Producer Will Thomas previously released minimalist Electronica under the name Plumbline. As Dive Index, Thomas gets help from a variety of sources. On the CD, Mid/Air, instrumentation is provided by some of the backing musicians for Rufus Wainwright and Antony and the Johnsons as well as string arrangements from Roger Eno. Vocal contributions come from Merz, Cat Martino, Ian Masters (Pale Saints) and Natalie Walker.

Sample Tracks

• The World Is Kind
• Between Sea and Sky
• For Centuries

Valter

Paul Pitkin was the frontman of former Seattle band Anabret. The band was heard on the Auralgasms compilation CD, The Beat Of Dis-content as well as the Fox TV show John Doe. Pitkin picks up where he left off with Valter and the impressive debut EP Spaces OF Extraordinary Size.

Sample Tracks

• Spaces Of Extraordinary Size
• The Moment Hasn't Happened Yet
• Sometimes

Ether Aura

Following the successful release of their 2nd CD, Before We Could Sing, Detroit's fuzzed-out Dreampoppers have undergone quite a drastic change. With the departure of longtime drummer William King, they have evolved to a more ethereal, acoustic sound. The new EP Semblance, features the gorgeous new track, I Wasn't Her, a couple of re-worked Ether Aura tracks and covers of Curve, The Doors and Patsy Cline. Pick up a copy for only $5 at www.myspace.com/etheraura

Sample Tracks

• I Wasn't Her
• I Speak Your Every Word

The Raveonettes

The Danish duo of Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo have returned with their 4th CD, Lust Lust Lust. This time around, they seem to have found the balance between the searing riffs of Whip It On and the ode to the Phil Spector era on Pretty In Black. Aly, Walk With Me is driven by a Velvet Underground-inspired groove and Dead Sound employs the tried and true Jesus and Mary Chain formula of a blissful pop melody beneath the crashing guitars.

Sample Tracks

• Dead Sound
• Aly, Walk With Me

Sia

Zero 7 vocalist Sia Furler has really hit her stride as a solo artist with the release of her 3rd CD, Some People Have Real Problems. The CD will be released January 8 online, in retail stores, and all Starbucks outlets. An advance 4 song EP called Day Too Soon is available now on iTunes. Her powerful vocals drive poppier tracks like Day Too Soon and the hidden track Buttons as well as the soaring balladry of Beautiful Calm Driving.

Sample Tracks

• Day Too Soon
• Electric Bird