The deep-bargain bin: Local bands' most worthwhile free downloads

Mr Russia, Training For The Gameshow Host  EP

A six-song effort clocking in at just over 20 minutes, Mr Russia's Training For The Gameshow Host is consistently raw, existing somewhere between burning-hot garage rock and loose post-punk. The title track is markedly sparse, supplemented by low-tuned, laid-back bass, while "It's True" embraces a larger, full-band sound that proves the outfit's lack of guitars is hardly a detriment. Perhaps as a nod to fellow free music distributors, the EP also includes a more spacious cover of Radiohead's "The National Anthem," sporting robotic vocals buried in the busy mix.

Download here; see the band live at its CD-release show at Subterranean Sept. 11.

TheTon, TheTon EP

TheTon has only begun making its presence known in recent months, but the two-person operation of vocalist Chantal Huynh and instrumentalist Kenneth Boksa has done so not only as a band, but also as a DJ outfit. It makes sense, given the synth-laden stylings of the pair's three-song, self-titled EP. Boksa formerly served time behind the kit of dynamic local rock outfit White Hot Knife, and fellow former WHK'er Ryan Aldrich was recruited for this EP's production. However, those seeking the searing, Bloc Party-tinged rock of the duo's former group won't find it here. Instead, TheTon included cuts that might be spun at Neo, especially the defiant and keyboard-spiked "Games." 

Download here.

Last Fast Action, "Sick Sad In Love"

Last Fast Action has taken a different approach to the digital distribution model. Instead of releasing a full-length or EP online, the pair of Dan Monahan and Augie Schmidt has recently drawn upon the 7-inch singles clubs of yesteryear for inspiration, releasing one free song per month through its website. The most recent cut, "Sick Sad In Love," is a quick burst of melodic pop-rock with an electric current just under the surface and lyrics that reveal a discontent, which rides along the track's buzz. The group's previous free cut, "City," was only available for download until "Sick Sad In Love" went up, so delaying your download isn't recommended; each free single has an expiration date.

Download here; see the band live Oct. 17 in Morton Grove or Oct. 23 in Chicago; venues yet to be announced on the band's site.

So Last Summer, "Molly" (rough mix) 

So Last Summer's name suggests hook-filled pop-punk, and its MySpace page cites acts like Fall Out Boy, Third Eye Blind, and Saves The Day as influences. So it follows that "Molly" delivers what's to be expected. That isn't a drawback: The track is as immediate and hook-laden as any of the best cuts on this summer's Warped Tour. More impressive, the download is unmixed and unmastered, but doesn't suffer as a result.

Download here.