Between the Buried and Me

Album: Colors
Artist: Between the Buried and Me
I'm not much of a metal head, but BTBAM is my favorite band in that particular genre. Why? Well, because BTBAM is an extremely well-rounded metal band. What I mean by that, is their consistent, never stopping song pumping extravaganza that goes on all throughout this album have not only the brutal riffs, minor keyed sweeping arpeggios, and heavy breakdowns; but also very surprising influences of jazz, electronic, soft rock, and progressive riffs with every instrument that delightfully surprise me when I least expect it. This album was mastered very well. The guitar work is flawless and articulate that meshes so perfectly within each other; the drumming is exceptional and not over-bearing; the bass parts are fantastic, even some solos are in this album; and the vocals are stunning, brutal, beautiful and satisfying all at the same time. This band is not like every other talented metal band, these guys are something special. check out this song: Ants of the Sky

Tera Melos

Album: Complex Full of Phantoms
Artist: Tera Melos
When I first started this blog, I had the mindset of only posting new and influential mainstream indie/folk/pop /whatever-the-hell-else-indie-kids-listen-to bands that only appealed to the masses of hipsters which I have recently become annoyed with. That is why i'm not going to care what I post anymore, granted, it is good music that has impacted the aesthetics of music in my life. Sounds selfish, but that's why this blog is here: to share my love of music with everyone, regardless of genre. So, with that being said: Tera Melos. I absolutely adore this band and its radical, mind-pounding, meticulously written math rock. The fanatic rhythmic changes, the melodic two-finger tapping sequences, and the random samples and discords just make me giddy all over. I'm weird like that. Check this album out, it's split with another good, instrumental math rock band- By the End of Tonight. Here's my favorite song: When Worms Learn to Fly

Freelance Whales

Album: Weathervanes
Artist: Freelance Whales
This band is in the top 5 bands of the year for me, so far. Amazing lyrics, good solid indie-pop, this album is one of those albums where every single song is good. And that's rare for bands to do. Check these guys out, their sound is brilliantly fulfilling in terms of indie pop. Like I said before, every song on this album is great, but this one is stuck in my head right now, so, here: Hannah

As Cities Burn

Album: Come Now, Sleep
Artist: As Cities Burn
Don't let the name of this band automatically draw you away from listening to this album. Compared to their first album, these guys have come a LONG way. They chilled out a lot, delivering a more powerful post-rock sound with some of the best lyrics I have ever heard in my entire life. The second of their 3rd album, I chose this one because of the impact it had on me in my life at the time. As one who contemplates & is enthralled with religion, I have come to greatly appreciate and understand the lyrics conveyed in this album, which has made me love this band even more. Even if progressive rock aint your cup 'o tea, follow along with the lyrics, and I promise you will at least appreciate what this band has to offer lyrically. I would recommend listening to this album all the way through, but this song in particular made the album for me: Wrong Body

Fang Island

Album: Fang Island
Artist: Fang Island
The only thing I have to say about this band is that they just make really good powerpop/melodic rock music. Every song on this album is new and exciting and will take you in a different direction than the last. It reminds me of (I can't believe i'm going to say this) Andrew W.K. music with Matt & Kim vocals. Nothing really that special about this band, other than it's really good music, and I love it. I highly recommend to purchase this album. Here's my favorite song: Daisy

Caspian

Album: Tertia
Artist: Caspian
As many (the whole 5 people who actually look at this blog) of you may know, I thoroughly and passionately enjoy a good post-rock instrumental band. Caspian is no exception. I find purpose in music by the feelings it feeds my soul through inspiring melodies, dynamics, instrumentations, and overall mood the band displays. Caspian portrays their music by incorporating all of those aspects, which gave me an incredible listening experience. By being so involved in the emotional, even spiritual part of pursuing music, I have gained an understanding of what is good, because I know what kind of heart these musicians put into their music, and I love that about every band I post. Take a listen: Of foam and wave

Radical Face

Album: Ghost
Artist: Radical Face
This album has spoken to me in many ways I cannot describe. This band defines my obsessive love of music. Compelling and moving to the point of basically having an out of body experience, this singer/songwriter Ben Cooper aka Radical Face has mastered the art of making an album that elevates any expectation of new indie/acoustic music. I highly recommend this album. I am not one to use lines such as "this song changed my life!" loosely, but please know, this didn't necessarily "change my life", but it did have a memorable impact. Listen to it here: Welcome Home, Son

Starfucker

Album: Jupiter
Artist: Starfucker
I have been listening to this band for a year or so and I finally saw them perform live tonight. I have never danced so hard in my life. Listening to this album doesn't do this band justice compared to their amazingly energetic live show. Indie dance pop pretty much sums this band up. I would compare this very much underrated band to Passion Pit and MGMT.
Listen to this song, turn it up loud: Boy Toy
This song is cool as well: Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second

