Latest Posts

Kisnue – “Different”

November 12, 2017

Sweeping electropop duo Kisnue are currently riding the high of their recent EP release, with their track “Different” popping up at the forefront. Taking cues from vibing 80’s synthpop, the track funnels in airy vocal pairings, animating guitar lines, and dreamy layers of synths to form a peaceful yet electrifying dance track. At the crossroads of cutting edge dream pop and retrowave, Kisnue’s sound has a universal appeal. With burgeoning notoriety in their native Korea, the duo are now setting their sights overseas. Help them on their way by jamming to “Different” below, along with the rest of their debut EP Overpaint.

Pale Grey – “Seasons”

November 9, 2017

Belgium’s Pale Grey throw another piece of dreamy indie pop our way with their latest single, “Seasons.” The trio seamlessly capture the wistfulness of nostalgia, reflecting on the past as if casually flipping through the pages of a photo album. The track ties in muted guitar melodies, buzzing synths, and silky smooth vocals to create a sound that’s all in all comforting, while recollecting through a warm, rosy glow. It has an irresistible, soothing quality that provides both a sentimental journey and a soft place to land. Check out “Seasons” below, and get your full fix of Pale Grey here.

Kingdom of Birds – “Tired”

November 8, 2017

At first listen, Kingdom of Birds have the sound of a delicately refined band that’s been playing together for several years. The Toronto trio have a way of drawing in intrinsic guitar lines, rolling drum tracks, wispy vocals, and an ever-building song structure that musicians three times their age have yet to master. The band’s single “Tired” garners a moodiness associated with growing pains, where youthful restlessness butts heads with despondency. Vocalist/guitarist Ása manages to channel some of this angst into her vocal delivery, giving the song’s luminous melodies a slightly darker tint for emphasis. This track is the premiere single off the band’s upcoming album Pretty, where Kingdom of Birds will have you wishing you got a move on your music career a decade or two sooner.

Arms Akimbo – “Parachute”

November 8, 2017

L.A. indie rock outfit Arms Akimbo bring a softness to their alternative edge with their new single “Parachute.” The foursome joined forces after studying recording at Loyola Marymount University, where they would combine their varying musical backgrounds to draw up the band’s premiere EP in 2015. Since then, Arms Akimbo have amassed a reputation for buoyant instrumentation, soaring harmonies, and compelling drum lines, carrying this vitalizing energy on stage for their legendary live shows. “Parachute” is no exception, tying in rippling guitar lines, driving percussion, and heart-warming group vocals to bring it all home. Where traces of sunny surf rock in the clean guitar strains and vocal melodies meet mid-2000’s punk rock in the distortion guitar layering and gritty lead vocal delivery, the track is the best of both worlds, and just about as California alt rock as it gets. See for yourself with “Parachute” below.

clawmachine – “Notion”

November 1, 2017

Vivid psych pop experimentalist Dylan Lindquist pens another chapter in his collaborative musical adventure as clawmachine with a new track: “Notion.” Spearheaded by the lyricism and vocal stylings of fellow Gold Coaster Whitney Veitch, the pair put their heads together to create the melodic equivalent of distinct gratification. “Notion” draws fuzzy bass lines, fluttering synths, and bright guitar tracks into the fray while Veitch soulfully serenades as the melodic cherry on top. It’s a call to give into your instincts and embrace the simple satisfactions that life brings you. This track is the first single released at the forefront of clawmachine’s upcoming EP, Good Harvest.

Loyal Lobos – “Dirt”

November 1, 2017

It’s pretty undisputed that some of the best, most impactful music comes in the wake of heartbreak. For Andrea Silva, known under her performing moniker as Loyal Lobos, this concept is all too familiar. Now, she’s developing her trademark in hauntingly raw recordings like her single “Dirt,” settling in at the intersection between folk, country, and rock. Silva’s tender vocals breathe life into the track, while intricate guitar lines and temperate percussion provide added balance and stability. With an objective to expose the beauty in melancholy and her penchant for enchanting melodies in tow, Loyal Lobos knows how to hit where it hurts while smoothing over the affliction, all with a lilting refrain and consoling instrumentation of choice. In Silva’s own words, “Dirt is a song about toxic attractions. Chemicals fooling you and your instincts and for the moment it seems real and special but then it isn’t but you[...]

Blonde Maze – “Thunder”

October 31, 2017

Following last year’s debut single release, artist/producer Blonde Maze is back in the game with her new single “Thunder.” Under her pseudonym, Amanda Steckler channels wispy vocals, ethereal marimba tracks, ambient synths, and pulsing beats into her brand of indie electropop, drawing comparisons to stirring songstresses Låpsley, Maggie Rogers, and The Japanese House. “Thunder” speaks on how time plays a part in the change and evolution of an emotional connection within a relationship. As Steckler puts it, “Sometimes, with a relationship’s maturity, you lose your patience more, you let your guard down, and you get hurt, but the beauty of this maturity is that there becomes no one else in the world you are as comfortable growing with.” Get a feel for the track below, and stay tuned for a flurry of new singles, as well as an EP release for Blonde Maze in the next year.

