Pop, Fresh and Free

     Bands often temporarily permit free downloads of new releases.  The end of the offer may be based upon reaching a maximum number of downloads or the expiration of some period of time.  But at least for now, here are songs that qualify as Free, Legal and Recommended (FLR) downloads. The focus is upon Indie Pop or Power Pop music from bands that are in San Francisco or within easy driving distance of San Francisco.

     From Santa Cruz comes Neon Satori. The Facebook page of the band identifies its members as Andrew Gibson (Guitar/Vocals), N8 ST9 (Percussion/Synths/Vocals), and Ravi Lamb (Guitar). Santa Cruz geographically qualifies Neon Satori for this post, but the argument can be made that Neon Satori is more Ambient/Atmospheric than Pop. Our response would be, “The overriding fact is that Neon Satori desires more attention, so let's get 'em in a post.” Currently, “Bells of Esmeralda” is a free download. The favorite feature of the song is the energy build by the vocals and guitars staring at the 2:55 mark and peaking at the 3:48 mark.   

     "Bells of Esmeralda" by Neon Satori (if your browser does not show the download icon, CLICK HERE).

https://www.facebook.com/NeonSatori

http://www.neonsatori.com/

     Rio Rio is a five-member band based in San Francisco. The five names are Josh Collopy, Sean Corcran, Todd Huguenor, Ian de Borja, and Alex Cohen. It should be pointed out that the free download involves a Facebook connection.
      The song is “The Bashful and the Brave” (the download site is CLICK HERE).

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rioriomusic

Website: http://www.rioriomusic.com/

     “Save My City” is a track from San Francisco-based Symbols of the West, which is a duo comprising Nat Kendall and his long-time friend, Lauren Stark.  
     "Save My City” by Symbols of the West (the download site is CLICK HERE).

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/symbolsofthewest

Website: http://www.symbolsofthewest.com/

     The “Laws EP” is being offered on Noisetrade for the mere price of an email address. The background of that is provided by Branches on the Noisetrade page is pasted below:
     "A fresh new project from up and coming Samuel Laws collaborating with Jacob Montague of the band "Branches." It started over coffee one day when the two began catching up on life after college. They decided then and there that they would create something new. The excitement grew and they began sharing ideas back and forth through voice memos and dropbox files. A month later they set up in a room at a local church and recorded the entire EP."

Facebook: http://facebook.com/lawsmusicsf