Eberg & Pétur Ben "Numbers Game"

A new song of the collaboration between Eberg & Pétur Ben: "Numbers Game"
PETUR BEN & EBERG - numbers game by Iceland Music Export

Artists @ Aldrei fór ég suður Festival 2011

Icelandic & foreign artists 

@ Aldrei fór ég suður festival Edition 2011

22-23. April 2011  

@ Ísafjörður, Capital of the West Fjords

* Bjartmar og Bergrisarnir

* Benni Sig ásamt Vesfirskum perlum

* Eggert frá Súðavík

* Ensími

* Ég

* FM Belfast

* Grafík

* Jónas Sigurðsson & ritvélar framtíðarinnar

* Klassart

* Lars Duppler from Germany

* Lazyblood

* Lifun

* Lúðrasveit T.Í. featuring Mugison

* Miri

* Mr. Silla

* Ný dönsk

* Páll Óskar

* Perla Sig

* Pétur Ben

* Prinspóló

* Quadroplus

* Sokkabandið

* Sóley

* The Vintage Caravan

* Valdimar

* Virtual motion

* Yoda remote
More information about the festival here
Aldrei fór ég suður from Fjolnir Baldursson on Vimeo.

Nýbylgju síbylja for Japanese Red Cross @ Sódóma on Thursday 31. March 2011

Nýbylgju síbylja

@ Sódóma ,Tryggvagata 22, Reykjavík
Thursday 31. March 2011 

Admission: 500 IKR 

Start @ 22:00

Program:

Baku Baku

Hellvar

Loji 

Hljómsveitin Ég

First guests could win a flatscreen TV.

Daníel Ágúst "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah"

Daníel Ágúst
"Yeah, Yeah, Yeah", a song from his new album "The Drift"

Song of the 208. Week is Caterpillarmen's "Revenge"

208. Song of the Week is Caterpillarmen's "Revenge".
It's a song of their 2. Album entitled "Caterpillarmen".

Buy the album @ Gogoyoko

Borko "Hold me now" Live @ Sódóma (March 2011)

Borko Live @ Sódóma (March 2011)
"Hold me now"

Reason To Believe "The Scenery"

Reason To Believe released an EP "The Scenery".

Buy the EP @ Gogoyoko

"The Island Syndrome" - Article about the Icelandic music scene of today

Today I found the article by Ilana van den Berg about the Icelandic music scene in Hard // Hoofd
She tries to formulate an answer why music from Iceland is so popular in this piece entitled Het Eiland-Syndroom (The Island Syndrome)
De IJslandse acts breken een voor een internationaal door. Hoe komt het dat de popmuziek van dit vreemde Scandinavische eiland zo ontzettend populair is? Komt het door het klimaat, de kleine gemeenschap, Björk? Of toch het eiland-syndroom? “Ook al wonen we ver weg van de bewoonde wereld, vergeet ons alsjeblieft niet.”

The Icelandic acts have an international breakthrough one by one. How come that the pop music of this strange Scandinavian island is so popular? Is it because of the climate, the small community, Björk? Or after all just the island syndrome? "Don't forget us because we live so far from civilization."

“We come from a place where we count the days… until nothing.”

FM Belfast  - Underwear
Read the whole article in Dutch http://hardhoofd.com/2011/02/24/het-eiland-syndroom/

Apparat Organ Quartet Live @ Sódóma (March 2011)

Apparat Organ Quartet played some song of their 2. Album "Pólýfónía" (12 Tónar, 2010) Live @ Sódóma
"Babbage"

"Konami"

"1 2 3 Forever"

Toggi "Let Them Bleed" Free Download

Toggi - 'Let Them Bleed' by Medialux
Download the track for free @ Medialux

Mínus "Cradlesong" Live @ Airwaves 2010 Video

Mínus
"Cradlesong"
Directed, Shot, & Edited by Bowen Staines
Second Camera by Matthew Hancock
In association with Sleepless In Reykjavik Productions & Iceland Airwaves Music Festival

Mínus "Cradlesong" Music Video (Live @ Iceland Airwaves '10) from Bowen Staines

Lazyblood feat. Reykjavík! "The Tickling Death Machine" @ Brussels 25, 26, 27 & 28. May 2011

Lazyblood featuring Reykjavík!