WYO – “Falling”

October 31, 2017

Wilson, Wyoming’s cinematic indie rock upshot WYO heralds in the release of their debut album with their single “Falling.” The duo took shape after frontman Andy Sorge met multi-instrumentalist Scott McKay Gibson while in New York City attending film school. From there, WYO dug their roots into scoring short films, documentaries, and commercials, and the rest is history. Their keen eye for orchestrating shines through in “Falling,” compiling radiant guitar strains and running bass lines with backing synths and rolling piano chords. The result is a freeing and expansive soundscape that conveys as much feeling as a soul-bearing confessional. While the lyricism is inherently anecdotal, the stirring instrumentals tie in perfectly to hammer home a universal emotion that resonates all too well. Be on the lookout for WYO’s upcoming album Untamed, and in the meantime check out the band’s other singles here.

Davis Absolute – “Flood”

October 27, 2017

Phoenix, Arizona native Davis Absolute supplies us with some invigorating hip hop to head up our weekend with his single “Flood.” The track combines powerful vocal delivery with ambient soundscapes, tiptoeing the line between the calm and the storm. All bases are covered instrumentally, tying in hauntingly sustained synths and bubbling electronica with sizzling cymbal work and syncopated bass beats – setting the tone as languid and electrifying at the same time. “Flood” comes off Davis Absolute’s recently released 7-track EP, Eden.

Silk Cinema – “Disappear”

October 24, 2017

Self-identified as “Sade in space,” London’s Silk Cinema meld together dream pop and soul in their latest track, “Disappear.” Set to a backdrop of pulsing synths, bass, and the ever-irresistible snap track, the duo experiment with vocal interplay and harmonization, blending a distinct nostalgia for late 90’s R&B with the extra oomph of astral electronic sparkle. Our takeaway? “Disappear” is a smoldering hit that’s more than easy to get lost in, and we’ve got our fingers crossed for a swift follow-up.

Dr. Doctor – “Seventeen (Say The Words)”

October 24, 2017

L.A quintet Dr. Doctor follow up their praised debut single with another breezy hit, “Seventeen (Say The Words.)” The track provides a fresh take on laid back indie pop, channeling a bit of frontman Ralph Torrefranca’s soft spot for 80’s teen pop soundtracks to give the song a floaty, whimsical feel. Beachy guitar lines and radiant synths pave the way for lulling vocals with lilting falsetto, all wrapped up in a cozy blanket of reverb. This is as dreamy is it gets. Prepare to get swept away with “Seventeen (Say The Words)” below.

EI8HT – “Hardwood”

October 24, 2017

If you’re searching for some red-hot hip hop to get you through the week, look no further than EI8HT’s track “Hardwood.” The New Jersey rap aficionado sprinkles in looping marimba, crisp drum tracks, and rippling electronic elements, effectively setting the vibe while leaving room to keep his vocals in the forefront. Citing inspiration from Logic, Childish Gambino, and J. Cole, EI8HT’s strength is in his unrelenting flow and creative lyricism. Head over to his soundcloud for more tracks in the vein of “Hardwood.”

The Color Society – “Starlet”

October 20, 2017

Coming in hot off their last EP release, The Color Society supply another breezy hit with their single “Starlet.” The alternative duo combine jangly guitar lines and infectious drum work with hypnotic vocals to strum up a good old fashioned feel-good jam. After all, it’s hard to go wrong with surf rock-inspired guitar solos and a playful clap track thrown into the mix. “Starlet” tells the story of young dreamer lusting after Hollywood lights, providing a rosy soundtrack to a winsome narrative. Take the track for a spin below, and check out Coastal Visions EP for more from The Color Society.

Soapboxer – “On The Mend”

October 20, 2017

Ontario four-piece Soapboxer provide a subdued take on emo/punk vigor with their track “On The Mend.” From the band’s humble punk rock beginnings, they’ve traded in their impassioned negativity for a more laid back delivery and shifted their focus to shoegaze and dream pop. Meeting rapid-fire bass lines and blazing drum tracks with astral guitar strains and mellower vocals, “On The Mend” paints a sunny picture of a fresh start with endless possibilities – the lyrical pep talk you could probably use right about now. The track comes straight from Soapboxer’s latest album Lush, where you can find eight more tracks of alt-rock dreaminess just like this one. <iframe width=”100%” height=”166″ scrolling=”no” frameborder=”no” src=”https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/345853821&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true”></iframe>

Sure – “Dog Pit”

October 19, 2017

Garage rockers Sure pack a fuzz guitar-fueled punch in their single “Dog Pit,” off their recently released sophomore album. The track has an early 2000’s alt/punk sound, with a forthright, raw delivery akin to The Front Bottoms or Modern Baseball. With band member backgrounds spanning from metal to indie pop, Sure keeps it original with guitar/bass interplay, whiny vocals, and dexterous drum fills. From their 2015 outset, the British Columbian’s have built up their performance roster throughout Vancouver Island and parts of the mainland, anticipating more homey jam sessions in the future. If “Dog Pit” has you hooked, head over to band camp to experience Positive Mental Energy in full.