Christmas Series #2: Ivan & Alyosha

 Somewhat of a throwback...re-uploading this with fixed links, and of course...it's CHRISTMAS TIME.

 

                                                      They are just smooth!                                        via

I'm sure you've heard of that now-famous group The Avett Brothers? Well, let me introduce you to something that's similar but with a little more of an indie twist! These guys know how to play some serious tunes with their folksy-indie-rocky sounds. Hailing from Seattle, they've released new music and you better get ahold of it!

They are absolute pro's at what they do and I find it unimaginable that they don't have a bigger following. 
They have quite a neat sound as noted already and it includes some amazing harmonies to great folk-rock guitars and drum beats. The vocalist is very prominent and can be heard easily over the instruments, but all in a way that smooths over nicely.

Enough with the chit-chat. It's time for Christmas. Their first Christmas song I found from I&A was this beauty, "Being Home for Christmas" and I had to track it down on Amazon... Now it's released to the masses, so go snag it and enjoy it.  

The lyrics while personal to the band (I imagine), seem to connect with me. Especially this year. There is going to be a stark difference this year, and I intend to be grateful for the memories I've had and the opportunity to make new ones in the future. 

I really hope you can go support this great group of indie goodness. They know what they're trying to play and they play it impeccably.

Merry Christmas!!

With Wind in Sails You'll Go Far

It's that softer sound, with a folk-acoustic touch

When I want to share something softer, but still an indie sound, I can't help but blab about it the best way I know how. So, Wind In Sails is how you can..float along and listen to some greatness.

He is all about being genuine and real in his lyrics, and of course.. I love that. It's a softer folk-acoustic-rock sound that is just hit perfectly.

Look for the song "Heart to Focus" as the lyrics make quite a lot of sense and speak such wisdom, particularly in today's messed up society. Please go and 'Like' his facebook page and I'm sure he'll appreciate it.

The Hubbub of Rocketboys!

                        Rock on with some Rocketboys!                     via

Here's a nice rockish noise for you! What's more? The lyrics are terrific! Just check out the appropriately titled song "The Best!" The Rocketboys are a neat group of guys I saw open for The Almost and Relient K, and it was quite the show!

This band live sounds a whole lot like their recorded selves, and that is something to be treasured today. While it may be a little harder than some of the bands that i've posted on here, give these guys a listen too!

The Rocketboys' (formerly known as Homer Hiccolm & the Rocketboys) Facebook profile deserves some attention for sure, so please go help 'em out! i Know they'd appreciate it. And, rock a little with some good music!

Sugar + the Hi-lows If You Have a Sweet Tooth!

                                      Here's a happy duo!                          via

Thought it was about time for another duo! Amy Stroup or Trent Dabbs? Talented solo artists? Put 'em together and what do you think you'll get? Pure fun and games..with something sweet! These two know how to make you smile, that's for sure.

This duo likes the "oldie" sound and pull it off fantastically. Maybe some elements of the popular She & Him, but i like these two better. They've got a sort of old rock-pop sound, that works well with their voices. Take a listen over at my favorite site, NoiseTrade of course!

If you know these two separately, then you know that they stand out from among other vocalists..what's so neat, is that together they still sound s0 great and complement each other just right. Give "Two Day High" a listen to find out what i mean. For me, Sugar + the Hi-lows is just what one needs for a pick-me-up (if people still say that?). Please go give 'em a hand with some 'likes', and why not dance while you're at it?!

If Lacking Color in Life, Please See The Colourist

                   Only two songs available? Stink.                    via

From the place i was born (Orange County, CA) comes an indie group that just..blows the socks way off! A little unsure of where to begin because i'm just...way too stinkin' proud i'm from that OC!

But, more importantly, the chunes! So yeah, there's both female and male vocals that rule so much and of course some good ol' electric guitar happy strums are found all over this band. And it's kinda' rockish, but they like to call it "majestic rock." It's just..too fun and catchy.

To compare this band, one might consider Hey Ocean! or Paper Route somewhat.. But then, sometimes like in their song "Yes Yes,"States might come to mind! However, these comparisons...pretty trivial when you think about their pure talent and unique Feels!

Well folks, have to bring sad news..followed by lighter news to look out for in the future.. This band pretty much only has two songs to listen to. Stink. i Know. However, their music video is here for their song "Little Games!" Worth it why? Because you can also read an interview that's enthralling. Girl-singer+drummer FTW!!! *wink*

Although this band sounds as good as they do, of course how many 'likes' do you think they have?! Just about 5.6K! Terrible i know. Please go love, i mean 'like' The Colourist on old facebook and here's to hoping for more tunes "soon!"

If Thirsty for More Indie, Try [a] Mint Julep!

                       It's a nifty intermixing of sorts!                         via

ANOther duo? Well sort of! In other words, you hear pretty much solely the female vocals in this group. However, they work together to be mixer/producer/writer and her husband Keith Kenniff does a Good portion of it...he's quite the character, for the lack of a better description.

