Year: 2015

One of the great things about music nowadays is the access to all kinds of artists and bands, from all around the world, and every type of genre. This fourth installment of the popular Best New DIY Music of 2015 series features bands from Los Angeles and Long Island, London and Paris, Norway and Sweden, Reno and San Diego, and from rural Ohio to upstate New York, as well as genres including ambient rock and indie pop to psych and roots, folk, electro and shoegaze. This is some of the best underground music of 2015 you haven’t heard (yet).

In this Installment:

The Wild Young Hearts – Los Angeles, California
Starar – London, England
Ness – Long Island, New York
Ordinary Van – Fort Wayne, Indianapolis
Pelicat – Norway
Elder Flower – Arvika, Sweden
The Mondanes – Gothenburg, Sweden
Maven – Paris, France
Aether Street – Reno, Nevada
More Than Skies – Huntington, New York
Bad & The Ugly – San Diego, California
Jeremy & Lynee – Minster, Ohio

[zbplayer]

The Wild Young Hearts – Feel Good

The Los Angeles indie rock band The Wild Young Hearts has a great sound that will remind some right away of Weezer, which the band listed as one of their biggest musical influences. But they are not simply a copy-cat band of the Weezer sound (we’ve heard plenty of those over the years); instead they make it their own with elements of Sonic Youth and Pavement intertwined on songs like “U R,” (a recent IRC Song of The Day) with its part whimsical, part swagger, aided by melodic, hook-happy guitars, and an angling lead guitar riff that loops throughout the otherwise slow, ambling track.

TWYH’s second single, “Broken,” from the just released album, Feel Good, is more serious and somber. It tells the story of a cancer diagnosis of the story teller’s lover, who eventually dies within six months; thus the title, “Broken.” The song picks up into a rising, almost celebratory chorus (as the story teller realizes he must move on) at the end, with the following verses:

We cannot change
what’s already broken
and I cant just wait around
for a dream that wont’ come true

We cannot change
what’s already spoken
if I could babe
you know I would
trade it all
for another night with you

The band, just formed last year, includes Robb Laffoon (vocals, guitar); Justin Norman (guitar); Garrett Warren (bass), and Kevin Pintado (drums). In addition to Weezer, the band members listed their other musical influences to include The Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen, Blink 182, Against Me!, and The Menzingers.

“U R“ – The Wild Young Hearts from Feel Good

“Broken“ – The Wild Young Hearts from Feel Good

Music Video: I Just Wanna Go Home

The Wild Young Hearts on Facebook

Starar – Time Under We

This post highlights two sibling duos. The first is the impressive London indie rock/shoegaze band Starar. Formed in 2009, the duo consists of Jenna Starar (guitars, keyboards, vocals) and Steven Starar (drums, bass, vocals). Growing up together in the same house, the sister-brother duo were fans of singer/songwriters like Jackson Brown, Paul Simon, Bruce Hornsby and Marc Cohn. They are also fans of modern day artists like Haim, Bon Iver, Sigur Ros and The Bear’s Den.

Styling themselves after classic rock and pop acts of the 70s and 80s, and a newer generation of indie/alternative artists, each write their own songs which they record together. The results on incredibly catchy, hook-filled tracks like “Time Under We” and the softer, more sentimental, “Holding Our For The One,” demonstrate that Starar are just too good to be another under-the-radar indie band.

In fact, in London, they are pretty well known and have amassed over 37,000 ‘followers’ (Likes) on Facebook. The numerous genres that inform the music of the Starar siblings, like jazz, shoegaze and rock, are apparent in their growing discography. They’ve also performed at various venues around the U.K., including the swanky Park Plaza Westminster and the downbeat pubs and clubs of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. Now it’s time for Starar to grow a U.S. following.

“Time Under We“ – Starar from Time Under We – April 5th
The official music video: “Time Under We”

“Holding Out For The One“ – Starar from Time Under We

Starar on Facebook

ness – A Second to Think

During the hazy Long Island summer of 2013, 21-year-old Jesse Weisberg (vocals, keys, drums) and Ethan Peck(guitar, key, bass, drums) formed the DIY alternative folk/indie pop band ness, modeling their sound after musical influences like Coldplay, Frightened Rabbit, Vampire Weekend, alt-J, The National, and Passion Pit.

A few months prior, Peck, who was already writing songs, heard Weisberg singing while playing RockBand on the PlayStation and convinced him to start playing the guitar and singing more seriously. That was the catalyst for the two to begin recording together.

A year later, the duo had picked up a following, and by the fall of 2014, they were playing gigs at renowned New York City venues like The Studio at Webster Hall, Bowery Electric, Rockwood Music Hall, and Pianos. In January, Ness dropped their debut EP, A Second to Think.

“Our EP was recorded at home on a laptop,” Peck said. “It might not be perfect, but it sounds like what it is: a couple of kids experimenting on a laptop – to a certain extent, we’re proud of it that way,” he added. “What ness lacks in talent and audio knowledge, we hope to make up for in songwriting chemistry and creativity. The goal has always been simply to elicit emotion.” We don’t agree that the duo lacks talent, as anyone can hear for themselves on songs like the uptempo mandolin strumming, reverb-heavy vocalsof the first single, “Behind The Couch” and the emotive track, “Walls,” that builds up, flourishes and then bubbles down.

Ness’ music is original, compelling, and reverb-heavy acoustic pop with uptempo mandolins, twinkling xylophone notes, and light beats. Keep an eye on these guys! You can listen to the entire EP via the duo’s official website.

<a href="https://indierockcafe.comwp-content/uploads/Behind%20the%20Couch.mp3">“Behind the Couch“</a>   - <strong>ness</strong> from   <em>A Second to Think</em> - Jan. 21st  

“Walls“ – ness from A Second to Think

ness on Facebook

Ordinary Van – Ordinary Van

Over the past decade, more and more music lovers, not just in Europe, but increasingly in the U.S., have come to appreciate, and seek out, more ambient rock than in years previous. So it’s no surprise that ambient rock bands are in demand. Filling some of that demand is Ordinary Van, a DIY ambient post-rock band from Fort Wayne, Indiana, which actually started out as a recording project of singer/songwriter Paul Bates and multi-instrumentalist Ryan Holquist in 2011.

OV’s songs are best described as lo-fi, dreamy, melodic rock dominated by Bates’ understated, soft vocals, and ringing electric guitars from Holquist and guitarist Charlie Davis, backed by the mean beats and crashing cymbals of drummer Chris Leonard right through the crescendo on songs like “Tidal” and “Armadillo.” The band has opened for artists like Water Liars and Heaven’s Gateway Drugs, and count among their major musical influences Radiohead, The El Camino, Sigur Rós, John Vanderslice, and Death Cab for Cutie.

Ordinary Van released the self-titled EP with the help of acclaimed electronic artist Onewayness, who is actually Ryan’s brother Adam Holquist. The songs were adapted and recorded with Davis and Leonard in order to achieve the full band sound they originally envisioned as a duo.

“Armadillo“ – Ordinary Van from Ordinary Van

“Tidal“ – Ordinary Van from Ordinary Van

Ordinary Van official website

Pelicat – Pelicans and Rainbows EP

From Norway, the DIY indie pop rock duo, Pelicat, co-helmed by Andreas Kase (vocals, guitars) and Mads Johansen (drums, backing vocals), deliver sensual, dreamy hooks and melodies peppered with brief transitions of psych pop, as evident on the love song, “Who You Are.” With a similar dreamy, melodic hook, the second single, “Head to Rome,” is a metaphor from the perspective of a lover who is tired of fighting and suggests to his ‘other half’ to ‘head to Rome’ and to understand that a relationship takes work, as in “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” They sound somewhat like their Scottish role models, Belle and Sebastian, whether intentionally or not.

Based on how tight they sound, who would know that they’ve only officially been a unit since the first of the year. “We gathered for the first time in a cabin on January 1st with a lot of instruments, a tape recorder, and a few bottles of wine,” said bassist and keyboardist Jonas Rhode-Moe.

