Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Dxncer "Whitechapel" E.P. (dxncer.bandcamp.com)

Lead by London based musician/producer Nicolas Lewis lo-fi indie experimental outfit Dxncer may have one of the most unique sounds I've heard in ages. The projects first release titled "Whitechapel" is cagey, and haunting and has a knack for crafting truly remarkable and original sounding tones that harness a primal and dark presence throughout the E.P.'s 5 tracks. Beginning with the mesmerizing flair of "At Sea", Lewis balances a vocal stance that moves from a bold and dusky style in the vein of Leonard Cohen to a higher more falsetto approach. This is quickly followed by the rolling cadence of "The Dirt & The Riverbed" which carries a captivating, cinematic element while the elegance and grace of "Song Without Words" is absolutely epic. The intrigue and darkness continues on "There Goes Our Breath" as it's swinging rhythm and ominous mood are absolutely ace while "5AM Lullaby" sends everything off with a sonic soundscape highlighted by a euphoric Ukulele performance. Overall "Whitechapel" is an incredible release that is original, cryptic and compelling all at once. Highly recommended

GallantHorn "Mostly Stories" E.P. (gallanthorn.bandcamp.com)

Gallant, Alabama's GallantHorn deliver an incredibly beautiful collection of songs on their latest 5 track E.P. "Dream" starts things off as an intro of sorts. It's ethereal tones blend right into the the soothing presence of "Somehow I Manage to Always Disappear" which eventually builds into a galloping blast of sonic rock n roll mayhem. The chiming lull of "Bellweather" serves as one of the most melodic pieces on the record as it's distorted guitars and powerful percussion offer a frantic yet strong presence that meshes well with the angular and more experimental slants of "Hold The Door" and "The Quarry". Overall "Mostly Stories" draws you into another world that's colorful, calming and surreal. There's an underlying energy that's heartwarming, intricate and alluring. Can't wait to hear what's next for this promising new unit.

Grayne "No" LP (grayne.bandcamp.com)

It was great discovering this guitar based gem out of Nottingham, UK. The tracks range from highly intricate, modulated tones and epic experimental soundscapes to more straight forward riff oriented rock n roll. This eclectic mix is well represented in opening number "Flipper" as it drifts from beautifully executed textures to full on space rock and back again. There's even a blast of frantic drum rolls that for just a split second take you to a world of muscualr classic rock before returning to a more ethereal approach. "Ambient Sack" has a bit of a jazz feel to it that works well alongside it's shuffling beat and deep chorus based tones while "Dogbeans" allows you to indulge in it's warm rich presence that is quite cinematic in spirit. "Bath" is super intricate and technical and makes good use of some interesting samples and intriguing arrangements and "British-Golf" is a damn good name for a song and adds. an undeniably peaceful appeal to everything. A captivating and inspiring album that you can tell was a blast to make. I love the way Grayne includes so many tones and influences to make a sound that is angular, inviting and thought provoking. A remarkable achievement indeed.

Martian Cult "Cheater's Wave" E.P. (martiancult.bandcamp.com)

Channeling the "new romantics" era of rock n roll, Salt Lake City's Martian Cult impress on their debut E.P. "Cheaters Wave". Things kick off with the title track which falls someplace between Orchestral Maneuvers In The Dark and INXS. It's got that jangling guitar feel and infectious beat that work so well together. The driving force of "Till The Grass Is Gone"ramps up the energy level even more as the darker stance of "Danger" focuses on synths and a cunning vocal approach. "Control" is a hook filled blast that shows off the band in fine form. It's a passionate and at times chaotic song that never steers away from it's melody. A well crafted release that's upbeat, straight forward and fun.

The Red Shift S/T LP (redshiftcin.bandcamp.com)

So at last I've been graced with the debut album from Cincinnati, Ohio's The Red Shift. This high energy power pop/punk rock unit has quickly become one of my favorite bands over the last year or so. The album is full of energy and exciting hooks and brings to mind classic 90's pop punk like J Church, and Jawbreaker mixed with a solid dose of 50's icon Buddy Holly for good measure. The production and songwriting is top notch and the band keep the hooks coming and the levels on ten from beginning to end. Opening barn burner "Belly Ache" is full of screaming melodic guitars and lead vocalist Aaron Sutton's nerd like vocal stance. "Rebel Leaf" offers a slower side to things and shows a nice bit of diversity to their sound while "Stubborn" is one of the most infectious songs of the batch backed by Chris Coffing's lead guitar work and the relentless rhythm section of bassist Evan Baker and drummer Daltin Loomi. Another highlight of the album is the anthem like track "No One Else". It's got all the makings of a pop punk classic as Sutton's unforgettable lyrics "where the friendships will sway but we'll sing all day and we will have to pray all the storms stay away this is way too good to be" make a statement we can all easily relate to. The album covers tales of heartbreak, sorrow, hope and love and really gives you a feeling of being alive. Don't miss out on this absolutely stellar release.

