Because of the humble hooks and additive melodies Freelance Whales have created an album so unexpected and so unbelievably good. Possibly one of the better records to come out in 2009 and for sure the best record that uses both a banjo and synth.

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Listen to Freelance Whales

Song to start with: “Hannah”

‘Dada Bandits’ is probably one of the best albums you haven’t heard of put out by one of the best bands you haven’t heard of. I hesitate in comparing this album to other band’s music, but imagine a mash up of Anathallo and Death Cab For Cutie and you’ll get close to what to expect. “Wasteland” shows Rubik’s ability to match Journey’s skill in building up a song into anthem status.

Listen to Rubik

Song to start with: “Wasteland”

Release date: September 15th (US)

You may have seen our write up about Anathallo’s album leak and their response but chances are a lot of people don’t know who the band even is. Their style is a little hard to describe other than to say it contains waves of experimental rhythmic melodies. Vocals a long with any other type of instruments are used to create music that is unlike much else you’ve heard. Their new album which will be out in November seems like it will be a little more traditional than their last one but it still has that traditional Anathallo sound and feel.

Song to start with: “Noni’s Field”

Anathallo has a new album set to be released in November titled ‘Canopy Glow’. There has been a little bit of controversy over the album which made its way onto the internet a few days ago. Apparently the leaked version is a different mix than the final copy will be. The leaked version has been titled ‘Engine Glow’ is reference to Neil Strauch of Engine Studios who mixed it.

I promise promise promise we didn’t plan it like this. And I’ll also say, I fully expect the real “Canopy Glow” to leak between now and November 18th. That’s how these things work, right? And when it does, I hope you listen to it! And that you pass it on to your friends. And hopefully you like it and they like it and you all decide to come see us between now and next spring. That’s a fair deal, right?

There is a link on their blog to the unofficial version of the album which will not be released. We don’t think stealing music is right, but is it stealing if the band says go for it, listen to it so that you know you like it? Either way it is an interesting topic.

Fun is a new band that, just by hearing who is in it, you’ll probsbly already like. The former front man of The Format, along with members of Anathallo and Steel Train make up Fun. The band is set to hit the studio the begining of September. If that is too long for you to wait, the band has a demo up currently.

Anathallo already has a strong group of devoted fans mostly from word of mouth, so here’s your invitation to check them out. By the way they do have a song from their new record up to listen to.