Three days later, he added, a newly formed trio emerged with three new demos. “Now, only three months later, we have already released two songs on Soundcloud, and both of them have been played quite a bit on Norwegian national radio. We focus on the fun in making music, and we hope that reaches out to the listener as well.”

The forth-coming debut EP, Pelicans and Rainbows will drop in June. Kase and Johansen, accomplished musicians at a young age, have opened for artists like Crystal Fighters, The Kooks, Xzibit, and ++ in their previous bands. Pelicat identifies top music influences as Unknown Mortal Orchestra, POND, Mac Demarco, and Tame Impala.

“Who You Are“ – Pelicat from Pelicans and Rainbows

“Head to Rome“ – Pelicat from Pelicans and Rainbows

Elder Flower – Caribou

Just like Pelicat, the Swedish band Elder Flower, talk about their formation in almost matter-of-fact, simplistic terms. “Based in rural Sweden, we met, and we started to play.” That’s pretty much all they gave us.

The band members – Josephine Bodén (vocals); Kalle Widén (guitar); Annie Persson (synth); Rasmus Andersson (bass), and Daniel Hägg (drums) – fashion themselves after bands like Mew, Little Dragon, Robyn, and Bosnian Rainbows. As members of bands other than Elder Flower, the musicians have shared the stage with artists like Peter Bjorn and John, Sugarplum Fairy, and The Sounds.

“Forest“ – Elder Flower from Caribou

“Caribou“ – Elder Flower from Caribou

Elder Flower on Facebook

The Mondanes – Freeze Out

In 2014, five young musicians in Gothenburg, Sweden, with a common interest in musical styles like indie rock, folk, pop and Americana, got together and formed The Mondanes. After performing in venues around the city, they entered the studio to record their debut EP, Freeze Out, which dropped in March. Over a few “intense days” in the studio, the band recorded a ‘live’ set, without too many takes or intricate mixing, we’re told, in order to “capture the living, genuine vibe that only music performed live can offer.”

The result is a fantastic EP brimming with energetic pop and catchy hooks. The EP entered and remained in the Swedish Top 10 Album Charts on iTunes for a number of weeks following its release. Once the young band’s music gets circulated more around the U.S., and especially if they come over to tour, they’re bound to grow a U.S. following.

The band members include Jonas Ben Rahmoun (guitar and vocals), Jonathan Ryberg (bass, vocals), Nicolas Velasquez (guitar), Love Nurmi (drums,vocals), and Karl-Johan Gydell (guitar, vocals). Some of their favorite bands include The Beatles, The Kinks, The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, The Beach Boys, The Band, and First Aid Kit.

“Silver Spoon“ – The Mondanes from Freeze Out – Feb. 22nd

“Violet Gun“ – The Mondanes from Freeze Out

The Mondanes on Facebook

Maven – Staring At Eastern Lights

Maven is a post-rock/ambient instrumental band from France who we think are making strides to become a band to watch in France and beyond. The two dreamy and calming tracks — “The Hymn of Her Innocence” and “Fragility of Life” — interrupted by moments of soaring guitars and synths, from their latest release, Staring At Eastern Lights, are simply fantastic and a must-hear for fans of ambient rock. It’s impossible to miss the clues in these compositions that demonstrate that all four band members are sailing along the same beautiful and thrilling trip.

You may find yourself agreeing with guitarist Alex Dupy‘s description of the band’s music: “Each song is a mixture of dense atmospheres, ambient soundscapes, aerial and captivating melodies followed by explosives and epic rises,” he says. “We hope this EP will transport you through the same range of emotions that we had creating it.”

We can only imagine how amazing this band would sound at an outdoor concert on a warm August night with an amazing light show behind them. Ordinary Van has opened for bands like Lymbyc Systym, Kerretta, and God Is An Astronaut, and their musical inspirations include Mogwai, Caspian, and Explosions in the Sky.

“The Hymn Of Her Innocence“ – Maven from Staring At Eastern Lights

“Fragility Of Life“ – Maven from Staring At Eastern Lights

Maven on Facebook

Aether Street – Lock Your Guns Up

Aether Street is a new Reno-based indie electronic duo featuring brothers Aaron (guitar, vocals) and Daniel Sion (drums, vocals, production), who are just 21 and 24 years old, respectively. As former members of the regionally popular band, CRVSH (aka ‘Crush’), the Sions already have more than 200 west coast gigs – in cities like Reno, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles – under their belts with their previous band.

After dabbling for some time in genres like rock, hip-hop and EDM, the duo has honed a new radio and festival-friendly sound that mixes electronic production with orchestral rock and two-part vocal harmonies. On stage, the brothers use nothing more than a laptop, two microphones, drums and a guitar. Daniel cues samples from the computer, and keeps the beats on a small, three-piece drum kit, while Aaron strums away on a translucent electric guitar — both the drums and guitar light up in a display of colors synchronized to the drum beats, samples and guitar notes.

Their new single, dropped in March, is “Lock Your Guns Up.” They recently opened at the Knitting Factory in Reno for RAC before their big Coachella appearance last month. They have also opened for 3OH!3 and Dev. Their biggest musical influences are The Beatles, Bjork, Queen, Nirvana, and Bob Dylan.

“Lock Your Guns Up“ – Aether Street from Lock Your Guns Up – Single – March 23rd

“Lock Your Guns Up” video

Aether Street on Facebook

More Than Skies – More Than Skies

Started in 2006, More Than Skies, based in Huntington, New York, is an indie folk rock band that songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Adam James Tomlinson (bass, guitar, piano) founded after realizing that his other musical projects were not compatible with the sound he was looking for. So he formed a band around the music he has been writing.

His nasally voice reminds us a lot of an Artist of the Week musician we have featured in the past, Joel Strauss. But just like Strauss, the nasal aspect of the vocals is not a bad thing – just the opposite. On the song, “White Pine Way,” angular, ascending guitar notes, brisk drumming and thumping bass blend to create an almost ambient folk sound. The second single from More Than Skies self-titled double LP, “Euphoria,” is a lazy, drifting track that meanders through slide guitars, gentle drumming and understated bass until it builds up into a subtle climax and almost as quickly fades into the ending like a camp fire that flares one last time before it smolders into just a few glowing ambers.

More Than Skies previous releases include an EP, The Liar, The Puppet, The Fox, and a full length album entitled I Am Only Above The Ground. The following artists participated in the recording of the new album: Phil Corso (drums); Jiliane Russo (cello); Dylan Ebrahimian (violin); Derek Smith (guitar); Darrell Cheng (lap steel guitar); Chris Polzella (percussion); and Emily Lazio and Stephanie Tolino (backup vocals).

The band has opened for artists like John Nolan and Laura Stevenson. Their musical influences include Elliott Smith, The Beatles, Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s, Sharon Van Etten, David Bazan, and Joel T Hamilton.

“White Pine Way“ – More Than Skies from More Than Skies – Feb. 28th

“Euphoria“ – More Than Skies from More Than Skies

More Than Skies official website

Bad & The Ugly – Slept In The Pages

The name of the San Diego folk band Bad & The Ugly might give you some kind of mental image, but don’t let it mislead you. The band has a sound similar to groups like City and Colour or Thrice with a unique twist of dark acoustic overtones, hook-heavy melodies and introspective lyrics. Bad & The Ugly has been on the radar in San Diego since the release of their debut EP Skin and Bones in October of 2013.

Although Bad & The Ugly are a relatively new band, vocalist Nate Hess and bass player Tyler Ferguson are no newbies to the scene, having both played in the hardcore band A Shattered Hope. ASH toured the US numerous times and were even booked for a while on The Vans Warped Tour.

The duo joined Tarvis Keane on guitar, Derek Michael Hudson on drums and Eric Hesse on the slide guitar to record their sophomore EP, Slept In The Pages. The change in musical direction for Hess and Ferguson is apparent – from loud, chaotic rock to an almost cinematic folk pop sound, Bad & The Ugly have opened for bands like Howlin’ Rain, Buffalo Killers, Soft White Sixties, and include among their top music influences Grizzly Bear, City and Colour, Polyenso, and Mortal Orchestra.

