My Fictions - "Mt. Misery" & "Stubborn"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNqgeV1s6-o&feature=youtu.be My Fictions is a loud rock four-piece from Lowell, Massachusetts apparently hellbent on pushing hardcore to its limit. They'll be making their full-length studio debut next month with Stranger Songs. Above, you can check out the opening track "Mt. Misery," which gives the illusion of a slow-burner with a tension-mounting intro before bursting into a bout of the band's fast and furious hardcore magic. And below you can hear the thoroughly breakneck and angsty "Stubborn." These guys sound manic! Looking forward to this LP dropping July 1 (via Topshelf Records).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XINDS3VB48

Crash of Rhinos - "Interiors"

The previously mentioned rock outfit Crash of Rhinos have have a new album titled Knots on the way via Topshelf Records, and their leanings toward the worlds of indie and emo blend in well with the label's current roster. However, I wouldn't say they lose their identity while aligning themselves with similar artists. Certainly, Rhinos' sense of melody and flavorful guitar playing make them stick out on "Interiors."

Look for Knots in August, and enjoy!

toe - "New Sentimentality"

Japanese post-math-rock group toe release the title track off of their upcoming EP on Topshelf Records. Topshelf is a fitting home for these guys, as their jangling clean guitars are reminiscent of the label's "twinkly" sound. However, where Topshelf's usual fare is indebted to the thump of punk rock, toe use drums as a rolling underbelly to the guitars, an undulating ocean for the beams of sun to interact with. toe is touring the US for the first time ever this fall, check for them in your nearest city. Enjoy!

The Saddest Landscape - "Coffins Like Ours"

A new cut from the band The Saddest Landscape, which comes from the band's forthcoming EP on Topshelf Records. The track "Coffins Like Ours" is equally aggressive and passionate. The guitars toss out some pretty sharp melodies as well. Enjoy!

Download Topshelf Records' 2011 Label Sampler

Topshelf Records is an underground record label based in Massachusetts that has steadily been gaining recognition and esteem since it was founded in 2005. They have put out vinyl releases for nearly 30 independent artists, many of which are characterized by an emotive punk sound that has been on the rise in the past few years. In the past, Topshelf has supported bands such as Defeater, You, Me, and Everyone We Know, and Connecticut's own recently-disbanded emo heros My Heart To Joy. On this 2011 Label Sampler, Topshelf has included tracks from these bands and more. In addition to the 23 songs culled from different Topshelf-released records that came out in the past year, the sampler even features non-label artists like La Dispute and Touché Amoré.

Overall, this extensive compilation is a very solid document of the current emo and post-hardcore revial throughout the East Coast and beyond. Also look out for tracks by Connecticut's the World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die--an incredible atmospheric emo group with post-rock influences--and Into It. Over It. (aka Evan Weiss), whose sampler song "Augusta, GA" will be included on his forthcoming Topshelf Records LP Twelve Towns.

Download the entire sampler for free at the Topshelf Records website by tweeting a link to it or "liking" the Topshelf Records facebook page.