:D Glad you like the album. It's my soundtrack for the summer holidays 2014.
In comparison to their first EP they truly developed at a breathtaking pace!

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I'm digging Achtung Fertig! - 2Raumwohnung is probably the most preppy German band, it's worth checking out this group.
Their song 36 Grad is famous but the new tracks like Bei dir bin ich schön and Bye Bye Bye are in no way inferior to the tried and true summer song.

I've yet to check out that debut; But I definitely agree this is a great album. I listened to it yesterday day while laying on the beach relaxing and it really, really hit me how much I liked it.

Are there any similar bands you can suggest?

That's a good question, actually Wake Owl mixed a lot of 60's and 70's Chicago-soul elements with alternative music. Technically I should advice you to check out artists of that time.
Currently not many mix genres so gently, however some of the following bands might meet your taste: Low, Death Cab for Cutie, Low Roar and The Milk Carton Kids, perhaps Mogwai.
They may relate mostly to the Wake Owl EP, but from the intention and concept you might enjoy those artists I mentioned. Hope I could help you out!

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Indian - From All Purity (2014)

All you sludge/doom metal freaks, stop what you are doing and listen to this.

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Each Other - Being Elastic (2014)
I added this to my queue back in March and several songs have caught my attention while shuffling the list, especially over the past week. At times it reminds me of Women, particularly the vocals and guitar tones in "The Trick You Gave Up". I can hear some math, neo-psychedelic and noise pop. Like a more pop version of Women, which is a-ok with me.

Sludge of the year so far by my estimation.

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Groping in a Misty Spread by Basarabian Hills

I've always heard these guys getting ragged on by people for reasons ill never understand (or refuse to atleast). Being carbon copies of Lustre most often, but frankly I don't think they are. And they're better anyway. Ive quite enjoyed their output to this point but this could be their best yet. This is the exact opposite of your Ildjarns or Forests of black metal. It's sounds very meticulous, very polished. And yet doesn't drift into blackgaze at all. But that's its charm. It's contemplative black metal; almost cheery. Black metal for laying in the grass looking up at the stars, not for freezing to death in a blizzard.

Plus they've got the best logo in the biz.

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Lantlos - Melting Sun

Oh ****, this album just happened. I always felt like Lantlos was Neige's (the dude from Alcest) afterthought. Well, Neige isn't involved anymore and after the last Alcest album bored me to the point of seriously considering throwing on that damn Pharrell song I'd say Lantlos is better without him (and winning). It's all about the guitars...while I hesitate to call this black shoegaze since there are no black metal vocals, the influence is still very apparent in the drumming and the riffing. Every song is a winner. I've listened to this sucker like 5 times in the past 2 days. And that's saying a lot for me.

Oh, hell yeah Duga. Thanks for that.

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The Rails Fair Warning

Debut album from the UK folk duo that consists of Kami Thompson (daughter of Richard & Linda Thompson) and her husband James Walbourne. Produced by Edwyn Collins, RIYL traditional Brit folk with a modern twist.

http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG...er=allrovi.com

Ellis Island Sound Regions

Latest album from the duo of Peter Astor and David Sheppard. The music is a mix of Krautrock, electronic and Afro-beat. Mostly instrumental with funky rhythms and slinky beats- it holds up together remarkably well throughout.

Fantastic feel good-stoner band, they use some synth work for galactical cosmic sounds and I've been really into that lately. Down for suggestions.

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