Diffused is a four track single from The Upbeats.  The music is a mix of Dubstep and Big Beat with a gritty, high energy feel to the tracks.  The Upbeats really are upbeat!

Tracks: All Good

The Ocean is the debut EP from Saturday, Monday.  The music is Pop Dance with a dramatic Indie Rock flair.  A solid debut.

Tracks: All Good

Pick A Piper’s self-titled debut has an Ambient Dance feel to it with an Indie Dance Undercurrent.  The album sounds similar to Caribou (this is Caribou drummer Brad Weber’s side project) and has a textured, dreamy sound to it.  This is an excellent debut and will compliment and Caribou collection.

Tracks: 2,4,5,7

Matt Shadetek’s most recent release is titled The Empire Never Ended.  The music is Electro Hop with super chunky, grimy beats.  There’s a Dubstep element as well adding to the grittiness of the album.  Instrumental and vocal tracks help break up the album and give it a good pace.  If you’re looking for something a little rough check out these tracks.

Tracks: 5,6,8,9,12

Nostalchic is the latest album from Lapalux.  The music is similar to Flying Lotus (Lapalux is signed to FL’s Brainfeeder label) which is a mix of Electro Hop and R&B.  The tracks are multilayered with many different sonic textures that groove their way into your ears.  Check out these smooth jams.

Tracks: 3,6,9 

The latest from DJ Koze is titled Amygdala.  The music is a blend of Downtempo Ambient, Electro Hop and Ambient Dance.  Koze considers this his “Sgt. Peppers” album, a concept album exploring the inner workings of his mind, his thoughts and emotions.  The album also features a who’s who of artists including: Caribou, Matthew Dear, Apparat, Dirk von Lotzow, Hildegard Knef, as well as Ada and Milosh.  The result is an album that has a psychedelic mix tape feel to it.  The tracks have an edge of madness threaded into them (again similar to some of the Sgt. Pepper tracks) but the kookiness is subtle and only adds to the depth and creativity of the album.  DJ Koze has shown us his skill once more and listeners won’t be disappointed.

Tracks: 2,3,5,7,8,11,12,13

Depeche Mode’s thirteenth studio album is titled Delta Machine.  Well known for their Synth Pop sound of the 80’s, the band’s sound has evolved to include an Electro Blues element into their more recent albums.  The tracks on Delta Machine retain these elements but also have a heavier, darker (the band has been called Depressed Mode by some) almost Industrial sound as well.  Overall, not a bad album but this album feels like it is more of a routine job for these guys than a creative expression of the band.  Still these guys know what they’re doing and fans shouldn’t be disappointed.

Tracks: disc one:  2,4,5 disc 2: 3,5,8,9