In recent years, the Singapore rock scene has seen D-I-Y album releases and a relentless drive not for stardom, but for getting its sound heard.

It is a gruelling, uphill task, running promotions and organising gigs, while staying motivated enough to deliver music to a largely niche audience.

For bands like metal trio Lunarin and power-pop quartet TypeWriter, their latest releases are not only labours of love but also products of an unceasing dedication to their craft. Lunarin's sophomore album, Duae, is a concept album incorporating elements of mythology and astrology.

Indeed, it may as well be a 12-piece soundtrack to a witches' bonfire. Singer-bassist Linda Ong channels PJ Harvey and Tori Amos, and comes across like a sorceress of gloom on tracks such as Red and Coralline.

Midas' opening lyrics - "Touch Me/Taste Me/Can You Break Me Down?" - are proof that the album is anything but child's play.

The influence of goth-metal bands Tool and A Perfect Circle can be heard everywhere, echoed in the dark, chiming riffs of guitarist Ho Kah Wye and in the swift, sharp work of drummer Loo Eng Teck.

With 15 years of experience under their belts, the band members have, perhaps, delivered their finest and most complex work to date.

On the other side of the spectrum is TypeWriter's long-awaited debut, Indian Head Massage (named after a DVD which frontman-principal songwriter Yee Chang Kang spotted at Mustafa Centre some years ago).

The album's chirpy songs - such as Enemy and Sunlight Takes Over, the latter of which features Natalie Soh on the violin - are testament to Yee's creativity.

Yee, who once fronted The Ordinary People, is the TV- commercial director who produced the humorous, award- winning M1 ad, Mumbai India!.

His bandmates are just as illustrious: Guitarist Patrick Chng is a music veteran and a member of The Oddfellows; bassist Desmond Goh also plays with Electrico; and drummer Redzuan Hussin performs with Moods and Force Vomit.

The quirky characters translate their varied styles into a radio-friendly collection of tracks that includes a bonus CD of rarities, titled Extra Service.

American singer-songwriter Ken Stringfellow of The Posies and Big Star also lends his voice and keyboard skills to Details and Kinda Lost.

Listen out for first single The Deepest Blue, an ode to the strum-along love songs of yore that is bound to appeal to the young at heart.

Nice one, guys.