell Season, while Jordan's assertive yet sensitive vocals lend the track a very Mumford and Sons' feel. Watch the music video on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDwW7ALixWw) (and keep and eye out for Dane Ueland of &Yet, my pick for last month.) “Robber Barons” can be downloaded for free on Bandcamp (http://cloudperson.bandcamp.com/track/robber-barons), where you will also find Monochrome Places available for streaming and/or purchase. (http://cloudperson.bandcamp.com/album/monochrome-places). 

“The Art Of Giving Up” – Thought Beneath Film

Brandon

"The Art Of Giving Up" is the second track off of Thought Beneath Film's recent album Cartographers. The peppy beat of the song combined with an abundant use of harmonies reminded me a bit of Tally Hall. Although this song was the highlight for me, the album as a whole was also a strong contender for my staff pick this month. You can find the whole album – including my single pick – at the following link: https://soundcloud.com/thoughtbeneathfilm/sets/cartographers/s-uAsgf.

Album(s) of the Month:

Real Snow - Kye Alfred Hillig

Lux

While the diverse artistry on Real Snow gives me pause in defining Kye Alfred Hillig as a "singer-songwriter", his gift for melodic composition is self-evident. Tracks like "None of Them Know Me Now", with pop-friendly melodies and synth riffs, would seem right at home over the radio waves beside the likes of Bastille and Imagine Dragons. The album has great variety on both a macro and micro level, with delay and synth fuzz like something off an Angels and Airwaves track, accessible lyrics, and the occasional flourish of saxophone. The entire 12-song album is available for free download on Bandcamp (http://kyealfredhillig.bandcamp.com/album/real-snow).

Musicassette/Magnetic Memory – Night Windows

Jennifer

Musicassette/Magnetic Memory is the debut LP from Night Windows, a project started by artist, Benjamin Hughes. The album can best be described as folk rock, but Hughes manages to subtly blend a number of other influences like Weezer, Death Cab for Cutie, and John Vanderslice. The album tackles themes of false promises and coming to terms with unfulfilled expectations during the transition from youth to adulthood. Musicassette/Magnetic Memory carries a certain air of strength and hope despite the challenges of young adulthood, and is an impressive debut with charming lo-fi aesthetics and honest lyrics that everyone can relate to.

Suit of Armor - Paul Starling 

Brandon

It's been topping the 90s here in Florida and it's not even Memorial Day yet. Naturally I'm already thinking it's Summer which might also explain my choice for album of the month. Paul Starling – the project of musician Brian Bringelson – is no stranger here at The Indie Mine. I actually covered a prior album, Shipwrecked Commotion, a while back. Paul Starling's vintage sound in Suit of Armor evokes a 60s beach rock feel and makes a perfect match for the season. It was a close battle for this pick, though, with Jessica Bundy, Thought Beneath Film, and Youth Club all worthy of the honor. Be sure to check them out below.

Other Music

Singles:

Pennsylvania-based punk bands Shotgun No Blitz and Name Le release two tracks off upcoming split EP

Canada’s Arkells release first single, “Never Thought That This Would Happen”, off upcoming album

Brooklyn-based keyboard duo Isle of Rhodes release video for single “Tic Toc”

Marcus O’Neill releases second single, “Oilseed Fields And Innocent Dreams”, from upcoming album Way Beyond The Sugar Beet

YUCA releases music video for second single, “Maybe We’ll Riot”, off the album Rebuilding the Fallen Empire

Femmepop teams up with Robert Parker for dream poppish single “Not That Kind”

Terracotta Blue starts the Summer early with electronic hip-hop single “Sweetheart (featuring Karnegie)”

Toronto indie rock band CANVAS releases debut single “Keeping Score” 

Albums/EPs:

It’s Not A Cross, It’s A Curse! released by WTCHS in limited edition cassette format

Post-punk/alternative artist Daniel Harmann releases 2-track album Westroy Sessions Volume Three