Yu Coream "Digital Avalanche" E.P. (yucorean.bandcamp.com)

Atlanta musician Corey Gronner.returns with the latest installment of Yu Corea songs and man are you in for a treat. The level of musicianship is off the charts. Gronner is a total musical manic and the playing rivals that of classic heavyweights like Mahavishnu Orchestra and Mike Oldfeild.Opening track "The Disent' is an absolute whirlwind of sound. Imagine a collection of franticly pulsating tones that seem to filter together all at once to make a gigantic epic collage of euphoric sound. "Drawing" has more of a traveling feel to it and also features some of the most impressive piano playing on the planet while "Poppy Seeds" is more soothing and laid back. The mood shifts to a more quirky direction on "Knives Only" as flashes of video game like tones sway throughout the songs eclectic mix. It's got a magical flavor to it that I really enjoy. The colorful almost psychedelic feel of "Goodbye" makes for a lovely send off to this immensely enjoyable E.P. I really can't say enough good things about it. I'm simply blown away. Top notch from beginning to end.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Ben Clayton Wolfindale "Selfie" E.P. (benclayton.bandcamp.com)

Really excited about this new E.P. from Ben Clayton Wolfindale as he is quickly becoming one of my favorite experimental sound artists. "Tracif" opens the record with mind bending appeal. It sends traces of backwards tone manipulations in all directions before launching into a hypnotic beat. Soon the sounds of water, traffic and other audio stimulation move throughout this thought provoking piece. The lulling feel of "Memristic" washes over you with grey tones that evoke a cold and grim spirit that eventually give way to a menacing array of mechanical soundscapes while "Selfie" is even more dynamic and deranged. The E.P. closes with the bold, almost frightening stance of "Vessel". It has a stern, powerful presence to it that is enlightening and terrifying at the same time and I have to say I love it. Another must have release from Ben Clayton Wolfindale's rapidly growing discography. Bravo.

Brandon Martin S/T LP (brandonmartin.bandcamp.com)

Hailing from the rural town of Mc Alester, Oklahoma comes the debut album from lo-fi psych rock mastermind Brandon Martin. This self titled release is chocked full of short to the point songs that are brilliantly crafted and sure to get stuck in your head and have you singing along in no time. From the opening chords of "Long Pig" I new I was hooked as it's infectious riff and catchy feel is truly inspiring. The primitive mood of "Immolation Dream" has a very adventurous approach to it that is nothing short of stellar while songs like "Bicycle Days" and "Ether" mix psych driven traces with a hook laced jangling pop approach. Other favorites include the acoustic based beauty of "Floating" the galloping drive of "Prelude" and the deep, laid back, dirge like approach of "Heaven". An enticing album that takes you on an engaging musical journey that's inspiring, colorful and open minded.

Black Dunes S/T E.P. (blackdunesgr.bandcamp.com)

Led by a sea of guitars that seem to sweep in like an unpredictable shift in the weather, Black Dunes offer up 4 spectacular tracks on their debut self titled E.P. Opening piece "Lost" showcases intricate riffs that swing from cagey and clean to angular and noise driven, showing right out of the gate what this band is made. The slow crawl of "Subtlety" filters in colorful waves of uplifting sounds as the monstrous bass tone and pounding drums really put everything over the top, The soaring mood of "Inhabitant" pushes the envelope even further with it's crushing energy and melodic undertones while closing number "Steps" sends things off on a high note that harnesses layers of hypnotic bliss into a frantic blast of sonic fury. A top notch release that channels a wide range of eclectic moods.

Dares "Flying Colors" E.P. (dares.bandcamp.com)

New York City's Dares offer up this promising pair of exciting upbeat tracks which I believe are their first. "Flying Colors" is a catchy, bouncy number full of jangling guitars and a fun energetic vocal cadence. It's got some good shuffle and swag to it that echoes the spirits of The Kinks, Billy Bragg and Squeeze. The band then shift things up a bit as "Flock Of Arrows" has a more menacing attack that also harnesses an underlying spirit that's a bit haunting with some flourishing pulses of experimental sound filtered in for good measure. It's quite inspiring and I must say I've had this track on repeat quite a bit over the last few weeks. An excellent new band that are carving out a sound of their own through well crafted songs with a relentless attitude. Highly recommended

Swampland "Badlands" E.P. (swampland.bandcamp.com)

Los Angeles post punk outfit Swampland are back with this brand new 5 song E.P. adequately titled "Badlands". The songs carry Swampland's trademark "old west" stance as the tracks are all very cinematic in spirit and structure. "Lady Lazarus" bold vocal delivery and blistering guitar work are simply second to none while the dark, sinister mood of "A Thousand Times" channels the likes of Nick Cave, The Cure and Echo & The Bunnymen. I really love the bassline on "Caught In A Wash" as it's organic approach really adds to the dangerous mood that flows throughout the track while the stoic vibes of "Lonesome Life" close out the release in fine form. Another impressive effort from one of my favorite new bands.

Tall Tall Trees "Being There" Single (Joyful Noise Recordings)

Did you say a banjo being played through a bunch of effects pedals alongside a pumping drum machine beat??? Well count me in. Yes that's part of what you get on "Being There" the lead single from the new Tall Tall Trees album "Freedays" out now on Joyful Noise Recordings. The other side of the song is Tall Tall Trees brainchild Mike Savino's beautiful voice and amazing songwriting ability. I mean the amount of energy and power this guy creates here is truly inspiring as each note gives off a spirit of happiness that's ready top take on the world. Simply magical!!!

