Identical Testicle - Galaxy Cross (2012)

"Smoking the best weed, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, hasn't slowed down Beno and Rejoicer a bit - they fire up beats by the minute. One would think that making so many beats in such a short period of time results in a monotonous plethora but on the contrary - many different styles, different BPMs, using many tools of trade such as Moog, African and Swiss percussion, guitars and bass guitars, Ableton Live, Harps, all sorts of old and obscure synthesizers - just to name a few!"

- Alessandro

Onra - Chinoiseries (2007)

"Onra is a French hip-hop beatmaker based in Paris, with Vietnamese ancestory. In 2006, he went on a trip to Vietnam for the first time, and collected 30~ vintage pop vinyls of Vietnames and Chinese origin from flea markets, in poor condition, which he went on to use to construct this album. Chinoiseries is an extremely rich sounding instrumental hip hop album composed of 32 sketches from these vinyls, released in 2007."

Sample: "The Vallee of Love"

- Alessandro

Steel Train - s/t (2010)

Featuring Jack Antonof (otherwise known as 1/3 of indie pop band fun.), Steel Train creates some pretty high energy youthful anthems bursting with both freedom and anxiety, such as "Touch Me Bad," a manic ode to obsessive compulsive disorder. Overall a fantastic addition to any summertime roadtrip playlists of the gayest variety.

Sample: "Bullet"

- Jake

Neutral Bling Hotel - In My G4 Over Da Sea (2012)

Neutral Bling Hotel was an American /mu/core formed in the early 1990's by singer, guitarist, songwriter and notorious gangster Lil' Jeff Swagnum, known by his stage name, Mashed Potato. The band was noted for its experimental sound, obscure lyrics and dope beats.
(Neutral Milk Hotel's ITAOTS/Hip-Hop mashup by Psycosis. EXTREMELY WELL DONE GO GET IT.)

Sample: "Oh Dougie"
Download
Bandcamp

- Alessandro

Magical Mistakes - Special Friends EP (2012)

Magical Mistakes is an American electronic artist residing in Japan. Living in a small village in the mountains somewhere in Japan, he's found inspiration and time to further explore production. "Special Friends EP" is a taste of what he's been working on from that inspiration. It consists of six magical electronic tunes that are really worth checking out. You can download it for free on Magical Mistakes' bandcamp, or you can buy one of the 50 CD-Rs that comes with a box of Japanese chocolates and a 'Thank you!' note for 12 U.S. dollars.

Sample: "Lady Lazarus:Via Elysian Fields (Magical Mistakes remix)"
Download
Bandcamp

- Alessandro

Ackryte - Shades (2012)

"Shades" is a collection of Ackryte's favourite tunes that he's created over the past few years, as well as some new material that hasn't been heard before. The album serves as a lead-up to his debut album that'll be released later this year, a chance for you to become more acquainted with Ackryte's work. Ackryte creates relaxing electronic beats that almost sound like hip-hop instrumentals, with jazz/soul/funk samples. Great stuff to actually listen to as well as to have it sort of in the background. Whether that be for browsing, working or whatever you do in your free time. And it's free!

Sample: "Come Naturally"
Download
Bandcamp


- Alessandro

Hail Mary Mallon - Are You Gonna Eat That? (2011)

Hail Mary Mallon consists of Aesop Rock, Rob Sonic and DJ Big Wiz. Aesop and Rob Sonic have a great chemistry going when put together and never have disappointed before this project. When they and DJ Big Wiz got together for their very own project, it wasn't a disappointment either. Amazing lyrics, a lovely combination between Aesop and Rob Sonic's flow and the raw beats that DJ Big Wiz provides the two with, makes for an album that can not be missed in your hip-hop collection!

Sample: "Garfield"

- Alessandro

Grieves - 88 Keys & Counting (2008)

Grieves is a rapper from Seattle that mainly raps in poetic ways about the problems, depression and other things that he's experienced in his life with some singing here and there. The great lyrics he writes and brings with such amazing delivery is heavily complimented by the wonderful piano-based beats produced by his good friend Budo. A hip-hop masterpiece that is way too much slept on.

