Latest Posts

Far Caspian – “Pool”

July 25, 2023

Irish singer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Joel Johnston, aka Far Caspian, has evolved into an musical auteur, rising in popularity on the back of a pair of EPs and debut album Ways to Get Out, the artist has become fully self-contained. He directs his own videos, shoots his press shots, creates his own artwork, and started a record label (Check our previous features on Far Caspian Here, Here, and Here). His debut album has garnered over 30 million streams since its release late in 2021, which is all the more impressive as the project started in 2020; the impetus of Far Caspian being as a Soundcloud feature to garner interest in Johnston’s production talents. He continues the momentum with sophomore album, The Last Remaining Light and with the ineffable and captivating single, “Pool.” The single pulls on your heart and entrances like an Elliot Smith cut, dazzles you with production and[...]

Les Gold – “All My Good Friends”

July 24, 2023

Les Gold continue their dominance as the progenitors of the “gloom disco/bummer fun” genre with their latest cut “All My Good Friends” (check our previous feature on them here). The new song has a revelatory progression as the warm tones and harmonies grow and layer on top of one another, each phrase describing the behavior of the people you are closest to. These friends sound worse and worse as the lyrics progress – like most things you hold close, problems only reveal themselves with a little distance and examination. Here are Les Gold talking about it and the track: “At the end of the day, one can’t exist without the other – we are our good friends, and they are us. With a poppy, summery, sing-along vibe to accompany the whole track, we wanted to create something that everyone will shout along to in celebration of the dumb decisions we[...]

Gilded Creatures – “Delusions”

July 24, 2023

Gilded Creatures are the worst country band to have ever existed… Their words, not ours! Growing out of a failed genetic experiment by Johnson and Johnson to create the perfect country band, these misfit mutants withstood being a country music catastrophe, having persevered their dereliction while holding onto the birth boons of electric guitar, electric bass guitar, electric key board, and an acoustic drum set that J&J gave them in the winter of 2013. Yet, this pharma-failure is a triumph for rock as the latest single from Gilded Creatures, “Delusions,” encapsulates inner strife and the varied ways one wants to drown out the answerable “dark waves” of the mind, “the undertow that never lets go.” Slick rock rhythms that slink and sway, reminiscent of Radiohead, impact your chest as the lyrics belted out evoke discord, using metaphors of androids and how their existence of being is facsimile to human in[...]

B. Miles – “Different Pages”

July 24, 2023

B. Miles has her sophomore album coming out on September 30th and leading the way is the title track, “Different Pages.” An alt pop hit dripping with allure, “Pages” channels 90’s alternative pop masterpieces from Miles’ past that helped her grapple with her current life-changing events (check our previous feature on B. Miles here). Miles found inspiration in her favorite playlist stored on her first iPod, the bygone cultural touchstone that so many readers can close their eyes and wistfully reminiscence how formative it was to them. Miles finds herself at the end of a relationship and worldview that she carried through the entirety of her 20s – the break up anthems of the 90’s hibernating on her iPod manifest in a lingering pang and cathartic release like no other. Miles taps into the powerful, emotionally intelligent 90’s stars like Natalie Imbruglia, Dolores O’Riordan, and Hope Sandoval using them as[...]

T-Mass x Staarz – “Bad Guy”

July 14, 2023

T-Mass and Staarz have mixed their creative chakras to create electronic alchemical gold with the newly released track “Bad Guy,” a cover of the Billie Eilish hit. While the original is an exercise in whispered swagger, bated pauses, and ear bending transitions, the cover takes the song out of the bedroom and sets it cruising through neon dripped city streets on an Akira motorcycle. T-Mass laces the track with subtle drops before opening the throttle and hurling you into lush maximalist electronic production that never breaks the cool that the original hit branded into our collective mind. The song wisely keeps the gut punch of the famous warped vocal “bad guy” but instead of a muted bravado, T-Mass makes the production a blurried full throttle joyride filled with melody and texture reminiscent of TNGHT, Hudson Mohawke, and Rustie. This release is the first track in six years for T-Mass and[...]