The Tickling Death Machine  

^{World Première} 

@

Les Ateliers Claus
@ Kunstenfestival / Festival Des Arts @ Brussels 
KFDA

25, 26, 27, 28/05 – 22:00

1h 15min

€ 16 / € 12 -25/65+

Erna Ómarsdottir is an Icelandic dancer and choreographer who worked notably with Jan Fabre before going on to develop work of her own. With insatiable artistic curiosity, she has taken part in several projects bordering various disciplines. One of these is the group Lazyblood, created with the composer Valdimar Jóhannsson. Featuring “heavy metal opera, sometimes slightly disco, with a theatrical dimension”, a Lazyblood concert is a unique experience, a performance built with a constant concern for the relationship with the audience. Peaceful lagoon or erupting volcano, deep forest or rocky desert, Ómarsdottir produces vocal distortions, primal singing and childlike ballads. Her unique voice generates a perpetually moving choreography. As the songs and short stories interweave, she moves through states of raw bodies, practically animal-like, and combines the live energy of the concert with the narrative reach of musical theatre. At this year’s festival, Lazyblood has invited the punk rock group Reykjavík! to join them as they explore the depths of the human psyche. An explosive encounter!
Lazyblood Live @ Café Video @ Gent (2010)

Reykjavik! Live @ West Fjords (2010)

Upcoming gigs in Reykjavík in April 2011

 

 Route 101

Where to go the next weeks to enjoy some live music downtown 101 Reykjavík?
I suggest you enjoy some local DJ's.
Friday 1. April
DJ Árni Sveins @ Bakkus @ 00:00
Agent Fresco, Reason To Believe & The Vintage Caravan @ Faktorý @ 23:00
Mugison @ Sláturhúsið @ 21:00
Saturday 2. April
DJ Hunk of a Man @ Bakkus @ 22:00
DJ KGB @ Boston @ 22:00
Today is the day, Gone Postal, Swords of Chaos & Manslaughter @ Sódóma @ 15:00
Today is the day, Klink, Momentum & Celestine @ Sódóma @ 22:00
Thursday 7. April
Fist Fokkers Release Party of "Emilio Estavez" Album @ Bakkus @ 21:00 - Supporting acts Muck & White Boys 
Amiina & guests @ Faktorý @ 22:00
Friday 8. April  
Hjálmar @ Faktorý @ 22:00

Solaris Sun Glaze "Winter Wooskie" (Belle & Sebastian cover)

Solaris Sun Glaze is the new project of Atli Bollason of Sprengjuhöllin. He did a cover of a B-side of Belle & Sebastian.
Winter Wooskie by Solaris Sun Glaze

Ólafur Arnalds "Gleypa okkur" Live with Orchestra @ Bridgewater Hall

Ólafur Arnalds Live with Orchestra @ Bridgewater Hall
"Gleypa okkur"

Ólafur Arnalds – Gleypa okkur (Live with full orchestra at Bridgewater Hall) from Erased Tapes

Amiina "Sicsak" Live @ the Middle East, Cambridge, MA on 19. March 2011

Amiina Live @ the Middle East, Cambridge, MA
"Sicsak", a song from the album "Puzzle" (2010)
Buy the album @ Gogoyoko

Amiina's Website

Biggi Hilmars - Showreel 2011

Biggi Hilmars - Showreel 2011 from Biggi Hilmars

Mógil's "Fellsnes"

Mógil
"Fellsnes", a song from their 2. Album "Í stillunni hljómar", already released in the Benelux.
Buy the album @ Gogoyoko
Fellsnes by mogil

Celestine Raw Mixes

Celestine put 2 raw mixes of songs for their forthcoming album on Soundcloud.
"Black Witch"
Black Witch by Celestinemusic
"Blood stays on the blade"
Blood stays on the blade by Celestinemusic

HAM in Morgunblaðið Sjónvarp

 

Nilli's Interview with HAM @ http://mbl.is/frettir/sjonvarp/55473/

Ólafur Arnalds "Long Way Frome Home"

Ólafur Arnalds
"Romance"/"Poland"

"Long Way From Home" Istanbul Acoustic Sessions / Ólafur Arnalds - Romance / Poland from Long Way From Home

Eliza Newman "Pie in the Sky" Official Video

Eliza Newman
"Pie in the Sky"
Video was directed by Gisli Kristjansson. Shot in Oslo in February 2011.

Interview with Bjössi Biogen

Interview with late Bjössi Biogen
Part 1 (In the beginning, first equipment)

Part 2 (About Egg '94 compilation album, the name Biogen found in Dictionary)

Part 3 (Thule label - Remixes for múm , Trabant,...)