Sample: "Kings"

- Alessandro

Reptar - Body Faucet (2012)

Hectic, fun indie pop-rock with some wild synths and a permeating beachy feel to it all. Perfect for the summer! Or even the winter, for you southern hemispherers...

Sample: "Natural Bridges"

- Jake

Sleepmakeswaves - In Today Already Walks Tomorrow (2008)

This, dear readers, is one of my personal favourite albums of all-time. It's a musical journey through your own thoughts and feelings. Your own emotions. You'll be confronted with them all throughout this album and you'll make peace with them for as long as you'll allow it. It's got an amazing atmosphere, one that'll make you dream your problems away. The entire world doesn't exist and doesn't matter anymore from beginning to end. Please, allow yourself to let time stand still for about 40 minutes and download this to find your own self.
You're welcome.

Sample: "I Will Write Peace On Your Wings And You Will Fly Over The World"
Download
Bandcamp

- Alessandro

Tortoise - It's All Around You (2004)

I don't know anything about this band and don't even know how this ended up in my music library, but I decided to listen to it and was blown away. The album begins with a jazz-ish tune and some hints of post-rock, and then just blasts into this incredible landscape-like post-rock/jazz journey. It's really, really well done and a huge pleasure to the ears. One of those albums that completely lives up to their cover. Great stuff!

Sample: "Salt The Skies"

- Alessandro

mewithoutYou - Ten Stories (2012)

Probably my all-time favorite band, mewithoutYou's latest album Ten Stories signifies some interesting changes for the band. Foremost, a step away from their former label Tooth & Nail records and releasing this album independently, as well as another departure in sound. 2009's It's All Crazy! It's All False! It's All A Dream It's Alright may have been a major curveball for fans not expecting the folk-as-fuck direction the band took, but it was definitely a necessary measure: they've returned to the sound they developed through Catch for Us the Foxes and the triumphant Brother, Sister (sorry, A to B fans, if you're looking for the harsh post-hardcore of their debut), but now utilize the lyrical themes and vocal melodies played with on It's All Crazy. Such is demonstrated on opener "February 1878" , while new styles are explored on "Cardiff Giant" which may very well be the happiest song they have ever recorded. Whatever the sound may be, however, Aaron Weiss' songwriting is as strong as ever, telling the story of a trainwreck, releasing circus animals into the wilderness and using these characters as a means of telling introspective parables relating to Weiss' own personal struggles.

The end result is the perfect culmination of how the band has grown for over the past ten years together serving as both a flawless testimony to their music and also the most accessible album they have ever made. Definitely one for newcomers to try out and figure out what parts they liked and where that should take them next in their rich discography. As mentioned before, this is the band's foray into independently releasing music, so I cannot recommend enough that--if you liked the samples or love the band--by all means, support mewithoutYou by purchasing Ten Stories if you can.

Sample: "Fox's Dream of the Log Flume"

- Jake

Shakira - MTV Unplugged (2000)

Marking her crossover to American audiences, pre-Laundry Service, Shakira's MTV Unplugged performance is full of delightful twists, like a full-blown mariachi rendition of her single "Ciega, Sordomuda" or a kicked-up version of "Estoy Aquí" complete with note-sustaining caterwaul. Definitely a must have for fans of the singer, and a standing testimony to late 90s pop-rock

Sample: "Si Te Vas"

- Jake

radex - trip beats (2012)

Radex is a trip-hop/electronic/broken beat producer and "trip beats" is his latest project. The free album consists of exactly what the title implies: trip beats. Boy, these beats are trippy. Sounds like acid-influenced noises with some great sampling and trip-hop/electronic elements to it. With a beat underneath everything to make it catchy despite its weirdness, this album hits like a bomb and makes its stand in the music world, though its voice might not be as loud as it deserves to be. So go get it!