“Dead Body“ – Bad & The Ugly from Slept In The Pages March 31st

“Can’t Shake The Daze“ – Bad & The Ugly from Slept In The Pages

Bad & The Ugly on Facebook

Jeremy & Lynne- Drawing Blood

Folk, roots duo Jeremy & Lynne, from Minster, Ohio, weave soft, melancholy acoustic guitar with whimsical lyrics and gentle vocals on songs like “Inside My Head” and “4am” . The duo’s songs have been described by listeners as “a folk/Americana/punk hybrid in the DIY tradition; the lyrical content is the focal point of all the original songs. Delving into the familiar territory of a life lived, relationships and past success and regrets, the music through the filter of both artists attempts to take on a life of its own.”

Longtime friends, Jeremy Siegrist (guitar, vocals) and Lynne Baker (guitar, mandolin, vocals), decided to start writing, demoing and recording songs in 2012, official formed as a duo last year and dropped their debut, Drawing Blood, in March. Jeremy & Lynne’s favorite artists include Bon Iver, Jason Isbell, DBT, Frank Tuner, Neil Young and Lucero.

DIY and indie music, Siegrist writes, is “music that falls outside of the radio, media juggernaut; music as art and expression from people around the world who might never be noticed otherwise.”

“Inside My Head“ – Jeremy & Lynne from Drawing Blood

“4am“ – Jeremy & Lynne from Drawing Blood

Jeremy & Lynne on Facebook

It’s already the first week of April and the DIY releases are piling up. So far, we’ve released two installments of the Best New DIY Music of 2015, and they’ve been a huge hit with our listeners, subscribers and other music lovers around the globe, accumulating tens of thousands of page views and hundreds of Likes and Tweets. After filtering through tons of submissions, we’re happy to deliver to you Volume III of this popular DIY music discovery series.

Stay tuned – much more is coming up, including the Top 10 Songs playlists for March; A Guide to the Best of Record Store Day; Best New Album Releases of 2015 (from signed bands); 5 DIY Album Debuts You’ve Gotta Hear; 5 DIY Bands to Watch, and a new volume of 5 Bands That Rock. You might also want to check out recent installments of other popular features like Artist of the Week and the six-part series, Top DIY Songs & Albums of 2014.

[zbplayer]

In This Issue:

Pet Politics – Gothenburg, Sweden
Bud Collins Trio – Mansfield Center, Connecticut
Lascaux – Rouen, France
Babbling April – Dayton, Ohio
Hard Soul – Albany, New York
Forensics – London, England
Stella Got – Israel
Drew Gibson – Washington, D.C.
Virgin Mary Pistol Grips – Omaha, Nebraska
HAPPY good – Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Elad Eyni – Rishon Lezion, Israel
Atrium of The Fall – Topanga, California
Fringes – Ormond Beach, Florida
Russell Joslin – London, England
Dan Zdilla – Lanchester, Pennsylvania
Doug Balmain – Laramie, Wyoming
No Body – Olympia, Washington

Pet Politics is the former one man band of Gothenburg, Sweden musician Magnus Larsson, active from 2005 through 2008. Drawing from his top musical influences like Sonic Youth, Pavement, Flaming Lips and Silver Jews, Larsson captured our ears with his incredibly melodic and jangly guitar riffs, measured drum beats and bass lines , and his slightly out-of-tune vocals and double-dubbed choruses on standout tracks like “The Ghost Mary and Her Friends” and “Taken Away By Aliens,” off of Pet Politics compilation album, simply titled 2005-2008, released in February.

“The Ghost Mary and Her Friends“ – Pet Politics from 2005-2008

“Taken Away by Aliens“ – Pet Politics from 2005-2008

The Bud Collins Trio’s DIY Drop, JimTom

Located in Mansfield Center, Connecticut, the Bud Collins Trio first came together in 1987, and not long after were featured in the popular MTV show Basement Tapes. That of course opened up doors for the DIY band as they toured extensively throughout the 1990s, opening for artists like Bob Mould, Maceo Parker, and Blues Traveler. In 2009, the band reformed after a decade hiatus. The band’s sounds showcase a mixture of various styles and genres swirling and crashing and blending, including melodic pop, tropical, jazz and psych rock. Song themes range from pop culture to love. In February, BCT released a new album, JimTom, the terrifically entertaining, mesmerizing and unforgettable musical journey, and the follow-up to the November release of Jimmy Tom. Stream more songs on the BCT Soundcloud page. It’s no surprise that the band members are fans of artists like XTC, Flaming Lips, Brian Wilson, Pink Floyd, Steely Dan and Elvis Costello.

“As Far as Ziskos“ – Bud Collins Trio from JimTom

“Captain Rainbow“ – Bud Collins Trio

Bud Collins Trio on Facebook

Lascaux – Losing Sleep

Lascaux is an unsigned indie power pop/rock quartet from Rouen, France that booted up in 2011 when a group of musician friends decided to take their shot at writing and recording their own songs. As big fans of 1980’s pop and rock, Lascaux forges a large sound with deep percussions from Grégoire Mainot , jangling guitars from Victor Moignard, twinkling keys from Martin Lefebvre and splendid vocals by front man Clément Durand. The band members recorded their debut album, Losing Sleep, at the U.K.’s prestigious Chapel Studio. The result is eight tracks of catchy, hook-filled pop. Lascaux won a musical contest in France that placed them as the opening band for alternative rock giants Dinosaur Jr. and Texas. Their debut album, Losing Sleep was released on February 16th. The band’s most influential artists include The Sound, Depeche Mode, Kasabian, and The Strokes.

“Daydream“ – Lascaux from Losing Sleep

“Vice Hotel“ – Lascaux from Losing Sleep

Lascaux on Facebook

“Reflect” YouTube video

Babbling April – Babbling April EP

Starting out as a one-man band project of Dayton, Ohio bassist Dave New last year, Babbling April was joined by drummer Stephen Yokley, and for live shows, Lee Wise and Vivi Machi on vocals, guitar, bass and keyboards. Machi’s warm and sweet vocals, layered shoegaze-like guitars and keys, along with New’s bass thumping and Yokley’s forceful drumming on the single, “Sunny Day Records,” are phenomenal for a lo-fi track. A great producer could take that single, and the riff-heavy, punk/new wave track, “Girl I’ma Babe,” and really make them even better. The band dropped their self-titled debut EP DIY-style on February 13th.

Babbling April was featured on Noisetrade‘s ‘New and Notable Artists’ page. They’ve opened for artists like Bailiff, The Receiver, Narrow/Arrow, New Vega, and Blond, and their musical influences include Yo La Tengo, Built To Spill, White Denim, and Broken Social Scene. “Indie rock,” New said, “is the new folk music – people making music they love by the means they have available and sharing it with their friends and communities.”

“Sunny Day Records“ – Babbling April from Babbling April EP

“Girl Ima Babe“ – Babbling April from Babbling April EP

Babbling April on Facebook

Hard Soul – Fairer Shores

Hard Soul is a DIY rock and power pop band from Albany, New York band who’ve dropped a new release every year since their formation in 2011. The band has performed in venues throughout the northeast and built a small, but loyal, following. Hard Soul’s new Kickstarter-funded EP, Fairer Shores, dropped on February 24th, features standout tracks like “The Sweetest Heart” and the title track. The band has opened for Brick and Mortar and The Zombies, and draw from musical influences like Oasis, Thin Lizzy and The Beatles. The band members are Johnny Salka on vocals and lead guitar; Nick Kossor and Steve ‘The Dome’ Thompson on guitar; Ryan Klaeysen on bass; Mark Podbielski on drums.

“The Sweetest Heart“ – Hard Soul from Fairer Shores

“Fairer Shores“ – Hard Soul from Fairer Shores

Forensics – Charlotte’s Web

Forensics is a DIY London quartet that favors reverb-heavy and angling guitars as is evident on the band’s latest single, Charlotte’s Web. The band is releasing a series of singles throughout the year.

