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.

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.