Sample: "trip the beat"

Download

Bandcamp

- Alessandro

Au Revoir Simone - Still Night, Still Light (2009)

Dreampop to the extreme. "Still Night, Still Light" by Au Revoir Simone consists of addicting tunes with dreamy sounds and a female voice that sucks you into an entirely different world, singing well-thought lyrics so you can listen to the album passively or actively and be impressed in both ways. Lots of variation throughout the album but doesn't change its pace in a way that it'll bother you. Relaxing as hell.

Sample: "Another Likely Story"

- Alessandro

Björk - Vespertine (2001)

Vespertine is arguably the best album she's released. It's filled with quiet, magical instruments and eargasmic vocals that is mostly whisper-like. It's an electronic downtempo pop-ish album with an experimental tint and a winter-like atmosphere that goes really personal at times. Really unique stuff and I've never heard anything quite like it. The only way to really describe this album is "Björk-ish", so really, just go get it. Your life might or might not change forever and ever and ever and ever.

Sample: "Aurora"

- Alessandro

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - Classic ABBA (1981)

ABBA songs done by an orchestra. Absolutely beautiful, rich renditions of pop classics, even if you're not so keen on the group themselves. Check it.

Sample: "Gimme Gimme Gimme, Summer Night City"

- Jake

Pleq - The Metamorphosis (2009)

The past two nights have been incredible for me. When I laid down in bed I decided to get out my mp3-player and go through the "ambient" category and just click on something I haven't heard before. Pleq came out. Both nights I went to sleep after listening to this in bed and dreamt about childhood memories I totally forgot about and never dreamt of before. This music is so extremely peaceful and relaxing. I guarantee it'll put you in a good, worryless mood in no-time. Amazing stuff to think or relax to and a recommendation to just about anybody.

Sample: "Metamorphosis Pt.1"

- Alessandro

Kool G Rap - 4,5,6 (1995)

"4,5,6" isn't hip-hop legend/pioneer of hardcore hip-hop Kool G Rap's most critically acclaimed album, but was a big inspiration to fellow rappers and also well-received by underground hip-hop lovers. Kool G Rap's flow and lyrics are extremely on point and the beats are great, with  features of MF Grimm and Nas. The album is dark and grimy with an old-school feel to it that every hip-hop fan should have in their collection and everyone that wants to get into hip-hop should have listened to. One of my favourite hip-hop gems. Great album, go get it.

Sample: "It's A Shame"

- Alessandro

The Act of Estimating as Worthless - Amongst These Splintered Minds​/​/​Leaden Thoughts Sing Softly (2012)

I'm not a fan of their bandname or the albumname at all, as I personally find it way too pretentious. And it's not even post-rock! Decided to give it a try anyhow and I did not regret it at all. This album has a folksy, harmonic, relaxed and quiet sound to it with meaningful, heart-breaking lyrics that are sung by two soft voices that blend in with the music just fine. One male vocalist. One female vocalist. Amazing stuff, and free on their bandcamp with an option to donate!

Sample: "Bones"
Download
Bandcamp

- Alessandro

Santigold - Master of My Make-Believe (2012)

Finally! While Santigold's 2008 debut had its fair share of new wave influences, her sophomore effort matures it up a bit, with more meditative beats and lyrics. The contemplative and vulnerable tribal-pop of "The Riot's Gone" is somewhat reminiscent of the styles explored on Lykke Li's Wounded Rhymes, and it's hard not to maintain the M.I.A. comparisons on the brilliant, Baruka Som Sistema-produced "Big Mouth," a song where she isn't hesitant to fire shots are her mainstream-radio contemporaries. And yet, the album is all Santigold. It may not be as readily inviting as Santogold (there aren't any "L.E.S. Artistes" or "Lights Out" tracks here), but it's a total grower and an admirable display of an artist with a vision, Miss Santi White is very well in control of her make-believe and there's no telling of where she's headed next.

