Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Acid Tongue "I Died Dreaming" Single (acidtongueusa.bandcamp.com)

Seattle outfit Acid Tongue's latest single "I Died Dreaming" is an impressive garage rock banger that's upbeat, powerful and fun. The vocals are full of swagger and soul while the guitars have a healthy dose of grime and fuzz backed by a pounding beat that brings to mind Tommy James & The Shondells, The Chambers Brothers and Mitch Ryder while adding a new realm of psychedelic swing that's truly all their own. The band will be performing at this years Capitol Hill Block Party July 24th in Seattle alongside appearances by TV On The Radio, Built To Spill and more.

EL LAGO "Tell Me How It Ends" (ellago.bandcamp.com)

A stellar debut from this new shoegaze/dream pop outfit based in Houston Texas. "Tell Me How It Ends" is highlighted by the passionate vocals of Lauren Eddy and the highly textured and exquisite guitar sounds that build throughout the track. It's a moody piece that contains some subtle shifts in rhythm that accent the breezy dynamics of the song. It's also features one of the most infectious hook laden melodies I've heard in some time and I'm drawn to the strikingly beautiful cover art as well. A promising offering that's refreshing, blissful and strong.

Farewell Fox "Alone" Single (farewellfox.bandcamp.com)

"Alone", the latest single from Sacramento's Farewell Fox is a very unique song. There are elements of many classic underground bands but it's rare that these sounds are executed in such a way. It begins with a flourishing blast of hypnotic noise that is quickly joined by the delicate and desolate sound of Erin Jordan's voice. In a flash everything is jump started at a break neck pace. A rousing group of chaotic guitars set to a straight forward beat blaze through the speakers that now sound like they've been slashed with razor blades. It's the kind of menacing combination of distortion and power that's almost trance like yet melodic and riff oriented at the same time. Everything just lines up perfectly creating an amazing balance of barbaric energy, and art rock swagger. Before you know it, things come to a crashing halt, as if you've just been abruptly awakened from a surreal unexplainable dream. A truly incredible song that harnesses the spirits of The Velvets, Glenn Branca and Sonic Youth.

The House Of Abandoned Theories "Sleepwalking" E.P. (thehouseofabandonedtheories.bandcamp.com)

Spectacular E.P. from this post rock, psych band based in Basque Country , Spain. This E.P. contains two tracks. The first "Sleep Walking 1: "Endless Dream" would sit well as the score to a classic grind house film. It's atmospheric textures and bold psychedelic flair take you on a journey of great explorations. It's mysterious and captivating and really keeps you in awe of what may happen next. "Sleepwalking 2: On The Tightrope" builds on these themes and travels even further as the intensity rises to new levels. It's post rock flavor and mind bending dynamics make for a breathtaking work of beauty that is also eerie and uncanny at the same time. A highly enjoyable ride recommended for fans of ghostly, hair raising sounds that are also comforting and warm.

Silence Through The Rain E.P. 2 (silencethroughtherain.bandcamp.com)

So happy to hear this new E.P. from Finnish post punk band Silence Through The Rain. Opening track "Specters Of Europe" is a no frills energetic piece that combines angular guitars, galloping drums and an aggressive vocal attack that puts it someplace between Shadow Project era Rozz Williams and Stevo era Vandals. "Black Holes" channels classic Cure guitar sounds that build to more chaotic territory as the the band unleash a blast of full on sonic mayhem that's both intricate and intense. Closing track "My Personal Ice Age" shows off more of the bands melodic side. The drums and bass really shine with the darkly dramatic guitars that swirl in and out throughout the track. I'm really impressed with the bands ability to blend the cold aspects of goth and new wave with the more chaotic sides of punk. An incredible release that leaves me anxiously awaiting more.

Trip Wire "Get In & Get Out" (tripwire1.bandcamp.com)

The full on power pop, attack of San Fransico Bay area band Trip Wire is in full swing on their debut album "Get In & Get Out". Taking direction from the likes of The Posies, Teenage Fanclub and Wilco the band deliver ten well crafted tracks featuring plenty of jangling guitars, a well oiled rhythm section and rich vocal harmonies. Highlights include the laid back twang of "Stay", Cheap Trick meets Byrds inspired "She Handles Well" and the hook filled sounds of "1973". "Lucid" however might be the best track of the batch as everything from the vocal phrasing to the blistering guitar leads make it absolutely top notch. "Get In & Get Out" is a prime example of everything that's great about rock n roll. Highly recommended indeed.