“Charlottes Web“ – Forensics from Charlotte’s Web

Stella Got – Wounded Ladies

Israeli artist Stella Got released her solo debut LP, Wounded Ladies, featuring the urgent, meddling and grey song, “Like A Rope.” Got has opened for artists like Gary Numan and Rockfour, and is also a member of the band Bill & Murray.

“Like A Rope“ – Stella Got from Wounded Ladies

Drew Gibson – 1532

From his base in Washington, D.C., musician Drew Gibson has spent the last 20 years recording and releasing indie rock and acoustic folk music DIY-style. Gibson’s latest album, 1532, features heartfelt indie folk rock tracks like “Bettie-Jane” and the driving beats and steel guitar licks of “Hallow Flood of Wounds.”

“Bettie-Jane“– Drew Gibson from 1532

“Hallow Flood of Wounds“ – Drew Gibson from 1532

Releases from DIY Artists Virgin Mary Pistol Grip, Elad Eyni, and HAPPY good

Virgin Mary Pistol Grip is a rock band from Omaha whose recent self-released, self-titled album spawned their first single, “Whiskey Flats,” which has been spun on radio stations throughout the Midwest. HAPPY good is David Speakman, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania based artist who loves tomatoes, black-capped Chickadees and many things unconventional. His musical influences include Junip, Telekinesis, Lupen Crook, and Tom Waits. The electro-sludge, as he calls it, is apparent on the single, “Electric Cigarette.” Other releases include Elad Eyni, a one-man alt. rock band from Israel with a track, “Catch The Sun,” from his Feb. 15th debut EP, Memories From The Kingdom Garden.

“Whiskey Flats“ – Virgin Mary Pistol Grip from Virgin Mary Pistol Grip – Feb. 3rd

“Catch The Sun“ – Elad Eyni from Memories From The Kingdom Garden – Feb. 15th

“Electric Cigarette“ – HAPPY good from single – Feb. 12th

Atrium of The Fall – Machines and Matriarchs

Topanga, California’s Tool-inspired DIY alt. rock band, Atrium of The Fall (all ex-music business professionals) chime in with the singles, “The Chancellor” and “El Dorado” from the debut LP, Machines and Matriarchs.

“The Chancellor“ – Atrium of The Fall from Machines and Matriarchs

“El Dorado“ – Atrium of The Fall from Machines and Matriarchs

Dan Zdilla – Behold and Lo

The mellow waviness of pop mixed with country embellishments like watching tumbleweeds dance in the sunlight is how we think of the advanced singles, “It’s Alright” and “As It Begins” from the debut solo album from Lancaster, Pennsylvania musician, songwriter and vocalist Dan Zdilla. He makes no bones about the fact that he’s a “sucker for a good melody.” Over the past few years, Zdilla has performed in and around his home city. On April 21, he will release his debut solo album, Behold and Lo. He is performing the songs from the album with help from drummer Paul Murr; keyboardist Matt Thomas; bassist Mike Bitts, and guitarist Chad Kinsey, the same folks that Zdilla recorded the album with.

“Behold and Lo nods to pop-rock of years past; while still sounding relevant to our generation of music-heads,” he says, “it’s inspired by melodic greats like The Beatles and The Kinks as well as more soulful artists like Paul Simon and Van Morrison.” Other influential artists and bands that inform his musical palate include Jimmy Cliff, RX Bandits, Cheers Elephant and Elvis Costello.

“Its Alright“ – Dan Zdilla from Behold and Lo

“As It Begins“ – Dan Zdilla from Behold and Lo

Dan Zdilla official website

Fringes – Antoonos EP

In 2012, four high school buddies from Ormond Beach, Florida got together and formed the alternative rock band Fringes. In February, the band dropped their energetic and edgy alt rock debut EP, Antoonos. In 2014, Fringes performed at nearly a dozen festivals and venues throughout central Florida, winning first place at the Granada Grand Festival‘s battle of the bands event. Two singles from their debut EP, “My Friends From New York” and “Here” demonstrate the band’s out-of-the-gate talents and prospects. Band members include guitarist and vocalist Max Haberman; drummer Gio Barreto; bassist Travis Hanson and lead guitarist Greyson Rayos. “Indie rock,” Hanson writes, “is about experimentation of instrument techniques, song structures, digital mastering, and musical freedom.” Fringes’ musical influences include Nirvana, The Black Keys, The Orwells, Alice in Chains, Led Zeppelin, and The Strokes.

“My Friends From New York“ – Fringes from Antoonos – Feb. 15th

“Here“ – Fringes from Antoonos

Fringes on Facebook

Russell Joslin – Harlequins

Based in London, singer/songwriter Russell Joslin is, according to the BBC, “living proof of how fresh, vigorous and abrasive an acoustic songwriter can and should be in the 21st century.” Born and raised in the countryside of Wiltshire, he moved to London as a young adult to pursue his music career and was quickly noticed in the competitive music scene and booked to tour with artists like The Early Years, Scouting for Girls and Dot Allison.

In 2009, he released his solo album, Dream Token, that received wide praise from the press and bloggers – “an album of eloquent beauty” wrote ThisisfakeDIY and “a much needed gust of fresh air into the British folk scene” added Subba-Cultcha. That was followed up with his sophomore album in 2011. In February, after a two-year hiatus performing with the band High Windows, Russell dropped his third solo album, Harlequins, featuring songs like “What A Waste” and the Nick Drake-like, “Pittsburgh It Is.” His musical influences include Nick Cave, Death Grips, Two Gallants, and Bob Dylan.

“What a Waste“ – Russell Joslin from Harlequins

“Pittsburgh It Is“ – Russell Joslin from Harlequins

Doug Balmain – Burnin’ Both Ends

From Laramie, Wyoming, solo rock musician Doug Balmain self-released his latest album, Burnin’ Both Ends, on March 3rd. As a fan of bands like The Stone Foxes, Oasis and Ryan Adams, the diversification of his tastes are evident on funky songs like “Bad Habits” and the title track.

“Bad Habits“ – Doug Balmain from Burnin’ Both Ends

“Burnin Both Ends“ – Doug Balmain from Burnin’ Both Ends

No Body – Deep Ocean Empty Wave

Formed in 2013, Olympia, Washington, the DIY band No Body knocks out grungy experimental rock on their new album, Deep Ocean Empty Wave. The band members are Issac Scott, Kevin Loughlin, and Josh Wolf. Their musical influences include Colleen Green, Women, METZ, Deerhunter, and Ava Luna.

“Always Moving Never Reaches“ – No Body from Deep Ocean Empty Wave – March 7th

“Deep Ocean Empty Wavve“ – No Body from Deep Ocean Empty Wave

  </p>

Help support the DIY and indie move by donating to IRC

This second installment of the Best New DIY of 2015 features a wide diversity of unsigned artists and bands with brand new singles, EPs and albums out now that you’re not likely to hear anywhere else but on IRC. From Brooklyn and Austin to Brisbane and Manchester, the artists and bands in this new playlist post of the best new DIY run the gamut from riff-tearing rock and glittery synth pop to spiraling psychedelic and acoustic folk.

In This Issue

Empire Machines – Austin, Texas
Silas Fermoy – Brooklyn, New York
Voir Voir – Bethelem, Pennsylvania
ONFIILM – Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Modern Chair – Auckland, New Zealand
Them Bruins – Melbourne, Australia
DROLL – Boise, Idaho
Disco Fiasco – Oulu, Finland
Selina George – Rockville, Maryland
Concetta Abbate – New York City
Greg Chiapello – Brisbane, Australia

[zbplayer]

Empire Machines – Animal Skin EP

Empire Machines is a four piece indie rock outfit from the band-saturated, musical breeding ground of Austin. Founded in 2009, the band first gained recognition in the competitive environment of the Texan state capital in 2011 with the release of their self-titled debut EP. We were among the first blogs to feature the band back then. Fast-forward to 2015. Without realizing that we had nearly forgotten about them (it’s easy, alas, to forget about bands we love because we hear so many in the course of a year), Empire Machines dropped their follow-up EP, Animal Skin, on February 3rd.