Part 4 (Weirdcore label)

Part 5 (Other artists, collaborations, ...)

Extreme Chill March Chill Out Part 2

Extreme Chill 

presents 

March Chill Out Part. 2

@ Kaffibarinn

Wednesday 23. March 2011
Line Up:
Ruxpin
Steve Sampling
Beatmakin Troopa
Stefán Finnboga
Andre

Myrra Rós Supporting Concert @ Café Rósenberg Tonight

 Supporting Concert for Myrra Rós

She want to visit her mother in Óðinsvé, Denmark

Gig @ Cafe Rósenberg 

22. March 2011 @ 21:00

Program:
Elín Ey & Taylor Selsback
Lay Low

Myrra Rós
Júníus Meyvant

1860
More names...
Admission: 500-1000 IKR
Bank account of Myrra Rós: 1101-05-761288 (kt: 280483-4279)

Interview with Hafdis Huld

Read an interview with Hafdis Huld in Flush The Fashion
"Robot, Robot"

Agent Fresco & Árstíðir @ Slippsalnum (Nema Forum) on Friday 25. March 2011

Agent Fresco & Árstíðir

@ Slippsalnum í menningarhúsinu (Nema Forum), Mýrargata 2

Friday 25. March 2011 @ 20:30

Doors @ 19:30

Admission: 1000 IKR

Bloodgroup "My Arms" Live @ KEXP Radio

Bloodgroup Live @ Ace Hotel NYC during CMJ for KEXP Radio. Recorded 21. October 2011
Engineer: Kevin Suggs
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Scott Holpainen, Jennifer Macchiarelli
Edits: Zachary Young
"My Arms", single of their 2. Album "Dry Land"
Buy the album @ Gogoyoko

Bloodgroup @ MySpace

Snorri Helgason & Hjaltalín Live @ L' Aéronef, Lille, France - On s'en fout Videos

Icelandic artists Live @ L' Aéronef @ Lille, France on 20. March 2011
Snorri Helgason

On s'en fout #40: Snorri Helgason from Croytaque
Hjaltalín

On s'en fout #41: Hjaltalín from Croytaque

For a Minor Reflection @ Trophy Room @ SXSW 2011 - KRUD Interview

For a Minor Reflection Live @ Trophy Room @ SXSW 2011 @ Austin, Texas


KRUD Interview with the band in February

FaMR's Website

New Caterpillarmen Album

Buy the new album of the band Caterpillarmen @ Bandcamp or @ Gogoyoko

Song of the 207. Week is Lockerbie's "Snjóljón"

207. Song of the Week is Lockerbie's "Snjóljón".
 

Lockerbie @ MySpace

Agent Fresco, Mugison & Lay Low Live @ Nordatlantens Brygge, Copenhagen on 27. January 2011

Icelandic Night @ Nordatlantens Brygge 

27. January 2011

Agent Fresco
"Above these city lights"

Agent Fresco - Above These City Lights from Dadi Jonsson
Mugison
"Jesus is a good name to moan"

Mugison - Jesus Is A Good Name To Moan from Dadi Jonsson
Lay Low
"Boy Oh Boy"

Lay Low - Boy Oh Boy from Dadi Jonsson on Vimeo.

Who Knew Acoustic @ Bedroomdisco TV

Who Knew @ Bedroomdisco TV
"Brighter Days" & "We Do"

Who Knew @ MySpace
101 Berlin

Hljómsveitin Ég "Buy the album of the year" Video

Hljómsveitin Ég
"Buy the album of the year"

Buy The Album Of The Year from Johann Olafur
Hljómsveitin Ég @ MySpace

Noise Video

Noise

Noise from Johann Olafur
Noise @ MySpace

Retro Stefson "Kimba" Official Video

Retro Stefson
"Kimba", the first single of their second album "Kimbabwe" (2010).
Recenlty the band has signed a record deal with Universal, and a publishing deal with Sony ATV.
Video made by Árni Sveinsson. Borko is the driver/manager.

