For such a tiny nation, Iceland (population: 320,000) has produced a hell of a lot of brilliant musicians over the past two decades.

While Japan is nowhere near the powerhouse of the U.S. or the U.K. in terms of worldwide musical influence, it's always had a thriving pop-music scene.

Packed tight with eerie, dark, and discordant rock-pop, Wetdog's Frauhaus! has the same appeal as finding yourself alone at a seedy carnival after the sun has set.

So-Cal garage rockers the Willowz deploy classic blues-rock riffs, swaggering vocals, and freewheeling guitar melodies in a way that ignites a touch of nostalgia for the rock ‘n’ roll glory days, whenever those were.