80s-inspired and Greek musician Paris76 unveils EP Endless Blue

h2so4 releases techno/trance/house EP King of Kings

Maine-based alt rock musician Seth Majka releases 13-track album Wake To Mourning

Alt rock/post-punk band The Feel Bad Hit Of The Winter releases self-titled, debut album

Essex’s eclectic, four-piece band Youth Club releases debut EP Colours

Animal House releases disco/house blend album House Rock

Toronto folk singer Jessica Bundy releases five-track EP Careless Smile

Bollywood veteran Kumar Sanu enters UK music scene with album Hum-Tum

Alt rock band My Satellite release debut full length album Lift

Moral Panics hitting the local UK music scene with alt/pop album WLVS

Debut EP The Chase released by Brooklyn-based quartet The LoveHowl

Surf/garage rock duo Slim Wray release debut album Sack Lunch

Hip hop/electronic artist daysdeaf release experimental album When Colour Lost Light

German musician Klangschwester releases ten tracks as part of Sisterella EP

Pop rockers Cartographers release self-titled debut album

Sétamùr creates remix project for album Remix Eye Movement

Musician Sergi Boal creates electronic/experimental album The Man Without A Hat

Youthful, grunge/punk group Billy Moon releases new 5-track EP Young Adult

New, experimental EP Blu released by Leeds, UK band Suzy Blu

Daniel Harmann leads Session Four album of the Fastback Sessions series

Five years worth of pop, slowcore, and ambient music make up Simon Waldram’s compilation album Haven’t We Met Before?

Alternative piano project Allie Lauren releases Tales of a Glass Heart :: The B-Sides, an update to the band’s debut album from 2 years ago

Dreampop duo Ummagma revisits past work with the release of their Lama Remixes LP

Acoustic/folk/pop musician Alex Riggen releases greatest hits compilation Sixteen Free Songs

© 2014, The Indie Mine. All rights reserved.

Spring is sprung and the music keeps rolling in. We came across a lot of singles and albums this month including a ton from the UK. It wasn’t easy picking out favorites for March, but the intrepid staff of The Indie Mine stepped up to the challenge. Have a look at our picks for best single and album of March below, and be sure to catch all of the other music news a little further down.

Staff Picks

Single(s) of the Month:

“Fuchsia” – Schonwald

Jennifer

Although the name Schonwald sounds decidedly of German origin, the Italian duo have just released the equally elusive track, “Fuchsia.” The track is saturated with hazy synth and multiple layers of reverb, giving the song a dream-like quality that will give you goosebumps.

“Love and Your Name” (Fastback Session #3) – &Yet

Lux

Seattle chamber pop/indie folk act & Yet give a rousing performance at Fastback Studios in this month's installment of the Fastback Sessions. Driven by Dane Ueland's evocative vocalizations, “Love and Your Name” is a dynamic piece of melodic storytelling in the vein of Stars' “Your Ex-Lover is Dead”. Watch the performance on Session #3 of the Fastback Sessions Youtube series, or have a listen to the recording on Bandcamp.

“Talking My Soul” – 5j Barrow

Brandon

Perhaps it's the success of musical ensembles like Arcade Fire, but it seems that more and more bands are using a wider variety of string instrumentation in their music. Well, I for one love it, and perhaps that's why my pick for single of the month came down to "Talking My Soul" and "Love and Your Name". The latter was chosen by Lux, so I'm going for the former which comes to us courtesy of New York sextet 5j Barrow. You can tell just how much fun the band's having during this track, and I can't wait to hear the rest of their upcoming album, due out in June.

Album(s) of the Month:

Reconstruction - STACEY

Lux

Singer-songwriter STACEY's newest release is a reconstruction of her eponymous album featuring alternate mixes courtesy of YDID and Style of Tigers. STACEY's girlish, Vanessa Carlton-esque vocals take a step back to make way for sparse electronic idiosyncrasies and synth washes that not only complement her piano instrumentions, but give the tracks a new sort of spacey energy. Although the synth and reverb at times come across as heavy-handed, the EP still retains STACEY's signature relaxed minimalism and intimacy. The YDID mix of “Calling Me” is available on Soundcloud, and the full album can be download for free through STACEY's Facebook page. 