Retro Stefson's Website

Cosmic Call "Lightbulbs" Official Video

Cosmic Call
"Lightbulbs", a song of the Cosmic Call EP
Buy the EP @ Gogoyoko

Cosmic Call @ MySpace

Darknote "Bring down the skies" Official Video

Darknote "Bring down the skies"

Darknote @ MySpace

Stafrænn Hákon "Val Kilmer" Live @ Sódóma Reykjavík

Stafrænn Hákon Live @ Sódóma Reykjavík
"Val Kilmer"

European Tour Dates in April & May 2011

22.04.11 Offenbach, Hafen 2 (D)
23.04.11 Brugge, Cactus (B)
25.04.11 Prague, K4 w/ Tides From Nebula (CZ)
26.04.11 Munich, Kranhalle (D)
27.04.11 Conegliano, Appartamento di Hoffman (I)
28.04.11 Brescia, Locanda di Campagna (I)
29.04.11 Thun, Cafe Bar Mokka (CH)
30.04.11 Dornbirn, Cafe Schlachthaus (A)
1.05.11 Berlin, Lovelite w/ Tides From Nebula (D)
Stafrænn Hákon's Website
Stafrænn Hákon @ MySpace

Moon "My husband the corpse" Official Video

Moon
"My husband the corpse"

Moon - My Husband The Corpse from Moon

Jónsi & band played "Go do" for Morgunblaðið Sjónvarp

Jónsi & band performed "Go do" @ Morgunblaðið Sjónvarp

Teaser for "Ljóðræn heimildarmynd" by Loji Höskuldsson of Sudden Weather Change

One year in the life of the band Sudden Weather Change
Here's a Teaser for the documentary Ljóðræn heimildarmynd made by Loji Höskuldsson

Teaser - Ljóðræn heimildarmynd from Sudden

Hjaltalín Live @ The Slaughtered Lamb, London (8. March 2011)

Hjaltalín Live @ The Slaughtered Lamb, London on 8. March 2011

Emiliana Torrini "White Rabbit" Cover

Emiliana Torrini made a cover of Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit".

7oi supports the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund & Red Cross in Japan

7oi 

Supports Japan

Jóhann Friðgeir Jóhannsson aka 7oi on his website:
"I have decided to do my part to help Japan in the crisis they’re going through by supporting the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund and the Red Cross in Japan. So every dime you spend my store will be donated directly to which one of them you choose (you have a choice when ordering). No shipping fee subtracted, no fee whatsoever (except Paypal takes a small fee, but I’ll gather the amount until it’s some sum to minimize that cut). What you spend is what goes to Japan, plain and simple. I’ll pay the shipping (which is included in the price of the cd’s, actually), if you buy something that needs shipping.
The people of Japan have been very good to me, and though it might not be much (I don’t sell like Justin Bieber), hopefully it can be of some help.
I can also mention that all proceedings from my sales at my gogoyoko profile goes to charities that are also supporting the people of Japan in this crisis. So feel free to buy from there as well.
Also, I will even donate everything I get from album sales in Iceland along with what I get from iTunes and other online stores (they take their bite out of it first, the rest goes to Japan). So, basically, all my music income goes to support Japan. They need it more than I do…
…and if you don’t want anything I have to offer, please make a donation yourself. Just go to the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund website or find info on how to donate to the Red Cross in your country and make a donation of your choosing. I’ve already done that myself.
Lets all help in getting the good people of Japan through this."

Ólöf Arnalds - The Mahogany Session

Ólöf Arnalds 
The Mahogany Session
"Surrender"

"Crazy car"

Ólöf Arnalds @ MySpace
Ólöf's Website

Interview with Amiina @ The Music Box blog

Interview with Amiina @ The Music Box blog
An excerpt
Much has been made of Amiina hailing from Reykjavik’s insular music scene, but how much do you really think that coming from Iceland has affected Amiina’s sound?
Solrún: The close environment has definitely has an effect on our work. There has been a really supportive music environment here that has benefited music a lot. I’m both talking about the music education system (that has been developed since mid 20th century, but sadly has been under attack lately because of drastic cuts in public funding) and the generous and friendly music community that has grown in the Reykjavík area.
Many people first discovered Amiina through Sigur Rós – do you feel that your stint with Sigur Rós as their string quartet propelled your career forward, or is it something that has overshadowed you?
Solrún: The 10 years we collaborated with them was a period of learning, especially about the music business and touring and how things work there. During that time we continued to develop a certain way of working and improvising that has definitely affected a certain part of our music making. And of course we got the opportunity to perform for loads of people at the time we supported Sigur Rós on tour.

Retro Stefson "Velvakandasveinn" (Rokk og TjaTjaTja @ ÍNN)

Retro Stefson
"Velvakandasveinn" in TV Program Rokk og TjaTjaTja @ ÍNN. This is a song of their 2. Album "Kimbabwe", released in October 2010.

