We Are Smug - We Are Smug

Genre: Rock, Pop, Funk

When Free Albums Galore started in 2005, good free and independent pop music albums were rare on the internet. Most of the music that passed for pop and rock was supplied by an hobbyist with a laptop. That has changed immensely. Nowadays you find artists and bands that are as polished and commercially viable as the bands that grace the Billboard charts. Free and online music is now another successful way for professional musicians to get their music out and in my humble opinion, it is often better than the Billboard variety as the artist has the final say in their products instead of a corporate shirt watering it down for the mass consumer.

Exhibit A is We Are Smug, an independent duo that has their own sound and a polished but enthusiastic delivery. The music in their debut self-titled album is a joyful mix of pop, indie , and funk, sort of The Bee Gees meet The New Pornographers meet Prince. I especially like the funky “Shit on The Radio” but “Words That I Can’t Say” and “Watching Me Watching You” have that infectious good time marriage of beat, melody and lyrics. “Tear it Up” is interesting. Despite the trite “uh huh, uh huhs” and cliched lyrics (”We need to tear it up, we need to burn it down”), this is a killer track with a a take-no-prisoners beat. If you want something more romantic, check out the pretty “Never Be The Same”. This is getting a lot of play when my friends are around and they are all surprised that this is an unsigned band with free and legal music. Most common remark: “I would pay for this”. So grab this before We Are Smug gets the hint.

The album is available in 192kbps MP3.

Update: It appears this “new” duo isn’t so new after all. We Are Smug consists of Darren Hayes, the lead singer of Savage Garden, and his partner Robert Conley. Still a fine effort any way you slice it. Thanks Christian for the info.

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Lucy’s Fur Coat - two albums

I really never thought of San Diego as a rock haven. Their almost perfect weather and laid back beaches just don’t seem as influential to hard edge rock, at least not compared to smoggy Los Angeles, cloud-covered Seattle, and hard living New York. Yet if Lucy’s Fur Coat is an example, I may be selling the city short. This now defunct band has a much more than acceptable hard-core sound of alternative and grunge with catchy guitar hooks and tense vocals. Their two albums can still be purchased over at Amazon or, as their web site states, “occasionally be found in the $1 bin at the used CD store”. However the guys have generously provided both albums as free and legal downloads so you can check out their tight and entertaining music. The two albums are titled Jaundice and How To Survive An Aircrash. I think Aircrash has the better combinations of rock and emotion. I especially like the ballad “El Cajon” and the harder rocking “Light Sensitive” and “Water Gun”. Jaundice also has some nice tracks but sounds a bit more like SoCal metal. Still, you will like both albums if you are into rock.

Both albums are available in 192kbps MP3. Remember. If you like the music buy the CDs.

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Juanitos - three albums

Genre: World, Rock, Lounge, Funk

I’m really not quite sure about The Juanitos. Their mixture of rock, disco, lounge, and Spanish music is odd but fun. The bottom line is that any music that makes me feel good is probably worth recommending. Their three free online albums, available Jamendo, certainly gives you a lot of music to help you feel good. This is essentially party music with no apologies and no strings attached.

Best of is not really a “best of” album as much as just their newest mix of fun sounds. The music ranges from funky to mariachi with a whole bunch of genres tripping over each other on the dance floor. I especially like the mariachi grind of “Do The Cobra” and the totally get-down-and -party “Latin Fever”. “Frankenstein in Shanghai” mixes a cheesy Chinese riff with reggae and funny vocals.

Exotica sounds a bit more balanced. The main thrust is Latin beats mixed with surf rock and lounge. Still a party album. Still a lot of fun.

It should not be a surprise to say you get pretty much the same thing from I’m Your DJ yet it is a bit different. It is the earliest of the albums and is more of a electronic dance album with some clever sampling on cuts like “Woman’s Liberation”, “El Loco Boogaloo” and “Pancho is a Bad Guy”. This is a straight forward dance affair that will appeal to many. But whatever album you choose to download, be prepared for some tongue-in-cheek amusement.

The albums are available in VBR mp3.

