For this month, we're taking it down a notch and enjoying some sweet, smooth sounds courtesy of ANTIQCOOL. Kiddies, I can pretty much guarantee your parents will not only like you listening to this music, but they will try to swipe your albums. It's something to bond over, and no one will scream at you to turn it down; in fact, listening to them on my computer generally gets me requests to turn it up! This group hails from the United Kingdom, and whoever it was that told them to write about what they know did a great thing. All of their songs are meaningful and intelligent, and they all come straight from the heart.

Also a credit to the group is the fact that they have released two albums in two years: the first being Digging for Gold; the second being their brand-spanking-new, just-released Songs of Hope and Despair. It is a credit to both their aesthetic and their work ethic that they have done this with absolutely no sacrifice to quality and meaning in their music. If I was a mother to any single one of them, I would be exceptionally proud. The music realm is a very cutthroat business, and you have to admire those in it who not only make it, but make it on merit and hard work like ANTIQCOOL has!

As for their sound, it is very reminiscent of the Beatles and Beach Boys, with a slight jazz and reggae along with the classic rock. This group is an aural holiday to the realm of vintage. Just like their name, they are the best of the antique and modern, beautifully blended with a twist and cool! Retro is in, and this group is definitely partaking in full-on musical retro-joy with charmingly (and deceptively) simple melodies that sooth the savage beast and calm the soul. If you're having a lousy day, if you feel a little blue, if you're running ragged... take a minute and listen to ANTIQCOOL! Your nerves will soothe, your heart will stop racing, and pretty soon you'll find a smile on your face and peace in your mind. This is a great band to listen to to prevent road rage, and a wonderful group to meditate to.

Your humble web-mistress' faves? "The Storm" with it's deep baseline, rock-n-roll top riffs, and Fleetwood Mac sound is at the top of my list! Following close behind that are "Brothers Are Made This Way", "Beautiful Mind", and "Oh Mary" from Digging for Gold, and "My Avatar" and "Englishman Out in the Midday Sun" from their new release Songs of Hope and Despair. While we've yet to see if ANTIQCOOL will be the next British Invasion, they are well on their way to a shining star of a career!

Links for ANTIQCOOL: