Geographer's music is more than just indie pop, though it's often been classified as such. The tunes on Innocent Ghosts are cloaked in synth and harmony, creating an intensely anthemic feel that stretches the length of the album and comes to rest at the feet of "Atmosphere." All the loops and swells are stitched together by Nathan Blaz's cello, a subtle centerpiece that's largely integral to the album's melodic heart. Mike Deni's vocals, joined beautifully at times by former bandmate Kacey Johansing, wind perfectly together with Blaz's instrumentation, both equally infectious and smooth as silk. Check out the band's website and MySpace for more info.

The Chop's debut album is a shotgun of energy - in fact, the "We Want It All" title of the LP and first track properly represents the record's completely gung-ho spirit. "Scientist" more or less sums up the Chop in their entirety - raw and thumping, full of the unbridled energy and pure enthusiasm that oozes out of every nook and cranny of We Want It All. The album's one-two punch of tunes range from Modest Mouse off-kilter indie ("Strange Forces," "Signs," "Out Dancing"), to classic Bruce Springsteen-inspired rock ("Carry the Wood," "Five Points"), to piano driven, National-loving melody ("How to Build a Factory"). The band is offering up their debut for free. They do, however, make the polite and very reasonable suggestion that those obtaining the album make a pay-what-you-want donation along with their download, to help offset costs. You can see the system they've set for downloading & donating by clicking here.

The debut album from the Botticellis is seamlessly beautiful, taking 60's surf pop as a central point and adding new layers of song-craft as the record develops. "Stay With My Brother" is dreamy and warm, "Up Against the Glass" is delightfully upbeat, "Flashlight" is a waltzy jaunt through the park, "The Reviewer" is folksy and jangly, and the list goes on. The album is sprinkled with irresistible hooks and smooth-as-silk vocals, and you must listen for yourself by visiting Antenna Farm Records and the band's MySpace.

The new album from Beatbeat Whisper is a beautiful lesson in poetic folk stylings. Each tune is crafted seamlessly into a subtle flurry of vocals, acoustic guitar and piano, throwing in shades of rock, pop, and even some quirky rockabilly for good measure. The album appears simple at first, but when explored further, your ears will be treated to something entirely more complicated and inherently breathtaking. Get it here, and/or here.

Sic Alps' combination of noise and well-written, straight forward songs is kind of disorienting at first. Mike Donovan sings like he's got nothing but time, his hazy, lazy voice just kinda melts over the wash of guitars and big drums. This is the debut full-length from Donovan and drummer Matt Hartman and if it comes close to how great Sic Alps is live, it'll end up being a lot more than just the Deli's album of the month. Get it here.

On his new CD, Warren Teagarden takes pride in his musical influences while throwing in his own jangly versions of the classic indie rock genre. His vocals are charmingly quirky and off-kilter, and his songwriting is rooted in 80's folk-punk, resulting in an album full of refreshingly oblique tunes. Be sure to check out Warren Teagarden and his San Joaquin tracks by visiting his MySpace.