Sample: "Disparate Youth"

- Jake

Dinner at the Thompson's - Off the Grid (2010)

A decadent blend of trip-hop, soul, funk, jazz, lounge, and much. Production from Fablive effortlessly keeps this show running, and Lucille Tee's street-smart vocals perform nimbly in this genre-hopping gem. Often overlooked back in 2010, don't pass up the opportunity to give it a chance.

Sample: "Spirulina Queen"

- Jake

Aus - Sonorapid (2006)

Sonorapid is the only album I know by this dude, but it's extremely nice stuff. Aus is an experimental electronic artist from Japan, and this album consists of relaxing electronic tunes that made me thank myself for deciding to check this out and to have lived this life knowing that this exists. A mix between floating ambient electronics and gentle female vocals here and there, with glitch rhythms. Totally should check it out.

Sample: "Small Time"

- Alessandro

St. Vincent - Strange Mercy (2011)

St. Vincent is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Her singing varies from being soft and adorable to screams for help. Her songs are melodies that vary from sweet, to bitter, to heavy atmosphere but are all done in a way that only St. Vincent can do it, making love to your ears. Strange Mercy is her third studio album, and is one hell of an album too. With enough attention paid to this album, you'll have a bond with every single track on this album, too. Her best work, in my personal opinion, and probably even album of the year 2011. Go get it!

Sample: "Dilettante"

- Alessandro

Behind Sapphire - Diamonds (2011)

Bursting with talent, energy, and Canadian-ness, Behind Sapphire is a band making waves. The vocals and arrangements are dynamic and multifaceted (the growled scatting of "Coconut Highways" is an absolute pleasure), the lyrics are clever and full of whimsy, and each song on the EP leaves you guessing what's next. It's clear the band has got great promise and unlimited potential for growth and an exploration of their sound. Highly recommended for fans of fun. and Foxy Shazam, they're definitely ones to look out for. Take a trip to their Bandcamp page where the EP is available at "pay what you want."

Sample: "Vancouver, Baby!"

Bandcamp

- Jake

Andrew Jackson Jihad - People Who Can Eat People Are The Luckiest People In The World (2007)

I'm sure a lot of our readers have already heard this album or this band, but for those who haven't:
Andrew Jackson Jihad is a manic depressive folk punk duo that sings about their depression, social commentary and what would make them happy. Sean Bonnette plays the guitar and does the vocals in the band, and Ben Gallaty plays the bass. 'People Who Can Eat People Are The Luckiest People In The World' is their most appreciated album, as far as I know, and it's for good reasons. Lots of great heartfelt stuff with catchy riffs and the freakin' awesome vocals provided by Sean Bonnette.

Sample: "People"

- Alessandro

Dinosaur Feathers - Whistle Tips (2012)

Following up their 2010 album Fantasy Memorial, Dinosaur Feathers lean away from the sunny, tropical, drum circle-esque 60s-inspired pop in favor of...sunny, tropical, 60s-inspired pop-rock. Electric guitars take up a larger presence than the debut, but it all fits in naturally with the band's high energy, and the vocals are just as strong as ever, be them in harmony or taking center stage. A rather fine addition to this year.

Sample: "Beatcha"

- Jake

Sea Lions - Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sea Lions But Were Afraid To Ask (2011)

Delightful twee that takes its cues from the movement's early days. Charming, jangly, and forlorn, Sea Lions hit all the right marks on their (rather verbosely-named) LP.

Sample: "A Cloud"

- Jake

Matryoshka - Zatracenie (2007)

Sorry for not updating daily, guys. I had a life the past week and I sincerely apologize. Anyway:
Yeah, I know, the cover is kind of disturbing. But believe me, the music is not! Matryoshka is a two-member band from Tokyo, Japan. This album has some lovely stuff to dream and sleep away to, or just simply relax to. Yet it's not boring at all. Mostly ambient dreampop, and has some electronic and shoegazing elements here and there. Definitely worth checking out.