"Character" may just be perfect however because he is all over the place. Don't believe me? Go to unseen-music.com and Explore! You'll realize quickly just how much "all over" he really is.

The sound of this particular group is a little like a mixture of States and Feather & Belle. Here's why, of course the pretty vocals connect, and then guitar or synth comes in and makes it, well. In the vocals there is a sort of echoing that occurs that give it a more electronic sound and the synths only add to this.

But, it can also be pretty wild with electric guitar and some fun crashing beats. Just go over to Keith Kenniff's Soundcloud page and listen to "Aviary"...ahah..or download it at that page as well!

(Tip: There are other free downloads all over that page! Check 'em out please! If you aren't TOO keen on some MJ, than check out his incredibly ambient and magical projects like Goldmund or Helios!)

They call it an "electronic indie rock" because of all the electric sounds that can be so prominent and the overall harder sound to the project. It's a nifty intermixing of sorts and i'm sure you'll like it! The Mint Julep facebook page is regrettably not thriving with 'likes,' so feel free and listen away!

Erase the Marks and Get Scars On 45

           They've got an accent and it sounds terrific!         via

Here we go, yet another upbeat group but with those female vocals that can just..make the band, Great! If the lady, in the back-middle looks familiar it's because she's offered her voice in several different projects and songs. For example, if you've heard of Joshua Radin, she sings with him on a few songs and has accompanied him in a few performances!

Speaking of this Aimee, she can just,.."sang!" She's got this dreamy sort of voice that's quite pleasant to listen to and often is harmonizing prettily. The other vocalist is the guy in the front, and like the rest of them, is from England. So yes, they've got an accent and it sounds terrific. So there.

In listening to them, they've got more of a rock sound but one that sometimes is kind of soft-rock. If you want to hear a song mainly with Aimee, listen to "Change My Needs." It's really peaceful and might be a sad song, but a wonderful one! If you want to hear more of the full band noise, check out "Give Me Something"

What's also neat is that sometimes this band reminds of the old, good Snow Patrol. (Yes, "old, good" because i really like the old Snow Patrol stuff..classic. "Insecurity" has an element or two with an SP sound!) In other words, they've got incredible drums and electric guitar that soar in the songs.

While the 'likes' are close to 20,000...they aren't there yet and need a lot more recognition for how great they are! Scars On 45 might have struggled in England, but i hope they can fly up to the top in the U.S. Give this group more than a chance, cheers!

While En Route, Why Not Doing a Paper Route?

             They have your electronic rock jams down pat!              via

Yowch, here's a Band!! Looking for indie, exciting, electronic rock jams, maybe a little similar to States, minus the female vocals? i Think, i may be way off, but i'm pretty sure Paper Route is your go-to group.

They're making music in Nashville (like a lot of musicians), but these guys stand out in the mix of them all. Are they a little to popular to be on this site with just over 20K 'likes'? *sigh* Maybe.. However, are they unique and still not getting fame? Oh yes.

This band's sound can be quite diverse with all that's goin' on! i've mentioned its electronic element, but it's more than that. Much more. Mainly because there is an abundance of strings, guitar, drums, synth, piano, some sort of chimes/bells, and i'm probably just touching first base for what goes on in these tunes!

All in all, they've got such a powerful/packed-full sound! Sometimes it can be somewhat ambient with the electronic bits with piano, and other times it can be more of a rockish sound but almost poppy in a way! Real unique, if you can't tell already.

Well, i've posted their facebook link, so go for it! Their newest album, The Peace of Wild Things is only $6.99 and if you want to stream something right now, check out "Better Life" and..bob your head.. Or something! Just, be introduced to another great indie band who has my hopes up high!

Enjoying Carefree Jeff Carl

                           He's just plain smooth and content-like               via

Ah, here's a character. A friend of mine introduced me to this guy and i took an immediate liking to him. In talking about the music that comes from this talented man, my friend said, "Every time i listen to Jeff Carl i can't help but be in a happy mood; i just love to sing along with his music."

That about sums it up for this talented one. But in terms of his sound, i personally would describe it as just plain smooth and content-like. He's a multi-instrumentalist for sure playing keys and guitar!

To top it, he's got an amazing range! His vocals can be quite low and almost kind of a quiet talking, but then can be a kind of high pitched "Ooh!" sound. These two fit together like finding the last puzzle piece and putting it in.

i'm pretty sure the first song i heard by this guy, and the the one that exemplifies his talent best, is "I'll Be Gone Tomorrow." i Extremely encourage you all to check that out as well as the rest of the EP which is.... FREE! So please, go to Jeff Carl's facebook page and 'like' him. His lyrics, sound, and overall remarkableness make this guy a Real indie champ!

Add in Some [The] Spring Standards for..Spring!

          They are just Something else!            via

Spring started a few days ago...so i've been thinking, why not share some Spring Standards with you! In the Spring i am thoroughly fond of taking long walks in a breeze, eating outside on a cool patio, somersaulting down rolling hills of green.. No seriously. This group is something else!