While the three-track Animal Skin has flown largely under the radar just about everywhere else, it clearly reminds us of why we dig the band’s blend of heavily distorted, yet blazing, guitar riffs, catchy alternative rock rhythms, dark psychedelic tones, and big-sounding drums paired with minimalistic melodies on singles like “The Plan” and the EP’s title track.

“I think indie rock spans a bunch of different styles of rock, usually with a tendency to take more creative routes and sounds,” lead vocalist and guitarist Matt Blackwell said. Other band members include Trey McKinley on bass; Matt Reynolds on drums, and Bruce Smith Jr. on lead guitar.

“The Plan“ – Empire Machines from Animal Skin EP

“Animal Skin“ – Empire Machines from Animal Skin EP

Opened For: None provided
Musical Influences: Radiohead, The Beatles, Cage the Elephant, Spoon, and Arctic Monkeys
Twitter handle: @Empire_Machines
Empire Machines on Facebook

Silas Fermoy – Clouds That Dropped You

After moving from London to California when he was only 16, DIY songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Joshua Mash immediately got involved with producing hip hop music in the west. Four years later, he made the cross-continental move to Brooklyn where he began writing songs and playing the guitar. Soon after, he created Silas Fermoy and recruited band members for live shows. With the release of his first EP, Chapters, in 2012, he toured the United States, making a stop in Austin to perform at South By Southwest.

Fast forward to last summer – Mash found himself with a number of new songs that he was eager to get into the studio and record. He recruited former Elefant drummer Kevin Mcadams and producer Jason Cummings (who also played guitar and bass on the EP) of The Cutting Room Studios. That was the starting point for his new EP, Clouds That Dropped You, which features uptempo, melodic pop hooks with dance beats floating on top of warm synths on songs like “Passed Time” and “Feet Wont’ Keep You,” that you’ll find are difficult to get out of your head. His sophomore EP was dropped on February 27th.

“Passed Time“ – Silas Fermoy from Clouds That Dropped You

“Feet Won’t Keep You“ – Silas Fermoy from Clouds That Dropped You

Opened For: Hunter Hunted, Various Cruelties
Musical Influences: The Mary Onettes, Stars, Beach House, Blonde Redhead, The Stills, Delta Spirit
Twitter handle: @Silasfermoy
Silas Fermoy on Facebook

“Indie rock is music that doesn’t follow the basic rules or guidelines of what typical rock should be; it’s produced with an edge and not pulling on the typical strings of “baby left me”/”baby came back”. – Joshua Mash

Voir Voir – There Are No Good Goodbyes

Voir Voir started after it began. In the creativity-fertile Lehigh Valley town of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, April and Matt Molchany discovered a fitting respite from their previous bands and the summer heat in 2012, writing and practicing songs together, and incorporating tones and textures that were part of their natural and artificial surroundings. The couple’s work remained under wraps even though they drew inspiration from the local DIY music scene.

By 2013, they had recruited a couple of other band members and began recording and performing their demos live after being billed to open for touring bands like Drowners, Slingshot Dakota, and Lewis & Clarke. It was during these performances that the band realized they were moving in the right direction. Thus, they self-released their debut album, There Are No Good Goodbyes, in February. The raw energy and musicianship, the passion and the talent of the DIY band is evident on ‘slacker rock’ songs like the title track and their first single, “I Wanna.”

“I Wanna“ – Voir Voir from There Are No Good Goodbyes – Feb .27th

“There Are No Good Goodbyes“ – Voir Voir from There Are No Good Goodbyes

Opened For: Drowners, Slingshot Dakota, Lewis & Clarke
Musical Influences: Built to Spill, The Pixies, Elliot Smith, Modest Mouse, Pavement
Voir Voir on Facebook

ONFIILM – Shade Single

ONFIILM is a new DIY post punk duo from Ottawa, Canada, founded by musicians Jordan Craig (vocals, guitar, violin) and Aaron Sager-Yung (guitar) in 2014. At first spin of their new, seven-minute blazing track, “Shade,” it’s not out of the realm of probability that some listeners could think they might be listening to a previously unreleased demo from Jane’s Addiction. But it’s not. It’s ONFIILM.

The pair make no bones about their long-time admiration of Jane’s Addiction’s big, electrifying trademark sound. Nor should they. ONFIILM’s sound is a mix of post punk, shoe gaze, psych rock, and what they call ‘abrasive blues.’ The result is a highly charged sound that the guys contend takes “the listener down a dirty, but sparkling, intergalatic black hole, and into a magical plane of shoe gaze psychedelia. The lyrics are terrestrial, but the vibe is extra. ”

The band released the “Shade” single on February 12th and are preparing to drop their debut EP something in the next few months. In the meantime, the band also sent us a raw, live and unreleased track, “The Good Ones.”

“Shade“ – ONFIILM from Shade 7″

“The Good Ones“ – ONFIILM

Opened For: Country, Alpha Strategy
Musical Influences: Jane’s Addiction, Spacemen 3, Brian Jonestown Massacre, and Black Angels
Twitter handle: @onfiilm
ONFIILM on Facebook

Modern Chair – Tokyo Compression EP

From the mysterious world of New Zealand, rock veterans Wayne Bell and Andrew Thorne recently released a three-track EP, Tokyo Compression, as the newly-formed band Modern Chair, which has demonstrated that these aging-gracefully gents can certainly rock and roll, as evident on the EP’s raucous title track, and the follow-up single, “Vampire Squid.”

After many years of performing on albums and on tour with New Zealand rock royalty such as Tim Finn, Dave Dobbyn, Bic Runga and Gin Wigmore – opening for artists and bands like Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, The Cure, and Paul McCartney – Bell and Thorne are also studio owners with a long list of TV, commercial and session work to their credit.

“But that’s not necessarily real music,” Thorne said. “Music to me is doing things purely because you like the noise. A Les Paul through some fuzz pedal into an old AC30 [amp] melting your face just feels good.”

Bell chimes in, adding: “We wanted to do something big and driving [with Modern Chair]…if called upon, both of us can play some fairly fiddly stuff on our respective instruments. But, at this stage, that’s pretty much redundant. What’s ultimately satisfying is a groove or a melody that gets stuck in your ear and a band that makes you feel like you’ve arrived home. The modern age seems to be about celebrating individuals in ‘art’. I’d like to think Modern Chair is about celebrating the art in individuals.”

That’s certainly what Auckland‘s newest hard rock duo have achieved with Tokyo Compression. The fuzzy guitar riffs, gritty vocals, scuzzy bass playing, and big-sounding drums are exactly what the duo were aiming for. The EP was recorded and released within two months (during New Zealand’s summer).

“Tokyo Compression (Lets Go Tokyo!)“ – Modern Chair from Tokyo Compression – Feb. 18th

“Vampire Squid“ – Modern Chair from Tokyo Compression

Opened For: None yet; but in previous bands – Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, The Cure, Paul McCartney
Musical Influences: Tom Petty, Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, NIN
Twitter handle: @Modern_Chair
Modern Chair official website
Music Video for ‘Tokyo Compression’

Disco Fiasco – Golden Hats

Stepping out of the shadows of obscurity, Oulu, Finland electro rock dance band Disco Fiasco have been making waves in their home country for the past year now. Formed in 2013, they dropped two EPs in less than two years. Fast-forward to now: these young lads have just released their new hip-shaking track, “Chance to Dance,” the second single from their debut album, Golden Hats, released last month. Increasingly a band to watch in Finland, the DIY quintet performed at Finnish music festivals like Qstock (Oulu, FIN) and Buktafestivalen.

It’s almost impossible not to imagine that the album’s title track – with it’s poppy hooks, lush grooves and flourishing keys – sounds somewhat like an 80’s keyboard rock tune from a band that emulates Devo and Duran Duran. Disco Fiasco features Karri Hurskainen on drums; Topi Kilpinen and Joonas Juntunen on guitar; Santeri Koppelo on vocals, and Jami Myllykoski on bass.