Sample: "Ezekiel"

- Alessandro

Palette Town - Palette Town EP (2011)

Palette Town is an indie rock/pop band from Florida, and this EP is extremely well described by its cover. The songs are dynamic and colorful with both male and female vocals. Fun stuff, really upbeat and sort-of fast-paced music made by friendly people with catchy riffs and an old-school feel to it. And it's free! Palette Town tells us that you can't beat free, and they're right! Check it out.

Sample: "Along The Edge"
Download
Bandcamp

- Alessandro

The Olivia Tremor Control - Black Foliage: Animation Music Volume One (1999)

The Olivia Tremor Control is one of the three first bands on the Elephant 6 label, alongside Neutral Milk Hotel and The Apples In Stereo. This album contains 27 tracks and has a very warm feel to it, with some experimental elements here and there. I'd almost say that it's the 90's version of The Beach Boys! Calming vocals with waves of fulfilling sounds that will make love to your ears. Also, one of the songs has guest vocals of Jeff Mangum. Great stuff!

Sample: "A Sleepy Company"

- Alessandro

yuuponn5 - eternal fluid (2012)

Sorry for not updating for a few days now, both Jake and I had some busy days and whatnot. Anyway:
"eternal fluid" is an electronic/DnB EP of about 20 minutes long by Japanese artist yuuponn5, released under netlabel mayoware records. It's a bit basic but has an amazing vibe that will cheer you right up with lots of nostalgic sounds, fluits and other things. Extremely upbeat!

Stream
Download

- Alessandro

Canon Blue - Rumspringa (2011)

Canon Blue is a solo project of singer-songwriter Daniel James, though Canon Blue is not singer-songwriter music at all. "Rumspringa" is a 11-song orchestral pop marvel and was written while Daniel was touring the world with Danish indie rock band Efterklang, and on the Canon Blue website described as "a classical exploration of emotions, with nuanced arrangements of woodwinds, brass and percussion lending a unique tenderness to modern melodies and lyrics." It's good stuff, go check it out.

Sample: "Bows & Arrows (Vegas)"

- Alessandro

Alcest - Souvenirs D'un Autre Monde (2007)

Alcest is a musical project of French musician Neige. As a child, Neige had experiences with being in contact with a "far-off country" that he mostly refers to as "Fairy Land". Alcest is intended to be a journey for the listener to this "Fairy Land", through Neige's memories. And this album accomplishes that really well. Dreamy, peaceful music with walls of sounds and Neige's angel-like voice make Souvenirs D'un Autre Monde a phenomenal album that gives you an extraordinary experience.

Sample: "Les Iris"


- Alessandro

Julieta Venegas - Otra Cosa (2010)

On her fifth LP, Mexican singer-songwriter Julieta Venegas maintains the steady momentum of quality that has already spanned across several albums, cementing her as one of most consistent Latin pop artists around. So even when she's not breaking new personal ground, Julieta still finds plenty of room for her creativity and talent to thrive. Featuring her trademark accordion and relaxed vocals, Venegas crafts yet another album of her mature--but always whimsical--musings on love.

Sample: "Bien o Mal"

- Jake

Los Campesinos! - Hold on Now, Youngster (2008)

Sharing because I recently got reacquainted with it and, like every time it happens before, I realized it's one of my favorite albums ever. Hyperactively happy on the surface, Hold on Now, Youngster is packed with spastic guitars, twinkling glockenspiels and synths, hand-claps, and violins, all serving as the colorful backdrop to Gareth David's cleverly confessional lyrics dealing with all sorts of heartbreak (be it from a girl, society, or even punk rock). Like a post-breakup diary exploding with confetti, is a manic-depressive affair that invites you to shout-along in catharsis from the very start.