They can churn out some great indie chunes! And i would say their sound is certainly indie because of the way they sing. Definitely some good ol' harmonies with male and female vocals, but the way it is put together and how it has that kind of, "old" sound?

Which makes since because one of their influences is The Beatles! It's really neat and i suggest hearing "Only Skin" and "Wildfire Forest!" Of course they've got music over at their Noisetrade page, so turn it up!

In addition to the vocals, they also have some piano, bells, guitar, drums, symbols, and more like mad! i'm quite sure their live show is quite the Show! Speaking of which, these guys were just touring with one of my top favorite indie bands called Jukebox the Ghost. i Would review these guys as well, because they've certainly got The Sound, but, they've got a pretty good following; i just hope they get bigger!

But please check out these Standards! They're such a good change of pace and should have a lot more fans!! i Would love to see their facebook 'likes' to go over 6K! Here's to the Spring and i hope your's includes some of these fun people!

Good Times With Ivan & Alyosha (Xmas edit-2020)

Somewhat of a throwback...re-uploading this with fixed links, and of course...it's CHRISTMAS TIME.

 

                                                      They are just smooth!                                        via

I'm sure you've heard of that now-famous group The Avett Brothers? Well, let me introduce you to something that's similar but with a little more of an indie twist! These guys know how to play some serious tunes with their folksy-indie-rocky sounds. Hailing from Seattle, they've released new music and you better get ahold of it!

They are absolute pro's at what they do and I find it unimaginable that they don't have a bigger following. 
They have quite a neat sound as noted already and it includes some amazing harmonies to great folk-rock guitars and drum beats. The vocalist is very prominent and can be heard easily over the instruments, but all in a way that smooths over nicely.

Enough with the chit-chat. It's time for Christmas. Their first Christmas song I found from I&A was this beauty, "Being Home for Christmas" and I had to track it down on Amazon... Now it's released to the masses, so go snag it and enjoy it.  

The lyrics while personal to the band (I imagine), seem to connect with me. Especially this year. There is going to be a stark difference this year, and I intend to be grateful for the memories I've had and the opportunity to make new ones in the future. 

I really hope you can go support this great group of indie goodness. They know what they're trying to play and they play it impeccably.

Merry Christmas!!

States Put You In a Great State

                                       States are ready to rock!                                   via

Copeland... Lydia... If you have finished heaving sighs of sadness about those two celebrated names, or at least one of them, you can continue reading. If you haven't heard of those two bands, well, i guess the bright side is that you didn't ever feel any remorse for either band when they broke up.

Basically, how States was formed was that when these two ended, two guitarists from Copeland met up with Mindy White from Lydia and the result is..(can't resist) Stately!! Think kinda' rock-ish with apparent indie-infusion throughout for understanding their sound. Fuzzy electric and pure electric guitar is all over this band, with drums casually smashing quite a bit in the background.

If you don't know anything about the White's singing power, well it's time to be acquainted! If you're into bands with strong female leads, you've found your favorite indie band without a doubt. She is unique and can hit those higher notes quite well. If you want to listen to softer songs, look up their EP (it's around it's just hard to find, try youtube.com!) which i think is really good!

However, if you're desperate for tunes right now and you're ready to rock (so to speak), their album is Room to Run and i hope you'll find there is not only plenty of room to do just that, but to jump around and have a good time as well! While these guys have several 'likes' on the old social media hub that no one uses (facebook), they need the support like Hey Ocean! because they're that good and deserve more fans!

A Minute Review of the Best Little & Ashley

                      L&A are just right!                               via

So, i'm sure you've heard of Amazon's Kindle, and seen those funny commercials which are normally in stop-motion...does the one on the left look a little familiar? Guess who that is?! Annie Little (now Ashley) who also sings on a lot of the advertisements for the Kindle! Her husband Marcus Ashley, pictured next to her (yes, he's a fortunate man..), also produces the songs with her and they have a sound which can light up any room.

Little & Ashley is a duo fit for kings and queens. Look up the words "cheerful" and "flair" in a dictionary and i'm pretty sure you'll find, "See 'Little & Ashley'" as proof this pair is a synonym of both words. The vocals are nothing short of just right and the instruments chosen are broad, as i'm sure you know if you've seen any of the commercials. Their sound ranges from soft synth beats and loops, to electric guitar rockin' out like in "Thousand Falling Stars" (Hint: no cost, free...)

In recent news, these two are parents! & they have a full length album coming out sooon!! i Know, too much to handle. i'm still trying to contain myself. In addition, this li'l group of merry but busy people are talented actors as well and have been in several commercials (not including Amazon), TV shows, and movies. To learn more, watch this video about their lives together.

i Had the huge pleasure of meeting them (couldn't go see them at their show not being 21 at the time, which stunk royally), and they are the most humble and nice individuals. So, go check these two out and 'like' them as their facebook numbers are too low (less than 3.5K) and start enjoying the best duo that ever was!