Inside the Ghost Machine – Anda Volley

Jennifer

Avant-garde singer-songwriter, Anda Volley, pulls out a strong set of songs in her debut album, Inside the Ghost Machine. With intelligent, creative lyrics and unique vocal style, Inside the Ghost Machine can be dark in a surprisingly catchy way. Volley’s pseudo-spoken word vocal style and hypnotizing guitar riffs are typically paired with haunting lyrics that flirt with the darker themes of life. “Laura Inside the Ghost Machine” is a prime example of this, and is one of the strongest tracks of the album.

Istedgade - Satellites 

Brandon

If you checked out our music picks from last month, this album choice shouldn't be a big surprise. "Neon Sun" was my selection for single of the month and one of four songs off of the band's latest EP. Although that track was the highlight of the set, the remaining tracks also make a strong showing. From start to finish, I love the way the band blends alternative and electronica sounds into a cohesive style.

Other Music

Singles:

Rose Berlin of SPC ECO releases dark synth singles “Burn It Down” and “Ray of Sun” under new project B O F C

London’s The Love Barons release debut single “Happy Together”

Indie disco band Stickman Cartel release new single “These Eyes”

New single “Jupiter” released by electro disco group OMFG Zombies

Eclectic musician Terracotta Blue releases trio of singles – “Feelin’ It”, “I’d Do”, and “Shieldmaiden”

Illitry shoots music video with Southern Southerns for electronic rock single “White Noise”

Kings of Lowertown take to Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans to shoot music video for “Mississippi Flood”

Upbeat indie band Nude release new single “Oh My Lady” off EP The Rockfield Live Demonstrations

Katie Bulley release music video for single “Up and In” to fundraise for new album

Cross-Atlantic duo These Curious Thoughts unveil video for song “Brain In A Jar”

Charles Bordeaux’s soulful “Bloodpacts” gets a reinvented remix as “Weeds”

Albums/EPs:

Indie rock group Navy Skies dives into punk rock roots to release The New War EP

Rock quintet The Folk release debut LP We All Say, the culmination of a three-part series

Composer Abstraction releases Just Drive Mixtape OST for indie game Just Drive

Mexico City-based alt-rock band Killvan releases 12-track album Spine Damage

Upstairs!! creates new album Honesty as part of recent Rpm Challenge event

2KM2 releases eclectic album for single “What’s Comin?” along with various remixes

Night Industries is a new EP from musical act Plastique de Reve

Four piece pop-punk band Dugout releases latest album Where There Used To Be Meaning

Singer/songwriter Nick Foster gearing up for busy year with album The Glowing Heart

Into the Night marks the first full release from the UK’s The Greasy Slicks

The mysterious Flaunt releases new EP It’s Such A Joke including multiple remixes

Atmospheric EP Shades of Light unveiled by Nadsat (formerly Flashboy)

Modeplex releases 3-track EP Lights along with a pair of remixes

French rock/blues duo Lady Flint release five-track, self-titled EP

© 2014, The Indie Mine. All rights reserved.

The introduction of the mp3 format, portable devices and streaming audio has changed the way we listen to music forever.  Digital listening has replaced spinning vinyl and collecting compact discs, so unless you’ve been living in the stone-age you’ve probably found some great new outlets for following the best new indie music out there. It is undeniable that even the digital revolution doesn’t guarantee you’ll keep up with all the new music – there’s just way too much. But these apps will help you stay on top of the music scene.

In addition to obvious apps like Pandora, Shazam, Spotify, Soundwave, even Band of the Day, indie music lovers turn to these apps to stay ahead of the ever-changing music curve.