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Exotica
I’m Your DJ
Best Of

Diablo Swing Orchestra - The Butcher’s Ballroom

When it comes to odd music, I don’t shock easily but Diablo Swing Orchestra got even me off guard on its first listen. This Swedish ensemble has one of the freshest and most exciting sounds I’ve heard in a long time and they manage it through an insane combination of heavy metal, swing jazz, a traditional European music smorgabord, and a classical soprano voice that probably broke wine glasses in the studio. By the time I got through the first two tracks, I considered going to the emergency ward for the possibility of impending head explosion. There is an operatic feel throughout the tracks and an intensity that hold up marvelously through every musical twist. There are actually two vocalists, male and female, and these two work to good effect on “Rag Doll Physics”, a weird cross between Wagner and Ozzy Osbourne. Just about when I thought my head might explode, soprano and guitar make love on the gorgeous ballad “D’Angelo”. However if you really want to get the sense of this album start at the first track with “Balrog Boogie”, a full-assault barrage of swing and metal that has to be heard to believe. Other tracks all have their surprises like the Raga influenced “Gunpowder Chant” and an epic “Zodiac Virtues”. Finally, in case, you haven’t received the message that no limits are spared, Diablo Swing exits with a marvelous “Pink Noise Waltz” that offers flute and violin solos among the metal barrage, swing overtones, and the operatic power of the vocal. This soars to the top of my best free online albums of 2009 list. Actually it may be one of the best albums of 2009 of any type.

The Butcher’s Ballroom is available in VBR MP3 from Jamendo. If you like the music, support the artists by purchasing the better sound quality CD or their newest release.

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Shorthand Phonetics - Errors in Calculating Odds, Errors in Calculating Value

The 80 minutes free and legal album titled Errors in Calculating Odds, Errors in Calculating Value is Shorthand Phonetics’ continuing excursion into the exploits of student Hanabishi Hideakia as he enters his third year at medical school. You can hear about his first two years from Shorthand Phonetics’ other albums reviewed here. The boys in the band continue their likable yet quirky efforts and manages to put together an entertaining combination of alternative rock and Emo. Highly recommended to those who want their pop music off-the-wall and drenched in the ironic.

The album is available in 320kbps MP3.

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The Only Sons - Steel Hearts

Genre: Rock, Country

The Only Sons are a strong entry in the arena of alt;country and country rock. In a genre that has its share of pretenders, this band clearly exhibits its knowledge of country and rock roots. Steel Hearts is their second album and is offered free and legal through a creative commons license. There are some strong alt.country songs (”Lay Back Down”, and “Loneliness On My Side”) and some tracks that crosses into straight rock(”Drew Blood” and the Lynard Skynard sounding “Too Much”). There are some clear influences from Bruce Springsteen, Steve Earle, and Drive-By Truckers. In fact “Stranger Here Myself” in so Bruce sounding I wanted to check the credits to see who was singing. Yet the music by these authentic rockers are folk rock jewels with a individual sound that is well worth hearing.

The album is available in 192kbps MP3.

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Pandoras.box - Barriers

When the best online albums of 2009 are tabulated, Barriers by German rock band Pandoras.box will be leading the pack. It is a exhilarating collection of songs that rise about the ton of music by independent bands due to its tight arrangements, arresting vocals, and a variety of sounds that still give it an uniform and unique identity. The casual listeners will certainly hear a Radiohead influences but with a harder edge. Personally, the first two tracks made me think of one of my favorite 90s alternative bands, Soul Coughing. The overall quality of the songs is consistent, with “A Moderate Breeze”, “Arrows & Bows” and the psychedelic “Chaos Back” being my favorites. This is a fairly astounding debut album and a must hear for anyone who think of themselves as knowledgeable about the latest in quality rock.

Barriers is available from the Clinical Archive netlabel and The Internet Archive (link below) in 256kbps MP3.

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Signals To Aircraft - Pilot Tracks

Genre: Rock

The German indie rock band Signals To Aircraft gets favorable comparisons to bands like Pavement and The Weakerthans. It’s easy to see why. They have a very melodic sound yet packs a considerable wallop. Good beats and riffs make this music easy to like. Their demo online album is titled, appropriately, Pilot Tracks and is 45 minutes of commercial but high quality rock. Two typical tracks that I find myself playing over and over are “Window Seat” and “Still Life”. Another straight forward rock effort that destroys the myth that free independent music is inferior to the commercial corporate version.