"Five For Friday" with Esa Torkkeli of Silence Through The Rain

Silence Through The Rain hail from Kouvola, Finland. Their latest self titled E.P. is a promising collection of post punk, indie, and alt rock sounds. Vocalist guitarist Esa Torkkeli shares some of his favorite songs in this weeks edition of "Five For Friday" but first enjoy "Silence In The Rain's "Equilibrium".

Therapy? - Isolation

Therapy? is one of my favorite bands. This cover was originally written by a band called Joy Division, which is also one of my favorites.I prefer this version to the original version and that is rare. It does not happen often that a cover version beats the original version.This one brings something else to the table musically and that is in my opinion the only good purpose to ever record a cover song.

Manic Street Preachers - If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next

Manic Street Preachers was one of the most important bands for me when i was growing up. This song is about the Spanish civil war and it was a number one smash hit all over Europe. That alone is an achievement in my books. a Brilliant song with brilliant lyrics. In my opinion they should have been one of the biggest bands in the world, but they are not. In this video they are ripping off chords from a guitar with a barcode reader. How cool is that? They have often been misunderstood and they have never lacked any self-irony.

New Order - Blue Monday

After surviving the death if Ian Curtis, the remaining members of Joy Division decided to continue under the name New Order. Not only were they able to continue making fresh sounding music successfully. They did it with more commercial success than ever before.Blue Monday is still today the biggest selling 12" inch vinyl single in the world. Sometimes i still wonder what they would have sounded like if Ian was still alive today.

Björk - Paegan Poetry

Björk for me has always been one of the greatest in channeling emotional intensity into music. Somewhere deep down inside of me there is a place that always resonates through her music. There are a lot of great songs i could have picked for this from her, but this song "Paegan Poetry" is one that´s stuck with me since i first heard it.The song in my interpretation represents agony of love and in the end learning to let go of yourself for solitude. It is a sad song, but there is always comfort to find in transcending sadness. It is a natural part of life. For me she is an artist in it´s purest form. Loads of respect.

Placebo - Every You Every Me

Placebo was one of the most influential bands for me growing up. Their earlier records feel like a soundtrack for the various moments in my life.This song in particularly is an important song in my life. Feels like a lifetime ago, but at the same time i remember it like it was yesterday.The emotional charge in this song is something that is over the top.

CMM April Sampler featuring Wild Wants, Shark Logic, Fruit & Nut, Ballad Of Geraldine & more.

Excited to announce the CMM April sampler is now up to stream and download. It features songs from a bunch of our favorite new bands including Wild Wants, Shark Logic, Fruit & Nut, The Be Colony, Ballad Of Geraldine, Land Of Fires, Tincho, Edward Jakenssen, To Sail Beyond The Sun, Silence Through The Rain, THE THING and Scotch Mist. It's certainly a great way to kick off Spring. Enjoy and share with a friend.

6 Records CMM Wants You To Know

Ballad Of Geraldine S/T E.P. (balladofgeraldine.bandcamp.com)

A fine debut from this Halle Germany based band who's sound mixes the best of Kill Rock Stars inspired punk and psychedelic pop. "I Want You" has a strong 60's girl group presence with it's simple chord structure and raspy vocals. It's catchy and cool and will sit well beside some of your favorite garage rock classics. "Mine" is a quick two minute rocker full of surf guitar sounds and underlying angst that brings to mind The Wipers, Huggy Bear and Wire. "What's The Deal" is more melodic and moody, highlighted by a climbing ethereal guitar riff that creates an element of mystic and intrigue. An excellent collection of smoke filled, stripped down enticing rock n roll.