• Pitchfork Weekly is the digital child of the Chicago-based music zine of the same name. As its namesake, it delivers on every level any music lover could want. Features and reviews from the magazine are readily available, as are audio/video and original programming from Pitchfork.TV.
  If all of that is not enough to keep you busy, there are staff-produced podcasts.  For your podcast please, the people so engaged with music they’ve dedicated their lives to creating this publication, bringing it digital, and now mobile, sit around talking about everything music. If you consider yourself a true audiophile, this resource is for you.
• Indie Shuffle is a great little app that falls somewhere between Pitchfork Weekly and the Sonarflow/Pandora type apps – but it specializes in indie music. It is also named after a music publication, however this one is a San Francisco based blog (www.indieshuffle.com).
  The mobile app utilizes the SoundCloud API to offer ad-free playlists based on similar artists and genres.  You can choose from genre, ‘popular’, latest recommendations and more. You can also browse the catalogue by genre, save and view your favorites; and, as if that weren’t enough; each song comes with IndieShuffle staff-writer reviews.
• Songkick is a must for the live music lover. Available for both the Android and iOS platforms, Songkick is a brilliant little program. It scans your personal music collection, and not only alerts you when the bands in your playlist will be playing in your area, but also suggests other shows based on your musical tastes.
  Songkick is always running in the background, and will give you a pop-up alert anytime a show is happening in the area. It will also send you emails alerting you who is playing where and when, if you wish.
• Earbits is a great example of the evolution of the artist in the digital age. It is an artist-focused Internet radio station now available as an app for both Android and Apple formats.
  Earbits is a music stream that is free of ads. Instead, it is funded by labels, bands and promoters who buy airtime in targeted channels, getting their music out to the people who are looking for something different than commercial radio has to offer.
  They currently feature music from over 630 labels, 12,000 artists and 380 channels, so it is certainly not devoid of variety or volume.
• Rormix is a great idea, and hopefully can produce some great new artists. The idea of this app is to help you find music videos from unsigned artists, based on your musical tastes. The format offers a great deal of potential, and all of the artists are hand-picked by the company. Talented artists are certainly found there, but the genres available may be limited in number.

Of course, if these don’t fit your need for cutting edge music technology, you always have the option of creating your own app. If you know music, but aren’t tech savvy, you’ll probably want the talents of someone like the guys at http://appdeveloper.org/.

Don’t let your lack of knowledge about new music technology keep you from being a part of it. Check out some of today’s indies music apps, and you’ll always have indie music at your fingertips.

© 2014, The Indie Mine. All rights reserved.

In our latest guest post, blogger Nicolas White of Rukkus.com shares his list of the top 10 best music festival lineups for 2014. Find out which big names and indie acts you can expect to see at each event. Check out the Rukkus Android app for additional Rukkus content.

1. Sasquatch!

May 23-25 / July 4-6

Quincy, WA

Lineup Highlights: The National, Kraftwerk, Cut Copy, Neutral Milk Hotel, Outkast

Indie Acts You Must See: Phosphorescent, Parquet Courts, Foxygen, Majical Cloudz, Jon Hopkins

Sasquatch set the bar pretty high this year, as the fest transitions from a gem of the Pacific Northwest, to a household name. This year, Sasquatch has followed the lead of California’s Coachella with its two weekend model. However, Sasquatch offers an interesting take with two very different lineups, providing a unique experience for each respective weekend, while reaching an even wider base of fans. That said, the scenic location and the picturesque backdrop is probably enough to justify the admission price.

2. Governor’s Ball

June 6-8

New York, NY

Lineup Highlights: Jack White, Vampire Weekend, The Strokes, Disclosure

Indie Acts You Must See: Grimes, Chance The Rapper, SKATERS, Ratking

Arguably the most viable NYC festival to date, Governor’s Ball has continued its monster growth with its deepest lineup yet. Though the festival was marred by torrential rains and ankle-deep mud last year, fans will surely gather en masse to catch this event.

