https://roklokrecords.bandcamp.com/album/waiting-for-calm-and-then-letting-go Stars Are Insane - Waiting For Calm & Then Letting Go CS Stars Are Insane is a long running recording project by Mike Andriani, owner/operator of the lovely Rok Lok Records. Mike brings us another Stars Are Insane offering in the form of an album called,  Waiting For The Calm & Then Letting Go . Upon first listen, the title of the album describes the music perfectly. It's like all the clutter/stress of 2020 has been captured in a helium balloon and there's string tied around your wrist that connects you to it. After a little introspection, you're able to untether yourself from this mess of a year and watch it float away. It feels like day one of a new chapter. Sonically, this album captures everything that's great about obscure lo-fi bedroom projects. It reminds me of those late nights when you're really on to something musically that's so groundbreaking that you wish you cou

  Lamers - 40 Year Old Man CS Lamers is a solo project hailing from Milwaukee, WI. With a passion for the music in one hand and a tascam porta studio in the other, Lamers offers us 7 tracks of lofi bedroom magic. For me, this album is a very relatable. Having my own weirdo project, I get where this is all coming from. It's not an attempt to impress, but to express. It's more of an extension of self than anything, making this tape one in 7.5 billion. Go check it out. https://lamers.bandcamp.com/releases

  Husbands//Simian Cyborg - Split CS Austin, TX’s Simian Cyborg and Boston, MA’s Husbands teamed up to create one heck of a split cassette. Self-released by these fantastic folks, Husbands and Simian Cyborg each offer up two tracks. Husbands plays a mix of slowcore and shoegaze, a style in my opinion was meant to be, and Simian Cyborg plays a blend of slowcore and indie rock. Both bands complement each other very well, making this tape one of my favorite releases this spring. The release just makes too much sense, so go check this release out/buy it. Also, Husbands and Simian Cyborg have a great output of music, so check out what else they have to offer. https://husbandsbos.bandcamp.com/album/split-ep

https://goodjunkierecords.bandcamp.com/album/cease-all-control-grit-red-split Cease All Control/Grit - Red Split CDr (Goodjunkie Records) We all know Texas brings that aggressive metal-infused hardcore we all know and love. Cease All Control and Grit continue that tradition bringing us 6 tracks that will have you either singing along or in the pit instantly. Starting with Cease All Control, these folks are a little more metal tinged when compared to Grit. It sounds like they’ve been including a little death metal or metalcore in their diet, which I appreciate whole heartedly. Now Grit also has that heavy sound but have a more chaotic or frantic vibe to them with their vocal approach. The vocalist is pissed and makes me want to scream along with them. Overall, I think this is a solid split release for these up incoming bands. Go show both bands some support and show Goodjunkie Records some love too! 

https://roklokrecords.bandcamp.com/album/tudo-posso Orua - Tudo Posso 7" (Rok Lok Records) Orua hails from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil offering us this 4-track tape machine recorded slab of wax that’s exactly what music needs right now. When the needle hits the groove, the door into the Orua universe opens. Once inside you’ll receive a heavy dose of lo-fi atmosphere that’s present in the 4 songs so graciously given to us. Now each song offers something unique, but all are under an indie/free jazz/psych umbrella, all crafted perfectly. All addicting to the point you’re flipping the 7” from A side to B side continuously. That’s when you know a release is a good one. Give it a chance and show some support!

https://roklokrecords.bandcamp.com/album/we-cant-be-magic World's Fair - We Can't Be Magic 12" (Rok Lok Records) World’s Fair needs no introduction if you’re a follower of legendary Rok Lok Records, but if you’re just discovering them, the group is stationed in Long Island, NY. We Can’t Be Magic is their sophomore album and boy, is it a refreshing release for the entire DIY/indie genre. The album has a certain uplifting energy to it that makes you want to go along for the ride. That ride includes a melting pot of influences from various genres. To these ears, I hear a little bit of shoegaze, noise rock, some good ol’ fashion 90’s indie, etc. You just have to listen for yourself. Because of that, I think this album is brilliant because it’s not pigeonholing itself into one sound or genre/sub-genre. Go support this band and beg them for that 3 rd album because you know it’s going to be great!

Hi Folks! I'm officially announcing the first Useless Plastic Compilation tape! There are 15 slots I'm trying to fill by March 28th. If you play in a band or have a solo project, feel free to e-mail me at xuselessplastictoysx@gmail.com. Rules: 1.) All genres welcome. 2.) Each band/project gets 5 minutes. 3.) I'm screening bands/projects for how actively they promote. Lazy bands/people will not take a time slot over folks that are working hard to get their music out there. 4.) When you send a song(s) over, please provide any/all contact information, so people can find your music. Again, the deadline is March 28th! Thanks =] <3 -Nolan/Useless Plastic Toys