Category: free downloads

Freebie Friday: The Persian Leaps, El Silver Cabs and Crossing Guards

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With summer finally here we have a full slate of music ready to be reviewed for next week, but this Friday I’ve got some nice freebies for you:

The Persian Leaps is a band from Saint Paul, Minnesota. Its a bit of melodic noise pop on its new EP Praise Elephants. Notable here is the power pop single “Silent Treatment” full of fuzzy guitar riffs and solid harmonies. “Exponentially Devoted” is another good song with a layer of jangle above the dense fuzz pop.  The band plays short, catchy songs coated along the same lines as Guided By Voices, Teenage Fanclub and My Bloody Valentine.
Bandcamp or pay the band proper at Amazon or CD Baby

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New York band El Silver Cabs have a snappy new single with “Oh No” that reminds me a little of those ’90s-era DIY rockers (like The Idle Wilds). This is a typical unsigned band toiling away, their older EPs go all the way back to 2012. But you can definitely hear a progression of improvement on the new EP Bish Bosh. Another notable tune is the fast paced “Red Wine & Ritalin.”
Another freebie from Bandcamp

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Okay this isn’t a freebie, but its a “lost” album that I’ve come across. The Crossing Guards are a Minnesota band that had this album, out in 2009. And its biggest influences are The Posies, Guided By Voices and The Replacements. GBV fans will go bonkers for the heavy rhythm guitar on “Smoke and Mirrors.” Lead singer/guitarist Martin Devaney and bassist Sean Hoffman go all out here and it deserves to be heard. Don’t miss standouts “Pretty Little Problem” and “Untouchable.” Overall a solidly recommended LP.
Bandcamp | Amazon | CD Baby

Sunday Sun returns and Richard Snow’s freebie

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Sunday Sun was ranked very high on my top ten list last year with a trio of EPs that displayed a mastery of power pop melody and crisp harmonies. The band has a new single out on Bandcamp. Check it out!

 

Another favorite band, Richard Snow and The InLaws released a pretty awesome album in 2011. Richard decided that at this point he wanted to give the album away as a freebie, and spread the word of a “world without money.” Whatever your philosophy, you can get this album on Richard’s website for nothing but a click.

The Maureens and New Electric Ride

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The Maureens “The Maureens”
If you love melodic ’60’s pop then catch this debut of The Maureens from Utrecht, Holland. The charming instrumental “Zuma Beach” opens things up, and the harmonies of “Brother” are just fantastic. Fans of The Hollies and Beach Boys should take notice, the subtle harp accompanies the guitar jangle on “Early June.” The hand-clapping, harpsichord and “la-la” chorus of “Captain’s Holiday” will remind plenty of listeners of The Cowsills. The simple vocals and guitar of “There Goes My Love” is an intimate campfire ballad that dazzles as well.

Each song chimes along with only short bits of filler (“Radio”). More highlights include “Freeway,” “Desert Song” and “Mary-Ann.” Overall this is an excellent example of using the vintage rock influences to make great new music. The Maureens are even offering you a free track here. Don’t miss the best debut this year!

Exclusively at Kool Kat Musik | Amazon UK


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New Electric Ride “Ballon Age”
After starting life out as a pub-rock band from Northeast England the New Electric Ride decided to go into the time machine. They set the dials to “1968” and have been staying at Sgt. Pepper’s house ever since. After a classical instrumental intro, we are sucked into the psychedelic pop jam of “Here Comers The Bloom,” with a groovy bass lead that recalls Olivia Tremor Control. The wicked guitar lead on “Marquis De Sade” is another highlight, similar to King Crimson or Iron Butterfly.

“Bye Bye (Batin Rogue)” and “Bring What You Expect To Get” are very much in the style of The Move with some impressive vocal harmonies and densely layered instrumentation. And you’ll have a fun time playing “spot the psychedelic influence,” for example “In Chains” follows the muse of Spencer Davis Group. Fans of XTC alter-ego Dukes of The Stratosphere will also want to tune into this full immersion of 60’s psychedelic pop. Even Austin Powers would say “Yeah, baby! Yeah!”

Amazon

Free Music Monday: Yonder, Ballard and Baz Francis

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Yonder is a Seattle Band self described as “a blooming penumbra piercing a livid pitch.” Yeah, whatever. Big echoing alt. pop music. It’s all good.

 

Ballard is back! The raw punk pop goodness is ready for you just like his past goodies. Build Break Repeat is no exception, plenty of driving beats and head shaking riffs. Gratis! Enjoy!

 

Baz Francis (Magic Eight Ball) was as a guest writer for the UK blog Über Röck. He put together an article about one of his favorite bands Everclear and their 1995 album ‘Sparkle And Fade.’ As a companion to the article Baz did a cover of “My Sexual Life.” Another great freebie!