3. Osheaga

August 1-3

Montreal, Quebec

Lineup Highlights: Arctic Monkeys, Lorde, Modest Mouse, The Replacements

Indie Acts You Must See: SBTRKT, Mac De Marco, White Denim, Jagwar Ma

The trip across the border has never seemed so alluring. Osheaga takes place in the beautiful multicultural hub of Montreal, adding a bit of Canadian efficiency to the US Woodstock-ian festival model. This year’s lineup could be Osheaga’s strongest yet.

4. Bonnaroo

June 12-15

Manchester, TN

Lineup Highlights: Kanye West, The Flaming Lips, James Blake, Phoenix

Indie Acts You Must See: Warpaint, Darkside, The Preatures, Real Estate

OK, you’ve definitely heard of this one. It’s an American rite-of-passage, after all. But if you haven’t yet made the pilgrimage down to Tennessee, you’d be hard-pressed to find a lineup as diverse as 2014’s. It just might be about time to head to “The Farm.”

5. Newport Folk Festival

July 25-27

Newport, RI

Lineup Highlights: Band of Horses, Mavis Staples, J Roddy Walston & The Business

Indie Acts You Must See: Houndmouth, Shakey Graves, Dawes

Newport Folk was a touchstone of the beatnik, counter-culture movement of the 1960s; it’s one of the most storied festivals in the US, and it’s still being held in the folky, grassroots-y, tradition that acts like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Peter, Paul, and Mary once established.

6. Electric Forest

June 26-29

Rothbury, MI

Lineup Highlights: String Cheese Incident, Ms Lauren Hill, Flying Lotus

Indie Acts You Must See: Anders Osborne, RAC, St. Lucia

Before you even look at who’s playing, imagine a music festival in the middle of a forest. The trees are lined with shimmering lights, art installations, and hammocks for sleeping. Add in a electronica-heavy lineup, and you’re in for one hell of a trip. This dreamy location makes this a truly unique festival experience.

7. Coachella

April 11-14 / April 18-20

Indio, California

Lineup Highlights: The Knife, Haim, Arcade Fire, Beck

Indie Acts You Must See: Future Islands, Dum Dum Girls, Wye Oak

Let’s face it, the Coachella lineup is a bit of a let-down this year, considering the superstar status of this festival. Yet, all things considered, the promoters at Goldenvoice still managed to book two consecutive weekends of mouth-watering live entertainment.

8. Pitchfork

July 18-20

Chicago, IL

Lineup Highlights: Giorgio Moroder, St. Vincent, Danny Brown

Indie Acts You Must See: Cloud Nothings, Earl Sweatshirt, Sharon Van Etten, Death Grips

This Chicago publication may be known for their cooler-than-thou stance on music, but you can’t argue with their success. Pitchfork always curates a lineup that takes risks, and while this year they’ve taken on some more proven artists, the undercard is still filled with hidden gems.

9. Shaky Knees

May 9-11

Atlanta, GA

Lineup Highlights: Spoon, Alabama Shakes, Portugal. The Man, Iron & Wine

Indie Acts You Must See: Man Man, Band of Skulls, The Weeks

Shaky Knees enters its 2nd year seeking rock and roll festival domination. This ATL-based weekend fest packs a punch, with a wide selection of blues-driven, Southern rock. If that’s your scene, there’s no better lineup than Shaky Knees.

10. Firefly

June 19-22

Dover, DE

Lineup Highlights: Broken Bells, Childish Gambino, Jake Bugg

Indie Acts You Must See: Washed Out, Vic Mensa, Haerts

Firefly is the newest contender for the festival crown. After achieving remarkable success in its first few years, the 2014 lineup is (comparatively) a bit of a dud. But, it’s still strong enough to round-out the top 10 best lineups of the year.

© 2014, The Indie Mine. All rights reserved.

February marks the 1-year anniversary of when we started doing these music roundup features. We’ve come a long way thanks to the contributions of music staff writers Jennifer and Lux. And I’d be doing a discourtesy if I didn’t thank all of the musicians out there for spreading the news by sharing the articles with followers and fellow bands.