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Allison Crutchfield "Tourist In This Town" LP (Merge Records)

Loving this debut album from singer/songwriter Allison Crutchfield. Raised in Alabama Crutchfield began performing in her teenage years forming the bands P.S. Eliot and Bad Banana with her twin sister Katie of Waxahatchee. In 2012 she co-founded the band Swearin’ and began to develop more and more as a songwriter. "Tourists In This Town" shows just how far Crutchfield has come as the album captures her amazing vocal range and stellar musicianship alongside a sea of breathtaking synths, jangling guitars and infectious percussion. The powerful hooks in "I Don't Ever Wanna Leave California" give it an undeniable appeal while "Charlie" is one of the most honest and heartfelt songs you will hear all year. The "Be My Baby" style beat and pumping piano on "Expatriate" woven with Crutchfield's spectacular vocal cadence make it another top notch track. “Tourist in This Town is completely made up of heightened anxiety and became a clearly defined puzzle that I slowly put together over the course of a year,” says Crutchfield. “It’s a record about change—change of scenery, of partner, of band, of home, of friends, of outlook—and how that change can cause a temporary panic but ultimate triumph in most of us.” "Tourist In This Town" is officially available today courtesy of Merge Records

Lagomorph "Winter Sessions" E.P. (lagomorph.bandcamp.com)

Italian ambient/soundscape project Lagomorph returns with this innovative two track E.P. full of astonishingly beautiful sounds that move together with poise and elegance. "Forest Of Misunderstandings" is surrounded by a gloomy vibe but with an underlying layer of mystery and hope. It's simple melody is backed by gorgeous layers of mesmerizing reverberations that offer a sense of euphoria as the track builds and builds with intensity. "In Pouring Rain" is even more delicate and lulling. The cinematic drone of sheets of rain looms in the background as shimmering swells of uplifting guitars create a peaceful and inspiring tone that is stimulating and strong. Overall "Winter Sessions" is a captivating release that explores the realms of experimental recording with an open mind and open heart. Highly recommended!!!

The Retinas "Singles" E.P. (theretinas.bandcamp.com)

Philadelphia's The Retina's are one of the most prolific bands on the East Coast DIY/Inide rock scene and "Singles" compiles all of the latest one off tracks that they have released under one umbrella. From the lo-fi jangle of "Holly-Touch" to the galloping shuffle and punk attitude of "Feel Alright" the band showcase their brand of stripped down, dirty rock n roll in fine form. "Love Is Ridicule" channels a bit of that laid back,tongue in cheek vibe circa "Hootenanny" era Replacements while "Dissatisfaction" is simply one of the bands best songs to date. Look for a new cassette set out soon on CMM and a lengthy U.S. tour this Spring.

Seasloth "Sometime Soon" LP (seasloth.bandcamp.com)

Quite a remarkable debut album from Australian based psychedelic band Seasloth. From the opening tones of "So It Goes" you can tell this band is "all in" as far as musicianship and intensity goes because this band can flat out play. The crawling menace of "Tea Time With Tom" showcases their ability to combine lush atmospheric sounds with grit and power while the shoegaze tendencies explored throughout "Marshmellon" create an other worldly experience that fans of bands like MBV and Slowdive will welcome with open ears. Things get even more psychedelic and even a bit tropical during the colorful and vibrant piece know as "Intergalactic Battle For The Soul Of Man". It's deep layers of modulated guitars and 60's inspired stance meshes well with the epic dynamics found throughout the cunning presence of "It's Unknown". "Sometime Soon" is the type of album that is best enjoyed from beginning to end. It certainly sets a mind bending mood that takes you to a place where anything is possible. An inspiring and thought provoking album that carves out a sound that's all it's own.

Swampland "The Stranded West" (swampland.bandcamp.com)

There's a dark cloud and dusky mood that hangs over each of the songs on Swampland's debut album "The Stranded West". Tracks like "Path To Purity" and "I'll Never Know" harness a dangerous presence and swaggering flair that embraces the spirit of Nick Cave and Dead Moon but also put a catchy twist on things at times blending infectious hooks with an intriguing blast of gloom and doom. There are also some very Americana elements to the album as the shuffling rhythm of "Wounded Knee" sounds like a cross between Chris Issak and Joe Doe collaborating on a classic spaghetti western score with a touch of The Wovenhand thrown in for good measure. The striking stance of "Sirens Wall" embraces aspects of rockabilly and punk and there's a soulfulness to "Axeman Of New Orleans" that offers a twinge of Danzig alongside a mysterious carnival like setting. Overall "The Stranded West" is a highly enjoyable ride with many cinematic twists and turns that keep you engaged waiting to hear what will come next.

WANWEIRD "Green Jelly" Single (wanweirdmusic.bandcamp.com)

Coming off of last years stellar E.P. "Honey & Salt" London's Natalie Bibby aka WANWEIRD returns with a delightful new single titled "Green Jelly". It's catchy vocals and lush undertones work brilliantly with it's pounding drums and crushing power chords. The swirling sounds of a theremin even make it's way into the mix courtesy of Love Battery vocalist Ron Nine. This is the type of track that has just enough bounce to it that it's fun to sing along to but backs it up with a solid dose of 90's inspired rock n roll angst that pulls no punches. Head over to the Wanweird bandcamp page and check out all of Natalie's amazing songs.