“Chance To Dance“ – Disco Fiasco from Golden Hats

“Golden Hats“ – Disco Fiasco from Golden Hats

Opened For: None yet
Musical Influences: Arctic Monkeys, Two Door Cinema Club, Wombats, Satellite Stories, Metallica
Twitter handle: @disco_fiasco
Disco Fiasco on Facebook

Them Bruins – Them Bruins EP

Born nearly three years ago in Melbourne, Australia, the youthful, hard-hitting, and fast-driving garage rock band, Them Bruins, blaze out of the headphones at 100 miles per hour with a relentless inferno of crunchy, raucous guitar riffs from Ben Woodmason; fuzzy, brooding bass lines from Jimmy Campbell; ferocious drumming from Tim Woodmason and wicked, snarling vocals from Joel Griffith, on noisy, chunky tracks like “Walk The Line” and “Black Widow” from the band’s self-titled debut EP. Paying homage, completely in their own distinct way, to idols like Nirvana, Queens of the Stone Age and The Strokes, Them Bruins are one of the best new overseas DIY rock bands to hit the shores of the United States so far this year, and we can only suspect that they’ll grow in popularity throughout 2015 if all the right pieces fall into place.

“Walk a Line“ – Them Bruins from Them Bruins – Feb. 1st

“Black Widow“ – Them Bruins from Them Bruins

(Watch the “Black Widow“ music video on YouTube)

Opened For: DZ Deathrays, British India, Children Collide, Kingswood, and The Bellrays
Musical Influences: The Strokes, At The Drive In, Bloc Party, Queens of the Stoneage, and Nirvana.
Twitter handle: @ThemBruins
Them Bruins on Facebook

DROLL – A Durty World (The Bedroom Recordings)

Situated in Boise, Idaho, DROLL, is a new ‘anti-folk’ musical project of Storie Grubb (guitar, uke, percussion, vocals and harmonica), featuring Matt Vorhies on accordion. On February 1st, DROLL released the magnificently melancholy debut EP, A Durty World (The Bedroom Recordings).

We have been really moved by Grubb’s intensely emotive vocals, intriguing story-telling and lyrics, and his sublime, folksy acoustic instrumentation that exudes what sounds like a lifetime of sadness and reflection. There’s something undeniably innocent and beautiful in his song craft; in fact, these songs have really stuck with us, and we’ve played them again and again, which has resulted in us liking them more and more with each spin. He is uniquely his own artist, and while he listed musical influences to include Magnetic Fields, Neil Young and Bob Dylan, Grubbs’ stands alone in his own world of musical expression and songwriting.

For example, take into consideration the following verses from the poignant song, “The Land of 2,000 Hands,” which is apparently about a mother who died of a heroin-induced suicide:

Heerrrr-o-in,
She couldn’t come back even if she wanted to…
Momma’s on the window sill,
Cybil’s counting out her pills,
Momma’s thinking, she’s no good for anyone…

“The Land of 2000 Hands“ – DROLL from A Durty World (The Bedroom Recordings)

Prior to dropping A Durty World (The Bedroom Recordings), DROLL unassumingly released a five-track, self-titled EP on January 9th via Facebook, featuring tracks like a ukelele and accordion instrumental, “Ode to Zach,” a Nick Drake-like instrumental, “Sing With Me,” and other deep, heart-breaking ‘anti-folk’ compositions like “Names,” “Paycheck to Paycheck” and “Anything,” the latter with lyrics like “Such a sad, stupid thing to fight/you’re beating on my floor/And there’s the chords you took for Bride(?)/he’s beating down my door/No, I won’t be just another fly for you to eat.”

“Names“ – DROLL from A Durty World (The Bedroom Recordings)

We don’t know if Grubb is channeling Nick Drake and Elliott Smith – legendary, yet tragic, figures of the ‘sombre folk’ genre – but he sure strikes a chord on song after song that has us reminiscing. The preface to the DROLLS EP on Facebook notes: “…if you’ve ever had a broken heart or lost something you love…”

“I’ve been playing in a rock and roll band for the passed four years and wanted to get back to my roots,” Grubb told IRC, adding that DROLL aims to create “simple, lyrical and melodic music that reflects the many ways I feel about life, war, religion and art…and sometimes love.”

“The Gods of Man“ – DROLL from A Durty World (The Bedroom Recordings)

Opened For: None Yet
Musical Influences: Magnetic Fields, Black Francis, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Belle and Sebastian, and Peter Gabriel
DROLL’s on Facebook
Video: An interesting music video for “The Morro Rock, Part One (Like My Father)”.

Selina George – South of The Border

At the age of 20, Rockville, Maryland, singer/songwriter Selina George displays the deep insight and perspective on life that one would expect from someone twice her age. Her gorgeous, yet mysteriously pained, vocals maintain an innocent quality that ironically work well with her lyrics and musicianship. On splendidly beautiful songs like “South of the Border,” George’s lyrics, vocals and musical skills on guitar immediately signal a DIY sensation in the making that is just under the radar, but that we suspect won’t be for long once more people hear her creations. “Who is that?!” we thought, as have other unsuspecting listeners in the cafe. There’s something fitting about the otherwise misplaced samples of exploding fireworks in the background, that intertwine with haunting melodies and lyrics of long distant love denied, that the give the song an arresting allure, while simultaneously conveying the tribulations of an aching heart.

“I speak strictly from the heart, and my songs are very real to me, and everyone who hears them,” George told IRC. “The way I see it, music is my therapy, my release, and my call to action. These songs are my legacy.” George began writing songs and playing guitar when she was 16 years old.

Her musical influences are varied and include artists like Jhene Aiko, The Beatles, Bob Marley, Amy Winehouse, and Pink Floyd. She labels her music in more than one genre – folk, soul, and ‘acoustic mellow.’ On February 21st, George self-released her self-titled debut EP with help from her boyfriend producer, Robin Smith.

“South of the Border“ – Selina George from South of the Border

Opened For: None Yet
Musical Influences: Jhene Aiko, The Beatles, Aluna George, Bob Marley, Amy Winehouse, and Pink Floyd
Twitter handle: @TheSelinaGeorge
Selina George on Facebook

Concetta Abbate – Falling In Time

Calling New York City home, songwriter and singer Concetta Abbate released her debut album, Falling In Time, on February 15th, from which the orchestral pop track, “Thought Thieving Hen,” is taken. It’s a short, but sweet, song track, which is fitting considering the title of the album. The song is also like a tune we could imagine hearing in the Wizard of Oz if the movie were filmed in 2014. There are even more songs – that mix elements of jazz, classical, experimental, pop and electronic – on the album that should be satisfactory to any listeners who are smitten by the single we included in this short review of Abbate’s debut album.

“Thought Thieving Hen“ – Concetta Abbate from Falling In Time, Pocket Sized Songs

Opened For: Archipelago String Quartet, Inti and the Moon, Ember Schrag, Susan Alcorn, Janel and Anthony, Lola and the Wolves
Musical Influences: Bjork, Emiliana Torrini, Karla Khilstedt, Hildegard Von Bingen, Arvo Part
Twitter handle: @concetta.abbate
Concetta Abbate on Facebook

Greg Chiapello – Hot Coffee single

Brisbane musician and Hey Geronimo and Montpelier collaborator, Greg Chiapello, released his debut single “Hot Coffee” on February 4th and announced a national tour of Australia supporting artist Megan Washington.

The joyful track has an addictive charm and hook-heavy chorus, which was one reason it was an IRC Song of the Day. “Hot Coffee” was produced by Brisbane-based producer/session musician Graham Ritchie (Airling, Emma Louise), and engineered by Matt Redlich (Ball Park Music, Hungry Kids Of Hungry, Emma Louise). It’s the perfect tease track for a forthcoming album that we’re looking forward to hearing as soon as it’s dropped.

“Hot Coffee“ – Greg Chiapello from Hot Coffee single

Opened For: Megan Washington
Musical Influences: Babaganoü and Montaigne
Twitter handle: @gregchiapello

Soup – Soup EP

The DIY band, Soup, is a Manchester, England indie psychedelic band that rips a page from Syd Barrett‘s tenure with Pink Floyd before Barrett allegedly “lost his mind” by taking too much LSD and was replaced by Roger Waters. The Barrett channelling, if you will, is most apparent on Soup’s track, “Colour Coded,” from the Soup EP, a five-track “introduction to the full 13-track album” that can be streamed here.