Pilot Tracks is available in 192kbps MP3.

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Jay Bennett - Whatever Happened I Apologize

Jay Bennett is a guitarist and singer/songwriter who is best known as a member of Wilco from 1994 to 2001. He separated from the band in 2001 and subsequently released five solo albums. Bennett passed away on May 24, 2009.

His last album was Whatever Happened I Apologize which was released as a free online album thorough the Rock Proper label in November of 2008. It is a sparse but intimate collection of songs featuring only voice and guitar. It sounds like a very personal effort and has a definitive power in its lyrics. This is a fitting ending for an artist who left us too early.

The album is available in 320kbps Mp3.

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Kismet - Hiatus

Genre: Rock

Kismet is another good Dutch indie band from the Beep! Beep! Back Up The Truck net label. Kismet has a bit of an edge only slightly mellowed by crisp “Matinee Idol” harmonies. Standouts tracks from their debut full length album titled Hiatus include s”We Are All Busy”, “Holiday” and “TV on”. This is top notched rock and roll of a caliber that amazes even me for a free and legal on-line album.

Hiatus is available from either the Beep! Beep! Back Up The Truck web site or through Jamendo from the link below.

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Nomoredolls - Nomoredolls

Genre: Rock

The Italian power-pop quartet Nomoredolls may have a commercial sound but it is a quality effort with catchy hooks and a no-hold-bared vocalist. Cecilia pretty much is the attraction on this self-titled album. She has a straight-forward rock voice with just the right blend of sensuality and brute force. That doesn’t mean Max, Marco, and Pier aren’t holding their own. Their basic rock instrumentation of guitar, bass and drums is full of power. Max’s heavy rock guitar is effectively effective. The music is hard and heavy but with plenty of melody and tight arrangements. The opening track “Electric Sheep” is especially good. “Chilly Morning” brings it down a notch. It is a good power pop ballad with nice lyrics. The songwriting is consistently good on all tracks. This album by an above average rock group is exceptional listening all the way through.

Their album is available in VBR MP3 from Jamendo.

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The Leftouts - Last One Standing

Genre: Rock, Punk

Lepork Records is a new net label specializing in South American punk artists. The small offering of online albums is interesting but I was especially drawn to The Leftouts and their free album titled Last One Standing. It is a raucous effort incorporating power pop with punk. I especially like the opening track, “19 Days” and the tense title tune. This album, as well as the albums by other bands on this net label deserve a listen for their inexhaustible energy but also to show how global the punk genre has become.

Last One Standing is available in VBR MP3.

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Boxing Fox - The Shepherd Hates Us

Genre: Rock, Punk, Reggae

The rock and ska celebration continues with this German band called Boxing Fox. The album titled The Shepherd Hates Us is a rousing chorus of sharp brass riffs, skanking guitars and frantic vocals. Despite some nice metal and punk touches, This is fairly old school ska in the style of Madness and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. “The Last I Know” is a case in point, The guitar and vocals may hint of Rancid but that opening brass riffs and beat would have made The Skatalites proud. The seven tracks are all party music of the rude and celebratory kind. Highly recommended.

The album is creative commons licensed and available from the band’s web site in 192kbps MP3.

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The Notes and Scratches - two albums

Genre: Rock, Pop

Chicago’s indie rock band The Notes and Scratches are on a recording binge. The goal is seven new projects for 2009 and the EP To The Other Side is one of the first efforts to be unleashed. It’s a good one, mixing their assessible sound with a bit of tenseness. I really like this group. There is a nice mix of Arcade Fire’s complex and sometimes messy arranging with a casualness that reminds me of Billie The Vision and The Dancers. On the other hand, Jason Eckerson’s lead vocals have a tentative but intense sound that evokes Craig Finn of The Hold Steady. “The Caption” and “The Compromise” are two good examples from this interesting band.

