Doc Aquatic // Tombs
An INCREDIBLE band based out of Asheville that produces some wonderful psych-pop music. There’s a bit of that ol’ mountain folk sound in there, but it’s mostly reverb washed blasts of excellence.
RIYL: Real Estate, The Flaming Lips
The Beast //Gardens EP
This is a short EP from one of the areas finest hip-hop acts and holy god it’s awesome. This is their first “big band” recording, which means this already jazz influenced hip-hop crew is joined by some of the areas finest string and brass players. Seriously check this if you’re into hip-hop.
RIYL: The Roots
Wowolfol//Demos
While the sound quality isn’t top notch, these songs are slow brooding, somber pieces of acoustic glory. While some of the tracks suffer from being a bit too static, the ones that have some musical direction are pretty incredible.
RIYL: Bill Callahan, Tom Waits
Just some good fun indie rock from these Chapel Hill folks. Sounds a bit like the quirky college rock acts in the area that have picked up a bit of steam. Some of these songs are terribly catchy and definitely worth a spin or two.
RIYL: Hammer No More The Fingers, Archers of Loaf
Texoma// EP
Another brief collection of songs from a very fresh roots rock band. Texoma is comprised of former members of Magnolia Collective and some other local Americana-based acts. Self described as dust-rock, which is far more accurate than it should be!
RIYL: Drive-By Truckers
Napoleon Wright II //The Napoleon Complex
Some seriously smooth hip-hop from this producer/rapper. A lot of R&B influence tossed in and the tracks tow the line between melody based and swiftly spat hip-hop. Spin these tunes if you’re looking for some easily accessible rap.
RIYL: Kooley High, Frank Ocean
The Arcane Heart // EP
A great collection of folky Americana songs that play off of some excellent melodies and simplistic instrumentation. Easily palatable tunes that make for a nice way to slow things down.
RIYL: Birds & Arrows
The Genuine // Blooms
Such harmonies, many beautiful, very music. For real though, this is some fantastic folk rock out of Winston-Salem that plays wonderfully off of the male/female vocal counterpoint. Some really fantastic music here.
RIYL: The Head and the Heart, Matrimony