A new TV Program about Icelandic music

Hosted by drummer/Brak Label man Kristján Freyr Halldórsson

Rokk og TjaTjaTja from Vidar Freyr GudmundssonVimeo

Vigri "Sleep" Official Video

Vigri is an Icelandic band with melodic & classical elements formed in Reykjavik 2009. The band was formed by the brothers Bjarki & Hans Pétursson and then later expanded into a six piece band. Atli Jónasson on drums, Þórir Bergson on guitar, bass, keyboards and brass, Egill Halldórsson on bass and keyboards and Friðrik Helgason playing percussions and electronics.
The band name is taken from the final ship that the brothers' grandfather ever sailed on as a captain (Vigri RE-71).
Vigri is currently finishing their debut album "Pink Boats" (Bleikir bátar) with Birgir Jón Birgisson (sound engineer) @ Sundlauginn (former Sigur Rós studio)
Due to the lack of finance to record in a studio, the brothers decided to travel around many of the small churches in Iceland's countryside to record their material.
The album's name derives from a vision that hunted the band during their recording sessions when the red Icelandic sunset would lie over the sea's horizon and turn all the boats from white to pink.
"Sleep"

Vigri @ MySpace

Music Alliance Pact (MAP) # 30 (March 2011)

It's time for the 30th I love Icelandic music/Icelandic Music Maffia contribution to an international initiative, the Music Alliance Pact, aka MAP. I take part in this Blog Alliance since the start in October 2008. On a monthly basis music bloggers from around the globe select a track from their country which is then posted collectively and simultaneously on those blogs - giving each nation's track international exposure.
A trip around the world in 36 songs with a take off in Iceland:
This month I contributed the song "The Wait " by Ikea Satan.

The trio Ikea Satan plays satanic bluesmetal. Unnur Kolka drums, Pétur Úlfur plays guitar and sings, and Hannes Þór plays bass. The song “The Wait” is a track of their 3 songs EP "Sound of the planet", released last year on the Icelandic label Ching Ching Bling Bling.

To download all 36 songs in one file click here

ARGENTINA: Zonaindie

Utopians - Pepe Le Pew

Utopians is a garage rock band led by singer Barbi Recanati. They usually sound like a wild rampage of 70s-like guitar riffs and distortions, especially on their new album Freak. This song is the exception - an intimate acoustic ballad with Spanish lyrics inspired by a cartoon character.





AUSTRALIA: Who The Bloody Hell Are They?

Seekae - Gnor

Seekae's new album +Dome is out on March 25 and I’m super excited since their previous album, The Sound Of Trees Falling On People, is one of my favourite Australian albums of all time. When I say "I'm super excited", I am talking on your behalf – I already have a copy of the album and can confirm that it is fantastic. Gnor, the first 'official' single from the album (presumably because 2010 single Blood Bank features an updated and better mix here), is one of the closest songs to the sound of their debut, making it a good jumping-off point for people looking to get enveloped by their 'ghetto ambiance' all over again.





BRAZIL: Meio Desligado

Nuda - Maruimstad

Preparing to release their first album in the coming months, Nuda is a promising band that mixes regional Brazilian rhythms with alternative rock and experimentation. Maruimstad expresses the most exciting facet of the band and shows their ability to innovate while pleasing from the first listen.





CANADA: I(Heart)Music

Meligrove Band - Heart Attack

Looking for power-pop perfection? Then look no further than Meligrove Band's Shimmering Lights. It's one of those albums from which you could pick a song at random - be it Heart Attack, Bones Attack!!! or any of the other eight tracks without the word "Attack" in the title - and you'd be guaranteed to come away listening to one of catchiest tunes you're ever likely to hear.





CHILE: Super 45

Prehistöricos - Como Las Piedras

Prehistöricos formed during the summer of 2010, when actors Tomäs Preuss and Jessica Romo merged their musical ideas to create a collection of acoustic songs about teenage love. Their debut album La Orquesta Ocúlta ("The Hidden Orchestra") - released last October and available for free download here - received great reviews, focused mainly on the bright and naive nature of their repertoire. Mentioned in many Latin American media 'best of the year' lists, this duo are one of the highlights from a growing list of Chilean pop bands.





CHINA: Wooozy

Omnipotent Youth Society - The Less Than Omnipotent Comedy

Formed in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, in the late 90s, Omnipotent Youth Society take their influences from the Blind Melon sort of alternative American bands in the 90s, as well as jazz, blues and psychedelic noise. They released their debut album last year, which has been highly praised by critics and fans.