This month we saw and heard a lot of new music coming in from the UK and Canada, but there were artists all over the world making their presence known. Have a listen to our staff picks for February, but be sure to check out all of the highlights from the past month further down. Please keep in mind that some of these releases may be a month (or three) old but only reached our ears in the last few weeks.

Staff Picks

Single(s) of the Month:

“Follow Me” – Illitry

Jennifer

Last month, Illitry’s cover of Scott Ore’s “If I Am Wrong” proved to be an impressive transformation of an already great track with powerful emotion. This month, Illitry pulls at my heartstrings again with their new song, “Follow Me.” The Canadian duo successfully blend electronic beats and rock elements to create an intense and soulful track, with jazzy undertones and smooth harmonies.

“Marshall” – Wonder Villains

Lux

Derry City's anti-pop quartet Wonder Villains are about to release their first full album, Rocky, and this track suggests that they have really hit their stride. With an artfully balanced assemblage of synth, pop-punk guitar, and infectious vocals, the track feels fresh and modern in a way that many pop songs just don't. "Marshall" is currently streaming on Soundcloud, and the music video is available on Youtube. The official release is scheduled for March 24th. Rocky is due on the 23rd of June.

“Neon Sun” – Satellites

Brandon

Honorable mentions go to David Dino White's "Bounce" (linked to later) as well as Jordan Venn and the Slizneys' "Time Machine" with its great Lego-centric music video (link also found later). My pick for the month, though, goes to "Neon Sun" by Satellites. This catchy single will be included on the band's upcoming EP Istedgade, and it includes a visually stunning video directed by Yibi Hu of Moving Image Exchange.

Album(s) of the Month:

Every Which Way But Loose – Her Dark Lions

Lux

Every Which Way But Loose is the debut album from psychedelic folk rock band Her Dark Lions. While the second half – sing-songy spoken word over sparse, ambient instrumentation – is rather heavy on the psychedelia, the tasteful distortion, unobtrusive lyrics, and traditionally pleasant musicality of the meat of the album gives it an accessibility akin to that of Fruit Bats or Fleet Foxes. At times, particularly on "His Bed", Jesse Thorsen's vocals are oddly reminiscent of Alex Turner's wistful croons on tracks like Arctic Monkeys' "No. 1 Party Anthem", while other, more soulful tunes ("Long Road") have a very Blind Melon feel. The full album is currently available on Youtube, and the official release is slated for March 21st.

Flying and the silence – Nheap

Jennifer

Flying and the silence is a beautiful down tempo album from Italian artist, Massimo Discepoli. In 2007, Discepoli began creating music under the moniker, Nheap. This latest release by Nheap is a well-blended mix of jazz, electronic, and post-rock that creates enthralling soundscapes for the listener. With avant-garde and experimental elements, each track invokes images of vivid scenery full of lush and colorful environments. This makes Flying and the silence more of an experience than just a session of listening to an album; it transcends the ordinary with dynamic instrumentation and imaginative composition that is pleasing to both the ears and the mind.

Serve Yourself - Small Engine Repair 

Brandon

Picking a favorite album this month was once again a tough task. Dark Mean's Samuel and the Phoenix and Albino's The Great Unwashed each are worthy of repeated listenings and I recommend hitting their links later in this feature. In the end I chose Small Engine Repair's Serve Yourself. The album meanders between alternative and folk, and each of those genres are represented well in "Serve Yourself" and "Hey, Best Friend", respectively. They also happen to be my two favorite tracks out of the dozen included in the set.