“Had I not been asked to be a guest vocalist on what would have been the first Paris Angels‘ album since the early 90s,” Andy Whitaker, lead vocalist and guitarist said, “this project in it’s current incarnation would have never come about.” After Paris Angels disbanded last year, bassist Oz Cooper and Whitaker continued experimenting in the recording studio, bringing “the mighty Dug McLeod in on drums,” for the recording session. The current Soup line-up includes Oz’s brother, Dan Cooper, on drums, Elliot Wheeler on guitar and Chad Whitaker on keys.

“Colour Coded“ – Soup from Album

Opened For: None yet
Musical Influences: Melody’s Echo Chamber, Miracle Fortress, The Chameleons UK, New Order, Beck, Simeon, Syd Barrett
Twitter handle: @Soupband
Soup on Facebook

Like what you hear on Indie Rock Cafe? You can contribute to the indie and DIY coverage by donating to IRC (and we’ll give you a shoutout on FB and Twitter)

Based on the traffic, Likes, and Tweets of the previous installments of Top DIY Songs & Albums of 2014, you guys want – for at least a little longer – to hear more great DIY music released in 2014. You can stream all of the songs on this page by clicking on the play button of the embedded player below. If you cannot see the player, you can still simply click on the individual songs themselves to stream them on your cell, or download them to your favorite MP3 player.

[zbplayer]

The bands and artists in this volume include (in no particular order):

Jack and The Ripper – Mexico City/San Diego
Mechanical Joints – Chicago/Houston
Monuments – Brooklyn
Hippy Tantrum – Brooklyn
No Sleep For Lucy – Stockholm, Sweden
Time Spills – Salinas, California
Desert Killers – Sao Paulo, Brazil
Joel Strauss – Ontario, Canada
The Crash Bandits – Minneapolis
Kwolek – Boulder, Colorado
Tony Michael Ellis – Los Angeles
Paul McLinden – Glasgow, Scotland

Jack and The Ripper – Jack and The Ripper, Vol. 2

Originally from San Diego and now based in Mexico City, the alternative rock duo Jack and The Ripper consists of two multi-instrumentalist, identical twin brothers – Daniel C. Barbedillo (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards, synth, programming) and David C. Barbedillo (backup vocals, guitar, samples, programming). Formed in 2012, the brothers released their self-titled DIY debut album in June of 2013. As evident on blazing, thumping tracks like “Will You Be Mine” and “Drive Thru Spiritual Awakening,” from their sophomore album, Vol. Two, the Barbedillo brothers are heavily influenced by bands like Brian Jonestown Massacre, Nirvana, Radiohead, HEALTH, Warpaint, and Os Mutantes. Make no mistake out it – these twins grind out vicious, and frenetic buzzsaw riffs and chords, snarling, horsed vocals, psychedelic electronic atmospherics and triumphant percussions that slice and dice for a cathartic sound.

“Will You Be Mine“ – Jack and The Ripper from Jack and The Ripper Vol. 2

“Drive Thru Spiritual Awakening“ – Jack and The Ripper from Jack and The Ripper Vol. 2

Jack and The Ripper official website

Mechanical Joints – Mechanical Joints

After nine years of writing music together long distance by sending sound files back and forth to one another online, two 20-something DIY musician friends decided in 2013 that it was time to record and release their experimental electronic pop debut. The duo’s eponymous LP is something pretty spectacular that more people should hear. The self-titled 2014 release of the debut album from Shawn Wilson (drums, synth, guitar, samples, bass, vocals) of Detroit and Sam Sage (vocals, bass, guitar, synths, drums, samples) of Houston is completely a DIY work – from writing to recording and production.

The results are an amazingly intricate electronic rock album full of machine-like beats and sounds, fuzzy distortion, and mysterious vocals. The duo, influenced by bands like Nine Inch Nails, Sleigh Bells, Portishead, and Aphex Twin, currently live in Chicago where they are hoping to break out on the local, and national, scene. We think they have a damn good shot at doing both.

“Our self-titled debut album was written, recorded, mixed and mastered independently in less than a year,” Wilson said. “Our music could be described as electronic, noisy and occasionally poppy. We totally dig distortion.”

“Insigdifferent“ – Mechanical Joints from Mechanical Joints

“Long Goodbye“ Mechanical Joints from Mechanical Joints

Mechanical Joints on Facebook

“Indie rock is music created without the influence of middlemen, corporations or monetary promise; free art.” – Shawn Wilson

Monuments – Brigadune

The Brooklyn-based DIY indie rock/psychedelic sci-fi band, Monuments, formed in 2006, released its sophomore LP, Brigadune, last spring, consisting of a collection of songs about “paranoia of things falling apart – from slippery/elusive consciousness, to the impermanence of personal relationships, to the creepiness of cults, and the fall of modern civilization.” Oddly enough, and the band claims completely unintentional, the title Brigadune, and the music on it, are surprisingly similar to an old musical called Brigadoon. “The word was just a placeholder title for an instrumental track, but when we Googled it a couple weeks later, there were many similar themes between our album and the musical…[which is] about two New Yorkers who travel to the highlands of Scotland to find a utopic [sic] town that only exists for a day every 100 years.” Monuments features Gabriel Berezin on vocals and guitar; Robby Sinclair on drums, and Grant Zubritsky on bass and synthesizer.

The band has opened for artists and bands like Nina Persson, Field Music, Shooter Jennings, Earl Greyhound, and consider Peter Gabriel, Queens of the Stone Age, Neil Young, Elbow, St. Vincent, and Jeff Buckley among their top influences. Speaking about what indie rock means to the band, Berezin told IRC: “Indie rock is freedom. It’s the label for music that defies category. It allows an artist to incorporate all styles. For us that means jazz, Motown, classic rock, prog rock, Indian music, and classical music. It’s what all music should be: open to all influences, trapped by none.”

“Sole Provider“ – Monuments from Brigadune

“Soon“ – Monuments from Brigadune

Monuments Official Website

Hippy Tantrum – Spadoinkle

Anthony DeMartini is the one man band behind Brooklyn DIY outfit Hippy Tantrum. In addition to writing all of the songs on his 2014 debut EP, Spadoinkle, DeMartini records and mixes the vocals, synths, guitar and percussion to create music he calls “electronic non-pop” rock. “Growing up in Jersey, I’ve had this itch to be a musician for a while, and now I’m looking to scratch out a living in Brooklyn,” DeMartini said. “I created my solo project as an outlet while I was persistently trying to start or join a band. Hippy Tantrum will strive to be unique and experiment with new concepts – like back-up dancers and awkward conversations with parents.” Although we really enjoy the tracks below, it should be noted that Hippy Tantrum doesn’t sound much like DeMartini’s self-professed favorite bands, which include Muse, Radiohead and The Dave Matthews Group.

“Cruel Summer“ – Hippy Tantrum from Spadoinkle

“The Future“ – Hippy Tantrum from Spadoinkle

Hippy Tantrum on Soundcloud

No Sleep For Lucy – Pair of Singles

We certainly can’t claim to always ‘get it right.’ Many times when we feature a new, under-the-radar or DIY artist or band, we’re basing it off of raw talent and a sense that there is great potential that has so far not been realized for whatever reason. That’s the case for the DIY Swedish band, No Sleep For Lucy. NSFL possess a tight, even well polished sound, that obviously emulates, quite well, the mainstream-leaning, southern California alternative rock sound that 15 years on is still inspiring ambitious, young musicians around the world to embrace it and somehow also make it their own. It certainly isn’t the type of rock of the hipster, stoner or serious musician crowds. But that’s OK – we’re all about inclusivity. It’s possible that a lot more people than we imagine will dig this two well performed songs by the unsigned band from Sweden that apparently has some back story about a girl named Lucy who has sleep issues.