"Five For Friday" with experimental musician Matt Kelly

Philadelphia based experimental musician Matt Kelly has been releasing his thought provoking compositions for several years now. From droned out ambient soundscapes to frantic blasts of psych/surf mayhem he is always creating music that's colorful and inviting. His latest E.P. "A Night Drive Down a Familiar Road You've Never Been Down" is full of lush ambient tones and haunting dynamics. Matt shares some of his favorite songs in this weeks edition of "Five For Friday" but first check out his track "A Picture Of A Picture".

Delia Derbyshire – Nightwalker

A pioneer of electronic music, Delia might be best known for performing the theme for the original “Dr. Who” (one of the first television themes to be produced by entirely electronic means). Despite that notoriety, Delia does not get the full credit that she deserves for her contributions to modern music. Working with tape loops and found sound, Delia’s time with the BBC brought musique concrète into the homes of everyday people. Her passion for sounds and her ability to create atmosphere is a huge inspiration to me.

Joe Meek (The Blue Men) – Hear a New world

Another pioneer, Joe was doing some weird stuff in 1960. This song is a great example of his innovative use of reverb, found sound, and overdubbing, all tactics he pioneered from his home studio. The “chipmunk” vocals were all done by tape manipulation, and there’s sounds like a sink being drained and bubbles being blown lurking in the mix. It’s sort of childish and whimsical, but also psychedelic and demented. I love the “cosmic luau” vibe, although the lyrics are deceivingly sad and wistful upon closer listen. Alas, Joe’s tale is a tragic one. He advised Brian Epstein to not bother signing The Beatles. He became fascinated with communing with the dead, and would set up tape machines in graveyards to record sounds from beyond the grave. Sadly, mental illness derailed Meek’s life, culminating in a grisly murder suicide involving his landlady in 1967. A sad end for a man who was ahead of his time.

Howlin’ Wolf – 44 Blues

Howlin’ Wolf might be my favorite artist ever. This song is about how he’s worn his 44 pistol in its chest holster so long that now his shoulder is sore, which I always found kind of funny. I love the hypnotic riff and how the beat is so heavy on the 1. But it is Wolf’s delivery that does it for me. His voice can empower you just as easily as emasculate you, depending on what kind of mood he’s in. I also love the line later in the song that says “Well I’m so mad this morning, I don’t know where in the world to go.” It’s a feeling of kinetic energy that’s just looking to explode.

Roland S Howard and Lydia Lunch – “Some Velvet Morning”

Roland is a big guitar hero of mine, and I love the original version by Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood, so this is a great meeting of minds. This song is at once romantic yet leering; sweet yet menacing. Roland and Lydia’s version definitely take those elements up a notch.

Blind Willie Johnson – “Dark was the Night, Cold was the Ground”

One of the most haunting songs I’ve ever heard, and it’s just a guy and a guitar. No words, just emotive slide guitar and moans. This song is a damn near psychedelic rumination that always gives me images of desolation and longing. Chills every time.Unlike some of his contemporaries, Blind Willie was not born blind. He was blinded at age seven when his stepmother threw lye in his face to spite Willie’s abusive father. Johnson preached and sang on the streets throughout Texas until 1945 when his house burned down. With nowhere else to go, he slept in the burnt out ruins of his home on a wet bed covered by old newspapers. He soon died of malarial fever. Pretty grim, even for a bluesman. Blind Willie doesn’t always get included when we talk about the “Blues Greats™”, maybe because he didn’t play a Strat or make a deal with the devil. However, in 1977, Carl Sagan included this song on the Voyager spacecraft’s Golden Record, which featured music and sounds of Earth like crickets, volcanoes and heartbeats. This song is currently floating through space. The record is to be a “snapshot” of Earth to educate potential alien life about our planet. Sagan said he chose this song because it concerns “nightfall with no place to sleep. Since humans appeared on Earth, the shroud of night has yet to fall without touching a man or woman in the same plight.” Universal emotion conveyed with no words, just a man and a guitar.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Ballad Of Geraldine "What's The Deal" single/video (balladofgeraldine.bandcamp.com)

I've written about the greatness of this band recently as their self titled E.P. (which this track is from) was one of my favorites of 2015. However the band just released this awesome video clip for "What's The Deal" so I thought why not share it and spread the word again on this rugged indie rock unit based in Halle, Germany. Their dusky vocals, garage rock guitars and galloping drums are nothing short of stellar and it's certainly the kind of track made for kicking off a red hot summer. Looking forward to hearing new music from this crew soon.

Bearstronaut "Black Bells" Single (Bearstronaut.com)

A luscious track that takes us back to classic 80's electro pop bands like Erasure, Alphaville and Duran Duran. Throw this into an 80's Night DJ set and the crowd will assure you they used to "tape this song off the radio". It's catchy, hard hitting beat and liquid like synths flow passionately over a sparse layer of chorus fueled guitar textures. Hands down the closest thing I've heard to a dance floor anthem in years. A remarkable effort indeed.