COLOMBIA: Colombia Urbana

Two Flow - Como Te Llamas

Two Flow is a duo consisting of Charly and Fabio, singers from Barranquilla. Como Te Llamas is a collaboration with Punto G, a tropical band from the same city, and was named the No.1 song of the Barranquilla carnival. This combination of tropical and urban flavors have made Como Te Llamas a hit on the radio and in discothèques.





DENMARK: All Scandinavian

Powersolo - I Love You But I Hate You

It's 10 years since the release of "donkey-punk" duo Powersolo's debut album, Lemon Half Moon. To mark the occasion, Kim Kix and The Atomic Child (aka the Railthin Brothers aka Kim and Bo Jeppesen) have released their fifth album, Buzz Human. It's a generally great and always entertaining mash of psychobilly, 60s garage rock, punk, psychedelia, utter madness and catchy hooks.





ENGLAND: The Guardian Music Blog

AlunaGeorge - Disobey

Aluna Francis is the one with the impossibly high, breathy-girly vocals and George Reid is the one responsible for the electronic production that seems to be as steeped in pop mores as it is aware of dubstep and R&B techniques. Imagine a 21st century Dollar if they’d formed in the shadows of FWD>>, if you can picture such an exciting proposition. Disobey is a final mix exclusive, so now you can make your own minds up about the duo described variously in our New Band Of The Day column as "fabulous" and "itchily glitchy".





ESTONIA: Popop

Kosmofon - Kvasar

Kosmofon is a spaceship built in 2008 and commanded by Martin Laksberg, Rasmus Lill and Marten Kuningas. They listen in their secret laboratory to Sirius and examine neutron stars to open a new dimension to the music of outermost depths of space. Kosmofon's works are the memoirs of heroic astronauts and announcements of thousands and millions of light years formatted into progressive electronic music.





FINLAND: Glue

Blackbird - Did I Say That I Loved You?

Captain Cougar's Jussi Petäjä discovered Jenna-Miia Kaivosoja one night while watching TV singing competition Idols. Impressed by her performance of Dolly Parton's Jolene, they started collaborating and making real music. Now with the addition of keyboardist Matias Tyni, they have formed Blackbird to create a surprising combination of folk and bubblegum pop. If this first song is a good indication, their debut album due out in the summer will be catchy, cheesy and fun.





FRANCE: Yet You're Fired

Young Michelin - Les Copains

Young Michelin is a five-piece band led by Romain Guerret, an accomplished solo artist who made two albums under the name Dondolo. Signed to American label Holiday Records, they are trying to merge their 90s English indie-pop influences with the use of French language. Inspired by The Wake, The Field Mice and labels such as Sarah Records, they aim to make music that is simple and honest, and succeed brilliantly, as this instrumental shows.





GERMANY: Blogpartei

Silent Portraits - Mama

Music recorded in one take always has the charm of authenticity. And music recorded with lo-fi equipment in a bedroom can have wonderful results. As you listen to Silent Portraits, you feel the raw energy behind these sketches. Imperfect, powerful and benign, Maxi's voice and reverbed guitar create a warm and somewhat melancholic soundscape reminiscent of PJ Harvey or Becky Lee. You can download the other songs of this unsigned Berlin-based artist via MySpace or Bandcamp.





GREECE: Mouxlaloulouda

Zebra Tracks - Isabelle Creeps

Zebra Tracks collect their darkest impulses and put them on stark display. The single Bicycles / Isabelle Creeps brims with their vehement energy and constitutes an intriguing step in the evolution of their simple, yet oddly affecting, and certainly promising sound. A start-to-finish rush of invigorating riffs and pointed narratives that heightens with repeated exposure. A thrilling, incontrovertible evidence of their bright future.





ICELAND: Icelandic Music Maffia

Ikea Satan - The Wait

The trio Ikea Satan plays satanic blues-metal. Unnur Kolka drums, Pétur Úlfur plays guitar and sings, and Hannes Þór plays bass. The Wait is taken from their three-song Sound Of The Planet EP, released last year on Icelandic label Ching Ching Bling Bling.





INDIA: Indiecision

Bombay Bassment - Hip-Hop [Never Be The Same]

Mumbai electro rockers Bombay Bassment have lofty ambitions. Their brand of hip-hop meets drum 'n bass meets funk takes on established conventions of those genres - a careful mix of curated samples, some pro MC chops and an affinity to bass-driven melodies. Hip-Hop [Never Be The Same] puts those ambitions front and center. This is a band that's sure-footed and ready to, as cliched as it may sound, "make it to the top". We're certain they have the chops to do just that.