Uh-Oh is an earlier release. The Arcade Fire influence is quite evident on the first track and beyond. “The Hours” is full of movement and drive while “The Clockmakers Daughter” is a poignant folk ballad. I prefer To The Other Side as it sounds a bit more fully realized but either album exhibits a talented band that is just starting to realize its potential.

Uh-Oh is available in 192kbps MP3 while To The Other Side is in 320kbps MP3. Both can be downloaded from the band web site. Just follow the links below.

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Uh-Oh
To The Other Side

Paper Tiger - Everyone Here

Genre: Rock, Pop

Beep! Beep! Back Up The Truck is a Netherlands based net label that has a knack for pleasant and clever rock music by bands that ever so politely push the boundaries. Paper Tiger is a delightful example and their new album titled Everyone Here is a happy collection of upbeat virtuosity. Tracks like the opening “Jolien” and “Sign Write Hear” are instantly likable. almost bubble-gum, yet there is really tight arranging and sharp lyrics that make it rise above just plain pop. “This Year ” is a rapid-fire foot tapper. About two-thirds along is a infectious piano solo that made me smile wider than I was already. “Medi’s Asleep” bring down the pace with a sleepy ballad then picks it up again with a jaunty tune that wavers somewhere between The Hollies and They Might Be Giants. The biggest problem with this album is that all 14 tracks are my favorites. There’s something worth hearing in all these well crafted yet casually entertaining songs. This is a highly recommended album of indie pop-rock at its best.

The album is available in VBR MP3.

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Bob Wiseman - In Her Dream: Bob Wiseman Sings Wrench Tuttle

It should be said at the beginning that there is no Wrench Tuttle. Former Blue Rodeo band member Bob Wiseman used the pseudonym and, from what I’ve read, went to great length to present him as a real person to the Canadian media. In Her Dream: Bob Wiseman Sings Wrench Tuttle was the Canadian musicians’ first solo album and was released in 1989. CHART magazine named it as one of the top 100 Canadian albums. Blocks Recording Club out of Toronto will be re-issuing a limited edition vinyl but the free and legal digital version is now available through WFMU’s Free Music Archive.

This album may best be described as a casual mixture of country and punk. Bob Wiseman feels at ease in both genres. His somewhat raspy and out-of-control voice makes the perfect edge to this rough and ready album. The opening “Older Brother” is a good example of his somewhat outrageous folk-rock blend and is what Hank Williams might sound like if he was a punk rocker. Other tracks like “Bhopal” are pure and surreal alternative while “Dog on a Leash” is blues-rockabilly. Whatever genre Wiseman leans into has his unique touch which I am tempted to call a Canadian version of Tom Waits’ equally rough and mystic styling. This excellent album will grow on you.

The album is available in its free and legal online version at WMFU’s Free Music Archive in 192kbps MP3.

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Zero Gravity Toilet - Antidotes for Imaginary Friends

While I enjoy exposing the unwitting public to experimental music, I occasionally get strange e-mail that basically states “”WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!?”. I understand that music created solely from rubber bands or chaos may not be some people’s idea of the perfect concert. However I often find this extreme music quite intellectually challenging and even entertaining. Experimental music opens the ears and minds.

I said all that just to say this. Not all experimental music need to “hurt the ears” as one perplexed person stated, or even challenge your limits. Take the Italian music collective Zero Gravity Toilet as an example. ZGT is certainly experimenting but their sound is quite melodic and easy on the ears. It also is flooded with imaginative ideas, odd time signatures and other things that tells you this is no ordinary band. The three “Toilet Jams” (I’m sure the pun was intended) are the best examples of this casual improvisatory journey. Actually I’m not really sure how much is improvised and how much is structured which I consider a compliment for this type of music. This is not easily classifiable music borrowing from rock, jazz, and even the avant-garde (see Toilet Jam #3) yet there are very few “fillers” and very little waste (pun is intended). “Morning Comes” is the track that I tend to play over and over. If there is any minor complaint it is that I find some of the playing and especially the vocals a bit tentative at moments but this may just attest to the exploratory style. Overall the musicianship is strong and creative.