Sample: "Broken Heartbeats Sound Like Breakbeats"

- Jake

Competor - Su (2012)

"Su" is an acoustic and minimalist ambient album by Competor. No harshness at all and great to just relax, study, work, sleep or think to. It's one of those things you need in your library for that one mood you have, where no music satisfies you except for this. The last.fm avatar of Competor is really great too so you should get it at least for that. But yeah, definitely worth checking out if you need one of those ambient albums that can just blend in with your passive thoughts without bothering you with weird shit at all. It's legally free to download, too!

Stream
Download

- Alessandro

BOY - Mutual Friends (2011)

Hailing from Switzerland and Germany, BOY is actually a duo of females with a talent at solid songwriting and sweet harmonies. Their debut Mutual Friends showcases a great balance between catchy, bouncy indie pop ("Waitress") and relaxed folk workings ("Boris"). Already making waves, the girls of BOY are definitely ones to keep an eye out for.

Sample: "Little Numbers"

- Jake

Grace Potter And The Nocturals - Nothing But The Water (2005)

Grace Potter And The Nocturals is a rockband from Vermont, America, lead by Grace Potter, just in case you didn't figure that one out on your own. Grace Potter has a multi-instrumentalist with an extremely relaxing voice. "Nothing But The Water" is filled with catchy riffs, mostly cynical lyrics and Grace Potter's lovely voice range with a bluesy atmosphere. It'll keep you excited throughout the entire thing and make you want more when it's over, which'll result in replaying this album tons of times.

Sample: "Left Behind"

- Alessandro

First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar (2012)

First Aid Kit are two sisters from Sweden. Their new album, "The Lion's Roar",  is a dynamic acoustic album with a harmonic and peaceful atmosphere with the wonderful voices of the girls that blend together insanely well. It has this warming, relaxing feel to it and is very accessible. It's a mixture of more upbeat, energic songs and songs that make you relax, and the mixture is done perfectly without being annoying to the listener. Amazing folk/country/pop album. Give it a listen!

Sample: "Emmylou"

- Alessandro

Dead Man's Bones - s/t (2009)

So actor Ryan Gosling has a band. And while it's no Bruno, its kitsch-creepiness and retro-horror, gospel-tinged inspired stylings--all the more emphasized with the help of the Silverlake Conservatory of Music Children's Choir--make for an interesting listen. The spooooky themes aren't just limited to the compositions either: they're a constant motif throughout the lyrics, as Gosling and bandmate Zach Shields (for whom I'm sorry that this act will always be known as "Ryan Gosling's band") craft "love stories about ghosts and monsters." If that sounds ridiculous, it is. But tracks like "My Body's a Zombie for You" and lines like "When I think of you, flowers grow out of my grave," are so indulgently loyal to the concept, it's nearly irresistible to join in on the fun and have Halloween any time of the year.

Sample: "Pa Pa Power"

- Jake

Abnormal - Speaking In MIDI (2012)

Abnormal is a 19-year-old hip-hop producer from St. Louis and is heavily influenced by J Dilla, Flying Lotus and others. His albums contain some great upbeat hip-hop instrumental tunes that have some seriously good sampling too. One of those albums that you're always in the mood for. "Speaking In MIDI" can be downloaded for free on his Bandcamp, with a possibility to donate 3 dollars or more for 5 bonus tracks.

Sample: "The View From My Soul's Window" (20-second-version of it)
Download

- Alessandro

Suckers - Wild Smile (2010)

Hailing from Brooklyn, Suckers takes the usual "urban jungle" motif...emphasis on jungle as the heart of each of these songs feels like it grew up in the Congo, then thrust into a new neon-lit wilderness. A rather exciting listen through and through, many of the tracks hit peaks where the only acceptable way to dance to them is with arms and legs akimbo. Nearly every song has a great sing/shout-along quality to it (and a fantastic opportunity to stretch your shrieks or falsettos), definitely one of my favorites from the turn of the decade.