Other Music

Singles:

British electro-indie-pop group Satellite Stories releases new single “Lights Go Low”

Rubberlips releases ‘Twisted Tongue Remix’ of funky disco single “The Traveller”

Multiple remixes created for go nogo’s “And The Devil Too”

London duo Six Years (a side project of Rubicks) record new single “Till Then” for early March release

“Bounce” marks third independent release by Ontario musician David Dino White

Feral Ghost releases voyeuristically-themed single “Secret Eyes”

Manchester electro rock duo High Horses release debut single “In Colour and Grey”

For Esmé produces iPhone-recorded music video for single “250″

Psychedelic rock duo Sonic Kimono releases single “Coffee and Cake” from upcoming album Movers & Shakers

Green Mountain Road Band lets slip sneak release of single “Down The Road” off upcoming EP Gypsy Woman

Solo artist Rory Stewart publishes music video for single “Cadillac” off last year’s solo LP

LA-based Zach Alwin releases debut pop single “Arrived”

Femmepop and Timecop1983 team up again to create new single “Our Time”

Former Big Strides front man Marcus O’Neill releases single “Regrets, Secrets” off upcoming album Way Beyond The Sugar Beet

Metal band Neuronspoiler publish music video for single “Through Hell We March”

Lisbon-based Kilindu releases Latin/World Music fusion single “O Que o Futuro Nos Traz (What the Future Brings)”

Albums/EPs:

Sterling, VA-based punk/grunge band Tideland releases new full length album Lull

Punk/grunge band The Dirty Nil releases 5-track EP Smite

4-track EP Samuel The Phoenix released by Canadian folk trio Dark Mean

Michael and the Wild Roses release American Matador companion album Tango Blues

Washington-based alt-rock band Pastel Motel releases a dozen tracks in new album Subject is Subjective

Canadian musician Jared Lucow self-produces debut album 27 Lost In Heaven

Alt-rock group Jordan Venn and the Slizneys release 12-track album Certified Organic

Singer-songwriter Rachael Kennedy releases CD for The In Between EP

WHOOP-Szo releases double album Qallunaat/Odemin, recorded in the Canadian arctic

Experimental act Black Walls explores the metaphysical in new album Communion

Joel Strauss releases Don’t Lose That Feeling, an 11-track alternative/acoustic LP

London-based urban folk band Albino releases EP The Great Unwashed

Postcode continues its Zebracore stylings with Zebratronic, their third album release

Swiss musician Jaylis releases a dozen tracks in rock/folk album Precious as the Diamonds

UK shoegaze/dreampop band The Virgance unveil debut album Lost Continent

Electronica/dance music artist DAV!D & Clara releases 11-track album Emotion Machine

Benjamin Hughes’ project Night Windows releases three tracks off upcoming alternative album Musicassette/Magnetic Memory

Swamp rock/southern blues band The zzips readies new EP Expect the Worst for late March official release

Toronto-based, acoustic punk band Revisionist releases new EP Coasting

Roladex releases ‘futuristic-mechanized pop’ album Anthems for the Micro-Age

Well that’s it for February. A short month that wasn’t short on music. Hope you enjoyed, and be sure to let us know which artists you enjoyed by leaving a comment!

© 2014, The Indie Mine. All rights reserved.

January signalled the start of a new year, and with every new year comes change. We’ve decided to shake things up a bit with our monthly music roundup feature now that we have a few different writers covering music for the site. Each month we’ll be making our staff picks with each music writer picking their favorite track and album/EP discovered in the past month. Please note that the music selected didn’t necessarily have to release in the past month, though we’ll try to keep it limited to recent works. With the digital age, more and more musicians are periodically releasing their albums piecemeal, so it’s hard to dictate when a particular song debuted. Anyway, we hope you like our favorites, but be sure to also check out all of the other music we encountered. Enjoy!

Staff Picks

Album(s) of the Month:

There’s a Bluebird in My Heart – Running Red Lights

Lux

Running Red Lights' self-produced debut album, There's a Bluebird in My Heart, released on the 14th of January, was eight years in the making. Through a misdirected journey of industry turmoil and pressure, the Toronto band emerged as folksy indie pop/rock powerhouse with a good deal of bluesy, southern flair. Those many years of life experience manifest in the album's sentimental subject matter and evocative lyrics, which are equal parts sweet and melancholy, with a little bit of nostalgia for good measure. Guided by the rhythmic and melodious instrumentation of David Puzak and Jeff Carter, Scarlett Flynn's robust intonation harmonizes gracefully with Kevin Howley's tender, R&B influenced vocals.

