indievidual - the #indie blog

Hozac Records, a Chicago-based label started in late 2006 by Todd Killings and Brett Cross, has been quietly releasing some brilliant records focusing on low-fi, underground, psych-throwback ("indie" artists, mmk?). Some of the highlights of late seem to share in common female lead vocals, to wit: Dum Dum Girls, Super WIld Horses and with this latest release, Wax Idols.

The Wax Idols "No Future" released by Hozac (HZR-094) on October 25th, 2011, much like the label itself, travels a wide swath within the relatively narrow confines of a borrowed garage or slept-on couch. There's some paint-can rattling, dropping of ashtrays on hardwood floors but aside from that nothing much to distract from some soundly written, aptly executed rock and roll songs. Less distorted and mangy than some of their label counterparts, Wax Idols here put forth an unassuming, utterly listenable collection that disjoint any attempt at timeline. Hozac seems very adept at getting behind artists with, if not a common sound, at least a shared goal of lifting the finer elements of a variety of distinct eras and genres, settling them together rigid, seamless and tight.

At any rate, nothing bad can come of listening to this record. Explore Hozac further and you may come to share my recent obsession with a label that in a short period of time has cut some dynamite indie records.

With eerie vocals and ghostly beats, IAMX's fourth studio album is not to be dismissed by anyone. Anyone who has listened to the earlier releases knows how attention grabbing both the lyrics and music is, and this one is no different, with lyrics like "I declare you as our King or Queen, depending on your mood". Just do it, you know you want to. Just GO check it out. RIGHT NOW!

But before you do, here's a taste of what you can expect.

I'm one of those people that, despite not being born until the early 90's, has an unexplainable crush on 80's synthpop. So I can't call my feelings for Ford & Lopatin's debut album Channel Pressure those of nostalgia, since I wasn't even alive when the albums that inspired these "midi funk" jam sessions were released. This concept album (about a boy who gets beaten up by robots and then tries to take over the music industry) smacks of 80's new-wave but has a tinge of modernity to it, with effects you can tell wouldn't have been possible on the music-making machines of 30 years ago. Give the album's first single, Emergency Room, a listen below.

And check out the trippily mouth-watering video for World of Regret:

Ford & Lopatin "World of Regret" from Thunder Horse Video on Vimeo.

STANDOUT TRACKS: Channel Pressure, Too Much MIDI (Please Forgive Me), New Planet, World of Regret

From the band's Facebook page: "Glass Masks is an electronic band from Kansas. The band members include Greg and Stacy K. Using organic samples and soulful vocal harmonies, they create a natural layer of sound covering synthetic noises. Glass is reflective yet transparent, Masks hide what you are with a new face."

I found out about these guys via /r/music. Sweet little keyboard melodies, tribal drums, powerful vocals, all masked behind a layer fuzzy noise. You can also get your fill of bleeps, bloops, and whomps. The variety alone makes it worth a listen. They share sonic similarities with both the intricate soundscapes of The Postal Service's Dntel and the psychedelia of MGMT. Somewhat of an Animal Collective sound-alike, but more laid back, less in your face. Check it out!

You can listen and buy/download for free at their bandcamp here: http://glassmasks.bandcamp.com/

Does Tim Kasher have a mid life crisis? For people who have grown up with his different bands, it sure can seem like it with this solo debut. However, no matter if that is true or not, this record is for people of all ages. Or at least for people who love that Saddle Creek sound Mr. Kasher has helped to create and perfect.

Where do I begin? This is one of those artists that has less than 1000 listeners on last.fm. Indie. Real indie. But what sets this outfit apart? Probably its throwback to old and almost extinct emo pioneered by bands like Cap’n Jazz and American Football. Comparable to Algernon Cadwallader, but with less of an uptempo pace. Still, it’s undeniable that this will be one of those two release bands that go no further than playing some garage and basement shows, sadly. The kind of music played on this simple, free EP is what some of us praise for creativity, even if it’s just for that nostalgic feel from a band that didn’t make it out of Kalamazoo. The guitar work is sloppy and simple, with atmospheric ambiance. The vocals are wispy and fun. It’s probably the next thing that will never be heard by anyone, but adored by a select few.

Be sure to download here: http://theworldis.bandcamp.com/album/formlessness

This weeks #post-rock pick of the week.

Courtesy of #post-rock on P2P-Net IRC network.

Lady Danville formed in 2007, and consists of three former UCLA students (Michael Garner, Matt Frankel and Dan Chang) who met singing in an a capella group. Three part vocal harmonies work amazingly well together with guitar and piano to deliver a melodic and polished EP. Each track has different elements of musicality, with interweaving harmonies shared between the three vocalists.

The standout track is definitely Tired Magician, which won the annual Star 98.7 Lounge Contest in 2007. However, the four other tracks on this EP are definitely worth listening to - mellow, groovy and with an infectious upbeat attitude that will have your foot tapping along. It's a refreshing take on the indie pop scene infused with an obvious passion for music, which is what makes it one of my favourite discoveries of this year.