Sample: "A Mind I Knew"

-Jake

Stumbleine - Drifting Youth (2012)

Stumbleine is an electronic act from Bristol, England. Lovely drums, echos, dreamy atmospheres and sounds that make you think of waterfalls, forests and other wonderful natural stuff in a slow-paced, yet not boring tempo. All these things make sure that you will chill out and dream about to the very max. Of course we'll let you try before you buy with a handy sharing link, and the album's available at their bandcamp for a mere 3 pounds. An eargasm indeed.

Bandcamp
Sample: "Heart Shaped Locket"

- Alessandro

MC Shan - Down By Law (1987)

MC Shan, from Queensbridge, is one of hip-hop's pioneers and part of the infamous Bridge Wars from the late 80s. I love his debutalbum "Down By Law" to death. It's filled with entertaining stories about MC Shan's adventures in Queensbridge, as well with some disses towards KRS-One and co, over some funky 80s hip-hop beats with crazy DJ cuts and samples produced by iconic producer Marley Marl. A must-have classic for every hip-hop lover, or music-lover for that matter!

Sample: "Down By Law"

- Alessandro

Penguin Prison - s/t (2011)

Gaining notoriety with a string of remixes for other artists, Penguin Prison's (aka, Chris Glover) self-titled solo effort proves to be just as legit as his reworkings. Showing a knack for sharp pop songwriting and crafting luxurious, 80s-tinged beats, Penguin Prison presents one of the best--and unfortunately overlooked--pop albums of 2011.

Sample: "Fair Warning"

- Jake

SoKo - I Thought I Was An Alien (2012)

SoKo, real name Stéphanie Sokolinski, is a French singer with a cute-ass voice. Really catchy, harmonic folksy/popsy guitarriffs with SoKo either singing, or just talking in her adorable voice and French accent about touching stuff. Props to Jake for introducing me to this!

Sample: "First Love Never Die"

- Alessandro

Uve Schikora Gruppe - Das Gewitter (1972)

So, up until this album, I didn't know too much at all about Cold War-era Eastern German music, let alone that they even had music. Starting from hearing the funkalicious "Oh Angela" (dedicated to black power and Communist activist Angela Davis) late one night and several translated Wikipedia tabs later, I came upon the state-owned Amiga record label, responsible for a majority of releases at the time. One such being Das Gewitter (The Storm), the first and only LP by Uve Schikora and his backing group. Ranging from poppy to pyschedelic to jazzy, the album constantly contorts with a graceful chaos through songs, revealing new facets with each motion. Undeservingly forgotten, Das Gewitter is a gem and satisfactory listen that warrants repeated visits for anyone either a fan of progressive rock or a newcomer to it (such as myself).

Sample: "Oh Angela"

-Jake

Estradasphere - Buck Fever (2001)

Hey, you! Did you ever want to have an album that is a big experimental rock epidemic played with at least 10 different instruments that sounds heavy as fuck but yet melodic, mixed with some instrumental versions of video game soundtracks including Mario through it? Well, you've just found the thing!

"Buck Fever" is an incredible album by Estradasphere, which is a band with 6 multi-instrumentalists that all are specialized in a completely different genre, including classical music; jazz and heavy metal. And somehow, they find a way to blend it in together perfectly! Best way to describe this would be frantic and loungy jazzpsychobungle metal. And I mean, look at the cover! LOOK AT IT.

There's really no way to describe it. Just check the sample out and find out.

Sample: "Feed Yo Mama's Meter (Remix 2001)"

- Alessandro

Potatohead - Hd.mr (2012)

So I found this somewhere and other than another project by this artist and some Japanese shit I have no information on Potatohead. Last.fm only knows an indie pop group that goes by the same name but it's not the same person. In other words: OH MAN THIS IS SOME SERIOUS HIPSTERCRED Y'ALL.

Hd.mr consists of four amazing electronic tunes with glitch-elements to dream away to, really full of sounds and extremely relaxing and relieving to listen to. I enjoyed it loads. It's not even 20 minutes long so it's really worth taking your time out to listen to this, and I guarantee you that you'll listen to it more than once.

Sample: "akneat Industrial"
Download

- Alessandro