MILANOSPORT – “Sushi”

July 9, 2023

Five piece MILANOSPORT are transmitting a potent and living interpretation of their home city Milan’s nightlife with their debut single “Sushi.” The new track blends post punk, surf rock, and shoegaze synth into a focused slice of savory-salty scrumptiousness, a prosciutto crudo of a single for sure. Deadpan vocals fall from the singer’s lips like a cigarette divorcing the bottom lip of a slack-jawed midnight reveler. The lyrics tumble out as a fraying rhythm guitar chugs and pounds along with impeccable rock drumming bolstered by a carbonated bass riff. “Sushi” is effortlessly cool while progressing and shifting into exciting post punk sounds before slapping you back with stiletto guitar lines. Finally, they open all the dissonance for a climax that feels like the end of a long Milan night that extended long past the aperitif. Fans of Interpol, Art Brut, and Ought will find lots to love on this track.[...]

Zivi – “Move Along”

July 9, 2023

“Move Along” is a dreamy new single from Zivi who operates out of Los Angeles. “Move Along” is wonderfully produced and mixed impeccably, it brings that beautiful balance of soft rock sound perfected by Fleetwood Mac with a 2023 twist. Exemplified by tight drums that fit into guitar lines like clockwork and a tireless guitar that plays out like a heart tapped, it flows endlessly, letting emotional stimuli push, pull, and bend the flow that falls from it eternally. Zivi coos warmly in the middle of the track with his hazy vocals, which get thickened by a rounded, caramelly bass line combining to cover the whole track in a suede texture that you will love. Fans of War on Drugs, Kurt Vile, and Dinosaur Jr. will find plenty to sink their teeth into on this one. Give “Move Along” the new single from Zivi a listen on Soundcloud, Apple Music,[...]

Conflict At Serenity Pools – “Stained Glass Curtain”

July 9, 2023

Conflict At Serenity Pools calls Venice Beach, California home, but has collaborators that span well beyond Dogtown (read our previously feature here). CASP for short has just released their latest piece, a blurred bite of sumptuous surf citrus flavored indie, “Stained Glass Curtain.” It is their first single off upcoming LP Ladders of Misfortune coming out Sept. 29th. The new song has a care free confidence evocative of The Velvet Underground that lets a pop creativity flow freely into their indie guitar sound.  An undeniable California surf sound brings the bright energy to that carefree tude and buzzy rhythms create a savory hit that you can feel in the back of your jaw as bright guitar lines twinkle dazing you with Beach Boys pop tones. The upcoming album explores collage and time; “Stained Glass Curtain” is lock step with the project’s themes, referencing patchwork both in fabric and in happiness. Let[...]

Madison Lucas – “Just Be Cool”

June 25, 2023

Madison Lucas is a singer/songwriter from Charlotte, North Carolina who just released the smoldering indie cut “Just Be Cool.” Her new song is hauntingly catchy and has a swelling momentum that she playfully tugs back before letting it surge again. “Just Be Cool’s” energy burns like hot coals that glow neon as Madison billows her voice over them. Madison coos, “Don’t lose your head little girl, he’s all you ever wanted” before belting out “Don’t come closer or I will scream out loud” exemplifying the playful and masterfully executed dynamic range in this jammer that is all about the rising flood of emotions and the repeated efforts to tamper them down. The song hits hot and cools off, quickens then calms all playing in the theme to great satisfaction of the listener. Fans of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Santigold, and The Kills should give this new song a listen for sure.[...]

Puppy Angst – “TKO”

June 22, 2023

Puppy Angst has a perfect summer rocker with their fuzzy new single, “TKO.” Puppy Angst is a mainstay of the Philadelphia DIY scene and have just released their debut album Scorpio Season this past October. Their latest, “TKO,” has perpetual punch and energy, filled with buzzing pop guitar lines and fills that will have your mouth watering and head bopping. The new song is dripping with the vibes of the cool girl you need to be friends with; it is catchy and lyrical with the crunch dancing with the sugary, playing back and forth, creating a dreamy joy that is also endearingly grounded and relatable. You will love the stinging creativity of each section of this jammer, from the muted drums blending with the fuzzy guitars to the perfectly crafted transitions. Fans of Wednesday, Alvvays, Bully, Mannequin Pussy, Japanese Breakfast, and Beach Bunny will find this tune to be for[...]