Beck "Wow" Single (beck.com)

Some may call this a return to "Old School" Beck but honestly Beck is always just being Beck regardless of what particular "style" he might be evoking at the time. Still after watching "Southlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician" this week I am fondly reminded of Beck's "Bong Load" years when he was making music in a small isolated shack that served as his mad scientist lab. The banging beat that runs franticly through "Wow" is sure to make you want to jump around immediately . Not sure if he's using the infamous white keyboard here but it's certainly full of lively instrumentation that's colorful and bright and of course Beck's laid back lyrical flow is in full effect alongside a rousing chorus full of dreamy backing vocals. A fine addition to the Beck catalog that is sure to put a smile on your face.

Melvins "Bases Loaded" LP (melvinsofficial.bandcamp.com)

So it's finally summer and baseball season is in full swing. I find myself on the edge of my seat almost daily as I watch my Kansas City Royals defend their crown. So how happy was I to discover earlier this week that mlb.com was going out on a limb and hosting this latest Melvins effort for all the world to hear. The album features six different bass players including contributions from Steve McDonald from the legendary Los Angeles glam punk band Redd Kross and their old friend Krist Novoselic from Nirvana plus return appearances by former bassists Jeff Pinkus (Butthole Surfers), Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle/Fantomas), Jared Warren (Big Business) and Dale Crover. According to King Buzzo, “More is more! As hard as it might be to believe, all of these bass players contribute something of their own to Basses Loaded which gives the whole album a good kick right in it’s big fat ass.” Yes many of these songs have been released before on the highly limited "Beer Hippy" and "War Pussy" E.P.'s but pairing them up with the three new tracks and making them readily available to the masses was a great thing to do. Plus who can resist a cover of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame". A thunderous blast of rock n roll sure to melt your speakers and crush your skull.

The Orange Kyte "Inside Out n' Upside Down" Single (theorangekyte.bandcamp.com)

"Inside Out n' Upside Down", the latest installment of The Orange Kyte singles series is a brilliant upbeat psych tinged number that's full of 60's swagger and sway. It's bright and fun and full of life and sits well alongside the bands previous singles. I must say the pounding drumming and garage rock organ tones add a delicious layer of icing to the cake. Another stroke of excellence from this Vancouver based rock n roll project.

VoirVoir "I Wanna" single (fleetingyouthrecords.bandcamp.com)

Damn this is good. This Bethlehem Pennsylvania unit create a whirlwind of sound that is second to none. "I Wanna" is the first single from the bands album "There Are No Good Goodbyes" which is set for a cassette release in mid July on Fleeting Youth Records. Simply put this band pulls out all the stops when it comes to their brand of indie rock madness. Sure you can reference bands like The Pixies, Flaming Lips and Mercury Rev but VoirVoir definitely have their own personality and style. Highly recommended .

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Holy Wall "Night Stops" E.P. (holywall.bandcamp.com)

Asheville North Carolina musician Matthew Reed, really raises the bar with this brand new E.P. from his atmospheric dream pop project Holy Wall. The record is made up of four astonishingly beautiful songs that sound like they were sent down to earth from another world. From the cinematic flavor of "No Nature" to the experimentally layered textures of the title track Reed has constructed an absolute masterpiece. Things lean towards a more folk based sound on "Living Is Easy" but the eerie vibes stay intact throughout as there's a hypnotic element to it all that keeps you locked in. The E.P. is capped off with the near ten minute epic known as "Dreams Of Annihilation" which combines instrumentation with colorful glimpses into sound collage style territories all the while emitting a beautiful and positive radiant glow. A remarkable release from an incredible new artist on the rise."Night Stops" will be available April 16th

Kromo "Be Water" Single (soundcloud.com/monts-6)

This recently unveiled piece from the upcoming self titled Kromo CD E.P. is a experimental mind bender to the fullest extend. Headed by the experimental guitar attack of Pittsburgh musician Kevin Monahan, "Be Water" is a lush flowing soundscape highlighted by many twists and turns on what feels like a journey through uncharted areas of space. There's also an underlying jazz feel in Monahan's playing that sits well with the futuristic essence of the track. Beautiful, haunting and breathtakingly brilliant.

Kyle Craft "Eye Of A Hurricane" Single (subpop.com)

This high energy new single from Portland by way of Shreveport, Louisiana musician Kyle Craft is down right incredible. Led by Craft's flamboyant vocal presence the track echoes the likes of early Elton John and Ziggy Stardust era Bowie. It's got a great balance between 70's glam rock swag and ragtime era sway as Daniel Talmadg lays down some mean piano playing throughout the track while the arrangement is absolutely stellar. There's also an undeniable appeal and soulfulness to it all that I can't help but love. Off of Craft's latest album "Dolls Of Highland".

School Of Seven Bells "Ablaze" Single (schoolofsevenbells.com)

"Ablaze", the new single from School Of Seven Bell's latest album "SVIIB" is a powerful blast of electro laced dream pop. The song narrates the story of Alejandra Deheza and Benjamin Curtis relationship, before his tragic death from lymphoma in 2013. It's thunderous beat and pulsating synths lead by Deheza's passionate voice make it one of the bands best tracks to date as it's ethereal mood and underlying ambience are both beautiful and intense.

