From a basement near the National Zoo emerges Washington DC’s most melodious answer to socio-political events: The Megaphone Barons. This trio of wanderers from California, Northern Virginia and Russia (by way of Idaho) fuses Sonic Youth-inspired tension rock with nontraditional instrumentation (violin, accordion, charango and bombo) underlying dark-yet-playful commentary on today’s burning issues.

I had the pleasure of mastering this record this summer. A band that’s impossible to pigeonhole, Megaphone Barons are a band to keep your eye out for. A dense mix yet only 3 members. You can buy Managerie here.

Enjoy my favorite cut:

Soggy Ground

Adobe Flash Player is required to play this audio.

On one level you can take Deep Sea Cavalry‘s debut album as though it is written as a philosophical position paper which investigates the folly of competitive hierarchy, the inadequacy of most forms of communication, the exploitation of all-things-new, and various other faults of the human condition such as the inner battle that we call the self. On another more surface level, however, the album is simply 15 highly palatable indie-rock anthems.

Or more simply, this album reminds me of what would have happened if Bob Mould was born in Ireland and turned on the lo-fi button. I love this record. The music is melodic and driving and is a perfect spring soundtrack for a weeks worth of rain.

Below is my favorite track and their first single from their record I mastered. Be sure to buy the record here.

Robber Barons

Adobe Flash Player is required to play this audio.

(more…)

Finding Jersey, from New Jersey (of course!) recently came in to have their record mastered. It’s a wonderful mix of power pop in the same vein as Toad The Wet Sprocket and Camper Van Beethoven. Stellar harmonies and wonderful melodies. Enjoy two of my favorite tracks.

(No Helen) I Wont Take You Back

Adobe Flash Player is required to play this audio.

Finally Free

Adobe Flash Player is required to play this audio.

Mosno‘s record produced by Paul Mercer is dropping next month and I had the pleasure of mastering it. It’s a great mix of middle eastern, world and alt. rock. There are some pretty stellar guests including Acacia Sears and Seeno on vocals, Charmaine Nokuri on trumpet and Kristen Jones on cello.

Let the music speak for itself. Here are two of my favorites:

Melissa Undone

Adobe Flash Player is required to play this audio.

Be With (f/ Seeno)

Adobe Flash Player is required to play this audio.

Baltimore producer, King Cakemix, came back to Mobtown this month to master his next release with us. Here are two of my favorite tracks. A catchy dense track and a dancy club hit.

Where Do We Go?

Adobe Flash Player is required to play this audio.

Next Girl Will

Adobe Flash Player is required to play this audio.

Reno over at King Cakemix Entertainment recently came in to have his latest track mastered with us. Totally slick production with an exuberant MC. We hope you enjoy and keep your ears peeled for many more King Cakemix/Mobtown collaborations.

Adobe Flash Player is required to play this audio.

(more…)