The Western Civilization – “The Snake and The Saint”

June 22, 2023

Rachel Hansbro and Reggie O’Farrell AKA The Western Civilization hail from Austin, TX and have a potent alternative/indie single with the newly released “The Snake and The Saint.” A heavy pop throb props up the airy warble of self-described emotional retching that Rachel writes their songs to be, and they act as both expulsion and reflection of her life’s revelatory moments. The moment being explored here is one with her soon to pass family member about whether life is a battle between good and evil people or a war between good and bad decisions as all humanity has the dichotomy living within. Reggie brings a harmony and lush musicality to the song writing process, constructing the shape of the tracks, giving them a defined liveliness that serves to exhibit the songs message even further. Listen as “The Snake and The Saint” grows in a cavernous fashion while simultaneously fills the[...]

Off Contact – “Dressed to Kill”

June 9, 2023

Four piece post-punk outfit Off Contact are an eclectic group of local scene stalwarts from Sioux Falls, SD. Following their killer second full length, they’ve just released their third single, the inventive, evocative, and hawkish “Dressed to Kill.” Each member has their roots deep in the same local scene, some even owning the venues that are its life blood. This passionate fandom and deep-rooted love culminates, creating striking music that reflects four individuals and a scene that has a string pulling at each of their hearts. Buzz saw lead guitar wails while a fat, melodic bass line leads it forward with unending momentum. Singer Lindy Wise lays into the track with earnest and endlessly cool howls finding his space on the track and clearing the way for stark and delicious unified gut punches from the instrumentals. Fans of Interpol, Joy Division, Jesus and Mary Chain, Ought, and Ty Seagull will[...]

Marni – “Manny’s Song”

June 3, 2023

Skin-prickling electricity pours from “Manny’s Song,” the latest single from Marni – each section is steeped in irresistible shoegaze influences. Melodies from delicate guitar lines fracture into fat washes of noise that hold their shape, creating a duality of mood that aligns with the theme of the song – the good and bad voices inside a person’s head. Marni wields texture and progression masterfully in the song structure. The five sections call back to previous verses while folding in new elements which brings an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience. Short, gorgeous, gut punching, cathartic, expressive, and joyously creative… Give this one some spins for sure.  Fans of My Bloody Valentine, Deftones, and Brand New will find lots to love in this. Listen to the new song “Manny’s Song” by Marni on Spotify and YouTube. Find more from Marni on their Linktree.

Smokey Brights – “Long Goodbye”

June 3, 2023

Seattle natives Smokey Brights have released a slew of singles leading up to their exciting new full length, Levitator. Their latest single, “Long Goodbye,” features bombastic guitar and vocal harmonies belted out to hit the back of house. Fronted by the married duo of Kim West, on keys and vocals, and Ryan Devlin, on guitar and vocals, the band is at their most anthemic on this track. With Devlin taking the lead and then being joined by West and bass player Luke Rägnar for a three part harmony, they absolutely blow the roof off the chorus. The new track focuses in on deteriorating relationships and how all the animosity, aversion, and languish felt up to that defining final schism is all part of that “Long Goodbye” Listen to the new track on Spotify and Apple Music and catch their new full length there as well, you can also find the[...]

Sea Lemon – “Cellar”

June 3, 2023

Seattle musician Natalie Lew, known as Sea Lemon, has just released the introspective, lush, shoegaze single “Cellar.” Lew lays ethereal vocals over each other that sound like howling winds pushing through caverns of your psyche. The rhythm section brings it with tumbling drums and bass, creating a pulse that balances the ghostly singing while pushing you into a perpetual free fall feeling. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Natalie’s sonics evoke her home’s palette with a feeling of blue-green pine forests outside of rain streaked windows while you stare out, unfurling the tapestry of your inner mental machinations. Here is Natalie talking about that and how the song came into being: “‘Cellar’ was inspired by my love of really classic horror and thriller films, like Blow Out and Misery, and how loving scary movies can sometimes feel like something is wrong with you. That idea of the ‘cellar’ in the song[...]