INDONESIA: Deathrockstar

Amazing In Bed - Circle

Amazing In Bed never stop growing as they keep making music with new approaches and refuse to take notice of critics. And now, even if we are able to trace the roots of their garage-punk songs, we still understand and recognize them as Amazing In Bed.





IRELAND: Nialler9

We Are Losers - Cheerleader

The brainchild of Gavin Elsted, who has been joined by members of Super Extra Bonus Party and Grand Pocket Orchestra, We Are Losers have been directing shafts of sunshine lo-fi indie-rock into ear canals for the past six months. Cheerleader is a fine example of what the band do best. Catchy choruses, a hint of 50s pop, handclaps and happy melodies.





ISRAEL: Metal Israel

Sonne Adam - We Who Worship The Black

Jens Prueter, head of A&R at Century Media Europe, puts it best: "We are proud to sign a young band from Tel Aviv, Israel that knows the meaning of death unfortunately better than most of us. Sonne Adam mix the old doom/death of early Paradise Lost and technical insanity of early Morbid Angel with a fresh passion and raw energy that reminds me of the hunger and dedication I heard 20 years ago, without sounding retro." Black Sabbath dirges mix with rabid speed to create an aural monstrosity. Check them out.





ITALY: Polaroid

Casa Del Mirto - Faces

Let's put aside the obvious comparisons to Washed Out and Neon Indian. Yes, you can call Casa Del Mirto 'chillwave' or 'glo-fi', but I feel the songs have a different mood, something more intimate, melancholic and familiar. Not to mention those gorgeously brilliant sounds. Casa Del Mirto is the project of Marco Ricci, from Trento. His new album, 1979, is out now on Mashhh! Records.





MEXICO: Red Bull PanameriKa

Toño Tranquilino - Candyflip

Hipekinetik is the solo album of Toño Tranquilino (drummer of stoner rock band Yokozuna), in which he explores many other forms of making music. Its sound tastefully blends 60s Brazilian psychedelia and heartfelt folk songs, led by a jazz-influenced piano. Candyflip stands out on the introspective 12-piece set, as a cathartic moment in his captivating relief which eventually becomes a self-discovery quest.





NETHERLANDS: Unfold Amsterdam

Blues Brother Castro - Walk In The Park

Few Amsterdam rock 'n' roll bands play with the same swagger and passion as Blues Brother Castro. Be it onstage or on record, their sound is typically raunchy guitars, waves of energy and savage calls. From beneath their well-worn 90s indie overcoat emerges elements reminiscent of Rob Tyner's howl, Ron Asheton's growl and even James Brown's scowl. It's been almost five years since they’ve had new songs to showcase, but their third album, Out On The Beach, will be released via Excelsior Recordings on April 4.





NEW ZEALAND: Einstein Music Journal

Orchestra Of Spheres - Boltzmann Brain

Otherworldly psych and alien trance unite in Orchestra Of Spheres' hypnotic jams. The group has been entrancing audiences in their native Wellington and further afield for years, and never fail to leave jaws hanging at their free-spirited but tightly-wound motorik dance. Live, they're a spectacle of concept costumes, handmade instruments including a cake tin guitar and rack of keyboard foot pedals played by hand, and look as though an alien troupe descended the stage. Boltzmann Brain will induce in you their contagious mystic madness.





NORWAY: Birds Sometimes Dance

Sandra Kolstad - The Devil

Sandra Kolstad is a young woman who will release her debut album, Crux, in the spring. There's already quite a buzz around her here in Norway and this summer she'll play one of our biggest festivals, Øya. Her music is characteristic, peculiar electro-pop with a finesse that many other artists lack. Maybe it's her education in classical piano, maybe it's her gift at writing. I don't know, but I can hear hints of another great artist who masters both classical and indie, Owen Pallett, as well as traces of Fever Ray, Jenny Hval/Rockettothesky and maybe Dirty Projectors.





PERU: SoTB

Futuro Incierto - Fue Ayer

Futuro Incierto is one of the most symbolic Peruvian hardcore bands. Fronted by Pedro Allemant, their 20 years of melodic punk are proof of the musical experience they have gained. For their most recent record, Ego, some problems arose that forced them to re-record the content, yet it resulted in the best album of their career. In this work, the songs delve deep into personal themes, mature feelings and the conflicts caused by ego.