Def props to the band for going with a name that is not exactly commercial oriented but is definitely search engine friendly, unique and memorable. Christian Rabbs, the co-founder and guitarist, told IRC that the band named it after the anthropological find of the oldest human remains ever found of a female that became known around the world as Lucy, who has been touring around the world for some time – thus, the name, No Sleep For Lucy.

The band came together after vocalist Lukas Meijer and bassist Kristoffer Sjökvist met and realized their tastes in making music were similar. After many practice sessions, the band released two terrifically energetic and memorable tracks, “Feel Alive” and “Going Down” earlier in 2014. The boys were helped out by the well-known Swedish producer Mats Valentine. Rabbs and Sjokvist had previously written platinum and gold records for artists around the globe along with their partners Tommy Henriksen (Simple Plan, Daughtry, Alice Cooper) and Mark Holman (Grammy Award nominee ‘RED’, American Idols). “When we write music we always start with just playing around with some riffs/chords and when we have something that feels inspiring we start and find some interesting melodies,” Rabbs said. “We love playing live better than sitting in a dark studio dungeon.”

“Feel Alive“ – No Sleep For Lucy

“Going Down“ – No Sleep For Lucy

No Sleep For Lucy – Facebook

Time Spills – Cool EP

From the heart of “America’s Breadbasket,” better known as the Central Valley of California, the progressive rock band Time Spills takes a different approach to their music than most bands – it’s all instrumental. The band’s drummer, Shane Luevano, says the trio was formerly a quintet, but they soon found out shortly after forming in 2012 that they had more fun writing and recording songs without a vocalist. As a newly minted three-piece band, they draw inspiration from bands like The Mars Volta, The Fall of Troy, Tides of Man, Tera Melos, Dance Gavin Dance, and Pink Floyd.

Morphing into an instrumental trio seems to be working out for the Salinas band, which is evidenced on tracks like “Kimmer Crispin” and “Trapazoid,” from Time Spills’ debut EP, Cool. Over a two year period, Luevano said, the trio came to realize they made the right decision. “It allowed us to experiment freely and push some musical boundaries. We try not to stick to one genre but to merge as many as we can.” To that point, the band mix math rock, jazz, surf rock and alternative rock into their signature sound. And even more so, they don’t care if it doesn’t stand up against criticism – a true DIY spirit if there is one. “We make music for ourselves, nothing else and if someone actually takes the time to listen, well that’s awesome!” The trio, which also includes guitarists Ricardo Chavez and Christian Talamante.

“Kimmer Crispin“ – Time Spills from Cool

“Trapazoid“ – Time Spills from Cool

Time Spills on Facebook

Desert Killers – Ardio EP

Desert Killers is a DIY multi-genre duo from Sao Paulo, Brazil, featuring local musicians Antonio Ribeiro (vocals, drums, percussions) and Matheus Zingano (vocals, guitars, keys), that mixes blues, rock, psychedelia to create a unique sound. The duo got together in 2013 after having performed in other bands that were not taking the direction they wanted to go with producing music. Right away they began writing songs inspired by their personal “scars and insights” and “the complexities of the world.” Their debut EP, Ardio, features the two tracks below – “So Bad” and “Take My Way.” The duo’s musical influences include Eric Clapton, Gary Clark Jr, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Queens of the Stone Age, and Muddy Waters.

“So Bad“ – Desert Killers from Ardío

“Take My Way“ – Desert Killers from Ardío

Desert Killers official website

Joel Strauss – Don’t Lose That Feeling

The fist thing that we noticed about Canadian DIY multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter, Joel Strauss, is his voice – nasally, but a good kind of nasally (like Dylan and others). Perhaps even more so, he sounds a bit like Colin Meloy of The Decemberists, and conveys a remarkably sonic palette. In subsequent spins of Strauss’ songs over the ensuing months, we got to like his music all more and more, most especially the two singles included below from his 2014 DIY debut album, Don’t Lose That Feeling. Strauss skillfully weaves together various styles, like pop, rock and folk into his songs, together with intelligent and inspiring lyrics. And that voice – one which some will turn away from, and others will embrace. Strauss’ music is ‘grower’ style, although there are sure to be listeners who like his music right away.

“Don’t Lose That Feeling” – Joel Strauss from Don’t Lose That Feeling

“The New City” – Joel Strauss from Don’t Lose That Feeling

Joel Strauss Official Website

The Crash Bandits – Closer

The Crash Bandits are a three-piece indie rock band from Minneapolis who have made a name for themselves in the local scene thanks to their highly charged rock balanced with pop moments as displayed on their 2014 third LP, Closer. The band has spread its wings beyond Minneapolis to cities throughout the Midwest. In March of 2014, they were a showcase band at South By Southwest. Their musical influences span many decades, from The Ramones to the Pixies, Saves The Day to The Replacements, and Blink 182 to Motion City Soundtrack. The band members include Matt Brownon vocals and guitar; Kevin Goff on drums and Nick Westgor on bass. While at their core they are hard rockers, tracks like “Silly Things,” with it’s catchy pop/rock style and singalong choruses, is the type of song you’d want to hear on a sunny day after the skies have been cloudy and grey for too long.

“Silly Things“ – The Crash Bandits from Closer

“I Don’t Know“ – The Crash Bandits from Closer

The Crash Bandits on Facebook

Kwolek – Affectations

Kwolek is Boulder musician, songwriter and vocalist Michael Kwolek. Unlike his music, he wanted to create a simple moniker. As he told us, “All of the cool names were taken, so it seemed like my last name was a no brainer.” Plus, it’s reflective of the concept of his one-man band project. In addition to writing and singing all of the tracks on his 2014 debut EP, Affections, Kwolek played guitar, keyboards and programmed the songs as well. The songs were written and recorded over the past five years in different locales around the world – New Jersey, Beijing, Tokyo and finally Boulder. Standout tracks include the dense, yet spacious, guitar riff single, “Creeper,” and the divergently melodic, yet cacophonous “Such Hot Shit.” Kwolek’s top musical influences include artists like M83, Radiohead, New Order and St. Vincent.

“Creeper“ – Kwolek from Affectations

“Such Hot Shit“ – Kwolek from Affectations

Tony Michael Ellis – Undertow

Anyone with a strong familiarity with The Beach Boys sound will find the songs on Los Angeles singer and songwriter Tony Michael Ellis‘ debut LP heavily influenced by the 60s pop rock icons. The single, “It Soothes My Soul,” combines upbeat melodies, acoustic guitar and piano, along with soaring harmonies, that couldn’t sound more like a rendition of The Beach Boys’ unique California pop sound (that still sounds fresh 50 years later). Ellis does a commendable job of replicating their sound, along with his admittedly Beatles-influence as well, in other singles on the album such as smooth love song, “Without Her.” However, the overall sound is still his own.

“Without Her Love“ – Tony Michael Ellis from Undertow

“It Soothes My Soul “ – Tony Michael Ellis from Undertow

Paul McLinden – Head Happy

From Glasgow, Scotland, DIY songwriter and musician Paul Mclinden is a classically-trained, indie pop rock one-man band whose November release, Head Happy, and it turns out to be one of the best DIY LPs of the year, and perhaps our favorite debut LP of any other overseas artist in recent memory. Head Happy is a feast for the DIY hungry, featuring a banquet of appetizing songs like “Whether The Weather” and “Cheer Up,” to name just a couple. Ironically, “Cheer Up,” has – unlike his more upbeat songs – a more forbidding tinge with its sinister electric guitar notes rifling through the steadiness of the acoustic bass line, reminding us of something we’d hear on an early Velvet Underground demo tape. The fact that McLinden writes and sings all of his songs, but also plays all of the instruments AND mixes them altogether into tracks we want to play again and again, is more than just proof in the pudding of his talents as an artist.

“Cheer Up“ – Paul McLinden from Head Happy

“Whether The Weather“– Paul McLinden from Head Happy

Paul McLinden official website

Read and listen to previous installments, Vol. I through Vol. IV, of Top DIY Songs & Albums of 2014 and discover great songs from talented bands you’ve probably never heard before.