The Orange Kyte "Which Vivian?" Single (theorangekyte.bandcamp.com)

Another top notch single from this Vancouver based psychedelic unit. "Which Vivian?" is a hard hitting number full of big guitars and dream like vocals that harnesses a powerful guitar attack that's matched with an inspiring hypnotic groove. The driving beat and pumping bass line really put everything over the top and bring to mind a feeling of "I Can See For Miles" era Who. An infectious blast of garage psych rock n roll that delivers from beginning to end.

Today Junior "Blunt Breath" Single (wearetodayjunior.com)

This Boston indie surf rock trio formed in 2012 and has been held together by brothers, Harry & Mike O'Toole ever since. Their latest single "Blunt Breath" is a crushing blast of alt-rock n roll mayhem that brings to mind Guided By Voices, Jawbreaker and Yo La Tengo without really sounding like any of those bands at all. Their walls of fuzzed out guitars backed by a no frills pounding drum beat quickly make them one of my favorite new bands.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Astari Nite "Always Like Yesterday" Single (officialastarinite.bandcamp.com)

Miami post punk unit Astari Nite impress with their latest single "Always Like Yesterday". It's upbeat presence, stellar vocal approach and sparkling guitar sounds are backed by a promising rhythm section that make it one of the stand out singles of the year. It's the type of song that balances a combination of moody grey colors with beautifully crafted pop hooks and brings to mind a mix of Echo & The Bunnymen, The Cure and The Stone Roses. The band will be on tour throughout the month of May in the U.S.A. Visit officialastarinite.com for dates and details.

Beach For Tiger "Afternoons in Space" (www.soundcloud.com/beach-for-tiger)

"Afternoons in Space", the second single from London's Beach For Tiger is a laid back number that blends 60's psychedelic sounds with soul and jazz influences and a touch of 80's pop perfection. The hypnotic vocals are what attracted me to this track first as the phrasing and atmospheric delivery opens up a beautiful world of psychedelic bliss. It's rolling bass line and in the pocket percussion sweeten the mood even more and compliment the crystal clear guitar sounds that chime throughout. A cleverly well written track backed by exquisite musicianship and a flourishing layer of ambient textures.

Sikflowr "Common Era" E.P. (sikflowr.bandcamp.com)

What an amazing debut from this Toronto based experimental unit. Sikflowr immediately draw you in with their seductive, infectious like presence as opening track "Sugar Town (Go Get It)" captures you in it's web of psychedelic mystery. "The Bugs Are Coming" follows a loosely structured path that's full of distorted guitars that vary from dirge like chords to high pitched runs that sound like they are being performed on guitars made of glass. The more jazz based "Bodies In The Garage" features a sea of deep atmospherics while tracks like "Sikflowr" and "Not My Dog" are more melodic. Overall "Common Era" is a beautiful collection of rich sounding pieces that instill a feeling of travel, openness and warmth.

Sudogwon "IIII" E.P. (sudogwon.bandcamp.com)

I was thrilled when I got the news about this new Sudogwon E.P. and it easily lives up to my expectations. Opening with the amazingly titled "TDAH (No Soy Jason Pierce, Pero Bueno​.​.​.​)" things kick off in fine fashion as this stripped down guitar driven piece is backed by a collection of spacey drones and a cool lo-fi feel that adds a touch of G.B.V. like charm. "(Midori Kobayashi Te Amo) Desde Que Tenía Seis" is a rather bluesy feeling psych/folk piece while the blistering guitar attack of "Robo #2" sets things over the top and adds a bit of angst to the mix. Things wind down with the psych pop fueled sounds of "¿Cómo Hago?" which rounds out this E.P. well and filters in some really outstanding experimental sounds to what could be this Venezuelan based bands best song yet.

The I Don't Cares "Love Out Loud" Single (www.paulwesterberg.com)

So as most of you probably know by now Paul Westerberg and Juliana Hatfield have teamed up to form The I Don't Cares. "Love Out Loud" from the duo's debut album "Wild Stab" is a raunchy, high energy rocker led by a buzzsaw like guitar attack and Westerbergs trademark rasp. At a romping two minutes and seventeen seconds the track takes things back to "Sorry Ma" era Replacments when the band was at it's rawest and most stripped down point. So excited to hear these two making raw no frills rock n roll. Check out this brilliantly put together animated video below.

The Orange Kyte "Dope: 86" Single (theorangekyte.bandcamp.com)

I'm blown away by the colorful sounds of this new single from The Orange Kyte out of Vancouver. It's psychedelic style and rich guitars are highlighted by a classic 60's vocal stance that paints a warm cinematic world of intrigue and wonder. Led by musician Stevie Moonboots and backed by a top notch support squad of drummer Dave Mulvaney and keyboardist Derick O’ Neill "Dope: 86" is nothing short of magical. I can't wait to hear what's next.