PORTUGAL: Posso Ouvir Um Disco?

Mazgani - Beggar's Hands

Shahryar Mazgani was born in Iran but moved to Portugal when he was just five. In 2005, Mazgani was considered one of the 20 best new European acts by French magazine Les Inrockuptibles. He has three albums and 2010's Song Of Distance, where this month's track is taken from, was acclaimed by the Portuguese media as one of the best rock records of the year.





ROMANIA: Babylon Noise

Robin And The Backstabbers - Soare Cu Dinti

Robin And The Backstabbers made their debut almost a year ago in Bucharest. The guys mix indie with what they call 'melodramatic pop' and the result is an upbeat nostalgic sound that gets to you in the best ways. They have released two singles, both very well received by the public and underground radio stations. This is their third one and, by the sound of it, I'm sure it's going to be another success.





SCOTLAND: The Pop Cop

Little Eskimos - Start It Up

You'd never guess that Little Eskimos' anthemic debut album Are You Still With Us? (available on Bandcamp) is the work of just one man - chief songwriter Kevin Harper played all the instruments and recorded it himself before getting a band together. Little Eskimos clearly owe a huge debt to the West Coast slacker rock sound, and the infectious Start It Up will leave you counting the days until their second album comes out in the summer. Keep up with them on Facebook in the meantime.





SINGAPORE: I'm Waking Up To...

Caracal - Bears

Brazen smatterings of post-hardcore and hard rock are the name of Caracal's game, something they do exceptionally well. There are shades of Underoath, Fugazi and mewithoutYou all over their straight-shooting, swashbuckler of an album, Bear. Shark. Wolf. Even if the music's genre isn't your cup of tea, one thing you can never fault this young band on is how proudly they wear their hearts on the sleeves, beating loudly for all the world to sit up and take notice.





SOUTH AFRICA: Musical Mover & Shaker!

aKING - The Runaround

When aKING embarked on their new album in 2010, they were ready to explore and venture into new territory. The Runaround, the first single from the band's third studio album The Red Blooded Years, shows off their formula of acoustic rock, distinctive vocals and riffs. There are also new sounds and influences that have crept in, with a distinct 80s feel shining through on many of the new tracks. The change has taken aKING to new heights.





SOUTH KOREA: Indieful ROK

J Rabbit - aMorejo

Super-lovely duo J Rabbit has been gathering a bit of attention since November last year when they first started posting music on YouTube via friendz.net. In March, the two girls released their first album, It's Spring, and they are now hoping it can provide their audience with delight and fresh energy. Supported by an acoustic guitar, aMorejo is a sweet song with lyrics that'll stick even if you can't understand the words.





SPAIN: Musikorner

Oso Leone - Rebellion

Formed in Majorca, Oso Leone started to make their name at Levi's Unfamous Music Awards contest, in which they were finalists. They didn't win, but they were chosen as the supporting band for These New Puritans' Spanish tour and later signed to Foehn Records, home of Spanish indie acts such as Emilio José and Marina Gallardo. Using structures similar to Vic Chesnutt's, echoes of Americana and contemporary folk go hand in hand on their music and show that the boys are just a breath away from success.





SWEDEN: Swedesplease

Impo & The Tents - Bubblegum Machine

Punk-inspired garage rock from Stockholm's Impo & The Tents. Not much else to say about something so simple and forceful.





SWITZERLAND: 78s

Cryptonites - Hey Kidz

The two blokes behind Cryptonites surely do not intend to diminish the power of any superheroes. On the contrary, their objective is to strengthen young kids with their electrifying sound. With their new EP Hey Kidz in stock, these two sound manipulators might just accomplish their mission because the four-track material is a bona fide crowd pleaser. The centerpiece Hey Kidz is the heart and soul of the release on Freakz Me Out.





UNITED STATES: I Guess I'm Floating

Cloud Nothings - Understand At All

Cloud Nothings has it all: DIY bedroom charm, memorable melodies and

jangly guitar work lost somewhere in an era of grunge and punk rock.

This solo project from the outskirts of Cleveland, Ohio, packs a punch

live too – something I plan on seeing for myself this month.





VENEZUELA: Música y Más

Planeador - El Regreso

Planeador is a rock band with influences of folk, country and blues formed in Anzoátegui in 2006. After playing at major festivals around the country, they finally released their first album in April 2010, which launched the single El Regreso. It has remained on the playlist of several radio stations with the video rotated on MTV Latin America. They are currently working on their second studio album.