Brandon

It has been quite a few months since my first time hearing the music of Toronto-based band Running Red Lights. Their single "Mulberry Love" was previously featured in our monthly music roundup, but it would be a bit of a wait before we would finally get to hear the finished album, There's A Bluebird In My Heart. It was well worth the wait. While it is the normally the instrumentation of a song that wins me over, vocalists Kevin Howley and Scarlett Flynn make for such a pleasant pairing that the album just edged out a few others as my top pick this month. For me, the standout track on this album is "Dear Liza".

Entangled And Entwined – Juleah

Jennifer

Entangled And Entwined is the captivating EP from Austria native, Juleah. The EP is a blend of soulful, singer-songwriter elements and dreamy themes that allude to shoegaze artists of the early 90s. With sensual vocals and hypnotic rhythms, Entangled And Entwined is a delight for fans of Slowdive and Mazzy Star.

Single(s) of the Month:

“If I Am Wrong” – Illitry

Jennifer

The Illitry remix of "If I Am Wrong" combines a hauntingly beautiful melody backed by an urban beat. Illitry takes the lovely original track by singer-songwriter, Scott Orr, and transforms it with a new level of energy and a great vibe.

“The Verge” – Juleah

Lux

Entangled and Entwined, the third release from Austrian artist Juleah (aka Julia Hummer) is a five-track EP of full, yet understated psychedelic rock with shoegaze and dream pop influences. The first song on the album, "The Verge", is summery and sweeping without ever feeling undirected. It does not meander far, but rolls along like the ocean tide, driven by Julia's solid vocals and intimately oblique lyricism.

“Careless Smile” – Jessica Bundy

Brandon

While I was tempted to go with Running Red Lights' "Dear Liza", I enjoyed Jessica Bundy's "Careless Smile" too much to let it go without some recognition. I think what drew me to the Toronto-based musician's latest single is the deep emotion put into the words. I've listened to a bit of Mumford & Sons over the past few years, and I immediately drew a comparison between the artists. This track comes from Bundy's debut EP which is currently being recorded. I'm sure we'll be hearing much more from this musician in 2014.

Other Music

Postcode guitarist Mikie Duagherty releases Afterlight EP under Nanaki name

Experimental alt-rock album Mitch McConnell’s Grapefruit Stand by Babirusa

STACEY launches music video for single “Worst Part”

Electronic/chiptune album further by San Francisco-based electronic band crashfaster

Cinematically-inspired album Ashes and Tangerines from Toronto musician Clara Engel

Series of remixes released for “Lizard Eyes” by The Boy & Sister Alma

Terracotta Blue rings in the new year with hip hop/chillwave EP City Skylark

Detroit techno master Tunnelvision creates new 90s-themed EP Desire Lines

Folk singer/songwriter Songbird reveals new album Why Don’t You Care

Alt rock EP How the boys feel, when they are jilted released by Czech Republic band Tonecat

Dave Rave and the Governors release Minnesota-inspired pop album Ashtray Makeup

Kansas City hip-hip artist Ryan Forest releases debut EP The Veil under project name Cairoglyphs

House music specialist Gunes Ergun releases atmospheric EP Turkish Delight

New single “We Here Now (So Much Smoke)” released by ‘music artist’ JproD

Brooklyn-inspired mixtape The Warm Up by The Presidential Colleagues

Folk singer/songwriter Harrison Caldeira releases 11-track acoustic album  HIS*STORY

Postcode members Marie Reynolds and Mikie Daugherty team up with ex-Stoliday member Phil Reynolds on The Slow Hours’ “Let’s Pretend This Is Real Life”

© 2014, The Indie Mine. All rights reserved.