Antidotes for imaginary Friends is available from Jamendo in VBR MP3 format.

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Bam Bam - Bam Bam

Genre: Rock

Talk about recording with high expectations…

Their goal was to make an album that would make Pet Sounds seem like a shitty demo tape. But they failed big time and now they have this record on their hands.

Well, it wasn’t a total waste. In fact the self-titled 26 minute EP by Bam Bam is a bit of a thrill to listen to. It sounds like they went into the studio with every trick they had and spared nothing. While Brian Wilson need not worry about losing his throne, this collection of power pop ditties turns how to be immensely creative and listenable. The lyrics are in Spanish yet it is not a problem since it is the infectious spirit and likability of this band that carry the session. “Oro Flash” is the highlight of the set with its slightly psychedelic leanings mixed with enthusiastic vocals but I also enjoyed the Animal Collective sounding “Hi-Q” and the lively “Sin Las Patas Traseras”. No, it’s not Pet Sounds (what is?) but it’s Bam Bam and that’s good enough for a party.

The album is available in 192kbps Mp3.

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The Transisters - Under Control

Genre: Rock, Punk, Goth

The Transister’s 2008 release is titled Under Control and it is a free and legal blast! The title tune starts this 25 minutes EP with a energetic riff that drives the equally forceful vocal. The energy of this danceable yet listenable album comes from a blend of punk, goth, darkwave, and electro-pop that is a more than a little hardcore yet has enough hooks and melody to entrap the most casual listener. I like “Walking in a Black Hole” and “JB is Dead” but the highlight has to be “Living Like a Superstar”, a smart and sassy number that is somewhere between Bauhaus and Disco. Goths, New Wavers and Dance freaks can all unite under this audacious album.

Under Control is available from AFmusic in MP3 and Ogg Vorbis format.

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Jane From Occupied Europe - Coloursound

Jane From Occupied Europe was a British band out of Salisbury. They took their name from the Swell Map’s second album and played a drone-base mix of 70s psychedelica and 90s alternative. I only recently heard of them and it is a shame they did not appear on my radar while they were still in existence for the band had an exceptional sound and deserved a wider audience.

An associate of the musicians has placed all of their releases, with permission of the artists, on this same-titled tribute blog. There is a good amount of music here and I recommend to check it all out but the main event is JFOE’s full length album Coloursound. It is a fully realized effort with a consistent sound. Mid East drones, haunting vocals and psychedelic guitars all create a musical feast. You can hear influences from Echo and The Bunnymen, Nick Cave, The Pixies, The Smiths, and others from the 80s and 90s scene. There are no weak songs but I especially like “Drift 13″ and “Mourning Glass” and recommend them as typical tracks by this band. You can find other EPs, Demos, and 12″ singles offered on this site but this full album should be your first and best introduction to this unjustly ignored band.

Coloursound is available in 320kbps MP3.

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Nine Inch Nails, Jane’s Addiction & Street Sweeper - NIN/JA EP

Trent Reznor does it again. The new creative commons licensed release off the Nine Inch Nails web site is a promo EP for the NIN/JA 2009 tour featuring two tracks each by Nine Inch Nails, Jane’s Addiction and Street Sweeper. These are all unreleased tracks totaling 23 minutes of intense industrial rock. The two NIN songs are typical for their recent material which is OK by me. Jane’s addiction is not a band I’ve listened to much but the two tracks featured here make for some riveting moments especially the insanely percussive “Chip Away”. Street Sweeper is a rock rap group consisting mainly of Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine and Boots Riley of The Coup. Their simplistic riffs and violent rap is not my cup of tea but some of you might like it. However I highly recommend the four tracks by NIN and Jane’s Addiction.

The EP is available in many formats including MP3 and FLAC from the NIN web site. You do have to register with your email address but Trent meant this to be freely distributed and you can also download it off most torrent sites.