Julius Earthling "NFL Bliss" (juliusearthling.bandcamp.com)

Julius Earthling make songs full of unbelievable charm and originality and their latest E.P. "NFL Bliss" is catchy, quirky and complex as the band blend a healthy dose of absurdly technical math rock with an indie pop sensibility. "The Faint Stew" starts off with dream like vibes that quickly give way to a barrage of twists and turns pulling you into all kinds of directions before settling back into a driving climatic ending. "575" features a buzz saw power chord presence matched with twangy reverb filled leads and a bridge that has a tinge of alternative dance rock flair. "Mind Grind" really ups the ante filling the song with a powerful riff and multiple tricked out leads that come off like Jawbox doing an improvised jam with Robert Fripp while "Motorcycle Trix", "2Kool4Skool" and "Tripper" further fuel the fires of extraordinary technical magnitude. Behind all this intricate musical wizardry is an incredibly captivating voice that puts forward a sense of warmth and atmosphere making the songs even more unique. A stellar record to say the least.

Paper Apes "Scylla and Charybdis" LP (paperapes.bandcamp.com)

Brooklyn alt-rock heavyweights Paper Apes, debut is a full on blast of crushingly atmospheric rock n roll. Opening track "One" pulls no punches with it's wall of distorted guitars and pounding drums capped off by the dynamic voice of singer guitarist Dan Boscov-Ellen. "Indian Summer" is quicker and a bit more catchy but much more twisted and psychedelic. It adds a college rock vibe to the mix that's sure to be embraced by fans of Pavement and Built To Spill. "Sekhmet" delves into more ambient territory and has a truly beautiful section that again showcases Boscov-Ellen's incredible voice while "Siren Song" captures Guitarist Justin Purtle's angular riffs and dark tones alongside an underlying feel of hope. The intricate playing of Bassist Will Castellucci and Drummer Josh Weinberg comes to the forefront on "Heatwave". It's a complex track that puts an abrasive twist on the sounds of classic NYC bands like Television and Talking Heads. Overall their top notch song writing is Paper Apes biggest attribute. They know how to set a mood and create wonderful sounds around it. Certainly a band to watch in 2015.

Silence Through The Rain E.P. 1 (silencethroughtherain.bandcamp.com)

Silence Through The Rain combine post rock and synth pop sounds that channel the spirits of New Order,The Shamen and Depeche Mode. "Forevermore" starts with a catchy guitar riff backed by a fluttering synth tone and desolate vocals. The layers of striking guitar melodies build towards a wave of distortion and darkness. The mid tempo "Equilibrium" is a moody track that features an almost orchestral feel full of haunting tones and shimmering nuances. "Post Everything" focuses on the work of the rhythm section with it's trance inducing drumming and dynamic bass runs. It harnesses all the elements of the bands sound as they lock into a droning trance like state. An impressive collection of gloom and doom full of infectious hooks sure to inspire repeated listening.

The Be Colony "Settling Down" Single (thebecolony.bandcamp.com)

"Settling Down" is a brilliant piece of psychedelic pop from Fort Wayne Indiana band The Be Colony. It's go go beat and laid back bass line set the tone while the spaced out vocals show off a dynamic range and top notch quality in the vein of Tommy James & The Shondells. The guitar leads only add more favorable textures with their bursts of blistering fuzz and shimmering echo. Think ?Mark & The Mysterians, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels and The Delta 72. One of those songs that just feels great to sing along to.

To Sail Beyond The Sun "Weightless" E.P. (tosailbeyondthesun.bandcamp.com)

Long Island instrumental band To Sail Beyond The Sun impress on this brand new six song E.P. Opening track "Reflections" begins with a very delicate slow moving chime filled riff that eventually explodes into a huge wall of sound that's like diving off a hundred foot cliff into the ocean. "Wanderers" has a more abrasive side that's backed by a thunderous beat, enhancing the cinematic vibes throughout the track. "Nazare" is fast and intricate and possibly the most spacey sounding of all the songs. The different movements flow very well together taking you on a hypnotic roller coaster ride. The pulsating bass line that drifts in mid track adds a really nice touch. "Stargazer" travels further into uncharted territory with it's other worldly guitar tones, while "Godspeed" closes out the E.P. in crushing fashion delivering a knock out blast of menace and power. A sonic journey through beautifully crafted ambient landscapes.