"Five For Friday" with Erick Pineda of Citrus Clouds

Citrus Clouds are an incredible new shoegaze/dream pop band based in Phoenix Arizona. Their debut E.P. "In Time I Am" merges beautiful dual vocals with a heavy dose of ethereal dive bombing guitars and a spot on rhythm section. Guitarist/vocalist Erick Pineda shares some of his favorite songs in this weeks edition of "Five For Friday" but first enjoy the hypnotic sounds of "In Time I Am".

Marcos Valle- Voo Cego

This song has a really timeless, effortless. dreamy sound. The way the melodies intertwine and layer is really nice. A near perfect song.

Blouse- Imperium

This record was a huge reason Citrus Clouds started. After hearing Imperium, we were inspired to create a band heavy on melodies and a super tight rhythm section. This song in particular has a cool sound.The punchy bass drives everything, the vocals are dreamy and ethereal.

Slowdive- Alison

Another massive influence on our sound. The interplay between the female and male vocals is beautiful. We love how dense and layered and moody Alison is. All the reverb and delay creates a nice tapestry of sound that paints pictures inside the mind.

No Joy- Hare Tarot Lies

One of our favorite songs.10 seconds in are you can't help but be hooked. Once the verse kicks in, the muff on the bass part just punches you and we love how the vocal melody snakes around the drone guitars. A soundtrack to many parties.

My Bloody Valentine- What You Want

An amazing song that seems to be swimming in an ocean of guitar swells, distortion and reverb. It's a cool juxtaposition to have this really aggressive, raw guitar and very soft vocals. The guitar work on this song is particularly amazing.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

barrenland "Riven II" E.P. (barrenland.bandcamp.com)

A promising new E.P. from this German based post punk unit that echoes the spirits of Joy Division, early Cure and Wire. Opening track "Gosh" has an underlying menace and swagger that is primal and cold. It's a quick song that serves as a nice lead in to stand out cut "Thief" which features a throbbing bass line, experimental guitar textures and desolate vocals. "Slenderman" travels into even darker territory with it's pulsating beat and tragic feel while closing number "o.a.m." is an uptempo blast of captivating goth rock & noise. The perfect soundtrack for a midnight drive along a mysterious road that leads to nowhere.

Chayce Halley "Bloom House" (chaycehalley.bandcamp.com)

Tampa Florida's Chayce Halley is one of the best new song writers I have heard in some time. His latest album "Bloom House" is a fine collection of experimental indie pop that truly has a sound all it's own. The vibrant ways of "Agoraphobia" start everything off in uplifting fashion and feature a variety of atmospheric tones and eclectic percussion, while "Wolf" draws you in and creates an other worldly like feel that is second to none. The experimental elements continue during the beautifully crafted "17" where as "Sleepy Sophie B" is more straight forward and stripped down. The light feel of "Gravity" and orchestral like "La Risa" complement the album well and show off the diversity of Chayce's music. The album closes with the breathtaking sounds of "(A Round) for Angelina" which has a fell that is refreshing, inspiring and warm. Hands down one of the best albums of 2015.

Denim Owl "Darling" E.P. (denimowl.bandcamp.com)

Hailing from Melbourne Australia and led by musician Janita Foley, Denim Owl create quite a delightful blend of experimental snyth pop throughout this two song E.P.. "Medicine" is a soothing piece full of fervor and mystic as Foley's beautiful voice flows like a a ray of sunshine that peaks through the clouds at the end of a murky rain soaked day. "Darling" looms on the cusp of trip hop with it's flourishing beat and droning synths. It's all very soundtrack like and brings to mind flashes of futuristic imagery. A remarkable pair of captivating tracks that leave me wanting more.

Donovan Velvet "Faramond" single (donovanvelvet.bandcamp.com)

"Faramond" the latest single from Montevideo, Uruguay composer Donovan Velvet is an ambient mind bender that channels the likes of Brian Eno, Thom Brennan and John Cage. It's waves of droning soundscapes harness a mood that is eerie, haunting and full of intrigue. There are aspects of the sound that linger underneath the principle tones and come off like a sea of voices that sit along the ocean floor. The sounds stir and stir creating a force that is almost like a language unto it's own. It's dark and bleak but also positive and full of life. Highly recommended for fans of experimental sound exploration.

Joy Machine "Erasing Us" Single (joymachine.bandcamp.com)

San Francisco's Joy Machine are back with their new single "Erasing Us" which is a powerful down tempo dream pop masterpiece full of rich synths and intoxicating beats. It's soulful vocals and passionate stance move with confidence while it's shimmering tones take you on a blissful ride that is mysterious and bright. Like their self titled E.P. released last year "Erasing Us" is nothing short of stellar.

