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.

You take one little two-week hiatus and suddenly the floodgates open. After a slow April, the rock gods woke up and directed our attention to a slew of bands and solo artists. In particular, the great white north (Canada) provided us with enough music to keep us entertained for days and weeks. If you don’t find something you like then keep looking. It was quite a diverse month.
 
 

WTCHS – “Mr. Hands”

Described as a “basement recording made for vinyl”, the new track “Mr. Hands” from Canadian band WTCHS is almost like two songs in one. Released back in late April, the track begins with a heavy punk influence and finishes with a turn towards alt-rock. The band compares the latter sound with Queens of the Stone Age and I couldn’t agree more. “Mr. Hands” was released on a 7″ split with “Harness” from Thoughts On Air. You can check out both tracks below.

 
 

Oh, Admiral – Breaking Free

The 5-track album Breaking Free is the first to be released by Oh, Admiral under the Painted Ox Records label. The acoustic collection is the creative output of Mike Berean, formerly of Verse The End. Of the five tracks, I particularly enjoyed the instrumentation of “Here and There” with its combination of acoustic guitar, flute, and percussion work.

 
 

Pete Van Dyk & The Second Hand Band – “Rise the Falling Sun”

Another Hamilton, Ontario band joins our news ranks and this time it’s Pete Van Dyk & The Second Hand Band. Not only has the 4-member group recently released a new track, “Rise the Falling Sun” also has a music video showcasing who the band really is. I really dig the blues influence the band manages to mix into their sound. Have a listen for yourself and you’ll see what I mean.

 
 

Ketch Harbour Wolves - Queen City: Volume 1

It’s always interesting to find out what musicians use for the inspiration in their work. In Queen City: Volume 1, Ketch Harbour Wolves used different locations of Toronto to create a tone in each of the seven tracks. At the same time, the album tries to make a more universal connection by touching on the emotions all of humanity share. The sound really changes from track to track including everything from the instrumentation to the vocals. If I had to pick a favorite, I think “Should Have Learned” would top that list. The entire album is included below for you to find your own favorite, and “The Good Blood” is currently a free download.

 
 

Harvey Dinero – C.T.G.E presents: Harvey Dinero’s A Day in the Life

We step away from the Canadian and alt-rock theme to present Columbus, Ohio native and hip hop artist Harvey Dinero. The 11-track album A Day in the Life (released under C.T.G.E. ltd.) is the first from the musician. It’s not just a solo act, as Harvey includes a handful of the tracks featuring other artists such as “Sunshine ft. Noel Gaines”. The full album can be listened to here (Warning: NSFW).

A*Star - Any Given Moon

A*Star is the first band to make a second appearance in our monthly roundup feature, having previously gained our attention back in February. The shoegaze/dreampop duo from Chicago is back with 2-track EP Any Given Moon. The two tracks complement each other well with the slightly grittier “Any Given Sunday” leading into the more ethereal “Catch the Moon”. Both tracks are available to listen to below.

 
 

Rob Green – Soul Dancing

Some musicians get their start early, others spend a lifetime crafting their talents before accomplishing their dreams. Rob Green falls into the latter category, releasing his first album - Soul Dancing - at age 62. The 12-track album is a work developed over 37 years and a features an eclectic mix of styles including R&B, jazz, soul, rock, and folk. Green’s folkish vocals combine with acoustic guitar and sax and play against lyrics that generally hold a positive outlook on life (though there are exceptions). It’s an enjoyable mix and a sound we don’t hear a lot of around here.

 
 

DAV!D&CLARA – Untitled album

Electronic music made a big showing in last month’s roundup and we’ve seen a bit more of that influence again in May. DAV!D&CLARA isn’t your typical duo though. David is a musician from the American southwest, specializing in industrial dance, electronic, and electro/electro pop music. In an interesting twist, Clara is his laptop. Although the album in progress has yet to receive a title, 10 tracks of poetic lyrics are available to listen to right now.



 
 

DAVIDS – 0613EP

I can’t calculate the odds of this happening, but if you wanted more electronica and more David, well, it’s your lucky day. I present to you DAVIDS and their electronica/new wave/synthpop EP 0613EP. The full album hasn’t released quite yet, but the band has put together a music video for single “Dead Walkie”. The video was directed by Christopher Mills who has worked with such notable bands as Interpol and Rush. Have a listen to the track below, hit the link for the video, and sit tight until June 4th when the album comes out.

 
 

Calgary James - Indian Summer

Combining acoustic guitar, synthesizers, piano, and more, Indian Summer is another eclectic mix of sounds wrapped up into a neat 6-track EP. Calgary James is particularly fond of the second track, “Hammock”. I have to agree that I really like the vocal harmonies which produces a sound that hearkens back to the 50s and 60s. This album also comes with a music video, a psychedelic offering for “4AM”. The experimental album really does go all over the place, but that isn’t a bad thing as it’s consistently entertaining throughout.

 
 

Air Marshal Landing - You Used To Be Me

Last month I had the pleasure of discovering Air Marshal Landing and their single “Little Town”. Well, come June 4th the Canadian trio is releasing the rest of that album, You Used To Be Me. The 11 tracks will be offered in both digital and CD form, and the band is making the first track “Move With You” free to download all summer. I’m eager to hear the full album, but you can hear the first track below.

 
 

Weekend Riot Club - PSYCHOTROPIA

Another band we spotlighted last month is back with a full album release. Weekend Riot Club is set to release Psychotropia on June 4th. The alt-rock group from Hamilton, Ontario has put together a 12-track  album featuring Melissa Marchese on lead vocals, Mike Chetcuti on guitar, and Paul Fontes driving the band’s high energy on drums. The full album can be obtained in digital format or via CD. Have a listen below to track “Give It All” or hit the link to listen to the full album.

This may have been our most musically diverse month yet. Summer’s heating up, everyone’s headed outside, and it’s a great time to listen to some new music. Did you have any favorites from the list above, or do you have any recommendations of your own? Hit us up with a comment, and be sure to check back in a few weeks for next month’s edition.

© 2013, The Indie Mine. All rights reserved.