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Audra Hardt - Superficial Superstar

Genre: Rock, Pop

Girls just don’t rock and roll any more, at least not in the way Tina Turner, Linda Ronstadt, Janis Joplin and even new wave hanger-ons Deborah Harry and Annie Lennox did. I blame Madonna. She definitely knew how to get a nice dance beat going but she chose to focus on image rather than actually making music, always a good business choice in our hedonistic society. Most of the wanna-be divas followed her lead. The female pop stars of the 21st century couldn’t belt out a old fashioned rocker if their life depended on it. Well, maybe Gwen Stefani in her No Doubt days, but now?

There is as least one aspiring female vocalist who knows what good old fashioned rock n’ roll is. Los Angeles’ own Audra Hardt has a voice custom-made for belting out a rocker but skilled enough to put meaning in down-beat and up-beat songs alike. Her album Superficial Superstar is available through Jamendo and should make the most jaded Pat Benatar fan listen in admiration. There is a hard edged Benatar sound in these tracks and some more modern Stefani influences, both you can hear in the opening “Watch Me”. Hardt’s voice has a threatening but sexy feel coupled with a self-disciplined control that can squeeze the best out of a musical phrase. “Sinner Saint” is a especially good example of her powerful delivery and if I have led you to to believe she is a only a power pop singer may I turn your attention to a warmly sung ballad titled “Now and Then”?. If Audra Hardt was the only thing good on this album that would be enough but the lyrics are first class and she is accompanied by a band that is one of the best I’ve heard on an independent release. This is a tight and totally professional effort of straight ahead rock.

Superficial Superstar is available in VBR MP3 format.

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Y.O.U. - Flashlights

Genre: Rock

Y.O.U. is an indie rock trio with a bright and full sound. Their free and legal album is titled Flashlights and it is a pleasant and upbeat collection of flashy hooks and competent vocals. I especially like “Moviekiss”, “Alright, Alright, Alright”, and The Physics of Giving”. The guys have a nice sound that complements both upbeat songs and ballads. Give this a try f you are looking for quality pop and rock.

Flashlights is available for the band’s web site in 192kbps MP3. If you enjoy the music support the artists by buying the hgher sound quality CD. It’s only two dollars!!

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The Boots - This is Not a Test

The Boots is another Italian band that seems to be finding new life in the alt.rock genre. Their debut album, cleverly titled This is Not A Test, is a fully realized excursion with furious guitars, raucous drum beats, and powerful vocals. After a nice build up in the intro, they go full blast with “Dear Emely” and rarely let up. This band has a lot of frantic power but I especially like them when they slow it down on emotional tracks like “I Don’t Like It” and the trance-like title track. This is another band that is primed for a bigger audience and deserves one. Not a test indeed!

This is Not a Test is available through the new Airbagpromo net label and is available in 320kbps MP3.

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Confusion Is Next - two albums

Genre: Rock

In my explorations of independent music I have come to the conclusion that Italy may be the next hot spot for innovative rock music. Whether the venue is punk, progressive, psychedelic jam rock or just plain weird, There are more than a fair share of Italian bands that are presently out of the public’s awareness but ready to ride an Italian pop music tsunami.

And if that does happen, Confusion is Next is ready to ride the crest. This band plays a heavy but accessible alt.rock generously tinged with punk and grunge. One can hear traces of Sonic Youth, Nirvana, and Smashing Pumpkins in their songs but there is also a sense of joyful experimentation that is theirs alone. They have two albums available for free and legal downloading.

Lost in Dark Days is their newest release It is high quality alternative music complete with the powerhouse drumming and over-the-top vocals one would expect. “Furiously Indie” starts the album on the right track and the tension rarely lets up. “Spore” and “Spectrophobia” are also good tracks with virtuoso playing and tight if somewhat psycho-dramatic vocals.

Spread The Spirits is a earliest release (2006) and sounds like it. It is more punk in spirit and there is more emphasis on vocals and lyrics. There is not the complex energy of Lost in Dark Days although there is still a lot of energy and plenty of hard-driving guitars. But it is still an exceptional release with the track titled “Steam” being one that stands out. Those who want high energy rock with more melodic focus may like this album a little better than the other one. Personally I prefer Lost in Dark Days but I like both. Each album is a showcase for an imaginative band and is highly recommended for those into hard edged rock.

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Lost in Dark Days
Spread The Spirit