Death From Above 1979

Album: You're a Woman, I'm a Machine
Artist: Death From Above 1979
I feel that it is safe to say that this thrash/dance/punk duo delivers a sound that comes pretty darn close to actuating the expressions of any teen angst. This band definitely pulls off the heart-pounding grungy sound, without annoying screaming, typical boring breakdowns and metal riffs, and whatever else it is kids are listening to nowadays. I listen to this album when I'm in a sly, cool, devious and/or rebellious mood. This is good stuff, trust me. Take a listen: Sexy Results (MSTRKRFT remix)
This song is also really good: Black History Month

Cast Spells

Album: Bright Works and Baton
Artist: Cast Spells
A very simple, productive little ep that completely stole my heart. Sometimes the simpler, the better. Singer/Songwriter Dave Davison pieces together a feel-good, indie/ acoustic/ almost folky compilation of a few (6) songs that are all short and sweet and just fun to listen to. Take a listen, digest the goodness. Reminds me of Electric President and Conor Oberst.
Listen Here: Cast Spells

Emily Wells

Album: The Symphonies: Dreams Memories & Parties
Artist: Emily Wells
Just when I thought experimental musical combinations couldn't get more interesting, I heard this album. Emily Wells is one of the most talented self-producing musicians I've heard. Her skill and ability to create such hauntingly alluring melodies accompanied by CocoRosie-like vocals makes this album a good one to listen to. Check this out, she's insane: Barrel of a gun

This Town Needs Guns

Album: Animals
Artist: This Town Needs Guns
This band caught my attention a few years ago when I heard a few songs from their self-titled ep. Straight out of the UK, this band composes some of the most compelling indie math-rock I've heard since Tera Melos. The times signatures are weird, but unique; the instrumentations are busy, but not overwhelming; and the melodies are outstanding and just plain fun to listen to. For fans of: Maps & Atlases, Tera Melos, and Native.
Listen to this awesome song: Baboon
Check out more here: This Town Needs Guns

Giants

Album: Old Stories
Artist: Giants
Yes, it's true, i'm reviewing yet another post-rock instrumental band. I feel that it is absolutely necessary, because I can only describe Old Stories as one thing: epic. I don't use that word loosely either. Every note in every song is just, well, epic. Truly an inspirational album, this band won't let you down as far as a solid, prog rock and roll instrumental band. For fans of Explosions in the sky, Caspian, and God is an Astronaut. Check out this awesome song: While the ages steal
Listen to more here: Giants

The River Empires

Album: Epilogue
Artist: The River Empires
This band's only album, consisting of 29 deluxe, masterfully-written and produced songs, tells a magnificent story unlike any other. Epilogue is a concept album, one that will enrapture your emotions, to say the least. Every song is different, beautiful and captivating in its own way. The orchestrations and symphonic arrangements are quite amazing. Styles included in this album are folk rock, indie rock, bluegrass, classical, country rock, and acoustic easy listening.  Many different instruments were used, displaying a unique sound to ensure the audience of the obvious productivity and labor that went into this album. I am raving about this album, it is quite a masterpiece. For fans of The Dear Hunter, The Gloomcatcher, and Kay Kay and his weathered underground. Check 'em out here: The River Empires

Cloud Cult

Album: Feel Good Ghosts
Artist: Cloud Cult

I've been getting into this band a lot the past few weeks, especially this album. If you're in the mood for feel-good, pure indie-pop, this band can and will make your day. It's not that simple though. Don't let the "indie-pop" genre of this band fool you on the surface. With beautiful orchestrations and hauntingly poetic lyrics, this band will make you dig to the bottom of your soul and search for larger than life answers, and make you smile as you do it. For fans of Freelance Whales, Shark Speed, and The Format. Check 'em out here:  Cloud Cult

Explosions in the Sky

Album: All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone
Artist:  Explosions in the Sky
One of the best well-known post-rock instrumental bands around. This album is beautiful, it has captured many of my emotions: sadness, inspiration, happiness. Any music that can get the best of my emotions is a winner in my book. Check out this album "All of a sudden I miss everyone". It will take you on a fascinating adventure, if your mood is right. For fans of This will destroy you, and Mogwai. Check 'em out here: Explosions in the sky

PMtoday

Album: In Medias Res
Artist: PMtoday

A perfect way to begin this blog. One of my newfound favorite bands. A very progressive-rock/progressive-indie band with so much to offer any listener. This band's obvious musical talent accompanied by lyrics that will pull at your heartstrings, offering melancholy melodies of life, love, hope, family, friends, and religion. For fans of Closure in Moscow, In:Aviate, and Circa Survive. Check 'em out here: PMtoday