The Electric Circus "Head In The Clouds" Single (theelectriccircussounds.com)

Minnesota's The Electric Circus create a wash of brilliant psychedelia on their latest single "Head In The Clouds". Fueled by a frantic beat swirling layers of phase driven guitar wizardry and powerful bass lines, the band take their intense brand of 60's like flair to new levels. The wandering vocals come off like a cross between Roy Orbison and Nick Cave while the music at times channels the spirits of classic bands like Jefferson Airplane, The Doors and Cream. It all makes for a beautiful collage of highly textured soundscapes sure to please fans of vibrant psych charged rock n roll.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Dairrien Call "Love In Technicolor" LP (lowimpedence.bandcamp.com)

"Love In Technicolor", is the latest album from prolific singer/songwriter Dairrien Call. Still in the early stages of his recording career Call has released over a dozen records and doesn't show any signs of slowing down. Opening track "Darling (Here With You) reminds me of Richie Valens "We Belong Together" but with a heavy dose of 90's blazing guitar fury. "Jack & Jill" mixes elements of lo-fi production with catchy hooks that bring to mind GBV, Sebadoh & The Gin Blossoms. It's the type of song that takes you back to the glory days of college radio. "You Know That I Know" is a lush reverb drenched atmospheric piece that's perfect for a lakeside stroll while standout track "Dreamboat" is a beautifully written energetic number full of catchy hooks and melody. It's a fun uplifting song worthy of a full afternoon on repeat. The stripped down sounds of "Bumblebee" mellow everything out with it's slumbering yet passionate approach and album closer "The Golden Age Effect" sends the record off with a comforting mix of acoustic guitar, swirling atmospherics and delicate vocals. Overall this is a wonderful record that really highlights the work of an ambitious musician that lives to express himself and is not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve.

Indigo Child "Feel Good Summer Song" Single (indigochilduk.bandcamp.com)

What an excellent debut from London based band Indigo Child. "Feel Good Summer Song" is packed with dreamy vocals and a shuffling rhythm that sets the pace for this contagious rocker. The guitar sounds shift between sharp and clean surf tones to full on blasts of over the top octave fuzz riffs. The hooked filled chorus is the icing on the cake that will have you singing along to this one over and over. This is one of those road trip anthem type of songs that you want to include on all of you're mixes to keep things lively. Can't wait to hear what these guys do next.

Light As A Feather "Here I Stand"/"She Sees In The Dark" (lightasafeather.bandcamp.com)

Los Angeles based indie pop outfit Light As A Feather impress with this debut release which is actually a live studio session recorded for a podcast on RadioSombra.org called "O Lo Siento". First off, the recordings are incredibly well produced and show off how well the band interacts together. Highlighted by Cecilia Enriquez's incredible voice "Here I Stand" is an exquisite track full of moody guitars, a rolling bass line and swinging drums. It's a very inviting track that comes to you like a warm blanket on a cold winter night. "She Sees In The Dark" is also a delightful listen as it moves with elegance and grace and commands a presence of sophistication. It's driving beat and shimmering guitars are nothing short of stellar. The bands ethereal approach is encouraging and full of hope and sets a solid foundation for what looks to be an incredible future.

SWYM "Clouds" B/W "Icarus" Single (swym.bandcamp.com)

"Clouds" the debut single from SWYM starts off with a pulsating blast of experimental sounds before launching into a rich atmospheric filled indie pop masterpiece. The lavish vocals sway alongside the effects driven swirls of captivating guitars and keys. The rhythm section is also in fine form as the bass offers up just the right amount of deep bottom end alongside a galloping and intoxicating beat. "Icarus" is more laid back and spacey and draws you in with it's lulling psychedelic appeal. The dual vocals of Darron Fernandes and Anthony Ambrose paint a beautiful picture of lush landscapes and 60's swagger. I simply cannot wait to hear more from this promising alt-psych unit. Highly recommended indeed.

The Dare Ohhs "Goodbye Darling" LP (thedareohhs.bandcamp.com)

The Dare Ohhs are the brainchild of Melbourne musician Etienne Mantelli who's latest album "Goodbye Darling" is a fine collection of laid back psychedelic indie pop that is both refreshing and unique. Led by Mantelli's comforting voice and jangling guitars and the exciting but tight knit drumming of Jack Kong the 12 track album moves with a soothing presence that's truly it's own. The warbling sounds of "Identicality" are highlighted by the subtle touch of psychedelia that flows throughout. The climbing guitars and fun approach of "Right Mind" echoes the spirits of the early days of post punk with it's climbing guitar runs. "New Song" has an underlying element of 60's psychedelic soul that's highly appealing and echoes the likes of The Animals and Tommy James while "Twin" is an uptempo garage rocker that makes for one of the albums top tracks. There's a looseness to it's main riff that's undeniably cool. "I Just Want To Feel That Way Again" also showcases a bit of garage rock flavor that brings to mind The Kingsmen and The Kinks. Overall a brilliant collection of inventive, spellbinding rock n roll at it's best.

The Esskays "Hotel Me" LP (thesskays.bandcamp.com)

Nashville's The Esskays deliver big on their debut E.P. "Hotel Me". Opening track "Her Heart" is full of rich melody and charming vocals that are sure to brighten your day. Things get a bit more tropical sounding on "Will You Still Love Me" which I think will appeal to fans of They Might Be Giants and Ween Stand out track "c'est la vie" shows off the bands top notch musicianship and song writing abilities. It's full of incredible dynamics and changes that are sure to have you hooked in no time. "@ Least It's A Beautiful" day has a bit of Magical Mystery Tour era Beatles flair to it that I really enjoy while, "Sister Mary" is more melancholy and dark compared to the rest of the tracks. The additional percussion and somber mood adds a nice variety to the mix as it gives way to the incredible sounds of "In Love" that cements this record as one of my favorite releases of 2015.